Sierra County Municipal Code Ch. 12.04 Building Code

The chapter is enacted to provide and implement regulations contained in the California Housing Law and regulations adopted thereunder to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, maintenance of all buildings and structures within the unincorporated area of Sierra County. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80; Ord. 492, eff. 3/31/77; Ord. 420, eff. 6/6/74; Ord. 338, eff. 1/14/70; Prior code § 71100)

A permit for the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of any building or structure shall not be issued unless and until a finding has been provided by the County Planning Department that such permit is in compliance with applicable county general and specific plans and county zoning laws. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80; Ord. 492, eff. 3/31/77; Ord. 420, eff. 6/6/74; Ord. 338, eff. 1/14/70; Ord. 255, eff. 7/4/62; Prior code § 71101)

The following work, in addition to those categories as outlined in the 2010 California Residential Code, section R105.2 and California Building Code, section 105.2, shall be exempt from a building permit; provided, that any exempt structure is required to be in compliance with county zoning standards, the county floodplain management code, and in compliance with any materials or construction methods for exterior wildfire exposure as required pursuant to CBC Chapter 7A and CRC section R327:

A. Cases, counters, partitions not exceeding five feet in height.

B. Roof replacement that involves no structural modifications or repairs to the roof understructure or roof sheathing and which only involves replacement of the roof surfacing for which the new roofing surface is not cumulatively in excess of two layers of roofing. Ice dams and flashing shall still be required by the Building Official.

C. Portable storage containers with no electrical, plumbing, or permanent foundation.

D. One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, wood sheds, playhouses, garden sheds, and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and there is no electrical or plumbing service to the structure.

E. Construction, alteration, moving, demolition, or repair of any building for which the use is conducted exclusively for agricultural purposes and which is limited to the storage of agricultural products or agricultural animals; farm implements, accessories, and materials required for agricultural purposes; and for which there is no human habitation, commercial sales, retail sales, or employees operating within the structure; the use of the structure does not include packaging, processing, or treating of agricultural products; and, there is no access to or use by the public. This exemption shall only apply to land designated as agricultural, general forest or timber production zone (“TPZ”) zoning district and located outside of those mapped community areas identified within the Sierra County general plan as “community core” or “community influence.” This exemption does not apply to electrical service but applies to solar panels not attached to the barn and/or containing a standalone, low voltage distribution center on the agricultural structure. Agricultural structures shall not be used for storage of nonagricultural vehicles, boats, travel trailers, or household items and in no case shall a septic system be connected to any agricultural structure deemed exempt from a building permit. (Ord. 1038, eff. 4/5/12; Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12; Ord. 608, eff. 7/21/81; Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80; Ord. 492, eff. 3/31/77; Ord. 338, eff. 1/14/70; Ord. 255, eff. 7/4/62; Prior code § 71102)

The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the County Planning Department. The County Building Official may approve alternate materials, designs, or methods of construction which are substantially equivalent to those prescribed herein and do not materially affect the health and safety standards established herein. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

A permit, issued by the County Building Official, shall be required for the construction, erection, enlarging, alteration, repair, demolition, conversion, moving, improvement, and use of any building or structure. Building or structure includes, but is not limited to, any structure having a roof supported by columns and/or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing, and/or enclosure of any person, animal, chattel, or mechanical equipment or that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, including but not limited to garages, carports, bridges, installation of road culvert, playhouses, kennels, tool sheds, garden houses, storage buildings, decks, fences in excess of six feet in height, retaining walls, signs, septic tanks, water wells, and water tanks.

A separate permit shall be required for each house or building except that a private garage on the same lot with a residence may be included in the initial permit for the residence. (Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12; Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

CBC section 105.3.2 and CRC section R105.3.2 is clarified to provide that an application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and payment of a new plan review fee, if resubmitted plans need further or initial plan review separate from the original submittal. (Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12)

An application for building construction permit, provided on a form furnished by the County Building Official, shall be completed and returned by the applicant and shall be accompanied by the following:

A. A detailed plot plan containing data required by the County Building Official; and

B. Two sets, plans, diagrams, specifications, and computations and any other data required by the County Building Official or this chapter; and

C. Evidence that all persons having a record title interest in the parcel of land upon which the building/construction permit affects have consented to the issuance of a building/construction permit; and

