Mountain Views News          Saturday, November 23, 2013

B12

SIERRA MADRE NOTICE

ORDINANCE NO 1347

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE AMENDING THE MUNCIPAL 
CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2013 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES WITH 
CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre does hereby find that there is a need to enforce the most current editions of 
the California Building Standards Code, with the local amendments recited herein for regulating and controlling the design, erection, 
construction, enlargement, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, removal, use, occupancy, demolition, conversion, height, area, 
location, maintenance, and quality of materials of all buildings and structures and plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire suppression 
systems and certain equipments within the City; 

WHEREAS, pursuant to sections 17922, 17958, 17958.5 and 17958.7 of the California Health & Safety Code, the City may adopt the 
provisions of the Building, Residential, Green Building Standards, Energy, Referenced Standards Plumbing, Mechanical and Electric 
Codes, with certain amendments to the provisions of the codes which are reasonably necessary to protect the health, wealth and safety 
of citizens of Sierra Madre because of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions; 

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre made the factual findings outlined in Exhibit 1 attached hereto relating to the 
amendments to the uniform codes recited herein in accordance with Health & Safety Code section 18941.5; 

WHEREAS, the city City Council also finds that areas within the City are hazardous fire areas that have only limited fire suppression 
forces and facilities available for the protection of life and property; 

WHEREAS, the City Council does hereby further find that the southern California region, which includes the City, is within a very 
active seismic area and local soil conditions can be highly expansive and subject to local topographic considerations including extensive 
hillside construction that is prone to erosion; 

WHEREAS, the City Council does hereby further find that in accordance with section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations, 
the adoption of local amendments to the California Building Standards Code, and amending the Sierra Madre Municipal Code are 
exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. 

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

 SECTION 1. Amendments to Chapter 15.04, entitled “Building Code and Permits”. 

The following sections of the Municipal Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: 15.04.010 Adoption of the 2013 
California Building Code.

Subject to the additions, deletions and amendments specified in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in 
that certain code entitled 2013 California Building Code based on the “International Building Code 20012 edition,” promulgated by the 
International Code Council and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and made part hereof as fully and for all 
intents and purposes as though set forth at length, and said 20112California Building Code is made part of this code and the same shall 
be designated, known and referred to as the “building code” of and for the city. 

15.04.030Amendment to Section 702 Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone

A. The definition of “Very high fire hazard severity zone” in Section 702A of the 2013 California Building Code is amended to 
provide as follows. Fire hazard severity zones are geographical areas designated pursuant to California Public Resources Code sections 
4201 through 4204 and classified as very high, high, or moderate in state responsibility areas or as local agency very high fire hazard 
severity zones designated pursuant to California Government Code sections 51175 through 51189. See California Fire Code Article 
86. The California Code of Regulations Title 14 Sections 1280 entitles the maps of these geographical areas as “maps of the fire hazard 
severity zones in the state responsibility area of California.” For the purposes of this code, the entire city of Sierra Madre is hereby 
established as a Fire District and shall contain within it an area designated as a very high fire hazard severity zone, and shall include 
such territories or portions of said city as outlined in Chapter 15.04 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code. Whenever in this code, 
reference is made to any fire zone; it shall be construed to mean the fire zone created by this chapter. 

B. Section 704A 2013 California Building Code is revised to add:

Building or structures hereafter erected, constructed, moved within or into the very high fire hazard severity zone shall meet the 
requirements of this section as follows: 

1. Exterior walls of all buildings shall be of one-hour, fire-resistive construction. Exterior glass in such walls shall be double-
glazed. Wood shake shingles being used as an exterior wall covering shall be treated with an approved fire retardant chemical. 


2. Roof soffits (including eaves), open patios, carports, porches, unenclosed underfloor areas and all open structures, attached or 
detached, shall be protected on the under side with materials as approved for one-hour fire-resistive construction or shall be of 
incombustible materials throughout. 

