Chapter 18.02 AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1, DIVISION II, SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION, OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

The following sections of Chapter 1 Division II of the California Building Code, as adopted by Chapter 18.01 hereof, are added, deleted or amended as follows. (Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.010 Section 101.1 Is Amended.

Section 101.1 is amended to read as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations, including all duly adopted local amendments, shall be known as the Santa Clarita Building Code and shall be used in conjunction with the provisions of Title 24, California Code of Regulations, mandated by the State of California to be enforced by the local authority having jurisdiction, and shall hereinafter be referred to as “this code.”

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.020 Section 103.1 Is Amended.

Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows:

103.1 Creation of Enforcement Agency. There is established within the City of Santa Clarita the Building & Safety division under the administrative and operational control of the City Building Official hereafter referred to as the Building Official.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.030 Section 105.2 Is Amended.

Section 105.2 is amended to read as follows:

105.2 Work Exempted from Permit. Exemptions from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of the City of Santa Clarita including such requirements as may be established by any city department or division or the requirements of any other governing agency. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for any such items exempted herein.

Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached light-framed structures accessory to a Group R-3 or U occupancy used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, trellis structures, gazebos, arbors, greenhouses and similar uses where the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet as measured to the outside walls or support posts and the structure complies with all of the following conditions:

a. The floor is not more than 30 inches above the adjoining grade,

b. The overall height is not more than 14 feet as measured from adjacent grade,

c. The structure is not constructed on a slope steeper than 3:1,

d. The structure is not within a flood hazard or floodplain,

e. The structure has no permanent heating or air-conditioning,

f. The location of the structure is approved by the city’s Planning Division.

Notes:

1) Storage or tool sheds over 120 square feet but not exceeding 250 square feet in area that meet the above conditions may be constructed under a ‘foundation only’ permit. Such permit may include the installation of one 20 Amp branch circuit, (1) light fixture and one (1) 110/115 V. GFCI outlet.

2) It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A despite exemption from permit.

2. Where allowed by the city’s Planning Division, chain link or wire fences not over 12 feet in height, wood, vinyl, or open wrought iron fences not over 6 feet in height, and block walls or pilasters not over 42 inches in height where not constructed within a flood hazard or floodplain.

3. Sidewalks and driveways which are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below, and are not part of an accessible route as required per Chapter 11A or 11B of this code.

4. Decks or platforms accessory to a Group R-3 or U occupancy that are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade or constructed over a slope or in a flood hazard or floodplain.

5. Exterior hardscape features such as patios, seating walls, walkways, stepped walks or stairs integrated in a slope, koi ponds, fountains or similar water features not over 18 inches in depth, raised planters and similar hardscape features that are accessory to a Group R-3 or U occupancy.

6. Canopies, awnings, or open trellises that do not extend more than 36 inches from the exterior wall of a building or, if attached to a Group R, Division 3, or Group U occupancy, do not extend more than 54 inches and are not within 3 feet of the property line.

7. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or where supporting a slope or surcharge, not more than 30 inches in height measured from bottom of footing to the top of the wall. For ‘dry stacked’ interlocking retaining wall systems such as ‘keystone walls’ the maximum exempt height is 36 inches above the lowest adjacent grade or 18 inches where supporting a slope or surcharge. This exemption does not apply to retaining walls constructed on a slope steeper than 3:1, located in a floodplain, or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

8. Fixed or movable cases, racks, shelving, and partitions not exceeding 6 feet in height. The installation of such elements shall not reduce aisle widths, clearances or means of egress to less than that required by this code.

9. The installation of decorative moldings, trim, window treatments, wall coverings, painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, hardwood or tile flooring, counters or countertops, tub or shower surrounds and similar interior finish work. Notwithstanding, all such materials and work shall comply with applicable provisions of Chapter 8 of this code for allowable materials, combustibility and fire performance.

10. Garage and closet organizers, cabinets, or shelving not exceeding 8 feet in height within a Group R-3 or U occupancy.

