Ventura Municipal Code Art. 1 General Provisions

The purpose of this chapter is to achieve a greater measure of security from burglary in commercial buildings during hours that such premises are closed to business and otherwise unattended. The exterior accessible openings of these buildings shall be secured in accordance with Sections 12.150.210 through 12.150.270.

This regulation shall apply solely to new construction of commercial buildings and to existing buildings whenever change of occupancy or of occupant occurs. The term “occupancy” as it is used in this chapter, shall refer to the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. Only those occupancy groups that are defined in the Uniform Building Code as Group E, Group F and Group G shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Such occupancies include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Occupancy Group E. Division 1: Those buildings used for storage and handling of hazardous, highly flammable or explosive materials other than flammable liquids.

Division 2: Those buildings used for flammable liquids, dry cleaning plants, paint stores with bulk handling, paint shops and spray painting buildings.

Division 3: Woodworking establishments of all types, shops where combustible fibers are processed, used or stored and warehouses where highly combustible material is stored.

Division 4: Repair garages.

Division 5: Aircraft repair hangars.

B. Occupancy Group F. Division 1: Gasoline service stations and storage garages.

Division 2: Wholesale and retail stores, office buildings, eating and drinking establishments having an occupant load of fewer than 100 persons, printing plants, fire and police stations, factories, workshops, and salesrooms.

Division 3: Aircraft hangars, open parking garages and heliports.

C. Occupancy Group G. Ice plants, power, pumping or cold storage plants and creameries. Factories, workshops, storage and salesrooms handling incombustible and nonexplosive material.

This chapter does not apply to occupancy groups A, B, C, D, H, I and J, which include, but are not limited to, assembly buildings, stadiums, schools, hospitals, reformatories, jails, nurseries, motels, apartments, convents, dwellings, lodging houses, private garages and agricultural buildings.

Whenever the occupancy of a building is so mixed as to include a category which is covered by the scope of this chapter, together with one or more categories which are excluded from these provisions, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to that mixed occupancy. (Code 1971, § 3611)

The chief of police is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this chapter relating to physical security. The building and safety official shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter on new construction where applicable and on a change of occupancy or occupant where applicable. (Code 1971, § 3612)

A. The person operating a commercial business shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter whenever the exterior openings of the premises are not shared with any other business establishment.

B. Where two or more businesses share the use of the same exterior opening of any commercial building, the owner of that building or their designated agent shall be responsible. (Code 1971, § 3613)

The chief of police and/or other interested city departments shall examine or cause to be examined the accessible exterior openings of every building or part thereof which are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Where such openings, which do not meet these requirements, are found to exist, notice shall be given in writing to the responsible person setting forth the deficiencies to be corrected and stating the time period within which such deficiencies shall be corrected. Failure to complete corrective action in the time specified shall result in enforcement action as provided in Section 12.150.330. (Code 1971, § 3614)