Exceptions: 

a. Asphalt composition shingles with Class “B” rating.
b. When in the opinion of the Building Official, no material increase in fire hazard will occur, additions not exceeding twenty-
five percent (25%) of the existing square footage over the life of the building, may be covered with the same materials used on 
the existing building. 
c. Any roof covering conforming to the specifications of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for Class “A” roof covering as 
published in the Underwriters Laboratory “List of Fire Protection Equipment and Materials” shall be considered a “fire-retardant” 
roof covering”. 


15.04.090 Amendment to Section 1505 Roofs – Fire Classifications The 2013 California Building Code Section is amended to add the 
following to Sections 1505: 

A. Any building alteration, replacement or repair, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over 
the life of the structure, may use existing like materials on said roof. 

B. Any building alteration, replacement or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the 
structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the California Building Code. 

C. Any building alteration, replacement or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the 
structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2013 California Building Code. 

D. Any building addition, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, 
may use existing like material on the roof addition, and any alteration, replacement or repairs to the existing roof, required by such 
addition may also use existing like materials. 

E. Any building addition, which exceeds twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall 
be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2013 California Building Code, and any alterations, replacements or repairs to 
the existing roof, required by such addition, shall also be made with such fire retardant roof covering. 

F. Wood roofs shall not be considered a Class A covering regardless of the rating of an assembly. 

15.04.100 Amendment – Section 202 – Additions, alterations or repairs 

A. The following is added to the end of Section 202 of the 2013 California Building Code: The phrase “additions, alterations 
and repairs” as used in this section, and all subsections thereof, shall not be construed to apply to the remodeling of an existing building 
to provide new facades or other aesthetic embellishments or accouterments which do not modify the structural support or members of 
such building. 

B. Section 3403 of the 2013 California Building Code is amended to include and read as follows: Section 3403 Buildings or 
structures to which additions, alterations or repairs are made shall comply with all requirements of this code for new facilities except as 
specifically provided in this section. See section 907 of the Building Code for provisions requiring installation of smoke detectors in 
existing Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. 

15.04.110 Amendment – Section 109.4 Work commencing before permit Issuance The following is added to the end of Section 109.4 of 
the 2013 California Building Code: Where the work for which permit is required by this code is started or proceeded prior to obtaining 
said permit, the building permit fee shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully 
complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work nor from any penalties prescribed herein. 

15.04.115 – Section 105.7 Demolition Permits. The following is added to Section 105 of the 2013 California Building 

Code Section 105.7 Demolition Permits 

A. No permit for the demolition of all or any substantial portion of any building in the city shall be issued for a period of thirty 
days after such application is made. For the purposes of this chapter, demolition shall be considered the alteration, reconstruction, or 
elimination of 50% or more, of the floor area or monetary value. Projects that involve less than 50% of the alteration, reconstruction, 
or elimination of the floor area or monetary value may still be subject to requirements of Chapter 8.13 and/or 12.20 of this code.
B. There is a 30 day wait period after the application is submitted.
C. Within 10 days of the application, the applicant should submit a mitigation plan for vermin, noise, dust, asbestos, salvage, 
trash removal, air pollution, historic preservation, and neighborhood peace and enjoyment. Failure to submit such mitigation report 
may be grounds for denying such permit. 
D. Notice of the application for a demolition permit shall be made available within three days to every city councilmember and 
city official. Copies of the applicant’s mitigation report shall also be made in similar fashion.
E. Prior to the release of the demolition permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that notification of, and compliance with, the 
following: 


1. South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD);

2. Electricity provider; 

3. Natural gas provider; and

4. City Department of Public Works (Chapters 8.13 and 12.20.)

F. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit, the applicant shall file (in general terms) his/her intended reuse of the property 
with development services department. Such plan shall indicate the intended use and condition of the property after the demolition 
of structures requested within the demolition permit is concluded.