D. The Assessor parcel number for the parcel which is subject of the application for permit. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

A permit may not be issued by the County Building Official unless and until the following has been provided:

A. Approval by the County Health Officer of any private sewage disposal system or connection to any public sewage disposal system;

B. Approval by the County Health Officer of any domestic water supply;

C. Approval by the County Planning Department as to compliance of the application for permit with applicable county general and specific plans, county zoning laws and the California Environmental Quality Act;

D. The application for building/construction permit complies with the provisions of this chapter.

The following codes, standards, and regulations are adopted as if set forth herein:

A. The International Building Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC), California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 2 Volumes 1 and 2, of the California Code of Regulations (California Building Code, 201l Edition).

B. The International Residential Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 2.5, of the California Code of Regulations (California Residential Code, 2010 Edition).

C. The National Electric Code, 2008 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, California Building Standards Code, Title 14, Part 3, of the California Code of Regulations (California Electric Code, 2010 Edition).

D. The Uniform Mechanical Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 4 of the California Code of Regulations (California Mechanical Code, 2010 Edition).

E. The Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 5, of the California Code of Regulations (California Plumbing Code, 2010 Edition).

F. California Energy Code, as published by ICC, triennial compilation and publication of the California Building Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6.

G. The International Fire Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted and amended by the California Building Standards Commission, California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations (California Fire Code, 2010 Edition).

H. California Green Building Standards, as published by ICC, triennial compilation and publication of the California Building Standards Commission, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 11, this title is intended to be known as the CAL Green Code. The adoption of Part 11 identifies the required green building measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements and shall not include voluntary tier measures.

I. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, 2010 Edition, Chapters 13 and 13D (fire sprinklers) and Chapter 58 (liquefied petroleum gas tanks and installation).

J. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, published by the International Code Council.

K. Uniform Solar Energy Code by International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), 2009 Edition.

L. Water Well Standards, California State Department of Water Resources Bulletin 74-90 (supplement to bulletin 74-81) by CDWR.

M. Uniform Sign Code, as published by International Code Council, 1997 Edition. (Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12; Ord. 1019, eff. 2/18/10; Ord. 995; Ord. 988, eff. 3/8/07; Ord. 697, eff. 5/7/85; Ord. 696, eff. 4/19/85; Ord. 635, eff. 10/5/82)

A. The county adopts, by reference, the Local Agency Management Program as approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board for local oversight of the on-site wastewater treatment systems within Sierra County on August 2, 2018.

B. Any amendment to or subsequent Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) approved by the Board of Supervisors and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Board) shall be automatically adopted by reference effective the date of approval by the Board.

C. Notwithstanding any county code in conflict with or providing a different procedure for permitting an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS), all such systems shall be in full compliance with the LAMP prior to issuance of a permit. (Ord. 1084, eff. 10/18/18)

A. Variances may be granted to vary, or modify, the strict application of any of the provisions of Appendix I, Uniform Plumbing Code, 1982 Edition, as adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials in cases in which there are practical difficulties and unnecessary hardships, so long as the variance does not have the effect of causing adverse impacts to public health or to the environment. Fees for the hearing of variances shall be set by resolution by the Board of Supervisors.

B. An applicant, permittee or owner requesting a variance shall file an application with the Health Department. Such applications shall be made on forms prescribed by the Health Department, and shall include:

1. Provisions of Appendix I, Uniform Plumbing Code, from which a variance is sought; and

2. Plot plans showing the location of property lines, existing and proposed buildings, high water line of the nearest body of surface water, and layout of the on-site wastewater disposal system; and

3. Cross-sectional elevations showing the location of the leach lines, ground surface, subsurface water level and soil and rock strata.

C. The applicant shall present adequate evidence showing:

1. That there are special circumstances or conditions existing on the subject property which make compliance with Appendix I, Uniform Plumbing Code, difficult; and

2. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to public health and environmental quality.

D. The Health Officer shall schedule an administrative hearing to be held within 30 days of the date of filing of the application. Notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given in writing to the applicant and to the building official, and posted in a conspicuous place at three locations on a public way bordering the applicant’s property for at least 10 days immediately preceding the date of hearing.

