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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 15 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION

Calexico Municipal Code Ch. 15.64 Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Buildings

Calexico Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Calexico

Cite as: Calexico Municipal Code Chapter 15.64 · Text as of 2026-10-04

15.64.010 - Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings constructed prior to the adoption date of the Building Code requiring earthquake resistant design of buildings. Such buildings have been widely recognized for sustaining life-hazardous damage, including partial or complete collapse during moderate to strong earthquakes.

The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of life loss or injury. Compliance with these standards will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to rehabilitated buildings. This chapter does not require alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems unless they constitute a hazard to life or property.

This chapter provides systematic procedures and standards for identification and classification of unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings based on their present use. Priorities, time periods and standards are also established under which these buildings are required to be structurally analyzed and anchored. Where the analysis finds deficiencies, this chapter requires the building to be strengthened or demolished.

Qualified historical buildings shall comply with the State Historical Building Code (SHBC) established under Part 8, Title 24 of the California Administrative Code.

(Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

Exceptions & meaning →

15.64.020 - Scope.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings constructed or under construction prior to the adoption date of local earthquake resistant code requirements, or for which a building permit was issued prior to that date, which on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter have unreinforced masonry bearing walls as defined herein.

Exception: This division shall not apply to detached one or two family dwellings and detached apartment houses containing less than five dwelling units and used solely for residential purposes.

(Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

Exceptions & meaning →

15.64.030 - Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, the applicable definitions in Sections 2302 and 2312 of the Uniform Building Code (1) shall apply:

"Building" for the purpose of determining occupant load, means any contiguous or interconnected structure and for the purpose of engineering evaluation, means the entire structure or any portion thereof which will respond to seismic forces as a unit.

"Building collapse" or "partial collapse" means the condition brought about by inadequate resistance to loading external hazards, whether entire or localized, give way internally, or onto lower adjacent buildings (with a minimum height differential of six feet) or onto an adjacent exit or public way.

"Building maintenance" means the act or process of applying preservation treatments to a building or structure to mitigate wear and deterioration without altering the appearance of the building or structure, and the repair or replacement in kind of broken or worn-out elements, parts or surfaces so as to keep the existing appearance. Building maintenance includes stabilization work necessary to protect damaged historic fabric from additional damage and the actions taken to prevent damage and minimize conservation or by performing a suitable treatment on the object itself.

"Cumulative value of remodel or renovation" means the value of remodel or renovation accumulated from January 1, 1994 to the date an event occurs or as otherwise specified. Renovation shall exclude the value of any nonstructural tenant improvements made or performed subsequent to the date a building owner provides floor-to-wall and roof-to-wall anchors.

"Essential building" means any building housing a hospital or other medical facility having surgery or emergency treatment areas; fire or police stations; municipal government disaster operation and communication centers.

"Existing use or occupancy" means any use or occupancy that was legally established in a building at any time since its original construction.

"External hazards" means objects attached to or located on the roof structure or forming the exterior facade of a building which have the potential to give way internally or onto lower adjacent buildings (with a minimum height differential of six feet) or onto an adjacent exit or public way. Examples include, but are not limited to, decorative precast concrete, parapets, masonry chimneys, tile roofing, fire escapes or balconies, tanks and masonry or stone wall veneers and wall ornamentation.

"High risk building" means any building, not classified an essential building, having an occupant load of one hundred or more, as determined by Section 3302(a) of the Uniform Building Code.

Exception: A high risk building shall not include the following:

  1. Any building having exterior walls braced with masonry crosswalls or wood frame crosswalls spaced less than forty feet apart in each story. Crosswalls shall be full story height with a minimum length of one-half times the story height;

  2. Any building used for its intended purpose, as determined by the building official, for less than twenty hours per week.

"Historical buildings" means any qualified historical building as defined by the State Historical Building Code, and includes any structure, collection of structures, historical landscape, artifacts, objects and their associated sites, and historic districts deemed of importance to the history, architecture or culture of an area by an appropriate local, state or federal governmental jurisdiction.

Historical building also includes, but shall not be limited to, designated contributing buildings listed in historical registers or official inventories, such as the National Register of Historic Places, state Historical Landmarks, city or county registers or inventories of historical buildings or structures included in inventories submitted to the office of historic preservation shall be treated as historical buildings if they have been evaluated by the office and given any rating other than ineligible.

"Low risk building" means any building, not classified as an essential building, having an occupant load of less than twenty occupants as determined by Section 3302(a) of the Uniform Building Code.

"Medium risk building" means any building, not classified as a high risk building or an essential building, having an occupant load of twenty occupants or more as determined by said Section 3302(a).

