Alameda Municipal Code § 13-38 Floating Homes and Floating Home Moorages

The purpose of this section is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all floating homes and floating home moorages within the City limits.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, relocation or berthing of any floating home within the City, and to the requirements for floating home sites and floating home moorages together with appurtenant structures and facilities as regulated herein.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Floating homes and floating home moorages in existence prior to the effective date hereof shall be examined by the Building Official and effective date hereof shall be examined by the Building Official and Health Officer and shall comply with the requirements for new floating homes, new floating home sites and new floating home moorages as provided in this section, it being expressly found and determined that the public health and safety require and justify the retrospective application of all the provisions contained in this section; provided, however, that the Building Official may grant an exception to strict compliance with specifications in the Building Code if he/she finds and determines a floating home which is in existence prior to the effective date hereof does not, by reason of a violation of the Code, adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare, and that said floating home otherwise complies with the requirements of this section.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Moorage structures, floatable or otherwise, and occupied or intended to be occupied for purposes other than as a floating home shall conform with the applicable requirements of this section with respect to flotation, compartmentation, construction, sanitation, sewage disposal, plumbing, electrical and other utility systems, open spaces, fire protection, movement or relocation, certificate of occupancy and to the requirements of all local and State ordinances, laws or regulations governing such uses or occupancies as are administered and enforced by the Health Officer, Building Official, Fire Chief or Superintendent of the Electrical Department.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

As used in this section:

Berth or moor shall mean the fixing of a floating home by anchoring or tieing at an approved floating home site. Berth or moor shall not include intentional grounding, beaching or placement on piles, wharves, docks or other permanently fixed supports except as may be permitted in emergencies or for making required repairs.

Chief of Fire Department shall mean the head of the Fire Department or his/her regular authorized deputy.

Floating home shall mean a floating home is any building supported by means of flotation, designed to be used without a permanent foundation, used, intended, or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied, or which is occupied for living purposes by one (1) family with facilities for living, sleeping, cooking and eating. Any such building used, or intended to be used, as a dwelling for more than one (1) family is prohibited within the City. The term floating home shall include houseboat or ark but shall not include any vessel designed or used primarily for recreational purposes.

Floating home moorage shall mean a waterfront facility for the moorage of one (1) or more floating homes, and the land and water premises on which such facility is located.

Floating home site shall mean a floating home site is a part of a floating home moorage, located over water, and designed to accommodate one (1) floating home.

Garbage shall mean all discarded putrescible waste matter and all discardable rubbish, but not including sewage or human or animal excrement.

Health officer shall mean the health officer of the County of Alameda or his/her authorized representative assigned to the City.

Nuisance shall mean and include:

a. Any public nuisance known at common law or in equity jurisprudence.

b. Whatever is dangerous to human life or is detrimental to health.

c. Overcrowding a room with occupants.

d. Insufficient ventilation or illumination.

e. Inadequate or insanitary sewerage or plumbing facilities.

f. Uncleanliness.

g. Whatever renders air, food, or drink unwholesome or detrimental to the health of human beings.

Sewage (domestic) shall mean the liquid and waterborne wastes derived from the ordinary living processes, free from industrial wastes; and of such character as to permit satisfactory disposal without special treatment into the public sewer or by means of a private sewage disposal system.

Substandard floating home shall mean any floating home or portion thereof including the premises on which the same is located in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof shall be deemed to be a substandard building:

a. Inadequate Sanitation.

1. Lack of, or improper water closet, lavatory, bathtub or shower.

2. Lack of, or improper kitchen sink.

3. Insufficient and improper laundry facilities.

4. Lack of hot and cold running water.

5. Lack of adequate heating facilities.

6. Lack of, or improper operation of, required ventilation equipment.

7. Lack of, or improper operation of, sewage disposal facilities and equipment.

8. Lack of minimum amounts of natural light and ventilation as specified in this section.

9. Room and space dimensions less than required by this section.

10. Lack of required electrical lighting.

11. Dampness of habitable rooms.

12. Infestation of insects, vermin, or rodents as determined by the enforcement agency.

13. Discharge of sewage on the surface of floating home site or moorage.

14. Lack of approved water supply.

15. Lack of connection to approved sewage disposal system.

16. Lack of adequate garbage and rubbish storage and removal facilities as determined by the Health Officer.

17. General dilapidation or improper maintenance.

b. Structural Hazards.

