17.34.060 General requirements.
A. General. Unreinforced masonry wall buildings subject to this chapter shall undergo structural alterations necessary to comply with the minimum requirements set forth in this chapter.
As an alternate; said buildings may be demolished subject to the restrictions set forth in the policies and ordinances of Petaluma.
Buildings which have undergone earthquake hazard reduction work which is deemed by the building official to be equivalent to the requirements set forth in this chapter need have no additional work performed.
B. Mandatory Requirements.
1. Compliance with standards. Unreinforced masonry buildings shall comply with provisions of this chapter. Should an owner elect to strengthen a building beyond the mandatory requirements set forth herein; such additional strengthening work shall comply with other recognized standards (Appendix Chapter 1 of the 1991 UCBC) as approved by the building official.
2. Change in Use. After the effective date of this chapter the time limits set forth in Table No. 17.34.110 shall not apply to any building which will undergo a change of use or occupancy which will result in the building being classified as a Group A Occupancy having an occupant load of one hundred or more. Before such building may be used or occupied as a Group A Occupancy it shall be made to comply with provisions of this chapter.
C. Responsibility of Owner. As specified in Section 17.34.050; the owner shall comply with the requirements set forth in this subsection by submitting to the building official one of the following:
1. A structural analysis by a civil or structural engineer or architect licensed by the state of California which shall demonstrate that the building meets the minimum requirements of this chapter, or
2. A structural analysis and plans by a civil or structural engineer or architect licensed by the state of California for proposed structural alterations necessary to make the building comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter; or
3. Plans for the demolition of the building.
After plans are submitted and approved by the building official; the owner shall obtain a building permit; commence and complete the required construction or demolition within the time limits set forth in Table No. 17.34.110.
(Ord. 1882 NCS §1 (part), 1992.)