"Remodel or renovation" means any work requiring a permit including, but not necessarily limited to, additions, and plumbing upgrading or replacement, or structural upgrading or replacement.

"Seismic retrofit (complete)" means the mitigation of any deficiencies found to exist in the building's lateral force resisting system which could potentially cause collapse or partial collapse failure.

"Unreinforced masonry bearing wall" is defined in the Uniform Code for Building Conservation (UCBC) Appendix Chapter 1, a copy of which is on file in the office of the city clerk.

"Value of the building" means the valuation obtained using the then current building valuation schedule administered by the building official for new construction or an appraisal certified by a member of a recognized appraisal institute, whichever is greater, of the building itself.

"Value of remodel or renovation" means the valuation of work, requiring a permit, that is obtained by using the building valuation schedule administered by the building official for tenant improvements, additions or alterations in effect at the time of permit issuance or other evidence satisfactory to the building official of the valuation of work, whichever is less. If unpermitted work, for which a permit is required, is discovered after January 1, 1994, the valuation of the work is obtained by using the current building valuation schedule administered by the building official for tenant improvements, additions or alterations.

(Ord. 951 (part), 1995: Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

Exceptions & meaning →

15.64.040 - Rating classifications.

The rating classifications shown in Table 15.64-A are hereby established and each building within the scope of this chapter shall be placed in one rating classification by the building official. The total occupant load of the entire building as determined by Section 3302(a) of the Uniform Building Code shall be used to determine the rating classification.

Exception: For the purpose of this chapter, portions of buildings constructed to act independently when resisting seismic forces may be placed in separate rating classifications.

(Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

Exceptions & meaning →

15.64.050 - General requirements.

A. The owner of each building within the scope of this chapter shall cause structural analysis of the building to be made by a civil or structural engineer or architect licensed by the state of California. If the building does not meet the minimum earthquake standards specified in this chapter, the owner shall either cause it to be structurally altered to conform to such standards; or cause the building to be demolished.

B. The owner of a building within the scope of this chapter shall comply with the requirement set forth above by submitting to the building official for review within the stated time limits:

  1. Within two hundred seventy days after the service of the order, a structural analysis, which is subject to approval by the building official, and which shall demonstrate that the building meets the minimum requirements of this chapter; or

  2. Within two hundred seventy days after the service of the order, the structural analysis and plans for the proposed structural alterations of the building necessary to comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter; or

  3. Within one hundred twenty days after service of the order, plans for the installation of wall anchors in accordance with the requirements specified in Section 15.64.070(C); or

  4. Within two hundred seventy days after the service of the order, plans for the demolition of the building.

C. After plans are submitted and approved by the building official, the owner shall obtain a building permit, commence and complete the required construction or demolition within the time limits set forth in Table 15.64-B. These time limits shall begin to run from the date the order is served in accordance with Section 15.64.060(A) and (B).

D. Owners electing to comply with subsection C of this section are also required to comply with subsections B or D of this section provided, however, that the two hundred seventy day period provided for in such subsections B and D and the time limits for obtaining a building permit, commencing construction and completing construction for complete structural alterations or building demolition set forth in Table 15.64-B shall be extended in accordance with Table 15.64-C. Each such extended time limit, except the time limit for commencing construction shall begin to run from the date the order is served in accordance with Section 15.64.060(B). The time limit for commencing construction shall commence from the date the building permit is issued.

E. Each owner of the buildings within the scope of this chapter shall within two years from service of order, cause the removal, stabilization or bracing of any parapet and other external hazard or exterior wall or roof appendage. Per Section 110(F) of the 1991 UCBC Appendix, Chapter 1. 1. Triggering Mechanisms. No further action is required by the owner of the building covered under Section 15.64.020 unless one of the following conditions occurs:

a. Remodel or Renovation over a Certain Valuation. The value of remodel or renovation shall not include the value of any existing unpermitted work which is declared by the building owner to the building official no later than one hundred twenty calendar days after January 1, 1994, provided no notice of violation has been issued against the building by the building official and the owner obtains a permit for the work. The owner shall be charged current permit fees, but no penalty will be charged for voluntary disclosure during this period.

i. Value of Remodel or Renovation over Fifty Percent. When the cumulative value of remodel or renovation to the building, excluding the cost of seismic retrofit, or the removal, stabilization or bracing of external hazards exceeds fifty percent of the value of the building within any five-year period subsequent to January 1, 1994, the owner shall within five years after the date of service, provide floor-to-wall and roof-to-wall anchors around the perimeter of the entire building. Existing floor-to-wall anchors must meet, or shall be upgraded to meet, the minimum requirements of Section A-110(a) of the UCBC Appendix Chapter 1, or new anchors meeting those requirements shall be installed. If the building is a historical building, the installation shall comply with the State Historical Building Code. Installation will not be required if the owner establishes to the satisfaction of the building official through a structural survey and engineering report that the existing anchoring system meets those requirements.

