San Luis Obispo County Municipal Code Ch. 19.03 Building

19.03.010 - Modifications of the California Building Code.¶

The California Building Code adopted in Section 19.01.040 is modified, amended and/or supplemented as follows:

(1) Delete Appendix A, B, D, E, F, J K, L, M, N, O, and P.

Adopt Appendix C—GROUP U-AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS

Adopt Appendix G—FLOOD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

Adopt Appendix H—SIGNS

Adopt Appendix I—PATIO COVERS

(2) Section 502.1 "Address Identification" is amended to read as follows:

502.1 Address Identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background and be reflective material. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be a minimum of: 6" inches for residential, 8 inches for commercial, and 10 inches high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained. When required by the fire code official, complexes with multiple buildings may be required to provide directories, premises maps and directional signs. The scale, design and location of directory signs shall be approved by the fire code official and may be required to be illuminated.

(3) Add Section 504.5 "Roof Access" is added to read as follows:

504.5 Stairway access to roof. New buildings two or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof or other access to the roof for emergency personnel approved by the fire code official. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011. Such stairway or other approved access shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway or access continues to the roof. Where roofs are used for roof gardens or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

(4) Add Section 711A to read as follows:

711A.1 The chief building official may waive the requirements of this chapter, in whole or in part, for specific construction projects on a case by case basis within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone when such waiver is approved by the Fire Marshal, based upon site conditions which justify a reduction in fire resistance. A Request for Code Modification Form shall be completed, and the applicable fee paid for such waiver.

(5) Delete Sections 903.2 through 903.2.11.3. Amend Sections 903.2 to read as follows:

903.2 Fire Sprinklers Where required. Unless otherwise established by the local Fire Marshal or other applicable code, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed per the following Tables:

TABLE 903.1—AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

Structure Type	Sprinklers Required 2	Description	Square footage 1	Square footage 1	Min. Distances between structures and property lines (PL)	Requirements	Use Examples	Exceptions
Structure Type	Sprinklers Required 2	Description	Min	Max	Min. Distances between structures and property lines (PL)	Requirements	Use Examples	Exceptions
New Construction	Yes	New buildings including mobile homes and commercial coaches 1	0	0	Per CBC, CRC	Throughout new buildings	All new construction and dwellings	Exceptions 2, 3, 4
Residential Accessory Structure	Yes	Accessory structures as defined in CRC	1,000	3,000	50 feet from PL 30' between any structures on site	No heating, cooling, living or sleeping spaces	One story garage, workshop, studio, residential storage bldg.	Exception 1
Agricultural Structure	Yes	Accessory to agricultural operation, livestock, crops. Agricultural operations in accordance with AG LUO & CBC definition	3,000	5,000	100 feet from PL, 50 feet from other structures	Primary usage must be 75% livestock or crops	One story barn or stables	Exception 1
Pole barn, Covered arena, Greenhouse	No	One story hay storage, covered riding arena, greenhouses	Unlimited if 60 feet on all sides per CBC	Unlimited if 60 feet on all sides per CBC	100 feet from PL, 50 feet from other structures	No public use or access	See description	None
Agricultural Exempt (no permit required)	No	LUO Ag Exempt & signed affidavit	0	3,000	100 feet from PL, 50 feet from other structures	Per Ag Exempt agreement	Ag-Barn on Ag zoned land over 20 acres	See Title 19

References: CRC: California Residential Code CFC: California Fire Code CBC: California Building Code LUO: Land Use Ordinance (San Luis Obispo County)

Footnotes:

1 For the purpose of calculating square footage for the application of fire sprinkler requirements and fire flow requirements, the floor area shall include all combustible areas attached to the structure, including garages, patio covers, and workshops.

2 Automatic Fire Sprinklers installed at exterior locations shall be approved corrosion resistant devices when environmental or operational conditions warrant.

