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(a) Basis of Approval. Pursuant to Section 218 of Title 26 of the California Administrative Code, except as otherwise provided by this chapter, dwellings and appurtenant structures constructed in compliance with this chapter need not conform with the construction requirements prescribed by the latest applicable editions of the Uniform Building, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes, the National Electrical Code, or other applicable technical codes.

(b) Mechanical Requirements. Fireplaces, heating and cooking appliances, and gas piping installed in buildings constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be installed and vented in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 37 of the Uniform Building Code, Chapter 9 of the Uniform Mechanical Code, and Chapter 12 of the Uniform Plumbing Code. Alternate materials and methods of venting shall be permitted if substantially equivalent in safety and durability.

(c) Heating Capacity. A heating facility or appliance shall be installed in each dwelling subject to the provisions of this chapter. The use of solid fuel or solar hearing devices shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this section. If nonrenewable fuel is used in the dwelling, rooms so heated shall meet current insulation standards.

(d) Electrical Requirements. No dwelling or appurtenant structure constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be required to be connected to a source of electrical power, or wired, or otherwise fitted for electrification, except as set forth in this subsection.

If electrical wiring or appliances are installed, the installation shall be in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code for single-family dwellings.

In structures where electrical usage is to be confined to one or more rooms of a structure, the remainder of the structure shall not be required to be wired or otherwise fitted for electrification unless the Chief Building Official determines that electrical demands are reasonable expected to exceed the wiring capacity of the area that is to be wired. In such instances, the Chief Building Official may require such further electrification of the structure as may be necessary to meet the excess anticipated demand.

The provisions of this subsection apply to buildings which include a workshop, kitchen, or other single room which may require electrification if there is no expectation of further electrical demand.

(e) Room Dimension Requirements. The only room dimension or other room requirements for a structure constructed pursuant to this chapter shall be as follows:

Bedrooms shall be equipped with either a door to the outside or an exterior window with 5.7 square feet of openable area for emergency exit. The window shall have a minimum width of 20 inches, a minimum height of 24 inches, and the window sill shall not be more than 44 inches above the bedroom floor.

(f) Sanitation Facilities. A bathtub or shower and a lavatory, or alternate bathing and washing facility shall be provided at the dwelling site.

A water closet shall not be required when an alternative system is provided and has been approved by the County Health Department. Where an alternative to the water closet is installed, a system for the disposal or treatment of greywater shall be provided to the dwelling. Greywater systems shall be designed according to water availability, use and discharge.

The County Health Department shall prepare regulations which shall specify:

(1) The type, design and number of sanitation and bathing and washing facilities to be provided at each dwelling site. Such facilities shall not be required to be placed within the dwelling; and

(2) The design, use and maintenance standards for greywater disposal and treatment systems.

(g) Plumbing Specifications. Where conventional plumbing, in all or in part, is installed within a dwelling, it shall be installed in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code. Alternative materials and methods shall be permitted if the design complies with the intent of such code, and such alternatives shall perform to protect health and safety for the intended purpose.

(h) Water Supply. Potable water shall be available at the dwelling site as required by Humboldt County Code § 331-11.5. However, such water need not be pressurized. There shall be a minimum reserve of fifty (50) gallons of potable water available. Where water delivery is pressurized, piping shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

In addition to the domestic water supply, a firefighting water supply of at least 2,500 gallons (pond, tank or equivalent) shall be maintained on the property. If access to the supply is by pipe, such pipe shall be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter and shall have at least one hose outlet no less than fifty (50) feet from the primary dwelling. If the water storage facility is below the fire equipment access level, then the firefighting equipment must be able to get within fifteen (15) feet of a water supply which is not piped to the primary dwelling.

(i) Fire Safety.

(1) Access. If a dwelling has access by road, such road should be wide enough for fire equipment, should provide turnouts long enough for fire equipment where the terrain permits, and should contain a turnaround space for fire equipment. This turnaround space may be part of the firebreak. The maximum load of any bridge on the access road should be determined, and this information should be posted and maintained at the bridge, by the occupant of the premises. Bridges should support at least a 20,000-pound load.

(2) Firebreaks. Flammable undergrowth shall be removed for thirty (30) feet around each structure on the property or on the property line, whichever is nearer. However, single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or ground cover plants which do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure may be maintained within the firebreak.

(3) Chimney Clearance. The portion of any tree which extends within ten (10) feet of the outlet or any chimney or stovepipe shall be removed. Chimney clearances shall comply with the requirements as set forth in the Uniform Mechanical Code.

(4) Overhanging Deadwood. Dead or dying wood shall be removed from any tree adjacent to or overhanging any structure.

(5) Rooftop. The roof of any structure shall be maintained free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetable growth. (Ord. 1644, § 2, 7/17/1984)