1. Deteriorated or inadequate deck and flotation structure or hull.

2. Defective or deteriorated flooring or floor supports.

3. Flooring or floor supports of insufficient size to carry imposed loads with safety.

4. Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that split, lean, list, or buckle due to defective material or deterioration.

5. Members of walls, partitions, or other vertical supports that are of insufficient size to carry imposed loads with safety.

6. Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports or other horizontal members which sag, split, or buckle due to defective material or deterioration.

7. Members of ceilings, roofs, ceiling and roof supports, or other horizontal members that are of insufficient size to carry imposed loads with safety.

8. Fireplaces or chimneys which list, bulge, or settle, due to defective material or deterioration.

9. Fireplaces or chimneys which are of insufficient size or strength to carry imposed loads with safety.

10. Sewage disposal tanks which are structurally unsound or that cause members of the flotation structure and super structure to split or deflect because of improper design or installation.

11. Floating homes which are unstable and thereby present an overturning hazard.

Superintendent of the Electrical Department shall mean the person charged with the administration and enforcement of the electrical codes and ordinances of the City or his/her authorized deputy.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.; Ord. No. 2722 N.S. § 3)

Code Requirements. Except as otherwise provided herein every floating home shall comply with the requirements of Sections 13-1 through 13-6 of Article I (Uniform Codes Relating to Building Construction and Maintenance) of Chapter XIII and Section 15-1 (Alameda Fire Code) of the Alameda Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 2722 N.S. § 4)

No floating home shall be used or occupied unless it conforms to the requirements of this section, is moored at an approved moorage site, and the owner thereof has been issued the Certificate of Occupancy hereinafter referred to by the Building Official. The owner of a floating home shall also secure a Certificate of Occupancy prior to moving any floating home into the City, or moving a floating home from one (1) site to another within the City.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The Building Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy to the owner of a floating home upon compliance with, and subject to the conditions of, the following:

a. Application. Applications for a Certificate of Occupancy shall contain substantially the following information:

1. The name and address of the owner of the floating home for which a certificate is sought;

2. The location of moorage facilities where the floating home is moored or is proposed to be moored;

3. A description of the floating home for which a certificate is sought. Description shall include floor plan, room sizes and ceiling heights;

4. Details of construction of flotation and superstructure;

5. Description and details of method of disposal of sewage by connection to an approved moorage sewage disposal system;

6. Description and details of connections to moorage utilities systems;

7. Number of persons occupying, or to occupy, the floating home;

8. Such other information as may be required by the Building Official.

All applications for Certificates of Occupancy shall be in writing on a form supplied by the Building Official.

b. Fees. Each application for a Certificate of Occupancy shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount set by the Building Official. The Building Official shall determine as accurately as reasonably possible the cost to the City of processing applications and issuing Certificates under this subsection, and shall set said fee in the amount so determined. The fee herein authorized is not a tax nor a revenue measure.

c. Issuance. If after inspection and investigation it is found that a floating home conforms with the requirements of this section and is properly moored in a moorage conforming to the requirements hereof, a Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by the Building Official provided that connections to an approved sewage disposal system and to all shoreside utilities have been made. The Building Official shall not issue a Certificate of Occupancy unless prior approval has been obtained from the Health Officer, Fire Chief and Superintendent of Electrical Department.

d. Revocation. The Health Officer shall have the authority to board and to inspect any floating home when he/she has reasonable cause to believe that the floating home is being occupied in violation of the provisions of this section and shall have the right and the authority to revoke any Certificate of Occupancy granted hereunder in the event that he/she ascertains that any occupancy of the vessel is in violation of any of the provisions of this section.