Exceptions:

Structures between the minimum and the maximum square footage must meet all the above table criteria and all the following are required in lieu of fire sprinklers: • no conditioned or habitable space, • no second stories (lofts ⅓ the floor area and open to below are allowed), • minimum two exits including one pedestrian door (side hinge swinging door), • workshops or offices limited to ten percent of floor area, • structure complies with the California Wildland Urban-Interface Ignition Resistant Construction Requirements, • Cannot be used as a place of employment or for public assemblage/events. • Cannot be used as a commercial building.
A single-story building or commercial coach where floor area does not exceed 1000 square feet and the occupancy is not a Group A, E Daycare, F1 Woodworking, group R, Group H, Group I occupancy or any occupancy where cellulose nitrate film, pyroxylin plastics or any hazardous materials manufactured, stored or handled in quantities in excess of Tables in CBC, CFC or within Los Osos CSD and the fire flow from a hydrant is less than 750gpm at 20psi.
Mobile/manufactured or factory-built homes or commercial coaches constructed or altered on or before March 12, 2011 which were not manufactured with automatic fire sprinklers.
Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence.

TABLE 903.2—Automatic Fire Sprinkler System Requirements EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 6

Occupancy or Structural Modification Type	Sprinklers Required 3	Description	Square Footage 1	Requirements	Use Examples	Exceptions
Alterations 1	Yes, if…	Alteration includes modifications to the structure	50% of existing floor area 2	Alterations additions and remodel square footage will be considered a combined and cumulative sum of floor area	Interior remodels Rehabilitation	Exceptions 1, 2, 3, 4
Additions 1	Yes, if…	Additions cumulative from January 01, 2008 regardless of any change of ownership	1,000 sf or 50% of floor area 2	Alterations additions and remodel square footage will be considered a combined and cumulative sum of floor area	Any addition	Exception 4
Hazard Category and Occupancy Classification Changes	Yes	Change results in higher hazard or as deemed necessary by fire code official and the building official	Any	Hazard classification rating as determined by the fire code official, and occupancy classification as determined by the building official.	Any change of occupancy defined in Chapter 3 of the CBC	None
Hazardous Materials Inside buildings	Yes	Cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics or any hazardous materials manufactured, stored or handled in quantities in excess of Tables in CBC, CFC	Any	Building and any portion of a building must also include requirements as listed in CFC Chapter 5005.4	Any occupancy	None

References: CRC: California Residential Code CFC: California Fire Code CBC: California Building Code

Footnotes:

2 Fire sprinklers are required when all ceiling coverings are removed, or a project reaches the threshold of 50% of addition or alteration; determination of fire sprinklers shall be made by one of the following methods: 1) By net floor area: Any room(s) or area(s) that are added, altered, rehabilitated or repaired shall have their net floor area calculated and compared to the total net floor area of the existing structure to find the calculated percentage. 2) By surface area: Surface area shall be defined as surfaces of walls and ceilings. Any room(s) or area(s) that are added, altered, rehabilitated or repaired shall have their surface area calculated compared to the total wall and ceiling surface area of the existing structure to find the calculated percentage.

Note: Change(s) in project scope after the plan review process shall require that the fire sprinkler calculation be revised and submitted for review and approval.

3 Automatic fire sprinklers installed at exterior locations shall be approved corrosion resistant devices when environmental conditions warrant.

4 Mobile/manufactured or factory-built homes or commercial coaches constructed or altered on or before March 12, 2011 which were not manufactured with automatic fire sprinklers are not subject to fire sprinkler requirements.

Exceptions:

Alterations limited to only one of the following: replacement of exterior coverings and windows, roofing, electrical services, sewer laterals, retaining walls, or routine plumbing, electrical and mechanical repairs.
A loft open to the floor below and no more than one third of the floor area of the room below may be added without requiring sprinklers.
REPAIR is the reconstruction or renewal for the purpose of maintenance.
Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. Footnote 2 determination is required.

(6) Add Section 903.3.6 "Exterior Notification to read as follows:

903.3.6 Exterior notification. All fire sprinkler systems including NFPA 13, 13D, 13R shall provide a local water flow alarm.

(7) Section 904.11.3 is amended to read as follows:

904.12.1.1. Manual System Operation Training. It shall be the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable in the use of manually operated or activated fire-extinguishing systems within the occupancy.

(8) Section 905.3 "Required installations Standpipe systems" is amended to read as follows:

905.3.1 Building height and area. Class Ill standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of the fire department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access and in any parking structure.

A building that is greater than 20,000 square feet (1.858 m 2 ) of floor area and greater than 18 feet (5.49 m) in height shall have a dry or wet standpipe system with a 2 1/2 inch (64 mm) outlet at the roof near the roof access. Location of the outlet and the fire department connection to the standpipe shall be labeled and approved by the fire code official.

