Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

SECTION 101 Titles, Purpose and Scope

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Palmdale Administrative provisions of the Palmdale building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as the PAP.

101.2 Purpose and Intent.

The purpose of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code is to provide minimum standards to preserve the public peace, health and safety by regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, use, occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings, structures, grading and certain equipment as specifically set forth herein. Consistent with this purpose, the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code are intended and always have been intended to confer a benefit on the community as a whole and are not intended to establish a duty of care toward any particular person.

The PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code, shall not be construed to hold the City of Palmdale or any officer, employee or agent thereof responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection authorized herein or by reason of the issuance or nonissuance of any permit authorized herein, and/or for any action or omission in connection with the application and/or enforcement of the Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code provision and/ or any provisions of the PAP. The adoption of the Palmdale Administrative provisions, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code the City does not intend to impose on itself, its employees or agents any mandatory duties of care toward persons and property within its jurisdiction so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages. This section is declaratory of existing law and is not to be construed as suggesting that such was not the purpose and intent of previous code adoptions.

The provisions of this PAP shall apply to the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of any building or structure and grading for the Palmdale Building, plumbing, mechanical, Electrical, Residential and Green codes within the City and to such work or use by the City.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

The provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code shall not apply to work located primarily in a public way other than pedestrian protection structures required by Chapter 33; public utility towers and poles; equipment not specifically regulated; hydraulic flood control structures; work exempted by; or minor work of negligible hazard to life specifically exempted by the Building Official.

Additions, alterations, repairs and changes of use or occupancy in all buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for new buildings and structures except as otherwise provided in the Palmdale Existing Building Code. Where, in any specific case, different sections of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Existing Building Code, Energy Code, and Green building code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

In the event any differences in requirements exist between the accessibility requirements of the Palmdale Building Code and Part 2, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, then Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations shall govern.

In existing buildings or premises in which any installations are to be altered, repaired or renovated, deviations from the provisions of the PAP are permitted, provided such deviations are found to be necessary and are first approved by the Building Official. Any building may have its existing use, maintenance or repair continued when the Building Official determines that its use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and no hazard to the public health, safety or welfare has been created by such building or installation.

Existing plumbing and any drains may be used in connection with new buildings or new plumbing and drainage work only when they are found on examination and test to conform in all respects to the requirements governing new work, and the Building Official shall notify the owner to make any changes necessary to conform to the Palmdale Plumbing Code. No building or part thereof, shall be erected or placed over any part of a drainage system, which is constructed of materials other than those approved elsewhere in the PAP for use under or within a building. Existing building sewers and building drains may be used in connection with plumbing alterations or repairs if such sewers or drains have been properly maintained and were installed in accordance with the applicable laws in effect at the time of installation.

All openings into a drainage, sewer or vent system, excepting those openings to which plumbing fixtures are properly connected or which constitute vent terminals, shall be permanently plugged or capped in an approved manner, using the appropriate materials required by this PAP.

The owner or the owner's agent shall maintain all buildings, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and drainage system of any premises under the jurisdiction of the Building Official in a safe and sanitary operating condition. Whenever it is brought to the attention of the Building Official that any construction or work regulated by this PPC is dangerous, unsafe, and unsanitary or a menace to life, health or property, or is in violation of any code, the Building Official shall have the authority to make an investigation.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

The Building Official shall have the authority to order any person, firm or corporation using or maintaining any such condition or responsible for the use or maintenance thereof to discontinue the use of or maintenance thereof, or to repair, alter, change, remove or demolish same, as he, in his discretion, may consider necessary for the proper protection of life, health or property.

The Building Official shall have the authority to order any equipment found to be unsafe and a hazard to life and safety disconnected from the energy source that supplies the equipment. The Building Official shall attach a notice to the equipment stating the equipment shall not be reconnected until approved to do so by the Building Official.

No provision of the codes shall be deemed to require a change in any building system or any other work regulated by the PAP in or on an existing building or lot when such work was installed and is maintained in accordance with law in effect prior to the effective date of the PAP, except when any such building, system or other work regulated by the PAP is determined by the Building Official to be in fact dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary, or a nuisance and a menace to life, health, or property.

See City of Palmdale Housing code and/or Palmdale Dangerous Building code.

SECTION 103 – VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

103.1 Compliance with Code.

It shall be unlawful for a person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, equip, or perform any other work on any building or structure or portion thereof, or perform any grading in the City of Palmdale, or cause the same to be done, contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code and any additional codes adopted by the City of Palmdale.

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or portion thereof, in the City of Palmdale, or cause the same to be done, contrary to, or in violation of, any of the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Residential Code, Green Building Code and any additional codes adopted by the City of Palmdale.

103.3 Penalty.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Violations of any provision of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code and any additional codes adopted by the City of Palmdale are punishable as set forth in Palmdale Municipal Code Title 1, are deemed to be a nuisance, and may be abated as such by the City as provided in PMC Chapter 8.36. It shall constitute a new and separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions is committed, continued or permitted. The City may enforce any violation of these codes by any and all means available by law, including but not limited to, civil enforcement through such means as a restraining order and nuisance abatement action for relief such as preliminary or permanent injunction, criminal enforcement, and administrative enforcement. These remedies are intended to be cumulative and may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of each other remedy. Furthermore, the provisions for punishment in this Subsection are in addition to and independent of any other sanctions, penalties or costs which are or may be imposed for a violation of any of the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Green building code and any additional codes adopted by the City of Palmdale.

103.4.1 General.

The Building Official may record a notice with the county recorder's office that a property, building or structure, or any part thereof, is in violation of any code provision provided that the provisions of this section are complied with. The remedy provided by this section is cumulative to any other enforcement actions permitted.

103.4.2 Recordation.

If (1) the Building official determines that any property, building or structure, or any part thereof, is in violation of any provision of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code Provisions; and if (2) the Building Official gives written notice as specified below of said violation; and if (3) within 15 days of said notice, the property, buildings, or structures thereon are not brought into compliance then the Building Official may have sole discretion to, at any time thereafter, record with the county recorder's office a notice that the property and/or any building or structure located thereon is in violation.

The written notice given pursuant to this section shall indicate: 1. The nature of the violation(s); and 2. That if the violation is not remedied to the satisfaction of the Building Official within 15 days the Building Official may, at any time thereafter, record with the county recorder's office a notice that the property and/or any building or structure located thereon is in violation of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and/or Green building code. The notice shall be posted on the property and shall be mailed to the owner of the property as indicated on the last equalized county assessment roll. The mailed notice may be by registered, certified or first class mail. The 15-day period for achieving compliance with shall run from the date the property is posted or from the date of the mailing of the notice, whichever is later. 103.4.4 Rescission.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Any person who desires to have recorded a notice rescinding the notice of violation may present evidence of compliance to the Building Official. If the Building Official determines that the violation has been satisfactorily resolved, the Building official shall record a notice rescinding the prior notice of violation.

Following the recordation of the notice of violation, the Building Official is not required to make any inspection or review of the premises to determine the continued existence of the cited violation. It is the responsibility of the property owner, occupant or other similarly interested private party to present evidence of compliance to the Building Official.

Any person that violates any code provision shall be responsible for the costs of any and all code enforcement actions taken by the Building Official in response to such violations. These costs shall be based on an accounting of all expenses, including overhead, incurred in enforcing the provisions.

SECTION 104 – ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT

104.1 Building and Safety Division.

There is hereby established the Building and Safety Division of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Building Official of the Building and Safety division for the City of Palmdale shall have all authority granted by the PAP, Palmdale Building, Plumbing, Residential, Green, Mechanical, Electrical, Housing and Abatement of Dangerous Building Codes and all mandated State of California regulations and codes. The Building Official shall have the power to render interpretations of these codes and to adopt and enforce rules and supplemental regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformance with the intent and purpose of these codes and available to the public for review.

In accordance with the procedures of the City of Palmdale and with the approval of the city manager, the Building Official may appoint such number of officers, inspectors and assistants, and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. The Building Official may deputize such employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the building and safety division.

104.2.2 Safety Assessments of Structures In the Event of a Catastrophic Event, Disaster, or Declaration of Emergency.

104.2.2.1 Intent. It is the Intent of the City Council to authorize the Building Official to issue orders regarding the occupancy of buildings, structures, or other premises in the City of Palmdale by the posting of safety assessment placards in the event of a catastrophic event, disaster, or other local, state, or federal declaration of emergency.

104.2.2.2. Applicability. The provisions of this section 104.2.2 and its subsections are applicable to all buildings, structures, and other premises (whether improved or unimproved land), of all occupancies in the City of Palmdale.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

104.2.2.3. Safety Assessment – Definition. "Safety assessment" shall mean a visual, nondestructive examination of a building, structure, or other premises (whether improved or unimproved land), or a portion thereof, for the purpose of determining its condition for entry or continued occupancy.

(A) Upon completing a safety assessment of any building, structure, or premises (whether improved or unimproved land) in the event of a catastrophic event, disaster, or declaration of a federal, state, or local disaster or emergency, the Building Official or his authorized designee, shall post a Safety Assessment Placard at each apparent entrance into such building, structure, or premises or at an otherwise conspicuous place thereon. Each placard shall cite Palmdale Building Code Section 104.2.2 et seq. as its authority, and shall contain the address and telephone number of the Building and Safety Division. The Building Official or his authorized designee performing the safety assessment shall legibly note on the placard his or her name or registration number, the facility name, if any, and address to which the placard pertains, and the date and time the safety assessment was completed. Each placard shall also contain a statement prohibiting its removal, alteration, or covering until authorized by the Building Official.

(B) Upon completing a safety assessment, the Building Official or his authorized designee shall post one of the three Safety Assessment Placards set forth in this subsection. The Building Official may, but is not required to, assign a color for each type of placard. The following are verbal descriptions of the Safety Assessment Placards to be used to designate the condition of buildings, structures, or other premises.

1. "INSPECTED – Lawful Occupancy Permitted" is to be posted on any building, structure, or other premises (whether improved or unimproved land) wherein no apparent structural or other hazard has been found in the course of a safety assessment. This placard shall not be construed to mean that there is no damage to the building or structure.

2. "RESTRICTED USE" is to be posted on each building, structure, or other premises (whether improved or unimproved land) that has been damaged wherein the damage requires some form of restriction to its use or occupancy. The placard shall note in general terms the type of damage encountered and concisely note the restrictions on continued occupancy. The placard shall constitute a lawful order of the Building Official, the violation of which is punishable as set forth in Chapter 1.12 of the Palmdale Municipal Code.

3. "UNSAFE – Do Not Enter or Occupy" is to be posted on each building or structure, or premises (whether improved or unimproved land) that has been damaged such that continued occupancy poses a threat to life safety. Buildings, structures, or premises posted with this placard shall not be entered under any circumstance except as authorized in writing by the Building Official, or his or her authorized designee. Safety assessment teams, law enforcement, and disaster response personnel shall be authorized to enter at any time. This placard is not to be used or considered as a demolition order and shall so state. The placard shall note in general terms the type of damage observed during the safety assessment. The placard shall constitute a lawful order of the Building Official, the violation of which may be punished as set forth in Chapter 1.12 of this Code.

(C) Once it has been posted on a building, structure, or other premises, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or other entity other than the Building Official or his authorized designee to remove, alter, cover, or deface a placard. 104.2.3.1 Right of Entry.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of or perform any duty imposed by this PAP or other applicable law, or whenever the Building Official or an authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition which makes such building or premises hazardous, unsafe or dangerous for any reason specified in this PAP or other similar law, the Building Official or an authorized representative is hereby authorized to enter such property at any reasonable time and to inspect the same and perform any duty imposed upon the Building Official by this PAP or other applicable law, provided that (1) if such property is occupied, the Building Official shall first present proper credentials to the occupant and request entry explaining the reasons therefor and (2) if such property is unoccupied, the Building Official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the property and request entry, explaining the reasons therefor. If such entry cannot be obtained because the owner or other person having charge or control of the property cannot be found after due diligence or if entry is refused, the Building Official or an authorized representative shall have some recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure lawful entry and inspect the property.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Building Official or an authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that the building or premises is so hazardous, unsafe or dangerous as to require immediate inspection to safeguard the public health or safety, the Building Official shall have the right to immediately enter and inspect such property and may use any reasonable means required to effect such entry and make such inspection, whether such property is occupied or unoccupied and whether or not permission to inspect has been obtained. If the property is occupied, the Building Official shall first present credentials to the occupant and demand entry, explaining the reasons therefor and the purpose of the inspection.

"Authorized representative" shall include the officers named in Section 104.2.1 and their authorized inspection personnel.

104.2.3.4 Denial of Access.

No person shall fail or refuse, after proper demand has been made upon such person as provided in this section, to promptly permit the Building Official or an authorized representative to make any inspection provided for by this PAP. Any person violating this section shall be punishable as set forth in Title 1 of the Palmdale Municipal Code.

Whenever any building or grading work is being done contrary to the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Green building code, or other City of Palmdale adopted codes, pertinent laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this PAP, the Building Official or in the case of grading the City Engineer may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Official or City Engineer to proceed with the work.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Whenever any structure or portion thereof is being used contrary to the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Green building code or other City of Palmdale adopted codes or whenever any structure or portion thereof which was built contrary to these codes is being used or occupied, the Building Official may order such use discontinued and the structure, or portion thereof, vacated by notice served on any person causing such use to be continued. Such person shall discontinue the use within 10 days after receipt of such notice to make the structure, or portion thereof, comply with the requirements of these codes, provided, however, that the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code and any other City of Palmdale adopted codes shall apply in the event of an unsafe building.

The provision of Division 3.6 of Title I of the Government Code governs the liability and indemnification of the Building Official and any subordinates. The building official, member of the board of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable, either civilly or criminally, and is hereby relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of official duties. Any suit or criminal complaint instituted against any officer or employee because of an act performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties under the provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances implemented through the enforcement of this code shall be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings. The building official or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.

Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code, the Building Official may grant modifications for individual cases, provided the Building Official shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the provision impractical and that the modification is in conformity with the spirit and purpose of the code provision and that such modification does not lessen any fire protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity. The details of any action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the enforcement agency. A written application for the granting of such modifications shall be submitted together with a filing fee as adopted in the current city fee resolution.

The provisions of the respective codes are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed, provided any such alternate has been approved. The Building Official may approve any such alternate, provided that he or she finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation. Copies of the results of all such tests shall be retained for a period of not less than two years after the approval of the structure.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of any code requirement or evidence that any material or any construction does not conform to the requirements of any provision, or in order to substantiate claims for alternate materials or methods of construction, the Building Official may require tests as proof of compliance to be made by an approved agency at the expense of the owner or the owner's agent. Test methods shall be as specified by nationally recognized standards for the material in question. If there are no appropriate test methods specified the Building Official shall determine the test procedure. The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. A written application for use of an alternate material or method of construction shall be submitted together with a filing fee and staff review fees as adopted in the current fee resolution. For the requirements for an approved fabricator, see Palmdale Building code.

The Building Official may request, and shall receive, so far as may be necessary in the discharge of his or her duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the City.

104.2.11 Service.

Whenever this PAP or any Palmdale code requires a notice to be served by personal service or by registered or certified mail, it shall be deemed a reasonable effort has been made to serve such notice when registered or certified letters have been mailed to the address of the interested party as shown on the official record and/or the record of the county assessor. When an address is not so listed or contact cannot be made at the listed address, the service shall be by posting a copy of the notice on the structure.

The Building Official shall keep a permanent, accurate account of all fees and other moneys collected and received under the provisions of the PAP or any city ordinance, the names of the persons upon whose account the same were paid, and the date and amount thereof, together with the location of the building or premises to which they relate.