11. Drywall within Group U occupancies not required to be part of a fire rated assembly.

12. The installation of replacement window units where installed within existing frames and where no stucco or siding is removed, provided the following conditions are met:

a. The net opening area of the existing window(s) is not reduced to less than that required by this code for light and ventilation.

b. Any required egress (emergency escape) window is replaced with an egress (emergency escape) window complying with this code.

c. The provisions of this code for safety glazing are met.

13. Satellite dishes not exceeding 30 inches in diameter where attached to a structure, or 36 inches in diameter where ground mounted and not exceeding 15 feet in height.

14. Radio or television antennae towers where ground mounted and not exceeding 30 feet in height.

15. Light standards which do not exceed 20 feet in height (electrical permits are required).

16. Flagpoles not exceeding 20 feet in height where not attached to or erected on any building or structure.

17. Prefabricated swimming pools or spas accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy provided that:

a. The capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons

b. The pool or spa is not constructed on a slope greater than 3:1

c. The lowest point of the bottom of the pool or spa is not more than 24 inches below adjacent grade

d. The pool or spa is provided with a safety barrier as required in the California Health & Safety Code

An electrical permit is required for any permanently connected pumps or motors.

18. Removal and replacement of the plaster finish of a swimming pool or spa accessory to a Group R- 3 occupancy provided that:

a. No mechanical, electrical, or plumbing elements are being added, altered, or removed.

b. The swimming pool or spa is equipped with at least two of the drowning prevention safety features listed in Health and Safety Code section 115922.

c. The pool or spa is equipped with anti-entrapment grates as specified in Health and Safety Code section 115928.5.

19. Structures or equipment accessory to a Group R occupancy which are intended solely for play or amusement, and which are clearly identifiable as play or amusement structures as determined by the Building official, and which are no more than 14 feet in height above adjacent grade. These structures may include, but are not limited to: swings, slides, climbing structures and similar playground equipment, skateboard or bike ramps, pool slides whether built-in or free standing, basketball standards, tennis or sports courts (not including fencing or lighting), and similar structures. Notwithstanding, such structures must comply with all applicable zoning standards for use and location. Where a permanently constructed pool slide or other landscape feature also serves as part of a retaining wall, such portions of the construction that act as a retaining wall require a permit unless specifically exempted here in. An electrical permit is required for any permanently connected lighting or other electrical equipment.

20. Tree houses provided that:

a. The floor area does not exceed 64 square feet;

b. The ceiling height does not exceed 6 feet;

c. The tree house is not constructed in an oak tree.

d. The tree house does not have mechanical, electrical, or plumbing elements.

21. Temporary sheds, construction trailers, and other structures incidental to work authorized by a valid grading or building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are required when there are any such connections associated with the temporary shed or construction trailer. Any such structure shall be removed upon completion of the work covered by the permit or expiration of the permit.

22. Tents, inflatable structures, and similar canopy structures, where used in conjunction with a special event, that are open on at least three sides and do not exceed 500 square feet in projected area, or where enclosed on two or more sides, that do not exceed 300 square feet in enclosed area. Notwithstanding, all such structures shall be adequately anchored to resist local wind forces.

23. Temporary stages or platforms that do not exceed 30 inches in height that are used in conjunction with a special event.

24. Shade cloth structures constructed solely for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems within such structures.

25. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.

26. Gantry cranes and similar equipment.

27. Prefabricated water tanks supported directly on grade where the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to the diameter or width does not exceed one and one-half to one (1 1/2:1).