E. The Health Officer may hear facts from any person appearing and may consider written communications relative to the application. The Health Officer shall, within 15 days from the close of the administrative hearing, render his decision on the application. The decision shall include a written order of specific findings of fact and reasons for granting or denying the variance. In the granting of a variance, the Health Officer shall make the following findings in the affirmative:

1. That there are special circumstances or conditions existing on the subject property which make compliance with Appendix I, Uniform Plumbing Code, difficult; and

2. That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to public health and environmental quality.

F. The applicant or any real property owner within 300 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property involved who was present at the administrative hearing or who presented written testimony before the Health Officer shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Supervisors; provided, that such appeal is made within 15 days of the decision of the Health Officer.

G. Appeals shall be initiated by filing a written notice of appeal with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, paying the prescribed fee, and stating therein the reasons why the decision of the Health Officer should be amended, modified or reversed. Such reasons shall be based upon the evidence presented to the Health Officer at the administrative hearing. Failure of the appellant to present such reasons shall be deemed cause for denial of appeal.

H. The Clerk shall set the matter for hearing before the Board of Supervisors within 15 days of the filing of the appeal and shall give the appellant, the original applicant, the Health Officer and the building official notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing. Notice shall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once 10 days prior to the hearing. The Board may sustain, modify, or overrule the decision of the Health Officer. In granting a variance, the Board shall make the findings in subsection (E) of this section in the affirmative. (Ord. 696, eff. 4/19/85)

From time to time some of the homes and businesses within the townsite of Downieville have experienced difficulties in meeting all of the requirements contained in the Uniform Plumbing Code for the disposal of sewage. The geography and physical characteristics of the townsite are limiting factors which necessitate the extraordinary consideration of the county to allow the use of public property for sewage disposal systems, when on-site sewage disposal cannot reasonably be obtained. In adopting the ordinance codified in this chapter, it is the intent of the Board of Supervisors to establish special provisions that will allow construction of all or part of septic systems on abutting property and/or on public property when no other reasonable options can be found for on-site sewage disposal. Use of public property shall only be allowed within the townsite of Downieville for the construction or reconstruction of a septic system to serve an existing structure and shall not be allowed for new construction or development.

The Uniform Plumbing Code section 721 is amended to read:

A. Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, no building sewer or private sewage disposal system or part thereof shall be located in any lot other than the lot which is the site of the building or structure served by such sewer or private sewage disposal system or part thereof. Nor shall any building sewer or private sewage disposal system or part thereof be located at any point having less than the minimum distances indicated in Table 7-7.

B. Nothing contained in this code shall be construed to prohibit:

1. The use of all or part of an abutting or a separate lot to provide access to connect a building sewer to an available public sewer when proper cause and legal easement not in violation of other requirements have first been established to the satisfaction of the County Environmental Health Department.

2. The use of all or part of an abutting or a separate lot to provide additional space for a building sewer or a private sewage disposal system or part thereof, when proper cause and transfer of ownership, or change of boundary, or legal easement not in violation of other requirements has first been established to the satisfaction of the county. The instrument recording such action shall constitute an agreement with the county which shall clearly state and show that the areas so joined or used shall be maintained as a unit during the time they are so used. Such an agreement shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder as part of the conditions of ownership and use of said properties and shall be binding on all heirs, successors, and assigns of such properties. A copy of the instrument recording such proceedings shall be filed with the County Environmental Health Department.

3. The use of a public street, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (D) of this section, for all or a portion of a private sewage disposal system or from crossing a public street in order to access an abutting property, providing, however, that such use of the public street shall be authorized by an encroachment permit from the public entity owning and/or controlling the street.

Any such encroachment permit issued by the county shall expressly state thereon that it is subject to revocation by the county with 30 days advance written notice, or in the case of urgent need on the part of the county, 24 hours advance notice (which due to any such urgency may be made orally) and thereafter the encroachment shall be promptly removed. The use of the private property which was the subject of any such sewer system and encroachment permit shall thereafter immediately cease unless sewage disposal is authorized in some other manner as approved by law.

