The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: †
The Office of the State Fire Marshal's adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal's adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
User note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [A], [BS] or [F] will be considered by one of the code development committees meeting during the 2016 (Group B) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page ix.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
Words used in the present tense include the future; words stated in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular.
Where terms are not defined in this code and are defined in the California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Residential Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California
Electrical Code or California Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
For applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
24-HOUR BASIS. The actual time that a person is an occupant
within a
facility for the purpose of receiving care. It shall not include a facility
that is open for 24 hours and is
capable of providing care to someone visiting the facility during any
segment of the 24 hours.
[BS] AAC MASONRY. Masonry made of autoclaved aerated
concrete (AAC)
units, manufactured without internal reinforcement and bonded together using
thin- or thick-bed mortar.
ACCESS AISLE. [DSA-AC].
An accessible pedestrian space adjacent to or between parking spaces that provides clearances in compliance
with this code.
ACCESSIBILITY. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] The combination of various
elements in a building, facility, site, or
area, or portion thereof which allows access, circulation and the full use of the building and facilities by
persons with disabilities in compliance with this code.
ACCESSIBILITY FUNCTION BUTTON. [DSA-AC]
A button on an elevator hall call console in a destination-oriented elevator system that when pressed will
activate a series of visual and verbal prompts and announcements providing instruction regarding hall call
console operation and direction to an assigned elevator.
ACCESSIBLE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC]
A site, building, facility, or portion thereof that is approachable and usable by persons with disabilities in
compliance with this code.
ACCESSIBLE ELEMENT. [DSA-AC]
An element specified by the regulations adopted by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance.
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed
way of
egress travel from any accessible point in a building or facility to a
public way.
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] A continuous unobstructed
path connecting accessible elements and
spaces of an accessible site, building or facility that can be negotiated by a person with a disability using a
wheelchair, and that is also safe for and usable by persons with other disabilities. Interior accessible routes
may include corridors, hallways, floors, ramps, elevators and lifts. Exterior accessible routes may include
parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps and lifts.
ACCESSIBLE SPACE. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] A space that
complies with the accessibility provisions of this code.
ACCREDITATION BODY. An approved, third-party organization
that is
independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills,
and that initially accredits and
subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance
of a grading or inspection agency
related to carrying out specific tasks.
ACTIVE EQUIPMENT/COMPONENT. [DSA-SS, DSASS/CC & OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4]
Equipment/Component containing moving
or rotating parts, electrical parts such as switches or relays, or other internal components that are sensitive
to earthquake forces and critical to the function of the equipment.
ADAPTABLE. [DSA-AC]
Capable of being readily modified and made accessible.
ADAPTABLE DWELLING UNIT. [HCD 1-AC]
An accessible dwelling unit within a covered multifamily building as designed with elements and spaces allowing
the dwelling unit to be adapted or adjusted to accommodate the user. See Chapter 11A, Division IV.
[A] ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area or
height of a
building or structure. [DSA-AC] An expansion, extension or increase in
the gross floor area or height of a
building or facility.
[BS] ADHERED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured and supported
through the
adhesion of an approved bonding material applied to an approved backing.
ADJUSTED CONSTRUCTION COST. [DSA-AC]
All costs directly related to the
construction of a
project, including labor, material, equipment, services, utilities,
contractor financing, contractor overhead
and profit, and construction management costs. The costs shall not be
reduced by the value of components,
assemblies, building equipment or construction not directly associated with
accessibility or usability. The
adjusted construction cost shall not include: project management fees and
expenses, architectural and
engineering fees, testing and inspection fees, and utility connection or
service district fees.
ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. [DSA-AC]
A governmental agency that adopts or enforces regulations and guidelines for the design, construction or
alteration of buildings and facilities.
[BS] ADOBE CONSTRUCTION. Construction in which the
exterior
load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls and partitions are of unfired
clay masonry units, and floors, roofs and
interior framing are wholly or partly of wood or other approved
materials.
Adobe, stabilized. Unfired
clay
masonry units to which admixtures, such as emulsified asphalt, are
added during the manufacturing process
to limit the units' water absorption so as to increase their
durability.
Adobe, unstabilized.
Unfired clay
masonry units that do not meet the definition of "Adobe,
stabilized."
[F] AEROSOL. A product that is dispensed from an aerosol
container
by a propellant. Aerosol products shall be classified by means of the
calculation of their chemical heats of
combustion and shall be designated Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Level 1 aerosol products.
Those with
a total chemical heat of combustion that is less than or equal to
8,600 British thermal units per pound
(Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g).
Level 2 aerosol products.
Those with
a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600
Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to
13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).
Level 3 aerosol products.
Those with
a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 13,000
Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).
[F] AEROSOL CONTAINER. A metal can or a glass or plastic
bottle
designed to dispense an aerosol.
AGED HOME OR INSTITUTION. A facility used
for the housing of persons 65 years of age or older in need of care and supervision. (See definition of "care
and supervision")
[BS] AGGREGATE. In roofing, crushed stone, crushed slag or
water-worn
gravel used for surfacing for roof coverings.
AGRICULTURAL BUILDING. A structure designed and constructed
to house
farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural
products. This structure shall not be a
place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural
products are processed, treated or packaged,
nor shall it be a place used by the public.
AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION. An insulation having an air
permeance
equal to or less than 0.02 l/s × m2 at 75 pa pressure
differential tested in accordance with ASTM E2178
or ASTM E283.
AIR-INFLATED STRUCTURE. A structure that uses
air-pressurized membrane
beams, arches or other elements to enclose space. Occupants of such a
structure do not occupy the pressurized area
used to support the structure.
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE. A structure wherein the shape
of the
structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are
within the elevated pressure area.
Air-supported structures are of two basic types:
Double skin. Similar to a
single
skin, but with an attached liner that is separated from the outer
skin and provides an airspace which
serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic or similar purposes.
Single skin. Where there is
only the
single outer skin and the air pressure is directly against that
skin.
AISLE. An unenclosed exit access component that defines and
provides a
path of egress travel. [DSA-AC] A
circulation path between objects such
as seats, tables, merchandise, equipment, displays, shelves, desks,
etc., that provides clearances in
compliance with this code.
[F] ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A fire alarm system
component such
as a bell, horn, speaker, light or text display that provides audible,
tactile or visible outputs, or any
combination thereof.
[F] ALARM SIGNAL. A signal indicating an emergency requiring
immediate
action, such as a signal indicative of fire.
[F] ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE. A feature of automatic fire
detection
and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report
alarm conditions for a minimum period of
time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period, after being
automatically reset, in order to be
accepted as a valid alarm-initiation signal.
ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. A method of proportioning
structural members,
such that elastically computed stresses produced in the members by nominal
loads do not exceed specified allowable
stresses (also called "working stress design").
[A] ALTERATION. Any construction or renovation to an
existing
structure other than repair or addition. [DSA-AC] A change, addition or
modification in construction, change in occupancy or use, or structural
repair to an existing building or
facility. Alterations include, but are not limited to, remodeling,
renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction,
historic restoration, resurfacing of circulation paths or vehicular
ways, changes or rearrangement of the
structural parts or elements, and changes or rearrangement in the plan
configuration of walls and full-height
partitions. Normal maintenance, reroofing, painting or wallpapering, or
changes to mechanical and electrical
systems are not alterations unless they affect the usability of the
building or facility.
ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE. A device that has a series of
steps between
50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 rad) from horizontal, usually attached to a
center support rail in an alternating
manner so that the user does not have both feet on the same level at the
same time.
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Alternative materials, design and
methods of construction in accordance
with Section 104.11, Section 11.1.4 of ASCE 7 or structural design criteria as approved by the enforcement
agency.
AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. Buildings or portions thereof used
to
provide medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or similar care on a less
than 24-hour basis to persons
who are rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided.
AMUSEMENT ATTRACTION. [DSA-AC]
Any facility, or portion of a facility, located within an amusement park or theme park which provides amusement
without the use of an amusement device. Amusement attractions include, but are not limited to, fun houses,
barrels and other attractions without seats.
AMUSEMENT RIDE. [DSA-AC]
A system that moves persons through a fixed course within a defined area for the purpose of amusement.
AMUSEMENT RIDE SEAT. [DSA-AC]
A seat that is builtin or mechanically fastened to an amusement ride intended to be occupied by one or more
passengers.
ANCHOR BUILDING. An exterior perimeter building of a group
other than
H having direct access to a covered or open mall building but having
required means of egress independent of the
mall.
[BS] ANCHORED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured with approved
mechanical
fasteners to an approved backing
ANNULAR SPACE. The opening around the penetrating item.
[F] ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indicator
lamps,
alphanumeric displays or other equivalent means in which each indication
provides status information about a
circuit, condition or location.
ANSI. [DSA-AC]
The American National Standards Institute.
[HCD 1, HCD 2 & DSA-AC] "Approved" means
meeting the approval of the enforcing agency, except as otherwise provided by law, when used in
connection with any system, material, type of construction, fixture or appliance as the result of
investigations and tests conducted by the agency, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by
national authorities or technical, health or scientific organizations or agencies.
Notes: [HCD 1 & HCD 2]
- See Health and Safety Code Section 17920 for "Approved" as applied to residential construction and buildings or structures accessory thereto, as referenced in Section 1.8.2.1.1.
- See Health and Safety Code Section 17921.1 for "Approved" as applied to the use of hotplates in residential construction referenced in Section 1.8.2.1.1.
- See Health and Safety Code Section 19966 for "Approved" as applied to factory-built housing as referenced in Section 1.8.3.2.5.
- See Health and Safety Code Section 18201 for "Approved" as applied to mobilehome parks as referenced in Section 1.8.2.1.3.
- See Health and Safety Code Section 18862.1 for "Approved" as applied to special occupancy parks as referenced in Section 1.8.2.1.3.
[A] APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized
agency that is
regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services,
where such agency has been approved by
the building official.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] This term is
synonymous with
"laboratory of record" as referenced in Section 4-335 of the
California Administrative Code.
[BS] APPROVED FABRICATOR. An established and qualified
person, firm or
corporation approved by the building official pursuant to Chapter 17 of this
code.
APPROVED LISTING AGENCY. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Any agency approved by the
enforcing agency, unless otherwise
provided by law, which is in the business of listing and labeling and which makes available at least an annual
published report of such listings in which specific information is included that the product has been tested to
recognized standards and found to comply.
[A] APPROVED SOURCE. An independent person, firm or
corporation,
approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the
application of engineering principles to
materials, methods or systems analyses.
APPROVED TESTING AGENCY. [HCD 1, HCD 2 & DSA-AC] Any agency, which
is determined by the enforcing agency,
except as otherwise provided by law, to have adequate personnel and expertise to carry out the testing of
systems, materials, types of construction, fixtures or appliances.
[BS] AREA (for masonry).
Gross cross-sectional. The
area
delineated by the out-to-out specified dimensions of masonry in the
plane under consideration.
Net cross-sectional. The
area of
masonry units, grout and mortar crossed by the plane under
consideration based on out-to-out specified
dimensions.
AREA, BUILDING. The area included within surrounding
exterior
walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and
courts. Areas of the building not
provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the building area if
such areas are included within the
horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.
AREA OF REFUGE. An area where persons unable to use
stairways can
remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency
evacuation.
AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY. That portion of an indoor or outdoor
space
where the play or practice of a sport occurs.
AREAWAY. A subsurface space adjacent to a building open at
the top
or protected at the top by a grating or guard.
ASSEMBLY AREA. [DSA-AC]
A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic
gatherings, or similar purposes. For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are
not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms,
legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert
halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands or convention centers.
ASSEMBLY SEATING, MULTILEVEL. See "Multilevel assembly
seating."
ASSISTIVE DEVICE. [HCD 1-AC]
An aid, tool or instrument used by persons with disabilities to assist in activities of daily living.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEM (ALS). [DSA-AC]
An amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical
space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared or
direct-wired equipment.
ATRIUM. An opening connecting two or more stories other than
enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators, plumbing, electrical,
air-conditioning or other
equipment, which is closed at the top and not defined as a mall. Stories, as
used in this definition, do not
include balconies within assembly groups or mezzanines that comply with
Section 505.
[F] AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A notification
appliance
that alerts by the sense of hearing.
AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE (AAC). Low density cementitious
product of calcium silicate hydrates, whose material specifications are
defined in ASTM C1386.
[F] AUTOMATIC. As applied to fire protection devices, a
device or
system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human
intervention and activated as a result
of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion
products.
AUTOMATIC DOOR. A door equipped with a
power-operated mechanism and controls that open and close the door automatically upon receipt of a
momentary actuating signal. The switch that begins the automatic cycle may be a photoelectric device, floor
mat or manual switch.
[F] AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. An approved system
of
devices and equipment which automatically detects a fire and discharges an
approved fire-extinguishing agent
onto or in the area of a fire.
[F] AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM. A fire alarm system
that has
initiation devices that utilize smoke detectors for protection of an area
such as a room or space with
detectors to provide early warning of fire.
[F] AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automatic sprinkler
system, for
fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and
overhead piping designed in accordance
with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable
water supply. The portion of the
system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically
designed piping installed in a
structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are
connected in a systematic pattern.
The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water
over the fire area.
AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE (ATM). [DSA-AC]
Any electronic information processing device that accepts or dispenses cash in connection with a credit,
deposit or convenience account. The term does not include devices used solely to facilitate check
guarantees or check authorizations, or which are used in connection with the acceptance or dispensing of
cash on a person-to-person basis, such as by a store cashier.
[F] AUTOMATIC WATER MIST SYSTEM. A system consisting
of a water supply, a pressure source, and a distribution
piping system with attached nozzles, which, at or above a
minimum operating pressure, defined by its listing, discharges
water in fine droplets meeting the requirements of
NFPA 750 for the purpose of the control, suppression or
extinguishment of a fire. Such systems include wet-pipe, drypipe
and pre-action types. The systems are designed as engineered,
pre-engineered, local-application or total flooding
systems.
AUXILIARY AREA. A public dressing,
locker, shower or toilet area or building space intended to be used by bathers.
[F] AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL. The root mean square,
A-weighted
sound pressure level measured over a 24-hour period, or the time any person
is present, whichever time period
is less.
AWNING. An architectural projection that provides weather
protection, identity or decoration and is partially or wholly supported by
the building to which it is
attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which
a covering is attached.
BACKWASH. Is the process of thoroughly
cleansing the filter media and/or elements and the contents of the filter vessel.
BALANCED DOOR. A door equipped with double-pivoted hardware
so
designed as to cause a semicounterbalanced swing action when opening.
[F] BALED COTTON. A natural seed fiber wrapped in and
secured with
industry accepted materials, usually consisting of burlap, woven
polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or sheet
polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire bands or wire; also
includes linters (lint removed from
the cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning process).
[F] BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED. Cotton made into banded
bales
with a packing density of not less than 22 pounds per cubic foot (360
kg/m3), and dimensions
complying with the following: a length of 55 inches (1397 mm), a width of 21
inches (533.4 mm) and a height of
27.6 to 35.4 inches (701 to 899 mm).
[BS] BALLAST. In roofing, ballast comes in the form of large
stones or paver systems or light-weight interlocking paver systems and is
used to provide uplift resistance for
roofing systems that are not adhered or mechanically attached to the roof
deck.
[F] BARRICADE. A structure that consists of a
combination of
walls, floor and roof, which is designed to withstand the rapid release
of energy in an explosion and which
is fully confined, partially vented or fully vented; or other effective
method of shielding from explosive
materials by a natural or artificial barrier.
Artificial barricade. An
artificial mound or revetment a minimum thickness of 3 feet (914
mm).
Natural barricade. Natural
features of the ground, such as hills, or timber of sufficient
density that the surrounding exposures
that require protection cannot be seen from the magazine or building
containing explosives when the
trees are bare of leaves.
[BS] BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1-percent chance of
being
equaled or exceeded in any given year.
[BS] BASE FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the base flood,
including wave height, relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum
(NGVD), North American Vertical Datum
(NAVD) or other datum specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM).
[BS] BASEMENT (for flood loads). The portion of a building
having
its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. This definition of
"Basement" is limited in application
to the provisions of Section 1612.
BASEMENT. A story that is not a story above grade plane (see
"Story above grade plane"). This definition of "Basement" does not apply to
the provisions of Section 1612 for
flood loads.
BATHER. A person using a pool and
adjoining deck areas for the purpose of water sports such as diving, swimming, wading or related
activities.
BATHROOM. For the purposes of Chapters
11A and 11B, a room which includes a water closet (toilet), a lavatory, and a bathtub and/or a shower. It
does not include single-fixture facilities or those with only a water closet and lavatory. It does include
a compartmented bathroom. A compartmented bathroom is one in which the fixtures are distributed among
interconnected rooms. A compartmented bathroom is considered a single unit and is subject to the
requirements of Chapters 11A and 11B.
BEARING WALL STRUCTURE. A building or other structure in
which
vertical loads from floors and roofs are primarily supported by walls.
BEDRIDDEN PERSON. A person,
requiring assistance in turning and repositioning in bed, or being unable to independently transfer to
and from bed, except in facilities with appropriate and sufficient care staff, mechanical devices if
necessary, and safety precautions as determined in Title 22 regulations, by the Director of Social
Services or his or her designated representative. Persons who are unable to independently transfer to
and from bed, but who do not need assistance to turn or reposition in bed, shall be considered
nonambulatory.
The Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative shall
make the determination of the bedridden status of persons with developmental disabilities, in
consultation with the Director of Developmental Services or his or her designated representative.
The Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative shall
make the determination of the bedridden status of all other persons with disabilities who are not
developmentally disabled.
BLEACHERS. Tiered seating supported on a dedicated
structural
system and two or more rows high and is not a building element (see
"Grandstands").
BLENDED TRANSITION. [DSA-AC]
A raised pedestrian street crossing, depressed corner or similar connection between the pedestrian access
route at the level of the sidewalk and the level of the pedestrian street crossing that has a grade of 5
percent or less.
BOARDING HOUSE. A building arranged or used for lodging for
compensation, with or without meals, and not occupied as a single-family
unit.
BOARDING PIER. [DSA-AC]
A portion of a pier where a boat is temporarily secured for the purpose of embarking or disembarking.
BOAT LAUNCH RAMP. [DSA-AC]
A sloped surface designed for launching and retrieving trailered boats and other water craft to and from a
body of water.
BOAT SLIP. [DSA-AC]
That portion of a pier, main pier, finger pier or float where a boat is moored for the purpose of berthing,
embarking or disembarking.
[F] BOILING POINT. The temperature at which the vapor
pressure of
a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch
(psia) (101 kPa) or 760 mm of mercury.
Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question,
or for mixtures which do not have
a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the
20-percent evaporated point of a
distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D86 shall be used as the
boiling point of the liquid.
[BS] BRACED WALL LINE. A straight line through the building
plan
that represents the location of the lateral resistance provided by the wall
bracing.
[BS] BRACED WALL PANEL. A full-height section of wall
constructed
to resist in-plane shear loads through interaction of framing members,
sheathing material and anchors. The
panel's length meets the requirements of its particular bracing method and
contributes toward the total amount
of bracing required along its braced wall line.
BREAKOUT. For revolving doors, a process whereby wings or
door
panels can be pushed open manually for means of egress travel.
[BS] BRICK.
Calcium silicate (sand lime
brick).
A pressed and subsequently autoclaved unit that consists of sand and
lime, with or without the
inclusion of other materials.
Clay or shale. A solid or
hollow
masonry unit of clay or shale, usually formed into a rectangular
prism, then burned or fired in a kiln;
brick is a ceramic product.
Concrete. A concrete
masonry unit
made from Portland cement, water, and suitable aggregates, with or
without the inclusion of other
materials.
[A] BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for
supporting or
sheltering any use or occupancy.
Exception: [HCD 1, HCD 2 & HCD 1-AC]
For applications
listed in Section 1.8.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and
Community Development, "Building"
shall not include the following:
- Any mobilehome as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18008.
- Any manufactured home as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18007.
- Any commercial modular as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18001.8 or any special purpose commercial modular as defined in Section 18012.5.
- Any recreational vehicle as defined in Section Health and Safety Code 18010.
- Any multifamily manufactured home as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 18008.7.
For additional information, see Health and Safety Code Section
18908.
Note: Building shall have the same meaning as defined in Health
and Safety Code Section 17920 and 18908 for the applications specified in Section 1.11.
BUILDING AREA. See "Area, building."
BUILDING ELEMENT. A fundamental component of building
construction, listed in Table 601, which may or may not be of
fire-resistance-rated construction and is
constructed of materials based on the building type of construction.
BUILDING ENTRANCE ON AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. [HCD
1-AC] An accessible entrance to a building that is connected by an
accessible route to public transportation stops, to parking or passenger loading zones, or to public
streets or sidewalks, if available.
BUILDING, EXISTING. [HCD 1 &
HCD 2] A building erected prior to the adoption of this code, or one for
which a legal building permit has been issued.
BUILDING HEIGHT. See "Height, building."
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC (BIPV) PRODUCT. A building
product that incorporates photovoltaic modules and functions as a component
of the building envelope.
BUILDING LINE. The line established by law, beyond which a
building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated
authority
charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly
authorized representative.
[B] BUILT-UP ROOF COVERING. Two or more layers of felt
cemented
together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or
similar surfacing material.
CABLE-RESTRAINED, AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE. A structure in
which
the uplift is resisted by cables or webbings which are anchored to either
foundations or dead men. Reinforcing
cable or webbing is attached by various methods to the membrane or is an
integral part of the membrane. This is
not a cable-supported structure.
CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projection of
rigid
construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather
protection, identity or decoration. A
canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by
attachment to a building on one or more
sides.
[F] CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS. A system supplying
carbon dioxide (CO2) from a pressurized vessel through fixed
pipes and nozzles. The system includes
a manual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.
CARE AND SUPERVISION. Any one or
more of the following activities provided by a person or facility to meet the needs of the clients:
Assistance in dressing, grooming, bathing and other personal hygiene.
Assistance with taking medication.
Central storing and/or distribution of medications.
Arrangement of and assistance with medical and dental care.
Maintenance of house rules for the protection of clients.
Supervision of client schedules and activities.
Maintenance and/or supervision of client cash resources or property.
Monitoring food intake or special diets.
