Los Angeles Municipal Code § 91.1600 BASIC PROVISIONS.
SEC. 91.1600. BASIC PROVISIONS.
(Amended by Ord. No. 181,758, Eff. 8/8/11.)
Chapter 16 of the CBC is adopted by reference with the following exceptions, modifications and additions:
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Los Angeles Municipal Code ch. IX, art. 1, div. 16
in effectLos Angeles Municipal Code § 91.1603 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.
SEC. 91.1603. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.
(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)
Section 1603 of the CBC is adopted by reference and Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 91.1603.1.10 is added.
91.1603.1.10. Systems and Components Requiring Special Inspections for Seismic Resistance. Construction documents or specifications shall be prepared for those systems and components requiring special inspection for seismic resistance as specified in CBC Section 1705.13 by the registered design professional responsible for their design and shall be submitted for approval in accordance with LAMC Subsection 91.106.3.3. Reference to seismic standards in lieu of detailed drawings is acceptable. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
Los Angeles Municipal Code § 91.1609 WIND LOADS.
SEC. 91.1609. WIND LOADS.
(Amended by Ord. No. 182,850, Eff. 1/3/14.)
Section 1609 of the CBC is adopted by reference, and LAMC Paragraph 91.1609.1.1.2 is added as follows: (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.)
91.1609.1.1.2. High Wind Velocity Areas. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) The Superintendent of Building may designate certain areas of the City as “high wind velocity areas” when evidence or studies indicate that the wind velocity results in damage to structures conforming to the minimum requirements of this Code. The Superintendent of Building may specify additional requirements over and above those required by this Code with respect to the following:
1. Glazing of openings in exterior walls;
2. Anchorage of post and beam construction;
3. Cantilever overhangs; and
4. Roofing and roof framing.
Los Angeles Municipal Code § 91.1612 FLOOD LOADS.
SEC. 91.1612. FLOOD LOADS.
(Amended by Ord. No. 187,719, Eff. 1/23/23.)
Section 1612 of the CBC is adopted by reference, except CBC Section 1612.3 is not adopted and, in lieu, Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsection 91.1612.3 is added.
91.1612.3. Establishment of Flood Hazard Areas. To establish flood hazard areas, the applicable governing authority shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study for The City of Los Angeles”, dated June 2, 2012, as amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this section. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
Los Angeles Municipal Code § 91.1613 EARTHQUAKE LOADS.
SEC. 91.1613. EARTHQUAKE LOADS.
(Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
Section 1613 of the CBC is adopted by reference, and Los Angeles Municipal Code Subsections 91.1613.8 through 91.1613.12.1.3.4 are added to read as follows:
91.1613.8. Reserved.
91.1613.9. Seismic Design Provisions for Hillside Buildings. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum regulations for the design and construction of new buildings and additions to existing buildings when constructing such buildings on or into slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). These regulations establish minimum standards for seismic force resistance to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of earthquakes. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.2. Scope. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of the lateral-force-resisting system for hillside buildings at and below the base level diaphragm. The design of the lateral-force-resisting system above the base level diaphragm shall be in accordance with the provisions for seismic and wind design as required elsewhere in this division.
EXCEPTION: Non-habitable accessory buildings and decks not supporting or supported from the main building are exempt from these regulations.
91.1613.9.3. Definitions. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) For the purposes of this section, certain terms are defined as follows:
BASE LEVEL DIAPHRAGM is the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest level of the foundation.
DIAPHRAGM ANCHORS are assemblies that connect a diaphragm to the adjacent foundation at the uphill diaphragm edge.
DOWNHILL DIRECTION is the descending direction of the slope approximately perpendicular to the slope contours.
FOUNDATION is concrete or masonry, which supports a building, including footings, stem walls, retaining walls, and grade beams.
FOUNDATION EXTENDING IN THE DOWNHILL DIRECTION is a foundation running downhill and approximately perpendicular to the uphill foundation.
HILLSIDE BUILDING is any building or portion thereof constructed on or into a slope steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3%). If only a portion of the building is supported on or into the slope, these regulations apply to the entire building.
PRIMARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a direct connection as described in LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.5 and Paragraph 91.1613.9.7.3 between the diaphragm and the uphill foundation.
SECONDARY ANCHORS are diaphragm anchors designed for and providing a redundant diaphragm to foundation connection, as describe in LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.6 and Paragraph 91.1613.9.7.4.
UPHILL DIAPHRAGM EDGE is the edge of the diaphragm adjacent and closest to the highest ground level at the perimeter of the diaphragm.
