Chapter 18.04
BUILDING CODE
Sections:
18.04.010 Building Code of the city of Santa Cruz.
18.04.040 Building Code – Deletions and modifications.
18.04.080 Establishment of building and safety.
18.04.090 Duties of the building official – Reports and records.
18.04.100 Building permit – Certificate of insurance requirement.
18.04.010 BUILDING CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ.
This chapter constitutes the Building Code of the city of Santa Cruz.
(Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.030 ADOPTION OF CODES.
Subject to the modifications and deletions set forth in Section 18.04.040 and by the State of California Building Standards Commission, the following documents are hereby adopted as part of the Building Code of the city of Santa Cruz:
California Code of Regulations Title 24 (hereafter CCR T 24), Part 1, The 2022 California Administrative Code;
CCR T 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2, The 2022 California Building Code, including Appendices H, I, and P except as modified herein (hereafter CBC);
CCR T 24, Part 2.5, The 2022 California Residential Code, including Appendices AH, AK, AQ, and AX, except as modified herein (hereafter CRC);
CCR T 24, Part 10, The 2022 California Existing Building Code, except as modified herein (hereafter CEBC);
CCR T 24, Part 11, The 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, except as modified herein (refer to Chapter 24.15, Green Building Regulations);
CCR T 24, Part 12, The 2022 California Referenced Standards Code;
The Uniform Administrative Code, 1997 Edition, for the purpose of maintaining and administering the existing fee structure, except as modified herein (hereafter UAC);
The Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, except as modified herein (hereafter UHC);
The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, except as modified herein (hereafter UCADB);
One copy of each of the above documents is and shall be maintained on file in the office of the building official, for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 2023-12 § 1, 2023; Ord. 2022-13 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2019-18 § 1, 2019: Ord. 2016-16 § 1, 2016: Ord. 2013-22 § 1, 2013: Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.040 BUILDING CODE – DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS.
The following sections of the codes as adopted in Section 18.04.030 are hereby modified as follows:
Add sentence to CBC Sections 1.8.8.1 and 1.11.2.5, and CRC Sections 1.8.8.1 and R112.1:
Refer to Santa Cruz Municipal Code (hereafter SCMC) Chapter 18.41, board of building and fire appeals.
Add sentence to CBC Section 1804 after the section heading:
Refer to SCMC Chapter 18.45, excavation and grading regulations.
Add sentence to CRC Section R313:
Refer to SCMC Title 19, Fire Prevention Code.
Add sentence to CBC Sections 2211.1.1.2 and 2305.1 to read as follows:
Gypsum board sheathing shall not be permitted to resist horizontal forces in shear walls.
Modify CBC 1705.3 Exception 1 to read as follows:
Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pound per square inch (psi) (17.2 MPa), regardless of the compressive strength specified in the approved construction documents or used in the footing construction.
Table 2308.6.1 (Wall Bracing Requirements) of CBC Chapter 23 (Wood) is amended as follows:
1) The title of Table 2308.6.1 is amended to read:
TABLE 2308.6.1a, f, g
2) Footnotes “f” and “g” are added to Table 2308.6.1, to read:
f. Methods PBS, HPS and SFB are not permitted in Seismic Design Categories D or E.
g. Methods GB, DWB and PCP are not permitted in Seismic Design Category E.
Table R602.10.3(3) (Bracing Requirements Based on Seismic Design Category) of CRC Chapter 6 (Wall Construction) is amended as follows:
1) The title of Table R602.10.3(3) is amended to read:
CRC Table R602.10.3(3)i, j
2) Footnotes “i” and “j” are added to Table R602.10.3(3), to read:
i. Methods PBS, HPS, SFB and CS-SFB are not permitted in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2.
j. Methods GB, DWB and PCP are not permitted in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 where S1 is greater than or equal to 0.75.
CBC Section 406.3.2.1 is hereby amended to insert a sentence after the second sentence of the paragraph to read as follows:
Gypsum board applied to the garage side shall be suitably fire taped and have the nail heads spotted with taping compound.
Modify the third sentence of CRC Section R302.6 to read:
Attachment of gypsum board shall comply with Table R702.3.5; gypsum board applied to the garage side shall be suitably fire taped and have the nail heads spotted with taping compound.
CRC Section R302.5.1: delete exception.
CBC Section 1505 is hereby amended to add Section 1505.0 as follows:
1505.0 Class “C” wood, and non-rated wood roofs prohibited. No Class “C” wood, or non-rated wood roof covering shall be installed on any new or existing building or structure. Any reference, table, footnote, or exception allowing Class “C” wood, or “N”, or non-classified wood roofing in this code is hereby amended to read as Class “B”. Any qualified historical building or structure as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18955 may utilize alternative roof classifications as provided by the State Historical Building Code. Where Title 19 of the SCMC and/or State standards identify conflicting Wildland/Urban Interface requirements in this jurisdiction, the most restrictive shall apply.