Providing basic services required by applicable law and regulation to be
provided by the licensee in order to obtain and maintain a community-care facility license.
CARE SUITE. In Group I-2 occupancies, a group of treatment
rooms,
care recipient sleeping rooms and the support rooms or spaces and
circulation space within the suite where
staff are in attendance for supervision of all care recipients within the
suite, and the suite is in compliance
with the requirements of Section 407.4.4.
CARRIAGE UNIT. [HCD 1-AC]
A dwelling unit with living space on one or more floors immediately above a Group U, private garage or
garages. The footprint of the garage or garages is used as the footprint for the remaining floor or
floors of the units above and the garage level contains no habitable space.
Note: Dwelling units located over a common garage shall not be
considered carriage units.
[BS] CAST STONE. A building stone manufactured from Portland
cement concrete precast and used as a trim, veneer or facing on or in
buildings or structures.
CATASTROPHICALLY INJURED. As termed,
means a person whose origin of disability was acquired through trauma or nondegenerative neurologic
illness, for whom it has been determined by the Department of Health Services Certification and Licensing
that active rehabilitation would be beneficial.
CATCH POOL. [DSA-AC]
A pool or designated section of a pool used as a terminus for water slide flumes.
CCR. [DSA-AC] The California Code of
Regulations.
CDF DIRECTOR. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[F] CEILING LIMIT. The maximum concentration of an air-borne
contaminant to which one may be exposed. The ceiling limits utilized are
those published in DOL 29 CFR Part
1910.1000. The ceiling Recommended Exposure Limit (REL-C) concentrations
published by the U.S. National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Threshold Limit
Value—Ceiling (TLV-C) concentrations
published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists
(ACGIH), Ceiling Work place
Environmental Exposure Level (WEEL-Ceiling) Guides published by the American
Industrial Hygiene Association
(AIHA), and other approved, consistent measures are allowed as surrogates
for hazardous substances not listed
in DOL 29 CFR Part 1910.1000.
CEILING RADIATION DAMPER. A listed device installed in a
ceiling
membrane of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
to limit automatically the radiative
heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet opening. Ceiling radiation dampers
include air terminal units,
ceiling dampers and ceiling air diffusers.
CELL (Detention or correctional facility) [SFM].
A sleeping or housing unit in a detention or correctional
facility for the
confinement of not more than two inmates or prisoners.
[BS] CELL (masonry). A void space having a gross
cross-sectional
area greater than 11/2 square inches (967
mm2).
CELL COMPLEX. A cluster or group of
cells or dormitories in a jail, prison or other detention facility, together with rooms used for accessory
purposes, all of which open into the cell complex, and are used for functions such as dining, counseling,
exercise, classrooms, sick call, visiting, storage, staff offices, control rooms or similar functions, and
interconnecting corridors all within the cell complex.
CELL TIERS. Cells, dormitories and
accessory spaces. Cell tiers are located one level above the other, and do not exceed two levels per floor.
A cell tier shall not be considered a story or mezzanine. The aggregate area of a tier within a housing pod
shall not be greater than one-third of the floor area of that pod when supported by non-rated construction,
and shall be no greater than two-thirds of the floor area of the pod when the tier floor and supporting
elements meet the fire rating requirements of a floor.
CELLULAR CONCRETE. [HCD 1 &
HCD 2] A lightweight product consisting of portland cement and selected
gas-forming chemicals or foaming agents which create homogeneous voids in the hardened concrete.
[BS] CEMENT PLASTER. A mixture of portland or blended
cement,
Portland cement or blended cement and hydrated lime, masonry cement or
plastic cement and aggregate and other
approved materials as specified in this code.
CENTRAL CONTROL BUILDING. A secure
building within a prison where the fire and life safety systems, communication systems, security systems
and exterior lighting systems are monitored and where security operations necessitate the remote locking of
required means of egress or at the door with a key to maintain a high security area
CERAMIC FIBER BLANKET. A high-temperature mineral wool
insulation
material made of alumina-silica ceramic or calcium magnesium silicate
soluble fibers and weighing 4 to 10
pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (64 to 160 kg/m3).
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. A certificate stating that
materials
and products meet specified standards or that work was done in compliance
with approved construction documents.
[A] CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of
activity within a building that involves a change in application of the
requirements of this code.
CHARACTERS. Letters, numbers,
punctuation marks and typographic symbols.
CHARTER SCHOOL A public school
providing instruction from kindergarten through 12th grade, established pursuant to Education Code, Title
2, Division 4, Part 26.8, Section 47600, et seq.
CHILD CARE CENTER. Any facility of any
capacity other than a large or small family day-care home as defined in these regulations in which less
than 24-hour-per-day nonmedical supervision is provided for children in a group setting.
CHILD OR CHILDREN. A person or persons
under the age of 18 years.
CHILDREN'S USE. [DSA-AC]
Describes spaces and elements specifically designed for use primarily by people 12 years old and younger.
[M] CHIMNEY. A primarily vertical structure containing
one or
more flues, for the purpose of carrying gaseous products of combustion
and air from a fuel-burning
appliance to the outdoor atmosphere.
Factory-built chimney. A
listed
and labeled chimney composed of factory-made components, assembled
in the field in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions and the conditions of the listing.
Masonry chimney. A
field-constructed chimney composed of solid masonry units, bricks,
stones, or concrete.
Metal chimney. A
field-constructed chimney of metal.
[M] CHIMNEY TYPES.
High-heat appliance type.
An
approved chimney for removing the products of combustion from
fuel-burning, high-heat appliances
producing combustion gases in excess of 2000°F (1093°C) measured at
the appliance flue outlet (see
Section 2113.11.3).
Low-heat appliance type. An
approved chimney for removing the products of combustion from
fuel-burning, low-heat appliances
producing combustion gases not in excess of 1000°F (538°C) under
normal operating conditions, but
capable of producing combustion gases of 1400°F (760°C) during
intermittent forces firing for periods
up to 1 hour. Temperatures shall be measured at the appliance flue
outlet.
Medium-heat appliance type.
An
approved chimney for removing the products of combustion from
fuel-burning, medium-heat appliances
producing combustion gases not exceeding 2000°F (1093°C) measured at
the appliance flue outlet (see
Section 2113.11.2).
CHRONICALLY ILL. See "Terminally ill."
CIRCULATION PATH. An exterior or interior way of passage
from one
place to another for pedestrians. [DSA-AC]
An exterior or interior
way of passage provided for pedestrian travel, including but not limited
to, walks, hallways, courtyards,
elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways and landings.
[F] CLEAN AGENT. Electrically nonconducting, volatile or
gaseous
fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon vaporation.
CLEAN POOL WATER. Is a pool water that
is free of dirt, oils, scum, algae, floating materials or other visible organic and inorganic materials
that would sully the water.
CLEAR. [DSA-AC]
Unobstructed.
CLEAR FLOOR SPACE.[DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] The minimum unobstructed
floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary
wheelchair and occupant.
CLEAR POOL WATER. Pool water that is
free from cloudiness and is transparent.
[E] CLIMATE ZONE. A geographical region that has been
assigned
climatic criteria as specified in Chapters 3CE and 3RE of the California Energy
Code.
CLINIC, OUTPATIENT. Buildings or portions thereof used to
provide
medical care on less than a 24-hour basis to persons who are not classified as
nonambulatory or bedridden or rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services
provided.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEPHONE. [DSA-AC]
A telephone with a dedicated line such as a house phone, courtesy phone or phone that must be used to gain
entry to a facility.
[F] CLOSED SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous
material
involving a closed vessel or system that remains closed during normal
operations where vapors emitted by the
product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and the product is
not exposed to the atmosphere
during normal operations; and all uses of compressed gases. Examples of
closed systems for solids and liquids
include product conveyed through a piping system into a closed vessel,
system or piece of equipment.
[BS] COASTAL A ZONE. Area within a special flood hazard
area,
landward of a V zone or landward of an open coast without mapped coastal
high hazard areas. In a coastal A
zone, the principal source of flooding must be astronomical tides, storm
surges, seiches or tsunamis, not
riverine flooding. During the base flood conditions, the potential for
breaking wave height shall be greater
than or equal to 11/2 feet (457 mm). The inland limit
of the coastal A zone is (a) the
Limit of Moderate Wave Action if delineated on a FIRM, or (b) designated by
the authority having jurisdiction.
[BS] COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREA. Area within the special flood
hazard area extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary dune
along an open coast and any other
area that is subject to high-velocity wave action from storms or seismic
sources, and shown on a Flood
Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or other flood hazard map as velocity Zone V, VO,
VE or V1-30.
[BS] COLLAR JOINT. Vertical longitudinal space between
wythes of
masonry or between masonry wythe and backup construction that is permitted
to be filled with mortar or grout.
[BS] COLLECTOR. A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and
in
line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear
forces to the vertical elements of the
lateral force-resisting system or distributes forces within the diaphragm,
or both.
COMBINATION FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER. A listed device installed in
ducts
and air transfer openings designed to close automatically upon the detection
of heat and resist the passage of
flame and smoke. The device is installed to operate automatically,
controlled by a smoke detection system, and
where required, is capable of being positioned from a fire command center
[F] COMBUSTIBLE DUST. Finely divided solid material that is
420
microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper
proportions, could be ignited by a
flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust will pass through
a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.
[F] COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS. Readily ignitable and free-burning
materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton,
excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen,
istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow,
wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other
like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled
cotton.
[F] COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed cup
flash
point at or above 100°F (38°C). Combustible liquids shall be subdivided
as follows:
- Class II. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).
- Class IIIA. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).
- Class IIIB. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).
The category of combustible liquids does not include compressed gases or
cryogenic fluids.
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES [DSA-AC]
Facilities whose operations will affect commerce and are intended for nonresidential use by a private
entity. Commercial facilities shall not include (1) facilities that are covered or expressly exempted from
coverage under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 3601 - 3631); (2) aircraft; or (3)
railroad locomotives, railroad freight cars, railroad cabooses, commuter or intercity passenger rail cars
(including coaches, dining cars, sleeping cars, lounge cars and food service cars), any other railroad cars
described in Section 242 of the Americans With Disabilities Act or covered under Title II of the Americans
With Disabilities Act, or railroad rights-of-way. For purposes of this definition, "rail" and "railroad"
have the meaning given the term "railroad" in Section 202(e) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45
U.S.C. 431(e)).
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE. A motor vehicle used to
transport
passengers or property where the motor vehicle:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds (4540 kg) or more; or
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. That portion of
the exit access travel distance measured from the most remote
point within a story to that point where the occupants have
separate and distinct access to two exits
or exit access doorways.
COMMON USE. Interior or exterior
circulation paths, rooms, spaces or elements that are not for public use and are made available for the
shared use of two or more people.
COMMON USE AREAS. [HCD 1-AC]
Private use areas within multifamily residential facilities where the use of these areas is limited
exclusively to owners, residents and their guests. The areas may be defined as rooms or spaces or elements
inside or outside of a building.
COMMUNITY CARE FACILITY. Any
facility, place or building that is maintained and operated to provide nonmedical residential care, day
treatment, adult day care or foster family agency services for children, adults, or children and
adults, including, but not limited to, the physically handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent
persons, and abused or neglected children, and includes the following as defined in Health and Safety
Code Section 1502:
- Residential facility
- Adult day program
- Therapeutic day services facility
- Foster family agency
- Foster family home
- Small-family home
- Social rehabilitation facility
- Community treatment facility
- Full-service adoption agency
- Noncustodial adoption agency
- Transitional shelter care facility
- Transitional housing placement facility
COMPLY WITH. [DSA-AC]
Comply with means to meet one or more provisions of this code.
[F] COMPRESSED GAS. A material, or mixture of materials,
that:
- Is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (101 kPa) of pressure; and
- Has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) which is either liquefied, nonliquefied or in solution, except those gases which have no other health- or physical-hazard properties are not considered to be compressed until the pressure in the packaging exceeds 41 psia (282 kPa) at 68°F (20°C).
The states of a compressed gas are categorized as follows:
- Nonliquefied compressed gases are gases, other than those in solution, which are in a packaging under the charged pressure and are entirely gaseous at a temperature of 68°F (20°C).
- Liquefied compressed gases are gases that, in a packaging under the charged pressure, are partially liquid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C).
- Compressed gases in solution are nonliquefied gases that are dissolved in a solvent.
- Compressed gas mixtures consist of a mixture of two or more compressed gases contained in a packaging, the hazard properties of which are represented by the properties of the mixture as a whole.
[BS] CONCRETE
Carbonate aggregate.
Concrete
made with aggregates consisting mainly of calcium or magnesium
carbonate, such as limestone or
dolomite, and containing 40 percent or less quartz, chert or flint.
Lightweight aggregate.
Concrete
made with aggregates of expanded clay, shale, slag or slate or
sintered fly ash or any natural
lightweight aggregate meeting ASTM C330 and possessing equivalent
fire-resistance properties and
weighing 85 to 115 pcf (1360 to 1840 kg/m3).
Perlite. A lightweight
insulating
concrete having a dry unit weight of approximately 30 pcf (480
kg/m3) made with perlite
concrete aggregate. Perlite aggregate is produced from a volcanic
rock which, when heated, expands to
form a glass-like material of cellular structure.
Sand-lightweight. Concrete
made
with a combination of expanded clay, shale, slag, slate, sintered
fly ash, or any natural lightweight
aggregate meeting ASTM C330 and possessing equivalent
fire-resistance properties and natural sand. Its
unit weight is generally between 105 and 120 pcf (1680 and 1920 kg/m3).
Siliceous aggregate.
Concrete
made with normal-weight aggregates consisting mainly of silica or
compounds other than calcium or
magnesium carbonate, which contains more than 40-percent quartz,
chert or flint.
Vermiculite. A light weight
insulating concrete made with vermiculite concrete aggregate which
is laminated micaceous material
produced by expanding the ore at high temperatures. When added to a
Portland cement slurry the
resulting concrete has a dry unit weight of approximately 30 pcf
(480 kg/m3).
CONGREGATE LIVING HEALTH
FACILITY (CLHF) means a residential home with a capacity, except as provided in
paragraph (3), of no more than 12 beds, that provides inpatient care, including the following basic
services: medical supervision, 24-hour skilled nursing and supportive care, pharmacy, dietary, social,
recreational, and at least one type of service specified in paragraph (1). The primary need of
congregate living health facility residents shall be for availability of skilled nursing care on a
recurring, intermittent, extended, or continuous basis. This care is generally less intense than that
provided in general acute care hospitals but more intense than that provided in skilled nursing
facilities.
-
Congregate living health facilities shall provide one of the following services:
- Services for persons who are mentally alert, persons with physical disabilities, who may be ventilator dependent.
- Services for persons who have a diagnosis of terminal illness, a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, or both. Terminal illness means the individual has a life expectancy of six months or less as stated in writing by his or her attending physician and surgeon. A "life-threatening illness" means the individual has an illness that can lead to a possibility of a termination of life within five years or less as stated in writing by his or her attending physician and surgeon.
- Services for persons who are catastrophically and severely disabled. A person who is catastrophically and severely disabled means a person whose origin of disability was acquired through trauma or nondegenerative neurologic illness, for whom it has been determined that active rehabilitation would be beneficial and to whom these services are being provided. Services offered by a congregate living health facility to a person who is catastrophically disabled shall include, but not be limited to, speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
- A congregate living health facility license shall specify which of the types of persons described in paragraph (1) to whom a facility is licensed to provide services.
-
- A facility operated by a city and county for the purposes of delivering services under this section may have a capacity of 59 beds.
- A congregate living health facility not operated by a city and county servicing persons who are terminally ill, persons who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, or both, that is located in a county with a population of 500,000 or more persons, or located in a county of the 16th class pursuant to Section 28020 of the Government Code, may have not more than 25 beds for the purpose of serving persons who are terminally ill.
- A congregate living health facility not operated by a city and county serving persons who are catastrophically and severely disabled, as defined in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) that is located in a county of 500,000 or more persons may have not more than 12 beds for the purpose of serving persons who are catastrophically and severely disabled.
- A congregate living health facility shall have a noninstitutional, homelike environment.
CONGREGATE RESIDENCE.—Any building or
portion thereof that contains facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation, as required by this code, and
may include facilities for eating and cooking, for occupancy by other than a family. A congregate residence
may be a shelter, convent, monastery, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, but does not include jails,
hospitals, nursing homes, hotels or lodging houses.
[F] CONSTANTLY ATTENDED LOCATION. A designated location at a
facility staffed by trained personnel on a continuous basis where alarm or
supervisory signals are monitored
and facilities are provided for notification of the fire department or other
emergency services.
[A] CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Written, graphic and pictorial
documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and
physical characteristics of the
elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.
CONSTRUCTION TYPES. See Section 602.
- Type I. See Section 602.2.
- Type II. See Section 602.2.
- Type III. See Section 602.3.
- Type IV. See Section 602.4.
- Type V. See Section 602.5.
[F] CONTROL AREA. Spaces within a building where quantities
of
hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per
control area are stored, dispensed, used
or handled. See also the definition of "Outdoor control area" in the California
Fire Code.
CONTROL ROOM. A room that has staff that provides direct
supervision of one or more cell tiers, pods, dormitories, housing
units, sally ports, central holding areas, individual holding
cells within central holding areas, as well as any number of
courtroom holding cells and arraignment docks, and may have
fire and personal alarm annunciation, ability to open and close
doors, communicate with Central Control and monitor activities
inside the area of control and the space immediately outside
the Control Room's zone of influence.
CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL. A self-compacted,
cementitious
material used primarily as a backfill in place of compacted fill.
CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type of
construction
whose primary structural elements are formed by a system of repetitive
wood-framing members. See Section 2308
for conventional light-frame construction provisions.
CORNICE. A projecting horizontal molded element located at
or near
the top of an architectural feature.
CORRECTIONAL HOSPITALS. Facilities that provide care
and treatment for medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical
treatment of care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation
within a detention facility such as a prison or jail.
CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH
HOUSING SUITE. Within a state prison, correctional treatment
facility, local detention facility, or juvenile facility, a
correctional medical or mental health housing suite shall be
a group of patient rooms or cells and support spaces, including
nurses' stations, located around shared circulation.
CORRECTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES.
Facilities that provide care and treatment for psychiatric
treatment of care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation
within a detention facility such as a prison or jail.
CORRECTIONAL NURSING FACILITIES. Facilities that
provide care, including both intermediate care facilities and
skilled nursing facilities, where any of the persons are incapable
of self-preservation or classified as non-ambulatory or
bedridden within a detention facility such as a prison or jail.
CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT CENTERS. Facilities
that provide emergency and acute care and treatment for
medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical treatment of
care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation within
a detention facility such as a prison or jail.
CORRIDOR. An enclosed exit access component that defines and
provides a path of egress travel.
CORRIDOR DAMPER. A listed device intended for use where air
ducts
penetrate or terminate at horizontal openings in the ceilings of
fire-resistance-rated corridors, where the
corridor ceiling is permitted to be constructed as required for the corridor
walls.
[BS] CORROSION RESISTANCE. The ability of a material to
withstand
deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its
environment.
CORROSION RESISTANT. Capable of
maintaining original surface characteristics under the prolonged influence of the use environment.
[F] CORROSIVE. A chemical that causes visible destruction
of, or
irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point
of contact. A chemical shall be
considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by
the method described in DOTn 49
CFR, Part 173.137, such chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the
structure of the tissue at the point of
contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to
action on inanimate surfaces.
COURT. An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to the sky,
bounded
on three or more sides by exterior building walls or other enclosing
devices.
COURTROOM DOCK. An area within a
courtroom where persons may be restrained and are awaiting court proceedings.
COURTHOUSE HOLDING FACILITY [SFM].
A room, cell, cell complex or building for the confinement of persons for the purpose of a court appearance
for a period not to exceed 12 hours.
COVERED MALL BUILDING. A single building enclosing a
number of
tenants and occupants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining
establishments, entertainment and
amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices and
other similar uses wherein two or
more tenants have a main entrance into one or more malls. Anchor
buildings shall not be considered as a
part of the covered mall building. The term "covered mall building"
shall include open mall buildings as
defined below.
Mall. A roofed or covered
common
pedestrian area within a covered mall building that serves as access
for two or more tenants and not to
exceed three levels that are open to each other. The term "mall"
shall include open malls as defined
below.
Open mall. An unroofed
common
pedestrian way serving a number of tenants not exceeding three
levels. Circulation at levels above
grade shall be permitted to include open exterior balconies leading
to exits discharging at grade.
Open mall building. Several
structures housing a number of tenants, such as retail stores,
drinking and dining establishments,
entertainment and amusement facilities, offices, and other similar
uses, wherein two or more tenants
have a main entrance into one or more open malls. Anchor buildings
are not considered as a part of the
open mall building.
COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS. [HCD 1-AC]
"Covered multifamily dwellings" means either of the following:
- Buildings that consist of at least four condominium dwelling units or at least three apartment dwelling units if the buildings have at least one elevator.
- The ground floor dwelling units in buildings that consist of at least four condominium dwelling units or at least three apartment dwelling units if the building does not have an elevator.
Covered multifamily dwellings include dwellings
listed in Section 1102A.1. For
purposes of this definition, dwelling units within a single structure
separated by firewalls do not
constitute separate buildings.
[BS] CRIPPLE WALL. A framed stud wall extending from the top
of the
foundation to the underside of floor framing for the lowest occupied floor
level.
[F] CRITICAL CIRCUIT. A circuit that requires continuous
operation to
ensure safety of the structure and occupants.
[BS] CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER. A prefabricated engineered wood
product
consisting of not less than three layers of solid-sawn lumber or structural
composite lumber where the adjacent
layers are cross oriented and bonded with structural adhesive to form a
solid wood element.
CROSS SLOPE. The slope that is
perpendicular to the direction of travel.
[F] CRYOGENIC FLUID. A liquid having a boiling point lower
than -150°F
(-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute
pressure of 101 kPa).
CURB CUT. An interruption of a curb at a
pedestrian way, which separates surfaces that are substantially at the same elevation.
CURB RAMP. A sloping pedestrian way,
intended for pedestrian traffic, which provides access between a walk or sidewalk and a surface located above
or below an adjacent curb face.
CUSTODIAL CARE. Assistance with day-to-day living tasks;
such as
assistance with cooking, taking medication, bathing, using toilet facilities
and other tasks of daily living.