ii. Value of Remodel or Renovation over One Hundred Percent. When the cumulative value of remodel or retrofit to a building, excluding the cost of seismic retrofit, or the removal, stabilization or bracing of external hazards, exceeds one hundred percent of the value of the building within any five-year period subsequent to January 1, 1994, the owner shall submit to the building official a retrofit guideline document within two hundred forty calendar days after the date of service detailing plans for a complete retrofit of the building to be completed according to the technical provisions of this chapter within a five-year period from the date of permit issuance.

iii. Historical Buildings. If the building is a historical building, all items listed in the structural survey and engineering report requiring mitigation shall be thoroughly addressed under the provisions of the State Historical Building Code.

iv. Time Schedule. The time schedule shall specify completion dates for each phase of the seismic retrofit with the final date for completion of all items listed in the structural survey and engineering report to a maximum of five years from the date of permit issuance for the portion of remodeling or renovation whose cost exceeds one hundred percent of the value of the building.

b. Change to a Higher Hazard Category Requiring Seismic Retrofit. Upon change in use or occupancy of fifty percent or more of the floor area of the building from an existing use of occupancy to a higher hazard category as determined by Sections 15.64.030, 15.64.040 and Table 15.64-C, the following shall apply:

i. Retrofit Guideline Document. The owner shall submit a retrofit guideline document within two hundred forty calendar days after the date of service, which shall detail plans for a complete retrofit of the building according to the technical provisions of this chapter to be completed within a five-year period from the date of change in use of occupancy to the higher hazard category, if the structural analysis and engineering report establish that the building fails to meet the requirements of this chapter.

ii. Historical Buildings. If the building is a historical building, all items listed in the structural survey and engineering report requiring mitigation shall be thoroughly addressed under the provisions of the State Historical Building Code.

iii. Time Schedule. The time schedule shall specify completion dates for each phase of the seismic retrofit, with the final date for completion of all items listed in the structural and engineering report to be a maximum of five years from the date of change in use of occupancy to a higher hazard category.

c. Unsafe. If the building is declared structurally unsafe, abatement of the unsafe condition shall be initiated.

Note: This chapter does not require alteration of existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire-safety systems.

(Ord. 951 (part), 1995: Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

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15.64.060 - Administration.

A. Service of Order. The building official shall issue an order, as provided in subsection B of this section, to the owner of each building within the scope of this chapter in accordance with the minimum time period for service of such orders set forth in Table 15.64-C. The minimum time period for the service of such orders shall be measured from the effective date of this chapter. Upon receipt of a written request from the owner, the building official shall order a building to comply prior to the normal service date for such building set forth in this section.

B. Contents of Order. The order shall be in writing and shall be served either personally or by certified or registered mail upon the owner as shown on the last equalized assessment, and upon the person, if any, in apparent charge or control of the building. The order shall specify that the building has been determined by the building official to be within the scope of this chapter, and therefore, is required to meet with minimum seismic standards of this chapter. The order shall specify the rating classification of the building and shall be accompanied by a copy of Section 15.64.050 which sets forth the owner's alternatives and time limits for compliance.

C. Appeal From Order. The owner or person in charge or control of the building may appeal to (the board of appeals) the building official's initial determination that the building is within the scope of this chapter. Such appeal shall be filed with the board within sixty days from the service date of the order described in subsection B of this section. Any such appeal shall be decided by the board no later than sixty days after the date that the appeal is filed. Such appeal shall be made in writing upon appropriate forms provided therefor, by the building official and the grounds thereof shall be stated clearly and concisely. Each appeal shall be accompanied by a filing fee as set forth in the code.

Appeal or requests for slight modifications from any other determinations, orders or actions by the building official pursuant to this chapter, shall be made in accordance with the normal appeal procedures established in this code.

D. Recordation. At the time that the aforementioned order is served, the building official shall file with the office of the county recorder a certificate stating that the subject building is within the scope of this chapter. The certificate shall also state that the owner thereof has been ordered to structurally analyze the building and to structurally alter or demolish it where it is not found to comply with this chapter.

If the building is found not to be within the scope of this chapter, or as a result of structural alterations or an analysis is found to be structurally capable of resisting minimum seismic forces required by this chapter; or is demolished; the building official shall file with the office of the county recorder a certificate terminating the status of the subject building as being classified within the scope of this chapter.

