The purpose of this chapter is:
A. To
establish criteria for the conversion of existing housing to condominiums
or stock cooperative.
B. To
reduce the impact of such conversions on residents in rental housing
who may be required to relocate due to the conversion of apartments
to condominiums by providing for procedures for notification and adequate
time and assistance for such relocation.
C. To
assure that purchasers of converted housing have been properly informed
as to the physical conditions of the structure which is offered for
purchase.
D. To
insure that converted housing achieves a high degree of appearance,
quality, and safety and is consistent with the goals of the City.
(Ord. 87-10)
A report on the physical elements of all structures and facilities
shall be submitted with the tentative subdivision or parcel map. The
report shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. A report
by a licensed engineer detailing the structural condition of all elements
of the property including foundations, electrical, plumbing, utilities,
walls, ceiling, windows, recreational equipment, parking facilities
and appliances. Regarding each such element, the report shall state,
to the best knowledge or estimate of the applicant, when such element
was built; the condition of each element; when said element was replaced;
the approximate condition of each element; the approximate date upon
which said application for conversion was filed and accepted by the
City. The report shall identify any defective or unsafe elements and
set forth the proposed corrective measures to be employed.
B. A report
from a licensed structural pest control operator, approved by the
City, on each structure and each unit within the structure.
C. A report
by a licensed geotechnical engineer on any known soil and geological
conditions regarding soil deposits, rock formations, faults, groundwater,
and landslides or other geological hazards in the vicinity of the
project and a statement regarding any known evidence of soils problems
relating to the structures. Reference shall be made to any previous
soils reports for the site and a copy submitted with said report.
D. A statement
of repairs and improvements to be made by the subdivider necessary
to refurbish and restore the project to achieve a high degree of appearance
and safety.
(Ord. 87-10)
The final form of the physical elements report and other documents
shall be subject to approval by the City. The reports in their accepted
form shall remain on file with the community development department
for review by any interested persons. The report shall be referenced
in the subdivision report to the authorized agency.
(Ord. 87-10)
The subdivider shall provide each purchaser with a copy of all
reports (in their final, accepted form), prior to said purchaser executing
any purchase agreement or other contract to purchase a unit in the
project and said developer shall give the purchaser sufficient time
to review said reports. Copies of the reports shall be made available
at all times at the sales office and shall be posted at various locations,
as approved by the City, at the project site.
(Ord. 87-10)
The City shall require conformance with the standards of this
section in approving the map.
A. Building
Regulations. The project shall conform to the applicable standards
of the City building code in effect at the time the application for
conversion was accepted by the City except as herein provided.
B. Zoning
Regulations. The project shall conform to all applicable standards
of the Zoning Ordinance, in effect at the time the application for
conversion was accepted by the City except as herein provided. Except,
if the applicant demonstrates that some aspect of the property or
improvements is legally nonconforming, the structure may be converted
so long as the nonconforming aspect is not expanded. In cases where
modification of the nonconformity can be reasonably achieved in terms
of financial or structural feasibility, the City shall require such
modification as a condition of approval for conversion.
C. Fire
Prevention.
1. Smoke
Detectors. Each living unit shall be provided with approved detectors
of products of combustion other than heat conforming to the latest
Uniform Building Code standards, mounted on the ceiling or wall at
a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to
rooms used for sleeping purposes.
2. Maintenance
of Fire Protection Systems. All fire hydrants, fire alarm systems,
portable fire extinguishers and other fire protective appliances shall
be retained in an operable condition at all times.
D. Sound
Transmission.
1. Shock
Mounting of Mechanical Equipment. All permanent mechanical equipment
such as motors, compressors, pumps, and compactors which is determined
by the Planning and Building Department to be a source of structural
vibration or structure borne noise shall be shock mounted with inertia
blocks or bases and/or vibration isolators in a manner approved by
the Planning and Building Department.
2. Noise
Standards. The structure shall conform to all interior and exterior
sound transmission standards of the Uniform Building Code. In such
cases where present standards cannot reasonably be met, the authorized
agency may require the applicant to notify potential buyers of the
noise deficiency currently existing within these units.
E. Utility
Metering. Each dwelling unit shall be separately metered for gas and
electricity. A plan for equitable sharing of communal water metering
shall be developed prior to final map approval and included in the
covenants, conditions and restrictions. In such cases where the subdivider
can demonstrate that this standard cannot or should not reasonably
be met, this standard may be modified by the authorized agency.
F. Private
Storage Space. Each unit shall have at least 200 cubic feet of enclosed
weather proofed and lockable private storage space in addition to
closets customarily provided. Such space may be provided in any location
approved by the Planning and Building Department, but shall not be
divided into two or more locations. In such cases where the subdivider
can demonstrate that this standard cannot or should not reasonably
be met, this standard may be modified by the authorized agency.
G. Laundry
Facilities. A laundry area shall be provided in each unit; or if common
laundry areas are provided, such facilities shall consist of not less
than one automatic washer and dryer for each five units or fraction
thereof. In such cases where the subdivider can demonstrate that this
standard cannot or should not reasonably be met, this standard may
be modified by the authorized agency.
H. Landscape
Maintenance. All landscaping shall be restored as necessary and maintained
to achieve a high degree of appearance and quality.
I. Condition
of Equipment and Appliances. The developer shall provide written certification
to the buyer of each unit at the close of escrow that any dishwashers,
garbage disposals, stoves, refrigerators, hot water tanks, and air
conditioners that are provided are in operable working condition as
of the close of escrow. At such time as the homeowners' association
takes over management of the development, the developer shall provide
written certification to the association that any pool and pool equipment
(filter, pumps, chlorinator) and any appliances and mechanical equipment
to be owned in common by the association is in operable working condition.
(Ord. 87-10)
In accordance with Section 66452.10 of the Act, a stock cooperative
will not be converted to a condominium unless a majority of the owners
have voted in favor of the conversion.
(Ord. 87-10)
The City shall approve or disapprove the conversion of an existing
building to a stock cooperative within 120 days following receipt
of a completed application for approval of such conversion.
(Ord. 87-10)
The authorized agency shall not approve an application for conversion
unless the authorized agency finds that:
A. All
provisions of this chapter are met;
B. The
proposed conversion is not inconsistent with any objectives or policies
in the City General Plan specifically directed to the conversion;
C. The
proposed conversion will conform to the Municipal Code in effect at
the time of tentative map approval except as otherwise provided in
this chapter;
D. The
overall design and physical condition of the conversion achieves a
high degree of appearance, quality and safety; and
E. The
conversion would not displace predominantly low and moderate income
families or tenants without adequate provision for suitable relocation
of such families or tenants.
(Ord. 87-10)