Custodial care includes persons receiving care who have the ability to
respond to emergency situations and evacuate
at a slower rate and/or who have mental and psychiatric complications.
CUSTODY STATION. A desk or platform staffed by one or
more custody officers whose purpose is to supervise those in
custody.
[BS] DALLE GLASS. A decorative composite glazing material
made of
individual pieces of glass that are embedded in a cast matrix of concrete or
epoxy.
DAMPER. See "Ceiling radiation damper," "Combination
fire/smoke
damper," "Corridor damper," "Fire damper" and "Smoke damper."
[BS] DANGEROUS. Any building, structure or portion
thereof that
meets any of the conditions described below shall be deemed dangerous:
- The building or structure has collapsed, has partially collapsed, has moved off its foundation or lacks the necessary support of the ground.
- There exists a significant risk of collapse, detachment or dislodgment of any portion, member, appurtenance or ornamentation of the building or structure under service loads.
[F] DAY BOX. A portable magazine designed to hold explosive
materials
constructed in accordance with the requirements for a Type 3 magazine as
defined and classified in Chapter 56 of
the California Fire Code.
DAY-CARE. For the purposes of these
regulations, means the care of persons during any period of a 24-hour day
where permanent sleeping accommodations are not provided.
DAY-CARE HOME, FAMILY. A home that
regularly provides care, protection and supervision for 14 or fewer children, in the provider's own home, for
periods of less than 24 hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away, and is either a large family
day-care home or a small family day-care home.
DAY-CARE HOME, LARGE FAMILY. A provider's
own home which is licensed to provide day care for periods less than 24 hours per day for nine to 14 persons,
including children under the age of 10 years who reside at the home.
DAY-CARE HOME, SMALL FAMILY. A home which
provides family day-care to eight or fewer children, including children under the age of 10 years who reside at
the home, in the provider's own home, for periods of less than 24 hours per day. Small family day-care homes
are exempted from state fire and life safety regulations other than those state and local standards applicable
to Group R-3 occupancies. (See Health and Safety Code, Section 13143 (b).)
DAY ROOM. A room which is adjacent to a
cell, or cell tier, or dormitory and which is used as a dining, exercise or other activity room for inmates.
[BS] DEAD LOAD. The weight of materials of construction
incorporated
into the building, including but not limited to walls, floors, roofs,
ceilings, stairways, built-in partitions,
finishes, cladding and other similarly incorporated architectural and
structural items, and the weight of fixed
service equipment, such as cranes, plumbing stacks and risers, electrical
feeders, heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning systems and automatic sprinkler systems.
DECK. Is an area surrounding a pool which
is specifically constructed or installed for use by bathers.
[BS] DECORATIVE GLASS. A carved, leaded or Dalle glass or
glazing
material whose purpose is decorative or artistic, not functional; whose
coloring, texture or other design qualities
or components cannot be removed without destroying the glazing material and
whose surface, or assembly into which
it is incorporated, is divided into segments.
[F] DECORATIVE MATERIALS. All materials applied over the
building
interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effect including, but
not limited to, curtains, draperies,
fabrics and streamers; and all other materials utilized for decorative
effect including, but not limited to,
bulletin boards, artwork, posters, photographs, batting, cloth, cotton, hay,
stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees,
moss and similar items, foam plastics and materials containing foam
plastics. Decorative materials do not include
wall coverings, ceiling coverings, floor coverings, ordinary window shades,
interior finish and materials 0.025
inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adhering tightly
to a substrate.
[BS] DEEP FOUNDATION. A deep foundation is a foundation
element that
does not satisfy the definition of a shallow foundation.
DEFEND IN PLACE. A method of emergency response that engages
building
components and trained staff to provide occupant safety during an emergency.
Emergency response involves remaining
in place, relocating within the building, or both, without evacuating the
building.
[A] DEFERRED SUBMITTAL. Those portions of the design that
are not
submitted at the time of the application and that are to be submitted to the
building official within a specified
period.
[F] DEFLAGRATION. An exothermic reaction, such as the
extremely rapid
oxidation of a flammable dust or vapor in air, in which the reaction
progresses through the unburned material at a
rate less than the velocity of sound. A deflagration can have an explosive
effect.
[F] DELUGE SYSTEM. A sprinkler system employing open
sprinklers
attached to a piping system connected to a water supply through a valve that
is opened by the operation of a
detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this
valve opens, water flows into the piping
system and discharges from all sprinklers attached thereto.
DEPARTMENT. [HCD 1 & HCD 2]
The Department of Housing and Community Development.
[BS] DESIGN DISPLACEMENT. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] DESIGN EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION. The earthquake ground
motion
that buildings and structures are specifically proportioned to resist in
Section 1613.
[BS] DESIGN FLOOD. The flood associated with the greater
of the
following two areas:
- Area with a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding in any year; or
- Area designated as a flood hazard area on a community's flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
[BS] DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the "design
flood,"
including wave height, relative to the datum specified on the community's
legally designated flood hazard map. In
areas designated as Zone AO, the design flood elevation shall be the
elevation of the highest existing grade of the
building's perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified on the flood
hazard map. In areas designated as Zone
AO where a depth number is not specified on the map, the depth number shall
be taken as being equal to 2 feet (610
mm).
[A] DESIGN PROFESSIONAL, REGISTERED. See "Registered design
professional."
[A] DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE, REGISTERED.
See
"Registered design professional in responsible charge."
[BS] DESIGN STRENGTH. The product of the nominal strength
and a
resistance factor (or strength reduction factor).
DESIGNATED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. [DSA-AC]
Transportation provided by a public entity (other than public school transportation) by bus, rail, or other
conveyance (other than transportation by aircraft or intercity or commuter rail transportation) that provides
the general public with general or special service, including charter service, on a regular and continuing
basis.
[BS] DESIGNATED SEISMIC SYSTEM. Those nonstructural
components that
require design in accordance with Chapter 13 of ASCE 7 and for which the
component importance factor, Ip,
is greater than 1 in accordance with Section 13.1.3 of ASCE 7.
DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATOR. [DSA-AC]
Destination-oriented elevators are operated by the user selecting a destination floor at a hall call console
located at or near an elevator landing. The destination-oriented elevator system then assigns an elevator car
which transports the user to the selected destination floor. Destination-oriented elevators do not provide
floor selection within elevator cars.
[F] DETACHED BUILDING. A separate single-story building,
without a
basement or crawl space, used for the storage or use of hazardous materials
and located an approved distance from
all structures.
DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING. [HCD
1 & HCD 2] Any single-family dwelling which is separated (detached) from
adjacent buildings.
DETECTABLE WARNING. A standardized surface
feature built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to warn of hazards on a circulation path.
[F] DETECTOR, HEAT. A fire detector that senses heat—either
abnormally
high temperature or rate of rise, or both.
DETENTION ELEVATOR [SFM].
Detention elevator shall mean an elevator which moves in-custody individuals within a secure and restrained
environment.
DETENTION PROGRAM SUITE. Within a state prison,
correctional treatment facility, local detention facility, or
juvenile facility, a detention program suite shall be a group of
program related spaces, not classified as group F uses,
located around shared circulation.
DETENTION TREATMENT ROOM. [SFM].
Detention treatment room shall mean a lockable room or rooms within Group I-3 occupancies used for recreational
therapy, group rooms, interdisciplinary treatment team rooms, and interview rooms not classified solely as a
Group I-2 occupancy.
[F] DETONATION. An exothermic reaction characterized by the
presence
of a shock wave in the material which establishes and maintains the
reaction. The reaction zone progresses through
the material at a rate greater than the velocity of sound. The principal
heating mechanism is one of shock
compression. Detonations have an explosive effect.
DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES. Facilities that provide treatment
for
substance abuse, serving care recipients who are incapable of self-preservation or
classified as non-ambulatory or who are harmful to themselves or others.
[BS] DIAPHRAGM. A horizontal or sloped system acting to
transmit
lateral forces to vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting
system. When the term "diaphragm" is used,
it shall include horizontal bracing systems.
Diaphragm, blocked. In
light-frame
construction, a diaphragm in which all sheathing edges not occurring
on a framing member are supported on
and fastened to blocking.
Diaphragm boundary. In
light-frame
construction, a location where shear is transferred into or out of
the diaphragm sheathing. Transfer is
either to a boundary element or to another force-resisting element.
Diaphragm chord. A
diaphragm boundary
element perpendicular to the applied load that is assumed to take
axial stresses due to the diaphragm
moment.
Diaphram, unblocked. A
diaphragm that
has edge nailing at supporting members only. Blocking between
supporting structural members at panel edges
is not included. Diaphragm panels are field nailed to supporting
members.
Nominal. The specified
dimension plus
an allowance for the joints with which the units are to be laid.
Nominal dimensions are usually stated in
whole numbers. Thickness is given first, followed by height and then
length.
DIRECT ACCESS. A path of travel from a space to an
immediately
adjacent space through an opening in the common wall between the two spaces.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. [DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2]
A publicly displayed notice which indicates by use of words or symbols a recommended direction or route of
travel.
DISABILITY [DSA-AC]
Disability is (1) a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more of the major life activities of an
individual, (2) a record of such an impairment, or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment.
[F] DISPENSING. The pouring or transferring of any material
from a
container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors, dusts, fumes, mists or
gases are liberated to the atmosphere.
DOOR, BALANCED. See "Balanced door."
DOOR, LOW-ENERGY POWER-OPERATED. See "Low-energy
power-operated door."
DOORWAY, EXIT ACCESS. See "Exit access doorway."
DORMITORY. A space in a building where group sleeping
accommodations
are provided in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms, for
persons not members of the same family
group, under joint occupancy and single management, as in college
dormitories or fraternity houses. [SFM]
For Group I-3 occupancies "Dormitory" is an area occupied by no less
than three inmates.
DRAFTSTOP. A material, device or construction installed to
restrict
the movement of air within open spaces of concealed areas of building
components such as crawl spaces,
floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling assemblies and attics.
[BS] DRAG STRUT. See "Collector."
DRAIN. A fitting or fixture, usually at or near
the
bottom of a pool, through which water leaves the pool normally to the
recirculation pump.
[BS] DRILLED SHAFT. A drilled shaft is a cast-in-place
deep
foundation element constructed by drilling a hole (with or without
permanent casing) into soil or rock and
filling it with fluid concrete.
Socketed drilled shaft. A
socketed
drilled shaft is a drilled shaft with a permanent pipe or tube
casing that extends down to bedrock and an
uncased socket drilled into the bedrock.
DRIVE-UP ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
STATION. An electric vehicle charging station in which use is limited to 30 minutes
maximum and is provided at a location where the electric vehicle approaches in the forward direction, stops in
the vehicle space, charges the vehicle, and proceeds forward to depart the vehicle space. The arrangement of a
drive-up electric vehicle charger and its associated vehicle space is similar to a gasoline filling station
island.
[F] DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT. A powder composed of
small
particles, usually of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate,
urea-potassium-based bicarbonate, potassium
chloride or monoammonium phosphate, with added particulate material
supplemented by special treatment to provide
resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking) and the
proper flow capabilities.
[BS] DRY FLOODPROOFING. A combination of design
modifications that
results in a building or structure, including the attendant utilities and
equipment and sanitary facilities, being
water tight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and
with structural components having the
capacity to resist loads as identified in ASCE 7.
DWELLING. A building that contains one or two dwelling units
used,
intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be
occupied for living purposes.
DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent
living
facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking and
sanitation. [HCD 1-AC] For the purposes
of Chapter 11A,
a single unit of residence for a family of one or more persons. Examples
of dwelling units covered by Chapter
11A include condominiums, an apartment unit within an apartment
building, and other types of dwellings in which
sleeping accommodations are provided but toileting or cooking facilities
are shared by occupants of more than
one room or portion of the dwelling. Examples of the latter include
dormitory rooms and sleeping accommodations
in shelters intended for occupancy as residences for homeless
persons.
DWELLING UNIT OR SLEEPING UNIT, MULTISTORY. See "Multistory
unit."
EFFECTIVE PARTICLE SIZE. The theoretical
size of a sieve in mm that will pass 10 percent by weight of sand.
EFFICIENCY DWELLING UNIT. [HCD 1]
A dwelling unit containing only one habitable room and includes an efficiency unit as defined by Health and
Safety Code Section 17958.1. See Section 1208.4.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) [DSA-AC &
SFM]. An automotive-type vehicle for on-road use, such as passenger automobiles, buses,
trucks, vans, neighborhood electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and the like, primarily powered by an
electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage battery, fuel cell, photovoltaic array, or other
source of electric current. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are considered electric vehicles. For the
purpose of this code, off-road, self-propelled electric vehicles, such as industrial trucks, hoists, lifts,
transports, golf carts, airline ground support equipment, tractors, boats, and the like, are not included.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER.
Off-board charging equipment used to charge an electric vehicle.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SPACE (EV
Space). A space intended for charging electric vehicles.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
(EVCS). One or more electric vehicle charging spaces served by an electric vehicle
charger or other charging equipment. Where a multiport electric vehicle charger can simultaneously charge more
than one vehicle, the number of electric vehicle charging stations shall be considered equivalent to the number
of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
CONNECTOR. A device that, when electrically
coupled (conductive or inductive) to an electric vehicle inlet, establishes an electrical connection to the
electric vehicle for the purpose of power transfer and information exchange. This device is part of the
electric vehicle coupler.
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE SYSTEM. A specific
construction of
devices, materials, or coatings installed as a fire-resistive barrier system
applied to electrical system
components, such as cable trays, conduits and other raceways, open run
cables and conductors, cables, and
conductors.
ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]
A play component that is approached above or below grade and that is part of a composite play structure
consisting of two or more play components attached or functionally linked to create an integrated unit
providing more than one play activity.
[F] ELEVATOR GROUP. A grouping of elevators in a building
located
adjacent or directly across from one another that responds to common hall
call buttons.
ELEVATOR, PASSENGER. [HCD 1 &
HCD 2] See "PASSENGER ELEVATOR." [DSA-AC] An
elevator used primarily to carry passengers.
[F] EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM. A system to provide indication
and warning
of emergency situations involving hazardous materials.
[F] EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approved location on the
premises
where signals from emergency equipment are received and which is staffed by
trained personnel.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING. An operable window,
door or other
similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in
the event of an emergency.
[F] EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic electric
power of a
required capacity and duration to operate required life safety, fire alarm,
detection and ventilation systems in
the event of a failure of the primary power. Emergency power systems are
required for electrical loads where
interruption of the primary power could result in loss of human life or
serious injuries.
[F] EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS. Dedicated manual
or
automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as
well as alert and evacuation signals
pertaining to a fire emergency, to the occupants of a building.
EMPLOYEE WORK AREA. All or any portion of a space used only
by
employees and only for work. Corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break
rooms are not employee work areas.
ENFORCEMENT. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] The applicable section of the
Health and Safety Code is repeated here for clarity and reads as follows:
Section 17920. "Enforcement" means
diligent effort to secure compliance, including review of plans and permit applications, response to
complaints, citation of violations, and other legal process. Except as otherwise provided in this part,
"enforcement" may, but need not, include inspections of existing buildings on which no complaint or permit
application has been filed, and effort to secure compliance as to these existing buildings.
ENFORCEMENT AGENT. [DSA-SS,DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1 & 4] That
individual within the agency or organization charged with
responsibility for agency or organization compliance with the requirements of this Code. Used interchangeably
with Building Official and Code Official.
ENFORCING AGENCY. (DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2) The designated department
or agency as specified by statute or regulation.
[BS] ENGINEERED WOOD RIM BOARD. A full-depth structural
composite
lumber, wood structural panel, structural glued laminated timber or
prefabricated wood I-joist member designed to
transfer horizontal (shear) and vertical (compression) loads, provide
attachment for diaphragm sheathing, siding
and exterior deck ledgers, and provide lateral support at the ends of floor
or roof joists or rafters.
ENTRANCE. Any access point to a building
or portion of a building or facility used for the purpose of entering. An entrance includes the approach walk,
the vertical access leading to the entrance platform, the entrance platform itself, vestibule if provided, the
entry door or gate, and the hardware of the entry door or gate.
ENTRANCE, PUBLIC. See "Public entrance."
ENTRANCE, SERVICE. See "Service entrance."
EQUIPMENT PLATFORM. An unoccupied, elevated platform used
exclusively
for mechanical systems or industrial process equipment, including the
associated elevated walkways, stairways,
alternating tread devices and ladders necessary to access the platform (see
Section 505.3).
EQUIPMENT AREA. An area used for pool
recirculation and purification equipment and related piping appurtenances.
EQUIVALENT FACILITATION. The use of
designs, products or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, resulting in substantially
equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
Note: In determining equivalent
facilitation, consideration shall be given to means that provide for the maximum independence of persons
with disabilities while presenting the least risk of harm, injury or other hazard to such persons or
others.
ESSENTIAL FACILITIES. Buildings and other structures that
are intended
to remain operational in the event of extreme environmental loading from
flood, wind, snow or earthquakes
[F] EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. An appliance or piece of equipment
that
consists of a top, a back and two sides providing a means of local exhaust
for capturing gases, fumes, vapors and
mists. Such enclosures include laboratory hoods, exhaust fume hoods and
similar appliances and equipment used to
locally retain and exhaust the gases, fumes, vapors and mists that could be
released. Rooms or areas provided with
general ventilation, in themselves, are not exhausted enclosures.
EXISTING BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]
A facility in existence on any given date, without regard to whether the facility may also be considered newly
constructed or altered under this code.
EXISTING STRUCTURE. A structure erected prior to the date of
adoption
of the appropriate code, or one for which a legal building permit has been
issued. For application of provisions in
flood hazard areas, an existing structure is any building or structure for
which the start of construction
commenced before the effective date of the community's first flood plain
management code, ordinance or standard.
EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between the
exit access
and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit
doors at the level of exit discharge,
interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways
and ramps and horizontal exits.
EXIT ACCESS. That portion of a means of egress system that
leads from
any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.
EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY. A door or access point along the path
of egress
travel from an occupied room, area or space where the path of egress enters
an intervening room, corridor, exit
access stairway or ramp.
EXIT DISCHARGE. That portion of a means of egress system
between the
termination of an exit and a public way.
EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF. The story at the point at which an
exit
terminates and an exit discharge begins.
EXIT, HORIZONTAL. See "Horizontal exit."
EXIT PASSAGEWAY. An exit component that is separated from
other
interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated
construction and opening protectives, and
provides for a protected path of egress travel in a horizontal direction to
an exit or to the exit discharge.
EXPANDED VINYL WALL COVERING. Wall covering consisting of a
woven
textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl
skin coat. The expanded base coat layer
is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During
processing, the blowing agent decomposes,
causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells. The total thickness of
the wall covering is approximately
0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).
[F] EXPLOSION. An effect produced by the sudden violent
expansion
of gases, which may be accompanied by a shock wave or disruption, or
both, of enclosing materials or
structures. An explosion could result from any of the following:
- Chemical changes such as rapid oxidation, deflagration or detonation, decomposition of molecules and runaway polymerization (usually detonations).
- Physical changes such as pressure tank ruptures.
- Atomic changes (nuclear fission or fusion).
[F] EXPLOSIVE. A chemical compound, mixture or device,
the primary
or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term
includes, but is not limited to, dynamite,
black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety
fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter
cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G.
The term "explosive" includes any material determined to be within the
scope of USC Title 18: Chapter 40 and
also includes any material classified as an explosive other than
consumer fireworks, 1.4G by the hazardous
materials regulations of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100-185.
High explosive. Explosive
material,
such as dynamite, which can be caused to detonate by means of a No. 8
test blasting cap when unconfined.
Low explosive. Explosive
material
that will burn or deflagrate when ignited. It is characterized by a rate
of reaction that is less than the
speed of sound. Examples of low explosives include, but are not limited
to, black powder; safety fuse;
igniters; igniter cord; fuse lighters; fireworks, 1.3G and propellants,
1.3C.
Mass-detonating explosives.
Division
1.1, 1.2 and 1.5 explosives alone or in combination, or loaded into
various types of ammunition or
containers, most of which can be expected to explode virtually
instantaneously when a small portion is
subjected to fire, severe concussion, impact, the impulse of an
initiating agent or the effect of a
considerable discharge of energy from without. Materials that react in
this manner represent a mass
explosion hazard. Such an explosive will normally cause severe
structural damage to adjacent objects.
Explosive propagation could occur immediately to other items of
ammunition and explosives stored
sufficiently close to and not adequately protected from the initially
exploding pile with a time interval
short enough so that two or more quantities must be considered as one
for quantity-distance purposes.
UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives. The
former classification system used by DOTn included the terms "high" and
"low" explosives as defined
herein. The following terms further define explosives under the current
system applied by DOTn for all
explosive materials defined as hazard Class 1 materials. Compatibility
group letters are used in
concert with the division to specify further limitations on each
division noted (i.e., the letter G
identifies the material as a pyrotechnic substance or article containing
a pyrotechnic substance and
similar materials).
- Division 1.1. Explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load instantaneously.
- Division 1.2. Explosives that have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.
- Division 1.3. Explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard.
- Division 1.4. Explosives that pose a minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of almost the entire contents of the package.
- Division 1.5. Very insensitive explosives. This division is comprised of substances that have a mass explosion hazard, but that are so insensitive there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport.
- Division 1.6. Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard. This division is comprised of articles that contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.
EXTERIOR COVERING. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP. An exit component that serves to meet
one or more
means of egress design requirements, such as required number of exits or
exit access travel distance, and is open
to yards, courts or public ways.
EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component that serves to
meet one or
more means of egress design requirements, such as required number of exits
or exit access travel distance, and is
open to yards, courts or public ways.
EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS). EIFS are
nonstructural,
nonload-bearing, exterior wall cladding systems that consist of an
insulation board attached either adhesively or
mechanically, or both, to the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat
and a textured protective finish coat.
EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS) WITH DRAINAGE.
An EIFS
that incorporates a means of drainage applied over a water-resistive
barrier.
EXTERIOR WALL. A wall, bearing or nonbearing, that is used
as an
enclosing wall for a building, other than a fire wall, and that has a slope
of 60 degrees (1.05 rad) or greater
with the horizontal plane.
EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. A material or assembly of materials
applied on
the exterior side of exterior walls for the purpose of providing a
weather-resisting barrier, insulation or for
aesthetics, including but not limited to, veneers, siding, exterior
insulation and finish systems, architectural
trim and embellishments such as cornices, soffits, facias, gutters and
leaders.
EXTERIOR WALL ENVELOPE. A system or assembly of exterior
wall
components, including exterior wall finish materials, that provides
protection of the building structural members,
including framing and sheathing materials, and conditioned interior space,
from the detrimental effects of the
exterior environment.
F RATING. The time period that the through-penetration
firestop system
limits the spread of fire through the penetration when tested in accordance
with ASTM E814 or UL 1479.
FABRIC PARTITION. A partition consisting of a finished
surface made of
fabric, without a continuous rigid backing, that is directly attached to a
framing system in which the vertical
framing members are spaced greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center.
[BS] FABRICATED ITEM. Structural, load-bearing or lateral
load-resisting members of assemblies consisting of materials assembled prior
to installation in a building or
structure, or subjected to operations such as heat treatment, thermal
cutting, cold working or reforming after
manufacture and prior to installation in a building or structure. Materials
produced in accordance with standards
referenced by this code, such as rolled structural steel shapes, steel
reinforcing bars, masonry units and wood
structural panels, or in accordance with a referenced standard that provides
requirements for quality control done
under the supervision of a third-party quality control agency, are not
"fabricated items."
[F] FABRICATION AREA. An area within a semiconductor
fabrication
facility and related research and development areas in which there are
processes using hazardous production
materials. Such areas are allowed to include ancillary rooms or areas such
as dressing rooms and offices that are
directly related to the fabrication area processes.
[A] FACILITY. All or any portion of buildings, structures,
site
improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site.
[DSA-AC] All or any portion of
buildings, structures, site improvements, elements, and pedestrian
routes or vehicular ways located on a site.
[BS] FACTORED LOAD. The product of a nominal load and a load
factor.
FAMILY [HCD 1].
An individual or two or more persons who are related by blood or marriage; or otherwise live together in a
dwelling unit.
FENESTRATION. Skylights, roof windows, vertical windows
(fixed or
moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block and combination
opaque/glazed doors. Fenestration includes
products with glass and nonglass glazing materials.
[BS] FIBER-CEMENT (BACKER BOARD, SIDING, SOFFIT, TRIM AND
UNDERLAYMENT) PRODUCTS.
Manufactured thin section composites of hydraulic cementitious matrices and
discrete nonasbestos fibers.
[BS] FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER. A polymeric composite
material
consisting of reinforcement fibers, such as glass, impregnated with a
fiber-binding polymer which is then molded
and hardened. Fiber-reinforced polymers are permitted to contain cores
laminated between fiber-reinforced polymer
facings.
[BS] FIBERBOARD. A fibrous, homogeneous panel made from
lignocellulosic fibers (usually wood or cane) and having a density of less
than 31 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (497
kg/m3) but more than 10 pcf (160 kg/m3).
[BS] FIELD NAILING. See "Nailing, field."
[F] FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL. See "Manual fire alarm box."
[F] FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT. A system component that
receives inputs
from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may be capable of supplying
power to detection devices and
transponders or off-premises transmitters. The control unit may be capable
of providing a transfer of power to the
notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices.
[F] FIRE ALARM SIGNAL. A signal initiated by a fire
alarm-initiating
device such as a manual fire alarm box, automatic fire detector, waterflow
switch or other device whose activation
is indicative of the presence of a fire or fire signature.
[F] FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a combination
system
consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the
status of fire alarm or supervisory
signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those
signals.
FIRE APPLIANCE. [SFM]
The apparatus or equipment provided or installed for use in the event of an emergency.
FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by
fire
walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building.
Areas of the building not provided
with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are
included within the horizontal
projection of the roof or floor next above.
FIRE BARRIER. A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of
materials
designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.
[F] FIRE COMMAND CENTER. The principal attended or
unattended location
where the status of detection, alarm communications and control systems is
displayed, and from which the systems
can be manually controlled.
FIRE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts and air
transfer
openings designed to close automatically upon detection of heat and resist
the passage of flame. Fire dampers are
classified for use in either static systems that will automatically shut
down in the event of a fire, or in dynamic
systems that continue to operate during a fire. A dynamic fire damper is
tested and rated for closure under
elevated temperature airflow.
[F] FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC. A device designed to detect
the presence
of a fire signature and to initiate action.
FIRE DOOR. The door component of a fire door assembly.
FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. Any combination of a fire door, frame,
hardware
and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire
protection to the opening.
FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY, FLOOR. See "Floor fire door assembly."
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[F] FIRE LANE. A road or other passageway developed to allow
the
passage of fire apparatus. A fire lane is not necessarily intended for
vehicular traffic other than fire apparatus.
FIRE PARTITION. A vertical assembly of materials designed to
restrict
the spread of fire in which openings are protected.
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
FIRE PROTECTION RATING. The period of time that an opening
protective
will maintain the ability to confine a fire as determined by tests
prescribed in Section 715. Ratings are stated in
hours or minutes.
[F] FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices, equipment and
systems or
combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish
or control a fire, control or manage
smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.
FIRE-RATED GLAZING. Glazing with either a fire protection
rating or a
fire-resistance rating.
FIRE RESISTANCE. That property of materials or their
assemblies that
prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot gases or flames under
conditions of use.
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING. The period of time a building
element,
component or assembly maintains the ability to confine a fire, continues to
perform a given structural function, or
both, as determined by the tests, or the methods based on tests, prescribed
in Section 703.
FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM. An assemblage of specific
materials or
products that are designed, tested and fire-resistance rated in accordance
with either ASTM E1966 or UL 2079 to
resist for a prescribed period of time the passage of fire through joints
made in or between fire-resistance-rated
assemblies.
[F] FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS. Building and fire control
functions that
are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to
control the spread of harmful effects of
fire.
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measured from the
building
face to one of the following:
- The closest interior lot line;
- To the centerline of a street, an alley or public way; or
- To an imaginary line between two buildings on the lot.
The distance shall be measured at right angles from the face of the
wall.
FIRE-SMOKE BARRIER. [SFM]
A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity
is maintained in accordance with Section 707 and that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of
smoke in accordance with Section 710.
FIRE WALL. A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected
openings,
which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the
foundation to or through the roof, with
sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of
construction on either side without
collapse of the wall.
FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY. A window constructed and glazed to
give
protection against the passage of fire.
FIREBLOCKING. Building materials, or materials approved for
use as
fireblocking, installed to resist the free passage of flame to other areas
of the building through concealed
spaces.
[M] FIREPLACE. A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared
place in
which a fire may be made and which is built in conjunction with a chimney.
FIREPLACE THROAT. The opening between the top of the firebox
and the
smoke chamber.
FIRESTOP, MEMBRANE PENETRATION. See "Membrane penetration
firestop."
FIRESTOP SYSTEM, THROUGH PENETRATION. See "Through
penetration
firestop system."
[F] FIREWORKS. Any composition or device for the
purpose of
producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by
combustion, deflagration or detonation
that meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set
forth herein.
Fireworks, 1.3G.
Large
fireworks devices, which are explosive materials, intended
for use in fireworks displays and
designed to produce audible or visible effects by
combustion, deflagration or detonation. Such 1.3G
fireworks include, but are not limited to, firecrackers
containing more than 130 milligrams (2
grains) of explosive composition, aerial shells containing
more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic
composition, and other display pieces which exceed the
limits for classification as 1.4G fireworks.
Such 1.3G fireworks are also described as fireworks, UN0335
by the DOTn.
Note: Fireworks shall have the same
meaning as defined in Health and Safety
Code Section 12511 which has been reprinted as follows:
Fireworks, 1.4G. Small
fireworks
devices containing restricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition
designed primarily to produce visible
or audible effects by combustion. Such 1.4G fireworks which
comply with the construction, chemical
composition and labeling regulations of the DOTn for fireworks,
UN0336, and the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) as set forth in CPSC 16 CFR: Parts 1500
and 1507, are not explosive materials
for the purpose of this code.
FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO). A commercial business granted
the right
by the airport sponsor to operate on an airport and provide aeronautical
services, such as fueling, hangaring,
tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance and flight
instruction.
FIXED SEATING. Furniture or fixture designed and
installed for the
use of sitting and secured in place including bench-type seats and seats
with or without backs or arm rests.
FLAME SPREAD. The propagation of flame over a surface.
FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as
a
dimensionless number, derived from visual measurements of the spread of
flame versus time for a material tested
in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
[F] FLAMMABLE GAS. A material that is a gas at 68°F
(20°C) or
less at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (101 kPa) of
pressure [a material that has a boiling
point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia (101 kPa)] which:
- Is ignitable at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume with air; or
- Has a flammable range at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) with air of at least 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit.
The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi (101 kPa) of
pressure and a temperature of 68°F (20°C)
in accordance with ASTM E681.
[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS. A liquefied compressed gas
which, under a
charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and
which is flammable.
[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed cup flash
point
below 100°F (38°C). Flammable liquids are further categorized into a
group known as Class I liquids. The Class
I category is subdivided as follows:
- Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).
- Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point at or above 100°F (38°C).
- Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F (23°C) and below 100°F (38°C). The category of flammable liquids does not include compressed gases or cryogenic fluids.
[F] FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. A material capable of being readily
ignited
from common sources of heat or at a temperature of 600°F (316°C) or less.
[F] FLAMMABLE SOLID. A solid, other than a blasting agent or
explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or
moisture, spontaneous chemical change,
or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition
temperature below 212°F (100°C) or
which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a
serious hazard. A chemical shall be
considered a flammable solid as determined in accordance with the test
method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it
ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1
inch (2.5 mm) per second along its major
axis.
[F] FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentration of
flammable
constituents in air that exceed 25 percent of their lower flammable limit
(LFL).
[F] FLASH POINT. The minimum temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit at
which a liquid will give off sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture
with air near the surface or in the
container, but will not sustain combustion. The flash point of a liquid
shall be determined by appropriate test
procedure and apparatus as specified in ASTM D56, ASTM D93 or ASTM D3278.
FLIGHT. A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or
combination
thereof from one landing to another.
[BS] FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condition of
partial or complete inundation of normally dry land from:
- The overflow of inland or tidal waters.
- The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
[BS] FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Any construction
material
capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters
without sustaining any damage that
requires more than cosmetic repair.
FLOOD, DESIGN. See "Design flood."
FLOOD ELEVATION, DESIGN. See "Design flood elevation."
[BS] FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The greater of the following two
areas:
- The area within a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greater chance of flooding in any year.
- The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community's flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS, SPECIAL. See "Special flood hazard
areas."
[BS] FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a
community on which the Federal emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
delineated both the special flood hazard
areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
[BS] FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report provided by
the
Federal Emergency Management Agency containing the Flood Insurance Rate Map
(FIRM), the Flood Boundary and
Floodway Map (FBFM), the water surface elevation of the base flood and
supporting technical data.
[BS] FLOODWAY. The channel of the river, creek or other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to
discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated
height.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS. The floor area within the inside
perimeter of
the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent
shafts and courts, without deduction
for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls,
columns or other features. The floor
area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding
exterior walls shall be the usable area
under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor
area shall not include shafts with
no openings or interior courts.
FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area not including
unoccupied
accessory areas such as corridors, stairways, ramps, toilet rooms,
mechanical rooms and closets.
FLOOR FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. A combination of a fire door, a
frame,
hardware and other accessories installed in a horizontal plane, which
together provide a specific degree of
fire protection to a through-opening in a fire-resistance-rated floor (see
Section 712.1.13.1).
[F] FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A special system discharging
a foam
made from concentrates, either mechanically or chemically, over the area to
be protected.
FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION. A plastic that is intentionally
expanded
by the use of a foaming agent to produce a reduced-density plastic
containing voids consisting of open or
closed cells distributed throughout the plastic for thermal insulating or
acoustical purposes and that has a
density less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/m3).
[BS] FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING. Tiered seating having
an
overall shape and size that is capable of being reduced for purposes of
moving or storing and is not a building
element.
FOOD COURT. A public seating area located in the mall that
serves
adjacent food preparation tenant spaces.
FOSTER FAMILY HOME. Any residential
facility providing 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children that is owned, leased or rented and is the
residence of the foster parent or parents, including their family, in whose care the foster children have
been placed. The placement may be by a public or private child placement agency or by a court order, or by
voluntary placement by a parent, parents or guardian. It also means a foster family home described in
Section 1505.2.
[BS] FOUNDATION PIER (for Chapter 21). An isolated vertical
foundation member whose horizontal dimension measured at right angles to its
thickness does not exceed three
times its thickness and whose height is equal to or less than four times its
thickness.
FRAME STRUCTURE. A building or other structure in which
vertical
loads from floors and roofs are primarily supported by columns.
FREESTANDING ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC BUILDING (APB). [OSHPD 1] A
freestanding building, as defined in the
California Administrative Code Section 7-111, that provides 24-hour inpatient Acute Psychiatric Services as
defined in the Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Section 1250(b) or as special services in accordance with
H&SC Section 1255(a)(5) of a general acute care hospital defined in H&SC Section 1250(a) and all
structures required for their continuous operation or access/egress.
FREESTANDING SKILLED NURSING BUILDING (SNB). [OSHPD 1] A
freestanding building, as defined in the
California Administrative Code Section 7-111, that provides skilled nursing and/or intermediate care as
defined in the Health and Safety Code Section 1250(c) or (d), and all structures required for their
continuous operation or access/egress.
FULL-TIME CARE. Shall mean the
establishment and routine care of persons on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly or permanent basis,
whether for 24-hours per day or less, and where sleeping accommodations are provided.
FUNCTIONAL AREA. [DSA-AC]
A room, space or area intended or designated for a group of related activities or processes.
GABLE. The triangular portion of a wall beneath the end of a
dual-slope, pitched, or mono-slope roof or portion thereof and above the top
plates of the story or level of
the ceiling below.
GANGWAY. [DSA-AC]
A variable-sloped pedestrian walkway that links a fixed structure or land with a floating structure.
Gangways that connect to vessels are not addressed by this code.
[F] GAS CABINET. A fully enclosed, ventilated noncombustible
enclosure used to provide an isolated environment for compressed gas
cylinders in storage or use. Doors and
access ports for exchanging cylinders and accessing pressure-regulating
controls are allowed to be included.
[F] GAS DETECTION SYSTEM. A system or portion of a
combination system that utilizes one or more stationary sensors
to detect the presence of a specified gas at a specified
concentration and initiate one or more responses required by
this code, such as notifying a responsible person, activating
an alarm signal, or activating or deactivating equipment. A
self-contained gas detection and alarm device is not classified
as a gas detection system.
[F] GAS ROOM. A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room
in
which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored
or used.
[F] GASEOUS HYDROGEN SYSTEM. An assembly of piping, devices
and
apparatus designed to generate, store, contain, distribute or transport a
nontoxic, gaseous hydrogen-containing
mixture having not less than 95-percent hydrogen gas by volume and not more
than 1-percent oxygen by volume.
Gaseous hydrogen systems consist of items such as compressed gas containers,
reactors and appurtenances,
including pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, manifolds, pumps,
compressors and interconnecting
piping and tubing and controls.
GENERAL ACUTE CARE BUILDING (GAC Building). [OSHPD 1] Hospital
buildings as defined in the
California Administrative Code Section 7-111 and all structures required for their continuous operation or
access/egress, except Freestanding Skilled Nursing Building (SNB) and Acute Psychiatric Building (APB).
GLASS FIBERBOARD. Fibrous glass roof insulation consisting
of
inorganic glass fibers formed into rigid boards using a binder. The board
has a top surface faced with asphalt
and kraft reinforced with glass fiber.
GOLF CAR PASSAGE. [DSA-AC]
A continuous passage on which a motorized golf car can operate.
GRAB BAR. [DSA-AC & HCD
1-AC] A bar for the purpose of being grasped by the hand for support.
GRADE (Adjacent Ground Elevation) [DSA-AC
& HCD 1-AC] The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of
the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the
property line is more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the building, between the building and a line 5 feet (1524
mm) from the building. See Health and Safety Code Section 19955.3(d).
GRADE BREAK. [DSA-AC]
The line where two surface planes with different slopes meet.
[BS] GRADE (LUMBER). The classification of lumber in regard
to
strength and utility in accordance with American Softwood Lumber Standard
DOC PS 20 and the grading rules of an
approved lumber rules-writing agency.
GRADE PLANE. A reference plane representing the average of
finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls. Where the
finished ground level slopes away
from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the
lowest points within the area between
the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet
(1829 mm) from the building, between
the building and a point 6 feet (1829 mm) from the building.
GRANDSTAND. Tiered seating supported on a dedicated
structural
system and two or more rows high and is not a building element (see
"Bleachers").
GROSS LEASABLE AREA. The total floor area designed for
tenant
occupancy and exclusive use. The area of tenant occupancy is measured from
the centerlines of joint partitions
to the outside of the tenant walls. All tenant areas, including areas used
for storage, shall be included in
calculating gross leasable area.
GROUND FLOOR. The floor of a building
with a building entrance on an accessible route. A building may have one or more ground floors.
GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]
A play component that is approached and exited at the ground level.
GROUP HOME. A facility that provides
24-hour care and supervision to children, provides services specified in this chapter to a specific client
group, and maintains a structured environment, with such services provided at least in part by staff
employed by the licensee. The care and supervision provided by a group home shall be nonmedical except as
permitted by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17736(b). Since small-family and foster family homes, by
definition, care for six or fewer children only, any facility providing 24-hour care for seven or more
children must be licensed as a group home.
GROUP HOME. Group Home means a
facility which provides 24-hour care and supervision to children, provides services specified in this
chapter to a specific client group, and maintains a structured environment, with such services provided at
least in part by staff employed by the licensee. The care and supervision provided by a group home shall be
nonmedical except as permitted by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17736(b). Since small family and
foster family homes, by definition, care for six or fewer children only, any facility providing 24-hour
care for seven or more children must be licensed as a group home.
[BS] GUARD [DSA-AC, HCD 1, HCD 2 & HCD 1-AC] OR GUARDRAIL. A building
component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated
walking
surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from the walking surface to a lower level.
GUEST ROOM. A room used or intended to be used by one or
more
guests for living or sleeping purposes.
GYPSUM BOARD. The generic name for a family of sheet
products
consisting of a noncombustible core primarily of gypsum with paper
surfacing. Gypsum wallboard, gypsum
sheathing, gypsum base for gypsum veneer plaster, exterior gypsum soffit
board, predecorated gypsum board and
water-resistant gypsum backing board complying with the standards listed in
Tables 2506.2, 2507.2 and Chapter
35 are types of gypsum board.
[BS] GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCT. The general name for a family of
sheet
products consisting essentially of gypsum.
[BS] GYPSUM PLASTER. A mixture of calcined gypsum or
calcined
gypsum and lime and aggregate and other approved materials as specified in
this code.
[BS] GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER. Gypsum plaster applied to an
approved
base in one or more coats normally not exceeding 1/4
inch (6.4 mm) in total thickness.
HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building for living, sleeping,
eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or
utility spaces and similar areas are not
considered habitable spaces.
HALL CALL CONSOLE. [DSA-AC]
An elevator call user interface exclusive to a destination-oriented elevator system that requires the user
to select a destination floor prior to entering the elevator car.
[F] HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A fire-extinguishing
system
using one or more atoms of an element from the halogen chemical series:
fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.
[BS] HANDRAIL. A horizontal or sloping rail intended for
grasping
by the hand for guidance or support.
HANDWASHING FIXTURE. Refer to the California
Plumbing Code, Section 210.0.
HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel made from
lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under heat and pressure in a hot press
to a density not less than 31 pcf
(497 kg/m3).
HARDWARE. See "Fire exit hardware" and "Panic hardware."
[F] HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Those chemicals or substances that
are
physical hazards or health hazards as classified in Section 307 and the California
Fire Code, whether
the materials are in usable or waste condition.
[F] HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM). A solid, liquid or
gas
associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard
rating in health, flammability or
instability of Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704 and which is used directly
in research, laboratory or
production processes which have as their end product materials that are not
hazardous.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. [SFM]
Hazardous Substance is a substance which, by reason of being explosive, flammable, toxic, poisonous,
corrosive, oxidizing, irritant or otherwise harmful, is likely to cause injury.
[BS] HEAD JOINT. Vertical mortar joint placed between
masonry
units within the wythe at the time the masonry units are laid.
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. [DSA-AC]
See "Professional Office of a Health Care Provider"
[F] HEALTH HAZARD. A classification of a chemical for which
there
is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects
are capable of occurring in exposed
persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are toxic or
highly toxic, and corrosive.
HEAT DETECTOR. See "Detector, heat."
HEAVY TIMBER. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
HEIGHT, BUILDING. The vertical distance from grade plane to
the
average height of the highest roof surface.
HELICAL PILE. Manufactured steel deep foundation element
consisting of a central shaft and one or more helical bearing plates. A
helical pile is installed by rotating
it into the ground. Each helical bearing plate is formed into a screw thread
with a uniform defined pitch.
HELIPAD. A structural surface that is used for the landing,
taking
off, taxiing and parking of helicopters.
HELIPORT. An area of land or water or a structural surface
that is
used, or intended for the use, for the landing and taking off of
helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that
are used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport
facilities.
HELISTOP. The same as "heliport," except that no fueling,
defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters is permitted.
HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE
(HPL).
Panels consisting of layers of cellulose fibrous material impregnated with
thermosetting resins and bonded
together by a high-pressure process to form a homogeneous nonporous core
suitable for exterior use.
HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL)
SYSTEM.
An exterior wall covering fabricated using HPL in a specific assembly
including joints, seams, attachments,
substrate, framing and other details as appropriate to a particular design.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING. In other than
Group I-2 occupancies "high-rise buildings" as used in this code:
Existing high-rise
structure. A
high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced or
completed prior to July 1, 1974.
High-rise structure. Every
building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used
for human occupancy located more
than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access
(see Section 403.1.2), except
buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code
Section 1250.
New high-rise building. A
high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced on or
after July 1, 1974. For the purpose
of this section, construction shall be deemed to have commenced when
plans and specifications are more
than 50 percent complete and have been presented to the local
jurisdiction prior to July 1, 1974.