104.2.13 Amendments to Ordinances.

Whenever any reference is made to any other ordinance, such reference shall be deemed to include all future amendments thereto.

Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section is used in the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Green building code, and other City of Palmdale adopted codes and ordinances, each such name or term shall be deemed and construed to have the meaning ascribed to it in this section.

AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION shall mean the Building Official.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT shall mean the Building and Safety Division of the City of Palmdale.

BUILDING OFFICIAL shall mean the Building Official of the Division of Building and Safety charged with the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code, Green building code, and other City of Palmdale adopted codes and ordinances, or the Building Official's duly authorized representative.

BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD shall mean the Appeals Board.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

CITY ENGINEER shall mean City Engineer of the City of Palmdale.

DANGEROUS BUILDING CODE shall mean the Palmdale Abatement of Dangerous Building Code.

DEMOLITION. Whenever the term "demolition" or "demolish" is used in this PBC or other Palmdale codes it shall include the removal of the foundation or basement and resulting debris from such demolition and the filling of excavations exposed by such demolition as required by any other laws or ordinances and the removal and/or capping of any sewage disposal system.

ELECTRICAL CODE shall mean the Palmdale Electrical Code.

FIRE CODE or LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE shall mean the Palmdale Fire Code.

FIRE DEPARTMENT shall mean the Los Angeles County Fire District.

GREEN CODE shall mean the Palmdale Green Building Code

HEALTH CODE or LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH CODE shall mean the Health Code as adopted by the City of Palmdale.

HOUSING CODE shall mean the Palmdale Housing Code.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT shall mean the Department of Public Works.

MECHANICAL CODE shall mean the Palmdale Mechanical Code.

MECHANICAL OFFICIAL shall mean Building Official.

PLUMBING CODE shall mean the Palmdale Plumbing Code.

PLUMBING OFFICIAL shall mean Building Official.

QUALIFIED PERSON(S) shall mean any person who obtains and possesses a valid certification, license, or other verification of applicable education, testing, or experience in a specific field or trade recognized by the State of California and approved by the Building Official.

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE shall mean the Palmdale Residential Code.

ROAD COMMISSIONER shall mean the Director of Public Works.

SECTION 105. APPEALS

105.1 Board of Appeals.

In order to conduct the hearings provided for in this PAP there shall be a board of appeals consisting of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. One member shall be a practicing architect, one a competent builder, one a lawyer, one an engineer, each of whom shall have had at least five years experience in the construction industry as an architect, builder, lawyer, or engineer and one physically challenged individual.

Members of the Board of Appeals shall hold office for a term of two years but shall continue to serve until their successor is appointed and takes office. All vacancies shall be appointed by the City Council.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

The building official shall be an ex-officio member and shall act as secretary to the board. The members of the board of appeals shall be appointed by the City Council and shall hold office at its pleasure. If the appeals board has not been appointed, the City Council, for expediency, hereby authorizes the City Manager as follows.

105.1.1. The City Manager may appoint one or more administrative hearing officers to conduct the appeals hearings.

The board of appeals or hearing officer shall have no authority relative to interpretation of the administrative portions of the PAP nor shall the board be empowered to waive requirements of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code.

105.1.3 Accessibility Appeals Board.

In order to conduct the hearings on written appeals regarding notice and orders of the building official and to ratify certain exempting actions of the building official in enforcing the accessibility requirements of the Palmdale Administrative provisions or any Palmdale Code for privately funded construction, to serve as an advisor to the building official on disabled access matters, there shall be an accessibility appeals board which shall be the Appeals Board as Defined in Section 105.1.

The Accessibility appeals board may approve or disapprove interpretations and enforcement actions taken by the building official. All such approvals or disapprovals for privately funded construction shall be final and conclusive as to the building official in the absence of fraud or prejudicial abuse of discretion.

Any person adversely affected by any regulation, interpretation, rule or decision may appeal from any notice and order of the building official as determined by this PAP or Building, Green, Uniform Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Housing, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Codes, by filing at the office of the Building Official a written appeal containing the names and addresses of all persons filing the appeal; the interest of each appellant being adversely affected, a description of the specific order, action, interpretation or decision being appealed, a statement of the reasons for the appeal and the relief being sought. The written appeal must be signed by all persons filing the appeal.

105.3. Time for appeal. Any appeal must be filed within 30 days from the date of the service of the order or notice of the decision which is the subject of the appeal, provided, however, that if the appeal concerns a building or structure in such condition as to make it immediately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the public or adjacent property and is ordered vacated and is posted in accordance with Section 404 of the Abatement of Dangerous Building Codes and Section 1104 of the Housing Code, such appeal must be filed within 10 days from the date of the service of the notice, and order of the building official. If the office of the Building Official does not receive the appeal within the times specified above, the right to an appeal shall be waived and the Order, notice or decision shall be confirmed and final.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Upon receipt of any appeal filed pursuant to this section, the Building Official shall schedule a hearing before the appeals board or before the Administrative Hearing Officer appointed by the City Manager. The hearing shall be held within sixty days of the City's receipt of the written appeal. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing to each appellant by the Building Official by mailing such notice to the address or addresses provided in the appeal.

Except for vacation orders made pursuant to the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code and the Housing Code, enforcement of any notice and order of the building official issued under this code shall be stayed during the pendency of an appeal there from which is properly and timely filed.

105.7 Procedures For Conduct Of Hearing Appeals.

Administrative hearings are informal and formal rules of evidence and discovery do not apply. The appellant may appear at the hearing in person or by written declaration executed under penalty of perjury. Said declaration and any documents in support thereof shall be tendered to and received by the Office of the Building Official at least three (3) City business days prior to the hearing. If the appellant fails to attend the scheduled hearing, or does not submit a written declaration in a timely manner, he or she shall be deemed to have waived the right to a hearing. In such an instance, the Board of Appeals or hearing officer shall cancel the hearing and not render a decision. In such instances, the original Order or decision shall be deemed confirmed.

105.7.1 Continuances. Hearings may be continued once at the request of an appellant or the Building Official. The Board of Appeals or hearing officer may also continue the hearing for cause.

105.7.2. Hearing Decision. After considering all of the testimony and evidence submitted at the hearing, the Appeals Board or Hearing officer shall issue a written decision to uphold or overturn the appealed Order or decision and shall state the reasons therefor. If the Order or decision is upheld, Decision of the hearing officer or Appeals Board shall specify deadline(s) for compliance with the Building Official's Order.

105.7.3 The hearing officer shall serve appellant(s) by first class mail with a copy of the written decision. The date the decision is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service shall constitute the date of its service. The failure of an appellant to receive a properly addressed decision shall not invalidate any hearing, City action or proceeding conducted pursuant to this Chapter.

105.7.4. Decisions of the Appeals Board or hearing officer are final.

A record of the entire proceedings shall be made by tape recording or by any other means determined to be appropriate by the board.

105.7.6. Subpoenas

The City may issue subpoenas requiring attendance of witnesses or production of books or other documents for evidence or testimony at the hearing in accordance with PMC § 2.08.90. It is a violation of the Code punishable as set forth in Title 1 of this Code for any person to refuse without lawful excuse to attend any hearing or to produce material evidence which the person possesses or controls as required by any subpoena.

105.7.7 Inspection of the premises.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

The board or the hearing officer may inspect any building or premises involved in the appeal during the course of the hearing, provided that (i) notice of such inspection shall be given to the parties before the inspection is made, (ii) the parties are given an opportunity to be present during the inspection, and (iii) the board or the hearing officer shall state for the record upon completion of the inspection the material facts observed and the conclusions drawn there from. Each party then shall have a right to rebut or explain the matters so stated by the board or Hearing Officer.

A fee as adopted by the current fee resolution shall be paid to the building official whenever a person requests a hearing or a rehearing before the appeals boards provided for in this section. All requests to appeal determinations, orders or actions of the building official or to seek modifications of previous orders of the appeals boards shall be presented in writing as outlined above.

SECTION 106 PERMITS

106.1 Permits Required.

No person, shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, or equip any building, structure, automatic fire-extinguishing system or portion thereof, perform any grading, or perform landscaping as regulated by City of Palmdale Landscape Ordinance, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a permit for each such building, structure, plumbing system or device, mechanical system or device, electrical system or device, automatic fire-extinguishing system, grading or landscaping from the Building Official or City Engineer.

EXCEPTION: A single permit may be issued for a dwelling and one accessory building of one-story construction that are not over 600 square feet (55.74 m) in area and are on the same property.

No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any "Unpermitted structure." "Unpermitted structure" shall be defined as any structure, or portion thereof, that was erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, connected, converted, demolished or equipped, at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from the Building Official.

106.3 Work Exempted.

A permit shall not be required for the following:

Building and Residential Code:

1. One-story detached light-framed structures accessory to a Group R-3 or U occupancy used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, trellis structures, gazebos, arbors, greenhouses, and similar uses where the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet as measured to the outside walls or support posts and the structure. Structures must meet Planning Division requirements and comply with all of the following conditions:

a. The floor is not more than 30 inches above the adjoining grade,

• b. The overall height is not more than 14 feet as measured from the adjacent grade,

• c. The structure is not constructed on a slope steeper than 3:1,

• d. The structure is not within a flood hazard or floodplain,

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

e. The structure has no permanent heating or air-conditioning,

f. The location of the structure is approved by the city’s Planning Division.

2. Where allowed by the City’s Planning Division, chain link or wire fences not over 8 feet in height, wood, vinyl, or open wrought iron fences, block walls and pilasters not over 6 feet in height, where not constructed within a flood hazard or floodplain.

3. Prefabricated water tanks supported directly on grade where the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to the diameter or width does not exceed one and onehalf to one (1 1/2:1).

4. Movable cases, counters, shelving, and partitions not over five feet nine inches high, except that all work shall comply with handicapped access provisions.

5. One-story detached, greenhouses and pergolas having fifty percent of the roof structure open (lattice), provided the horizontally projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and is separated from existing structure(s) by a minimum of 10 feet.

6. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a slope or surcharge. This exemption does not apply to retaining walls constructed on a slope steeper than 3:1, located in a floodplain, or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

7. Motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery, except when used as a building.

8. Radio and television antennae towers which do not exceed 30 feet in height and ground support dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet in height above finished grade in any position.

9. Light standards on single-family residential property that do not exceed 10 feet in height (electrical permits required).

10. Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not more than 20 feet high located on residential single-family property. Subject to Planning and Zoning requirements.

11. Canopies or awnings attached to a Group R or U Occupancy and extending not more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall of the building.

12. Temporary sheds, office or storage buildings, and other structures incidental to and work authorized by a valid grading or building permit and having obtained city planning department approval as determined by the Planning Division. Electrical and plumbing permits are required when there are any such connections associated with the temporary shed or construction trailer. Such structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of the work covered by the permit.

13. Oil derricks.

14. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.

15. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade, the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons, is not constructed on a slope greater than 3:1 and the lowest point of the bottom of the pool is not more than 18 inches below adjacent grade and meet the Swimming Pool Fence and Gate requirements. Plumbing and electrical permits are required if applicable.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

16. Playground equipment. Structures or equipment accessory to a Group R-3 single-family occupancy that are intended solely for play or amusement, and that are clearly identifiable as play or amusement structures as determined by the Building Official, and that are no more than 14 feet in height above adjacent grade. These structures may include, but are not limited to: swings, slides, climbing structures and similar playground equipment, skateboard or bike ramps, pool slides, whether built-in or free-standing, basketball standards, tennis or sports courts (not including fencing or lighting), and similar structures. Notwithstanding, such structures must comply with all applicable zoning standards for use and location. Where a permanently constructed pool slide or other landscape feature also serves as part of a retaining wall, such portions of the construction that act as a retaining wall require a permit unless specifically exempted here in. An electrical permit shall be required for any permanently connected lighting or other electrical equipment.

Permits shall not be required for the following repair or maintenance work:

1. General building maintenance.

2. Painting, papering, carpeting, and similar work.

3. Repair of minor portions of a building or structure that otherwise would not require a permit, damaged by dry rot, termites, or deterioration, provided the elements being replaced do not reduce the integrity of the building or structure.

4. Repairs to a roof on a building or structure not exceeding 10% of the total roof area or 100 square feet, whichever is less, provided such exempt limits are not exceeded within any one-year period of time, and the provisions of this code, including but not limited to, Title 24 California Energy Code, are met.

5. Drywall repairs not exceeding 100 square feet when not part of a fire-rated assembly.

6. Replacement of glass panes within existing frames provided the provisions of this code for safety glazing are met.

7. Replacement of any component part of mechanical or electrical equipment, provided it does not alter the approval of such equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

8. Replacement of any kitchen appliance, lamp, or bulb, or similar fixture, appliance, or other item of like type, where the appliance uses a standard plug to an existing power source and does not include any plumbing connection(s).

Plumbing Code:

Work Not Requiring Permit

No permit shall be required in the case of any repair work as follows:

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

2. No permit shall be required for the clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures when such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

3. No permit, test or inspection shall be required where a plumbing system or part thereof is set up for exhibition purposes and has no connection with a water or drainage system.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

Mechanical Code

No permit shall be required for the following:

1. Any portable heating appliance.

2. Any portable ventilating equipment.

3. Any portable comfort-cooling unit.

4. Any steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any comfort heating or cooling equipment regulated by this PMC.

5. Replacement of any component part or assembly of an appliance, which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of this PMC.

6. Any portable evaporative cooler.

7. Any refrigerating equipment that is a part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of this PMC.

8. Any unit refrigerating system.

Electrical Code.

1. Minor repair works such as the replacement of lamps, switches, receptacle devices, sockets, taping bare joints and the like, or the connection of portable motor and appliances to suitable receptacles which have been permanently installed.

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

3. The repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers, apparatus, or appliances of the same type and rating in the same location.

4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

5. Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits that are not an integral part of an appliance and in which the power is limited from a source having a rated output of not more than 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes.

6. Temporary Holiday decorative lighting.

7. The installation of temporary wiring for testing or experimental purposes within suitable facilities.

8. Repair or replacement of over current devices.

9. Portable generators, motors, appliances, tools, power outlets, and other portable equipment connected by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug.

10. The installation by Southern California Edison Company of radio controlled relays on privately owned air conditioning and agricultural irrigation pumping equipment in the company's pilot program of energy conservation through electrical load management, entitled "Air Conditioner Cycling and Agricultural and Pumping Interruptible Programs"; provided that:

a. The relays shall be tested and labeled by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.;

b. The Electrical Official shall approve of specifications for the installation of the relays;

c. The relays shall be installed and maintained by Southern California Edison Company or its contractors; and

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

d. The Southern California Edison Company shall make available for random inspection, upon request of and by the City, designated relay installations to ensure code compliance.

11. Private telephone, intercom, sound and communication systems; provided, however, that a permit shall be obtained for the power supplies required by the above systems.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, all electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with all electrical code requirements.

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required for the above-exempted items as applicable.

Exemption from the permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.

106.4 Application for Permit.

To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished for that purpose. Every such application shall: 1) Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made. 2) Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by lot, block, tract and house and street address, or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work. 3) Show the use or occupancy of all parts of the building. 4) Be accompanied by plans and specifications as required. 5) State the valuation of the proposed work or, for grading, the volume of earthwork to be handled. 6) State the area in square feet (m), to be landscaped and the source of water for irrigation. 7) List of all equipment, devices and systems when a combination permit is not being applied for. 8) Be signed by the permittee, or an authorized agent, who may be required to submit evidence to indicate such authority. 9) Give such other information as reasonably may be required by the Building Official.