Any change in location or material change in the information or conditions shown on the application for a Certificate of Occupancy shall void any Certificate of Occupancy issued hereunder.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

A building permit shall be obtained from the Building Official for the construction, alteration, repair, improvement or demolition of any floating home or floating home moorage structure or facility including flotation devices, ramps, floats or docks. A building permit shall also be obtained for all work to be performed in connection with the moving or relocation of any floating home.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

A permit shall be obtained from the Building Official or Superintendent of the Electrical Department for all work to be performed, materials to be furnished and equipment or fixtures to be installed in connection with any electrical system, plumbing and drainage system, fire fighting and alarm systems, heating, ventilating or other mechanical systems required in the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, demolition, removal or relocation of any floating home or floating home moorage structure or facility including flotation devices, ramps, floats or docks.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Floating homes proposed to be moved into the City or proposed to be moved from one (1) moorage site to another moorage site within the City shall comply with the requirements of this section pertaining to new floating homes. No floating home shall be moved into or relocated within the City if after inspection and investigation by the Building Official it is found to be dilapidated, unseaworthy or otherwise substandard to such an extent that it would be impractical to repair, improve or rehabilitate the floating home in accordance with the requirements of this section for new floating homes.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Every owner or operator of a floating home moorage, shall maintain a current register of every floating home moored on the premises under his/her control, such register to record the name and address of the legal owner of each floating home. A copy of the register shall be available on request to the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Floating homes shall be berthed or moored in a marina, harbor or similar facility conforming to the requirements of this section and located on privately owned or privately controlled property. Moorages shall not be located in any waterway or fairway, or in the public waters of any street or street end.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Three (3) copies of a moorage site plan drawn to scale and fully dimensioned shall be submitted by the owner of the moorage to the Building Official for approval. The moorage site plan shall include the following details:

a. Name and address of owner or operator;

b. Address and legal description of the property on which moorage is located;

c. The dimensions of the floating home moorage site;

d. The location of abutting public waterways;

e. The location and dimensions of private waterways and land access to the moorage;

f. The location and identification of individual floating home sites;

g. The location and dimensions of off-street parking space;

h. The location and dimensions of walkways and any accessory structures or facilities.

i. The water service system;

j. The fire protection system;

k. The electrical service and lighting system;

l. The complete sewage system including main sewer and side sewers serving each floating home site.

The Building Official shall transmit the site plan to the Fire Chief, to the Health Officer and to the City Engineer for review and approval. One (1) copy of the approved site plan shall be returned to the owner or operator, which copy shall be maintained on the premises of the floating home moorage. No change in the approved moorage plan shall be made unless prior approval is obtained from the Building Official, Fire Chief, Health Officer and City Engineer.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

a. Access. The access to a moorage site shall have not less than twenty (20') feet of land frontage abutting a public street and shall be sufficiently graded, paved and maintained to support anticipated vehicular or other loads and to minimize drainage and dust nuisances.

b. Walkways. Every floating home shall have access to a public street, yard or court by means of a system of primary and secondary walkways. The Building Official shall review such system and shall establish the minimum clear width of primary and secondary walkways based upon a consideration of the number of floating homes and other occupancies served, the total length of the walkways and the number of access points provided for exit to a public street, yard or court. No walkway shall be less than four (4') feet or shall be required to be more than six (6') feet.

c. One (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for the exclusive use of each floating home; such parking space shall be at least nine feet by twenty feet (9' x 20') in size. Parking spaces shall also be provided for other moorage uses in accordance with the requirements of subsections 30-7.1 and following of this Code.

d. Garbage Disposal. The Health Officer shall determine the number and type of garbage and rubbish receptacles that shall be provided for all floating homes and accessory moorage uses.

e. Laundry Facilities. A laundry room containing a minimum of two (2) laundry trays, or two (2) automatic washers supplied with hot and cold water shall be provided for each ten (10) floating homes not equipped with such facilities.

f. Public Toilets and Lavatories. Public toilets and lavatories shall be provided for each sex as follows:

Each toilet shall be for the primary use of the occupants of the floating homes and other moorage tenants.

g. Lighting. Every floating home moorage including the walkways to every floating home site shall be illuminated by lights designed, constructed and maintained to provide an average light intensity of two (2) foot candles in accordance with the recommendations of the Illuminating Engineers Society of America and as may be recommended by the Superintendent of the Electrical Department.

h. Electrical Service and Wiring. Electrical service and wiring in all moorages shall comply with the requirements of Article 555, Boat Harbors and Marinas of the National Electrical Code, current edition.

i. Water Distribution. Plans shall be submitted by the owner of the moorage to the Building Official showing complete details of the water service and piping system; all shall be accompanied by calculations to verify the adequacy of the system to meet demands of the moorage. The design of the system shall comply with the other applicable subsections of this section and shall meet the requirements of the following:

1. Plans. Plans shall show the size and location of each water meter and the type, size and location of all required water service backflow prevention devices.