Unless all provisions of this section have been met, the
construction of such buildings shall commence
on or before January 1, 1976.
New high-rise structure. A
high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced on or
after July 1, 1974.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING ACCESS. An
exterior door opening conforming to all of the following:
- Suitable and available for fire department use.
- Located not more than 2 feet (610 mm) above the adjacent ground level.
- Leading to a space, room or area having foot traffic communication capabilities with the remainder of the building.
- Designed to permit penetration through the use of fire department forcible-entry tools and equipment unless other approved arrangements have been made with the fire authority having jurisdiction.
[F] HIGHLY TOXIC. A material which produces a lethal
dose or
lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:
- A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
- A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
- A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Mixtures of these materials with ordinary materials, such as water, might
not warrant classification as
highly toxic. While this system is basically simple in application, any
hazard evaluation that is required
for the precise categorization of this type of material shall be
performed by experienced, technically
competent persons.
[A] HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Buildings that are listed in or
eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as
historic under an appropriate state
or local law (see Sections 3409 and 3411.9). [DSA-AC]
See "Qualified
historical building or property," C.C.R., Title 24, Part 8.
HOLDING FACILITY. A detention or
correctional facility or area where inmates, staff and public are not housed but are restrained.
[BF] HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY. A fire-resistance-rated floor or
roof
assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which
continuity is maintained.
HORIZONTAL EXIT. An exit component consisting of
fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives intended to
compartmentalize portions of a building
thereby creating refuge areas that afford safety from the fire and smoke
from the area of fire origin.
HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. Facilities that provide
care
or treatment for the medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical
treatment of care recipients who are
incapable of self-preservation or classified as nonambulatory or bedridden.
HOTEL OR MOTEL. [HCD 1 & HCD
2] Any building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed
to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping
purposes by guests.
HOUSING AT A PLACE OF EDUCATION.
Housing operated by or on behalf of an elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate school, or
other place of education, including dormitories, suites, apartments, or other places of residence.
HOUSING POD. A section of a housing unit designed to segregate
different populations. Housing Pods contain sleeping areas,
dayroom space, showers, toilet facilities, and support space.
HOUSING UNIT. A building or portion of
a building intended to lodge inmates on a 24-hour basis where accommodations are provided for sleeping and
other inmate support areas. A Housing Unit may contain one or more housing pods.
[F] HPM. See "Hazardous Production Material."
[F] HPM ROOM. A room used in conjunction with or serving a
Group
H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a
Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.
[BS] HURRICANE-PRONE REGIONS. Areas vulnerable to
hurricanes
defined as:
- The U. S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for Risk Category II buildings is greater than 115 mph (51.4 m/s); and
- Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
[F] HYDROGEN FUEL GAS ROOM. A room or space that is intended
exclusively to house a gaseous hydrogen system.
[BS] ICE-SENSITIVE STRUCTURE. A structure for which the
effect of
an atmospheric ice load governs the design of a structure or portion
thereof. This includes, but is not limited
to, lattice structures, guyed masts, overhead lines, light suspension and
cable-stayed bridges, aerial cable
systems (e.g., for ski lifts or logging operations), amusement rides, open
catwalks and platforms, flagpoles
and signs.
IF, IF … THEN. [DSA-AC]
The terms "if" and "if … then" denote a specification that applies only when the conditions described are
present.
IGNITION-RESISTANT MATERIAL. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[F] IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH (IDLH). The
concentration of air-borne contaminants which poses a threat of death,
immediate or delayed permanent adverse
health effects, or effects that could prevent escape from such an
environment. This contaminant concentration
level is established by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) based on both toxicity
and flammability. It generally is expressed in parts per million by volume
(ppmv/v) or milligrams per cubic
meter (mg/m3). If adequate data do not exist for precise
establishment of IDLH concentrations, an
independent certified industrial hygienist, industrial toxicologist,
appropriate regulatory agency or other
source approved by the building official shall make such determination.
[BS] IMPACT LOAD. The load resulting from moving machinery,
elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forces and kinetic loads,
pressure and possible surcharge from
fixed or moving loads.
INCIDENTAL STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, OR
REPAIRS. [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Alterations, additions
or repairs which would not reduce the story lateral shear force-resisting capacity by more than 5 percent
or increase the story shear by more than 5 percent in any existing story or a
combination thereof with equivalent effect (not exceeding 5 percent total). The calculation of lateral
shear force-resisting capacity and story shear shall account for the cumulative effects of additions
and alterations since original construction.
INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. Persons who, because of age,
physical limitations, mental limitations, chemical dependency or medical
treatment, cannot respond as an
individual to an emergency situation.
[F] INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. Materials that, when mixed, have
the
potential to react in a manner that generates heat, fumes, gases or
byproducts which are hazardous to life or
property.
[F] INERT GAS. A gas that is capable of reacting with other
materials only under abnormal conditions such as high temperatures,
pressures and similar extrinsic physical
forces. Within the context of the code, inert gases do not exhibit either
physical or health hazard properties
as defined (other than acting as a simple asphyxiant) or hazard properties
other than those of a compressed
gas. Some of the more common inert gases include argon, helium, krypton,
neon, nitrogen and xenon.
INFANT. Any child who because of age
only, is unable to walk and requires the aid of another person to evacuate the building. In no case shall
the term "infant" mean a child 2 years of age or older.
[F] INITIATING DEVICE. A system component that originates
transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a smoke detector,
manual fire alarm box or supervisory
switch.
INTAKE AND RELEASE AREAS. A temporary holding
suite where detained and/or incarcerated individuals are
received and processed into a facility or are released from
the facility. The suite may contain holding cells, sobering and
safety cells, medical examination space, interview rooms,
property storage, and staff work areas.
INTENDED TO BE OCCUPIED AS A RESIDENCE. This refers to a
dwelling
unit or sleeping unit that can or will be used all or part of the time as
the occupant's place of abode.
INTERIOR EXIT RAMP. An exit component that serves to meet
one or
more means of egress design requirements, such as required number of exits
or exit access travel distance, and
provides for a protected path of egress travel to the exit discharge or
public way.
INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component that serves to
meet one
or more means of egress design requirements, such as required number of
exits or exit access travel distance,
and provides for a protected path of egress travel to the exit discharge or
public way.
INTERIOR FINISH. Interior finish includes interior wall and
ceiling finish and interior floor finish.
INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH. The exposed floor surfaces of
buildings
including coverings applied over a finished floor or stair, including
risers.
INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE. Interior floor finish trim used to
provide a functional or decorative border at the intersection of walls and
floors.
INTERIOR SURFACES. Surfaces other than weather exposed
surfaces.
INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH. The exposed interior
surfaces of
buildings, including but not limited to: fixed or movable walls and
partitions; toilet room privacy partitions;
columns; ceilings; and interior wainscoting, paneling or other finish
applied structurally or for decoration,
acoustical correction, surface insulation, structural fire resistance or
similar purposes, but not including
trim.
[BS] INTERLAYMENT. A layer of felt or nonbituminous
saturated felt
not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide, shingled between each course of a
wood-shake roof covering.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY.
The symbol adopted by Rehabilitation International's 11th World Congress for the purpose of indicating that
buildings and facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
INTUMESCENT FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS. Thin film liquid
mixture
applied to substrates by brush, roller, spray or trowel which expands into a
protective foamed layer to provide
fire-resistant protection of the substrates when exposed to flame or intense
heat.
[BS] JOINT. The opening in or between adjacent assemblies
that is
created due to building tolerances, or is designed to allow independent
movement of the building in any plane
caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.
[A] JURISDICTION. The governmental unit that has adopted
this code
under due legislative authority.
KEY STATION. [DSA-AC]
Certain rapid and light rail stations, and commuter rail stations, as defined under criteria established by
the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 37.47 and 49 CFR 37.51, respectively.
KICK PLATE. An abrasion-resistant
plate affixed to the bottom portion of a door to prevent a trap condition and protect its surface.
KITCHEN OR KITCHENETTE. [DSA-AC]
A room, space or area with equipment for the preparation and cooking of food.
L RATING. The air leakage rating of a through penetration
firestop
system or a fire-resistant joint system when tested in accordance with UL
1479 or UL 2079, respectively.
[A] LABEL. An identification applied on a product by the
manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and
performance characteristics of the
product or material and the name and identification of an approved agency,
and that indicates that the
representative sample of the product or material has been tested and
evaluated by an approved agency (see
Section 1703.5, "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark").
[A] LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to which has
been
affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally
recognized testing laboratory, approved
agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that
maintains periodic inspection of the
production of the above-labeled items and whose labeling indicates either
that the equipment, material or
product meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for
a specified purpose. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] "Labeled"
means equipment or materials
to which has been attached a label, symbol or other identifying mark of
an organization, approved by the
Department, that maintains a periodic inspection program of production
of labeled products, installations,
equipment, or materials and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates
compliance with appropriate
standards or performance in a specified manner.
LABORATORY. [SFM]
A room, building or area where the use and storage of hazardous materials are utilized for testing,
analysis, instruction, research or developmental activities.
LABORATORY SUITE. [SFM]
A laboratory suite is a space within a building or structure, which may include multiple laboratories,
offices, storage, equipment rooms or similar support functions, where the aggregate quantities of hazardous
materials stored and used do not exceed the quantities set forth in Table
453.7.3.1.
LADDER. A series of vertically
separate treads or rungs either connected by vertical rail members or independently fastened to an adjacent
vertical pool wall.
LAVATORY. A fixed bowl or basin with
running water and drainpipe, as in a toilet or bathing facility, for washing or bathing purposes. (As
differentiated from the definition of "Sink".)
LEVEL AREA. [HCD 1-AC]
A specified surface that does not have a slope in any direction exceeding 1/4 inch
(6.4 mm) in 1 foot (305 mm) from the horizontal (2.083-percent gradient).
LICENSING AGENCY. [OSHPD 1]
(See Chapter 12, Section 1224.3 for defined term.)
LIFT, PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR). [HCD
1-AC] See "Platform (Wheelchair) Lift".
LIGHT-DIFFUSING SYSTEM. Construction consisting in whole or
in
part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles made with light-transmitting
plastics positioned below independently
mounted electrical light sources, skylights or light-transmitting plastic
roof panels. Lenses, panels, grids
and baffles that are part of an electrical fixture shall not be considered
as a light-diffusing system.
LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type of construction whose
vertical
and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of
repetitive wood or cold-formed steel
framing members.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC ROOF PANELS. Structural plastic
panels
other than skylights that are fastened to structural members, or panels or
sheathing and that are used as
light-transmitting media in the plane of the roof.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS. Plastic materials
that are
fastened to structural members, or to structural panels or sheathing, and
that are used as light-transmitting
media in exterior walls.
[BS] LIMIT OF MODERATE WAVE ACTION. Line shown on FIRMs to
indicate the inland limit of the 11/2-foot (457 mm)
breaking wave height during the base
flood.
[BS] LIMIT STATE. A condition beyond which a structure or
member
becomes unfit for service and is judged to be no longer useful for its
intended function (serviceability limit
state) or to be unsafe (strength limit state).
[F] LIQUID. A material that has a melting point that is
equal to
or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F
(20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch
absolute (psia) (101 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term "liquid"
includes both flammable and
combustible liquids.
[F] LIQUID STORAGE ROOM. A room classified as a Group H-3
occupancy used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in a
closed condition.
LIQUID TIGHT FLOOR. [SFM]
A nonpermeable barrier capable of containing hazardous material liquids without degradation.
[F] LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOM. A room in which
Class
I, II and IIIA flammable or combustible liquids are used, dispensed or mixed
in open containers.
[A] LISTED. Equipment, materials, products or services
included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the
building official and concerned with
evaluation of products or services that maintains periodic inspection of
production of listed equipment or
materials or periodic evaluation of services and whose listing states
either that the equipment, material,
product or service meets identified standards or has been tested and
found suitable for a specified
purpose.
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] "Listed" means all products
that appear in a list published by an approved testing or listing agency. For additional information,
see Health and Safety Code Section 17920(h).
[SFM]
For applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal,
"listed" shall also mean equipment or materials accepted by the state fire marshal as conforming to the
provisions of the State Fire Marshal's regulations and which are included in a list published by the
State Fire Marshal.
LISTING AGENCY. [HCD 1 & HCD
2] An agency approved by the department that is in the business of
listing and labeling products, materials, equipment and installations tested by an approved testing agency,
and that maintains a periodic inspection program on current production of listed products, equipment and
installations, and that, at least annually, makes available a published report of these listings. For
additional information, see Health and Safety Code Section 17920(i).
LIVE/WORK UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit in which a
significant portion of the space includes a nonresidential use that is
operated by the tenant.
[BS] LIVE LOAD. A load produced by the use and occupancy of
the
building or other structure that does not include construction or
environmental loads such as wind load, snow
load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.
[BS] LIVE LOAD, ROOF. A load on a roof produced:
- During maintenance by workers, equipment and materials;
- During the life of the structure by movable objects such as planters or other similar small decorative appurtenances that are not occupancy related; or
- By the use and occupancy of the roof such as for roof gardens or assembly areas.
[BS] LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN (LRFD). A method of
proportioning structural members and their connections using load and
resistance factors such that no
applicable limit state is reached when the structure is subjected to
appropriate load combinations. The term
"LRFD" is used in the design of steel and wood structures.
[BS] LOAD EFFECTS. Forces and deformations produced in
structural
members by the applied loads.
[BS] LOAD FACTOR. A factor that accounts for deviations of
the
actual load from the nominal load, for uncertainties in the analysis that
transforms the load into a load
effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur
simultaneously.
[BS] LOADS. Forces or other actions that result from the
weight of
building materials, occupants and their possessions, environmental effects,
differential movement and
restrained dimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads in which
variations over time are rare or of
small magnitude, such as dead loads. All other loads are variable loads (see
also "Nominal loads").
LOBBY. [SFM, HCD 1 & HCD 2] An
area not defined as a waiting room at the entrance of a building through which persons must pass.
LOCAL AGENCY VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE. [SFM] (See
Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
LODGING HOUSE. [HCD 1 & HCD 1-AC] Any building or portion
thereof containing not more than five guest rooms where rent is paid in
money, goods, labor or otherwise, and that is occupied by the proprietor as the residence of such
proprietor.
LOG WALL CONSTRUCTION. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[A] LOT. A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
[A] LOT LINE. A line dividing one lot from another, or from
a
street or any public place.
LOW-ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR. Swinging door which opens
automatically upon an action by a pedestrian such as pressing a push plate
or waving a hand in front of a
sensor. The door closes automatically, and operates with decreased forces
and decreased speeds (see
"Power-assisted door" and "Power-operated door").
[F] LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimum concentration
of
vapor in air at which propagation of flame will occur in the presence of an
ignition source. The LFL is
sometimes referred to as "LEL" or "lower explosive limit."
LOWEST FLOOR. The floor of the lowest enclosed area,
including
basement, but excluding any unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable
solely for vehicle parking,
building access or limited storage provided that such enclosure is not built
so as to render the structure in
violation of Section 1612.
MAIL BOXES. [DSA-AC]
Receptacles for the receipt of documents, packages or other deliverable matter. Mail boxes include, but are
not limited to, post office boxes and receptacles provided by commercial mail-receiving agencies, apartment
facilities or schools.
[BS] MAIN WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. An assemblage of
structural
elements assigned to provide support and stability for the overall
structure. The system generally receives
wind loading from more than one surface
MAJOR STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, OR REPAIRS.
[OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Alterations, additions or repairs
of greater extent than minor structural alterations, additions, or repairs.
[F] MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX. A manually operated device used
to
initiate an alarm signal.
[A] MANUFACTURER'S DESIGNATION. An identification applied on
a
product by the manufacturer indicating that a product or material complies
with a specified standard or set of
rules (see "Label" and "Mark").
[A] MARK. An identification applied on a product by the
manufacturer indicating the name of the manufacturer and the function of a
product or material (see "Label" and
"Manufacturer's designation").
MARKED CROSSING. A crosswalk or other
identified path intended for pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular way.
MARQUEE. A canopy that has a top surface which is sloped
less than
25 degrees from the horizontal and is located less than 10 feet (3048 mm)
from operable openings above or
adjacent to the level of the marquee.
[BS] MASONRY. A built-up construction or combination of
building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum,
stone or other approved units bonded
together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of
joining.
Plain masonry. Masonry in
which
the tensile resistance of the masonry is taken into consideration
and the effects of stresses in
reinforcement are neglected.
Reinforced masonry. Masonry
construction in which reinforcement acting in conjunction with the
masonry is used to resist forces.
Solid masonry. Masonry
consisting
of solid masonry units laid contiguously with the joints between the
units filled with mortar.
Unreinforced (plain)
masonry.
Masonry in which the tensile resistance of masonry is taken into
consideration and the resistance of
the reinforcing steel, if present, is neglected.
[BS] MASONRY UNIT. Brick, tile, stone, glass block or
concrete
block conforming to the requirements specified in Section 2103.
Hollow. A masonry unit
whose net
cross-sectional area in any plane parallel to the load-bearing
surface is less than 75 percent of its
gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
Solid. A masonry unit whose
net
cross-sectional area in every plane parallel to the load-bearing
surface is 75 percent or more of its
gross cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
MASTIC FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS. Liquid mixture applied to a
substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant
protection of a substrate when exposed
to flame or intense heat.
MAY. [DSA-AC]
May denotes an option or alternative.
MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed path of
vertical
and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or
structure to a public way. A means of
egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the
exit and the exit discharge.
MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. Open parking garages
employing parking machines, lifts, elevators or other mechanical devices for
vehicles moving from and to street
level and in which public occupancy is prohibited above the street level.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SCREEN. A rooftop structure, not
covered by a
roof, used to aesthetically conceal plumbing, electrical or mechanical
equipment from view.
MEDICAL CARE. Care involving medical or surgical procedures,
nursing or for psychiatric purposes.
MEDICAL POOL. A special-purpose pool
used by a state-recognized medical institution engaged in the healing arts under the direct supervision of
licensed medical personnel for treatment of the infirm.
MEMBRANE-COVERED CABLE STRUCTURE. A nonpressurized structure
in
which a mast and cable system provides support and tension to the membrane
weather barrier and the membrane
imparts stability to the structure.
MEMBRANE-COVERED FRAME STRUCTURE. A nonpressurized building
wherein the structure is composed of a rigid framework to support a
tensioned membrane which provides the
weather barrier.
MEMBRANE PENETRATION. A breach in one side of a
floor-ceiling,
roof-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodate an item installed into or
passing through the breach.
MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP. A material, device or
construction
installed to resist for a prescribed time period the passage of flame and
heat through openings in a protective
membrane in order to accommodate cables, cable trays, conduit, tubing, pipes
or similar items.
MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. An assemblage
consisting of
a fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly, one or
more penetrating items installed
into or passing through the breach in one side of the assembly and the
materials or devices, or both, installed
to resist the spread of fire into the assembly for a prescribed period of
time.
MERCHANDISE PAD. A merchandise pad is an area for display of
merchandise surrounded by aisles, permanent fixtures or walls. Merchandise
pads contain elements such as
nonfixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions as
indicated in Section 105.2 from which
customers browse or shop.
METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM). A factory-manufactured panel
consisting of metal skins bonded to both faces of a solid plastic core.
METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM) SYSTEM. An exterior wall
covering
fabricated using MCM in a specific assembly including joints, seams,
attachments, substrate, framing and other
details as appropriate to a particular design.
[BS] METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking metal sheet having a
minimum installed weather exposure of 3 square feet (0.279 m2)
per sheet.
[BS] METAL ROOF SHINGLE. An interlocking metal sheet having
an
installed weather exposure less than 3 square feet (0.279 m2) per
sheet.
MEZZANINE. An intermediate level or levels between the floor
and
ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section 505. [DSA-AC] An
intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story
with an aggregate floor area of not
more than one-third of the area of the room or space in which the level
or levels are located. Mezzanines
have sufficient elevation that space for human occupancy can be provided
on the floor below.
[BS] MICROPILE. A micropile is a bored, grouted-in-place
deep
foundation element that develops its load-carrying capacity by means of a
bond zone in soil, bedrock or a
combination of soil and bedrock.
MINERAL BOARD. A rigid felted thermal insulation board
consisting
of either felted mineral fiber or cellular beads of expanded aggregate
formed into flat rectangular units.
MINERAL FIBER. Insulation composed principally of fibers
manufactured from rock, slag or glass, with or without binders.
MINERAL WOOL. Synthetic vitreous fiber insulation made by
melting
predominately igneous rock or furnace slag, and other inorganic materials,
and then physically forming the melt
into fibers.
MINOR STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, OR REPAIRS.
[OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Alterations, additions or repairs
of greater extent than incidental structural additions or alterations which would not reduce the story
shear lateral-force-resisting capacity by more than 10 percent or increase the
story shear by more than 10 percent in any existing story or a combination thereof with equivalent
effect (not exceeding 10 percent total). The calculation of lateral
shear force-resisting capacity and story shear shall account for the cumulative effects of additions
and alterations since original construction.
[BS] MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOF COVERING. One or more layers of
polymer-modified asphalt sheets. The sheet materials shall be fully adhered
or mechanically attached to the
substrate or held in place with an approved ballast layer.
MONOLITHIC. [OSHPD 1]
(See Chapter 12, Section 1224.3 for defined term.)
MONOLITHIC CEILING. [OSHPD 1]
(See Chapter 12, Section 1224.3 for defined term.)
[BS] MORTAR. A mixture consisting of cementitious materials,
fine
aggregates, water, with or without admixtures, that is used to construct
unit masonry assemblies.
[BS] MORTAR, SURFACE-BONDING. A mixture to bond concrete
masonry
units that contains hydraulic cement, glass fiber reinforcement with or
without inorganic fillers or organic
modifiers and water.
MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO SOUND
STAGES, APPROVED PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PRODUCTION LOCATIONS. See Chapter 46,
California Fire Code.
MULTI-BEDROOM HOUSING UNIT. [DSA-AC]
A housing unit, intended for use by students at a place of education, with a kitchen and/or toilet and
bathing rooms within the unit, such as an apartment or dormitory. Multi-bedroom housing units are separate
from one another and from common use spaces within a building.