General:

Within each application for a permit and when required by the Building Official for enforcement of any provisions of the Palmdale codes, plans and specifications shall be submitted in an electronic format approved by the Building Official. Additional storage and processing fees may apply as adopted by the current city fee resolution. The Building Official may require plans and specifications to be prepared and designed by an engineer, architect or landscape architect licensed or registered by the state to practice as such. Submittals shall include construction inspection documents completed by the design professional.

Plans, specifications, reports or documents for work regulated by the provisions of Article 3, Chapter 7, Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code shall bear the signature and number or seal of a civil engineer, structural engineer or architect registered or certified to practice in the State of California. A signature or seal shall not be required for work authorized by the said article to be performed by a person not registered or certified as a civil engineer, structural engineer or architect. For buildings exceeding 160 feet (48.77 m) in height, the structural calculations and each sheet of structural plans shall be prepared under the supervision of and shall bear the signature or approved stamp of a person authorized by the State of California to use the title structural engineer. In addition, all architectural sheets shall bear the signature or approved stamp of an architect licensed by the State of California.

106.4.3 Information on Plans and Specifications.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

Plans and specifications shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the Codes and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. The first sheet of each set of plans shall have the address and street name of the location of the work and the name and address of the owner. The name and contact persons of who prepared the plans if other than the owner shall also be given. Plans shall include a plot plan showing the location of any proposed buildings and of every existing building on the property. In lieu of detailed specifications, the Building Official may approve references on the plans to a specific section or part of the codes or other ordinances or laws.

Computations, stress diagrams and other data sufficient to show the correctness of the plans shall be submitted. If applicable, shall indicate how the required structural and fireresistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems. Where proposed construction will affect site drainage, existing and proposed drainage patterns shall be shown on the plot plan and shall be approved by the City Engineer. The plans shall show all mitigation measures required under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued to the City of Palmdale. For the application of NPDES permit requirements as they apply to grading plans and permits, see Chapter 70 of this code.

Plumbing Code:

Plans, specifications, drawings, listings, manufacturer's installation instruction, descriptions and diagrams necessary to show clearly the character, kind and extent of plumbing work covered by applications for a permit,

Mechanical Code:

1. Installations where the aggregate Btu input capacity for either comfort heating or comfort cooling is more than 500,000 Btu. Plans shall detail all the mechanical systems, including comfort heating systems, comfort cooling systems, refrigeration systems and ventilation systems and hoods.

2. Installations of the following individual systems:

a. Food processing establishment containing a commercial-type I or II hood;

b. Garage ventilation systems installed in compliance with the provisions of the Palmdale Building Code;

c. Stair pressurization systems installed in compliance with the provisions of the Palmdale Building Code;

d. Product conveying duct systems installed in compliance with Chapter 5 of this PMC;

e. Tenant improvement installations requiring review to verify compliance with the State's Energy Regulations, when a building permit is not required for that work.

Electrical Code:

(1) Every plan shall be a type approved by the Building Official. The information contained on the plans shall be drawn in a professional manner, be clearly legible, and contain the information required in subsection (2) below. The plans for the electrical wiring in a building shall be of a scale no smaller than one-eighth inch per foot. Reasonable symbols satisfactory to the department shall be used on all plans.

EXCEPTION.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

A scale of less than one-eighth inch per foot may be used where the plan can be read and understood.

(2) The following is required to be shown on the plans required for the electrical system and wiring installation.

A complete plan showing the layout of the proposed electric wiring for each floor, including dimensions of all working spaces, and a legend of all symbols used;

A complete single line diagram;

The type, location and capacity of all service equipment, and a dimensioned elevation diagram of the service;

The size and the length of all service raceways to the manhole vault or pole of the serving agency or to the service head;

The size of all raceways and the length of all feeder raceways;

The dimensions of all pull or junction boxes larger than four inches trade size;

The number, size and type of all conductors to be installed in wiring enclosures;

The location of every proposed outlet and switch in all parts of the building or structures including all fixed showcases, wall cases, office furnishings, and similar wiring;

The wattage or ampere rating of each outlet for noninductive loads and the volt-ampere rating of each unit or transformer for electric discharge lighting;

The location, voltage and HP rating of every motor and the KW rating of every generator;

The type and code letter of every AC motor, unless an alternate specification is otherwise satisfactory to the Electrical Official;

The location and KVA, or equivalent rating of each transformer, capacitor, ballast, converter, frequency changer and similar equipment; and the locations and ampere or wattage rating of other appliances of the noninductive type;

Details of panelboards, switchboard and distribution centers, showing type and arrangement of switches, overcurrent devices, and general control equipment;

Panelboards, switchboard and motor control center schedules, showing wattage and amperage, the number of active branch circuits to be installed, and the number of spare branch circuits for future use. This shall include identifying the circuits to which the outlets are connected and listing the number and type of outlets;

A lighting fixture schedule;

The existing load, as calculated in accordance with the Palmdale Electrical Code or by other methods satisfactory to the Building Official shall be indicated for existing installations having alterations or additions made thereto;

Other additional information as the Building Official may consider necessary for proper enforcement of this code.

106.4.4. Architect or Engineer of Record.

106.4.4.1 General.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

When state law or the Building Official requires that documents be prepared by a State of California licensed design professional, the Building Official shall require the owner to designate on the building permit application an architect or engineer who shall act as the architect or engineer of record. If the circumstances require, the owner may designate a substitute architect or engineer of record who shall perform all of the duties required of the original architect or engineer of record. The owner shall notify the Building Official in writing if the architect or engineer of record is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties.

The architect or engineer of record shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating all submittal documents prepared by others, including deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.

For the purposes of this section, deferred submittals are defined as those portions of the design which are not submitted at the time of the application and which are to be submitted to the Building Official within a specified period.

Deferral of any submittal items require prior approval of the Building Official. All applications submitted with documents indicating deferred items must be submitted with the City of Palmdale Deferred Submittal form filled out in its entirety and uploaded with the construction documents. Plan review of documents indicating deferred items will not be completed without the City of Palmdale Deferred Submittal form approved by the Building Official. The architect or engineer of record shall list the deferred submittals on the plans and shall submit the deferred submittal documents for review.

Submittal documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the architect or engineer of record, who shall review them and forward them to the Building Official with a notation indicating that the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and that they have been found to be in general conformance with the design of the building. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the Building Official has approved the deferred submittal documents.

When special inspection is required by any code provision or product listing, as required by the Palmdale Building Codes, the architect or engineer of record shall prepare an inspection program that shall be submitted to the Building Official for approval prior to issuance of any permit. The inspection program shall designate the portions of the work that require special inspection and the name or names of the individuals or firms who are to perform the special inspections, and indicate the duties of the special inspectors. Special inspection information, including a schedule of special inspection type and duration, shall be part of the plan set and integrated with the plan(s).

The special inspector may be employed by the owner, the engineer or architect of record, or an agent of the owner, but shall not be employed by the contractor, the contractor’s employees, representatives or agents, or any other person performing the work. Special inspectors shall be registered with the City of Palmdale Building and Safety Division and shall have a valid registration number when performing work within the City of Palmdale.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

When structural observation is required the observation program shall name the individuals or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur. The observation program shall include samples of inspection reports and provides time limits for submission of reports. Structural observation information, including a schedule of structural observation type and field observer, shall be part of the plan set and integrated with the plan(s).

106.5.1 Issuance.

The application, plans and specifications, geological or engineering reports and other required data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be checked by the Building Official. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of the City to verify compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction.

The Building Official shall issue a permit to the applicant for the work described in the application and plans filed therewith when the Building Official is satisfied that all of the following items comply:

The Building Official shall not issue a permit for temporary or permanent electrical or gas service when there is no apparent legally permitted use for the property and/or no approval has been issued for the use by the Palmdale Planning Department. In determining whether a proposed use is legally permitted, the Building Official may consider not just the provisions of the codes but all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations of the city.

The work described conforms to the requirements of the PAP, Palmdale Building code, Plumbing code, Mechanical code, Electrical code, Residential code and Green building code.

The work described conforms to the requirements of other pertinent laws and ordinances of the City of Palmdale.

The fees specified by this PAP and all City requirements have been paid.

The applicant has obtained a permit pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30600 et seq. if such a permit is required.

When the Building Official issues a permit, the Building Official shall endorse in writing or stamp on both sets of plans and specifications "REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE." Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official, and all work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans. The issuance of a permit shall not be deemed to certify that the site of the described work is safe. The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building or structure before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building or structure have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of the Palmdale codes. The holder of such a permit shall proceed at his or her own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire building or structure will be granted.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

The issuance of a permit based on plans and specifications shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans and specifications or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of the Palmdale codes or of any other ordinances of the City. Retention of plans: The Building Official shall retain one set of approved plans, specifications and computations as required by Section 19850 of the Health and Safety Code. The Building Official shall retain such approved plans, specifications and computations for a period of not less than 90 days from the date of completion of the work covered therein. One set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant to be kept on such building or work site at all times while the authorized work is in progress.

106.5.2 Licensed contractor requirements for permit issuance.

Permits may be issued to a bona fide Owner(s) of a property or a licensed California contractor in accordance with provisions of California state law.

1. A permit for AC or DC power-generating equipment connected to a public utility, including photovoltaic solar systems, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and backup generators, shall not be issued to a homeowner without a licensed contractor associated with the permit and a signed State Contractor’s Declaration Form. Permits shall be issued to licensed contractors in accordance with state law.

2. A permit for installing equipment connected to a public utility, including main electrical service panel upgrades, shall not be issued to the homeowner without a licensed contractor associated with the permit and a signed State Contractor’s Declaration Form. Permits will be issued to licensed contractors in accordance with state law.

LICENSED CONTRACTOR – A licensed contractor is a person who is engaged in the business of installing or repairing electrical wiring or equipment or who does, or who holds himself out as willing to do personally or through his employees, any work or services in connection with the installation, alteration or repair of any electrical wiring or equipment or part thereof, and who possesses an appropriate contractor's license pursuant to the Business and Professions Code of the State of California when such license includes within its classification limitations on the activities set forth on the application for permit and entitles the licensee to perform personally or through his employees all such activities without personal local qualification or registration.

HOMEOWNER – A homeowner is the owner of a single-family residence, including common accessory and minor poultry, animal or agricultural buildings. A permit may be issued to such homeowner, provided that work authorized under any such permit shall be done by the person to whom the permit is issued, or by a member of his immediate family. Should any provision of Sections (a), (b) or (c) be violated, the permit shall be subject to immediate cancellation. This permit cancellation is in addition to any other enforcement provisions or penalties provided for in this code.

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE – A government representative is a person who is employed by and who has been authorized by a governmental agency to supervise or control electrical work on the premises of such agency.

106.5.3 Validity.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of the Palmdale codes or any other laws or regulations. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of the Palmdale Codes or any other laws or regulations shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use, which it authorizes, is lawful.

Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this PAP shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the building or work authorized by such permit has not passed a foundation inspection or the first phase of inspections if no foundation exists within one year from the date of such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year or more at any time after the work is commenced. Before such work can be commenced or recommenced, a new permit shall first be obtained and the fee therefor shall be 25 percent of the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no codes or plan changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work and provided further that the duration of such failure to commence, or abandonment has not exceeded one and one-half years. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which he may commence work under that permit when he is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Building official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 365 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. The fee for extension of the permit shall be 25% of the amount of the original fee plus the issuance fee. No permit shall be extended more than once.

Permits for rebound tumbling equipment as defined in Chapter 66 of the Building code shall be valid for a period not exceeding one year. Permits for portable amusement devices and for temporary Group A, Division 4 structures shall be valid for a period not exceeding 30 days. Permits for amusement devices erected under a building permit shall be valid for a period of 90 days. Annual platform or display permits shall be valid for one year.

The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this PAP whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this PBC.

106.5.6 Combined Building Permit.

A combination building permit may be issued for one-family or two-family dwellings and attached garages, tenant improvements, commercial and industrial buildings and swimming pools, which will include all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and airconditioning work but will not include grading and landscape, or sewer connections. The combined building permit shall be subject to the requirements of the Palmdale Building, Residential Code, Green Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code and the Mechanical Code, except that the fee for the combined building permits shall be as provided in the Current Palmdale Fee resolution.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

In addition to the permits required by the PAP, and as a prerequisite to obtaining them, any person desiring to connect to a trunk sewer, to construct a public sewer, to connect to the public sewer at a point where no branch fitting has been provided in such sewer, or to discharge industrial liquid waste shall obtain permits from the authority controlling such sewer so to do. No permit shall be issued to connect to a public sewer not under the jurisdiction of the owner of such sewer or facility until the applicant for such connection has first obtained written permission from the authority controlling such sewer and has filed a copy of such permission with the Building Official.

SECTION 107 – FEES

Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Permit(s) and issuance fees for each permit shall be paid prior to permit issuance. The fees shall be paid as adopted in the current Palmdale fee resolution.

The Building Official shall make the final determination of value or valuation. The valuation to be used in computing the permit and plan check fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent work or permanent equipment.

1. A combined swimming pool permit may be issued for a new swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, which will include all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, and excavation work. The total permit fee for the combined swimming pool permit shall be two times the building permit fee.

2. The total permit fee for a combined building permit for a one and two family dwelling shall be 1.43 times the building permit fee. The total permit for a tenant improvement permit shall be 1.33 times the building permit fee for tenant improvements with a restroom(s) and 1.23 times the fee for those without restroom improvements. (For the purposes of this section a tenant improvement is the completion of a shell type of structure with minimal amounts of equipment. Restaurants or industrial type uses would require separate permits for their equipment systems.)

3. The total building permit fee for a combination commercial or Industrial building permit shall be 1.5 times the building permit fee determined. The combination permit shall include all basic permits for the building including the trash enclosure except for the sewer connection permit which must be processed separately. Any large industrial equipment or processes shall require separate permits and also separate plan checks as required by each separate code.

107.2 Plan Checking or Review Fees for Buildings, Structures and all regulated equipment. Building and Residential Plan review fees.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

When an application for a building permit is submitted for review, whether or not plans and specifications are required, a fee shall be paid to the Building Official. Said fee shall be equal to 85 percent of the building permit fee as set forth current in the current Fee Resolution. Specific fees shall also be paid for plan check work in accordance with the current fee resolution. In addition to the aforementioned fees, the Building Official may require additional charges for review required by changes, additions or revisions of approved plans or reports, and for services beyond the first and second check due to changes, omissions or errors on the part of the applicant. The payment of said fees shall not exempt any person from compliance with other provisions of the codes.

Plans are required to be submitted for any of the work described below. A plan checking fee shall be paid when the plans are submitted for review. With respect to the work described below wiring shall not be installed, nor any other work for which a permit is required shall be done, until the plans have been approved. Only after the plans have been approved may the applicant apply for an electrical permit for such work. Plans are required for the following:

(1) An Installation where one or more services, switchboards, motor control centers or feeders have a rating of 400 amperes or larger at 600 volts or less;

(2) Any installations rated above 600 volts;

(3) Theaters or motion picture theaters;

(4) Assembly rooms or similar places having an assemblage or seating capacity exceeding 500 persons;

(5) A hospital or other health care facility falling within the scope of Article 517 of the Electrical code;

(6) Installations in locations classed as hazardous locations by the provisions of Chapter 5 of the Electrical code;

(7) Installation of lighting fixtures weighing more than 300 pounds;

(8) Tenant improvement installations requiring review to verify compliance with the State's Electrical Energy Conservation requirements (Title 24). This energy plan check is in addition to the plan check required above.

The fee for each plan check pursuant to subsection above shall be equal to seventy percent (70%) of the required permit fee, however, the minimum fee shall be as required in the currently adopted fee resolution.

Plumbing plan reviews required:

Plumbing Plans and specifications shall be submitted for plan review and approval prior to issuance of a permit.

The plan check fee shall be equal to 40 percent of the required plumbing permit as adopted in the current fee resolution.

