Code Compliance
Because Code Compliance is serious business, we help you.
Code compliance is a regional thing!
Read most important regional codes at the bottom of this page– separated by district.
More on this regionality later, especially because the regional aspects of code compliance wont really help you if you don’t learn how to research it.
That being said, this page tries to do most of the research for you, and we only post it here for you to learn…
If you are just trying to wing it yourself, just scroll down to the end of this page to find some common compliance issues and what to do to correct them.
So you are welcome…
For the most common code compliances keep reading.
Related links for code compliance:
Code compliance doesn't have to be a complex issue!
Understandably, code compliance seems to be a very complex issue.
In our experience, besides completing the work requested, the most critical part of compliance is having to communicate with inspectors, tradesmen, property owners and other Regulatory Agencies in order to properly comply to building codes, city ordinances or overlapping code-issues.
First, Compliance is not only about following written rules. You have to know present and prior regulations, including what is grandfathered and what is not.
When compliance falls in between various fields of expertise, the communication in between these trades are paramount to code compliance.
Lets point out that each case is different, and compliance is also a moving target, because the rules keep changing.
To validate our point that compliance doesn’t have to de difficult, we have worked with Department of Building and Safety, Housing Authority, Fire Departments, Health Department among other government agencies that are in charge of compliance on their respective fields.
Usually we were in charge of addressing and correcting compliance related issues from small safety issues, accessibility and ADA compliance, smoke detectors wiring, to planning multi-story buildings retrofits for certificate of occupancy and anything in between.
The Ultimate Handyman, as a company, has helped customers navigate through the maze of rules including ADA compliance, earthquake reinforcements by code, condominium conversion compliance, specific trade codes and anything that has ever been written in a construction code book or city ordinances.
For instance, In one case, our research staff has found rules that overruled rules, and not even the inspectors knew about it. In this specific case, we saved money to our clients and still complied by current codes and received the proper clearances to resume construction.
It’s all about finding the right solution within existing code, allowances and what it is in the books.
Obviously you may have ran into that asshole inspector that is making your life hell, that is why you are on this page,
But fear no more! We can help.
Keep reading to find your solutions!
The Ultimate Handyman also provides building, repair and maintenance services with special attention to code compliance. Besides working for property owners that got caught by inspectors, we work for Architects, Designers, Management Companies and Facility Maintenance Professionals throughout the greater Los Angeles.
We provide Assistance to companies:
Who We Help
Realize, we help the best Nation-wide Companies become the best and maintain their good name on a local level.
Its important to mention, that we also partner with National Maintenance and Construction Companies in order to help them to comply to local codes and ordinances for their local properties.
Even local Builders and Maintenance Companies consult us and hire our services to assure that their staff comply with building codes, building regulations and building ordinances. That fact alone proves that we are good and affordable.
The Ultimate Handyman also considers State and Nation-Wide Construction, Maintenance and Management Companies our best partners. That is why we are here to help. Just send your work order or copy of the violation notice and we will devise a plan to make the problem go away.
It is that easy!
Small compliances issues are a breeze:
Because we are a Construction Company that also provides simpler Handyman services by professional specialized tradesmen on their own trades, we can handle the small but in a specialized way.
In addition, we have professionals of every construction trade to assist you in the completion of any construction, repair, remodel, installations, and maintenance projects.
Also, we would like to emphasize that if you are looking for something slapped together, we are not it. We do it right and up-to-code.
Our craftsmen will perform an amazing job, you and the regulatory authorities will be 100% satisfied.
About doing it right:
Doing things the right way
Building and housing codes are designed for your own safety, to protect your health and anyone else using a dwelling or business.
Housing codes can be simple and intuitive, but sometimes code compliance can get really confusing and finding the rules can get complicated.
On the other hand, sometimes building codes are more specific and knowledge in construction is paramount in order to properly comply.
Housing violations can get especially difficult when compliance requires the involvement of other government agencies, like the Department of Building and safety or Housing Authority. In those cases, we have to deal with interdepartmental violation and separate inspectors for compliance and to obtain the proper releases.