MULTILEVEL ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating that is arranged in
distinct
levels where each level is comprised of either multiple rows, or a single
row of box seats accessed from a
separate level.
[F] MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. Two or more
single-station
alarm devices that can be interconnected such that actuation of one causes
all integral or separate audible
alarms to operate. A multiple-station alarm device can consist of one
single-station alarm device having
connections to other detectors or to a manual fire alarm box.
[F] MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. Two or more single-station
alarm
devices that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of one
causes the appropriate alarm signal to
operate in all interconnected alarms.
MULTISTORY DWELLING UNIT. [HCD
1-AC] A dwelling unit with finished living space located on one floor
and the floor or floors immediately above or below it.
MULTISTORY UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit with
habitable
space located on more than one story.
[BS] NAILING, BOUNDARY. A special nailing pattern required
by
design at the boundaries of diaphragms.
[BS] NAILING, EDGE. A special nailing pattern required by
design
at the edges of each panel within the assembly of a diaphragm or shear wall.
[BS] NAILING, FIELD. Nailing required between the sheathing
panels
and framing members at locations other than boundary nailing and edge
nailing.
[BS] NATURALLY DURABLE WOOD. The heartwood of the
following
species except for the occasional piece with corner sapwood, provided 90
percent or more of the width of
each side on which it occurs is heartwood.
Decay resistant. Redwood,
cedar,
black locust and black walnut.
Termite resistant. Redwood,
Alaska yellow cedar, Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar.
NEWLY CONSTRUCTED. [HCD 1-AC]
A building that has never before been used or occupied for any purpose.
NEXT GENERATION ATTENUATION (NGA). [DSA-SS,
DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1 & 4] Attenuation relations used for the 2008
United States Geological Survey (USGS) seismic hazards maps (for the Western United States) or their
equivalent as determined by the enforcement agency.
NFPA [DSA-AC]
The National Fire Protection Association.
[BS] NOMINAL LOADS. The magnitudes of the loads specified in
Chapter 16 (dead, live, soil, wind, snow, rain, flood and earthquake).
[BS] NOMINAL SIZE (LUMBER). The commercial size designation
of
width and depth, in standard sawn lumber and glued-laminated lumber grades;
somewhat larger than the standard
net size of dressed lumber, in accordance with DOCPS 20 for sawn lumber and
with the AWC NDS for
glued-laminated lumber.
NON-GENERAL ACUTE CARE BUILDING (Non-GAC Building).
[OSHPD 1] A non-freestanding SPC building, which is
removed from general acute care services in accordance with the Section 3418A that remains under OSHPD
jurisdiction as part of an OSHPD 1 Hospital building.
NONAMBULATORY PERSONS. Persons
unable to leave a building unassisted under emergency conditions. It includes, but is not limited to,
persons who depend on mechanical aids such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs and any person who is
unable to physically and mentally respond to a sensory signal approved by the state fire marshal or an
oral instruction relating to fire danger.
The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of persons with
developmental disabilities shall be made by the Director of Social Services or his or her designated
representative, in consultation with the director of Developmental Services or his or her designated
representative. The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of all other disabled persons
placed after January 1, 1984, who are not developmentally disabled shall be made by the Director of
Social Services or his or her designated representative.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE. [SFM]
Noncombustible as applied to building construction material means a material which, in the form in
which it is used, is either one of the following:
- Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any material passing ASTM E136 shall be considered noncombustible.
- Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in Item 1 above, with a surfacing material not over 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thick which has a flame-spread index of 50 or less.
"Noncombustible" does not apply to surface finish materials. Material required
to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to flues, heating appliances or other sources of high
temperature shall refer to material conforming to Item 1. No material shall be classed as
noncombustible which is subject to increase in combustibility or flame-spread index, beyond the limits
herein established, through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric condition.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. A membrane structure in
which
the membrane and all component parts of the structure are noncombustible.
[BS] NONSTRUCTURAL CONCRETE. Any element made of plain or
reinforced concrete that is not part of a structural system required to
transfer either gravity or lateral
loads to the ground.
NORMAL. [HCD 1 & HCD 2]
Conforming to a pattern or standard regarded as usual or typical.
[F] NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE (NTP). A temperature of
70°F
(21°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere [14.7 psia (101 kPa)].
[F] NOTIFICATION ZONE. See "Zone, notification."
NPC 1, NPC 2, NPC 3/NPC 3R, NPC 4, and NPC 5. [OSHPD 1] Building
nonstructural performance categories for Hospital Buildings defined in Table 11.1 of California Administrative
Code (Part 1, Title 24 CCR), Chapter 6.
[F] NUISANCE ALARM. An alarm caused by mechanical failure,
malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper maintenance, or an
alarm activated by a cause that cannot
be determined.
NURSING HOMES. Facilities that provide care, including both
intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities where any of the
persons are incapable of
self-preservation or classified as nonambulatory or bedridden.
OCCUPANT LOAD. The number of persons for which the means of
egress
of a building or portion thereof is designed.
OCCUPIABLE SPACE. A room or enclosed space designed for
human
occupancy in which individuals congregate for amusement, educational or
similar purposes or in which occupants
are engaged at labor, and which is equipped with means of egress and light
and ventilation facilities meeting
the requirements of this code.
OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR. An interior corridor that is open on
each end
and connects to an exterior stairway or ramp at each end with no intervening
doors or separation from the
corridor.
OPEN PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion of a structure
with
the openings as described in Section 406.5.2 on two or more sides that is
used for the parking or storage of
private motor vehicles as described in Section 406.5.3.
[F] OPEN SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous
material
involving a vessel or system that is continuously open to the atmosphere
during normal operations and where
vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during
normal operations. Examples of open
systems for solids and liquids include dispensing from or into open beakers
or containers, dip tank and plating
tank operations.
OPERABLE PART. A component of an
element used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, or adjust the element.
[F] OPERATING BUILDING. A building occupied in conjunction
with
the manufacture, transportation or use of explosive materials. Operating
buildings are separated from one
another with the use of intraplant or intraline distances.
[BS] ORDINARY PRECAST STRUCTURAL WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] ORDINARY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL WALL. See
Section
1905.1.1.
[F] ORGANIC PEROXIDE. An organic compound that contains
the
bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered to be a structural
derivative of hydrogen peroxide
where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic
radical. Organic peroxides can
pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be
shock sensitive. They can also
decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of
time.
- Class I. Those formulations that are capable of deflagration but not detonation.
- Class II. Those formulations that burn very rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard.
- Class III. Those formulations that burn rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard.
- Class IV. Those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reactivity hazard.
- Class V. Those formulations that burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion and that pose no reactivity hazard.
Unclassified detonable.
Organic
peroxides that are capable of detonation. These peroxides pose an
extremely high explosion hazard
through rapid explosive decomposition.
ORGANIZED CAMPS.
See Section 450.
[BS] ORTHOGONAL. To be in two horizontal directions, at 90
degrees
(1.57 rad) to each other.
[BS] OTHER STRUCTURES (for Chapters 16-23). Structures,
other than
buildings, for which loads are specified in Chapter 16.
OUTPATIENT CLINIC. See "Clinic, outpatient."
[A] OWNER. Any person, agent, operator, entity, firm or
corporation having any legal or equitable interest in the property; or
recorded in the official records of the
state, county or municipality as holding an interest or title to the
property; or otherwise having possession
or control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such
person, and the executor or
administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of
real property by a court.
OVERFLOW SYSTEM. The system which
includes perimeter-type overflow gutters, surface skimmers, surge or collector tanks, other surface water
collective system components and their interconnecting piping.
[F] OXIDIZER. A material that readily yields oxygen or
other
oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion
of combustible materials and, if
heated or contaminated, can result in vigorous self-sustained
decomposition.
- Class 4. An oxidizer that can undergo an explosive reaction due to contamination or exposure to thermal or physical shock and that causes a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes into contact. Additionally, the oxidizer causes a severe increase in the burning rate and can cause spontaneous ignition of combustibles.
- Class 3. An oxidizer that causes a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes in contact.
- Class 2. An oxidizer that will cause a moderate increase in the burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes in contact.
- Class 1. An oxidizer that does not moderately increase the burning rate of combustible materials.
[F] OXIDIZING GAS. A gas that can support and accelerate
combustion of other materials more than air does.
[BS] PANEL (PART OF A STRUCTURE). The section of a floor,
wall or
roof comprised between the supporting frame of two adjacent rows of columns
and girders or column bands of
floor or roof construction.
PANIC HARDWARE. A door-latching assembly incorporating a
device
that releases the latch upon the application of a force in the direction of
egress travel. See also "Fire exit
hardware."
[BS] PARTICLEBOARD. A generic term for a panel primarily
composed
of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete
pieces or particles, as distinguished
from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or
other suitable bonding system by a
process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system
under heat and pressure.
PASSAGE DOOR. [HCD 1-AC]
A door other than an exit door through which persons may traverse.
PASSENGER ELEVATOR. [DSA-AC]
See "Elevator, Passenger"
PASSENGER ELEVATOR. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] An elevator used primarily to
carry passengers. For additional information, see California Code of
Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4.
PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR. [HCD
1 & HCD 2] Uses architectural components, rather than mechanical
components, to provide heating or cooling for a building interior.
PATH OF TRAVEL. [DSA-AC]
An identifiable accessible route within an existing site, building or facility by means of which a
particular area may be approached, entered and exited, and which connects a particular area with an
exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other
parts of the facility. When alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to existing buildings or
facilities, the term "path of travel" also includes the toilet and bathing facilities, telephones, drinking
fountains and signs serving the area of work.
PEDESTRIAN. An individual who moves in
walking areas with or without the use of walking assistive devices such as crutches, leg braces,
wheelchairs, white cane, service animal, etc.
PEDESTRIAN WAY. A route by which a
pedestrian may pass.
PENTHOUSE. An enclosed, unoccupied rooftop structure used
for
sheltering mechanical and electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related
machinery, and vertical shaft
openings.
[BS] PERFORMANCE CATEGORY. A designation of wood structural
panels
as related to the panel performance used in Chapter 23.
PERMANENT [DSA-AC]
Facilities which, are intended to be used for periods longer than those designated in this code under the
definition of "Temporary."
PERMANENT PORTABLE BUILDING. [SFM]
A portable building that is used to serve or house students and is certified as a permanent building on a
new public school campus by the public school administration shall comply with the requirements of new
campus buildings.
[A] PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued by
the
building official that authorizes performance of a specified activity.
[A] PERSON. An individual, heirs, executors, administrators
or
assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their
successors or assigns, or the agent
of any of the aforesaid.
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. [HCD
1-AC] For purposes of Chapter 11A, "Persons with disabilities" includes,
but is not limited to, any physical or mental disability as defined in Government Code Section 12926.
PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, PROFOUNDLY
OR SEVERELY. Shall mean any persons with intellectual disabilities who is
unable to evacuate a building unassisted during emergency conditions.
Note: The determination as to such
incapacity shall be made by the Director of the State Department of Public Health or his or her
designated representative pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13131.3.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT. Having the property of emitting light that
continues for a length of time after excitation by visible or invisible
light has been removed.
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE. A complete, environmentally protected
unit
consisting of solar cells, optics and other components, exclusive of
tracker, designed to generate DC power
when exposed to sunlight.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL. A collection of modules mechanically
fastened
together, wired and designed to provide a field-installable unit.
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL SYSTEM. A system that incorporates
discrete
photovoltaic panels, that converts solar radiation into electricity,
including rack support systems.
[F] PHYSICAL HAZARD. A chemical for which there is evidence
that
it is a combustible liquid, cryogenic fluid, explosive, flammable (solid,
liquid or gas), organic peroxide
(solid or liquid), oxidizer (solid or liquid), oxidizing gas, pyrophoric
(solid, liquid or gas), unstable
(reactive) material (solid, liquid or gas) or water-reactive material (solid
or liquid).
[F] PHYSIOLOGICAL WARNING THRESHOLD LEVEL. A concentration
of
air-borne contaminants, normally expressed in parts per million (ppm) or
milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3),
that represents the concentration at which persons can sense the presence of
the contaminant due to odor,
irritation or other quick-acting physiological response. When used in
conjunction with the permissible exposure
limit (PEL) the physiological warning threshold levels are those consistent
with the classification system used
to establish the PEL. See the definition of "Permissible exposure limit
(PEL)" in the California Fire Code.
PICTOGRAM. A pictorial symbol that
represents activities, facilities, or concepts.
PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION. A
facility operated by a private entity whose operations affect commerce and fall within at least one of
the following categories:
-
Place of lodging, except for an establishment located within a facility that contains not more than five rooms for rent or hire and that actually is occupied by the proprietor of the establishment as the residence of the proprietor. For purposes of this code, a facility is a "place of lodging" if it is
- An inn, hotel or motel; or
-
A facility that
- Provides guest rooms for sleeping for stays that primarily are short-term in nature (generally 30 days or less) where the occupant does not have the right to return to a specific room or unit after the conclusion of his or her stay; and
-
Provides guest rooms under conditions and with amenities similar to a hotel, motel, or inn, including the following:
- On- or off-site management and reservations service;
- Rooms available on a walk-up or call-in basis;
- Availability of housekeeping or linen service; and
- Acceptance of reservations for a guest room type without guaranteeing a particular unit or room until check-in, and without a prior lease or security deposit.
- A restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or drink;
- A motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;
- An auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, or other place of public gathering;
- A bakery, grocery store, clothing store, hardware store, shopping center, or other sales or rental establishment;
- A laundromat, dry-cleaner, bank, barber shop, beauty shop, travel service, shoe repair service, funeral parlor, gas station, office of an accountant or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office, professional office of a health care provider, hospital, or other service establishment;
- A terminal, depot, or other station used for specified public transportation;
- A museum, library, gallery, or other place of public display or collection;
- A park, zoo, amusement park, or other place of recreation;
- A nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate private school, or other place of education;
- A day-care center, senior citizen center, homeless shelter, food bank, adoption agency, or other social service center establishment;
- A gymnasium, health spa, bowling alley, golf course, or other place of exercise or recreation;
- A religious facility;
- An office building; and
- A public curb or sidewalk.
PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. See "Religious worship, place
of."
PLASTIC, APPROVED. Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or
reinforced
thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility
classifications specified in the section
applicable to the application and plastic type.
PLASTIC GLAZING. Plastic materials that are glazed or set in
frame
or sash and not held by mechanical fasteners that pass through the glazing
material.
[BS] PLASTIC LUMBER. A manufactured product made primarily
of
plastic materials (filled or unfilled) which is generally rectangular in
cross section.
PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for worship,
the
presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for
special guests; the raised area for
lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round
stages; and similar purposes wherein,
other than horizontal sliding curtains, there are no overhead hanging
curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects
other than lighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not
more than 30 days.
PLATFORM (WHEELCHAIR) LIFT. A hoisting
and lowering mechanism equipped with a car or platform or support that serves two landings of a building or
structure and is designed to carry a passenger or passengers and/or luggage or other material a vertical
distance as may be allowed.
PLAY AREA. [DSA-AC]
A portion of a site containing play components designed and constructed for children.
PLAY COMPONENT. [DSA-AC]
An element intended to generate specific opportunities for play, socialization or learning. Play components
are manufactured or natural; and are stand-alone or part of a composite play structure.
POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE. [DSA-AC]
A device used for the purchase of a good or service where a personal identification number (PIN), zip code
or signature is required.
POLYPROPYLENE SIDING. A shaped material, made principally
from
polypropylene homopolymer, or copolymer, which in some cases contains
fillers or reinforcements, that is used
to clad exterior walls of buildings.
POOL. A constructed or prefabricated
artificial basin, chamber or tank intended to be used primarily by bathers, and not for cleaning of the
body or for individual therapeutic use.
POOL USER. A person using a pool and
ancillary facilities for the purpose of water activities such as diving, swimming or wading.
POOL VOLUME. The amount of water
expressed in gallons (liters) that a pool holds when filled.
[BS] PORCELAIN TILE. Tile that conforms to the requirements
of
ANSI A137.1 Section 3.0 for ceramic tile
having an absorption of 0.5 percent
or less in accordance with ANSI A137.1 Section 4.1 and Section 6.1 Table
10.
[BS] POSITIVE ROOF DRAINAGE. The drainage condition in which
consideration has been made for all loading deflections of the roof deck,
and additional slope has been
provided to ensure drainage of the roof within 48 hours of precipitation.
POWDER ROOM. A room containing a water
closet (toilet) and a lavatory, and which is not defined as a bathroom.
POWER-ASSISTED DOOR [DSA-AC]
A door used for human passage with a mechanism that helps to open the door, or relieves the opening
resistance of a door, upon the activation of a switch or a continued force applied to the door itself.
POWER-OPERATED DOOR. Swinging, sliding, or folding door
which
opens automatically when approached by a pedestrian or opens automatically
upon an action by a pedestrian. The
door closes automatically and includes provisions such as presence sensors
to prevent entrapment. See "Low
energy power-operated door" and "Power-assisted door."
[BS] PREFABRICATED WOOD I-JOIST. Structural member
manufactured
using sawn or structural composite lumber flanges and wood structural panel
webs bonded together with exterior
exposure adhesives, which forms an "I" cross-sectional shape.
[BS] PRESTRESSED MASONRY. Masonry in which internal stresses
have
been introduced to counteract potential tensile stresses in masonry
resulting from applied loads.
PRIMARY ENTRY. [HCD
1-AC] The principal entrance through which most people enter the building, as designated by the
building official.
PRIMARY ENTRY LEVEL. [HCD 1-AC]
The floor or level of the building on which the primary entry is located.
PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME. The primary structural frame
shall
include all of the following structural members:
- The columns;
- Structural members having direct connections to the columns, including girders, beams, trusses and spandrels;
- Members of the floor construction and roof construction having direct connections to the columns; and
- Bracing members that are essential to the vertical stability of the primary structural frame under gravity loading shall be considered part of the primary structural frame whether or not the bracing member carries gravity loads.
PRIVATE BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]
A place of public accommodation or a commercial building or facility subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.2.
PRIVATE GARAGE. A building or portion of a building in which
motor
vehicles used by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises
are stored or kept, without
provisions for repairing or servicing such vehicles for profit.
PRIVATE POOL. Any constructed
pool, permanent or portable, that is intended for noncommercial use as a swimming pool by not more than
three owner families and their guests.
Note: A single-family residence is a
Group R, Division 3 occupancy.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE OF A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. [DSA-AC] A location
where a person or entity, regulated
by the State to provide professional services related to the physical or mental health of an individual,
makes such services available to the public. The facility housing the professional office of a health care
provider only includes floor levels housing at least one health care provider, or any floor level designed
or intended for use by at least one health care provider.
PROTECTIVE SOCIAL CARE FACILITY. [SFM]
A facility housing persons, who are referred, placed or caused to be placed in the facility, by any
governmental agency and for whom the services, or a portion thereof, are paid for by any governmental
agency. These occupancies shall include, but are not limited to, those commonly referred to as "assisted
living facilities," "social rehabilitation facilities," "certified family care homes," "out-of-home
placement facilities," and "halfway houses."
PUBLIC BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]
A building or facility or portion of a building or facility designed, constructed, or altered by, on behalf
of, or for the use of a public entity subject to Chapter 1, Section 1.9.1.1.
PUBLIC ENTITY. Any state or local
government; any department, agency, special-purpose district, or other instrumentality of a state or local
government.
PUBLIC HOUSING. [DSA-AC
& HCD 1-AC] Housing facilities owned, operated, or constructed
by, for or on behalf of a public entity including but not limited to the following:
- Publically owned and/or operated one- or two-family dwelling units or congregate residences;
- Publically owned and/or operated buildings or complexes with three or more residential dwelling units;
- Reserved.
- Publically owned and/or operated homeless shelters, group homes and similar social service establishments;
- Publically owned and/or operated transient lodging, such as hotels, motels, hostels and other facilities providing accommodations of a short term nature of not more than 30 days duration;
- Housing at a place of education owned or operated by a public entity, such as housing on or serving a public school, public college or public university campus;
- Privately owned housing made available for public use as housing.
PUBLIC POOL. A pool other than a
private pool.
PUBLIC USE. [DSA-AC]
Interior or exterior rooms, spaces or elements that are made available to the public. Public use may be
provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned. Private interior or exterior rooms,
spaces or elements associated with a residential dwelling unit provided by a public housing program or in a
public housing facility are not public use areas and shall not be required to be made available to the
public. In the context of public housing, public use is the provision of housing programs by, for or on
behalf of a public entity.
PUBLIC-USE AREAS. Interior or exterior
rooms or spaces of a building or facility that are made available to the
general public and do not include common use areas. Public use areas
may be provided at a building or facility that is privately or publicly owned.
[A] PUBLIC WAY. A street, alley or other parcel of land open
to
the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or
otherwise permanently appropriated to
the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less
than 10 feet (3048 mm).
[F] PYROPHORIC. A chemical with an auto-ignition temperature
in
air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).
[F] PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION. A chemical mixture that
produces
visible light displays or sounds through a self-propagating, heat-releasing
chemical reaction which is
initiated by ignition.
QUALIFIED HISTORIC BUILDING OR FACILITY. [DSA-AC]
A building or facility that is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic
Places, or designated as historic under an appropriate State or local law. See C.C.R. Title 24, Part 8.
RADIANT BARRIER. A material having a low-emittance surface
of 0.1
or less installed in building assemblies.
RAFTERTAIL. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
RAMP. A walking surface that has a running slope steeper
than one
unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).
RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. Open parking garages
employing a
series of continuously rising floors or a series of interconnecting ramps
between floors permitting the
movement of vehicles under their own power from and to the street level.
REASONABLE PORTION [DSA-AC]
That segment of a building, facility, area, space or condition, which would normally be necessary if the
activity therein is to be accessible by persons with disabilities.
RECESSED STEPS. A riser/tread or
series of risers/treads extending down into the deck with the bottom riser or tread terminating at the pool
wall (thus creating a "stairwell").
RECESSED TREADS. A series of
vertically spaced cavities in the pool wall creating tread areas for step holes.
RECIRCULATION SYSTEM. The
interconnected system traversed by the recirculated water from the pool until it is returned to the pool,
i.e., from the pool through the collector or surge tank, recirculation pump, filters, chemical treatment
and heater (if provided), and returned to the pool.
