Alturas Municipal Code Art. VII Exhibits A—D

(a) Work exempt from permit. A permit shall not be required for the types of work in each of the separate classes of permit(s) as listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of the technical codes or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

(1) Building permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following:

a. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the projected roof area does not exceed one hundred twenty square feet (11.15 m 2 ).

b. Fences not over six feet (one thousand eight hundred twenty-nine millimeters) high.

c. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches (one thousand seven hundred fifty-three millimeters) high.

d. Retaining walls which are not over four feet (one thousand two hundred nineteen millimeters) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.

e. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than thirty inches (seven hundred sixty-two millimeters) above grade and not over any basement or story below.

f. Painting, papering and similar finish work.

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

h. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, division 3, and Group M occupancies when projecting not more than fifty-four inches (one thousand three hundred seventy-two millimeters).

i. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, division 3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed five thousand gallons (eighteen thousand nine hundred twenty-five liters).

j. Unless otherwise exempted by this Code, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items.

k. Nothing in this section is to be construed as exempting any of the above from having to meet the city planning and zoning regulations or exempting them from having encroachment permits if they encroach on the public rights-of-way.

(2) Plumbing permits. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:

a. The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work; and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this Code.

b. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, nor for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

(3) Electrical permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:

a. Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the electrical code.

b. Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.

c. Temporary decorative lighting.

d. Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contactor or control device.

e. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor.

f. Repair or replacement of any over current device of the required capacity in the same location.

g. Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.

h. Taping joints.

i. Removal of electrical wiring.

j. Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories.

k. The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.

l. Electrical wiring, devices. Appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than twenty-five volts and not capable of supplying more than fifty watts of energy.

m. Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the electrical code.

n. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility.

(4) Mechanical permits. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:

a. A portable heating appliance.

b. Portable ventilating equipment.

c. A portable cooling unit.

d. A portable evaporative cooler.

e. A closed system of steam, hot or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by the mechanical code.

f. Replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of the technical codes.

g. Refrigerating equipment which is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of the technical codes.

h. A unit refrigeration system as defined.

(Ord. No. 474, § 3.)

Editor's Note. At the direction of the city, Exhibit B Fee Schedules are not set out at length herein but are on file and available for inspection in the Building and Safety Department Office.

(Ord. No. 474, Exh. B)

Part I Building Regulations. The California Building Code (CBC) is amended with the following additions, deletions and modifications, made due to topo-geographical, geographical and climatic conditions to the following sections:

(a) Appendix Chapter 1 Section 105.3.2 is amended as follows:

Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire and become null and void 180 days from the date of issuance. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of a current permit for up to two 180 day extension periods. The maximum allowable total permit time period shall not exceed one and one half (1 ½) years. The fee for extension of a non-expired permit shall be based upon the portion of the incomplete work. Before any work can be recommenced on an expired permit, a new permit shall be obtained. The cost of a new permit to complete a partially completed structure shall be the estimated cost of the incomplete work based on the valuation per Exhibit B, plus a one hundred dollar administration fee. On permits expired for one year or more, the Codes in effect at the time a new permit is issued shall be the Codes which apply to that permit through the point of completion or expiration, whichever occurs first.

(b) Section 107.3 is amended to read as follows:

When submittal documents are required by Section 106.3.2, a plan review fee shall be paid. Said plan review fee shall be 50% of the building permit fee.

(c) Section 108.3 is amended with the following incorporated into said section to read as follows:

The inspections days and times for the City of Alturas are as follows:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Note: Inspections for days or times other than specified above may be arranged upon approval by the Building Official. Such alternate times may require the charging of fees for overtime for the inspector.

It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspection required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.

(d) Section 1505 is amended with the following incorporated into said section to read as follows:

(1) Minimum Class C Roof Covering on all new roofs and reroofing for all structures.

(2) All roofs shall have a hot or cold underlayment roofing from the eave overhang for a distance 6 feet above the exterior wall or to the ridge whichever is less, above 6000 feet elevation.