28. The following work when conducted in association with an operating oil field:

a. Oil derricks;

b. Installation and relocation of process vessels and tanks;

c. Construction, installation and relocation of process piping and pipe supports;

d. Construction, installation and relocation of ladders, stairs, and catwalks;

e. Installation of foundations for process vessels, pipe supports, generators, tanks, pumps, and uninhabited buildings located more than 20 feet from any property line;

f. Construction, installation, and relocation of uninhabited buildings;

g. Road maintenance;

h. Grading of new and existing well pads, provided the grading does not affect an adjoining property;

i. Grading and construction for erosion control, provided it does not affect an adjoining property;

j. Debris basin maintenance;

(Note: The waiver of a building permit shall not be deemed as a waiver from the oil field operator from obtaining the required clearances from other public agencies.)

Electrical:

Note: refer to the 2022 California Electrical Code with local amendments for additional exemptions

1. Low-voltage wiring for security systems, telephone or other communication systems, door bells, intercom or sound systems, television cable, and similar installations within a Group R-3 or U occupancy.

2. Electrical equipment used for commercial radio and television transmitting stations, excluding any equipment or wiring for the power supply to any such station.

Mechanical:

Note: refer to the 2022 California Mechanical Code with local amendments for additional exemptions

1. Portable equipment including heating appliances, ventilation equipment, air-conditioning or evaporative cooling units.

2. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.040 Section 105.2.3 Is Added.

Section 105.2.3 is added to read as follows:

105.2.3 Repairs and Maintenance. Application or notice to the Building Official is not required for ordinary maintenance or repairs to structures. In no case shall the repair or maintenance work create an unsafe condition or violate any provision of this code or any other applicable regulation. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam, brace, or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements. Ordinary repairs shall not include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring, mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Permits shall not be required for the following repair or maintenance work:

1. General building maintenance.

2. Painting, papering, carpeting and similar work.

3. Repair of minor portions of a building or structure damaged by dry-rot, termites, or deterioration provided the elements being replaced do not reduce the integrity of the building or structure.

4. Repairs to a roof on a building or structure not exceeding 10 percent of the total roof area or 200 square feet, whichever is less, provided such exempt limits are not exceeded within any one-year period of time.

5. Drywall repairs not exceeding 200 square feet when not part of a fire rated assembly.

6. Replacement of panes of glass within existing frames provided the provisions of this code for safety glazing are met. Note: refer to exemption 12 under Section 105.2 “Work Exempted from Permit; Building,” herein, for additional requirements that may apply.

7. Replacement of any component part of mechanical or electrical equipment provided it does not alter approval of such equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

8. Replacement of any faucet, sink, water closet, shower head or similar plumbing fixture with a fixture of like type. Notwithstanding, the replacement of such fixtures shall comply with applicable provisions of the California Plumbing Code and California Green Building Standards Code for water-conserving fixtures.

9. Replacement of any kitchen appliance, non-commercial hood, exhaust or ceiling fan, lighting fixture, lamp or bulb, or similar item with a fixture, appliance, or other item of like type.

10. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe or valve becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.050 Section 105.3.2 Is Amended.

Section 105.3.2 is amended to read as follows:

105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for which no permit is issued within twelve months following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions, each for a period not to exceed 180 days, upon request by the applicant under all of the following conditions:

1. The applicant submits a written request for such extension showing justifiable cause;

2. An administrative fee as established must be paid at the time the extension is granted;

3. Where there have been changes to governing codes under which the plans were originally submitted, the plans shall be revised to reflect any such changes as a condition of the extension. Additional plan review fees will apply in such cases.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.060 Section 105.5 Is Amended.

Section 105.5 is amended to read as follows:

105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within twelve months after its issuance as evidenced by a valid inspection of work by the building department. In such cases where the work authorized on the site by such permit has commenced and is then suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced the permit shall become inactive. The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions for periods of time not to exceed 180 days each, or to reactivate a permit as provided for in section 105.5.2 and 105.5.3.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.070 Sections 105.5.2 and 105.5.3 Are Added.