2. Materials. The use of nonmetallic or exposed steel piping on docks, floats, ramps or similar moorage facilities will not be permitted. Exposed copper tubing places on these facilities shall be joined by brazing or by other equivalent methods. Flexible water supply connections to or located on said facilities shall be approved heavy duty type and each hose bib serving said facilities shall be an approved type incorporating a spring loaded check valve.

3. Flexible Water Supply Connections. Flexible water supply connections shall be approved heavy duty type and shall be installed and supported so that at all times they will be above the moorage basin water level.

4. Backflow Prevention Devices. Each hose bib serving a dock, float, ramp or similar moorage facility shall be equipped with an approved spring loaded check valve. Each floating home or vessel which uses a pump or equipment which could cause a cross connection potential, shall have a separate approved backflow prevention device over and above the protection provided in the moorage piping.

5. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves. A combination temperature and pressure relief valve shall be provided on all water heaters.

6. Wet Standpipes (Fire Lines). Water lines supplying wet standpipes must be capable of supplying fifty (50) gallons per minute and maintain a residual pressure of thirty (30) pounds per square inch at the hose connection based on the minimum water supply. No fire pump inlet connection will be permitted on any wet stand pipe system which is connected to a potable water system.

j. Sewage Disposal. A sewer connection shall be provided for every floating home or other structure berthed in a floating home moorage. Sewer connections shall also be provided for all shoreside moorage facilities.

Each such connection shall terminate in an approved collection system connected to and discharging into a public sewer.

j. All collection and disposal systems shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable chapter of the Alameda Plumbing Code, and all pumping systems shall meet the design and construction requirements of the applicable section of the Alameda Plumbing Code.

k. Fuel Gas Piping. All gas piping installed within a floating home moorage including such piping intended to serve floating homes and other floating structures and such piping as may be required to serve dockside facilities shall be installed in accordance the Alameda Plumbing Code and with the following special requirements:

1. Cathodic Protection. All gas piping shall have approved cathodic protection designed, inspected and certified by an approved engineering firm specializing in this field.

2. Connections—Valves. Where gas is permitted by the administrative authority to be distributed from shoreside facilities, connections to floating homes and other moorage structures shall be made by the use of approved high pressure flexible hose and such connections shall terminate in a positive disconnect coupling. A separate shut-off valve shall be installed ahead of such connection.

Connections shall not be immersed in water or run exposed on docks, piers, floats, floating homes or other floating structures. The length of the flexible connection shall not be excessive nor shall it be used as a substitute for gas piping.

l. Fire Protection. Every floating home moorage shall be provided with a fire protection system independent of the potable water system. All head floats, walkways, wharves, fingers, piers, must be provided with a minimum three (3″) inch fire main of rigid pipe with standpipes and hose reels spaced not more than seventy (70′) feet apart, with a minimum hose length of seventy-five (75′) feet with a one-half (½″) inch nozzle on a one and one-half (1½″) inch fire hose. The hose reel and standpipe furthermost distant from dockside, with nozzle connected must be capable of delivering fifty (50) gallons of water per minute with a minimum of thirty (30) pounds of residual pressure.

Each floating home mooring area shall provide a fire alarm system capable of indicating an emergency requiring immediate action to safeguard life or property from the hazards of fire, explosion, or panic. Such system shall meet the approval of the Chief of Fire Department.

All paint, thinners, rags and other flammable materials must be stored at shoreside or other approved locations in proper lockers provided by the owner or operator of the floating home moorage or marina.

Each owner or operator of a floating home moorage or marina and the owner or occupant of each floating home must obtain and place in a conspicuous location, be conversant with and conform to provisions of, the National Fire Protection Association pamphlets No. 30, "Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code," No. 302, "Motorcraft (Pleasure and Commercial)," and No. 303, "Marinas and Boat Yards."

m. Open Spaces. A clear spacing of ten (10') feet between sides or between a side and front or the rear of adjacent floating homes shall be maintained in all floating home moorages. The clear distance between a floating home and any shoreside dock or building and the clear distance between a floating home and any other moorage structures floating or otherwise shall be ten (10') feet. All distances shall be measured between the maximum projection of the superstructure walls. A maximum encroachment of two (2') feet into the required minimum spacing for eaves, roof decks, or similar features will be permitted.