1. More than 216 waste fixture units;

2. Potable water supply piping required to be 2" or larger; or

3. Fuel gas piping required to be 2" or larger or containing medium or high pressure gas.

Mechanical plan reviews required:

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

1. Installations where the aggregate Btu input capacity for either comfort heating or comfort cooling is more than 500,000 Btu. Plans shall detail all the mechanical systems, including comfort heating systems, comfort cooling systems, refrigeration systems and ventilation systems and hoods.

2. Installations of the following individual systems:

(i) Food processing establishment containing a commercial-type I or II hood;

(ii) Garage ventilation systems installed in compliance with the provisions of the Palmdale Building Code;

(iii) Stair pressurization systems installed in compliance with the provisions of the Palmdale Building Code;

(iv) Product conveying duct systems installed in compliance with Chapter 5 of this PMC;

(v) Tenant improvement installations requiring review to verify compliance with the State's Energy Regulations, when a building permit is not required for that work.

Direct-fired gas makeup and industrial air heaters.

The installer shall submit plans showing the proposed installation, indicating the location of the heater and such accessories as may be required to ensure the proper and safe performance of its function.

Plan checking and addition plan check fees for Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Green code plan checks shall be paid as adopted in the current Fee Resolution.

The plan check fees specified in this section are separate fees from the permit fees.

107.3 Standard Plans.

The Building Official may approve a set of plans for a building or structure as a "standard plans," provided that the applicant has made proper application, submitted complete sets of plans as required by this section, and paid the plan checking fee required by section 107.2 above.

Plans shall reflect laws and ordinances in effect at the time a permit is issued except as provided herein below in this section. Nothing in this section shall prohibit modifying the permit set of plans to reflect changes in laws and ordinances, which have become effective since the approval of the standard plan. The standard plans shall become null and void where the work required by such changes exceeds ten percent of the value of the building or structure. When it is desired to use an approved "standard plan" for an identical structure, two plot plans and one duplicate plan shall be submitted and a plan checking fee equal to 70 percent of the full plan checking fee required shall be paid at the time application is made for such identical structure. Such duplicate plans shall be compared, stamped and kept on the project site. In case of deviation from this standard plan, except as permitted in this section, complete plans, together with a full plan-checking fee, shall be submitted for the proposed work.

Standard plans shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of approval. The standard plan can be extended by the Building Official an additional year upon payment of an extension fee equal to 30% of the original fee providing the standard plans are being restandardized under the same year codes as the original standard plan approval.

107.4 Expiration of Plan Application.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Unless pursued in good faith applications for building, grading, landscape, and relocation building permits shall expire by limitation if the project’s plans and construction documents have not been stamped “REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE” and the project fails to obtain all required City of Palmdale department and outside agency approvals within one year following the date of application or within the granted extension period. Plans and specifications previously submitted may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official or City Engineer. Extension(s) may be granted for 12 months, not to exceed two extensions, and not to exceed 36 months total. No application shall be extended beyond one code cycle change from the code cycle in which the application was submitted. Any extension request must be submitted in writing to the Building Official.

A new permit application shall be submitted upon expiration of an existing permit application.

107.5 Grading Fees.

Shall be as adopted in the current Palmdale Fee Resolution.

107.6 Plan Checking Fees for Grading.

Shall be as adopted in the current Palmdale Fee Resolution.

107.7 Landscape Permit Fees.

Shall be as adopted in the current Palmdale Fee Resolution.

107.8 Plan Checking Fees for Landscaping.

Shall be as adopted in the current Palmdale Fee Resolution.

107.9 Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and Green Code permit fees.

Shall be as adopted in the current Palmdale Fee Resolution.

107.10 Exemption from Fees.

Neither the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale nor any public officer or body acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Housing Authority shall pay or deposit any building fees for buildings owned by the City of Palmdale. This section does not apply where a public officer is acting with reference to private assets which have come under such public officer's jurisdiction by virtue of his or her office.

107.11 Surrender of Permit.

If no portion of the work or construction covered by a permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this PAP has been commenced, the person to whom such permit has been issued may deliver such permit to the Building Official with a request that such permit be canceled. The Building official shall thereupon stamp or write on the face of such permit the words, "Canceled at the request of the permittee." Thereupon such permit shall be null and void and of no effect.

107.12 Refunds.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

In the event that any person shall have obtained a permit and no portion of the work or construction covered by such permit shall have been commenced, and such permit shall have been canceled either as provided for the permittee, upon presentation to said Building Official of a request therefor, in writing shall be entitled to a refund in an amount equal to 80 percent of the fee actually paid for such permit. The Building Official shall satisfy himself or herself as to the right of such applicant to such refund, and each such refund shall be paid, provided a refund request has been submitted prior to one year from expiration of the permit. If inspections have been made and the permit has been cancelled because of an issue beyond the owner's control, the building Official may approve a pro-rated amount of the permit fees be applied toward a new permit for the same project. A letter releasing the funds from the original permittee shall be required before any funds are applied.

No portion of the plan checking fee shall be refunded, unless no checking has been performed on a set of plans, in which case 80 percent of the plan checking fee shall be refunded.

Whenever any work has been commenced without a permit as required by the provisions of the PAP, a special investigation shall be made prior to the issuance of the permit. An investigation fee shall be collected for each permit so investigated. The investigation fee shall be equal to the permit fee required for such work and in addition to any plan check or permit fees.

EXCEPTION: The investigation fee shall be reduced as adopted in the current fee resolution when the Building Official has determined that the owner-builder of a one- or two-family dwelling, accessory building or accessory structure had no knowledge that a permit was necessary and had not previously applied for a permit from the Building and Safety Department.

The payment of the investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of any Palmdale code or regulation or from any penalty prescribed by law. 107.14 Noncompliance Fee.

If the Building Official or duly authorized board, in the course of enforcing the provisions of this PAP or any Palmdale building code or any state law, issues an order to a person and that person fails to comply with the order within 15 days following the due date for compliance stated in the order, including any extensions thereof, then the Building official shall have the authority to collect a noncompliance fee. The noncompliance fee shall not be imposed unless the order states that a failure to comply within 15 days after the compliance date specified in the order will result in the fee being imposed. No more than one such fee shall be collected for failure to comply with an order. The amount of the noncompliance fee shall be as adopted in the current fee resolution in addition to the fees specified elsewhere in this PAP.

107.15 Preliminary Review Fees.

Upon payment of a preliminary review fee an applicant may have a building, structure or other project reviewed by the Building Official prior to submittal of a permit application. Such fee entitles the applicant to two staff hours of review, which may be of any combination of building and specialty code requirements. An additional fee per hour shall be charged for each hour or portion thereof in excess of two hours. All charges must be paid at the conclusion of any such meeting and before any written findings are issued.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

EXCEPTION: one staff member, not in excess of 15 minutes, shall charge no fee for a preliminary review.

Before issuing a building permit, the Building Official shall collect a plan maintenance fee for all building plans that are not submitted in an approved electronic format and are required to be retained by Section 19850 of the Health and Safety Code. The amount of the plan maintenance fee shall be two percent of the building permit fee as set forth in the current Palmdale fee resolution. A plan maintenance fee shall be collected for each separate plan to be retained by the Building Official.

The Building Official shall review all fees annually in conjunction with the review of the Palmdale Fee resolution. The amount of each fee shall be adjusted as follows: The Director of Finance shall calculate the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in accordance with city policy and advise of such increase. The Building Official shall adjust each fee by said percentage amount and round off to the nearest 10 cents. All fees shall be adopted by a fee resolution and implemented by August 1st of the same year, provided, however, that no adjustment shall exceed the reasonable cost of providing services. When it is determined that the amount reasonably necessary to recover the cost of providing services is in excess of this adjustment, the Building Official may present such fee proposals to the City Council for approval with the fee resolution.

107.18 Fees – Factory-Built Housing.

107.18.1 General.

The fees established by Section 107 for building permits and for plan checking shall be modified for factory-built housing as set forth in this section.

107.18.2 Definition.

For the purpose of this section, certain terms are defined as follows:

FACTORY-BUILT HOUSING shall mean structures, which meet all of the following criteria:

1. Fabrication on an off-site location under the inspection of the state, for which the state inspection agency has attested to compliance with the applicable state laws and regulations by the issuance, of an insignia;

2. The bearing of the state insignia and which have not been modified since fabrication in a manner that would void the state approval; and for which the City of Palmdale has been relieved by statute of the responsibility for the enforcement of laws and regulations of the State of California.

UNIT shall mean a single factory-assembled component of the factory-built housing brought to the job site for connection to the foundation and/or connection to other units of the structure.

107.18.3 Factory Built building permit fees.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

A fee for each building permit shall be paid to the Building Official. The Building Official shall determine the estimated valuation in all cases, and for such purpose, the Building Official shall be guided by accepted estimating practices. The building permit fee shall be established by determining the total number of units to be assembled at the job site to construct the building defined as factory-built housing and by multiplying the building permit fee established in Table 1-A for the estimated valuation by the percentage listed below:

==> picture [424 x 69] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Percentage Current adopted fee
Job Assembled Units resolution fees
1 – 3 25%
4 or more 40%
----- End of picture text -----

A plan-checking fee shall be paid to the Building Official at the time of submitting plans and specifications for the proposed work. The plan-checking fee shall be 85 percent of the building permit fee established by this section.

107.18.5 Plans and Specifications.

With each application, two sets of plans and specifications for the work to be performed at the job site shall be submitted with such other information as may be necessary to determine compliance with local and state laws and regulations.

108.1 General.

All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and all such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official. In addition, certain types of construction and installations shall have special inspection as specified in the Building code and /or other construction codes.

Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this PAP and Palmdale Codes or of other laws. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions or of other laws shall not be valid.

It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Building Official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

A survey of the lot may be required by the Building Official to verify compliance of the structure. A site inspection may be required prior to plan check of building plans for lots or parcels in areas having slopes of five horizontal to one vertical (5:1) or steeper when the Building Official finds that a visual inspection of the site is necessary to establish drainage requirements for the protection of property, existing buildings or the proposed construction. The fee for such inspection shall be as set forth in the current fee resolution. Such a preinspection shall not be required for a building pad graded under the provisions of the grading provisions.

108.2 Inspection Record Card.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Work requiring a building permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or the permit holder's agent shall have posted or otherwise made available an inspection record card so as to allow the Building Official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This card shall continue to be posted or otherwise made available by the permit holder until the Building Official has granted final approval of the building or structure.

No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or the permit holder's agent wherein the same fails to comply. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official. Inspection Correction(s), verbal or written, needed to approve permitted work shall be completed in a timely manner. Refusal, failure, or neglect to comply with any such notice shall be considered a violation, and shall be subject to the penalties set forth in this PAP for violations.

There shall be a final inspection and approval of all building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, green code requirements and structures when completed and ready for occupancy or use.

A. Building Inspections.

1. General.

Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. Upon notification from the permit holder or the permit holder's agent, the Building Official shall make the inspections:

2. Foundation inspection.

To be made after trenches are excavated and forms erected, any required reinforcing steel is in place, and when all materials for the foundation are delivered on the job, and all required special inspection and/or structural observation reports are available for inspector review. Where concrete from a central mixing plant (commonly termed "transit mixed") is to be used, materials need not be on the job.

To be made after all in-slab or under-floor building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is poured or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.

4. Frame inspection.

To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, electrical wiring, mechanical ducting, chimneys and vents are complete and all required special inspection or structural observation reports are available for inspector review.

To be made after all lathing and/or wallboard, interior and exterior, is in place, but before any plastering is applied or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

6. Final inspection.

To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.

• B. Plumbing Inspections.

1. General.

All plumbing systems shall be tested and approved as required by the Palmdale Plumbing code.

All plumbing systems shall be tested and approved in the presence of the Building Official or his representative.

3. Systems to remain open for inspection.

No water or gas supply system or portion thereof shall be covered or concealed until it first has been tested, inspected, and approved. No plumbing or drainage system, building sewer, private sewer disposal system or part thereof, shall be covered, concealed, or put into use until it has been tested, inspected, and accepted as prescribed in the PPC.

Any drainage or plumbing system, building sewer, private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, which is installed, altered, or repaired is covered or concealed before being inspected, tested, and approved as prescribed in this PPC, it shall be uncovered for inspection after notice to uncover the work has been issued to the responsible person by the Building Official.

4. Tightness.

Joints and connections in the plumbing systems shall be gas/air tight and watertight for the pressures required by any test.

If the Plumbing Official finds that the work will not pass the test, necessary corrections shall be made and the work shall then be subject to new testing and inspection.

6. Approval.

Upon the satisfactory completion and final test of the plumbing system, the Building Official shall issue a certificate of approval to the permittee if requested.

• C. Mechanical inspections.

1. General

The Building Official shall inspect all equipment prior to any portion of any equipment intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the building. The equipment shall not be concealed until inspected and approval to conceal is given.

Equipment regulated by the Palmdale Mechanical code shall not be connected to the fuel or power supply until authorized by the Building Official.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

EXCEPTION: The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment installed to replace existing heating equipment serving an occupied portion of a building, in the event a request for inspection of such heating equipment has been filed with the Building and Safety office not more than 48 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before any portion of such equipment is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.

When the installation of any equipment is complete, a final inspection shall be made and final approval given prior to use of the equipment.

D. Electrical inspections.

1. General

All new electrical work, and such portions of existing systems as may be affected by new work, or any changes, shall be inspected and approved prior to covering or concealing by the Building Official.

2. Special inspections.

Special inspections may be required on work involving special hazards or conditions and on work requiring extensive, unusual or constant inspection. Special inspections, when necessary, shall be accomplished by the means set forth in the Palmdale Building Code except that the special inspector shall be a qualified person approved, registered by, and reporting to, the Building Official.

No system, appliance, installation or wiring shall be energized until approved by the Building Official.

4. Final inspection.

All installations require a final inspection after all work and labeling is complete and ready to be energized.

E. Residential inspections.

The building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Inspections shall apply.

F. Green Code inspections.

See Palmdale Green code provisions.

108.5 Other Inspections.

In addition to the called inspections specified above, the Building Official may make or require any other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of all codes and laws which are enforced by the Building Official. For the purpose of determining compliance with Chapter 34 the Building Official may cause any structure to be reinspected.

108.6 Special Inspector Requirements.

108.6.1 Registration.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Before commencing the duties, the special inspector shall be examined by and shall obtain a certificate of registration from the Building Official. The Building Official shall require that a special inspector applicant successfully complete an examination administered by the International Code Council or be certified with an equivalent certificate as approved by the Building Official. Applications shall be made in writing. Proof of the required certificate shall accompany the application fee and the application. A separate application and a separate fee shall not be required for each type of work. Applicants failing to pass an examination shall be ineligible for reexamination for a period of 30 days. A new application and fee shall accompany each request for reexamination. Unless revoked, certificates of registration for special inspectors shall expire biennially on June 30 and must be renewed by payment of a biennial renewal. Registration and renewals shall pay fees as adopted by the current fee resolution before being issued a special inspector approval.

Upon evidence, satisfactory to the Building Official, of the failure of a special inspector to perform properly and effectively the duties of said office, the Building Official may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew any certificate of registration. Prior to such action, the holder shall be given an opportunity to appear before the Building Official and be heard.

108.6.2 For special inspections required see Palmdale Building code.

It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Official that such work is ready for inspection. The Building official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired. Requests shall be made through the permit holder’s online account or as provided by the City of Palmdale Building and Safety Division. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspection required by this PAP to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.

No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any structure on which noninspected work has been performed.

