17.04.080 Amendments to Chapters 94, 95 and 96-Special seismic requirements.
    (1)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17.04.010 of this Chapter, Section 9404 of Chapter 94 of the Los Angeles County Building Code is hereby deleted, and Section 9401 thereof is hereby amended to read as follows:
   SECTION 9401-PURPOSE. This chapter provides systematic procedures and standards for the voluntary identification and possible retrofitting of welded steel moment frame buildings. This chapter sets forth minimum standards for structural seismic resistance to reduce risk of loss of life and injury by the inspection and repair of lateral load resisting welded steel moment frame connections. Compliance with these standards will not necessarily prevent loss of life, or injury, or prevent earthquake damage to repaired buildings.
   Notwithstanding any other provision herein, compliance with this chapter is voluntary. However, owners and occupiers of buildings or structures that otherwise fall within the scope of this chapter are encouraged to upgrade and retrofit such buildings and structures to the standards set forth in this chapter and Chapters 95 and 96 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, as in effect on January 1, 2023.
   (2)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17.04.010 of this Chapter, Section 9502 of Chapter 95 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, as in effect on January 1, 2023, is hereby amended to read as follows:
   SECTION 9502-SCOPE. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to buildings and structures existing, or for which building plans have been approved by the City of La Mirada, as of the effective date of the City of La Mirada ordinance adopting this chapter by reference. This exception shall apply unless and until:
      (a)   Any application for a conditional use permit, site plan review, variance, building permit or other approval that would have the effect of enlarging the floor area or increasing the height of such building or structure, is received by the City or on the City's behalf; or
      (b)   The occurrence of any event that would trigger or be grounds for the loss of legal, non-conforming status of such building or structure.
   (3)   Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 17.04.010 of this Chapter, Section 9602 of Chapter 96 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, as in effect on January 1, 2023, is hereby amended to read as follows:
   SECTION 9602-SCOPE. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to (i) dwellings and lodging houses defined as Group R, Division 3 Occupancies or accessory buildings defined as Group U, Division 1 Occupancies; or to (ii) buildings and structures existing, or for which building plans have been approved by the City of La Mirada, as of the effective date of the City of La Mirada ordinance adopting this chapter by reference. This exception set forth in subsection (ii) above shall apply unless and until:
      (a)   Any application for a conditional use permit, certificate of compatibility, site plan review, variance, building permit or other approval that would have the effect of enlarging the floor area or increasing the height of such building or structure, is received by the City or on the City's behalf; or
      (b)   The occurrence of any event that would trigger or be grounds for the loss of legal, non-conforming status of such building or structure.
   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this chapter shall apply to buildings which, prior to March 20, 1933, had been issued a building permit, or were constructed or were under construction, and which have un-reinforced masonry bearing walls as defined herein.
   (4)   Owners and occupiers of un-reinforced buildings or structures exempt from this Chapter 17.04 are highly encouraged to upgrade and retrofit such buildings and structures to the standards set forth in Chapters 95 and 96 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, as in effect on January 1, 2023.
(Ord. 727-U, § 3 (part), 2022; Ord. 713-U, § 3 (part), 2020)