E. Enforcement. If the owner or other person in charge or control of the subject building fails to comply with any order issued by the building official pursuant to this chapter within any of the time limits set forth in Section 15.64.050, the building official shall order the entire building vacated and remain vacated until such order has been complied with. If compliance with such order has not been accomplished within ninety days after the date the building has been ordered vacated, or by such additional time as may have been granted by the appeals board, the building official may order demolition of the building in accordance with the abatement of dangerous buildings provisions of this code.

F. 1.

Order. The building official may, in accordance with the priorities set forth in Table No. 15.64-C, issue an order as provided in this section for each building within the scope of this chapter. The date of issuance of such order shall be at the discretion of the building official.

  1. Prior to the service of an order as set forth in Table No. 15.64-C, a notice may be issued to the owner as shown upon the last equalized assessment roll or to the person in the apparent charge or control of a building considered by the building official to be within the scope of this chapter. The notice may contain information the building official deems appropriate. The notice may be issued by mail or in person.

(Ord. 951 (part), 1995: Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

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15.64.070 - Analysis and design.

A. General. Every structure within the scope of this chapter shall be analyzed and constructed to resist minimum total lateral seismic forces assumed to act nonconcurrently in the direction of each of the main axes of the structure in accordance with the following equation:

V=ZIKCSW (88-1)

The value of IKCS need not exceed the values set forth in Table 15.64-D based on the applicable rating classification of the building.

B. Lateral Forces on Elements of Structures. Parts or portions of structures shall be analyzed and designed for lateral loads in accordance with subsection A of this section and Section 2312 (e) of the Uniform Building Code but not less than the value from the following equation:

F p = ZIC p SW p (88-2)

For the provisions of this subsection, the product of IS need not exceed the values as set forth in Table 15.64-E.

Exception: Unreinforced masonry walls in buildings not having a rating classification of I may be analyzed in accordance with Section 15.64.080.

The value of c p need not exceed the values set forth in Table 15.64-F.

C. Anchorage and Interconnection. Anchorage and interconnection of all parts, portions and elements of the structure shall be analyzed and designed for lateral forces in accordance with Table 15.64-F of this code and the equation F p = ZIC p SW p as modified by Table 15.64-E. Minimum anchorage of masonry walls to each floor or roof shall resist a minimum force of two hundred pounds per linear foot acting normal to the wall of the level of the floor or roof.

D. Level of Required Repair. Alterations and repairs required to meet the provisions of this chapter shall comply with all other applicable requirements of the Uniform Building Code unless otherwise specifically provided for in this chapter.

E. Required Analysis.

  1. General. Except as modified herein, the analysis and design relating to the structural alteration of existing structures within the scope of this chapter shall be in accordance with the analysis specified in Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code.

  2. Continuous Stress Path. A complete, continuous stress path from every part or portion of the structure to the ground shall be provided for the required horizontal forces.

  3. Positive Connections. All parts, portions or elements of the structure shall be interconnected by positive means.

F. Analysis Procedure.

  1. General. Stresses in materials from existing construction utilized to transfer seismic forces from the ground to parts or portions of the structure shall conform to those permitted by the Uniform Building Code and those materials and types of construction specified in Section 15.64.080.

  2. Connections. Materials and connectors used for interconnection of parts and portions of the structure shall conform to the Uniform Building Code. Nails may be used as part of an approved connector.

  3. Unreinforced Masonry Walls. Except as modified herein, unreinforced masonry walls shall be analyzed as specified in Section 2406, 2407, and 2408 of the Uniform Building Code to withstand all vertical loads as specified in Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code in addition to the seismic forces required by this chapter. The fifty-percent increase in the seismic force factor for shear walls as specified in Section 2407 (h) 4F of the Uniform Building Code may be omitted in the computation of seismic loads to existing shear walls.

No allowable tension stress will be permitted in unreinforced masonry walls. Walls not capable of resisting the required design forces specified in this chapter shall be strengthened or shall be removed and replaced.

Exceptions:

  1. Unreinforced masonry walls in buildings not classified as a Rating Classification I pursuant to Table 15.64-A may be analyzed in accordance with Section 15.64.080.

  2. An unreinforced masonry wall which carried no design loads other than its own weight may be considered as veneer if it is adequately anchored to new supporting elements.

G. Combination of Vertical and Seismic Forces.

  1. New Materials. All new materials introduced into the structure to meet the requirements of this section which are subjected to combine vertical and horizontal forces shall comply with Section 2303 (f) of the Uniform Building Code.

  2. Existing Materials. When stresses in existing lateral force resisting elements are due to a combination of dead loads plus live loads plus seismic loads, the allowable working stress specified in the Uniform Building Code may be increased one hundred percent. However, no increase will be permitted in the stresses allowed in Section 15.64.080, and the stresses in member due only to seismic and dead loads shall not exceed the values permitted by Section 2303 (d) of the Uniform Building Code.

