Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 15.41 Seismic Safety Administration of Unreinforced Masonry

• Prior ordinance history: Ords. 3303 and 3464.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings which, on the effective date of this chapter, have unreinforced masonry bearing walls as defined in Section 15.40.030.

This chapter provides for strengthening standards for unreinforced buildings as defined in this chapter. This chapter shall not require existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire safety systems, parking, disabled access or other existing nonconforming uses to be altered as a result of seismic strengthening unless they constitute a hazard to life.

Exceptions: This chapter shall not apply to detached one or two family dwellings and detached multi-unit dwellings containing less than five dwelling units and used solely for residential purposes, nor shall it apply to single story warehouse buildings used solely for storage purposes and occupied by fewer than three persons less than three hours per day. (Ord. 3553 § 1, 1993)

Unreinforced masonry buildings shall be made to comply with provisions of Chapter 15.40. Should an owner elect to strengthen a building beyond the requirements set forth in Chapter 15.40, such additional strengthening work shall comply with Appendix Chapter 1 of Uniform Code for Building Conservation, 1991 Edition, which is hereby adopted for that purpose. (Ord. 3553 § 1, 1993)

A. Each owner, as shown on the latest equalized assessment roll of the County of Kern, of an unreinforced masonry building shall undertake structural alterations of said building in accordance with Chapter 15.40 by December 31, 1998.

B. If said owner fails to comply with the provisions as required by this chapter by December 31, 1998, then the subject building shall be declared a nonconforming URM structure. (Ord. 3791 § 1, 1997; Ord. 3553 § 1, 1993)