§ 7A-30. Construction requirements.

1.

Structural requirements. Buildings or structures constructed pursuant to this chapter may be of any type of construction which will provide for a sound structural condition. Structural hazards which result in an unsound condition and which may constitute a substandard building are delineated by Section 1001(c), Uniform Housing Code (most recent edition).

2.

Foundations. Pier foundations, stone masonry footings and foundations, pressure treated lumber, poles, or equivalent foundation materials or designs may be used provided that the bearing and lateral stability as documented by engineering analysis, is sufficient for the purpose intended.

3.

Materials. Owner-produced or used materials and appliances may be utilized unless found not to be of sufficient strength or durability to perform the intended function; owner-produced and/or used lumber that has been graded, or shakes and shingles may be utilized unless found to contain dry rot, excessive splitting, or other defects obviously rendering the material unfit in strength or durability for the intended purpose.

4.

Mechanical requirements. Heating and cooking appliances and gas piping installed in buildings constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be installed and vented in accordance with the requirements of the latest applicable editions of the California Mechanical and Plumbing Codes. Alternate materials and methods of venting shall be permitted if substantially equivalent in safety and durability. The latest edition of the various codes shall apply.

5.

Heating capacity. When a heating facility or appliance is installed, it shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter; however, there shall be no specified requirement for heating capacity or temperature maintenance. The use of a solid fuel or solar heating device may be deemed as complying with the requirements of this section. Conditioned space shall be in accordance with the requirements of the latest applicable edition of the California Energy Code. Wood burning appliances shall be in conformance with Chapter 7C of the Sonoma County Code.

6.

Electrical requirements. No dwelling or appurtenant structure constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be required to be connected to a source of electrical power, or wired, or otherwise fitted for electrification, except as set forth below in Section 7A-30(7) of this section.

7.

Installation requirements. Where electrical wiring or appliances are installed, they shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the latest applicable edition of the California Electrical Code.

Exceptions to installation requirements. In structures where electrical usage is confined to one (1) or more rooms of a structure, the remainder of the structure shall not be required to be wired or otherwise fitted for electrification unless the enforcement agency determines otherwise for conformance to this chapter.

It is the intent of this subsection to apply to buildings in which there exists a workshop, kitchen, or other single room which may require electrification, and where there is no expectation of further electrical demand.

Service limit. The main service equipment shall be limited in size to the intended load capacity of the installed electrical facilities.

8.

Room requirements. There shall be no requirements for room dimensions provided that there is adequate light and ventilation and adequate means of egress in conformance with the latest applicable editions of the California Model Codes. In single family dwellings not exceeding two (2) stories in height where, due to the location or to the surrounding terrain, emergency rescue from the exterior is not feasible, egress windows from sleeping spaces may be omitted when an additional doorway or an approved exit escape hatch is provided for egress from such rooms. The doorways provided shall open directly to the exterior of the building or shall open onto corridors or passageways which lead to individual exterior exits. The corridors or passageways provided shall not cross nor shall they follow the same route in whole or in part of the building exterior. Approved exit escape hatches shall be installed in accordance with the terms of their approval.

Exception: Openable windows or exterior doors for emergency egress or rescue from sleeping rooms of a single-family dwelling may be omitted when such rooms are located on a mezzanine floor or loft area which is at least fifty (50) percent open to the floor below. Such mezzanine or loft area shall have at least two (2) means of evacuation acceptable to the enforcing authority and may include stairways, ladders, escape hatches, or any other design or arrangement which will allow egress in the event of an emergency.

(Ord. No. 5904, § II, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 275.)