  3. Allowable Reduction of Bending Stress by Vertical Load. In calculating tensile fiber stress due to seismic forces required by this chapter, the maximum tensile fiber stress may be reduced by the full direct stress due to vertical dead loads.

(Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

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15.64.080 - Materials of construction.

A. General. All materials permitted by the Uniform Building Code including their appropriate allowable stresses and those existing configurations of materials specified herein may be utilized to meet the requirements of this chapter.

B. Existing Materials.

  1. Unreinforced Masonry Walls. Unreinforced masonry walls analyzed in accordance with this section may provide vertical support for roof and floor construction and resistance to lateral loads. The facing and backing of such walls shall be bonded so that not less than four percent of the exposed face area is composed of solid headers extending not less than four inches into the backing. The distance between adjacent full-length headers shall not exceed twenty-four inches vertically or horizontally. Where the backing consists of two or more wythes the header shall extend not less than four inches into the most distant wythe, or the backing wythes shall be bonded together with separate headers whose area and spacing conform to the foregoing.

Tension stresses due to seismic forces normal to the wall may be neglected if the walls do not exceed the height to thickness ratio in Table 15.64-G and the in-plane shear stresses due to seismic loads as set forth in Table 88-J.

If the wall height-thickness ratio exceeds the specified limits, the wall may be supported by vertical bracing members designed in accordance with Section 15.64.070. The deflection of such bracing member and design loads shall not exceed one-tenth of the wall thickness.

Exception: The wall may be supported by flexible vertical bracing members designed in accordance with Section 15.64.070(B) if the deflection at design loads is not less than one-quarter nor more than one-third of the wall thickness.

All vertical bracing members shall be attached to floor and roof construction for their design loads independently of required wall anchors. Horizontal spacing of vertical bracing members shall not exceed one-half of the unsupported height of the wall nor ten feet.

The wall height may be measured vertically to bracing elements other than a floor or roof. Spacing of the bracing elements and wall anchors shall not exceed six feet. Bracing elements shall be detailed to minimize the horizontal displacement of the wall by components of vertical displacements of the floor or roof.

  1. Existing Roof, Floors, Walls, Footings, and Wood Framing. Existing materials including wood shear walls utilized in the described configuration may be used as part of the lateral load resisting system, provided that the stresses in these materials do not exceed the values shown in Table 15.64-H.

C. Strengthening of Existing Materials. New materials including wood shear walls may be utilized to strengthen portions of the existing seismic resisting systems in the described configurations provided that the stresses do not exceed the values shown in Table 15.64-I.

D. Alternate Materials. Alternate materials, designs, and methods of construction may be approved by the building official in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Building Code.

E. Minimum Acceptable Quality of Existing Unreinforced Masonry Walls.

  1. General Provisions. All unreinforced masonry walls utilized to carry vertical loads and seismic forces parallel and perpendicular to the wall plane shall be tested as specified in this subsection. All masonry quality shall equal or exceed the minimum standards established herein or shall be removed and replaced by new materials. Alternative methods of testing may be approved by the building official. Nothing shall prevent pointing with mortar of all the masonry wall joints before the tests are first made. Prior to any pointing, the mortar joints must be raked and cleaned to remove loose and deteriorated mortar. Mortar for pointing shall be Type S or N except that masonry cements shall not be used. All preparation and mortar pointing shall be done under the continuous inspection of a registered deputy building inspector. At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector shall submit a written report to the licensed engineer or architect responsible for the seismic analysis of the building setting forth the result of the work inspected. Such report shall be submitted to the building official for approval as part of the structural analysis. All testing shall be performed in accordance with the requirements specified in this subsection by a testing agency approved by the building official. An accurate record shall be kept of all such tests and of their locations in the building, and these results shall be submitted to the building official for approval as part of the structural analysis.

  2. Number and Location of Tests. The minimum number of tests shall be two per wall or line of wall elements resisting a common force, or one per one thousand five hundred square feet of wall surface, with a minimum of eight tests in any case. The exact test or core location shall be determined at the building site by the licensed engineer or architect responsible for the seismic analysis of the subject building.

  3. In-Place Shear Tests. The bed joints of the outer wythe of the masonry shall be tested in shear by laterally displacing a single brick relative to the adjacent bricks in that wythe. The opposite head joint of the brick to be tested shall be removed and cleaned prior to testing. The minimum quality mortar in eighty percent of the shear tests shall not be less than the total of thirty psi plus the axial stress in the wall at the point of the test. The shear stress shall be based on the gross area of both bed joints and shall be that at which movement of the brick is first observed.