G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, in the event of an immediate threat to the public health, safety and 
welfare, the thirty-day “wait” period for the issuance of a demolition permit may be waived. Evidence of such an immediate threat 
shall be submitted by the applicant to the director of development services. Upon receipt of such information, the director of 
development services shall determine if an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare exists. 
H. The filing of any notice or report, as called for herein, is not intended to vest any discretion (under CEQA or otherwise) in 
the building official to deny such application. Instead, at the end of the thirty-day period, such permit shall be issued unless such 
issuance is contrary to any law or regulation applicable at that date. 
I. To the extent, if any, that this Section 115 differs from the 2013 California Building Code (CBC), the city council finds 
that there are conditions unique to this city that justify such change, including high fire danger, steep hillsides, vermin infestation, 
wildlife and asbestos levels, the issuance of a demolition permit shall be considered a ministerial duty under the provisions of 
CEQA Section 15268 except for historical and unique archeological resources as outlined in CEQA Section 15064.5. If the 
demolition permit is for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall be prepared at the property owner’s expense. 
J. Any person, firm or corporation demolishing a structure without a permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon 
conviction of any such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the city 
jail for not more than one hundred eighty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 
K. Demolitions of Historic Structure.
1. If a structure that is deemed to be a historic resource is demolished without a permit:
a) The violator shall within one year completely rebuild the demolished structure to pre-existing condition and shall submit a 
surety bond that shall be in amount equal to the replacement value as calculated by the department of development services; 
b) The city may rebuild it within said one-year period placing the costs thereof as a lien on the property which shall indemnify 
the city against all costs so incurred and all liabilities arising there from; or 
c) No building or construction related permits shall be issued, and no permits or use of the property shall be allowed, from the 
date of demolition for a specified time period, as follows: for five years, if the structure was listed or deemed eligible for listing 
on the local, state, or Federal Registry of Historic Resources. In addition, for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall 
be prepared at the property owner’s expense. For the purposes of this section, the demolition shall be presumed to have occurred 
on the date the city has actual knowledge of the demolition. The owner shall have the burden of proving a different date if one is 
claimed. Such waiting period shall be for the purpose of consideration of rebuilding, relocation, grants, etc., for replacement. 





2. The director of development services shall cause notice that this section is applicable to property to be served by mail on the 
person shown as the owner on the rolls of the tax assessor, and on any other person known to have an interest in the property, as soon 
as practicable after having knowledge that the provisions of this section are applicable to property. The date the city first had actual 
knowledge of the demolition shall be stated in the notice. The provisions of this subsection are directory only. 

3. The decision of the director that this section is applicable may be appealed by the property owner to the city council. The 
city council may grant relief from the requirements of this section if the demolition in violation of this section was not done to any of 
the following: 

a) A building or structure deemed eligible for landmark status;
b) A building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places;
c) A building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources;
d) Any cultural resource determined to have historic significance.


15.04.117 Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Permits Section 105.2 Building Exception 2 is hereby deleted and the following is added at 
the end of Section 105.2 of the 2013 California Building Code: “All walls, retaining walls and fences regardless of type or height shall 
require building permits.” 

15.04.118 Amendment – Section 903 Automatic Fire Sprinklers The following sections within section 903 of the 2013 California 
Building Code, entitled, “Automatic Sprinkler Systems” are revised to provide as follows: 903.2.1.1 

Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group 1 occupancies in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal 
Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.2 

Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal 
Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.3 

Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal 
Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.4 

Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies in accordance with Code Sierra Madre 
Municipal section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.5 

Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, 
retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.2 

Group B ambulatory health care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing Group 
B ambulatory health care occupancy in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.3 

Group E. Except as provided for in Sections 903.2 .2 .1 for a new public school campus and 907.2.3.6.1 (fire alarm and detection) 
for modernization of an existing public school campus building(s), an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E 
occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.4

 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy in accordance 
with Sierra Madre Municipal Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.5 

Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 
903.2.5.3. 903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies in accordance with Code 
section 15.24.120. 903.2.6 

Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I in accordance with Sierra Madre 
Municipal Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.7 

Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy in accordance with 
Sierra Madre Municipal Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.8 

Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a 
Group R in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal Code section 15.24.110. 903.2.9 

Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 in accordance with Code 
section 15.24.120. 903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair 
garages in accordance with the California Building Code. 903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures with an area for the 
storage of shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. 903.2.10 

Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance 
with Section 406.4 of the California Building Code or where physically located beneath other occupancy groups. 