Sufficient space between rows of floating homes shall be maintained in order to facilitate the movement of floating homes into the moorage area and to permit the maneuvering and berthing of floating homes to be accomplished in a safe manner.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.; Ord. No. 2722 N.S. §§ 5, 6)

A floating home shall be stable under the action of dead and live loads and consideration shall be given to the effect of off-center loading and wind loading in determining overall stability. The design of a floating home shall be based upon accepted basic engineering principles for floating structures and to the following standards:

a. Metacentric Height. The metacentric height (MG) shall be at least one (1′) foot or greater.

b. Freeboard; Immersion. The freeboard, as measured from the waterline to the top of the first floor or deck of the completed floating home, including dead load but not live load, shall be at least one foot four inches (1′ 4″) (with list angles equal to zero (0°) degrees). The allowable immersion under the action of off-center loading or wind loading shall not exceed two-thirds (⅔) of the original freeboard with a list angle of four (4°) degrees. Freeboard shall be measured from the waterline to the top of the first floor or deck at the side of the floating home at a point where said freeboard has its least dimension.

c. List Angle. The maximum angle of list shall not exceed four (4°) degrees under the action of either off-center or wind loading.

d. Off-Center Loading. The off-center loading shall be considered as applicable to the completed floating home, including dead load and shall consist of a line load of one hundred (100) pounds, or five (5) pounds per foot of width, whichever is greater, per lineal foot (first floor) and fifty (50) pounds, or two and one-half (2 ½) pounds per foot of width, whichever is greater, per lineal foot (second floor, habitable attic or loft.) The uniform line load is to be applied halfway between the center of gravity and the outside edge of deck, to one side of the floating home at a time. The dividing line is the longitudinal axis of the floating home, and the overturning moment resulting from the off-center loading shall be taken about the computed center of gravity. Stability with off-center loading shall be tested on both sides of the longitudinal axis. The ratio, MR / MO MO being the overturning moment due to off-center loading, and MR being the resisting moment due to buoyancy, shall be equal to one (1) applied with a list equal to four (4°) degrees. Overturning moments and resisting moments are to be taken about a longitudinal line passing through the computed center of gravity.

e. Wind Loading. Wind loading shall be applied to the completed floating home, including dead load, including dead load and live load, but not off-center loading. The ratio, MR / MN MN being the wind heeling moment and MR being the resisting moment due to buoyancy, shall be equal to one (1) applied with a list equal to four (4°) degrees.

f. Calculations by Qualified Engineer. Calculations shall be submitted by a qualified engineer showing that the floating home conforms to the requirements of this section.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Watertight pontoons, floats, hulls or other devices used to keep the floating home afloat shall be fitted with transverse or longitudinal watertight bulkheads which provide compartmentation sufficient to keep the fully loaded floating home afloat with positive stability with any one (1) compartment flooded. This requirement may be waived by the Building Official upon certification by a competent architect or engineer familiar with such devices that design, materials and construction of the hull or other flotation devices is such that the possibility of rupture is extremely remote.

a. Construction (General). Flotation devices shall be structurally sound and securely fastened to the floating home superstructure. Flotation devices shall be constructed so that access to each compartment is readily available from the first floor level of the completed floating home. The external surfaces of all flotation devices shall be watertight and thoroughly protected from corrosion from salt water, solvents and weather.

b. Bilge Pump. Where permanent type flotation such as styrofoam or plastic foam is not provided, an adequate portable bilge pump shall be maintained in proper working order.

c. Holding Tank. Flotation and decking shall provide access to and protection for the holding tank and sewage pump.

d. Material. All material, such as decking, siding and subflooring, which is subjected to moisture or water splash shall be of a type not adversely affected by moisture, or shall be treated.

e. Framing. Floors, walls, roofs, partitions and all structural framing members shall be designed and constructed by use of diaphragm walls in such manner that the superstructure will act as a unit independent of the flotation or hull structure and will not be adversely affected by point reactions under said flotation or hull.