  4. Core Tests. A minimum number of mortar tests specimens equal to the number of required cores shall be prepared from the cores and tested as specified herein. The mortar joint of the outer wythe of the masonry core shall be tested in shear by placing the circular core section in a compression testing machine with the mortar bed joint rotated fifteen degrees from the axis of the applied load. The mortar joint tested in shear shall have an average ultimate stress of twenty psi based on the gross area. The average shall be obtained from the total number of cores made. If these specimens cannot be made from cores taken, then the shear value shall be reported as zero.

F. Testing of Shear Bolts. One-fourth of all new shear bolts and dowels embedded in unreinforced masonry walls shall be tested by a special inspector using a torque calibrated wrench to the following minimum torques:

½″ diameter bolts or dowels = 40 foot-lbs.

⅝″ diameter bolts or dowels = 50 foot-lbs.

¾″ diameter bolts or dowels = 60 foot-lbs.

No bolts exceeding three-fourths inch shall be used. All nuts shall be installed over malleable iron or plate washers when bearing on wood and heavy cut washers when bearing on steel.

G. Determination of Allowable Stresses for Design Methods Based on Test Results.

  1. Design Methods Based on Test Results.

a. Design Shear Values. Design seismic in-plane shear stresses shall be substantiated by tests performed as specified in Section 15.64.080(E)(3) and (4).

Design stresses shall be related to test results obtained in accordance with Table 88-J. Intermediate values between three and ten psi may be interpolated.

b. Design Compression and Tension Values. Compression stresses for unreinforced masonry having a minimum design shear value of three psi shall not exceed one hundred psi. Design tension values for unreinforced masonry shall not be permitted.

H. Five percent of the existing rod anchors utilized as all or part of the required wall anchors shall be tested in pullout by an approved testing laboratory. The minimum number tested shall be four per floor, with two tests at walls with joists framing into the wall or two tests at walls with joists parallel to the wall. The test apparatus shall be supported on the masonry wall at a minimum distance of the wall thickness from the anchor tested. The rod anchor shall be given a preload of three hundred pounds prior to establishing a datum for recording elongation. The tension test load reported shall be recorded at one-eighth inch relative movement of the anchor and the adjacent masonry surface. Results of all tests shall be reported. The report shall include the test results as related to the wall thickness and joist orientation. The allowable resistance value of the existing anchors shall be forty percent of the average of those tested anchors having the same wall thickness and joist orientation.

I. Qualification tests for devices used for wall anchorage shall be tested with the entire tension load carried on the enlarged head at the exterior face of the wall. Bond on the part of the device between the enlarged head and the interior wall face shall be eliminated for the qualification tests. The resistance value assigned the advice shall be twenty percent of the average ultimate loads.

(Ord. 913 § 1 (part), 1990)

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15.64.090 - Information required on plans.

A. General. In addition to the seismic analysis required elsewhere in this chapter, the licensed engineer or architect responsible for the seismic analysis of the building shall determine and record the information required by this section on the approved plans.

B. Construction Details. The following requirements with appropriate construction details shall be made part of the approved plans:

  1. All reinforced masonry walls shall be anchored at the roof level by tension bolts through the wall as specified or by the approved equivalent at the maximum anchor spacing of six feet.

All reinforced masonry walls shall be anchored at all floors with tension bolts through the wall or by existing rod anchors at the maximum anchor spacing of six feet. All existing rod anchors shall be secured to the joists to develop the required forces. The building official may require testing to verify the adequacy of the embedded ends of existing rod anchors. Tests when required shall conform to Section 15.64.080(H).

  1. Diaphragm chord stresses of horizontal diaphragms shall be developed in existing materials or by addition of new materials.

  2. Where trusses and beams other than rafters or joists are supported on masonry, ledgers or columns shall be installed to support vertical loads of the roof or floor members.

  3. Parapets and exterior wall appendages not capable of resisting the forces specified in this chapter shall be removed, stabilized or braced to insure that the parapets and appendages remain in their original position.

  4. All deteriorated mortar joints in unreinforced masonry walls shall be pointed with Type S or N mortar (masonry cements shall not be used). Prior to any pointing, the wall surface must be raked and cleaned to remove loose and deteriorated mortar. All preparation and pointing shall be done under the continuous inspection of a special inspector certified to inspect masonry or concrete. At the conclusion of the project, the inspector shall submit a written report to the building official setting forth the portion of the work inspected.

  5. Repair details shall be prepared for any cracked or damaged unreinforced masonry wall required to resist forces specified in this chapter.

C. Existing Construction. The following existing construction information shall be made part of the approved plans:

  1. The type and dimensions of existing walls and the size and spacing of floor and roof members.

  2. The extent and type of existing wall anchorage to floors and roof.

  3. The extent and type of parapet corrections, if any, which were performed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code.