Any such use of a public street or other public property owned and/or controlled by the county shall require the party seeking such use to post a security deposit of cash, a certificate of deposit in the name of the county, or bond in favor of the county which shall be available to the county for the cost of cleanup and/or for any liability resulting from the use of the public street or property, in an amount as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Supervisors, but in no event less than $10,000. Any such bond or security deposit shall include a provision that the principal amount thereof shall be increased annually by a sum equal to three percent of the principal amount then covered by the bond or deposit. The bond or security deposit shall be in a form as approved by the County Counsel and shall include a provision that the security deposit or bond shall run with the land. The posting of security shall not constitute a limitation on the part of the county for any claim for damage that may arise from such use.

Any such use of a public street or other public property owned and/or controlled by the county shall also require the party seeking such use to agree to indemnify, defend and to hold the county harmless from and against any injury, claim, demand, litigation and/or liability of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of the public street or other public property.

Any encroachment permit issued in accordance with this section and the security instrument shall be recorded with the County Recorder.

C. Use of an unabutting lot for a private sewage disposal system may be allowed by the Environmental Health Department only if all of the following conditions exist:

1. Testing and observations as required by Environment Health Department clearly reveal that the lot(s) from which sewage will be generated does not meet the standards for conventional, special design or alternative/advanced wastewater disposal; and

2. The applicant can demonstrate to the Environmental Health Department that said lot would be unbuildable without utilization of an unabutting lot for sewage disposal; and

3. Only one public or private street, highway or right-of-way is to be crossed by the sewer line from the subject lot; and

4. Only one unabutting lot is to be crossed by the sewer line from the subject lot; and

5. The building or site to be served is no more than 500 feet from the unabutting lot where sewage disposal is proposed; and

6. The parcel(s) under consideration were created prior to the effective date of this section; and

7. The lot which will receive the sewage effluent has the ability to accept the effluent both from the use or uses to which the receiving parcel may be used under the county zoning code and from the parcel (lot) proposing use of the receiving parcel, in compliance with all requirements of law pertaining to the disposal of sewage and without the requirement for the granting of any waivers or exceptions as to said receiving parcel.

D. Downieville – Approval Required.

1. Use of county property, or a public right-of-way, shall only be allowed within the boundaries of the townsite of Downieville, and shall require the approval of an encroachment permit by the County Department of Public Works, with the concurrence of the County Environmental Health Department. Any such encroachment permit shall expressly be conditioned on, and shall state that the encroachment shall be removed at, the sole discretion of the county, within 120 days of the mailing of a written notice to the property owner. An application requesting use of county property or a public right-of-way shall be accompanied by such engineering plans and specifications and such test data or other information as may be required by the Environmental Health Department and Department of Public Works to conclusively show that (1) the applicant’s property does not have any reasonable ability to dispose of sewage effluent on the property and (2) the use of county property or public right-of-way for all or part of a private sewage disposal system will not adversely affect the county property or public right-of-way.

2. Upon receipt of an application for use of county property or public right-of-way, the County Department of Public Works shall review the application for potential significant environmental impacts, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and shall prepare and recommend the adoption of an appropriate environmental document; provided, however, that staff shall not undertake the preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR) without first reporting the need for an EIR to the applicant and the Board of Supervisors and receiving the concurrence from the parties of the desire to prepare same. The cost of the preparation of the environmental analysis and documents shall be borne by the applicant and no work on any application shall be undertaken unless and until fees are paid for in accordance with the latest adopted resolution of the Board of Supervisors.

3. Upon preparation of an environmental analysis and draft environmental document for use of county property or right-of-way for sewage disposal, if the Department of Public Works is proposing to grant an encroachment permit for the use of the county property or right-of-way, the department shall notify all property owners within 300 feet of the location of the proposed use of the request and state that the department is proposing to authorize the use and that an environmental analysis and document has been prepared and is available for public review or purchase at the department’s offices. The notice shall further state that anyone opposed to the use may submit a written objection within 20 calendar days of the date of the notice, stating their specific objections and any supporting evidence. If an objection is received, the department shall place the matter on the Board of Supervisors’ next available agenda in order to review the objection and supporting evidence with the Board. The objecting party shall be notified of this action and of their right to appear and to address the Board prior to the Board making a decision concerning the application for the issuance of the encroachment permit for the use of county property or right-of-way.

4. The provisions of this subsection (D) shall apply only to property that is located in the townsite of Downieville and the use of public property and rights-of-way shall only be allowed when necessary for the construction or reconstruction of a septic system to serve an existing structure and shall not be allowed for new construction or development. (Ord. 891, eff. 11/4/99)

The following requirements shall be established in addition to the uniform codes adopted herein.