Sections 105.5.2 and 105.5.3 are added to read as follows:

105.5.2 Reactivation of an Expired Permit. The Building Official may approve the reactivation of a permit that has become invalid (either expired or inactive), upon written request by the permittee, under the following conditions:

1. The suspension or abandonment of work has not exceeded two years;

2. The permittee demonstrates justifiable cause for the extension;

3. Where there have been changes to the governing codes under which the permit was originally issued, the Building Official may require any work that has not been installed or completed to meet the provisions of the most current governing codes as a condition of reactivation.

105.5.3 Fees. In order to renew action on a permit after it has become invalid, the permittee shall pay a fee as determined by the Building Official not to exceed 50 percent of the original permit fee. Any permit extensions subsequent to an initial extension require the payment of an administrative fee as determined.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.080 Section 105.8 Is Added.

Section 105.8 is added to read as follows:

105.8 Combined Building Permits. A combination permit may be issued for a single project when it is determined that the same contractor is licensed so as to perform all of the proposed work associated with the project and it is reasonable to combine the permits into a single permit.

The following permits may be combined:

1. A combined building permit may be issued for new one-family or two-family dwellings including additions or alterations thereto. Such permits will include all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning work but will not include fire sprinkler installations, sewer connections in the public right-of-way, or grading work requiring a permit as specified in the Unified Development Code.

2. A combined permit may be issued for multi-family residential or non-residential construction projects under similar conditions as listed under number one (1) above when prior approval has been granted by the Building Official.

3. A combined building permit may be issued for a swimming pool and shall include excavation and finish grading for construction of the pool and related landscaping, construction of the pool structure, decking, pool equipment enclosure walls, and all such plumbing and electrical work as required for the pool.

4. A combined permit may be issued for a commercial sign and shall include all structural and electrical work required to install the sign.

Combined permits shall not be issued for separate work which is entirely unrelated and under separate trades such as building and electrical.

The combined building permit shall be subject to the requirements of this code, the Electrical Code, the Plumbing Code, the Mechanical Code, the Energy Code and the Green Building Standards Code. The fee for the combined building permit shall be as provided for in Section 109 herein including amendments.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.090 Section 107.1 Is Amended.

Section 107.1 is amended to read as follows:

107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other data shall be submitted with each permit application. Submittal documents may be submitted in electronic format as determined by the Building Official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional as outlined in the California Business and Professions Code or as determined by the Building Official. Where special conditions exist, the Building Official is authorized to require the construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

Exception: (no change).

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.100 Section 109.2 Is Amended.

Section 109.2 is amended to read as follows:

109.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures, alterations, additions, electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, or any other work requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid as established by the City Council. Where a combined permit is issued, the permit fee shall include the combined fees for applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and sewer work.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.110 Section 109.2.1 Is Added.

Section 109.2.1 is added to read as follows:

109.2.1 Plans Examination Fees. When submittal documents are required by Section 107.1 a plan review fee shall be paid in full at the time of submittal of the construction documents to the building department. Said fee shall be as established by the City Council. When submittal documents are incomplete or changed by the applicant so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items as defined in Section 107.3.4.1, an additional plan review fee shall be charged for such additional time as may be required to review all such additional work.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.120 Section 109.4 Is Amended.

Section 109.4 is amended to read as follows:

109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system for which a permit is required by this code before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an investigation fee whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to twice the amount of the permit fee. Payment of such fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any other penalty prescribed by law.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.130 Section 109.6 Is Amended.

Section 109.6 is amended to read as follows:

109.6 Refunds. The Building Official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid, excluding issuance fees or plan review fees, when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code and the applicant has submitted a written request to cancel said permit along with the original signed permit, inspection record card, and construction placard.

The Building Official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plans examination fee paid, excluding any application fee, when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled prior to commencing any plan review.

The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original applicant or permittee not later than 90 days after the date the permit or application for permit has expired, become inactive, been canceled, or passed a final inspection.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.140 Section 110.3.6 Is Amended.

Section 110.3.6 is amended to delete the exception allowed under this section which excludes the need for an inspection of gypsum board that is not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly. (Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.150 Section 110.3.13 Is Added.