903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of 
commercial trucks or buses. 

15.04.120 Adoption of Los Angeles Regional Code Program – Los Angeles Basin Chapter 2013 Technical Amendments The 2013 
California Building, Code is hereby amended by adopting by reference the Technical Amendments as published on September 5, 2013 
by the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Regional Code Program – International Code Council – Los Angeles Basin Chapter. 

SECTION 2. Amendments to Chapter 15.06, entitled “California Residential Code” Residential Code the following sections of the 
Municipal Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: 15.06.010 Ad option of the 2013 California Residential Code 
Subject to the additions, deletions and amendments specified in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in 
that certain code entitled 2013 California Residential Code based on the “International Residential Code 2012 edition,” promulgated by 
the International Code Council of Whittier, California. and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and made part 
hereof as fully and for all intents and purposes as though set forth at length, and said 2013 California Residential Code is made part of 
this code and the same shall be designated, known and referred to as the “Residential Code” of and for the city. 

15.06.020 Amendment - Section R105.2 Work Exempt from Permits 

Section R102.2 Building Exception 2 is hereby deleted and the following is added to the end of Section R105.2 of the 2013 California 
Residential Code: “All walls, retaining walls and fences regardless of type or height shall require building permits.” 15.06.030 
Amendment - Section R108.6 Work commencing before permit issuance The following is added to the end of Section R108.6 of the 
2013 California Residential Code: Where the work for which permit is required by this code is started or proceeded prior to obtaining 
said permit, the building permit fee shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully 
complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution of the work nor from any penalties prescribed herein. 

15.06.040 Amendment - Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems 

Section R313.1 of the California 2013 Residential Code is amended to provide as follows: “An automatic residential fire sprinkler 
system shall be installed in townhouses in accordance with accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code section 15.24.110.” 

15.06.050 Amendment - One and two family dwellings automatic fire systems The following is added to the end of Section R313.2 of 
the 2013 California Residential Code: “An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings 
in accordance with accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code section 15.24.110.” 

15.06.060 Amendment – Required sprinkler locations, exception 4 Section R313.3.1.1, of the California 2013 Residential Code 
exception 4 is amended to read as follows: “Detached garages and carports in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code section 
15.24.110.” 

15.06.070 Water flow detector alarm 

A new section R313.3.3.5 of the California 2013 Residential Code is added to the Residential code and shall be entitled “Water flow 
detector alarm.” That section shall provide: “Water supply” “The flow of one sprinkler shall activate a water flow detector alarm that 
shall be audible on the exterior of the building.” 

15.06.080 Adoption of Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program Technical amendments to the 2013 California Residential Code

The 2013 California Residential Code is hereby amended by adopting by reference the Technical Amendments as published by the Los 
Angeles Regional Uniform Regional Code Program – International Code Council – Los Angeles Basin Chapter published September 
5, 2013. 

SECTION 3. Amendments to Chapter 15.08, entitled “California Mechanical Code” The following sections of the Municipal 
Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: The following sections of the 2013 California Mechanical Code are amended 
or added to provide as follows: 

15.08.010 Adoption of the California Mechanical Code.

The 2013 California Mechanical Code which is based on the Uniform Mechanical Code, 2012 Edition,” published by the International 
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is adopted by reference, together with all indexes and appendixes therefore, except as 
herein amended in this chapter and said 2013 California Mechanical Code is made part of this code and this chapter shall be designated, 
as known and referred to as the “mechanical code” of and for the city. 

15.08.030 Amendment – Section 110.0 Violation Section 110.0 of the 2013 California Mechanical code is amended to 
include the phrase: “In addition to the penalties herein above provided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of 
the provisions of this code shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be abated in the manner provided by law as such. Every day such 
condition continues shall be regarded as a new separate offense.” 