(e) When notified as located in a "State Responsibly Area (SRA), as required by Fire Safe Regulations" the following shall apply:

(1) Minimum Class A Roof Covering shall be required for all structures and re-roofing of existing structures.

(2) Minimum Class B for Shake or shingle siding (rated roofing materials)

(f) Section 1608A is amended with the following incorporated into said section to read as follows:

MINIMUM ROOF SNOW LOADS (lbs. / sq. ft.) 30 lbs.

(g) Section 1805A.2.1 is amended with the following incorporated into said section to read as follows:

FROST DEPTH REQUIREMENTS 18 in.

Part II Manufactured Home/Mobile Home Installations. The California Health and Safety Code, Division 13, Part 2.1, and said reference to California Code of Regulations, Title 25 is amended to include the provisions set forth in Exhibit C, Part I, items E. & F.

Part III Substandard Buildings. Section 108.1 - 108.1.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code is amended to read as set forth in the State of California Health & Safety Code, Section 17920.3. A copy of the State of California Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3 shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Alturas and shall be made available for the public inspection while the Code is in force.

(Ord. No. 474, Exh. C; Ord. No. 486, § 3, 12-14-2010)

Policies and Guidelines

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Exhibit is to define Department of Public Works office procedures and policies, in order to clarify the application of City of Alturas, Chapter 5, and the application of said chapters with other Chapters of City of Alturas Code.

Section 2. Goals. Provide a service oriented application of the State & Local Building Regulations to the people of the City of Alturas in an efficient and effective manner. The purpose of this part is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of the International or California codes. It is the goal of the Department of Public Works to provide assistance, information, and uniform application of the regulations adopted pursuant to Chapter 5 so as to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and the public welfare.

Section 3. Definitions.

(A) Property Improvement. Any approved permitted structure or building shall include for the purposes of this part, a water source for the sole purpose of landscaping improvements, watering of trees & shrubbery, etc.

(B) Temporary Building Services. Shall be known and referred to in this part as "Temporary Electrical Services".

Section 4. Application Instructions/Requirements. The Department of Public Works shall provide an informational guide along with or at the request of each applicant. These guides shall be based on the information contained herein, and shall include the following:

(A) Information regarding other City or County departments that may assist with providing information or assistance with said application for permit.

(B) Instructions on completing the application.

(C) Expected time for required approvals prior to permit issuance.

(D) Design information & applicable codes currently adopted.

(E) Design information, local City requirements.

(F) Information regarding plans & other required submittal documentation.

(G) Other applicable State or Local Requirements.

Section 5. Permits. Permits for work under the provisions outlined within Section 5-22 shall be issued according to Section 5-26, and where not specific or covered within the Administrative guidelines incorporated therein shall be issued according to the provisions contained in this Exhibit, article IV, Conditions for Permit.

Section 6. Inspections. Due to fiscal constraints the City of Alturas can only provide building inspection services on a part time basis. The Building Official shall establish a weekly schedule for the performance of inspections. The designated days of the week and hours of the day shall be as specified in Exhibit C, Part I.

ARTICLE I. CONDITIONS FOR PERMIT

PART I. General Requirements

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this part is to address Department of Public Works policies with regard to local needs for such policies, some are procedural, others are specific due to geographical constraints or other necessities; these needs shall be included herein and noted as "findings". The policies contained in this Article, a part of Chapter 5, are hereby expressly made a part of said Chapter, Section 5-26. Changes to this part, Article IV shall be required to be made by resolution, by the City of Alturas City Council.

Section 2. Permits.

(A) Electrical permits.

(1) Temporary Electrical Services - Building Services / New Construction.

Findings. This policy is solely a procedural practice. Permit(s) shall be issued as a part of all new construction for which the need for electrical service is indicated. Temporary electrical service may be installed, moved as necessary, from temporary pole locations to installation on a building or structure as required by the owner or owners agent without additional fees. Whenever a temporary electrical service is moved it shall be required to be re-inspected.

(2) Temporary Electrical Services - Emergency Installations.