For the purposes of this PAP, "noninspected work" shall be defined as any erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, improvement, removal, connection, conversion, demolition or equipping, for which a permit was not first obtained, but which has progressed beyond the point indicated in successive inspections, including but not limited to inspections set forth in Chapter 17 of the Building code, or any other Palmdale code without first obtaining inspection by and approval of the Building Official.

SECTION 109 – USE AND OCCUPANCY

109.1 General.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

No building or structure or portion thereof shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the Building Official has approved the building or structure or portion thereof for such use or occupancy as evidenced by the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or a temporary certificate of occupancy. A building of Group R, Division I or Group R, Division-3 Occupancy, if erected on a site where grading has been performed pursuant to a grading permit issued under provisions of this PAP, shall not be occupied, nor shall gas or electric utilities be connected thereto, unless the grading has been completed in accordance with all applicable requirements or the Building Official has found, should the grading not be so completed, that the site conditions will pose no hazard to health, safety or welfare of occupants and/or occupants of adjacent properties, and that a temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued. Approval of a building or structure for use or occupancy (including, but not limited to, final inspection approval and/or issuance of a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy) shall not be construed as approval of a violation of the provisions of this PAP or of other laws and regulations. Approvals presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this PAP or of other laws or regulations are not valid. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke any such approvals or certificates whenever the Building Official determines that the approval or certificate was issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this PAP or other laws or regulations. Any certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy so issued shall be surrendered upon request of the Building Official.

Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the Palmdale Existing Building Code.

109.3 Certificate Issued.

When the building or structure has passed final inspection, and when the building or structure complies with the applicable laws and regulations, and the required fees have been paid, the Building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:

1. The building permit or occupancy permits number.

2. The address of the building or structure.

3. The name and address of the owner.

4. A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate is issued.

5. A statement that the described portion of the building complies with the requirements of this PBC for group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.

6. The name of the Building Official.

Exception: A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for a Group U occupancy.

109.4 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

If the Building Official finds that no substantial hazard will result from occupancy of any building or portion thereof before the same is completed, and only incidental items of the project remain as determined by the Building Official, the Building Official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for the use of a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the completion of the full scope of work. The Building Official may also require a bond or deposit to be posted to ensure that any outstanding work is completed. The bond shall be for 150 percent of the value of the uncompleted work. Such a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be valid for a period not to exceed six months. Upon written request from the permittee, the Building Official may, in writing, extend the temporary certificate of occupancy when it is determined that the circumstances so warrant. After the expiration of a temporary certificate of occupancy and any extension(s) thereof, the building or structure shall not be used or occupied until the Building Official has approved the building for such use or occupancy. Fees for issuance of a certificate shall be paid as adopted in the Palmdale fee resolution.

A temporary certificate of occupancy shall not be used to phase incomplete projects.

109.5 Posting.

The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Official.

EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies.

The Building Official may issue a certificate of completion for work that is completed in compliance with code requirements which shall mean that all permitted work under that permit is in compliance but Occupancy is not granted by such certificate of completion.

SECTION 110 – PROHIBITED USES OF BUILDING SITES

110.1 Flood Hazard.

110.1.1 Buildings requirements.

Buildings are not permitted in an area determined by the Building Official or City Engineer to be subject to flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow or erosion.

The placement of the building and other structures (including walls and fences) on the building site shall be such that water or mud flow will not be a hazard to the building or adjacent property. Subject to the conditions of Section 110.1.2, this prohibition shall not apply when provision is made to eliminate such hazard to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works by providing adequate drainage facilities by protective walls, suitable fill, raising the floor level of the building, a combination of these methods, or by other means. The Department of Public Works, in the application of this section, shall enforce, as a minimum, the current Federal Flood Plain Management Regulations defined in Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 60.3 and all City adopted requirements.

110.1.2 Floodway.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Portions of the City of Palmdale subject to severe flood hazard by reason of inundation, overflow, erosion or deposition of debris are established as floodways by F.E.M.A. Whenever reference is made to any floodways in such ordinance establishing floodways, it shall be construed to mean a floodway referred to in this section. A person shall not perform work for which a building or grading permit is required within the boundaries of an established floodway if such work increases the flood hazard to adjacent properties by either increasing the capital flood water surface elevation, deflecting flows or increasing bank erosion. Such work may be performed within an established floodway and a building or grading permit therefor may be issued, where provisions are made to the satisfaction of the City Engineer to avoid such an increase in the flood hazard.

The city engineer shall act as a consultant to the building official in permit matters relating to flood control and flood hazard identification, avoidance and mitigation in all areas defined on maps furnished to the engineer. The city engineer shall maintain a series of maps delineating areas subject to flood, mud and debris hazards. The Building Official shall consult with the city engineer with respect to work requiring a building or grading permit in the hazard areas delineated on the maps. The city engineer shall prepare written reports of its examination of each building or grading permit application for work in the hazard areas as delineated on the maps. The Building Official in acting upon the application shall consider the reports. The actions upon the applications shall be supported in writing.

The City Engineer shall also act as a consultant whenever the Building Official proposes to establish by ordinance floodways and water surface elevations regulating the locations of such proposed work.

110.2.1 Building Restrictions.

No building or grading permit shall be issued under the provisions of this section when the Building Official or City Engineer finds that property outside the site of the proposed work could be damaged by activation or acceleration of a geologically hazardous condition and such activation or acceleration could be attributed to the proposed work on, or change in use of, the site for which the permit is requested. For the purpose of this section, geologically hazardous condition does not include surface displacement due to earthquake faults.

Work requiring a building or grading permit is not permitted in an area determined by the Building Official or City Engineer to be subject to hazard from landslide, settlement or slippage. These hazards include those from loose debris, slope wash and the potential for mudflows from natural slopes or graded slopes. For the purpose of this section, landslide, settlement or slippage does not include surface displacement due to earthquake faults.

110.2.3. Conditional requirements.

Subject to the conditions as follows building or grading permits may be issued in the following cases:

When the applicant has submitted a geological and/or geotechnical engineering report or reports complying with the provisions and showing to the satisfaction of the City Engineer that the hazard will be eliminated prior to the use or occupancy of the land or structures by modification of topography, reduction of subsurface water, buttressing, a combination of these methods, or by other means.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.200

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

When the applicant has submitted a geological and/or geotechnical engineering report or reports complying with the provisions of Section 111 and containing sufficient data to show to the satisfaction of the city engineer that the site appears to be safe for the intended use.

When the work involves the alteration or minor repair of existing structures and the cost of such alteration or repair does not exceed 25 percent of the value of the existing structure, such value to be based on assumed continuation of the established legal use. Before a permit is issued, the owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) a statement that the owner is aware that the records of the Building Official indicate that the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature and (2) an agreement relieving the City and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official finds such hazard no longer exists. The repair work shall consist of restoring the original construction. Provision may be made for adjustment of the floor in anticipation of future settlement. For the purposes of this section, "alteration" does not include an addition or additions.

When the work involves an addition or additions to an existing structure but is not a change in use or occupancy and such work does not increase the area of the structure more than 25 percent of the area of the structure existing on July 6, 1968. Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall submit an engineering geology and/or geotechnical engineering report or reports complying with the provisions of Section 111 and containing a finding that the proposed increased use of the site will not be geologically unsafe, and the owner shall record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) the finding of such report or reports and (2) an agreement relieving the City and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from the issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official finds a hazard no longer exists.

When the work involves one story, light frame accessory structure not intended or used for human occupancy and not exceeding 400 square feet (37.2 m) in area or 12 feet (3658 mm) in height.

When the work involves the repair of single-family residences and accessory buildings where the cost of such repair exceeds 25 percent of the value of the existing building or involves the replacement of such structures where the loss to be replaced was due to causes other than landslide, settlement or slippage.

Before a permit is issued the owner shall:

Record in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder (1) a statement that he or she is the owner and is aware that the records of the Building official indicate that the property is subject to a physical hazard of a geological nature and (2) an agreement relieving the City and all officers and employees thereof of any liability for any damage or loss which may result from issuance of such a permit. This agreement shall provide that it is binding on all successors in interest of the owner and shall continue in effect until the Building Official records in the office of the Department of Registrar-Recorder a statement that the Building Official finds such hazard no longer exists.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

Submit calculations and plans for the proposed reconstruction prepared by a registered engineer and designed to minimize damage while accommodating the amount of vertical and horizontal displacements which the engineer determines are probable or which have occurred since the original structure was built, whichever is the greater.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the Building Official may, at his or her discretion, deny a permit for any building, structure or grading subject to a hazard of a geological nature which cannot be mitigated and may endanger the health or safety of the occupants, adjoining property or the public.

Permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures within 1,000 feet (304.8 m) of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or artificial protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendation contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a description of the investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the accumulation of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or under enclosed portions of such building or structure. At the time of the final inspection, the civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with the civil engineer's recommendations as to decomposition gases required herein.

Buildings or structures regulated shall not be constructed on fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless provision is made to prevent damage to the structure, floors, underground piping and utilities due to uneven settlement of the fill. One-story light-frame accessory structures not exceeding 400 square feet (37.2 m) in area or 12 feet (3658 mm) in height may be constructed without special provision for foundation stability.

Permits shall not be issued for buildings or structures regulated on or adjacent to or within 25 feet (7620 mm) of active, abandoned or idle oil or gas well(s) unless designed according to recommendations contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer and approved by the Building Official. In addition, permits shall not be issued for a building or structure located between 25 feet (7620 mm) and 200 feet (60,960 mm) from active, abandoned or idle oil or gas well(s) unless designed according to the recommendations contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer and approved by the Building Official or Unless all active, abandoned or idle oil or gas well(s) between 25 feet (7620 mm) and 200 feet (60,960 mm) from said building or structure are examined by a licensed petroleum engineer to evaluate whether, in accordance with the current rules and regulations of the Division of Oil and Gas of the State of California, such wells are being properly operated or maintained, or are abandoned. No permits shall be issued until certification of proper operation, maintenance, or abandonment or reabandonment, as determined by the Division of Oil and Gas, is submitted to the Building Official. This requirement is not applicable to active, abandoned or idle oil or gas well(s) located more than 200 feet (60,960 mm) from the proposed buildings or structures. As used in this section, "well" shall mean any well as defined by Section 3008, Subdivisions (a) and (b) of the California Public Resources Code.

Work required by this section as a condition for the use of the site shall be performed prior to the connection of the utilities or occupancy of the building.

SECTION 111 – GEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING REPORTS

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.200

The Building Official or City Engineer may require an engineering geology or geotechnical engineering report, or both, where in the Building Official's opinion, such reports are essential for the evaluation of the safety of the site. The engineering geology or geotechnical engineering report or both shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the building site for the proposed structure against hazard from landslide, settlement or slippage and a finding regarding the effect that the proposed building or grading construction will have on the geologic stability of property outside of the building site. A certified engineering geologist licensed by the State of California shall prepare any engineering geology report. A civil engineer qualified to perform this work, such as a geotechnical engineer experienced in soil mechanics, shall prepare any geotechnical engineering report. When both an engineering geology and geotechnical engineering report are required for the evaluation of the safety of a building site, the two reports shall be coordinated before submission to the Building Official or City Engineer.

Special studies zones maps within the City of Palmdale prepared pursuant to Sections 2622 and 2623 of the California Resources Code which show traces of earthquake faults are hereby incorporated by reference and declared to be, on the date of official issue, a part of this code, and may be referred to elsewhere in this code. Special studies zones maps revised under the above sections of the California Resources Code shall, on the date of their official issue, supersede previously issued maps that they replace. Copies of each of the above maps shall be available for examination by the public at the Department of Public Works.

113.1 General.

The construction of a building or structure near a known active earthquake fault and regulated by this PBC shall be permitted as set forth in this section.

113.2 Scope.

The provisions of this section shall apply only to permits for buildings or structures on individual lots or parcels and are not intended to be supplementary to geologic investigations required to qualify divisions of land as set forth in the City of Palmdale Subdivision Codes.

For the purpose of this section, a geologist shall be a registered geologist, licensed by the California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists to practice geology in California.

113.4 Known Active Earthquake Faults.

For the purpose of this section, known active earthquake faults are those faults, which have had displacement within Holocene time (approximately the last 11,000 years) as defined in the most current issue of Special Publication 42 of the California Division of Mines and Geology.

No building or structure shall be constructed over or upon the trace of a known active earthquake fault which is shown on maps maintained by the City Engineer. The absence of a known active earthquake fault trace at the proposed building location shall be determined by the city engineer or a geologist in the following cases:

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.200

§ 8.04.201

1. When the proposed building is within 50 feet (15,240 mm) of that line designated by the Building Official as the assumed location of a known active earthquake fault on the aforementioned maps.

2. When the proposed building is within 50 feet (15,240 mm) of the most probable ground location of the trace of a known active earthquake fault shown on the aforementioned maps.

In these cases when a geologist has not otherwise made such a determination, the city engineer may require the excavation of a trench, as a subsurface exploration for the purpose of determining the absence of a known active earthquake fault. Such a trench will be required if a lack of distinguishable fault features in the vicinity prevents the Building official from determining by a site examination, review of available aerial photographs, or by other means that the fault trace does not underlie the proposed building. The trench shall be approximately perpendicular to the most probable direction of the fault trace, at least 1 1/2 feet (457 mm) wide and at least five feet (1524 mm) in depth measured from natural grade, or to a depth satisfactory to the city engineer.

The trench must be accessible for mapping and inspection by the city engineer, when requested, and meet the requirements of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations, Construction Safety Orders. The trench need not extend further than the full width of the proposed structure plus 5 feet (1524 mm) beyond the traversed exterior walls. A known, active earthquake fault shall be presumed nonexistent if an exposure is not found by the Building Official, City Engineer or a geologist in the walls or floor of the trench.

The Building Official may require a more extensive investigation by a geologist as evidence to the absence of a known active earthquake fault prior to the issuance of a permit for Groups A, E, I, H and R, Division I Occupancies, and Groups B, F, M and S Occupancies over one story in height.

EXCEPTION: The provisions of this section do not apply to:

1. One-story, light-frame buildings not intended or used for human occupancy and not exceeding 1000 square feet (92.9 m) in area or 12 feet (3658 mm) in height.

Alterations or repairs to an existing building provided that the aggregate value of such work within any 12-month period does not exceed 50 percent of the value of the existing building.

2. Swimming pools, retaining walls, fences and minor work of a similar nature.

113.6 Maps of Active Faults.

The Department of Public Works shall maintain maps available to the public showing the location of known active earthquake faults within the City. In the absence of additional information, the location of known active earthquake faults shall be as shown on special studies zones maps as required by Section 112.

Special Studies Zones. Work within the special studies zones established under Sections 2622 and 2623 of the California Public Resources Code shall comply with state laws, policies, criteria, rules and regulations applicable to such work. Fees established by Chapter 7.5 of Division 2 of the California Public Resources Code shall be collected and disbursed as required by state law. In addition to the state regulations, the provisions of this section shall apply when geologic investigations, mapping, aerial photographs, other acceptable data or Special Studies Zones Maps show the location of a known active earthquake fault as defined by Section 113.4.

(Ord. 1410 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1605 § 18, 2023; Ord. 1661, 10/21/2025)

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.201

§ 8.04.204

As amended herein, Chapters 2 through 35, of Volumes I and II, Appendix I, Patio Covers, Appendix J, Grading, of that certain building code known and designated as the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, published by the International Code Council and the Building Standards Commission of the State of California are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below, and shall be known as the Palmdale Building Code and may be referenced as the PBC.

(Ord. 1595 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. U-1635 § 2, 2024; Ord. 1661, 10/21/2025)

A copy of the ordinance codified in this chapter and the California Building Code adopted herein by reference are kept in the office of the City Clerk and maintained for use and examination by the public.