Section 110.3.13 is added to read as follows:

110.3.13 Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection under any of the following conditions:

1. When such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete and ready.

2. When corrections previously called for by the inspector have not been made.

3. When the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector at the time of the requested inspection.

4. When access to the jobsite is not available at the time the inspection was scheduled.

5. When there is a deviation from the approved plans related to the work to be inspected and such deviation was not previously reviewed and approved by Building & Safety staff.

In instances where a reinspection fee has been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fee has been paid.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.160 Section 110.7 Is Added.

Section 110.7 is added to read as follows:

110.7 Construction Placard and Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a building permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or the permit holder’s agent have posted in a conspicuous location at the construction site, a construction placard provided by the Building Official at the time of permit issuance. Said placard shall not be removed until final approval of the work by the building department. The inspection record card shall also be made available so as to allow the Building Official or his designated representative to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work.

The Inspection Record Card shall serve as temporary approval to occupy and/or use the described project for up to ten (10) working days following the Final Approval date, when signed with a Final Approval by the Building Official or his designated representative.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.170 Section 110.8 Is Added.

Section 110.8 is added to read as follows:

110.8 Inspections during declared emergencies. The Building Official may authorize the performance of inspections required under this section to be performed by registered design professionals or by registered deputy inspectors, for repair work during a declared emergency. The persons performing the inspections shall submit a report, to the satisfaction of the Building Official, demonstrating that the work they inspected conformed to the requirements of all applicable codes. The report will be similar to those required by Section 1704.2.4 of this code.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.180 Section 110.9 Is Added.

Section 110.9 is added to read as follows:

110.9 Special Inspector registration. Any person who acts in the capacity of a Special Inspector as defined in Chapter 2 of this code for any project within the City of Santa Clarita requiring special inspections as outlined in Chapter 17 must be registered with the City of Santa Clarita to act in such capacity. In order to be registered, a person must pay a registration fee as established by the city Council and demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Building Official that he or she is qualified to perform those types of special inspections for which he or she is registered. Upon registration, a registration card will be issued to the individual by the Building Official. Registration may be revoked for due cause as determined by the Building Official.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.190 Section 113.3 Is Amended.

Section 113.3 is amended to read as follows:

113.3 Qualifications. The Board of Appeals shall consist of those persons currently serving on the Planning Commission as appointed by the City Council.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.200 Section 113.4 Is Added.

Section 113.4 is added to read as follows:

113.4 Filing of Appeals. All appeals shall be made in writing and shall state specifically the order, decision, or determination made by the Building Official which is being appealed and wherein the Building Official erred in making the order, decision, or determination. The appeal shall be accompanied with a fee as established by the City Council. If, after reviewing the information submitted, the Building Official determines that the appeal does not merit a change in his order, decision, or determination, then the Building Official shall schedule a hearing by the Board of Appeals and the appellant shall be notified of the date and time of the hearing.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.210 Sections 114.2.1 and 114.2.2 Are Added.

Sections 114.2.1 and 114.2.2 are added to read as follows:

114.2.1 Recordation of Notice of Violation. The Building Official may record a notice with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder that a property, building or structure, or any part thereof, is in violation of any provision of this code provided the provisions of this section are followed. The provisions of this section are cumulative with other provisions of this code and any other enforcement actions permitted by this code. A notice of violation may be placed upon the title of a property when violation of the building codes have been verified and documented to exist on the site.