UPHILL FOUNDATION is the foundation parallel and closest to the uphill diaphragm edge.
91.1613.9.4. Analysis and Design. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.4.1. General. Every hillside building within the scope of this division shall be analyzed, designed and constructed in accordance with provisions of this division. When the code-prescribed wind design produces greater effects, the wind design shall govern, but detailing requirements and limitations prescribed in this and referenced sections shall be followed. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.4.2. Base Level Diaphragm - Downhill Direction. The following provisions shall apply to the seismic analysis and design of the connections for the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.4.2.1. Base for Lateral Force Design Defined. For seismic forces acting in the downhill direction, the base of the building shall be the floor at, or closest to, the top of the highest level of the foundation. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.4.2.2. Base Shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems. The total base shear shall include the forces tributary to the base level diaphragm including forces from the base level diaphragm. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.5. Base Shear Resistance - Primary Anchors. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.5.1. General. The base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in the base level diaphragm to the foundation. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.5.2. Location of Primary Anchors. A primary anchor and diaphragm strut shall be provided in line with each foundation extending in the downhill direction. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall also be provided where interior vertical lateral-force-resisting elements occur above and in contact with the base level diaphragm. The spacing of primary anchors and diaphragm struts or collectors shall in no case exceed 30 feet (9144 mm). (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.5.3. Design of Primary Anchors and Diaphragm Struts. Primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.8. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.5.4. Limitations. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) The following lateral-force-resisting elements shall not be designed to resist seismic forces below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction:
1. Wood structural panel wall sheathing,
2. Cement plaster and lath,
3. Gypsum wallboard, and
4. Tension only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of CBC Section 2202.2.11 may be used to transfer forces from the primary anchors and diaphragm struts to the foundation, provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame or in the diaphragm struts. Deflections of frames shall account for the variation in slope of diagonal members when the frame is not rectangular.
91.1613.9.6. Base Shear Resistance - Secondary Anchors. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.6.1. General. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) In addition to the primary anchors required by LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.5, the base shear in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in the base level diaphragm.
EXCEPTION: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 m) on center extend up to and are directly connected to the base level diaphragm for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth.
91.1613.9.6.2. Secondary Anchor Capacity and Spacing. Secondary anchors at the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the base shear, including forces tributary to the base level diaphragm, but not less than 600 pounds per lineal foot (8.76 kN/m). The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of four feet (1219 mm) on center. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.6.3. Design. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.8. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7. Diaphragms Below the Base Level - Downhill Direction. The following provisions shall apply to the lateral analysis and design of the connections for all diaphragms below the base level diaphragm in the downhill direction. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.1. Diaphragm Defined. Every floor level below the base level diaphragm shall be designed as a diaphragm. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.2. Design Force. Each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for all tributary loads at that level using a minimum seismic force factor not less than the base shear coefficient. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.3. Design Force Resistance - Primary Anchors. (Amended by Ord. No. 185,587, Eff. 7/16/18.) The design force described in LAMC Paragraph 91.1613.9.7.2 shall be resisted through primary anchors from diaphragm struts provided in each diaphragm to the foundation. Primary anchors shall be provided and designed in accordance with the requirements and limitations of LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.5. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.4. Design Force Resistance - Secondary Anchors. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.4.1. General. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) In addition to the primary anchors required in LAMC Paragraph 91.1613.9.5 the design force in the downhill direction shall be resisted through secondary anchors in the uphill foundation connected to diaphragm struts in each diaphragm below the base level.
EXCEPTION: Secondary anchors are not required where foundations extending in the downhill direction, spaced at not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) on center, extend up to and are directly connected to each diaphragm below the base level for at least 70% of the diaphragm depth.
91.1613.9.7.4.2. Secondary Anchor Capacity. Secondary anchors at each diaphragm below the base level diaphragm shall be designed for a minimum force equal to the design force but not less than 300 pounds per lineal foot (4.38 kN/m). The secondary anchors shall be uniformly distributed along the uphill diaphragm edge and shall be spaced a maximum of four feet (1219 mm) on center. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.7.4.3. Design. Secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.9.8. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.8. Primary and Secondary Anchorage and Diaphragm Strut Design. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) Primary and secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be designed in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Fasteners. All bolted fasteners used to develop connections to wood members shall be provided with square plate washers at all bolt heads and nuts. Washers shall be a minimum 0.229 inch by 3 inches by 3 inches (5.82 mm by 76 mm by 76 mm) in size. Nuts shall be tightened to finger tight plus one-half (1/2) wrench turn prior to covering the framing.