(Ord. 1410 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010)

Repeal the adoption of Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and the new WildlandUrban Interface Code, 2025 Edition, published by the International Code Council is adopted and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and shall be known as the Palmdale Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

(Ord. 1410 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1595 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1661, 10/21/2025)

Chapter 16, Design, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Section 1608.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 17, Special Inspections and Tests, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Section 1704.6 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1704.6 Structural Observations. Where required by the provisions of Section 1704.6.1, the owner or the owner's authorized agent shall employ a structural observer to perform structural observations. The structural observer shall visually observe representative locations of structural systems, details and load paths for general conformance to the approved construction documents. Structural observation does not include or waive the responsibility for the inspections in Section 110 or the special inspections in Section 1705 or other section of this code. The structural observer shall be one of the following individuals:

1. The registered design professional responsible for the structural design, or

2. A registered design professional designated by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

Prior to the commencement of observations, the structural observer shall submit to the building official a written statement identifying the frequency and extent of structural observations.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.205

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.205

The owner or owner's authorized agent shall coordinate and call a preconstruction meeting between the structural observer, contractors, affected subcontractors and special inspectors. The structural observer shall preside over the meeting. The purpose of the meeting shall be to identify the major structural elements and connections that affect the vertical and lateral load resisting systems of the structure and to review scheduling of the required observations. A record of the meeting shall be included in the report submitted to the Building Official.

Observed deficiencies shall be reported in writing to the owner or owner's authorized agent, special inspector, contractor, and the Building Official. Upon the form prescribed by the Building Official, the structural observer shall submit to the Building Official a written statement at each significant construction stage stating that the site visits have been made and identifying any reported deficiencies which, to the best of the structural observer's knowledge, have not been resolved. A final report by the structural observer which states that all observed deficiencies have been resolved is required before acceptance of the work by the Building Official.

Section 1704.6.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

1704.6.1 Structural observations for structures. Structural observations shall be provided for those structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, where one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. The structure is classified as Risk Category III or IV.

2. The structure is a high-rise building.

3. A lateral design is required for the structure or portion thereof.

Exception: One-story wood framed Group R-3 and Group U Occupancies less than 2,000 square feet in area, provided the adjacent grade is not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10% sloped), assigned to Seismic Design Category D.

4. Such observation is required by the registered design professional responsible for the structural design.

5. Such observation is specifically required by the building official.

Section 1705.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 18, Soils and Foundations, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Section 1809.3 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.206

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.206

Chapter 19, Concrete, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Section 1909.4 of the 2010 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 23, Wood, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Section 2304.10.2 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code is amended to read as follows:

2304.10.2 Fastener requirements. Connections for wood members shall be designed in accordance with the appropriate methodology in Section 2302.1. The number and size of fasteners connecting wood members shall not be less than that set forth in Table 2304.10.2. Staple fasteners in Table 2304.10.2 shall not be used to resist or transfer seismic forces in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.

Exception: Staples may be used to resist or transfer seismic forces when the allowable shear values are substantiated by cyclic testing and approved by the Building Official.

Section 2304.10.3.1 is added to Chapter 23 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.209

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.209

2304.10.3.1 Quality of nails. In Seismic Design Category D, E or F, mechanically driven nails used in wood structural panel shear walls shall meet the same dimensions as that required for hand-driven nails, including diameter, minimum penetration, and minimum head diameter. Clipped head or box nails are not permitted in new construction. The allowable design value for clipped head nails in existing construction shall be multiplied by the nail-head-area ratio of clipped head nails to that of the same size hand-driven nails.

Section 2305.4 is added to Chapter 23 of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code to read as follows:

Chapter 31, Special Construction, of the Palmdale Building Code as adopted by incorporation of the California Building Code is hereby modified as follows:

Subsection 3109.3 is amended to read as follows:

Appendix J of the California Building Code 2025 (Volumes 1 and 2) is hereby adopted as the Grading and Excavation provisions of the Palmdale Building Code and amended to read as follows:

Section J101 General

J101.1 Scope

This chapter sets forth regulations for the control of excavation, grading, and earthwork construction, including fills or embankments, and for the control of grading site runoff, including erosion, sediments and construction related pollutants. These regulations establish minimum standards and are not intended to prevent the use of alternate materials, methods or means of conforming to such standards, provided such alternate has been approved. The Building Official or City Engineer shall approve such an alternate provided he or she finds that the alternate, for the purpose intended, is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability, and safety. The Building Official or City Engineer shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims regarding the alternate.

Unless the applicant has submitted an engineering analysis, prepared in accordance with standard engineering practice by a registered design professional, that demonstrates the proposed work will not result in any increase in the level of the base flood, grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, shall not be permitted in floodways that are in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3 or in flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated.

Section J102 Definitions

The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein.

APPROVAL shall mean the proposed work or completed work conforms to this code in the opinion of the Building Official or City Engineer.

AS-GRADED is the extent of surface conditions on completion of grading.

BEDROCK is the relatively solid, undisturbed rock in place either at the ground surface or beneath superficial deposits of gravel and/or soil.

BENCH. A relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) is a storm water pollution mitigation measure that is required to be employed to implement practical means of preventing or reducing pollution to help achieve water quality goals and comply with the requirements of the NPDES permit issued to the City of Palmdale.

BORROW is earth material acquired from an off-site location for use in grading.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

CIVIL ENGINEER shall mean a professional engineer in the branch of civil engineering holding a valid certificate of registration issued by the State of California.

COMPACTION. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.

CUT. See "Excavation."

DESIGN ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for the preparation of the plans for the grading work.

DESILTING BASINS are physical structures constructed for the removal of sediments from surface water runoff.

DOWN DRAIN. A device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility.

EARTH MATERIAL is any rock, natural soil or fill or any combination thereof.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST. See "geologist."

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY is the application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.

EROSION. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water or ice.

EXCAVATION. The removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred to as a cut.

FIELD ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for performing the functions as set forth in Section J105.4.2.

FILL. Deposition of earth materials by artificial means.

FUGITIVE DUST shall mean any solid particulate matter that becomes airborne directly or indirectly as a result of the activities of man.

GEOLOGIST shall mean a person holding a valid certificate of registration as a geologist in the specialty of engineering geology issued by the State of California under provisions of the Geologist and Geophysicist Act of the Business and Professions Code.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER shall mean a professional engineer registered as a civil engineer by the state of California with experience and knowledgeable in the field of geotechnical and soil mechanics.

GRADE. The vertical location of the ground surface.

GRADE, EXISTING. The grade prior to grading.

GRADE, FINISHED. The grade of the site that conforms to the approved plan at the conclusion of all grading efforts.

GRADING. An excavation or fill or combination thereof.

KEY. A compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a slope.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT shall mean a person who holds a certificate to practice landscape architecture in the State of California under the landscape architecture provisions of Division 3, Chapter 3.5, of the Business and Professions Code.

LINE shall refer to horizontal location of the ground surface.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

NATURAL GRADE is the vertical location of the ground surface prior to any excavation or fill.

ROUGH GRADE is the elevation of the ground surface established by grading that approximates the final elevation shown on the approved design.

SITE is any lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, under the same ownership, where grading is proposed or performed.

SLOPE. An inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

SOILS ENGINEER. See "Geotechnical Engineer."

SURFACE DRAINAGE shall refer to flows over the ground surface.

SOIL TESTING AGENCY is an agency regularly engaged in the testing of soils and rock under the direction of a civil engineer experienced in soil testing.

STORM DRAIN SYSTEM is a conveyance or system of conveyances, including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches and man-made channels, designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water.

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN is a site drawing with details, notes, and related documents that identify the measures taken by the permittee to (1) control erosion and prevent sediment and construction-related pollutants from being carried off-site by storm water and (2) prevent non storm water discharges from entering the storm drain system.

TERRACE. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes.

Section J103 Permits Required

J103.1 Grading Permits Required

Except as exempted in Section J103.2, grading shall not be performed without first having obtained a permit therefor from the City Engineer. A separate permit shall be obtained for each site. A grading permit does not include the construction of retaining walls or other structures.

J103.2 Exemptions

A grading permit shall not be required for the following:

1. When approved by Building & Safety, Grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided that the public is not endangered and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.

2. Excavation for construction of a structure permitted under this code.

3. Cemetery graves.

4. Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.

5. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.

6. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing or stockpiling rock, sand, gravel, aggregate or clay controlled by other regulations, provided that such operations do not affect the lateral support of, or significantly increase stresses in, soil on adjoining properties.

7. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a registered design professional.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

8. Excavation for wells, or trenches for utilities.

9. An excavation or fill for road or slope purposes and shown on plans that are approved by the Department of Public Works as being necessary for the support, construction or maintenance of a public road.

Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

J103.3 Unpermitted Grading

A person shall not own, use, occupy or maintain any site containing unpermitted grading. For the purposes of this code, unpermitted grading shall be defined as any grading that was performed, at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from the City Engineer, pursuant to Subsection J103.1, supra.

J103.4 Availability of Permit at Site.

No person shall perform any grading for which a permit is required under this chapter unless a copy of the grading permit is in the possession of an appropriate licensed contractor and is available at the construction site.

J103.5 Application to Existing Grading

J103.5.1 Hazardous Conditions

Whenever the Building Official or City Engineer determines that any existing excavation, embankment or fill has become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers structures, or adversely affects the safety, use or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation, embankment or fill is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the Building Official or City Engineer shall, within the period specified therein, repair, reconstruct or remove such excavation, embankment or fill so as to eliminate the hazard.

J103.5.2 Maintenance of Protective Devices and Rodent Control

The owner of any property on which grading has been performed pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of this code, or any other person or agent in control of such property, shall maintain in good condition and repair all drainage structures and other protective devices and burrowing rodent control, when they are shown on the grading plans filed with the application for grading permit and approved as a condition precedent to the issuance of such permit.

J103.5.3 Correlation with Other Sections

The provisions of this section are independent of this code relating to building and property rehabilitation.

This section may be invoked even though the same facts have been used to determine that there is a substandard property that is subject to said code.

Section J104 Permit Application and Submittals

J104.1 Submittal Requirements

To obtain a grading permit, the applicant shall first file an application in writing on a form furnished for that purpose. Every such application shall:

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

1. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be performed by lot, block, tract, and by a street address or by similar description sufficient to readily identify and definitely locate the site.

2. State the name and address of the owner of said land, the person who is to perform the work, and the field engineer if such work is to be performed as engineered grading.

3. Be accompanied by plans, specifications and calculations as may be required by Section J104.2.

4. State the volume of the material to be handled.

5. Be signed by the applicant or authorized agent, who may be required to submit evidence of such authority.

6. Give such other information as reasonably may be required by the Building Official or City Engineer.

J104.2 Plans and Specifications

With each application for a grading permit and when required by the City Engineer for enforcement of any provisions of this code, three sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted. Except as waived by the City Engineer, the plans shall be prepared and signed by a civil engineer, stamped by a geotechnical engineer, and shall show the following:

1. A vicinity sketch or other means of adequately indicating the site location.

2. Boundary lines of the property on which the work is to be performed.

3. Each lot or parcel of land into which the site is proposed to be divided.

4. All of the proposed uses of the site and, if the site is to be divided, the proposed use of each lot or parcel of land.

5. Location of any existing buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed, and the location of any buildings or structures on adjacent land which are within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the property line.

6. Accurate contours showing the topography of the existing ground.

7. Elevations, location, extent and slope of all proposed grading shown by contours, cross sections or other means and location of any rock disposal area buttress fills or other special features, if such are proposed to be included in the work.

8. A statement of the quantities of material to be excavated and/or filled and the amount of such material to be imported to, or exported from, the site.

9. A statement of the estimated starting and completion dates for work covered by the permit.

10. A statement signed by the owner acknowledging that a field engineer, geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist, when appropriate, will be employed to perform the services required by this code, whenever approval of the plans and issuance of the permit are to be based on the condition that such professional persons be so employed. These acknowledgments shall be on a form furnished by the Building Official.

11. The recommendations in the soil engineering and engineering geology reports shall be incorporated in the grading plans.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

12. Detailed plans of all drainage-devices, walls, cribbing or other protective devices to be constructed in connection with, or as a part of, the proposed work, together with a map showing the drainage area and estimated runoff of the area served by any drains. Suitable access shall be provided to permit proper cleaning and maintenance.

13. Storm water provisions are required to be shown on the plan in accordance with the requirement of Section 106.4.3 of the code. See Section J104.10 for specific requirements.

14. Any additional plans, drawings or calculations deemed necessary by the Building Official or City Engineer to show conformance of the proposed work with the requirements of this code or related ordinances.

15. A drainage plan for that portion of a lot or parcel to be utilized as a building site (building pad), including elevations of floors with respect to finish site grade and locations of proposed stoops, slabs and fences that may affect drainage. The dates of the soils engineering and/or engineering geology (geotechnical) reports together with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the firms or individuals who are in responsible charge of preparing the reports.

16. Whenever a landscape permit is required as part of a grading project, the grading, irrigation and landscape plans shall be coordinated between the design engineer and landscape architect. The landscape plans shall be based on the most recent grading plan. Should there be any final elevation differences between the two plans, the elevations shown on the grading plans shall govern.

Fees. Grading permit and plan checking fees shall be as specified in the City of Palmdale Fee Ordinance.

J104.3 Geotechnical Report

A geotechnical report prepared by a registered design professional shall be provided. The report shall contain not less than the following:

1. The nature and distribution of existing soils.

2. Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.

3. Soil design criteria for any structures or embankments required to accomplish the proposed grading.

4. Where necessary, slope stability studies, and recommendations and conclusions regarding site geology.

5. The soils report shall comply with City's Engineering Design Standards and City manual, titled "Guidelines For Preparation of Geotechnical Reports".

Exception: A geotechnical report is not required where the Building Official or City Engineer determines that the nature of the work applied for is such that a report is not necessary.

J104.3.1 Engineering Geological Reports

The City Engineer or Building Official may require an engineering geological investigation and report, based on the most recent grading plan. The engineering geological report shall include an adequate description of the geology of the site and conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development.

J104.4 Liquefaction Study

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

For sites with mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at short periods (Ss) greater than 0.5g as determined by Section 1613, a study of the liquefaction potential of the site shall be provided and the recommendations incorporated in the plans.

Exception: A liquefaction study is not required where the Building Official determines from established local data that the liquefaction potential is low.

J104.5 Permit Limitations and Conditions

J104.5.1 General Conditions.

The issuance of a grading permit shall constitute an authorization to do only that work which is described or illustrated on the application for the permit or on the grading plans and specifications approved by the City Engineer.

J104.5.2 Jurisdictions of Other Agencies.

Permits issued under the provisions of this code shall not relieve the owner of the responsibility for securing permits or licenses that may be required from other departments or divisions of the governing agencies.

J104.5.3 Conditions of Approval

In granting any permit under this code, the City Engineer or Building Official may attach such conditions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent creation of a nuisance or hazard to public or private property. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:

1. Improvement of any existing grading to bring it up to the standards of this code.

2. Requirements for fencing of excavations or fills that would otherwise be hazardous.

3. Fugitive dust control measures. See Section J104.10.9 for specific requirements.

Modification of Approved Plans. Any modifications of or changes in the approved grading plans must be approved by the City Engineer. Modifications which affect basic tract design or land use must have the approval of the appropriate control agency.

Special Permit. Agricultural or Road Grading. Where the grading proposed is solely for the purpose of preparing land for agricultural purposes or for the construction of a roadway to be used as access for maintaining the use of the land at the time of the permit, the City Engineer or Building Official may issue a special permit therefor and modify the requirements of this chapter when he or she finds:

1. The site of the proposed work has an area of not less than 10 acres (4.05 ha).

2. The work will be reasonably safe for the intended use and will not result in a hazard to adjoining property or existing structures.