The following procedures are established for recordation of Notice of Violation:

a. If (1) the Building Official determines that any property, building or structure, or any part thereof is in violation of any provision of this code; and if (2) the Building Official gives written notice as specified below of said violation; and if (3) within 45 days of said notice, the property, buildings, or structures thereon are not brought into compliance with this code, then the Building Official may, in his sole discretion, at any time thereafter record with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder a notice that the property and/or any building or structure located thereon is in violation of this code.

b. Notice shall be provided in writing in accordance with the following:

1. The notice shall be mailed registered, certified or first-class mail, or may be posted at the site if the site is occupied;

2. The notice shall be addressed to the owner as indicated on the latest county roll;

3. The notice shall specify what violations are being investigated or have been observed or verified;

4. The notice shall indicate what mitigation action is required by the property owner and the time frame in which to commence and complete such mitigation;

5. The notice shall indicate that a notice of violation may be recorded with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder by the Building Official should said violation(s) not be mitigated within 45 days of the date of the notice.

114.2.2 Termination of Notice of Violation. When the property owner has demonstrated to the Building Official that violations of the building code no longer exist, and all fees to cover the cost of the investigation of the violations have been paid to the city, as established by the City Council, the Building Official shall terminate the notice of violation upon the written request of the property owner.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.220 Section 114.4 Is Amended.

Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:

114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters, or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment (see Section 17995 of the California Health and Safety Code). Such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted to remain.

Further, violators of this code may be subject to administrative citation and general penalties as provided for in Title 23 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.230 Section 117 Is Added.

Section 117 is added to read as follows:

Section 117 Prohibited Uses of Building Sites

117.1 Flood and Debris Hazard Sites. Buildings, other structures or appurtenances (including but not limited to walls and fences of any height) and fill are not permitted in an area determined by the city to be subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow, other special flood and debris hazards or erosion except as discussed in this section.

117.2 Geologic Hazard Sites. Any site or property determined or suspected to have a geologically hazardous condition or pose a potential threat to nearby properties shall be subject to the provisions of this section.

117.2.1 No building permit shall be issued when the Building Official finds that property outside the site of the proposed work could be damaged by activation or acceleration of a geologically hazardous condition, and such activation or acceleration could be attributed to the proposed work for which the permit is requested. For the purpose of this section, geologically hazardous condition does not include surface displacement due to earthquake faults.

117.2.2 Work requiring a building permit by this code is not permitted in an area determined by the Building Official to be subject to hazard from landslide, settlement or slippage. These hazards include those from loose debris, slopewash, and the potential for mudflows from natural slopes or graded slopes. For the purpose of this section, landslide, settlement or slippage does not include surface displacement due to the earthquake faults.

117.2.3 Subject to the conditions of section 117.2.1 permits may be issued in the following cases:

a. When the applicant has submitted a geological and/or engineering report or reports which show that the hazard will be eliminated prior to the use of occupancy of the land or structures by modification of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttressing, a combination of these methods, or by other means.

b. When the applicant has submitted a geological and/or engineering report or reports which contain sufficient data to show that the site appears to be in no danger for the intended use.

c. When the applicant has submitted a geological report which indicates that the site appears to be geologically safe for the proposed use but is located in an area subject to a hazard of a geological nature. However, before a permit is issued, the owner first shall record in the Department of Registrar-Recorder the findings of such report or reports, together with an agreement relieving the city and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of such permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that he finds such hazard no longer exists.

d. When the work involves the alteration or minor repair of existing structures and the cost of such alteration or repair does not exceed 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, such value to be based on assumed continuation of the established legal use. Before a permit is issued, the owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) a statement that he or she is aware that the records of the Building Official indicate that the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature and (2) an agreement relieving the city and all officers and employees thereof of any ability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that he finds such hazard no longer exists. The repair work shall consist of restoring the original construction. Provision may be made for adjustment of the floor in anticipation of future settlement. For the purposes of this section “alteration” does not include an addition or additions.

e. When the work involves an addition or additions to an existing structure but is not a change in use or occupancy and such work does not increase the area of the structure by more than 25 percent of the area of the structure. Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall submit a geological and/or engineering report or reports complying with the provisions of Section 117.6 which contains a finding that the proposed increased use of the site will not be geologically unsafe, and the owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) the finding of such report or reports and (2) an agreement relieving the city and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that he finds a hazard no longer exists.