(Ord. 1610 N.S.)

a. General. The provisions of this subsection cover the electric conductors and equipment installed within or on the floating homes and the conductors that connect floating homes to the supply of electricity. Wherever requirements of the National Electrical Code and this subsection differ, the requirements of this subsection shall apply. The provisions of this subsection apply to floating homes only. A wiring system nominally rated 115/230 volts, three (3) wire AC, with grounded neutral shall be used.

b. Branch Circuits, Feeders and Calculations. Branch circuits, feeders and calculations, shall correspond to requirements for a single unit of a multi-family dwelling and comply with the National Electrical Code and the Alameda Rules and Regulations Articles Nos. 210-215 and 220.

c. Services. Service equipment shall be placed ashore and shall comply with the National Electrical Code and the Alameda Rules and Regulations Article 230 in all applicable respects. Power supply from dock or shore to floating homes shall be cord, Type SSO or ST, installed in compliance with the National Electrical Code Article No. 400 with one (1) conductor in the cord for grounding only, in addition to the neutral conductor. Individual cord over current protection shall not exceed fifty (50) amperes. Not more than two (2) cords may be installed to supply one (1) vessel. Cords shall be fitted with an approved separable connector at the shore end and direct connected at the vessel distribution panel. The cord shall be supported with a corrosion resistant mesh type strain relief device at the vessel end.

d. Grounding. The neutral terminal block of the vessel's distribution panel shall not be grounded to the metal parts of the vessel. The grounding conductor or conductors of the supply cord or cords shall be terminated on a grounding bus in the distribution panel. The hull, if metal, and electrical equipment, metallic piping, exposed metal structural members, metal railing, ladders, etc., shall be effectively bonded to the ground bus. If the hull is built of material other than metal, a ground electrode of corrosion-resistant metal shall be so located as to be in contact with the water and be connected with #6 AWG copper wire to the ground bus. The electrode shall be of bronze or brass and not smaller than one-quarter (1/4″) inch diameter and eighteen (18″) inches in length.

e. Wiring Methods.

1. Installation in wood frame construction may be in accordance with the National Electrical Code Article No. 336 "Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable," except that exposed work will not be permitted in living areas.

2. The following methods are acceptable for all types of construction:

(a) National Electrical Code, Article No. 330. Mineral Insulated-Metal Sheathed Cable.

(b) National Electrical Code, Article No. 333. Armored Cable.

(c) National Electrical Code, Article No. 334. Metal-clad Cable.

(d) National Electrical Code, Article No. 338. Service Entrance Cable. Use in accordance with Alameda Rules and Regulations, Article No. 338.

(e) National Electrical Code, Article No. 346. Rigid Metal Conduit.

(f) National Electrical Code, Article No. 348. Electrical Metallic Tubing.

(g) National Electrical Code, Article No. 351. Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit.

(h) National Electrical Code, Article No. 352. Surface Metal Raceways.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.; Ord. No. 2722 N.S. § 7)

The plumbing of all floating homes as defined in this section shall comply with the requirements of the Alameda Plumbing Code, except as follows:

a. Building Drain. The building drain shall be deemed to be that part of the lowest piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from all soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the floating home or other structure and conveys it to a sewage device conforming to subsection 13-38.15(j), hereof.

b. Plastic Piping. A.B.C. drainage, waste and vent piping and P.V.C. drainage, waste and vent piping conforming to the product and installation standards of the Alameda Plumbing Code will be permitted as an alternate method of construction when first approved by the Building Official. Plastic pipe in floating homes or other structures shall be limited to that part within the walls of the floating home or other structure.

(Ord. No. 2722 N.S. § 8)

An approved sewage receiving tank and ejection device shall be installed aboard every floating home or other floating structure. The devices shall consist of an approved tank with a liquid capacity of not less than thirty (30) gallons nor more than forty (40) gallons and shall be equipped with a two (2″) inch discharge line and a one-half (1/2) horsepower pump. The inboard sewerage device shall be connected to an approved moorage sewage collection system.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

All gas piping installed in a floating home or in any other floating structure shall be installed in accordance with the Alameda Plumbing Code with the following exception:

a. Exposed Piping. All gas piping installed in a floating home or other floating structure which is exposed to corrosion shall be provided with an approved protective coating or shall be galvanized and painted.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.; Ord. No. 2722 N.S. § 9)