2. Fastening. The diaphragm to foundation anchorage shall not be accomplished by the use of toenailing, nails subject to withdrawal, or wood in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension.
3. Size of Wood Members. Wood diaphragm struts collectors, and other wood members connected to primary anchors shall not be less than three-inch (76 mm) nominal width. The effects of eccentricity on wood members shall be evaluated as required per Item 9.
4. Design. Primary and secondary anchorage, including diaphragm struts, splices, and collectors shall be designed for 125% of the tributary force.
5. Allowable Stress Increase. The allowable stress increase permitted under CBC Section 1605.3.2 shall not be taken when the working (allowable) stress design method is used.
6. Steel Element of Structural Wall Anchorage System. The strength design forces for steel elements of the structural wall anchorage system, with the exception of anchor bolts and reinforcing steel, shall be increased by 1.4 times the forces otherwise required.
7. Primary Anchors. The load path for primary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed into the diaphragm and into the foundation. The foundation must be shown to be adequate to resist the concentrated loads from the primary anchors.
8. Secondary Anchors. The load path for secondary anchors and diaphragm struts shall be fully developed in the diaphragm but need not be developed beyond the connection to the foundation.
9. Symmetry. All lateral force foundation anchorage and diaphragm strut connections shall be symmetrical. Eccentric connections may be permitted when demonstrated by calculation or tests that all components of force have been provided for in the structural analysis or tests.
10. Wood Ledgers. Wood ledgers shall not be used to resist cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension.
91.1613.9.9. Lateral-Force-Resisting Elements Normal to the Downhill Direction. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.1. General. In the direction normal to the downhill direction, lateral-force-resisting elements shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of this section. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.2. Base Shear. In developing the base shear for seismic design, the response modification coefficient (R) shall not exceed 5 for bearing wall and building frame systems. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.3. Vertical Distribution of Seismic Forces. For seismic forces acting normal to the downhill direction, the distribution of seismic forces over the height of the building using Section 12.8.3 of ASCE 7 shall be determined using the height measured from the top of the lowest level of the building foundation. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.4. Drift Limitations. The story drift below the base level diaphragm shall not exceed 0.007 times the story height at strength design force level. The total drift from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm). Where the story height or the height from the base level diaphragm to the top of the foundation varies because of a stepped footing or story offset, the height shall be measured from the average height of the top of the foundation. The story drift shall not be reduced by the effect of horizontal diaphragm stiffness. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.5. Distribution of Lateral Forces. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.5.1. General. The design lateral force shall be distributed to lateral-force-resisting elements of varying heights in accordance with the stiffness of each individual element. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.5.2. Wood Structural Panel Sheathed Walls. (Amended by Ord. No. 186,488, Eff. 12/27/19.) The stiffness of a stepped wood structural panel shear wall may be determined by dividing the wall into adjacent rectangular elements, subject to the same top of wall deflection. Deflections of shear walls may be estimated by AWC SDPWS Section 4.3.2. Sheathing and fastening requirements for the stiffest section shall be used for the entire wall. Each section of wall shall be anchored for shear and uplift at each step. The minimum horizontal length of a step shall be 8 feet (2438 mm) and the maximum vertical height of a step shall be 2 feet, 8 inches (813 mm). (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.5.3. Reinforced Concrete or Masonry Shear Walls. Reinforced concrete or masonry shear walls shall have forces distributed in proportion to the rigidity of each section of the wall. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.9.6. Limitations. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) The following lateral force-resisting-elements shall not be designed to resist lateral forces below the base level diaphragm in the direction normal to the downhill direction:
1. Cement plaster and lath;
2. Gypsum wallboard; and
3. Tension-only braced frames.
Braced frames designed in accordance with the requirements of CBC Section 2205.2.1.2 may be designed as lateral-force-resisting elements in the direction normal to the downhill direction, provided lateral forces do not induce flexural stresses in any member of the frame.
91.1613.9.10. Specific Design Provisions. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.9.10.1. Footings and Grade Beams. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) All footings and grade beams shall comply with the following:
1. Grade beams shall extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) below the lowest adjacent grade and provide a minimum 24-inch (610 mm) distance horizontally from the bottom outside face of the grade beam to the face of the descending slope.
2. Continuous footings shall be reinforced with at least two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the top and two No. 4 reinforcing bars at the bottom.
3. All main footing and grade beam reinforcement steel shall be bent into the intersecting footing and fully developed around each corner and intersection.
4. All concrete stem walls shall extend from the foundation and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry walls.