SECTION 4.Amendments to Chapter 15.16, “California Electrical Code” :The following sections of the Municipal Code are hereby 
amended or added to provide as follows: 

15.16.010 Adoption of the 2013 California Electrical Code. Subject to the additions, deletions, and amendments specified in this 
chapter, the rules regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in those certain codes entitled, 2013 California Electrical Code which 
is based “National Electrical Code, 2011 Edition,” therein contained, published by the National; Fire Protection Association is adopted 
by reference, together with all indexes and appendixes therefore, except as herein amended in this chapter and said 2013 California 
Electrical Code is made part of this code and this chapter shall be designated, as known and referred to as the “electrical code” of and 
for the city. 

Section 15.16.015 is added to the municipal code to provide as follows: 15.16.015Amendment - Annex H: Administration Section 80.27 
Inspectors Qualifications Section 80.27 of the 2013 California Electrical Code is amended to provide the phrase “The Building Official 
is exempt from requiring certification as an electrical inspector.” 

SECTION 5. Amendments to Chapter 15.20, entitled “California Plumbing Code” The following sections of the Municipal 
Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: 

Chapter 15.20.10 Adoption of the 2013 California Plumbing Code and Appendixes The 2013 California Plumbing Code which is based 
on The Uniform International Plumbing Code, 2012 Edition, is adopted. That certain document “International Plumbing Code, 2012 
Edition,” published by International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is adopted by reference, together with all indexes 
and appendixes thereof and therefore, except as herein amended in this chapter and said 2013 California Plumbing code is made part of 
this code and this chapter shall be referred to as the “plumbing code” of and for the city. 

15.20.060 Section 710.1 Drainage of fixtures located below the next upstream manhole or below the main sewer level. Section 710.1 
of the 2013 California Plumbing Code shall be amended to read as follows: Sewage backflow. Where the flood level rims of plumbing 
fixtures are below the elevation of the manhole cover of the next upstream manhole in the public sewer, such fixtures shall be protected 
by a backwater valve installed in the building drain, branch of the building drain or horizontal branch serving such fixtures. Plumbing 
fixtures having flood rim levels above the elevation of the manhole cover of the next upstream manhole in the public sewer shall not 
discharge through a backwater valve. 

SECTION 6. Amendments to Chapter 15.26, entitled “Existing Building Code” The following sections of the Municipal Code 
are hereby amended or added to provide as follows 

15.26.010 Adoption of the 2012 Existing Building Code. Subject to any additions, deletions and amendments that may exist in this 
chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in that certain code entitled “Existing Building Code 2012 Edition,” 
promulgated by the International Code Conference and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and made a part 
thereof as fully and for all intents and purposes as though set forth at length, and said Existing l Building Code is made a part of this code 
and the same shall be designated, known and referred to as the “existing building code” of and for the city. 

SECTION 7. Amendments to Chapter 15.30, entitled 2 “Green Building Standards Code” The following sections of the 
Municipal Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: 

 Section 15.30.010 – Adoption of 2013 California Green Building Standards Code Subject to any additions, deletions and amendments 
that may exist in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in that certain code entitled “California Green 
Building Standards Code 2013 Edition,” and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and made a part thereof as 
fully and for all intents and purposes as though set forth at length, and said California Green Building Standards Code is made a part of 
this code and the same shall be designated, known and referred to as the “green building code” of and for the city. 

 15.30.030 Adoption of Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program Technical Amendments to the 2013 California Green 
Building Standards Code The 2013 California Green Buildings Standards Code is hereby amended by adopting all of the Technical 
Amendments as published by the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Regional Code Program – International Code Council – Los Angeles 
Basin Chapter published September 5,, 2013 except for the two amendments that would have authorized the addition of Sections 101.12 
and 101.12.1 to the Green Building Standards Code which would have authorize a 10% increase in fee to be charged for processing green 
building projects. 