  4. Accurately dimensioned floor plans and masonry wall elevations showing dimensioned openings, piers, wall thickness and heights.

  5. The location of cracks or damaged portions of unreinforced masonry walls requiring repairs.

  6. The type of interior wall surfaces and whether reinstalling or anchoring of ceiling plaster is necessary.

  7. The general condition of the mortar joints and whether the joints need pointing.

Table 15.64-A Rating Classifications

Type of Building Classification
Essential Building I
High Risk Building II
Medium Risk Building III
Low Risk Building IV

(Ord. 913 Table 88-A, 1990)

Table 15.64-B Time Limits for Compliance (1)

Required Action by Owner Obtain Building Permit Commence Construction Complete Construction
Complete Structural Alterations or Building Demolition 1 year 180 days (2) 3 years
Wall Anchor Installation 180 days 270 days 1 year

(1) Where two or more buildings under separate ownership are to be rehabilitated simultaneously, an extension can be based on the average time requirements for the buildings involved, with a suggested minimum extension of six months. An extension could be granted on submission of a binding agreement between the owners involved, with the actual date of compliance to be determined by the building official.

(2) Measured from date of building permit issuance. All other time limits are measured from the date of the order.

(Ord. 913 Table 88-B, 1990)

Table 15.64-C Service Priorities and Extended Time Provisions

Rating Classification Occupant Load Extension of Time If Wall Anchors are Installed Minimum Time Periods for Service of Order
I—(Highest Priority) Any 1 year 0
II 100 or more 3 years 90 days
III 100 or more 5 years 1 year
III 51 to and including 99 6 years 2 years
III 20 to and including 50 6 years 3 years
IV—(Lowest Priority) Less than 20 7 years 4 years

(Ord. 913 Table 88-C, 1990)

Table 15.64-D Horizontal Force Factors Based on Rating Classification

Rating Classification IKCS
I 0.186
II 0.133
III & IV 0.100

(Ord. 913 Table 88-D, 1990)

Table 15.64-E Horizontal Force Factors "IS" for Parts or Portions of Structures

Rating Classification IS
I 1.50
II 1.00
III & IV 0.75

(Ord. 913 Table 88-E, 1990)

Table 15.64-F Horizontal Force Factor "C P " for Parts or Portions of Buildings or Other Structures (1)

Part or Portion of Buildings Direction of Force Value of C P
Exterior bearing and nonbearing walls, interior bearing walls and partitions over ten feet in height, masonry fences over six feet in height. Normal to Flat Surface 0.20
Cantilever parapet and other cantilever walls, to except retaining walls. Flat Surface 1.00
Exterior and interior ornamentations and appendages. Any Direction 1.00
When connected to or a part of a building; towers, tanks, towers and tanks plus contents, racks over 8 feet, 3 inches in height plus contents, chimneys, smokestacks, and penthouses. Any Direction 0.20 (2) (4)
When connected to or a part of a building: Rigid and rigidly mounted equipment and machinery not required for continued operation of essential occupancies. (5) Any Horizontal Direction 0.20 (3)
Tanks plus effective contents resting on the ground. Any Direction 0.12
Floors and roofs acting as diaphragms. In the plane of the Diaphragm 0.12 (6)
Prefabricated structural elements, other than walls, with force applied at center of gravity of assembly. Any Horizontal Direction 0.30
Connections for exterior panels or elements. Any Direction 2.00
(1) See Section 15.64.070 (B) for use of CP.
(2) When located in the upper portion of any building with an … ratio of 5 to 1 or greater the value shall be increased by fifty percent.
(3) For flexible and flexibility mounted equipment and machinery, the appropriate values for CP shall be determined with consideration given to both the dynamic properties of the equipment and machinery and to the building or structure in which it is placed.
(4) The WP for storage racks shall be the weight of the racks plus contents. The value of CP for racks over two storage support levels in height shall be 0.16 for the levels below the top two levels.
(5) The design of the equipment and machinery and their anchorage is an integral part of the design and specification of such equipment and machinery. The structure to which the equipment or machinery is mounted shall be capable of resisting the anchorage forces (see also Section 2312(K)).
(6) Floor and roofs acting as diaphragms shall be designed for a minimum force resulting from a C of .12 applied to WP unless a greater force results from the distribution of lateral forces in accordance with Section 2312 (e) of the Uniform Building Code.

