(Amended by Ord. No. 185,490, Eff. 4/20/18.)
91.8605.2. General. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Code to the contrary, the following requirements shall apply to emergency homeless shelters operated during a shelter crisis, as provided for in Government Code Section 8698, et seq. Other than the requirements set forth below, the facilities need not comply with the requirements of this Code for Group R occupancies unless otherwise specified in this Code:
1. The maximum occupant load allowed in these facilities shall be the number determined appropriate by the professional service provider operating the facility and be computed at a rate of 70 square feet for the first occupant and 50 square feet for each occupant thereafter. The Superintendent of Building, with concurrence with the Fire Department, may grant an increase of occupant load provided that an aisle, seating, furniture, and fixed equipment diagram, substantiating the increase in occupant load, be submitted and approved pursuant to Section 91.8605.3 of this Code. Such diagram shall be posted on site for each level where occupant load increase is granted.
2. Fire Safety Requirements.
A. All exits shall comply with Article 7, Chapter V of the LAMC.
B. Smoke detection devices shall be provided in all sleeping areas and shall be installed in accordance with Article 7, Chapter V of the LAMC and CBC Section 907.2.10.
C. A fire alarm system capable of arousing occupants shall be installed in accordance with Article 7, Chapter V of the LAMC and CBC Section 907.2.8.
D. The use of any open flames and the possession or storage of any combustibles shall not be permitted.
EXCEPTION: The Superintendent of Building may approve the use of open flames and storage of combustibles in these buildings with concurrence of the Fire Department.
E. Sleeping quarters shall be limited to the ground floor only.
F. Automatic fire sprinklers shall be provided for new and existing buildings or structures as required per Article 7 of Chapter V of the LAMC and CBC Section 903.
G. New shelter buildings or structures shall be located in accordance with the requirements of Table 602 of the CBC, based on the fire-resistance rating of the exterior walls for the proposed type of construction.
H. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided per Article 7, Chapter V of the LAMC and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.
I. Tents and membrane structures shall comply with LAMC Sections 57.3101 through 57.3104, and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 2, Sections 303, 310, 312, 315, 316, 317, 319, 320, 321, 324, 325, 326, 332, 334, 335, 340, and 341. Tents and membrane structures shall be limited to one level located at the level of Fire Department vehicle access road or lane.
3. Light, Heating, Ventilation and Sanitation.
A. Exterior openings for natural light and ventilation shall be provided as required for Group R occupancy, CBC Sections 1203 and 1205; exterior openings or artificial lighting shall be provided per CBC section 1205.3; and exterior openings or mechanical ventilation shall be provided per the California Mechanical Code.
B. All sleeping areas shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 70°F at a point 8 feet above the floor.
C. Every building shall be provided with at least one water closet and one bathing facility for every 15 occupants of each sex. Bathing facilities shall be provided with heating equipment that shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 70°F within such facilities. Lavatories shall be provided and maintained in or adjacent to the toilet facilities.
D. Kitchen facilities, where provided, shall comply with applicable sections of Chapter IX of the LAMC and CBC Section 1208. Where kitchen or cooking facilities are not provided, all food shall be catered or delivered on site.
E. All garbage, kitchen waste and rubbish shall be deposited in approved covered receptacles, which shall be emptied when filled and the contents shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner.
91.8605.3. Alternative compliance and/or slight modifications in individual cases, that are reasonably equivalent to the building ordinances of the city and regulations under Articles 1 through 8 of Chapter IX of the LAMC may be granted by the Department pursuant to Section 98.0403.1(a)10. of the LAMC.