[7-20-2020 by Ord. No.
2019-11; 3-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated;
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering
any use or occupancy. "Building" is also any structure as to which
state agencies have regulatory power, and housing or enclosure of
persons, animals, chattels, equipment or property of any kind.
BUILDING, EXISTING
A building legally erected prior to the adoption of this
code, or one for which a legal building permit was issued for the
construction or legalization thereof prior to the adoption of this
code.
BUILDING, NEW
A building for which a legal building permit is issued for
the construction or legalization thereof after the adoption of this
code.
CENTRAL ALARM STATION
A publicly or privately operated alarm receiving center that
is constantly attended by appropriately trained staff.
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
Either of the following shall be considered as a change of
occupancy where this code requires a greater degree of safety, accessibility,
structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation
or sanitation than is existing in the current building or structure:
a.
Any change in the occupancy classification of a building or
structure.
b.
Any change in the purpose of, or a change in the level of activity
within, a building or structure.
[Added 3-20-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-01]
DWELLING UNIT
Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities,
including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation,
as required by the California Residential Code, for not more than
one family.
EXTERIOR WALL
Any wall or element of a wall, or any member or group of
members, which defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building
and which has a slope of 60° or greater from the horizontal plane.
FIRE ALARM
Any device, control or circuit designed to produce an alarm
signal in the event of fire or system activation, together with the
energy necessary to sound an alarm, electrically supervise the system
where required, and activate the alarm bells, trouble bells or trouble
signals.
FLOOR AREA
The total horizontal area in square feet on each floor within
and including the exterior walls of a structure. Attached garages
are included as part of the existing floor area.
HYDRANT
A valve connection on a water supply/storage system to supply
fire apparatus and hoses with water.
NATIONAL FIRE CODES
The most current edition of the National Fire Codes published
by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
OCCUPANT
An individual or entity that holds leasing, tenancy, or contractual
rights to lawfully occupy space in a building.
OCCUPANT LOAD
The number of persons for the means of egress of a building
or portion thereof is designed.
[Amended 3-20-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT
An improvement to property that will remain indefinitely
and is now an integral and fixed part of the building or structure.
Permanent improvements shall be the responsibility of the property
owner.
PROPERTY OWNER
The owner of record as shown on the last equalized assessment
roll of the county. For purposes of providing notice to an owner of
any action or proceeding under this chapter, "owner" includes the
actual owner of record, or part owner, or such owner's agent, employee
or other legal representative.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
An activity or condition which, in the opinion of the City, violates a provision of a City Code, or anything which is injurious to health, or safety, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to unreasonably interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property by the occupant(s) of adjacent or neighboring property or by any number of persons in the City, irrespective of whether the annoyance or damage inflicted upon individuals is unequal. See definition in Albany Municipal Code §
18-1.3 (public nuisance).
REMODEL, MINOR
Nonstructural repairs or modifications to existing building
area that do not extend the usable life of a building.
REMODEL, SUBSTANTIAL
Construction activity in an existing building that results
in building area that is substantially equivalent to new. Determination
of area of a substantial remodel will be based on modifications to
structural components and modifications to plumbing, electrical and
mechanical systems that extend the usable life of a building.
REPAIR
Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building
for the purposes of maintenance or damage correction.