(Ord. 913 Table 88-F, 1990)

Table 15.64-G Allowable Value of Height-Thickness Ratio of Unreinforced Masonry Walls with Minimum Quality Mortar (1) (2)

Building with Crosswalls as Defined by Section 15.64.030 All Other Buildings
Walls of One Story Buildings 16 13
First Story Wall of Multi-Story Buildings 16 15
Walls in Top Story of Multi-Story Buildings 14 9
All Other Walls 16 13
(1) Minimum quality mortar shall be determined by laboratory testing in accordance with Section 15.64.080 (E).
(2) Table 15.64-G is not applicable to buildings of rating classification I. Walls of buildings within rating classification I shall be analyzed in accordance with Section 15.64.070 (F).

(Ord. 913 Table 88-G, 1990)

Table 15.64-H Values for Existing Materials

Existing Materials or Configuration of Materials (1) Allowable Values
1. HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS
a. Roofs with straight sheathing and roofing applied directly to the sheathing. 100 lbs. per foot for seismic shear
b. Roofs with diagonal sheathing and roofing applied directly to the sheathing. 400 lbs. per foot for seismic shear
c. Floors with straight tongue and groove sheathing. 150 lbs. per foot for seismic shear
d. Floors with straight sheathing and finished wood flooring. 300 lbs. per foot for seismic shear
e. Floors with diagonal sheathing and finished wood flooring. 450 lbs. per foot for seismic shear
f. Floors or roofs with straight sheathing and plaster applied to the joist or rafters. (2) Add 50 lbs. per foot to the allowable values for Items 1a and 1c.
2. SHEAR WALLS
Wood stud walls with lath and plaster. 100 lbs. per foot each side for seismic shear
3. PLAIN CONCRETE FOOTINGS f′ = 1500 psi unless otherwise shown by tests.
4. DOUGLAS FIR WOOD Allowable stress same as No. 1 D.F. (3)
5. REINFORCING STEEL f = 18,000 lbs. per square inch maximum (3)
6. STRUCTURAL STEEL f = 20,000 lbs. per square inch maximum (3)
(1) Material must be sound and in good condition.
(2) The wood lath and plaster must be reattached to existing joists or rafters in a manner approved by the Department.
(3) Stresses given may be increased for combinations of loads as specified in 15.64.070 (G) (2).

(Ord. 913 Table 88-H, 1990)

Table 15.64-I Allowable Values of New Materials Used in Conjunction with Existing Construction (1)

New Materials or Configuration of Materials Allowable Values
1. HORIZONTAL DIAPHRAGMS
Plywood sheathing applied directly over existing straight sheathing with ends of plywood sheets bearing on joists or rafters and edges of plywood located on center of individual sheathing boards. Same as specified in Table 25-J of the Uniform Building Code for blocked diaphragms*
2. SHEAR WALLS
a. Plywood sheathing applied directly over existing wood studs. No value shall be given to plywood applied over existing plaster or wood sheathing. Same as values specified in Table 25-K of the Uniform Building Code for shear walls.
b. Drywall or plaster applied directly over existing wood studs. 75 percent of the values specified in Table 47-I of the Uniform Building Code.
c. Drywall or plaster applied to plywood sheathing over existing wood studs. 33⅓ percent of the values specified in Table 47-I of the Uniform Building Code.
3. SHEAR BOLTS
Shear bolts and shear dowels embedded a minimum of 8 inches into unreinforced masonry walls. Bolt centered in a 2½ inch diameter hole with dry-pack or non-shrink grout around circumference of bolt or dowel. (1) 100 percent of the values for solid masonry specified in Table 24-E of the Uniform Building Code. No values larger than those given for ¾ inch bolts shall be used.
4. TENSION BOLTS
Tension bolts and tension dowels extending entirely through unreinforced masonry walls secured with bearing plates on far side of wall with at least 30 sq. inches of area. (2) 1200 lbs. per bolt or dowel.
5. WALL ANCHORS (15.64.090(B)(1))
a. Bolts extending to the exterior face of the wall with a 2½ inch round plate under the head. Installed as specified for shear bolts. Spaced not closer than 12 inches on centers. (1) (2) 600 lbs. per bolt.
b. Bolts or dowels extending to exterior face of the wall with a 2½ inch round plate under the head and drill at an angle of 22½ degrees to the horizontal shear bolts. (1) (2) 1200 lbs. per bolt or dowel.
6. INFILLED WALLS
Reinforced masonry infilled openings in existing unreinforced masonry walls with keys or dowels to match reinforcing. Same as values specified for unreinforced masonry walls.
7. REINFORCED MASONRY
Masonry piers and walls reinforced per Section 2407, UBC. Same values as specified in Division 26, UBC.
8. REINFORCED CONCRETE
Concrete footings, walls and piers reinforced as specified in Division 26, UBC and designed for tributary loads. Same values as specified in Division 26, UBC.

(Ord. 913 Table 88-I, 1990)

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