Findings. This policy is solely a procedural practice. In the event of accidental disconnection of electrical service by wind, fire, or any inadvertent means, on either the Primary side or Secondary side of the service disconnecting means, electrical service shall be allowed to be reconnected by the serving utility if said service or replacement service is deemed safe by the utility, prior to inspection by the City of Alturas Department of Public Works under the following conditions:

(A) Notification of said reconnection shall be made by the Utility to the Department of Public Works. Upon inspection and verification of the safety of the installation and determination as to whether or not permit(s) are required. A permit shall then be issued and the "Temporary electrical service" may then be established as a "Permanent Installation".

(B) In the event that the installation is deemed to be unsafe the Department of Public Works shall notify the Utility and the Service shall be disconnected immediately.

(C) In the event that the installation is determined to be in violation the Department of Public Works shall notify the property owner or owners' agent and the violations corrected in a timely manner or the Utility shall be notified and the service disconnected.

(3) Temporary electrical services. Expiration.

Temporary electrical services shall remain as such until the building or structure has had its final inspection and permanent power is granted as determined by the Building Official. Temporary electrical services may be disconnected at any time regardless of the duration for which the installation has been in existence if a violation of any City of Alturas Code develops or if it should be determined by the Building Official to be unsafe for any reason.

(4) Electrical Services General.

Findings. The existing housing stock in the City of Alturas requires that permits for electrical service up-grades from old style overload protection shall be encouraged, branch circuits shall not be required to be replaced if their installation is within the accepted installation practices of their day. Only in the event that their exists an unsafe or fire danger shall branch circuitry be required to be upgraded as a condition of the permit.

(5) Electrical Service up-grades.

Permits for up-grades of the same or equivalent ampacities may be made without a breakdown of electrical circuits or diagram.

(6) Electrical Service up-grades of higher ampacities.

Permits for up-grades to higher ampacities shall require an electrical lay-out drawing and a breakdown of all electrical circuits.

(7) Electrical Service-Reconnection of existing service.

Permits for reconnection of disconnected or abandoned services shall not be made until an inspection is made by the Building Official. The following shall apply:

(A) If the service is on an uninhabited building intended for residency or business purposes, the Building Official may require the building inspected by a private inspection firm or by other means acceptable to the building official and a letter of certification as to the condition of the wiring within said building, accompanied by an as built electrical lay-out and load calculations of the existing installation prior to permit issuance.

(B) Services for Agricultural installations, either pumps, grain elevators, or other similar uses which require no work other than reconnection by the serving utility and which no hazard exists shall be inspected and the fee may be waived.

(C) Old style "banjo" type meter sockets shall be required to be up-graded to an acceptable meter socket manufactured in accordance with current Standards for Safe Meter Sockets, UL/ANSI-414 and ANSI-C12.7.

(B) Building permits.

(1) Accessory Structures, Garages.

Findings. Many property owners elect to improve their own properties as "Owner-Builders" and subsequently elect to construct a garage or a shop prior to their main residence. Safety of the occupants does not allow occupancy in this classification of building and therefor these structures could become hazardous and a violation of Modoc County Code. If allowed by local Covenants, Codes & Restrictions (C.C. & R.'s) and approved by the Planning Department, the Department of Public Works shall issue a permit for the proposed construction. To prevent misunderstanding and to clarify the allowed use, the permit shall be issued under the following conditions:

(2) Accessory Structures - no other structures on the property.

(A) General conditions of permit issuance. Any permit issued for a garage to be constructed before construction of the dwelling or manufactured home shall include on its face or by attachment the following printed restriction:

"Construction, installation or use authorized by this permit does not authorize this structure to be equipped or used for residential purposes or human occupancy".

(B) By accepting this permit, the applicant acknowledges that:

(1) Other permits will be required for the construction or installation of a dwelling or mobile home on the parcel, and;

(2) Each permit will be subject to the zoning, building and related ordinances in effect at the time the permit is issued.

(3) Electrical service to the structure may be provided per Section 2, (A), 1.

(C) Mechanical permits.

None

(D) Plumbing permits.

None

(Ord. 474, Exh. D; Ord. No. 486, § 3, 12-14-2010)