Many times one simple violation triggers a series of governmental agencies that can be a nightmare to deal with…
Remember, for Los Angeles residents, code compliance doesn’t need to be feared. The Ultimate Handyman can help you with specific building code violations, housing code violations, health code violations and any other governmental agencies that regulate, building, structures, habitability and safety.
Knowing where to go and who to talk:
Make Sure You Follow proper code compliance etiquette – ask the right guy.
Since we have contacts in the most important building departments in Los Angeles to help us and guide us when it comes to code enforcement, code compliance and code violations become less of a threat.
Granted that Los Angeles Code Enforcement officials are not out to get you, they are only making sure that everyone complies equally to the rules.
Therefore, The Ultimate Handyman acts as a bridge to help property owners to find out about code compliance, before code enforcement shows up and hands you a code violation. Suggesting a pre-emptive attack on building and safety violations.
Make Sure You Follow proper code compliance etiquette – ask the right guy.
Since we have contacts in the most important building departments in Los Angeles to help us and guide us when it comes to code enforcement, code compliance and code violations become less of a threat.
Granted that Los Angeles Code Enforcement officials are not out to get you, they are only making sure that everyone complies equally to the rules.
Therefore, The Ultimate Handyman acts as a bridge to help property owners to find out about code compliance, before code enforcement shows up and hands you a code violation. Suggesting a pre-emptive attack on building and safety violations.
Thus, when preemptively hiring The Ultimate Handyman to help you with code compliance, by the time that Code enforcement officials show up at your door, they will be delighted to find a dwelling or business that is fully compliant to all the required codes, ordinances and rules on the book.
We bring specific situations to their attention without raising red flags and address any possible violation without the deadlines and threats associated with code enforcement, because once its in the books, a violation is more than a violation, its a record against your property that people can look up and show past negligence!
So don’t wait until you get a violation notice.
Don't be a Slumlord:
Also, the Los Angeles Housing Department already has enough work in their hands dealing with thousands of slumlords in Los Angeles, they don’t need to spend more time writing notes of compliances, violation notices or requests to comply.
Our advice is, be proactive, find out what you have to do and handle all such situations beforehand.
All things considered, save yourself some money, time and aggravation. Call us now and we will be glad to help. Or keep reading and try to wing it yourself… we help you by writing here the most common violations and their respective verbiage.
Important local City ordinances:
City of los angeles
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
WATER CONSERVATION
L. A. MUNICIPAL CODE SEC. 122.03
All toilets must be Ultra low-flush (1.6 gallons; 6 liters per flush).
All showerheads must be Ultra low-flush (2.5 gal per minute).
SMOKE DETECTORS
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 13113.8
SMOKE DETECTORS ORDINANCE (F&SEU 3029\10-89).
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
Single family residences require battery operated smoke detectors.
Condominiums and Multi-family homes require hardwire smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as well.
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
IMPACT HAZARD GLAZING
L.A. ORDINANCE 161.136
All sliding glass doors (sliding portion only) that are not tempered glass must be replaced or have a Mylar coating applied to make them the equivalent to being tempered glass.
Seismic gas Shut-off valve
SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE
L. A. ORDINANCE 174343
Effective February 02, 2002:
In recognition of the ordinance’s important public safety purpose, the City of Los Angeles, has amended section 94.1219.2.3 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code by deleting the phrase “within 12 months of sale” and inserting in it’s place “prior to entering into an agreement of sale, or prior to the close of escrow when an escrow agreement has been executed in connection with the sale.” This new ordinance (No. 174343) requiring Seismic Gas Shut-Off valves be installed “prior to the close of escrow” was adopted on November 7, 2001 and will become effective February 02, 2002.
Effective February 11, 2002:
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has authorized Southern California Gas Co. to discontinue ALL installation of automatic Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valves (EQV’s) on its side of the meter, whether performed by SoCalGas or by others. As of February 11, 2002, this will require all EQV’s be installed on the property owners side of the meter, a city permit will be required for each installation and the gas supply will be disrupted during installation.