RECOMMEND. [DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2]
Does not require mandatory acceptance, but identifies a suggested action that shall be considered for the
purpose of providing a greater degree of accessibility to persons with disabilities.
[A] RECORD DRAWINGS. Drawings ("as builts") that document
the
location of all devices, appliances, wiring sequences, wiring methods and
connections of the components of a
fire alarm system as installed.
REFLECTIVE PLASTIC CORE INSULATION. An insulation material
packaged in rolls, that is less than 1/2 inch (12.7
mm) thick, with not less than one
exterior low-emittance surface (0.1 or less) and a core material containing
voids or cells.
[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An individual who is
registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as
defined by the statutory requirements
of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which
the project is to be constructed.
[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. A
registered design professional engaged by the owner or the owner's
authorized agent to review and coordinate
certain aspects of the project, as determined by the building official, for
compatibility with the design of
the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others,
deferred submittal documents and
phased submittal documents.
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, PLACE OF. A building or portion thereof
intended for the performance of religious services.
RELOCATABLE BUILDING (PUBLIC SCHOOL).
Any building with an integral floor structure which is capable of being readily moved. (See Education Code
Section 17350.) Relocatable buildings that are to be placed on substandard foundations not complying with
the requirements of Part 2, Title 24, C.C.R., require a statement from the school district stating that the
durability requirements for those foundations may be waived and acknowledging the temporary nature of the
foundations.
REMODELING. [DSA-AC]
See "Alteration."
[A] REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an
existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.
[EB] REROOFING. The process of recovering or replacing an
existing
roof covering. See "Roof recover" and "Roof replacement."
RESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT HANGAR. An accessory building less than
2,000
square feet (186 m2) and 20 feet (6096 mm) in building height
constructed on a one- or two-family
property where aircraft are stored. Such use will be considered as a
residential accessory use incidental to
the dwelling.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL
(RCF/CI). As termed, means a housing arrangement with a maximum capacity of 25
residents that provides a range of services to residents who have chronic, life-threatening illnesses.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR THE ELDERLY (RCFE).
As defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1569.2, shall mean a facility with a housing arrangement
chosen voluntarily by persons 60 years of age or over, or their authorized representative, where
varying levels and intensities of care and supervision, protective supervision or personal care are
provided, based on their varying needs, as determined in order to be admitted and to remain in the
facility. Persons under 60 years of age with compatible needs, as determined by the Department of
Social Services in regulations, may be allowed to be admitted or retained in a residential-care
facility for the elderly.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13133, regulations of the state fire
marshal pertaining to Group R, Division 2 Occupancies classified as residential facilities (RF) and
residential- care facilities for the elderly (RCFE) shall apply uniformly throughout the state and no
city, county, city and county, including a charter city or charter county, or fire protection district
shall adopt or enforce any ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to fire and panic safety
which is in consistent with these regulations. A city, county, city and county, including a charter
city or charter county may pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.5, or a fire protection
district may pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7, adopt standards more stringent than
those adopted by the state fire marshal that are reasonably necessary to accommodate local climate,
geological, or topographical conditions relating to roof coverings for residential-care facilities for
the elderly.
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT. [DSA-AC]
A unit intended to be used as a residence that is primarily long-term in nature. Residential dwelling units
do not include transient lodging, inpatient medical care, licensed long-term care, and detention or
correctional facilities.
RESIDENTIAL FACILITY (RF). As
defined in Section 1502 of the Health and Safety Code, shall mean any family home, group care facility
or similar facility determined by the director of Social Services, for 24-hour nonmedical care of
persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the
activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. Such facilities include small
family homes and social rehabilitation facilities.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13133, regulations of the state fire
marshal pertaining to Group R Occupancies classified as residential facilities (RF) and
residential-care facilities for the elderly (RCFE) shall apply uniformly throughout the state and no
city, county, city and county, including a charter city or charter county, or fire protection district
shall adopt or enforce any ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to fire and panic safety
which is in consistent with these regulations. A city, county, city and county, including a charter
city or charter county may pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.5, or a fire protection
district may pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7, adopt standards more stringent than
those adopted by the state fire marshal that are reasonably necessary to accommodate local climate,
geological, or topographical conditions relating to roof coverings for residential-care facilities for
the elderly.
[BS] RESISTANCE FACTOR. A factor that accounts for
deviations of
the actual strength from the nominal strength and the manner and
consequences of failure (also called "strength
reduction factor").
RESTRAINT. [SFM]
The physical retention of a person within a room, cell or cell block, holding cells, temporary holding
cell, rooms or area, holding facility, secure interview rooms, courthouse holding facilities, courtroom
docks, or similar buildings or portions thereof by any means, or within the exterior walls of a
building by means of locked doors inoperable by the person restrained. Restraint shall also mean the
physical binding, strapping or similar restriction of any person in a chair, walker, bed or other
contrivance for the purpose of deliberately restricting the free movement of ambulatory persons.
Restraint shall not be construed to include nonambulatory persons nor shall it
include the use of bandage material, strip sheeting or other fabrics or materials (soft ties) used to
restrain persons in hospital-type beds or wheelchairs to prevent injury, provided an approved method of
quick release is maintained.
Facilities employing the use of soft ties, however, shall be classified as a
building used to house nonambulatory persons. Restraint shall not be practiced in licensed facilities
classified as Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies unless constructed as a Group I-3 occupancy. For
Group I-3 Occupancies see Section 408.1.1.
RESTRICTED AREA. [OSHPD 1]
(See Chapter 12, Section 1224.3 for defined term.)
[BS] RESTRICTED ENTRANCE. An entrance that is made available
for
common use on a controlled basis, but not public use, and that is not a
service entrance.
RETRACTABLE AWNING. A retractable awning is a cover with a
frame
that retracts against a building or other structure to which it is entirely
supported.
RETROFIT [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC,
OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] The construction of any new element or system, or
the alteration of any existing element or system required to bring an existing building, or portion
thereof, conforming to earlier code requirements, into conformance with standards of the currently
effective California Building Standards Code.
[BS] RISK CATEGORY. A categorization of buildings and other
structures for determination of flood, wind, snow, ice and earthquake loads
based on the risk associated with
unacceptable performance.
[BS] RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTHQUAKE (MCER)
GROUND MOTION
RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS. The most severe earthquake effects
considered by this code,
determined for the orientation that results in the largest maximum response
to horizontal ground motions and
with adjustment for targeted risk.
[BS] ROOF ASSEMBLY (For application to Chapter 15 only). A
system
designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The
system consists of a roof covering
and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and
the roof deck. A roof assembly
includes the roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier,
insulation, vapor retarder and roof
covering.
[BS] ROOF COVERING. The covering applied to the roof deck
for
weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.
ROOF COVERING SYSTEM. See "Roof assembly."
[BS] ROOF DECK. The flat or sloped surface constructed on
top of
the exterior walls of a building or other supports for the purpose of
enclosing the story below, or sheltering
an area, to protect it from the elements, not including its supporting
members or vertical supports.
ROOF DRAINAGE, POSITIVE. See "Positive roof drainage."
ROOF EAVE. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
ROOF EAVE SOFFIT. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[EB] ROOF RECOVER. The process of installing an additional
roof
covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the
existing roof covering.
[EB] ROOF REPAIR. Reconstruction or renewal of any part of
an
existing roof for the purposes of its maintenance.
[EB] ROOF REPLACEMENT. The process of removing the existing
roof
covering, repairing any damaged substrate and installing a new roof
covering.
ROOF VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of
supplying
conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, attics,
cathedral ceilings or other enclosed
spaces over which a roof assembly is installed.
ROOFTOP STRUCTURE. A structure erected on top of the roof
deck or
on top of any part of a building.
RUGGED EQUIPMENT. [DSA-SS,
DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 2, 3 & 4] Rugged equipment refers to an
ampleness of construction that gives such equipment the ability to survive earthquake strong motions
without significant loss of function.
[BS] RUNNING BOND. The placement of masonry units such that
head
joints in successive courses are horizontally offset at least one-quarter
the unit length.
RUNNING SLOPE. The slope that is
parallel to the direction of travel. (As differentiated from the definition of "Cross Slope".)
SALLYPORT. A security vestibule with two or more doors or
gates
where the intended purpose is to prevent continuous and unobstructed passage
by allowing the release of only
one door or gate at a time.
SANITARY FACILITY. [HCD 1 &
HCD 1-AC] Any single water closet, urinal, lavatory, bathtub or shower,
or a combination thereof, together with the room or space in which they are housed.
SCISSOR STAIRWAY. Two interlocking stairways providing two
separate paths of egress located within one exit enclosure.
SECONDARY MEMBERS. The following structural members
shall be
considered secondary members and not part of the primary structural
frame:
- Structural members not having direct connections to the columns;
- Members of the floor construction and roof construction not having direct connections to the columns; and
- Bracing members other than those that are part of the primary structural frame.
SECURE INTERVIEW ROOMS. A lockable
room used to hold and interview detainees for further processing.
[BS] SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY. A classification assigned to a
structure based on its risk category and the severity of the design
earthquake ground motion at the site.
[BS] SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. That part of the
structural
system that has been considered in the design to provide the required
resistance to the prescribed seismic
forces.
SELF-CLOSING. As applied to a fire door or other opening
protective, means equipped with an device that will ensure closing after
having been opened.
SELF-LUMINOUS. Illuminated by a self-contained power source,
other
than batteries, and operated independently of external power sources.
SELF-PRESERVATION, INCAPABLE OF. See "Incapable of
self-preservation."
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE. [DSA-AC]
Building or facility designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to
customers for the purpose of storing and removing personal property on a self-service basis.
[F] SERVICE CORRIDOR. A fully enclosed passage used for
transporting HPM and purposes other than required means of egress.
SERVICE ENTRANCE. An entrance intended primarily for
delivery of
goods or services.
SHAFT. An enclosed space extending through one or more
stories of
a building, connecting vertical openings in successive floors, or floors and
roof.
SHALL. [DSA-AC]
Denotes a mandatory specification or requirement.
[BS] SHALLOW FOUNDATION. A shallow foundation is an
individual or
strip footing, a mat foundation, a slab-on-grade foundation or a similar
foundation element.
SHALLOW POOL. A pool that has a
maximum depth of less than 6 feet (1829 mm).
SHEAR WALL (For Chapter 23). A wall designed to resist
lateral
forces parallel to the plane of a wall.
Shear wall, perforated. A
wood
structural panel sheathed wall with openings, that has not been
specifically designed and detailed for
force transfer around openings.
Shear wall segment,
perforated. A
section of shear wall with full-height sheathing that meets the
height-to-width ratio limits of Section
4.3.4 of AWC SDPWS.
[BS] SHINGLE FASHION. A method of installing roof or wall
coverings, water-resistive barriers, flashing or other building components
such that upper layers of material
are placed overlapping lower layers of material to provide for drainage via
gravity and moisture control.
SHOPPING CENTER (OR SHOPPING MALL). [DSA-AC]
One or more sales or rental establishments or stores. A shopping center may include a series of buildings
on a common site, connected by a common pedestrian access route on, above or below the ground floor, that
is either under common ownership or common control or developed either as one project or as a series of
related projects. For the purposes of this section, "shopping center" or "shopping mall" includes a covered
mall building.
SIDEWALK. A surfaced pedestrian way
contiguous to a street used by the public. (As differentiated from the definition of "Walk".)
SIGN. [DSA-AC]
An element composed of displayed textual, verbal, symbolic, tactile, and/or pictorial information.
SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF FUNCTION. [DSA-SS,
DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 2, & 4] Significant loss of function for
equipment or components means the equipment or component cannot be restored to its original function by
competent technicians after a design earthquake because the equipment or component require parts that are
not normally stocked by the owner or not readily available.
SINGLE-ACCOMMODATION SANITARY FACILITY. [HCD
1-AC] A room that has not more than one of each type of sanitary
fixture, is intended for use by only one person at a time, has no partition around the toilet, and has a
door that can be locked on the inside by the room occupant.
[BS] SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE. A roofing membrane that is field
applied
using one layer of membrane material (either homogeneous or composite)
rather than multiple layers.
[F] SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. An assembly incorporating
the
detector, the control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit,
operated from a power supply either
in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
SINK. A fixed bowl or basin with
running water and drainpipe, as in a kitchen or laundry, for washing dishes, clothing, etc. (As
differentiated from the definition of "Lavatory".)
[BS] SITE CLASS. A classification assigned to a site based
on the
types of soils present and their engineering properties as defined in
Section 1613.3.2.
[BS] SITE COEFFICIENTS. The values of Fa
and
Fv indicated in Tables 1613.3.3(1) and 1613.3.3(2),
respectively.
SITE DEVELOPMENT. [HCD 1-AC]
"On-site" and "off-site" work, including, but not limited to, walks, sidewalks, ramps, curbs, curb ramps,
parking facilities, stairs, planting areas, pools, promenades, exterior gathering or assembly areas and
raised or depressed paved areas.
SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM. A system, fabricated on
site
and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic purposes, that is
composed of three elements:
- A frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other material) used to hold fabric in place,
- A core material (infill, with the correct properties for the application), and
- An outside layer, composed of a textile, fabric or vinyl, that is stretched taut and held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame.
SKYLIGHT, UNIT. A factory-assembled, glazed fenestration
unit,
containing one panel of glazing material that allows for natural lighting
through an opening in the roof
assembly while preserving the weather-resistant barrier of the roof.
SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or other transparent or
translucent glazing material installed at a slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad)
or more from vertical. Glazing
material in skylights, including unit skylights, tubular daylighting
devices, solariums, sunrooms, roofs
and sloped walls, are included in this definition.
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS. Rooms
intended and designed for sleeping.
SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people sleep, which
can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, and either
sanitation or kitchen facilities but
not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are
not sleeping units.
SLIP RESISTANT. A rough finish
that is not abrasive to the bare foot.
SLOPE. [HCD 1-AC]
The relative steepness of the land between two points and is calculated as follows:
SMALL MANAGEMENT YARD. An exterior
exercise yard within a Group I-3 prison used for inmate exercise for a maximum of 2 hours per day,
constructed in accordance with Section 408.1.2.3.
[F] SMOKE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm
responsive to smoke. See "Multiple-station smoke alarm" and "Single-station
smoke alarm."
SMOKE BARRIER. A continuous membrane, either vertical or
horizontal, such as a wall, floor or ceiling assembly, that is designed and
constructed to restrict the
movement of smoke.
SMOKE COMPARTMENT. A space within a building enclosed by
smoke
barriers on all sides, including the top and bottom.
SMOKE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts and air
transfer openings designed to resist the passage of smoke. The device is
installed to operate
automatically, controlled by a smoke detection system, and where required,
is capable of being positioned
from a fire command center.
[F] SMOKE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses visible or
invisible particles of combustion.
SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a
dimensionless number, derived from measurements of smoke obscuration versus
time for a material tested in
accordance with ASTM E84.
SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating served by means of
egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a
structure.
SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURE. An exit stairway or
ramp designed and constructed so that the movement of the
products of combustion produced by a
fire occurring in any part of the building into the enclosure is limited.
SOFT CONTAINED PLAY STRUCTURE. [DSA-AC]
A play structure made up of one or more play components where the user enters a fully enclosed play
environment that utilizes pliable materials, such as plastic, netting or fabric.
[F] SOLID. A material that has a melting point, decomposes
or
sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
SPACE. A definable area, such as,
a room, toilet room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage room, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.
SPC 1, SPC 2, SPC 3, SPC 4, SPC 4D and SPC 5. [OSHPD 1] Building
structural performance categories for Hospital
Buildings defined in Table 2.5.3
of California Administrative Code (Part 1, Title 24 CCR), Chapter 6.
SPC BUILDING. [OSHPD 1]
Means a structure with an independent vertical and lateral force-resisting system (LFRS) and a distinct
building structural performance category assigned by OSHPD.
SPECIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDING. A special amusement building is
any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied for
amusement, entertainment or
educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys
passengers or provides a walkway
along, around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the means
of egress path is not readily
apparent due to visual or audio distractions or is intentionally confounded
or is not readily available
because of the nature of the attraction or mode of conveyance through the
building or structure.
[BS] SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The land area subject to
flood
hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard map as
Zone A, AE, A1-30, A99, AR,
AO, AH, V, VO, VE or V1-30.
[BS] SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction
requiring the expertise of an approved special inspector in order to
ensure compliance with this code
and the approved construction documents.
Continuous special
inspection.
Special inspection by the special inspector who is present continuously
when and where the work to be inspected is being performed.
Periodic special
inspection.
Special inspection by the special inspector who is intermittently
present where the work to be
inspected has been or is being performed.
SPECIAL INSPECTOR. A qualified person employed or retained
by
an approved agency and approved by the building official as having the
competence necessary to inspect a
particular type of construction requiring special inspection.
[BS] SPECIAL STRUCTURAL WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY,
f´m.
Minimum compressive strength, expressed as force per unit of net
cross-sectional area, required of the
masonry used in construction by the approved construction documents, and
upon which the project design is
based. Whenever the quantity f'm is under the radical
sign, the square root of
numerical value only is intended and the result has units of pounds per
square inch (psi) (MPa).
SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. [DSA-AC]
Transportation by bus, rail, or any other conveyance (other than aircraft) provided by a private entity
to the general public, with general or special service (including charter service) on a regular and
continuing basis.
[BS] SPLICE. The result of a factory and/or field method of
joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistant joint system
into a continuous entity.
SPORT ACTIVITY, AREA OF. See "Area of sport activity."
SPRAYED FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Cementitious or fibrous
materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the
substrates.
STAGE. A space within a building utilized for entertainment
or
presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or
stage effects other than
lighting and sound.
STAIRWAY. One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or
interior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form
a continuous and uninterrupted
passage from one level to another.
STAIRWAY, SCISSOR. See "Scissor stairway."
STAIRWAY, SPIRAL. A stairway having a closed circular form
in
its plan view with uniform section-shaped treads attached to and radiating
from a minimum-diameter
supporting column.
[F] STANDBY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic electric
power
of a required capacity and duration to operate required building, hazardous
materials or ventilation
systems in the event of a failure of the primary power. Standby power
systems are required for electrical
loads where interruption of the primary power could create hazards or hamper
rescue or fire-fighting
operations.
[F] STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF. Standpipe classes are
as
follows:
- Class I system. A system providing 21/2-inch (64 mm) hose connections to supply water for use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams.
- Class II system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm) hose stations to supply water for use primarily by the building occupants or by the fire department during initial response.
- Class III system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm) hose stations to supply water for use by building occupants and 21/2-inch (64 mm) hose connections to supply a larger volume of water for use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams.
[F] STANDPIPE, TYPES OF. Standpipe types are as follows:
Automatic dry. A dry
standpipe system, normally filled with pressurized air, that is
arranged through the use of a
device, such as dry pipe valve, to admit water into the system
piping automatically upon the
opening of a hose valve. The water supply for an automatic dry
standpipe system shall be capable of
supplying the system demand.
Automatic wet. A wet
standpipe system that has a water supply that is capable of
supplying the system demand
automatically.
Manual dry. A dry standpipe
system that does not have a permanent water supply attached to the
system. Manual dry standpipe
systems require water from a fire department pumper to be pumped
into the system through the fire
department connection in order to meet the system demand.
Manual wet. A wet standpipe
system connected to a water supply for the purpose of maintaining
water within the system but does
not have a water supply capable of delivering the system demand
attached to the system. Manual-wet
standpipe systems require water from a fire department pumper (or
the like) to be pumped into the
system in order to meet the system demand.
Semiautomatic dry. A dry
standpipe system that is arranged through the use of a device, such
as a deluge valve, to admit
water into the system piping upon activation of a remote control
device located at a hose
connection. A remote control activation device shall be provided at
each hose connection. The water
supply for a semiautomatic dry standpipe system shall be capable of
supplying the system demand.
START OF CONSTRUCTION. The date of issuance for new
construction and substantial improvements to existing structures,
provided the actual start of
construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition,
placement or other improvement is
within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start of
construction means the first placement
of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home)
on a site, such as the pouring
of a slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of
columns.
Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as
clearing, excavation, grading or
filling), the installation of streets or walkways, excavation for a
basement, footings, piers or
foundations, the erection of temporary forms or the installation of
accessory buildings such as garages
or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main
building. For a substantial
improvement, the actual "start of construction" means the first
alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor
or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration
affects the external dimensions
of the building.
STATE-OWNED/LEASED BUILDING. [SFM]
State-Owned/Leased Building is a building or portion of a building that is owned, leased or rented by
the state. State-leased buildings shall include all required exits to a public way serving such leased
area or space. Portions of state- leased buildings that are not leased or rented by the state shall not
be included within the scope of this section unless such portions present an exposure hazard to the
state-leased area or space.
STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA. [SFM]
(See Chapter 7A, Section 702A for definition of term.)
[BS] STEEL CONSTRUCTION, COLD-FORMED. That type of
construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold
formed to shape from sheet or
strip steel such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists,
roof joists and other structural
elements.
[BS] STEEL ELEMENT, STRUCTURAL. Any steel structural member
of
a building or structure consisting of rolled shapes, pipe, hollow structural
sections, plates, bars,
sheets, rods or steel castings other than cold-formed steel or steel joist
members.
[BS] STEEL JOIST. Any steel structural member of a building
or
structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or
riveted or welded bars, strip or
sheet steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformed rolled
sections.
STEEP SLOPE. A roof slope greater than two units vertical in
12 units horizontal (17-percent slope).
STEPS, RECESSED STEPS, LADDERS AND RECESSED
TREADS. Those means of entry and exit to and from the pool which may be used in
conjunction with each other.
[F] STORAGE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The keeping, retention or
leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or
similar vessels; or vessels
supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.
[BS] STORAGE RACKS. Cold-formed or hot-rolled steel
structural
members which are formed into steel storage racks, including pallet storage
racks, movable-shelf racks,
rack-supported systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (stacker
racks), push-back racks,
pallet-flow racks, case-flow racks, pick modules and rack-supported
platforms. Other types of racks, such
as drive-in or drive-through racks, cantilever racks, portable racks or
racks made of materials other than
steel, are not considered storage racks for the purpose of this code.
[BS] STORM SHELTER. A building, structure or portions
thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC 500 and designated for use
during a severe wind storm
event, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Residential storm shelter.
A
storm shelter serving occupants of dwelling units and having an
occupant load not exceeding 16
persons.