3. Adequate provision will be made for drainage and erosion control.

J104.6 Denial of Permit

J104.6.1 Hazards

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

The City Engineer or Building Official shall not issue a grading permit in any case where he or she finds that the work, as proposed by the applicant, is likely to adversely affect the stability of adjoining property, result in the deposition of debris on any public way, interfere with any existing drainage course or be in an area determined to be subject to geological hazard. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the City Engineer or Building Official that the hazard can be essentially eliminated by the construction of retaining structures, buttress fills, drainage devices or by other means, the City Engineer or Building Official may issue the permit with the condition that such work be performed.

J104.6.2 Land Use

The City Engineer or Building Official shall not issue a grading permit for work on a site unless the proposed uses shown on the grading plan for the site will comply with the City of Palmdale Zoning Ordinance.

J104.7 Security

J104.7.1 Security Required

A permit shall not be issued for grading unless the owner shall first post with the City Engineer security in one of the following forms:

1. A bond furnished by a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state.

2. A cash bond.

Security required by this section may include incidental off-site grading on property contiguous with the site to be developed, provided written consent of the owner of such contiguous property is filed with the City Engineer.

The City Engineer may waive the requirements for a security for:

1. Grading being done by or for a governmental agency.

2. Grading necessary to remove a geological hazard, where such work is covered by an agreement and security.

3. Filling of holes or depressions, provided such grading will not affect the drainage from or to adjacent properties.

J104.7.2 Amount of Security

The amount of security shall be based on the number of cubic yards of material in either excavation or fill, whichever is greater, plus the cost of all drainage or other protective devices or work necessary to eliminate geological hazards. That portion of the security valuation based on the volume of material in either excavation or fill shall be computed as 110 percent of the estimated cost, regardless of the cubic yardage. When the rough grading has been completed in conformance with the requirements of this code, the City Engineer may at his or her discretion consent to a proportionate reduction of the security to an amount estimated to be adequate to ensure completion of the grading work, site development or planting remaining to be performed. The costs referred to in this section shall be as estimated by the City Engineer.

J104.7.3 Conditions

All security shall include the conditions that the principal shall:

1. Comply with all of the provisions of the code, applicable laws, and ordinances.

2. Comply with all of the terms and conditions of the grading permit.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

J104.7.4 Term of Security

The term of each security shall begin upon the filing thereof with the City Engineer and the security shall remain in effect until the work authorized by the grading permit is completed and approved by the City Engineer.

Default Procedures. In the event the owner or the owner's agent fails to complete the work or fails to comply with all terms and conditions of the grading permit, it shall be deemed that a default has occurred. The City Engineer shall give notice thereof to the principal and security or financial institution on the grading permit security, or to the owner in the case of a cash deposit or assignment and may order the work required to complete the grading in conformance with the requirements of this code. The surety or financial institution executing the security shall continue to be firmly bound under an obligation up to the full amount of the security for the payment of all necessary costs and expenses that may be incurred by the City Engineer in causing any and all such required work to be done. In the case of a cash deposit or assignment, the unused portion of such deposit or funds assigned shall be returned or reassigned to the person making said deposit or assignment.

Right of Entry. The City Engineer or Building Official or the authorized representative of the Surety Company or financial institution shall have access to the premises described in the permit for the purpose of inspecting the work. In the event of default in the performance of any term or condition of the permit, the surety or financial institution or the Building Official, or any person employed or engaged in the behalf of any of these parties, shall have the right to go upon the premises to perform the required work. The owner or any other person who interferes with or obstructs the ingress to or egress from any such premises of any authorized representative of the surety or financial institution or of the City of Palmdale engaged in the correction or completion of the work for which a grading permit has been issued, after a default has occurred in the performance of the terms or conditions thereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

If at any stage of the work the City Engineer or Building Official determines by inspection that further grading as authorized is likely to endanger any public or private property, result in the deposition of debris on any public way or interfere with any existing drainage course, the City Engineer or Building Official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing or causing such work to be done, and any such person shall forthwith stop such work. The City Engineer or Building Official may authorize the work to proceed if the City Engineer or Building Official finds adequate safety precautions can be taken or corrective measures incorporated in the work to avoid likelihood of such danger, deposition or interference. If the grading work as done has created or resulted in a hazardous condition, the City Engineer or Building Official shall give written notice requiring correction thereof as specified in Section J103.5 of this code. If the City Engineer or Building Official finds any existing conditions not as stated in the grading permit or not as shown on the grading plan, the City Engineer or Building Official may order the work stopped until a revised grading plan which includes provisions for such existing conditions has been submitted and approved.

J104.9 Storm Water Management Plan (Erosion Control)

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

No grading permit shall be issued for work to be commenced between October 1 of any year and April 15 of the following calendar year, unless the plans for such work include a storm water management plan with details of protective measures, including desilting basins or other temporary drainage or control measures, or both, as may be necessary to protect adjoining public and private property from damage by erosion, flooding or the deposition of mud, debris or construction-related pollutants which may originate from the site or result from such grading operation.

If grading has been started prior to November 1, all protective measures shall be installed prior to November 1. If grading is started on or after November 1, all protective measures shall be installed before grading begins. As grading progresses, all protective measures shall be maintained in good working order to the satisfaction of the City Engineer until April 15 of the following year, unless final grading approval has been granted by the City Engineer prior to that date and all permanent drainage and erosion-control systems, if required, are in place.

J104.9.1 Storm Damage Precautions, Incomplete Work

Where a grading permit is issued and the work is commenced after April 15 and before October 1 of any year and the plans for such work do not include details of the protective measures described in Section J104.9, and it appears that the grading and installation of the permanent drainage devices as authorized by the permit will not be completed prior to November 1, then on or before October 1 the owner of the site on which the grading is being performed shall file or cause to be filed with the City Engineer revised plans which include details of the protective measures described in and in all other respects follow the provisions of Section J104.9. The revised plans required by this section shall be accompanied by an application for plan check services and plan check fees in accordance with City Fee Schedule.

J104.9.2 Storm Water Management Plan (Erosion Control), effect of noncompliance

Should the owner fail to submit the plans or fail to provide the protective measures required by Section J104.9 or J104.9.1 by the dates specified therein, it shall be deemed that a default has occurred under the conditions of the grading permit security. Thereupon, the City Engineer may enter the property for the purpose of installing, by city forces or by other means, the drainage, erosion control and other devices shown on the approved plans, or if there are no approved plans, as the City Engineer may deem necessary to protect adjoining property from storm damage, or the City Engineer may cause the owner of the site to be prosecuted as a violator of this code or City Engineer may take both actions. The City Engineer shall have the authority to collect the penalties imposed by Section J104.9.2 upon determining that the site is not in compliance with the requirements of this section. Payment of penalty shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this code in the execution of the work.

In addition to the above actions, the following penalties shall be imposed:

1. If a designed erosion-control plan is not submitted as prescribed in Section J104.9.1:

==> picture [424 x 62] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Grading Permit Volume Penalty
3 $50.00 per day
1 – 10,000 cubic yards (1 – 7,645.5 m )
3 $250.00 per day
10,000 – 100,000 cubic yards (7,646.3 – 76,455 m )
----- End of picture text -----

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

2. If protective devices for erosion control are not installed as prescribed in Section J104.9 and approved by the City Engineer:

==> picture [424 x 83] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Grading Permit Volume Penalty
3 $100.00 per day
1 – 10,000 cubic yards (1 – 7,645.5 m )
3 $500.00 per day
10,000 – 100,000 cubic yards (7,646.3 – 76,455 m )
3 $1,000.00 per day
More than 100,000 cubic yards (76,455 m )
----- End of picture text -----

J104.9.2.1 Costs and Penalties.

If not paid within 30 days from the date of the notice, the penalties imposed by Section J104.9.2 shall become a special assessment against the property.

J104.9.2.1 Notice of Violation

The City Engineer may record a notice of violation with the county recorder's office when a property is in violation of Section J104.9 of this code. Recordation of such notice shall be subject to the provisions of Sections J104.9.2.1.b and J104.9.2.1.c. The remedy provided by this section is cumulative to any other enforcement action permitted by this code.

J104.9.2.1.b Recordation

If (1) the City Engineer determines that any property is in violation of Section J104.9 of this code; and if (2) the City Engineer gives written notice as specified below of said violation; and if (3) within 30 days of said notice, the property is not brought into compliance with this code, the City Engineer may, at his or her sole discretion, at any time thereafter, record with the county recorder's office a notice that the property is in violation of this code.

Contents of Notice. The written notice given pursuant to this section shall indicate:

1. The nature of the violation(s); and

2. Notice that if the violation is not remedied to the satisfaction of the City Engineer within 30 days, the City Engineer may, at any time thereafter, record with the county recorder's office a notice that the property is in violation of this code. The notice shall be posted on the property and shall be mailed to the owner of the property as indicated on the last equalized county assessment roll. The mailed notice may be sent by registered, certified or first-class mail.

J104.9.2.1.c Rescission

Any person who desires to have recorded a notice rescinding the notice of violation may present evidence of compliance and payment of penalty fees and costs to the City Engineer. The costs incurred by the City Engineer in the investigation of such violations and the processing of the notice and notification of concerned parties and inspection costs shall be as specified in currently adopted Palmdale Fee Ordinance. If the City Engineer determines that such fees have been paid and such costs have been recovered by the City, or that such fees and costs have been placed on the tax rolls as a special assessment pursuant to Section 25845 of the Government Code, the City Engineer shall record a notice rescinding the prior notice of violation.

J104.10 Responsibility of Permittee

J104.10.1 Compliance with Plans and Code

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

The permittee or the permittee's agent shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in compliance with all the requirements of this code.

The permittee shall act as the coordinator between the consultants, contractor and City Engineer or Building Official. The permittee shall present to the City Engineer or Building Official the names of all consultants prior to obtaining a grading permit. In the event of changed conditions, the permittee shall be responsible for informing the City Engineer or Building Official of such change and shall provide revised plans and reports for approval. All slope planting shall also be subject to the requirements of City of Palmdale Landscape Ordinance No. 1475 and the City's Landscaping Design Standards. If a landscape permit is not required, the slope planting shall be a part of the grading permit. If the slope planting is within an area in which a landscape permit is required under City of Palmdale Landscape Ordinance No. 1475, all slope planting shall also meet the requirements of this chapter and shall be a part of the landscape permit.

It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to notify the City Engineer when the work is ready for the inspections required by Section J105. The notification shall be at least one working day in advance of the inspection.

J104.10.4 Protection of Utilities

The permittee shall be responsible for the prevention of damage to any public utilities or services.

J104.10.5 Protection of Adjacent Property

The permittee is responsible for the prevention of damage to adjacent property, and no person shall excavate on land sufficiently close to the property line to endanger any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public or private property without supporting and protecting such property from settling, cracking or other damage which might result. Special precautions shall be made to prevent imported or exported materials from being deposited on the adjacent public way and/or drainage courses.

The permittee shall put into effect and maintain all mitigation measures required under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued to the City of Palmdale. Such measures are precautionary measures necessary to protect adjacent watercourses and public or private property from damage by erosion flooding and deposition of mud debris, and construction-related pollutants.

J104.10.7 Termination of Consultants

The permittee shall notify the City Engineer or Building Official within 48 hours if any consultant resigns or is terminated.

J104.10.8 Best Management Practices

The permittee shall maintain the site in such a manner as to minimize the impacts of storm water and construction related pollutants due to the grading and related construction activities on adjacent public and private property and drainage courses. The required best management practices shall include, but not be limited to, those identified in this section.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

1. All equipment used for grading and related activities shall be stored, serviced, and refueled in a designated area specifically designed to prevent waste oils, fuels, solvents and other pollutants from contaminating the soil or being conveyed by storm water.

2. All fuels, solvents, oil, and other foreign substances and their containers shall be stored in accordance with their listing and protected from the weather in such a manner as to prevent them from contaminating the soil or being conveyed by storm water.

3. A covered receptacle shall be available on-site for collection of trash and debris to be disposed of off-site. The site shall be maintained in such a manner as to prevent the deposition of trash and debris onto adjacent public and private property.

4. All vehicles or equipment shall be free of mud and debris before leaving the site so as not to track or deposit such material onto the public way. The roadway entrance must be stabilized in such a manner as to prevent the off-site tracking of soil or mud. Provisions shall be made for immediate cleaning of the public way when accidental depositions occur.

J104.10.9 Fugitive Dust Control Measures

The permittee shall put into effect and maintain control measures so as to not cause or allow emissions of fugitive dust from any active grading operation, open stockpile area, or disturbed area such that the presence of dust remains visible in the atmosphere beyond the property line of the emission source. Control measures may include, but are not limited to, the suspension of grading operations, the application of water, the application of chemical stabilizers, the installation of temporary coverings, the installation of silt fencing, or the establishment of vegetative ground cover.

J104.11 Import and Export of Earth Materials

In addition to other provisions of this code, the following requirements shall apply when earth materials in excess of 50 cubic yards are to be exported from or imported to a grading site by transporting such materials over a publicly maintained street.

1. The point or points of access to the public street or streets for export or import shall be shown on the haul route plan and shall be located as approved by the City Engineer.

2. Special safety precautions equivalent to the following standards shall be provided where the egress (outhaul) road connects with the public street.

a. The last 50 feet (15240 mm) of the outhaul road immediately adjoining the street if downgrade to the street shall have a grade no steeper than 3 percent.

b. An unobstructed sight distance of not less than 300 feet (91440 mm) in each direction up and down the public street shall be provided at the point of egress. Such sight distance shall be measured from a point 8 feet (2438 mm) above grade in the outhaul road; that point shall be 10 feet (3048 mm) outside the edge of the street pavement or, if no pavement, 10 feet (3048 mm) outside the edge of the normally traveled portion of the public street.

3. Traffic-control devices shall be provided and maintained at the connection of the ingress and egress roads with the public way as may be required by the city of Palmdale City Engineer.

4. Haul Route Permit and plan shall be required showing the approved route and deposition site. The plan shall indicate all required permits and approvals for the deposition site.

J104.11.1 Planning and Zoning Compliance.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

No grading permit shall be issued for the import or export of more than 50 cubic yards of earth material to or from a grading site unless the project is in conformance with "Planning and Zoning," of the City of Palmdale.

Section J105 Grading Designation and Inspections

J105.1 General

Grading involving a fill intended to support structures of more than one lot or parcel of land, or in excess of 5,000 cubic yards (3822.8 m3) of material or grading where the City Engineer determines special conditions or unusual hazards exist shall conform with Section J105.4, entitled "Engineered Grading Requirements."

Grading other than "engineered grading" shall be designated "regular grading."

J105.2 Regular Grading Requirements.

The grading shall be inspected by the City Engineer as set forth in Section J105.3, "Inspection of Excavation and Fills."

The City Engineer may require inspection and testing by a soil testing agency. If required, the soil testing agency's responsibility shall include, but need not be limited to, approval concerning the inspection of cleared areas and benches to receive fill, and the compaction of fills.

J105.3 Inspection of Excavation and Fills

The City Engineer, upon notification from the permittee or the permittee's agent, shall inspect the grading at the following stages of the work and shall either approve the portion then completed or shall notify the permittee or the permittee's agent wherein it fails to comply with the requirements of this code.

J105.3.1 Initial Inspection

When the site has been cleared of vegetation and unapproved fill and it has been scarified, benched or otherwise prepared for fill.

No fill shall have been placed prior to this inspection.

J105.3.2 Rough Inspection

When approximate final elevations have been established; drainage terraces, swales and other drainage devices graded and ready for paving; berms installed at the top of the slopes; and the statements required by Section J105.9 have been received.