The new guidelines will result in a slight price increase for standard installations, rising from $549 to $599. But the magnitude of these changes will be felt by owners of condominiums and multi-family dwellings. On or before February 10, 2002, we are able to install one EQV on the utility side for each bank of meters. After February 10, 2002, a separate valve must be installed for each meter dramatically increasing the price.
City of Beverly Hills
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
SMOKE DETECTORS
AMENDED UBC 310.9.1.3
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require hardwire smoke detectors w/ battery back-up.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
City of West Hollywood
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
SMOKE DETECTORS
BUILDING CODE 8110
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE
ORDINANCE 01-592
An ordinance of the City of West Hollywood amending the plumbing code to require the installation of approved seismic gas shut-off valves in certain structures and amending the West Hollywood municipal code.
City of Malibu
CITY OF MALIBU
SMOKE DETECTORS
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
General Rules for Los Angeles County:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
SMOKE DETECTORS
UPS 310.9
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
City of Inglewood
CITY OF INGLEWOOD
SMOKE DETECTORS
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE SECTION 115
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
Single family homes require battery operated smoke detectors.
Condo’s and Multi-family homes require hardwire smoke detectors.
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
City of Glendale
CITY OF GLENDALE
SMOKE DETECTORS
UPS 310.9
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
City of Burbank
CITY OF BURBANK
SMOKE DETECTORS
UPC 310.9
Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).
WATER HEATER STRAPPING
HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211
All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4″ from controls.
Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.
The Ultimate Handyman installs smoke alarms hard wired to comply with current Los Angeles Codes which is the same as in Burbank!
A fire smoke alarm has the function of warning anyone within a hearing range of the possibility of fire. When any smoke detector sounds, we should take it very seriously and immediately investigate the source of smoke.
Photoelectric smoke alarms rely on the smoke to break the light beam in order to set off the alarm.
Many malfunctions or undesired beeping sounds can be corrected by reading the smoke detector instructions. One of the most common problems is the smoke alarm are the batteries that go bad. Carbon monoxide detectors also have the same problem, every so often you have to replace the batteries otherwise it will start beeping.
If you don't want to do it yourself:
The Ultimate Handyman installs smoke alarms hard wired to comply with current Codes in your locality.
Clearly, a fire smoke alarm has the function of warning anyone within a hearing range of the possibility of fire. When any smoke detector sounds, we should take it very seriously and immediately investigate the source of smoke.
Photoelectric smoke alarms rely on the smoke to break the light beam in order to set off the alarm.
Many malfunctions or undesired beeping sounds can be corrected by reading the smoke detector instructions. One of the most common problems is the smoke alarm are the batteries that go bad. Carbon monoxide detectors also have the same problem, every so often you have to replace the batteries otherwise it will start beeping.
Smoke Detectors and your home
Smoke detectors locations are to be inside sleeping rooms, adjacent to sleeping areas and other important locations that, in case of fire, would warn the residents. We are specialists in smoke detector location code. The Ultimate Handyman can help you with code compliance when it comes to smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Easy, a carbon monoxide detector is also a great safety device to have, specially when installed in the garage areas or underground parking. Carbon monoxide smoke alarms detect the excessive amount of carbon monoxide in the air. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Understand, Carbon Monoxide doesn’t smell or looks like smoke, so you cannot tell when you are been poisoned by carbon monoxide. So a carbon monoxide detector can save your life!
The Ultimate Handyman can help you with smoke detector placement, smoke detector wiring, failure with Kidde smoke detectors, alternative location of smoke detectors, selection of smoke alarms, and other smoke detector code requirements.
Smoke detector codes are not simple and we can give you a hand if you cannot handle it. So, give us a call and we will help you with smoke detectors installation, carbon monoxide installation, how to replace a smoke detector and other smoke detector questions and requirements.
If you either needed information or knowledge, feel free to call us at 323-651-0635 and we will be glad to send you an expert to discuss your project.
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