SECTION 8. Amendments to Chapter 15.34, entitled “CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE” The following sections of the 
Municipal Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows 15.34.010 – Adoption of 2013 California Energy Code Subject to 
any additions, deletions and amendments that may exist in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions set forth in that 
certain code entitled “California Energy Code 2013 Edition,” and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and 
made a part thereof as fully and for all intents and purposes as though set forth at length, and said California Energy Code is made a part 
of this code and the same shall be designated, known and referred to as the “energy code” of and for the city. 

SECTION 9. Amendments to Chapter 15.36, entitled “REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE” The following sections of the Municipal 
Code are hereby amended or added to provide as follows: 15.36.010 Adoption of the 2013 California Referenced Standards Code 
Subject to any additions, deletions and amendments that may exist in this chapter, the rules, regulations, provisions and conditions 
set forth in that certain code entitled “California Referenced Standards Code 2013 Edition,” promulgated by the International Code 
Conference and referred to and by this reference expressly incorporated herein and made a part thereof as fully and for all intents and 
purposes as though set forth at length, and said California Referenced Standards Code is made a part of this code and the same shall be 
designated, known and referred to as the “referenced standards” of and for the city. 

SECTION 10. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect. References to prior versions of any portion of the 
Building Standards Code, or of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code that are amended or renumbered in this Municipal Code, that are 
cited on notices issued by the City or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including resolutions adopting or imposing 
fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart part of the Building Standards Code or amended 
Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect 
deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically 
designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth 
in the code sections adopted or amended hereby. 

SECTION 11. Continuity. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the 
Sierra Madre Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as amendments of the 
earlier provisions. 

SECTION 12. No Effect on Enforceability. The repeal of any sections of the Municipal Code, shall not affect or impair any act 
done, or right vested or approved, or any proceeding, suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take 
effect; but every such act, vested right, proceeding, suit, or prosecution shall remain in full force and effect for all purposes as if the 
applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, or part thereof, had remained in force and effect. No offense committed and no liability, 
penalty, or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the repeal or alteration of any applicable provision of the 2007 Code as 
amended, shall be discharged or affected by such repeal or alteration but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties 
or forfeitures shall be instituted and proceed in all respects as if the applicable provisions of the 2007 Code, as amended, had not been 
repealed or altered. 

SECTION 13. Supplementary of Existing Law. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or 
contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. 

SECTION 14. Modifications to California Building Standards Code. All inconsistencies between the Building Standards Code 
as amended and adopted by this ordinance, and Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 of Title 24 the California Code of Regulations are 
changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Code Sections 17858 and 
17858.7. 

SECTION 15. Severability. Should any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be held to 
be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining 
portions of this Ordinance; it being hereby expressly declared that this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, 
and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, and ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, 
subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional. 

SECTION 16. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective January 1, 2014. 

SECTION 17. CEQA. This Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to 
State Guidelines §15061 (b) (3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, because any changes 
caused by this ordinance would be speculative, and do not have any significant impact on the environment. 

SECTION 18. Publication. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be processed in 
the manner required by law. 

SECTION 19. Certification. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards 
Commission. 

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12TH day of November, 2013 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: Walsh, Harabedian, Moran, Capoccia and Koerber. NOES: 0 Abstain: 0

Exhibit 1

SIERRA MADRE BUILDING DEPARTMENT 2013 BUILDING CODE FINDINGS

This report contains the “Findings” to support this ordinance to amend the California Building Standards Code. Each of the proposed 
amendments to the non-administrative provisions of the building standards code are based on local climatic, geologic and topographical 
conditions and cause the new code to be more restrictive in nature than the underlying California Building Standards Code. The amendments 
address the building problem(s), concern(s), and future direction(s), by which the City can establish and maintain an environment which will 
afford an adequate level of building and life safety protection to its citizens and guests. 