(9) Section 907.7.6.6." Monitoring" is amended to read as follows:

907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the California Building Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station listed by Underwriters Laboratory for receiving fire alarms in accordance with NFPA 72. The supervising station shall contact and notify the Fire Chief or their call receiving location immediately on notification of an alarm and prior to making contact with the protected premises.

Exception: Supervisory service is not required for:

Single- and multi-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10
Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.4.
Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

(10) Section 1011.12 "Stairway to roof is amended by addition thereto to read as follows: 101 New buildings two or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in twelve units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof or other access to the roof for emergency personnel approved by the fire code official. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 101. Such stairway or other approved access shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway or access continues to the roof. Where roofs are used for roof gardens or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

(11) Add Section 3202.3.1.1 to read as follows:

3202.3.1.1 Special requirements for covered sidewalks. Covered sidewalks may be permitted by the chief building official only within the urban areas of Cambria, Cayucos, Santa Margarita, San Miguel and Templeton. In those communities, covered sidewalks are subject to the following requirements:

Covering. The permanent covering of a covered sidewalk shall not be less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above grade and shall provide at least 2 feet (610 mm) of horizontal clearance between the permanent covering and the curb line of the abutting streets.
Location of supports. The permanent covering may be supported by on-grade supports installed no closer than 2 feet (610 mm) from the curb line. In areas allowing diagonal parking, any projection on-grade less than 4 feet (1220 mm) from the curb line shall be protected from damage by vehicles in a manner approved by the chief building official.
Encroachment Permit required. The permit application for a covered sidewalk shall be accompanied by an encroachment permit issued by the County Engineering Department, State of California or other agency having jurisdiction over the public right-of-way.

(12) Add Appendix Section H101.0 to read as follows:

H101.0 Signs. Compliance with other codes. The construction or installation of all signs shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Land Use Ordinance, Title 22 of the San Luis Obispo County Code, or the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance, Title 23 of the San Luis Obispo County Code, where applicable.

(Ord. No. 3343, § 1, 12-6-16; Ord. No. 3400, § 1, 11-19-19; Ord. No. 3482, § 1, 11-8-22; Ord. No. 3560, § 1, 12-9-25)

Exceptions & meaning →

19.03.020 - Modifications of the California Residential Code.¶

The California Residential Code adopted in Section 19.01.040 is modified, amended and/or supplemented as follows:

(1) Delete Division II Administration see 19.02.020. Administration of the Residential Code shall be as set forth in Chapter 1 of the California Building Code.

(2) Delete Appendix AA, AB, AC, BE, BG, BH, BI, BJ, BK, BL, BM, BN, BO, CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH, CJ and CK

Adopt Appendix B—PATIO COVERS

Adopt Appendix BB - TINY HOUSES

Amend Appendix BB Section 101.1 to read as follows: Scope. This appendix shall be applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units. Tiny houses shall comply with this code except as otherwise stated in this appendix. These provisions do not allow for park models or other recreation vehicles to be considered a habitable dwelling unit.

Adopt Appendix CI—SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT

(3) Remove the exception to R309.1

(4) Remove the exception 1 to R309.2

(5) Amend Section 309.2 to read as follows:

309.2 Unless otherwise established by the local Fire Marshall or other applicable code, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed: per the following Tables:

See 19.03.010(5) Tables 903.1 and 903.2

(6) Amend Section R308.1 to read;

Address Identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property and of reflective material. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed by and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of: Residential 6 inches, Commercial 8 inches, and Industrial 10 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7mm).

(Ord. No. 3343, § 1, 12-6-16; Ord. No. 3400, § 1, 11-19-19; Ord. No. 3482, § 1, 11-8-22; Ord. No. 3560, § 1, 12-9-25)

Exceptions & meaning →

19.03.030 - California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.¶

The California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is adopted in Section 19.01.040 is modified, amended and/or supplemented as follows:

(1) Add Section 501.1.1 to read as follows:

1.1 The chief building official may waive the requirements of this chapter, in whole or in part, for specific construction projects on a case by case basis within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone when such waiver is approved by the Fire Marshal, based upon site conditions which justify a reduction in fire resistance. A Request for Code Modification Form shall be completed, and the applicable fee paid for such waiver.

(Ord. No. 3560, § 1, 12-9-25)

Exceptions & meaning →