Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.28 Seismic Strengthening of Buildings Having Unreinforced Masonry Bearing…

Contents:

15.28.010 Purpose and intent.

15.28.020 Scope and applicability.

15.28.030 Definitions.

15.28.040 Rating classifications.

15.28.050 Compliance requirements.

15.28.060 Enforcement and administrative provisions.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death, injury, and property damage that may result from earthquakes affecting existing buildings containing unreinforced masonry bearing walls. These standards provide minimum seismic resistance requirements intended to reduce, but not necessarily prevent, loss of life, injury, or structural damage.

(Ord. 96-1150 § 2 (part), 1996: prior code § 7-5.1) (Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. This chapter applies to all existing buildings having at least one unreinforced masonry bearing wall.

2. Buildings constructed of hollow concrete block or hollow clay tile not exceeding two stories may be strengthened under this chapter provided that bonding, bearing capacity, and shear capacity are verified to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

3. When a reroofing permit is applied for on any building regulated by this chapter, the requirements for parapet bracing and tension wall anchors between all exterior walls and the roof shall be applied.

4. Exceptions:

5. Detached one or two family dwellings and detached apartment houses with fewer than five dwelling units that are used solely for residential purposes.

6. Essential or hazardous facilities as defined in Table 16-K of the California Building Code. Such structures shall comply with the CBC.

(Ord. 96-1150 § 2 (part), 1996: prior code § 7-5.2) (Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

For purposes of this chapter, the definitions in the California Building Code apply. The following additional definitions apply:

High risk building means a non-essential, non-hazardous building with an occupant load of 300 persons or more.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Medium risk building means a building with an occupant load of 25 to 299 persons, including buildings exceeding 300 occupants that are occupied fewer than 20 hours per week.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Low risk building means a building with an occupant load of fewer than 25 persons.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Portions acting independently: Portions of buildings shown by analysis to resist seismic forces independently may be classified separately.

(Ord. 96-1150 § 2 (part), 1996: prior code § 7-5.3)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Each building subject to this chapter shall be assigned a rating classification based on the occupant load determined under the California Building Code. Classifications shall follow Table 15.28-A.

Table 15.28-A - Rating Classification

(Ord. 96-1150 § 2 (part), 1996: prior code § 7-5.4) (Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. Upon service of an order to comply, the owner shall cause a structural analysis to be performed by a licensed engineer or architect.

2. If the structure does not meet the minimum seismic requirements of this chapter, the owner shall strengthen or demolish the building.

3. Compliance shall be achieved by submitting the following to the Building Official:

4. Structural analysis demonstrating compliance, within 270 days of the order; or

5. Structural analysis and strengthening plans, within 270 days of the order; or

6. Plans for installation of wall anchors, within 180 days of the order; or

7. Plans for demolition, within 270 days of the order.

8. Once plans are approved, the owner shall obtain a permit, commence work, and complete construction or demolition within the time limits set forth in Table 15.28-B.

9. If the owner first elects to install wall anchors under subdivision (C)(3), the time limits for strengthening or demolition restart from the date anchor installation plans are submitted.

Table 15.28-B - Seismic Strengthening Schedule

(Ord. 96-1150 § 2 (part), 1996: prior code § 7-5.5) (Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. Orders to comply.

The Building Official shall issue orders based on the priorities established in Table 15.28-A.

2. Bulletin (optional pre-order notice).

The Building Official may issue an informational bulletin prior to the formal order.

3. Contents of order.

Orders shall identify the building, rating classification, applicable requirements, and timelines.

4. Appeals.

Appeals of initial determinations that a building falls under this chapter shall be filed within sixty days and shall be heard by the Building Board of Appeals under Chapter 15.02.

5. Recordation.

Upon service of an order, the Building Official shall record a notice that the building is potentially earthquake hazardous. When compliance is achieved, the Building Official shall record a release of notice.

6. Failure to comply.

If the owner fails to comply with required deadlines after proper service, the Building Official may:

1. Order the building vacated;

2. Maintain the building vacated until compliance is achieved;

3. Order demolition under applicable law.

4. Coordination with Chapter 15.02.

Administrative processes, timelines, stop-work authority, enforcement tools, citations, recovery of costs, and hearings are governed by Chapter 15.02.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. O), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025