Section 1 of this Exhibit sets forth the various finding. Section 2 of this Exhibit explains which findings apply to which amendments. Section 
1. General Findings

The following findings apply in the City of Sierra Madre, and explain why the changes to the Building Standards Code are necessary 
because of climatic, geological and/or topographical condition is in the city. Climatic Conditions 1. Normal rainfall averages 15 
inches annually. During the summer and fall months, temperatures average approximately 85 degrees and can exceed 100 degrees for a 
period of days. Dry winds remove the moisture from vegetation. During late summer and fall, winds can move a fire quickly across the 
foothills or through residential areas of Sierra Madre. Winter rains often cause floods and the threat of damage due to water runoff. 

A. Geologic Conditions


1. The beautiful mountains that border the north of Sierra Madre create a unique hazard. The foothills have become prime sites for 
residential development because of their scenic beauty. The steep, narrow canyons create narrow winding roads that lengthen response time 
of emergency vehicles due to the increase in grade. Also, due to the hills and mountainous terrain, it is difficult to ensure proper fence and 
wall heights and footing depths without requiring inspections and permits.

2. The city is a densely populated area having buildings and structures over and near major fault systems capable of producing major 
earthquakes. Thus there are proposed modifications to emphasize designs with seismic-force-resisting elements.

B. Topographic Conditions


1. The topographic element of this report is associated closely with the geologic element noted above. While the geologic features 
create the topographic conditions, the areas of findings in this Section are, for the most part, a result of the construction and design of Sierra 
Madre.

2. Sierra Madre has areas that are in high fire hazard zones. As stated above, due to topography, access to structures in these fire 
hazard zones increases response time and delays fire suppression efforts. Extended response times allow fires to grow beyond the control 
of initial attack resources. Additionally, large structure fires in the hillside areas have a greater likelihood of starting wild land fires, which 
exposes additional structures to fire.

3. Clarification of the design parameters for projects subject to the Building Code is necessary to assure that appropriate development 
is constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the International Building Code, as applied in the city of Sierra Madre.

C. Administrative
1. These amendments are necessary for administrative clarification and do not modify any building standards. They establish 
standards to effectively enforce building standards and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new building and 
structures and additions or alteration to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and 
objectives of the California Building Standards Code.


Section 2 – Which Findings Apply to Which Amendments The following amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Building 
Standards Code are found reasonably necessary based on the climatic, geologic and/or topographic conditions cited in Section 1 of this 
Exhibit:

California Building Code Sections Applicable Findings

Chapter 7 A-1, B-1, C-2

202, 3403 C-3

109.4 D-1

105.2 B-1, D-1

Section 903 (903.2.1.1; 903.2.1.2; 903.2.1.3; A-1, B-1, C-2

903.2.1.4; 903.2.1.5; 903.2.2; 903.2.3;

903.2.4; 903.2.5; 903.2.5.1; 903.2.6;

903.2.7; 903.2.8; 903.2.9; 903.2.9.1;

903.2.9.2; 903.2.10; 9; 903.2.10.1)

Section 1505 (1505.1; 1505.1.1; 1505.1.2; 1505.1.3; A-1; B-1; C-1; C-2

 1505.1.4; 1505.2)

Technical Amendments A-1, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-1

2013 California Residential Code Applicable Findings

R105.2 B-1, D-1

R108.6 D-1

R313.1 A-1, B-1, C-2

R313.2 A-1, B-1, C-2

R313.3.1.1 exception 4 A-1, B-1, C-2

R313.3.3.5 A-1, B-1, C-2

Technical Amendments A-1, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-1

2013 California Mechanical Code Applicable Findings

110.0 D-1

2013 California Electrical Code Applicable Findings

Annex H D-1

2013 California Plumbing Code Applicable Findings

710.1 B-1, C-1, D-1

2012 Existing Building Code Applicable Findings

SMMC 15.26.020 D-1

2013 California Green Building Code Applicable Findings

SMMC 15.30.020 D-1

Technical Amendments A-1, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-1

2013 California Energy Code Applicable Findings

SMMC 15.34.020 D-1

2013 California Referenced Standards Code Applicable Findings

SMMC 15.36.020 D-1