91.1613.9.10.2. Protection Against Decay and Termites. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) All wood to earth separation shall comply with the following:
1. Where a footing or grade beam extends across a descending slope, the stem wall, grade beam, or footing shall extend up to a minimum 18 inches (457 mm) above the highest adjacent grade.
EXCEPTION: At paved garage and doorway entrances to the building, the stem wall need only extend to the finished concrete slab, provided the wood framing is protected with a moisture proof barrier.
2. Wood ledgers supporting a vertical load of more than 100 pounds per lineal foot (1.46 kN/m) and located within 48 inches (1219 mm) of adjacent grade are prohibited. Galvanized steel ledgers and anchor bolts, with or without wood nailers, or treated or decay resistant sill plates supported on a concrete or masonry seat, may be used.
91.1613.9.10.3. Sill Plates. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) All sill plates and anchorage shall comply with the following:
1. All wood framed walls, including nonbearing walls, when resting on a footing, foundation, or grade beam stem wall, shall be supported on wood sill plates bearing on a level surface.
2. Power-driven fasteners shall not be used to anchor sill plates except at interior nonbearing walls not designed as shear walls.
91.1613.9.10.4. Column Base Plate Anchorage. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) The base of isolated wood posts (not framed into a stud wall) supporting a vertical load of 4,000 pounds (17.8 kN) or more and the base plate for a steel column shall comply with the following:
1. When the post or column is supported on a pedestal extending above the top of a footing or grade beam, the pedestal shall be designed and reinforced as required for concrete or masonry columns. The pedestal shall be reinforced with a minimum of four No. 4 bars extending to the bottom of the footing or grade beam. The top of exterior pedestals shall be sloped for positive drainage.
2. The base plate anchor bolts or the embedded portion of the post base, and the vertical reinforcing bars for the pedestal, shall be confined with two No. 4 or three No. 3 ties within the top 5 inches (127 mm) of the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts shall be embedded a minimum of 20-bolt diameters into the concrete or masonry pedestal. The base plate anchor bolts and post bases shall be galvanized and each anchor bolt shall have at least two galvanized nuts above the base plate.
91.1613.9.10.5. Steel Beam to Column Supports. All steel beam to column supports shall be positively braced in each direction. Steel beams shall have stiffener plates installed on each side of the beam web at the column. The stiffener plates shall be welded to each beam flange and the beam web. Each brace connection or structural member shall consist of at least two 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) diameter machine bolts. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.10. Earthquake Recording Instrumentation. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.10.1. Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to buildings for which permits were issued after July 1, 1965. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.10.2. General. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) Every new building over six stories in height with an aggregate floor area of 60,000 square feet (5574 m 2 ) or more and every new building over ten stories in height regardless of the floor area shall be equipped with at least three approved recording accelerographs.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A building selected by the State of California as part of its Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (California Public Resources Code Section 2700 et seq.) need not comply with this section until it ceases to be part of the program.
2. All new buildings that are designed using the non-linear response history procedure of "Seismic Response History Procedures" of Chapter 16 of ASCE 7 shall be equipped with a structural monitoring system in accordance with standards established by the Superintendent of Building.
3. A building designed using a two-stage analysis procedure per Section 12.2.3.2 of ASCE 7 having a flexible upper portion above a rigid lower portion and a total building height not exceeding 85 feet above the grade plane.
91.1613.10.3. Maintenance. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) Maintenance and service of the instruments shall be provided by the owner of the building subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Building. Data produced by the instruments shall be made available to the Superintendent of Building on request.
Maintenance and service of the instruments shall be performed annually and shall be performed only by an approved testing agency. The owner shall file with the Department a written report from an approved testing agency certifying that each instrument has been serviced and is in proper working condition. This report shall be submitted when the instruments are installed and annually thereafter. Each instrument shall have affixed to it an externally visible tag specifying the date of the last maintenance or service and the printed name and address of the testing agency performing the service.
91.1613.10.4. Location. For new buildings requiring accelerographs in accordance with LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.10.2, the instruments shall be located in the basement, mid-height and near the top of the building. Each instrument shall be located so that access is maintained at all times and is unobstructed by room contents. A sign stating "MAINTAIN CLEAR ACCESS TO THIS INSTRUMENT" in 1 inch (25.4 mm) block letters shall be posed in a conspicuous location at the instrument. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)
91.1613.10.5. Instrumentation of Existing Buildings. (Readopted by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.) All owners of existing structures selected by the Department shall provide accessible space for the installation of appropriate earthquake-recording instruments. Locations of the instruments shall be determined by the engineer of record and approved by the Department. The owners shall make arrangements with the Department to provide, maintain and service the instruments as required above. Data shall be the property of the Department, but copies of individual records shall be made available to the public on request with the payment of an appropriate fee.
All legally existing instruments shall be maintained and serviced in proper working condition. Each instrument shall be maintained and serviced as specified by LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.10.3 and shall be provided with a sign as required by LAMC Subdivision 91.1613.10.4.
91.1613.11. Amendments to ASCE 7. The provisions of Subsections 91.1613.11.1 thru 91.1613.12 are amendments to the relevant provisions of ASCE 7.
91.1613.11.1. ASCE Supplements. Supplements of ASCE 7 are hereby adopted by reference.
91.1613.11.2. ASCE 7, Section 12.2.3.1, Exception 3 is modified to read as follows:
3. Detached one- and two- family dwellings up to two stories in height of light frame construction.
91.1613.11.3. General. The text of ASCE 7, Section 12.11.2.2.3 is modified to read as follows:
12.11.2.2.3.Wood Diaphragms. The anchorage of concrete or masonry structural walls to wood diaphragms shall be in accordance with AWC SDPWS 4.1.5.1 and this Section. Continuous ties required by this section shall be in addition to the diaphragm sheathing. Anchorage shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal, nor shall wood ledgers or framing be used in cross-grain bending or cross-grain tension. The diaphragm sheathing shall not be considered effective as providing ties or struts required by this section.
For structures assigned to seismic Design Category D, E or F, wood diaphragms supporting concrete or masonry walls shall comply with the following:
1. The spacing of continuous ties shall not exceed 40 feet. Added chords of diaphragms may be used to form subdiaphragms to transmit the anchorage forces to the main continuous crossties.
2. The maximum diaphragm shear used to determine the depth of the subdiaphragm shall not exceed 75% of the maximum diaphragm shear.
91.1613.12. Additional Seismic Requirements.
91.1613.12.1. Scope. This part contains special requirements for suspended ceilings and lighting systems. The provisions of Section 13.5.6 of ASCE 7 shall apply except as modified here.
91.1613.12.1.2. Design and Installation Requirements.
91.1613.12.1.2.1. General. The suspended ceilings and lighting systems shall be limited to 6 feet (1828 mm) below the structural deck unless the lateral bracing is designed by a licensed engineer or architect.
91.1613.12.1.2.2. Bracing at Discontinuity. Positive bracing to the structure shall be provided at changes in the ceiling plane elevation or at discontinuities in the ceiling grid system.
91.1613.12.1.2.3. Support for Appendages. Cable trays, electrical conduits and piping shall be independently supported and independently braced from the structure.
91.1613.12.1.2.4. Sprinkler Heads. All sprinkler heads (drops), except fire-resistance-rated floor / ceiling or roof / ceiling assemblies, shall be designed to allow for free movement of the sprinkler pipes with oversize rings, sleeves or adaptors through the ceiling tile.
Sprinkler heads penetrating fire-resistance-rated floor / ceiling or roof / ceiling assemblies shall comply with CBC Section 714. Sprinkler heads and other penetrations shall have a 2 in. (50 mm) oversize ring, sleeve or adapter through the ceiling tile to allow for free movement of at least 1 in. (25 mm) in all horizontal directions. Alternatively, a swing joint that can accommodate 1 in. (25 mm) of ceiling movement in all horizontal directions is permitted to be provided at the top of the sprinkler head extension.
91.1613.12.1.3. Special Requirements for Means of Egress. Suspended ceiling assemblies located along means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall comply with the following provisions:
91.1613.12.1.3.1. General. Ceiling suspension systems shall be connected and braced with vertical hangers attached directly to the structural floor or roof system above and along the means of egress serving an occupant load of 30 or more and at lobbies accessory to Group A Occupancies. Spacing of vertical hangers shall not exceed 2 feet (610 mm) on center along the entire length of the suspended ceiling assembly located along the means of egress or at the lobby.
91.1613.12.1.3.2. Assembly Device. All lay-in panels shall be secured to the suspension ceiling assembly with two hold-down clips minimum for each tile within a 4-foot (1219 mm) radius of the exit lights and exit signs.
91.1613.12.1.3.3. Emergency Systems. Independent supports and braces shall be provided for light fixtures required for exit illumination. Power supply for exit illumination shall comply with the requirements of CBC Section 1008.3.
91.1613.12.1.3.4. Supports for Appendage. Separate support from the structural floor or roof system above shall be provided for all appendages such as light fixtures, air diffusers, exit signs and similar elements.
Source: City of Los Angeles, Charter and Codes (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-174153Fetched: 10/24/2026