A. Plumbing and heating vents shall terminate near the highest point of the roof as practical where the snow load is determined by the County Building Official to be in excess of 60 pounds per square foot.

B. All newly added wood-burning chimneys shall have installed and approved type spark arresters.

C. Reports concerning the construction of water wells, including well logs, shall be filed with the County Building Official.

D. All commercial structures designated in the codes adopted by this title as A, B1, E, H, and I occupancies shall be wired in rigid or thin wall conduit or in raceways approved by the County Building Official.

E. Aluminum or copper clad aluminum wiring shall be installed in structures containing less than size #6 American wire gauge (AWG).

F. Class “A” fire rating is required for all new roofs and for any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof.

G. The 2010 California Plumbing Code, Section 604.1.2 is clarified as follows:

The installation and use of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping is considered by Sierra County as an alternate material and method and pursuant to CPC 1.8.7.2, shall be subject to approval by the building official on a case-by-case basis. The applicant or their contractor shall complete the PEX certification form. (Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12; Ord. 608, eff. 7/21/81; Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

A permit for a well proposed within the boundaries of the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District shall not be issued by the building official unless and until he has received the approval of the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District as provided under the Sierra Valley groundwater basin law and district ordinances. (Ord. 635, eff. 10/5/82)

The provisions of CBC Chapter 16 and Section 1608 and CRC Sections R301.2 and R301.2.3 are hereby amended to include the following additional requirements for roof snow load design. The unincorporated area of Sierra County shall be divided into zones, established by climatic and geographic analysis, to determine applicable snow loads for a parcel of property and the zone within which a parcel is located. The location within a zone combined with the elevation of the parcel of property shall be the basis for determining the roof snow load design requirements for any construction project. A cartographic representation of the zones shall be maintained in the office of the County Building Official. The zones hereby established are described as follows:

A. Zone I. All of the area encompassed within the following:

T. 22 N., R. 9 E.; T. 22 N., R. 10 E.; T. 21 N., R. 9 E.;

T. 21 N., R. 10 E.; T. 20 N., R. 9 E., M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County.

B. Zone II. All of the area encompassed within the following:

T. 22 N., R. 11 E.; T. 21 N., R. 11 E.; T. 21 N., R. 12 E.;

T. 21 N., R. 13 E.; T. 20 N., R. 8 E.; T. 20 N., R. 10 E.;

T. 20 N., R. 11 E.; T. 20 N., R. 12 E.; T. 20 N., R. 13 E.;

T. 19 N., R. 8 E.; T. 19 N., R. 9 E.; T. 19 N., R. 10 E.;

T. 19 N., R. 11 E.; T. 19 N., R. 12 E.; T. 19 N., R. 13 E.;

T. 18 N., R. 8 E.; T. 18 N., R. 9 E.; T. 18 N., R. 10 E,;

T. 18 N., R. 11 E.; T. 18 N., R. 13 E.; M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County.

C. Zone III. All of the area encompassed within the following:

T. 21 N., R. 14 E.; T. 20 N., R. 14 E.; T. 20 N., R. 15 E.;

T. 19 N., R. 14 E.; T. 18 N., R. 14 E.; M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County.

D. Zone IV. All of the area encompassed within the following:

T. 20 N., R. 16 E.; T. 19 N., R. 15 E.; T. 19 N., R. 16 E.;

T. 18 N., R. 15 E.; T. 18 N., R. 16 E.; M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County, and Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, T. 20 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M.; and Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, T. 19 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M.; and Sections 4, 5, 6, T. 18 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County.

E. Zone V. All of the area encompassed within the following:

T. 21 N., R. 15. E.; T. 21 N., R. 16 E.; T. 21 N., R. 17 E.;

T. 21 N., R. 18 E.; T. 20 N., R. 18 E.; T. 19 N., R. 18 E.;

T. 18 N., R. 18 E.; M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County; and Sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36, T. 20 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M.; and Sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36, T. 19 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M.; and Sections 1, 2, 3, T. 18 N., R. 17 E., M.D.B.&M., excepting those portions lying outside Sierra County.

