Chapter 15.60 — PORTABLE UNITS

The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards for the use and occupancy of portable units within the City so as to promote the public health, safety and general welfare. (Prior code § 24.35)

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all portable units located within the City except when being moved from one location to another, or when located on a public way. This chapter shall not apply to a portable unit used as an office or shed at the site of a construction project while such project is under construction. (Prior code § 24.36)

"Portable unit" means a temporary structure or vehicle, with or without motive power, designed and equipped for human occupancy for industrial, professional or commercial purposes, and not intended for a dwelling. A "portable unit" shall include, but not be limited to, a "temporary building or structure" as defined in Building Code Section 3103, a "commercial coach" as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18001.8, and a "trailer coach" other than for human habitation as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 635. (Prior code § 24.37)

No person shall use or occupy a portable unit in the City or cause the same to be done without first having obtained a separate permit for the occupancy of each portable unit from the Building Official. In addition thereto, separate electrical and plumbing permits shall be required for each portable unit when connected to electrical power, or to a plumbing system. (Prior code § 24.38)

To obtain a permit to use or occupy a portable unit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished for that purpose, and pay the requisite inspection fee. The application shall be accompanied by a plot plan showing the proposed location of the portable unit and of the existing buildings on the property. (Prior code § 24.39)

The application and plot plan shall be checked by the Building Official, and he or she shall also cause the property and the portable unit to be inspected for compliance with this chapter and any other applicable laws and regulations. The Building Official shall refer the application and plot plan to the Chief of the Fire Department and Director of Environmental Health for their review and to check for compliance with the laws and regulations under their jurisdiction. The application and plot plan may be reviewed by other departments of the City.

When the Building Official is satisfied that the proposed use and occupancy of the portable unit will conform to the requirements of this chapter and other pertinent laws and regulations, and that the requisite fees have been paid, he for she shall issue an occupancy permit therefor which shall be in force and effect for one year from the date of issue. (Prior code § 24.40)

Every occupancy permit issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire one year from the date of issue and the use and occupancy of the portable unit shall be discontinued. (Prior code § 24.41)

The City Council shall establish by resolution the fees to be charged for inspections and permit processing in order to pay the cost of work related to administration and enforcement of this chapter.

(Prior code § 24.42)

The Building Official may promulgate rules and regulations to make specific the purpose of this chapter, subject to the provisions of Section 2.08.070 of the Code of the City of Vernon. (Prior code § 24.43)

Portable units shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this chapter or by the rules and regulations shall be maintained in proper working order.

(Prior code § 24.44)

The use of alternate materials, systems or devices, and interpretations, variances or exceptions to this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall be in accordance with the Building Code.

(Prior code § 24.45)

Every portable unit shall be located on the property so as not to materially increase the fire hazard to existing buildings, and shall be separated from existing hazardous uses and facilities as required by the regulations of the City Fire Department. (Prior code § 24.46)

Exits from the portable unit shall be provided as specified in the Building Code. (Prior code § 24.47)

• A. The space directly beneath the portable unit shall be kept clean and free from refuse, rubbish and other similar debris, and shall not be used for storage purposes. If the space beneath the portable unit is enclosed, the enclosure shall be openable for inspection and shall provide for adequate cross ventilation of the space.

• B. The disposal of sewage, human excrement or other liquid wastes shall be by means of an approved drainage system.

(Prior code § 24.48)

Every portable unit shall be structurally adequate for its intended use in accordance with generally accepted and well established principles of structural engineering, and shall provide protection for its occupants against the elements. (Prior code § 24.49)

Plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations shall be reasonably consistent with generally accepted and well established principles for their installation. Compliance with the Electrical Code, the Plumbing Code, and the Mechanical Code shall be considered to meet the requirements of this chapter.

(Prior code § 24.50)