Add CRC Section R902.0:
Refer to city amended CBC Section 1505 for local requirements.
CBC Section 1512 is hereby amended to add Section 1512.0, as follows:
1512.0 Overlay on Existing Wood Roofs or Asphalt Shingle Roofs. Re-roofing over Class “C” wood or non-rated wood shakes and wood shingles is prohibited. When a roof has one or more layers of roof covering, any layer of which is wood shake or wood shingle, all built-up roof covering shall be completely removed before applying a new roof covering without exception (unless specifically provided for in SCMC Title 18).
CBC Section 1512.1 is hereby amended to add Exception 3, as follows:
3. Minor Work on Existing Wood Roofs. The requirements of Section 1511 shall not apply when an existing building or structure with a wood roof covering is subject to roof installation, addition, repair, alteration or replacement of less than 25% of the existing building or structure’s wood roof-covering area, accumulated over the life of the building, commencing on or after the official date of this ordinance. In such circumstances, wood roof coverings with a CSFM listed rating may be used, provided the completed roof assembly complies with all other provisions of this code. For the purpose of this ordinance, 25% of the wood roof covering area shall be calculated from the area of wood roof covering existing on the effective date of this ordinance.
CBC Section 1405 is hereby amended to add to Section 1405.1 a second paragraph, as follows:
1405.1 Shingles or Shakes. A minimum Class “B” Listing by a manufacturer acceptable to the Fire Marshal or the Chief Building Official shall be required for all wood shingles or shakes, and other shingles or shakes that may be used for exterior wall covering referred to elsewhere in this code. No Class “C” wood and non-rated wood shakes or wood shingles shall be installed as an exterior wall covering on any new or existing building or structure. Wood shingles shall meet the minimum thickness requirements of Table 1404.2.
CBC Section 1405 is hereby amended to add an additional exception to Section 1405.1 to read as follows:
Exception: Existing Wood Exterior Repairs or Installations of less than 25%. The Class “B” requirements of this section shall not apply when an existing building or structure with wood shake or wood shingle exterior wall covering is subject to installation, addition, repair, alteration or replacement of less than 25% of the existing building or structure’s wood shake or wood shingle exterior wall covering area accumulated over the life of the building commencing on or after the effective date of this ordinance. For the purposes of this code, 25% of the area of wood exterior wall covering shall be calculated from the area of the wood exterior wall shake or wood shingle covering existing on the effective date of this ordinance.
Add sentence to CRC Section R703.6:
Refer to city amended CBC Sections 1405 for requirements.
The UAC Chapter 1 and the CBC Chapter 1, Division II shall have the following inserted under their respective headings to read as follows:
The 1997 Uniform Administrative code (UAC) shall be used for the purpose of maintaining and administering the existing fee structure as established in the UAC or adopted by the City of Santa Cruz as authorized by the UAC. The California Building Code Chapter 1, Division II shall be used in its entirety, as applicable, for the administration of the building standards codes for all buildings, structures and equipment in the City of Santa Cruz, except as modified in SCMC Title 18.
CBC Section 105.1, insert second paragraph to read as follows:
Except as specified in Section 105.2, no building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code and the technical codes shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure or building service equipment has first been obtained from the building official.
CBC Section 105.2 is hereby amended to add the following modification to exemption No. 1 and to add exemption No. 14:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11m2). Exempted structures shall not be placed within six feet of each other or any other permanent structure and shall comply with local zoning requirements for setbacks and maximum number of structures allowed.
14. Decks and platforms that meet all the following criteria:
a) Are not more than 200 square feet in area, and
b) are not more than thirty inches above the adjacent grade at any point within the area of the deck and 36 inches beyond the edge of the deck, and
c) are not attached to a building or structure, and
d) do not serve as part of a required exit or means of egress, and
e) are not located over a basement or story below.
(Decks serving common areas in multi-family residential construction and all commercial decks are not exempted by this section.)
CRC Section 105.2 Exemption 1 shall be modified as follows:
In Exemption 1, add a second paragraph stating: Exempted structures shall not be placed within six feet of each other or any other permanent structure and shall comply with local zoning requirements for setbacks and maximum number of structures allowed.
CBC Section 107.2.3 shall strike reference to R-2 and I-1 occupancies with the second sentence to read as follows:
In other than occupancies in Group R-3, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and spaces.
CBC Section 110.1, insert second paragraph to read as follows:
A survey of the lot may be required by the building official to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans.