STORY. That portion of a building included between the
upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next
above (see "Basement,"
"Building height," "Grade plane" and "Mezzanine"). A story is measured
as the vertical distance from
top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces
and, for the topmost story, from
the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, where
there is not a ceiling, to the
top of the roof rafters.
[DSA-AC] That portion of a building or facility
designed for human occupancy included between the upper surface of a floor and upper surface of the
floor or roof next above. A story containing one or more mezzanines has more than one floor level.
If the finished floor level directly above a basement or unused under-floor space is more than six
feet (1829 mm) above grade for more than 50 percent of the total perimeter or is more than 12 feet
(3658 mm) above grade at any point, the basement or unused under-floor space shall be considered as
a story.
STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having its finished
floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in which the finished
surface of the floor next above is:
- More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or
- More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finished ground level at any point.
Nominal strength. Strength
of
a member or cross section calculated in accordance with these
provisions before application of any
strength-reduction factors.
Nominal strength. The
capacity of a structure or member to resist the effects of loads, as
determined by computations
using specified material strengths and dimensions and equations
derived from accepted principles of
structural mechanics or by field tests or laboratory tests of scaled
models, allowing for modeling
effects and differences between laboratory and field conditions.
Required strength. Strength
of a member, cross section or connection required to resist factored
loads or related internal
moments and forces in such combinations as stipulated by these
provisions.
Strength design. A method
of
proportioning structural members such that the computed forces
produced in the members by factored
loads do not exceed the member design strength [also called "load
and resistance factor design"
(LRFD)]. The term "strength design" is used in the design of
concrete and masonry structural
elements.
[BS] STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE LUMBER. Structural member
manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior
adhesives. Examples of structural
composite lumber are:
Laminated strand lumber
(LSL).
A composite of wood strand elements with wood fibers primarily
oriented along the length of the
member, where the least dimension of the wood strand elements is
0.10 inch (2.54 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 150 times the least dimension of
the wood strand elements.
Laminated veneer lumber
(LVL).
A composite of wood veneer sheet elements with wood fibers
primarily oriented along the
length of the member, where the veneer element thicknesses
are 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or
less.
Oriented strand lumber
(OSL).
A composite of wood strand elements with wood fibers primarily
oriented along the length of the
member, where the least dimension of the wood strand elements is
0.10 inches (2.54 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 75 times and less than 150 times
the least dimension of the
strand elements.
Parallel strand lumber
(PSL).
A composite of wood strand elements with wood fibers primarily
oriented along the length of the
member where the least dimension of the wood strand elements is 0.25
inches (6.4 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 300 times the least dimension of
the wood strand elements.
STRUCTURAL FRAME. [DSA-AC]
The columns and the girders, beams and trusses having direct connections to the columns and all other
members that are essential to the stability of the building or facility as a whole.
[BS] STRUCTURAL GLUED-LAMINATED TIMBER. An engineered,
stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies
of specially selected and
prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is
approximately parallel longitudinally
and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.
[BS] STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. The visual observation of the
structural system by a registered design professional for general
conformance to the approved construction
documents.
[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sustained by a
structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged
condition would equal or exceed
50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other improvement of a building
or structure, the cost of which
equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before
the improvement or repair is
started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs
are considered substantial
improvement regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term
does not, however, include either:
- Any project for improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
- Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.
SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. [OSHPD 1 &
4] A
condition where one or both of the following apply:
- The vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lateral load-carrying capacity of any story in any horizontal direction has been reduced by more than 10 percent from its predamage condition.
- The capacity of any vertical component carrying gravity load, or any group of such components has been reduced more than 10 percent from its predamage condition and the remaining capacity of such affected elements, with respect to all dead and live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required by this code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.
SURFACE MOUNTED COMPONENT.
[OSHPD 1, 2 & 4] Means component directly
attached to only one continuous flat surface of wall, floor or roof, without supports. Surface mounted
components are directly attached to a surface by attachments (without any supports) and are not rigidly
connected to anything else (e. g. distribution system, other components, etc.).
[E] SUNROOM. A one-story structure attached to a building
with
a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross area of the structure's
exterior walls and roof.
[F] SUPERVISING STATION. A facility that receives signals
and
at which personnel are in attendance at all times to respond to these
signals.
[F] SUPERVISORY SERVICE. The service required to monitor
performance of guard tours and the operative condition of fixed suppression
systems or other systems for
the protection of life and property.
[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL. A signal indicating the need of
action
in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire suppression
systems or equipment or the
maintenance features of related systems.
[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE. An initiation
device, such as a valve supervisory switch, water-level indicator or low-air
pressure switch on a dry-pipe
sprinkler system, whose change of state signals an off-normal condition and
its restoration to normal of a
fire protection or life safety system, or a need for action in connection
with guard tours, fire
suppression systems or equipment or maintenance features of related systems.
[BS] SUSCEPTIBLE BAY. A roof or portion thereof with:
- A slope less than 1/4-inch per foot (0.0208 rad); or
- On which water is impounded upon it, in whole or in part, and the secondary drainage system is functional but the primary drainage system is blocked.
A roof surface with a slope of 1/4-inch per foot
(0.0208 rad) or greater towards
points of free drainage is not a susceptible bay.
SWIMMING POOL. Any structure intended for swimming,
recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm)
deep. This includes in-ground,
aboveground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading
pools.
T RATING. The time period that the penetration firestop
system, including the penetrating item, limits the maximum temperature rise
to 325°F (163°C) above its
initial temperature through the penetration on the nonfire side when tested
in accordance with ASTM E814 or
UL 1479.
TACTILE. An object that can be
perceived using the sense of touch.
TACTILE SIGN. A sign containing
raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille.
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION AREA. Open elevated areas or spaces
intended for entertainment technicians to walk on and occupy for servicing
and operating entertainment
technology systems and equipment. Galleries, including fly and lighting
galleries, gridirons, catwalks, and
similar areas are designed for these purposes.
TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE.
[DSA-AC] An alteration of a building or a
facility, that has little likelihood of being accomplished because the existing structural conditions
require the removal or alteration of a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural
frame, or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addition of
elements, spaces or features that are in full and strict compliance with the minimum requirements for
new construction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.
TENSILE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. A membrane structure having a
shape that is determined by tension in the membrane and the geometry of the
support structure. Typically,
the structure consists of both flexible elements (e.g., membrane and
cables), nonflexible elements (e.g.,
struts, masts, beams and arches) and the anchorage (e.g., supports and
foundations). This includes
frame-supported tensile membrane structures.
TEEING GROUND. [DSA-AC]
In golf, the starting place for the hole to be played.
TEMPORARY [DSA-AC]
Buildings and facilities intended for use at one location for not more than one year and seats intended
for use at one location for not more than 90 days.
TEMPORARY HOLDING CELL, ROOM or AREA. [BSCC and SFM] Temporary Holding
cell, room or
area shall mean a room for temporary holding of inmates,
detainees or in-custody individuals
for less than 24 hours.
TEMPORARY HOLDING FACILITY [SFM]
A building or portion of a building, operated by law enforcement personnel, with one or more temporary
holding cells or rooms.
TENABLE ENVIRONMENT [SFM]
Tenable environment shall mean an environment in which the products of combustion, toxic gases, smoke
and heat are limited or otherwise restricted to maintain the impact on occupants to a level that is not
life threatening.
TENT. A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without
sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in
any manner except by air or the
contents it protects.
TERMINALLY ILL. As termed for an
individual, means the individual has a life expectancy of six months or less as stated in writing by
his or her attending physician and surgeon.
TESTING AGENCY. (HCD 1 & HCD 2)
An agency approved by the department as qualified and equipped for testing of products, materials,
equipment and installations in accordance with nationally recognized standards. For additional
information, see Health and Safety Code Section 17920(m).
TEXT TELEPHONE. Machinery or
equipment that employs interactive text-based communications through the transmission of coded signals
across the standard telephone network. Text telephones can include, for example, devices known as TTYs
(teletypewriters) or computers.
[E] THERMAL ISOLATION. A separation of conditioned spaces,
between a sunroom and a dwelling unit, consisting of existing or new walls,
doors or windows.
THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL. A plastic material that is capable
of
being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by
decrease of temperature.
THERMOSETTING MATERIAL. A plastic material that is capable
of
being changed into a substantially nonreformable product when cured.
THROUGH PENETRATION. A breach in both sides of a floor,
floor-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodate an item passing through the
breaches.
THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. An assemblage
consisting
of a fire-resistance-rated floor, floor-ceiling, or wall assembly, one or
more penetrating items passing
through the breaches in both sides of the assembly and the materials or
devices, or both, installed to
resist the spread of fire through the assembly for a prescribed period of
time.
[BS] TIE-DOWN (HOLD-DOWN). A device used to resist uplift of
the chords of shear walls.
[BS] TILE, STRUCTURAL CLAY. A hollow masonry unit composed
of
burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof, and having parallel cells.
[F] TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires where the area
available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3).
TORQUE-CONTROLLED
POST-INSTALLED ANCHOR. [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC & OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]
A post-installed anchor that is set by the expansion of one or more sleeves or other elements against
the sides of the drilled hole through the application of torque, which pulls the cone(s) into the
expansion sleeve(s); after setting, tensile loading can cause additional expansion (follow-up
expansion).
[A] TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in
a
group of three or more attached units in which each unit extends from the
foundation to roof and with open
space on at least two sides.
[F] TOXIC. A chemical falling within any of the
following
categories:
- A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
- A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
- A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million, but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
TRANSFER DEVICE. [DSA-AC]
Equipment designed to facilitate the transfer of a person from a wheelchair or other mobility aid to
and from an amusement ride seat.
TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT. Aircraft based at another location and
that is at the transient location for not more than 90 days.
TRANSIENT LODGING. A building or
facility containing one or more guest room(s) for sleeping that provides accommodations that are
primarily short-term in nature (generally 30 days or less). Transient lodging does not include
residential dwelling units intended to be used as a residence, inpatient medical care facilities,
licensed long-term care facilities, detention or correctional facilities, or private buildings or
facilities that contain no more than five rooms for rent or hire and that are actually occupied by the
proprietor as the residence of such proprietor.
[DSA-AC] See also the definition of Place of Public
Accommodation.
TRANSIT BOARDING PLATFORM. [DSA-AC]
A horizontal, generally level surface, whether raised above, recessed below or level with a transit
rail, from which persons embark/disembark a fixed rail vehicle.
TRANSITION PLATE. [DSA-AC]
A sloping pedestrian walking surface located at the end(s) of a gangway.
[BS] TREATED WOOD. Wood products that are conditioned to
enhance fire-retardant or preservative properties.
Fire-retardant-treated
wood.
Wood products that, when impregnated with chemicals by a pressure
process or other means during
manufacture, exhibit reduced surface-burning characteristics and
resist propagation of fire.
Preservative-treated wood.
Wood products that, conditioned with chemicals by a pressure process
or other means, exhibit
reduced susceptibility to damage by fungi, insects or marine borers.
TREATMENT OF WATER. The process of
conditioning and disinfection of pool water by means of a combination of filtration and the addition of
chemicals to the water.
TRIM. Picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails,
door
and window frames and similar decorative or protective materials used in
fixed applications.
[F] TROUBLE SIGNAL. A signal initiated by the fire alarm
system or device indicative of a fault in a monitored circuit or component.
TTY. An abbreviation for
teletypewriter.
Machinery that employs interactive text-based communication through the
transmission of coded signals
across the telephone network. TTYs may include, for example, devices known
as TDDs (telecommunication
display devices or telecommunication devices for deaf persons) or computers
with special modems. TTYs are
also called text telephones.
[BS] TUBULAR DAYLIGHTING DEVICE (TDD). A non-operable
fenestration unit primarily designed to transmit daylight from a roof
surface to an interior ceiling via a
tubular conduit. The basic unit consists of an exterior glazed weathering
surface, a light-transmitting
tube with a reflective interior surface, and an interior-sealing device such
as a translucent ceiling
panel. The unit can be factory assembled, or field-assembled from a
manufactured kit.
TURNOVER TIME. The period of time, in
hours, required to circulate a volume of water equal to the pool capacity.
[BS] UNDERLAYMENT. One or more layers of felt, sheathing
paper, nonbituminous saturated felt or other approved material over which a
steep-slope roof covering is
applied.
UNIFORMITY COEFFICIENT. The ratio of
theoretical size of a sieve that will pass 60 percent of the sand to the
theoretical size of sieve that
will pass 10 percent.
UNIT SKYLIGHT. See "Skylight, unit."
UNREASONABLE HARDSHIP. When the enforcing agency finds
that compliance with the building standard would make the specific work
of the project affected by the
building standard infeasible, based on an overall evaluation of the
following factors:
- The cost of providing access.
- The cost of all construction contemplated.
- The impact of proposed improvements on financial feasibility of the project.
- The nature of the accessibility which would be gained or lost.
- The nature of the use of the facility under construction and its availability to persons with disabilities.
The details of any finding of unreasonable hardship shall be recorded and
entered in the files of the
enforcing agency.
[F] UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL. A material, other than
an
explosive, which in the pure state or as commercially produced, will
vigorously polymerize, decompose,
condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violent chemical
changes, including explosion, when
exposed to heat, friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor,
or in the presence of contaminants,
or in contact with incompatible materials. Unstable (reactive) materials
are subdivided as follows:
- Class 4. Materials that in themselves are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This class includes materials that are sensitive to mechanical or localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures.
- Class 3. Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but which require a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation. This class includes materials that are sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures.
- Class 2. Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not detonate. This class includes materials that can undergo chemical change with rapid release of energy at normal temperatures and pressures, and that can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures.
- Class 1. Materials that in themselves are normally stable but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressure.
USE ZONE. [DSA-AC]
The ground level area beneath and immediately adjacent to a play structure
or play equipment that is designated
by ASTM F1487 for unrestricted circulation around the play equipment and
where it is predicted that a user
would land when falling from or exiting the play equipment.
VALUATION THRESHOLD. [DSA-AC]
An annually adjusted, dollar-amount figure used in part to determine the
extent of required path of travel
upgrades. The baseline valuation threshold of $50,000 is based on the
January 1981, "ENR US20 Cities" Average
Construction Cost Index (CCI) of 3372.02 as published in Engineering News
Record, McGraw Hill Publishing
Company. The current valuation threshold is determined by multiplying the
baseline valuation threshold by a
ratio of the current year's January CCI to the baseline January 1981 CCI.
VAPOR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE. The property of having a moisture
vapor
permeance rating of 5 perms (2.9 × 10-10 kg/Pa × s × m2) or
greater, when tested in accordance with
the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96. A vapor permeable
material permits the passage of moisture
vapor.
VAPOR RETARDER CLASS. A measure of a material or
assembly's
ability to limit the amount of moisture that passes through that
material or assembly. Vapor retarder class
shall be defined using the desiccant method of ASTM E96 as follows:
- Class I: 0.1 perm or less.
- Class II: 0.1 < perm ≤ 1.0 perm.
- Class III: 1.0 < perm ≤ 10 perm.
VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS (VMS). [DSA-AC]
Electronic signs that have a message with the capacity to change by means of
scrolling, streaming, or paging
across a background.
VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) CHARACTERS.
[DSA-AC]
Characters of an electronic sign are composed of pixels in an array. High
resolution VMS characters have
vertical pixel counts of 16 rows or greater. Low resolution VMS characters
have vertical pixel counts of 7 to
15 rows.
VEGETATIVE ROOF. An assembly of interacting components
designed to
waterproof and normally insulate a building's top surface that includes, by
design, vegetation and related
landscape elements.
VEHICLE BARRIER. A component,
or a system of components, near open sides or walls
of garage floors
or ramps, that act as a
restraint for vehicles.
VEHICULAR GATE. A gate that is intended for use at a
vehicular
entrance or exit to a facility, building or portion thereof, and that is not
intended for use by pedestrian
traffic.
VEHICULAR OR PEDESTRIAN ARRIVAL POINTS. [HCD
1-AC] Public or resident parking areas, public transportation
stops,
passenger loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks.
VEHICULAR WAY. A route provided for
vehicular traffic, such as in a street, driveway, or parking facility.
VENEER. A facing attached to a wall for the purpose of
providing
ornamentation, protection or insulation, but not counted as adding strength
to the wall.
[M] VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of
supplying
conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.
VINYL SIDING. A shaped material, made principally from rigid
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.
[F] VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A notification
appliance
that alerts by the sense of sight.
WAITING ROOM. [SFM]
Waiting room is a room or area normally provided with seating and used for
persons waiting.
WALK. [DSA-AC]
An exterior prepared surface for pedestrian use, including pedestrian areas
such as plazas and courts. (As
differentiated from the definition of "Sidewalk".) [HCD 1-AC]
A surfaced
pedestrian way not located contiguous to a street used by the public. (See
also "Sidewallk".)
WALKWAY, PEDESTRIAN. A walkway used exclusively as a
pedestrian
trafficway.
[BS] WALL (for Chapter 21). A vertical element with a
horizontal length-to-thickness ratio greater than three, used to enclose
space.
Cavity wall. A wall built
of
masonry units or of concrete, or a combination of these materials,
arranged to provide an airspace
within the wall, and in which the inner and outer parts of the wall
are tied together with metal ties.
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded
wall.
A wall built of concrete masonry units where the units are stacked
dry, without mortar on the bed or
head joints, and where both sides of the wall are coated with a
surface-bonding mortar.
Parapet wall. The part of
any
wall entirely above the roof line.
[BS] WALL, LOAD-BEARING. Any wall meeting either of the
following classifications:
WATERLINE. Shall be defined as one of the following:
- Skimmer systems. The waterline shall be the midpoint of the operating range of the skimmers.
- Overflow system. The waterline shall be the top edge of the overflow rim.
[F] WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL. A material that explodes;
violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or other hazardous gases; or
evolves enough heat to cause
autoignition or ignition of combustibles upon exposure to water or
moisture. Water-reactive materials are
subdivided as follows:
- Class 3. Materials that react explosively with water without requiring heat or confinement.
- Class 2. Materials that react violently with water or have the ability to boil water. Materials that produce flammable, toxic or other hazardous gases or evolve enough heat to cause autoignition or ignition of combustibles upon exposure to water or moisture.
- Class 1. Materials that react with water with some release of energy, but not violently.
WATER-RESISTIVE BARRIER. A material behind an exterior wall
covering that is intended to resist liquid water that has penetrated behind
the exterior covering from further
intruding into the exterior wall assembly.
WEATHER-EXPOSED SURFACES. Surfaces of walls, ceilings,
floors,
roofs, soffits and similar surfaces exposed to the weather except the
following:
- Ceilings and roof soffits enclosed by walls, fascia, bulkheads or beams that extend not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below such ceiling or roof soffits.
- Walls or portions of walls beneath an unenclosed roof area, where located a horizontal distance from an open exterior opening equal to not less than twice the height of the opening.
- Ceiling and roof soffits located a minimum horizontal distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the outer edges of the ceiling or roof soffits.
WET BAR. [DSA-AC]
An area or space with a counter equipped with a sink and running water but
without cooking facilities.
[F] WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A solution of water
and
potassium-carbonate-based chemical, potassium-acetate-based chemical or a
combination thereof, forming an
extinguishing agent.
WHEELCHAIR. A chair mounted on wheels
to be
propelled by its occupant manually or with the aid of electric power, of a
size and configuration conforming to
the recognized standard models of the trade.
WINERY CAVES. See Section 46.
[BS] WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within
hurricane-prone
regions located:
- Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high water line where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is 130 mph (58 m/s) or greater; or
- In areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140 mph (63.6 m/s) or greater.
For Risk Category II buildings and structures and Risk Category III buildings
and structures, except health care
facilities, the wind-borne debris region shall be based on Figure
1609.3.(1). For Risk Category IV buildings
and structures and Risk Category III health care facilities, the wind-borne
debris region shall be based on
Figure 1609.3(2).
WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM, MAIN. See "Main
Windforce-Resisting
System."
[BS] WIND SPEED, Vult. Ultimate design
wind
speeds.
[BS] WIRE BACKING. Horizontal strands of tautened wire
attached to
surfaces of vertical supports which, when covered with the building paper,
provide a backing for cement plaster
[F] WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or a part of a
system that
can transmit and receive signals without the aid of wire.
[BS] WOOD/PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A composite material made
primarily from
wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.
[BS] WOOD SHEAR PANEL. A wood floor, roof or wall component
sheathed
to act as a shear wall or diaphragm.
[BS] WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL. A panel manufactured from
veneers,
wood strands or wafers or a combination of veneer and wood strands or
wafers bonded together with waterproof
synthetic resins or other suitable bonding systems. Examples of wood
structural panels are:
Composite panels. A wood
structural
panel that is comprised of wood veneer and reconstituted wood-based
material and bonded together with
waterproof adhesive;
Oriented strand board
(OSB). A
mat-formed wood structural panel comprised of thin rectangular wood
strands arranged in cross-aligned
layers with surface layers normally arranged in the long panel
direction and bonded with waterproof
adhesive; or
WORK AREA EQUIPMENT. [DSA-AC]
Any machine, instrument, engine, motor, pump, conveyor, or other apparatus
used to perform work. As used in this
document, this term shall apply only to equipment that is permanently
installed or built-in in employee work areas.
Work area equipment does not include passenger elevators and other
accessible means of vertical transportation.
[F] WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent
principal piece
of equipment using HPM within a fabrication area where a specific
function, laboratory procedure or research
activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage
cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets or
gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of the
workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain
ventilation equipment, fire protection devices, detection devices,
electrical devices and other processing and
scientific equipment.
[DSA-AC]
An area defined by equipment and/or
work surfaces intended for use by employees only, and generally for one
or a small number of employees at a
time. Examples include ticket booths; the employee side of grocery store
check stands; the bartender area
behind a bar; the employee side of snack bars, sales counters and public
counters; guardhouses; toll booths;
kiosk vending stands; lifeguard stations; maintenance equipment closets;
counter and equipment areas in
restaurant kitchens; file rooms; storage areas; etc.
YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from
the ground
to the sky, except where specifically provided by this code, on the lot on
which a building is situated.
[F] ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A
zone can
define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a
signal can be sent or an area in which a
form of control can be executed.
[F] ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or
facility covered
by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.
Upcodes Diagrams