San Rafael Municipal Code Ch. 12.101 General

These regulations shall be known as the building codes of the City of San Rafael Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019)

The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

12.101.020.1 Appendices. Provisions in any appendices of the adopted codes shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

12.101.020.2 California Building Code. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code.

12.101.020.3 California Existing Building Code. The California Existing Building Code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of all existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 12.101.6.1 and 12.101.6.2.

12.101.020.4 California Mechanical Code. The California Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy related systems.

12.101.020.5 California Plumbing Code. The California Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repairs and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances, where connected to a water or sewage system, gas system, and all aspects of medical gas system. The provision of the California Plumbing Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

12.101.020.6 California Residential Code. The provisions of the California Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three (3) stories above-grade in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three (3) stories above the grade plane in height.

Exception: The following shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with this code where provided with a residential fire sprinkler system complying with IRC Sections R313:

a. Live/work units located in townhouses and complying with the requirements of Section 419 of the California Building Code.

b. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five (5) or fewer guestrooms.

c. A care facility for five (5) or fewer persons receiving custodial care within a dwelling unit.

d. A care facility for five (5) or fewer persons receiving medical care within a dwelling unit.

e. A care facility for five (5) or fewer persons receiving care within a dwelling unit.

12.101.020.7 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, renovation, replacement, repair and maintenance of aquatic recreation facilities, pools, and spas. The pools and spas covered by this code are either permanent or temporary, and shall be only those that are designed and manufactured to be connected to a circulation system and that are intended for swimming, bathing or wading.

12.101.020.7.1 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum standards to provide a reasonable level of safety and protection of life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location and maintenance or use of pools and spas.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019)

The intent of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

It is not the purpose of this code to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this code.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019)

Any law cited in this code, including in the adopted codes as amended, shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019)