CBC Section 112, add Section 112.4 to read as follows:
112.4 Connection after Order to Disconnect. Persons shall not make connections from an energy, fuel or power supply nor supply energy or fuel to building service equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
Add sentence to CBC Section 113.1:
Refer to SCMC 18.41, Board of Building and Fire Appeals.
CRC Table R301.2 shall be populated with the following criteria as established by the city of Santa Cruz, using criteria published in the CRC where applicable:
|
GROUND SNOW LOAD (PSF) |
WIND DESIGN |
SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY |
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM |
|||||
|
Ultimate Speed (mph) |
Topo-graphic effects |
Special wind region |
Wind borne debris zone |
Weathering |
Frost line depth |
Termite |
||
|
0 |
110 |
No |
No |
No |
D2 |
Negligible |
12 inches below un-disturbed soil |
Very Heavy |
|
WINTER DESIGN TEMP |
ICE BARRIER UNDER-LAYMENT REQ’D |
FLOOD HAZARDS |
AIR |
MEAN ANNUAL |
|
40° F |
No |
5/16/2012 FIRM 06087C: |
0 |
55° F |
Replace Manual J Design Criteria Table with the following:
|
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA |
||||||
|
Elevation |
Altitude Correction Factor |
Coincident Wet Bulb |
Indoor Winter Design Relative Humidity |
Indoor Winter Design Dry-Bulb Temperature |
Outdoor Winter Design Dry-Bulb Temperature |
Heating Temperature Difference (Δ) |
|
125 ft |
1.00 |
61 |
50% |
70 |
38 |
32 |
|
Latitude |
Daily Range |
Summer Design Gains |
Indoor Summer Design Relative Humidity |
Indoor Summer Design Dry-Bulb Temperature |
Outdoor Summer Design Dry-Bulb Temperature |
Cooling Temperature Difference (Δ) |
|
37 |
H |
-1 @ 50% RH |
50% |
75 |
71 |
4 |
CBC Chapter 7A and CRC Section R337 shall have advisory text added under its heading, as follows:
See SCMC 19.05.270 for additional requirements.
UHC Section 401, Nuisance, is hereby amended by adding item 9 to read:
9. Any residential property upon which a person or persons conducts activities, accumulates materials, or fails to maintain structures and grounds to a degree, which by common standards, is disruptive and/or damaging to general welfare, peace and sanctity of the surrounding neighborhood.
UHC Section 103 and UCADB Section 102.2 shall have the following paragraph added, to read as follows:
Where reference is made to any code or standard, the most relevant code(s) and/or standards(s) as currently adopted in SCMC Title 18 shall be used. Where conflict may occur between other provisions of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code and this Title 18, Title 18 shall govern.
(Ord. 2022-13 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2019-18 § 2, 2019: Ord. 2016-16 § 2, 2016: Ord. 2013-22 § 2, 2013: Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.050 PERMIT FEES.
The chief building official shall charge and receive such fees for services, inspections and permits relating to any work subject to this chapter as set forth in Chapter 3, Table 3A, of the Uniform Administrative Code as adopted in Section 18.04.030 and in the fee schedule established by city council resolution.
Where development is conducted pursuant to the filing of a vested tentative subdivision map, the permit fees charged pursuant to this section shall be charged in accordance with the fee schedule in effect on the date of building permit application.
(Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.060 PENALTIES.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties provided in Title 4 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code or alternatively or delineated in the Santa Cruz County superior court uniform bail and penalty schedule for the city of Santa Cruz.
(Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.080 ESTABLISHMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY.
There is hereby established in the city of Santa Cruz, as part of the department of planning and community development, a division known as building and safety, which shall be under the jurisdiction of the chief building official designated by the city manager. The chief building official shall, for all purposes, including enforcement procedures, be charged with the duties of the “building official” described in this chapter.
(Ord. 2016-16 § 3, 2016: Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.090 DUTIES OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL – REPORTS AND RECORDS.
The chief building official shall submit a report to the city manager not less than once a year, covering the work of inspection services during the preceding period. He shall incorporate, in said report, a summary of his recommendations as to desirable amendments to this chapter and succeeding chapters of this title. The chief building official shall keep a permanent accurate account of all fees or other moneys collected and received under this chapter, the names of the persons upon whose account the same were paid, the date and amount thereof, together with the location of the building or premises to which they relate.
(Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).
18.04.100 BUILDING PERMIT – CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENT.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 53080.5, the city of Santa Cruz is hereby authorized to require any applicant for a city of Santa Cruz building permit to file with the city a certificate of insurance evidencing coverage for bodily injury or property damage liability as a condition to issuance of the building permit applied for.
(Ord. 2010-23 § 2 (part), 2010).