J105.3.3 Final Inspection

When grading has been completed; all drainage devices installed; slope planting established, irrigation systems installed; and the as graded plans and required statements and reports have been submitted. In addition to the called inspections specified above, the City Engineer may make such other inspections as may be deemed necessary to determine that the work is being performed in conformance with the requirements of this code.

Investigations and reports by an approved soil testing agency, soils engineer and/or engineering geologist may be required.

J105.3.4 Non-Inspected Grading

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any non-inspected grading. For the purposes of this code, non-inspected grading shall be defined as any grading for which a grading permit was first obtained, pursuant to Section J103.1, but which has progressed beyond any point requiring inspection and approval by city engineer without such inspection and approval having been obtained.

J105.4 Engineered Grading Requirements

For engineered grading, it shall be the responsibility of the persons listed below to perform the designated functions and provide reports as set forth in Section J105.9. These responsibilities and functions are in addition to those of the City Engineer as set forth in Section J105.3.

J105.4.1 Design Engineer

The design engineer shall prepare the grading plans and shall incorporate recommendations from the soil engineering geology reports on such plans.

J105.4.2 Field Engineer

The responsibilities of the field engineer shall include the establishment and approval of line, grade and surface drainage.

The design engineer and field engineer need not be the same person. At the completion of the rough grading and final grading, the field engineer shall submit the statements and reports required by Section J105.9.

J105.4.3 Soils Engineer

The soils engineer shall provide professional inspection within such engineer's area of technical specialty, which shall include observation during grading and testing for required compaction. The soils engineer shall provide sufficient observation during the preparation of the natural ground and placement and compaction of the fill to verify that such work is being performed in accordance with the conditions of the approved plan and the appropriate requirements of this code. Revised recommendations relating to conditions noted during grading and differing from the approved soils engineering and engineering geology reports shall be coordinated with the engineering geologist and submitted to the permittee, the building official or City Engineer, the engineering geologist and the field engineer.

J105.4.4 Engineering Geologist

The engineering geologist shall provide professional inspection within such geologist's area of technical specialty, which shall include professional inspection of the bedrock excavation or excavation for subdrains, buttress fills and shear keys to determine if conditions encountered are in conformance with the approved report. Revised recommendations relating to conditions differing from the approved engineering geology reports shall be submitted to the soils engineer.

J105.4.5 Grading Contractor

The grading contractor shall submit the statement required by Section J105.9 at the completion of rough grading.

Planting and irrigation. When planting and irrigation are required by Section J110, the statement required by Section J105.9 shall be submitted prior to the final approval of the grading by the City Engineer. Reports that reflect conditions which are not in agreement with the approved grading plans shall be submitted to the field engineer and the City Engineer or Building Official by the appropriate consultants.

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City of Palmdale, CA

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

J105.5 Notification of Nonconformance

If, in the course of fulfilling their responsibilities under this code, the field engineer, soils engineer or engineering geologist finds that the work is not being done in conformance with this code or the plans approved by the City Engineer, or in accordance with good accepted practices, the permittee and the City Engineer or Building Official shall be immediately notified in writing of the nonconformity and of the corrective measures to be taken.

J105.6 Termination of Services

The termination of the service of the field engineer, soils engineer or geologist prior to the completion of the work shown on the approved grading plans shall be reported to the City Engineer in writing within 48 hours. The report shall be by the person terminated and shall include the status of the work at the last inspection. The work shall be stopped until the replacement has agreed to accept the responsibility within the area of his or her technical competence for verification upon completion of the work.

J105.7 Violation

It is a violation of this code for any person to verify to the satisfactory completion of work as required by this chapter if such work is subsequently found by the City Engineer or Building Official to have been in substantial noncompliance with the approved design or code requirement at the time of verification.

J105.8 Notification of Completion

The permittee shall notify the City Engineer when the grading operation is ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be given until all work, including installation of all drainage facilities and their protective devices, and all erosion-control measures have been completed in accordance with the final approved grading plan, and the required reports and certifications have been submitted.

J105.9 Reports and Statements – Final Reports

Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion of the work, the following reports, drawings and supplements thereto are required for engineered grading or when professional inspection is performed for regular grading, as applicable. An asgraded grading plan prepared by the field engineer retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.4 shall show original ground surface elevations, as-graded ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns, limits of over excavated areas, and the locations and elevations of surface drainage facilities and of the outlets of subsurface drains. As-constructed locations, elevations and details of subsurface drains shall be shown as reported by the soils engineer.

Field engineers shall state that the work within their area of responsibility was done in accordance with the final approved grading plan.

Reports prepared by the soils engineer retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.4, which include locations and elevations of field density tests, summaries of field and laboratory tests, other substantiating data, and comments on any changes made during tests and their effect on the recommendations made in the approved soils engineering investigation report.

Soils engineers shall submit a statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibility is in accordance with the approved soils engineering report and applicable provisions of this code.

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

Reports prepared by the engineering geologist retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.4, which include a final description of the geology of the site and any new information disclosed during the grading and the effect of this information on recommendations incorporated in the approved grading plan.

Engineering geologists shall submit a statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibility is in accordance with the approved engineering geology report and applicable provisions of this code. Where necessary, such report shall include a final geologic map and cross sections and recommendations noting geologic hazards and sewage disposal areas when the site inspection was required under Section J105.1. The grading contractor shall submit in a form prescribed by the City Engineer a statement of conformance to the as-graded plan and the specifications.

J105.10 Special Inspections

The special inspection requirements of Section 1705.6 shall apply to work performed under a grading permit where required by the Building Official.

Section J106 Excavations

J106.1 Maximum Slope

The slope of cut surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for the intended use, and shall be not more than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) unless the owner furnishes a geotechnical engineering or an engineering geology report, or both, stating that the site has been investigated and giving an opinion that a cut at a steeper slope will be stable and not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the City Engineer or Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The City Engineer or Building Official may require the excavation to be made with a cut face flatter in slope than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical if the City Engineer or Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety.

1. A cut surface shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1.5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (67-percent slope) provided that all of the following are met:

2. It is not intended to support structures or surcharges.

3. It is adequately protected against erosion.

4. It is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.

5. It is approved by the Building Code Official.

6. Ground water is not encountered.

7. A cut surface in bedrock shall be permitted to be at a slope of 1 unit horizontal to 1 unit vertical (100-percent slope) if approved by City Engineer or Building Official.

J106.2 Slope Surface Protection.

All slopes must be stabilized against surface erosion. Stabilization may be accomplished through the application of erosion-control blankets, soil stabilizers or other means as approved by the City Engineer or Building Official.

J106.3 Drainage.

Drainage terraces and interceptor drain shall be provided as required by Section J109.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

J107.1 General

Unless otherwise recommended in the geotechnical report, fills shall comply with the provisions of this section.

J107.2 Surface Preparation

The ground surface shall be prepared to receive fill by removing vegetation, topsoil, and other unsuitable materials, and scarifying the ground to provide a bond with the fill material.

J107.3 Benching

Where existing grade is at a slope steeper than one unit vertical in five units horizontal (20-percent slope) and the depth of the fill exceeds 5 feet (1524 mm) benching shall be provided in accordance with Figure J107.3. A key shall be provided that is not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width and 2 feet (610 mm) in depth.

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For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

FIGURE J107.3 Benching Details

J107.4 Fill Material

Fill material shall not include organic, frozen, or other deleterious materials. Rock or similar irreducible material greater than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall not be included in fills.

J107.5 Compaction

All fill material shall be compacted to 90 percent of maximum density as determined by ASTM D1557, Modified Proctor, in lifts not exceeding 12 inches (305 mm) in depth.

J107.6 Maximum Slope

The slope of fill surfaces shall be not steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes steeper than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope) shall be justified by a geotechnical report or engineering data.

J107.7 Drainage

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

Drainage terraces and interceptor drain shall be provided as required by Section J109.

For engineered grading, the soils engineer shall provide sufficient inspections during the preparation of the natural ground and the placement and compaction of the fill to be satisfied that the work is being performed in accordance with the conditions of plan approval and the appropriate requirements of this chapter. In addition to the above, the soils engineer shall be present during the entire fill placement and compaction of fills that will exceed a vertical height or depth of 30 feet (8849 mm) or result in a slope surface steeper than two units horizontal to one unit vertical (50-percent slope).

Sufficient tests of the fill soil shall be made to determine the density thereof and to verify compliance of the soil properties with the design requirements, including soil types and shear strengths in accordance with the standards established by the City Engineer or Building Official. The results of such testing shall be included in the reports required by this chapter.

Section J108 Setbacks

J108.1 General

Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from the property lines in accordance with this section. Setback dimensions shall be measured perpendicular to the property line and shall be described in Section J108.2, unless substantiating data is submitted justifying reduced setbacks. The grading design must be such that the property line between adjacent lots will be at the apex of the berm at the top of the slope.

J108.2 Slope Setbacks

The setback at the top of a slope to property line shall not be less than one fifth the height of the slope with a minimum of 2 feet (610 mm) and a maximum of 10 feet (3048 mm), or than is required to accommodate any required interceptor drains, whichever is greater.

J108.2.2 Toe of Slope

The setback at the toe of a slope to property line shall not be less than one fifth the height of the slope with a minimum of 2 feet (610 mm) and a maximum of 20 feet (6096 mm).

J108.3 Slope Protection

Where required to protect adjacent properties at the toe of a slope from adverse effects of the grading, additional protection, approved by the Building Official, shall be included. Examples of such protection include but are not be limited to:

1. Setbacks greater than those required by Figure J108.1.

2. Provisions for retaining walls or similar construction.

3. Erosion protection of the fill slopes.

4. Provision for the control of surface waters.

Section J109 Drainage and Terracing

Unless otherwise recommended by a registered design professional, drainage facilities and terracing shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this section.

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.240

Exception: Drainage facilities and terracing need not be provided where the ground slope is not steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33-percent slope).

J109.1.1 Site Grading and Drainage

The site or lot grading shall meet the requirements as specified in CBC Section 1804.4 – "Site Grading."

Drainage facilities shall be designed to carry surface waters to the nearest practical street, storm drain, or natural watercourse approved by the City Engineer or other appropriate governmental agency as a safe place to deposit such waters. Desilting basins, filter barriers or other methods, as approved by the City Engineer, shall be utilized to remove sediments from surface waters before such waters are allowed to enter streets, storm drains or natural watercourses. If the drainage device discharges onto natural ground, riprap or a similar energy dissipater may be required.

J109.2 Terraces

Terraces not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in width shall be established at not more than 30-foot (9144 mm) vertical intervals on all cut or fill slopes to control surface drainage and debris. Suitable access shall be provided to allow for cleaning and maintenance.

Where more than two terraces are required, one terrace, located at approximately midheight, shall be not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) in width.

When the total slope height exceeds 100 feet (30480 mm), one terrace near mid height shall not be less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width (measured horizontally from the outside edge). In lieu of the above, for cut and fill slopes greater than 120 feet (36576 mm) in height, the applicant may submit a drainage and terrace design by a civil engineer for approval by the city engineer.

Swales or ditches shall be provided on terraces. They shall have a minimum gradient of one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope) and shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in thickness, or with other materials suitable to the application. They shall have a depth not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and a width not less than 5 feet (1524 mm).

A single run of swale or ditch shall not collect runoff from a tributary area exceeding 13,500 square feet (1256 m) (projected) without discharging into a down drain.

J109.3 Interceptor Drains

Interceptor drains shall be installed along the top of cut slopes receiving drainage from a tributary width greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm), measured horizontally. They shall have a minimum depth of 1 foot (305 mm) and a minimum width of 3 feet (915 mm). The slope shall be approved by the building official but shall be not less than one unit vertical in 50 units horizontal (2-percent slope). The drain shall be paved with concrete not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in thickness, or by other materials suitable to the application. Discharge from the drain shall be accomplished in a manner to prevent erosion and shall be approved by the Building Official or City Engineer.

J109.4 Drainage Across Property Lines

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City of Palmdale, CA

HEALTH AND SAFETY

§ 8.04.240

§ 8.04.240

Drainage across property lines shall not exceed that which existed prior to grading. Excess or concentrated drainage shall be contained on site or directed to an approved drainage facility. Erosion of the ground in the area of discharge shall be prevented by installation of nonerosive down drains or other devices.

J109.5 Subsurface Drainage.

Cut and fill slopes shall be provided with subsurface drainage as necessary for stability.

Section J110 Erosion Control

The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control erosion. This control shall be permitted to consist of effective planting or other devices satisfactory to the City Engineer. All slope planting shall also be subject to the requirements of City of Palmdale Landscape Ordinance No. 1475 and the City's Landscaping Design Standards. If a landscape permit is not required, the slope planting shall be a part of the grading permit. If the slope planting is within an area in which a landscape permit is required under City of Palmdale Landscape Ordinance No. 1475, all slope planting shall also meet the requirements in this chapter and shall be a part of the landscape permit.

Exception: Erosion control measures may not be required on cut slopes not subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials.

The surface of all cut slopes more than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and fill slopes more than 3 feet (914 mm) in height shall be protected against damage by erosion by planting with ground cover plants. Slopes exceeding 15 feet (4572 mm) in vertical height shall also be planted with shrubs, spaced not to exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) on centers; trees, spaced not to exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) on centers; or a combination of shrubs and trees at equivalent spacing, in addition to the ground cover plants. The plants selected and planting methods used shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the site and shall be in accordance with standard specifications on file in the office of the City Engineer. Planting need not be provided for cut slopes rocky in character and not subject to damage by erosion and any slopes protected against erosion damage by other methods when such methods have been specifically recommended by a soils engineer, engineering geologist, or equivalent authority and found to offer erosion protection equal to that provided by the planting specified in this section. Plant material shall be selected which will produce a coverage of permanent planting effectively controlling erosion.

Consideration shall be given to deep-rooted plant material needing limited watering, to low maintenance during the lifetime of the project, to high root-to-shoot ratio (weight of aboveground parts versus root system), to wind susceptibility and to fire-retardant characteristics. J110.3 Irrigation

Slopes required to be planted by Section J110.2 shall be provided with an approved system of irrigation that is designed to cover all portions of the slope. Irrigation system plans shall be submitted and approved prior to installation. A functional test of the system shall be required. The requirements for permanent irrigation systems may be modified upon specific recommendation of a landscape architect or equivalent authority that, because of the type of plants selected, the planting methods used and the soil and climatic conditions at the site, irrigation will not be necessary for the maintenance of the slope planting.

J110.4 Plans and Specifications

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City of Palmdale, CA § 8.04.240

PALMDALE CODE

§ 8.04.245

Planting and irrigation plans shall be submitted for slopes required to be planted and irrigated by Sections J110.2 and J110.3. Except as waived by the City Engineer for minor grading, the plans for slopes 20 feet (6096 mm) or more in vertical height shall be prepared and signed by a civil engineer or landscape architect.

J110.5 Release of Security

The planting and irrigation systems required by this section shall be installed as soon as practical after rough grading. Prior to final approval of grading and before the release of the grading security, the planting shall be well established and growing on the slopes.

J110.6 Other Devices

Where necessary, check dams, cribbing, riprap or other devices or methods shall be employed to control erosion and provide safety.

Section J111 Referenced Standards

J111.1 General

See Table J111.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

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TABLE J111.1
REFERENCED STANDARDS
SECTIONS
STANDARD HEREIN
ACRONYM STANDARD NAME REFERENCED
ASTM Test Method for Laboratory Compaction J107.5
D1557—12E1 Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort
[56,000 ft-lb/ft3 (2,700kN-m/m3)].
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(Ord. 1595 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1661, 10/21/2025)

A new Chapter 65, Signs, is adopted as the sign provisions of the Palmdale Building Code, to read and to be cited as follows: