Appendix 101. TITLE, PURPOSE, AND INTENT.

101.1   Title.

Title 31 of the Los Angeles County Code shall be known as the "Green Building Standards Code," may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this Code."

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.2   Purpose.

The purpose of this Code is to improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact, or positive environmental impact, and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

1.

Planning and design.

2.

Energy efficiency.

3.

Water efficiency and conservation.

4.

Material conservation and resource efficiency.

5.

Environmental air quality.

Consistent with this purpose, the provisions of this Code are intended to confer a benefit on the community as a whole and are not intended to establish a duty of care toward any particular person.

This Code shall not be construed to hold the County of Los Angeles or any officer, employee, or agent thereof responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection authorized herein or by reason of the issuance or non-issuance of any permit authorized herein, and/or for any action or omission in connection with the application and/or enforcement of this Code. By adopting the provisions of this Code, the County does not intend to impose on itself, its employees, or agents any mandatory duties of care toward persons and property within its jurisdiction so as to provide a basis of civil liability for damages.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.3   Scope.

The provisions of this Code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use, and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this Code.

It is not the intent that compliance with this Code substitute for, or be identified as, meeting the certification requirements of any green building program.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4   Applicability.

101.4.1   Internal conflicts.

Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement of this Code, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this Code specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.1.1   Differences.

In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard referenced documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.1.2   Conflicts with other codes.

When the requirements of this Code conflict with the requirements of Titles 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 of the County Code, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.1.3   Mandatory and voluntary requirements.

This Code contains both mandatory and voluntary green building measures.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.1.4   Explanatory notes.

Explanatory material, such as references to web sites or other sources where additional information may be found, is included in this Code in the form of notes. Notes are informational only and are not enforceable requirements of this Code.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.2   Other laws.

The provisions of this Code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state, or federal law.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3   Referenced codes and standards.

The provisions contained in the codes and standards referenced in this Code, including without limitation, the codes referenced in Sections 101.4.3.1 through 101.4.3.6 below, shall be considered part of the requirements of this Code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.1   Building.

The provisions of the Los Angeles County Building Code and the Los Angeles County Residential Code, as applicable, shall apply to the construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.2   Electrical.

The provisions of the Los Angeles County Electrical Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including but not limited to, alterations, repair, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.3   Mechanical.

The provisions of the Los Angeles County Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repair, and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and/or appurtenances including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energy-related systems.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.4   Plumbing.

The provisions of the Los Angeles County Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repair, and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances where connected to a water or a sewage system.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.5   Fire prevention.

The provisions of the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, the Los Angeles County Building Code, and the Los Angeles County Fire Code relating to fire and panic safety as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshall shall apply to all structures, processes, and premises for protection from the hazard of fire, panic, and explosion.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)

101.4.3.6   Energy.

The provisions of the California Energy Code shall apply to the minimum design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

(Ord. 2010-0058 § 1, 2010.)