F. Snow roof load design requirements cross referenced by elevation and proximity to the established zones are as follows:

The following design criteria are hereby adopted for roof snow loads within the unincorporated areas of Sierra County:

1. The roof snow loads are the snow loads on “flat roofs” (NOT ground snow loads). If desired or required by your engineering software, use ASCE equation 7-1 (pf = 0.7 CeC tIs pg), to determine the ground snow load where the Pf listed above is based on an exposure factor C e = 0.9, thermal factor C t = 1.1, and importance factor I = 1.0 per ASCE Standard 7-05. The flat roof snow load for each site should have these factors adjusted as appropriate.

2. Snow loads may be reduced for sloped roofs in accordance with ASCE Standard 7-05, Section 7.4 providing a minimum of eight feet of vertical eave height is provided for each 100 pounds of snow load. This minimum eave height is measured from the eave down to either grade or the first obstruction, such as a deck etc., and must be maintained for a minimum distance of 10 feet out from the eave. In areas with snow loads in excess of 100 pounds which do not have a 16-foot or greater eave height, the allowable slope reduction can be prorated (i.e., snow loads greater than 100 pounds eave height of nine feet; nine-sixteenths of the allowable reduction can be taken).

3. Snow reduction for sloped roofs shall not be used for structural members affected by valleys, dormers, slope changes, chimney chases or other areas where the snow may be restricted from sliding.

4. No roof material shall be considered “slippery” for the purposes of snow reduction for sloped roofs per ASCE Standard 7-05, Section 7.4.

5. Uncovered decks, and all similar structures, may be designed for the flat roof snow load as provided herein. Covered, but not fully enclosed decks and all similar structures shall be designed for floor loads from CBC Table 1607.1 or 50 percent of the flat roof snow load, whichever is greater.

6. The three-second gust basic wind speed for Sierra County is 85 miles per hour per ASCE Standard 7-05 Figure 6.1.

7. Roof design snow load may be reduced up to 80 percent for use in seismic calculations per CBC Section 1605.3.1.

8. Allowable soil bearing factor to be used in design without the preparation of a special soils report is 2,000 psf.

9. Frost depth shall be 18 inches below finished grade and all footings shall extend a minimum of 12 inches into undisturbed native soil. Exterior finished grade shall provide a minimum footing coverage of 18 inches.

10. Conventional light-frame construction is not permitted in Sierra County per CBC Section 2308.2.3.3.

The provisions of CBC Sections 1507.2.8.2, 1507.5.4, 1507.6.4, 1507.7.4, 1507.8.4, 1507.9.4 and CRC Sections R905.2.7.1, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1 are hereby amended to require additional design and construction requirements for ice barriers. In areas where there has been a history of ice forming along the eaves causing a backup of water as designated in CRC Table R301.2(1) (or below the 6,200-foot elevation level), an ice barrier that consists of at least two layers of underlayment cemented together or a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet shall be used in place of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches inside the interior wall line of the building. For areas above the 6,200-foot elevation level, a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet shall be used in place of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 72 inches inside the interior wall line of the building.

A cricket or saddle-type diverter shall be installed on the ridge side of any chimney, flue or vent that is adjacent to or penetrates the roof. Crickets or saddle coverings shall be a minimum 24 gauge sheet metal or the same material as the roof covering. Plumbing vents through the barge rafter shall be approved by the building official prior to installation, provided adequate clearances are maintained from windows, vents, combustion air and exhaust vents. (Ord. 1037, eff. 3/1/12; Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

The snow load requirements set forth in this title may be waived by the County Building Official as follows:

A. The County Building Official, upon request of the owner of a mobilehome park may execute an annual Snow Load Waiver – “Snow Removal Maintenance Agreement” with the owner of a mobilehome park for all mobilehomes located within the boundaries of an approved mobilehome park when such mobilehome park is operating under a current and valid permit to operate issued by Sierra County. The annual agreement shall expire on the expiration date of the annual permit to operate the mobilehome park and shall be in a form prescribed by the Board of Supervisors and shall be available in the office of the County Building Official. (Ord. 608, eff. 7/21/81)

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to comply with the requirements of Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65850.7 to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations.

B. Applicability. This section applies to the permitting of electric vehicle charging stations in the unincorporated area of the County of Sierra after the effective date of the ordinance enacting this section. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the implementation of this expedited permitting process are not subject to the requirements of this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type or components of an electric vehicle charging station in such a way as to require new permitting.

