1618.1 Seismic Design Provisions for Hillside Buildings.

1618.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum regulations for the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructing such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes.

1618.1.2 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of the lateral-force-resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The design of the lateral-force resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in this division.

Exception: Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported from the main building are exempt from these regulations.