San Francisco County Municipal Code § 2.11 California

2.11.1 Balconies and Platforms.¶

Platform grating bars for all balconies shall be not less than 1 1/2 × 5/16 inch and shall be placed not more than 1

inch apart. Grating bars shall be tied together with at least two intermediate crossbars, not less than 1 1/2 × 3/8 inch in cross section. Grating bars on platforms shall be placed flat and shall be securely bolted to the supporting members with ½-inch diameter galvanized machine bolts.

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2.11.1.1 The outside frames carrying the gratings shall be not less than 2 × 2 × 1/4…¶

securely bolted to the channel iron outriggers or bearing beams with not less than 1/2-inch diameter galvanized machine bolts.

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2.11.1.2 The top rail of all balconies shall be not less than 2 inches by 3/8 inch.¶

Splices are not permitted in rails unless approved by the Director.

At outside corners, the intersection of top rails shall be made with a 2-inch minimum radius curve by grinding or other means.

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2.11.1.3 In platforms more than 10 feet in length, the rails shall be reinforced with intermediate brackets.¶

2.11.1.4 The horizontal rails shall be connected by means of a 6-inch channel or…¶

with 5/8-inch diameter galvanized through-bolts with the nuts on the outside of the wall.

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2.11.1.5 The balusters, where used, shall be not less than 3/4 × 1/4 inch in cross-section.¶

2.11.1.6 The finish on the balconies shall not extend outside the rail.¶

2.11.2 Balcony Supports.¶

2.11.2.1 Masonry Buildings.¶

2.11.2.1.1 Cantilever supports for masonry buildings shall be spaced not more than 5 feet apart.¶

2.11.2.1.2 Cantilevers carrying the ends of balconies shall be of not less than 4 C 5.4…¶

2.11.2.1.3 Unless otherwise approved by the Director, all cantilevers shall go through…¶

inside line of wall, and the allowable compression stresses of the masonry shall not be exceeded.

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2.11.2.1.4 Cantilevers may be bolted or welded to the steel frame of the building.¶

2.11.2.2 Wood Frame Buildings.¶

2.11.2.2.1 Bracket supports for wood frame buildings shall be spaced not more than 5 feet apart.¶

2.11.2.2.2 The horizontal members shall be installed with a minimum pitch of ¼ inch per…¶

2.11.2.2.3 Penetrations through weather-resistive barriers shall be thoroughly flashed and sealed.¶

2.11.2.2.4 The horizontal member of the intermediate brackets shall be not less than 5…¶

and the diagonal strut shall be not less than 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 1/4 inch angle. The end brackets may be constructed from 3 C 4.1 channel for the horizontal member and 2 1/2 × 2 × 1/4 inch angle for the diagonal.

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2.11.2.2.5 The connecting angle for the horizontal member on all brackets to the…¶

inch diameter galvanized bolts through the outer wall to heavy timber beams or joists of balconies.

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2.11.2.2.6 The diagonal strut shall be secured to the building with 5/8-inch diameter galvanized bolts.¶

2.11.2.2.7 All bolts extending through the wall of heavy timber beams or joists shall…¶

so that the thread and nuts will show on the outside face of the wall.

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2.11.2.2.8 Penetrations through weather-resistive barriers shall be thoroughly flashed and sealed.¶

2.11.2.2.9 All studs receiving the brackets shall be not less than 4 inches by 4 inches nominal size.¶

2.11.2.2.10 Alternative support methods may be used, provided the design is in…¶

2.11.3 Inclined ladders.¶

2.11.3.1 Inclined ladder stringers and treads shall be not less than 4 × 1/4 inch plates.¶

2.11.3.2 Treads shall be riveted or welded to stringers.¶

2.11.3.3 All inclined ladders shall be provided with substantial railings of not less…¶

by not less than 1 1/4 x 1/4 inch intermediate standards spaced as required and adequately bolted to the ladder rails.

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2.11.4 Vertical Ladders.¶

2.11.4.1 Ladders shall be constructed with not less than 2 1/2 × 3/8 inch side rails…¶

2.11.4.2 Where vertical ladders join they shall be connected with not less than four…¶

2.11.4.3 Square corners will not be permitted on roof ladders.¶

All roof ladder railings extending above and over the parapet wall or roof shall be

rounded to a radius of not less than 3 inches.

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