f. When the work involves a one-story, light-frame accessory structure not intended or used for human occupancy and not exceeding 400 square feet in area nor greater than 12 feet in height.

g. When the work involves the repair of single-family residences and accessory buildings where the cost of such repair exceeds 25 percent of the value of the existing building or involves the replacement of such structures where the loss to be replaced was due to causes other than landslide, settlement or slippage. Before a permit is issued the owner shall:

1) Record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) a statement that he or she is the owner and that he or she is aware that the records of the Building Official indicate that the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature and (2) an agreement relieving the city and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that he finds such hazard no longer exists.

2) Submit calculations and plans for the proposed reconstruction prepared by a registered civil engineer and designed to minimize damage while accommodating the amount of vertical and horizontal displacements which he or she determines are probable or which have occurred since the original structure was built, whichever is the greater.

h. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the Building Official may, at his discretion, deny a permit for any building, structure or grading subject to a hazard of a geological nature which cannot be mitigated and may endanger the health or safety of the occupants, adjoining property, or the public.

117.3 Fills Containing Decomposable Material. Permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures regulated by this code within 1,000 feet of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or man-made protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendation contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a description of the investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the accumulation of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or under enclosed portions of such building or structure. At the time of the final inspection, the civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with his or her recommendations as to decomposition gases required herein.

117.4 Conditional Use. Work required by this section as a condition for the use of the site shall be performed prior to the connection of the utilities or occupancy of the building.

117.5 Methane Gas Hazard Sites. Permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures regulated by this code on, adjacent to, or within 200 feet of active, abandoned or idle oil or gas well(s) unless designed according to recommendations contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer and approved by the Building Official. As used in this section, “well” shall mean any well as defined by Section 3008, subdivisions (a) and (b) of the California Public Resources Code.

117.6 Geology and Engineering Reports. The Building Official may require an engineering geology or geotechnical engineering report, or both, where in his opinion such reports are essential for the evaluation of the safety of the site. The engineering geology or geotechnical engineering report or both shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the building site for the proposed structure against hazard from landslide, settlement, or slippage and a finding regarding the effect that the proposed building or grading construction will have on the geologic stability of the property in question and properties immediately adjacent. Any engineering geology report shall be prepared by a certified engineering geologist licensed by the State of California. Any geotechnical engineering report shall be prepared by a civil engineer qualified to perform this work, such as a geotechnical engineer experienced in soil mechanics. When both an engineering geology and geotechnical engineering report are required for the evaluation of the safety of a building site, the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the Building Official.

117.7 Earthquake Faults.

1. General. The construction of a building or structure near a known active earthquake fault and regulated by this code shall be permitted as set forth in this section.

2. Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply only to permits for buildings or structures on individual lots or parcels and are not intended to be supplementary to geologic investigations required to qualify divisions of land as set forth in the Uniform Development Code of the City of Santa Clarita.

3. Definition. For the purpose of this section, a “geologist” shall be a registered geologist, licensed by the California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists to practice geology in California.

4. Known Active Earthquake Faults. For the purpose of this section, known active earthquake faults are those faults which have had displacement within Holocene time (approximately the last 11,000 years) as defined in the most current issue of Special Publication 42 of the California Division of Mines and Geology.

5. Earthquake Fault Maps. Special studies zone maps within the City of Santa Clarita prepared under Sections 2622 and 2623 of the California Resources Code which show traces of earthquake faults are declared to be, on the date of official issues, a part of this code. Special studies zones maps revised under the above sections of the California Resources Code shall, on the date of their official issue, supersede previously issued maps. Copies of each of the above maps shall be available for examination by the public at the city. The city shall maintain maps available to the public showing the location of known active earthquake faults. In the absence of additional information, the location of known active earthquake faults shall be as shown on special studies zones maps.