The size of all rooms shall comply with the requirements for dwellings as set forth in the Building Code referred to in subsection 13-38.6b.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The height of all ceilings shall comply with the requirements for dwellings as set forth in the Building Code referred to in subsection 13-38.6b as follows:

a. Habitable rooms or spaces shall have an average ceiling height of seven feet six inches (7'6″) and no portion of any room having a ceiling height of less than five (5') feet shall be included in computing the minimum areas specified elsewhere herein. All ceilings may be furred down to seven (7') feet if the required ceiling is maintained in at least two-thirds (2/3) of the room or space. Attic spaces shall not be used for habitable purposes unless the ceiling heights meet the above requirements.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The building height of a floating home shall not exceed two (2) stories and the total height, measured from first deck to highest point of roof ridge or gable, shall not exceed twenty-two (22') feet.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The general framing or superstructures shall comply with the requirements for dwellings as set forth in the Building Code referred to in subsection 13-38.6b.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

The facilities of all exits shall comply with the requirements for dwellings as set forth in the Building Code referred to in subsection 13-38.6b as follows:

a. Exterior Exits. Stairways or ramps from floating home to mooring dock or float shall be at least thirty-six (36″) inches in width and shall be provided with guard rails on both sides.

b. Interior Exits. Ingress and egress to second floor dwelling quarters shall be by means of stairways at least thirty (30″) inches in width provided with at least one (1) handrail. The use of ladders will not be permitted.

c. Roof and Attic Access. Access to roof and uninhabitable attic areas by means of ladders may be permitted if approved by the Building Official.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Guard rails at least thirty-six (36″) inches in height shall be provided in the following locations:

a. Both sides of all exterior stairways and ramps.

b. All edges of occupied roof areas.

c. Edges of all decks not encompassed by the exterior walls of the floating home superstructure.

Guard rails shall be designed to withstand a twenty (20) pound per foot load applied at the top of the rail. In open type railing intermediate members shall not be spaced more than six (6″) inches apart.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.; Ord. No. 2533 § 29)

At least one (1) 2A rated Class ABC fire extinguisher in operable condition shall be placed in a conspicuous location on board every floating home. The fire extinguisher shall be inspected, emptied, and serviced, annually or immediately after use, whichever occurs first, by a certificated or licensed person authorized by the State Fire Marshal.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Floating homes underway shall carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver, buoyant cushion, ring life buoy, buoyant vest or similar equipment for each person on board. Adequate stowage shall be provided in an accessible location for all life saving equipment.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

Every floating home shall comply with the basic minimum housing standards set forth in those portions of the California Administrative Code referred to in subsection 13-38.6f except as otherwise specifically provided in this section.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)

a. Building Official. The Building Official shall enforce all of the provisions of this section pertaining to the erection, construction, reconstruction, movement or relocation, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, removal, demolition or arrangement of all floating homes and floating home moorages.

b. Health Officer. The Health Officer shall enforce all the provisions of this section pertaining to the maintenance, sanitation, ventilation, use, or occupancy of floating homes and floating home moorage facilities.

c. Chief of Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall enforce all the provisions of this section pertaining to fire prevention, fire protection, the control and spread of fire and safety from fire or panic in relation to floating homes and floating home moorages.

d. Right of Entry. Any or all of the above officials or their authorized deputies or representatives may with the consent of the occupant or with the consent of the owner of unoccupied premises or pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant enter any floating home or other structure located on the premises of a floating home moorage at any reasonable time to perform any duty imposed on him/her by this section.

e. Time for Compliance. All floating homes and floating home moorages in existence in the City on or after the effective date of this section shall comply with the requirements thereof for new floating homes and new floating home moorages within the time limit as may be specified by the Health Officer, Building Official, Chief of Fire Department or Superintendent of the Electrical Department but the time limit shall not exceed six (6) months.

f. Appeals. In the event that any applicant or permittee is for any reason dissatisfied with the actions of the Health Officer, Building Official, Chief of Fire Department or Superintendent of the Electrical Department resulting in the denial or revocation of a Certificate of Occupancy or in the imposition of any conditions relating to the Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant or permittee shall have the right to appeal to the Building Code Board of Appeals in writing within ten (10) days after notification of the actions of the officials. The applicant will be notified by registered or certified mail of the date, time and place set for hearing of the appeal.

g. Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, persons or legal entity to use, or cause to be used, a floating home which does not comply with the provisions of this section. Any person violating any of the provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 1610 N.S.)