Expedited permitting shall not apply to electric vehicle charging station projects that include additional scope. All electric vehicle charging station projects with additional scope shall be processed under SCC 12.04.060 and applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code, and the streamlining provisions of this section shall not apply.

C. Definitions. The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

“Electric vehicle charging station” or “charging station” means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of the ordinance adopting this section, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

“Electronic submittal” means a submittal made by email, the internet, and/or facsimile.

“Specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

D. Expedited Permitting Process.

1. Consistent with Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65850.7, the Sierra County Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt and maintain a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations must comply in order to be eligible for expedited review. In developing the expedited permitting process and checklist, the Building Official may refer to the recommendations contained in the most recent version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” and/or the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the state of California’s Office of Planning and Research. The Building Official may modify the checklist and standards found in the Guidebook due to unique climatic, geological, seismological, or topographical conditions.

2. The checklist and all required permitting documentation shall be published on the County of Sierra’s website.

3. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and supporting documents shall be made available for all electric vehicle charging station permit applications. The method of electronic submittal shall be at the county’s discretion. The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the county’s Building Department by personal, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, consistent with Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65850.7, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

4. The Building Official may establish a process to prioritize competing applications for expedited permits.

E. Permit Application Processing.

1. Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to submission of plans and supporting documentation of sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with all applicable codes and design standards, including: that the support structure for the electric vehicle charging system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, snow, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building or support structure’s foundation, using standard engineering evaluation techniques; electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment location, clearances, and vehicle parking; and proper elevation or flood-resistant enclosure if located within a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area.

2. An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.

3. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

4. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents is complete and meets the requirements of the county-adopted checklist and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all necessary permits or authorizations.

5. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until final inspection and approval is granted by the county.

F. Discretionary Review – Limitations.

1. It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official’s authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this section, the county may require the applicant to apply for a use permit, to be processed in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 20.05 SCC.

2. Any conditions imposed on an application to install an electric vehicle charging station shall be designed to mitigate the specific adverse impact upon public health or safety at the lowest cost possible.

3. The county shall not deny an application for a use permit to install an electric vehicle charging station unless it makes written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would likely have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact. The findings shall include the basis for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing the adverse impact.

4. In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with Cal. Gov’t. Code § 65850.7, the Building Official or other reviewing authority shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Cal. Civ. Code § 4080.

5. Any decision of the Building Official under the provisions of this section may be appealed to the Sierra County Planning Commission.

G. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Requirements.

1. Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a municipal electric utility company regarding safety and reliability.

2. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

3. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.

4. Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements. (Ord. 1123 § 1, eff. 5/4/23)

The following shall be exempt from building and construction permit fees:

A. Building and construction permits for projects undertaken by Sierra County.

B. Building and construction permits for solid-fuel burning stoves or appliances, not including fireplaces, factory-built fireplaces, and masonry fireplaces. (Ord. 608, eff. 7/21/81; Ord. 589, eff. 10/7/80)

The County Health Officer, County Planning Director, County Building Official, and the Fire Marshal are hereby authorized to make inspections and take such actions as may be required to enforce the provisions of this title and the provisions of the county zoning code.

Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or whenever the building official or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or his authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this chapter; provided, that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such entry is refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

When the building official or his authorized representative shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or his authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the members of the Sierra County Planning Commission shall constitute the Housing Advisory Board and Board of Appeals.

The landowner or his authorized representative or any interested party may appeal the decision of the Housing Advisory Board and Board of Appeals to the Sierra County Board of Supervisors by filing an appeal in writing with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 10 days of such decision. The decision of the County Board of Supervisors shall be final. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)

When the County Building Official has knowledge that construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of any building or structure has occurred or is occurring without a permit issued in compliance with this chapter, the County Building Official shall cause a “stop work notice” to be posted at the site of the violation and it shall be the sole responsibility of the landowner and/or person performing said violation to immediately seek an application for permit for said violation.

The County Building Official shall cause to be assessed a double permit fee to any person who has commenced work on any building or structure without first having obtained a permit for said work.

It shall be unlawful and punishable as an infraction in compliance with SCC 1.16.030 for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or cause or permit same to be performed contrary to any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 571, eff. 2/5/80)