6. Construction Limitations. No building or structure shall be constructed over or upon the trace of a known active earthquake fault in the following cases:

a. When the proposed building is within 50 feet of that line designated as the location of a known active earthquake fault on the aforementioned maps.

b. When the proposed building is within 50 feet of the most probable ground location of the trace of a known active earthquake fault shown on the aforementioned maps.

In cases when a geologist has not made such a determination, the city may require the excavation of a trench, as a subsurface exploration for the purpose of determining the absence of a known active earthquake fault. Such a trench will be required if a lack of distinguishable fault features in the vicinity prevents the city from determining by a site examination, review of available aerial photographs, or by other means that the fault trace does not underlie the proposed building. The trench shall be approximately perpendicular to the most probable direction of the fault trace, at least 18 inches wide, and at least five feet in depth measured from natural grade, or to a depth satisfactory to the city.

The trench must be accessible for mapping and inspection by the city, when requested, and meet the requirements of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, Construction Safety Orders. The trench need not extend further than the full width of the proposed structure plus five feet beyond the traversed exterior walls. A known active earthquake fault shall be presumed nonexistent if an exposure is not found in the walls or floor of the trench. The city may require a more extensive investigation by a geologist as evidence to the absence of a known active earthquake fault prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Exception: The provisions of this section do not apply to:

1. One-story, light-frame buildings classified as R-3 and U occupancies and not exceeding 1,000 square feet in area or 12 feet in height.

2. Alterations or repairs to an existing building provided that the aggregate value of such work within any 12 month period does not exceed 50 percent of the value of the existing building.

3. Swimming pools, retaining walls, fences and minor work of a similar nature.

7. Special Studies Zones. Work within the special studies zones established under Sections 2622 and 2623 of the California Public Resources Code shall comply with State laws, policies, criteria, rules and regulations applicable to such work. Fees established by Chapter 7.5 of Division 2 of the California Public Resources Code shall be collected and disbursed as required by State law. In addition to the State regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply when geologic investigations, mapping, aerial photographs, other acceptable data or Special Studies Zones Maps show the location of a known active earthquake fault as described in this section.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)

18.02.240 Section 118 Is Added.

Section 118 is added to read as follows:

Section 118 Fire Hazard Zones (“Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones”)

118.1 General. For the purpose of this code, Fire Hazard Zones are those areas in the City of Santa Clarita that have been designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention and as shown on a map titled “City of Santa Clarita Fire Zone Map” retained on file by the city’s Building & Safety Division. Such map is declared to be, on the date of issue, a part of this code. Should revisions be made to the map at the recommendation of the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, the revised map, at the date of issue, shall supersede the previously issued map.

118.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to new construction on individual lots or parcels that are located in a Fire Hazard Zone as determined from the City of Santa Clarita Fire Zone Map for which an application for a permit is submitted.

118.3 Construction requirements for buildings or structures in the Fire Hazard Zone.

118.3.1 General. Any building or structure hereafter erected, constructed, altered, added onto, or moved within or into a Fire Hazard Zone shall comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 7A or Section R337 of this code.

118.3.2 Roof covering repair or replacement. Roof covering on an existing building or structure that is being repaired or replaced shall comply with Section 1512 of this code.

118.3.3 Exterior wall covering of existing buildings. Where the exterior wall covering of an existing building or structure is being repaired or replaced and the cumulative area being repaired or replaced is greater than 50 percent of the total existing wall area, both the new and existing wall covering shall comply with the provisions of Section 707A or Section R337.7 of this code in their entirety. The provisions of this section shall be cumulative over any one-year period.

118.3.4 Exterior windows and doors of existing buildings. Where exterior windows and/or doors of an existing building are being replaced with new windows and/or doors, and where the number of windows and/or doors being replaced is greater than 50 percent of the total number of windows and/or doors on the building, all windows and/or doors on the building shall comply with Section 708A or Section R337.8 of this code. The provisions of this section shall be cumulative over any one-year period.

(Ord. 22-10 § 2, 12/13/22)