1991-176-Reguarding Enhanced Livability FeaturesRESOLUTION 1991 -176
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
REGARDING ENHANCED LIVABILITY FEATURES
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos to
adopt requirements for enhanced livability features for all new residential developments.
RESOLVED, the Town Council made the following findings as required by the
Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5 to enact building standards which are different
than the State Building Code (Title 24);
1. The Town of Los Gatos is located in Seismic Zone 4, which is known as a
high probability area for earthquakes which was demonstrated by the
October 17, 1989 earthquake. Therefore, to ensure the public's safety and
well being, additional construction features in all residential units are required
which include wooden backing in bathroom walls to allow structural strength
for addition of grab bars for extra balance and support of the occupant and
larger door widths for easier egress.
2. Due to the pleasant micro climate of the Town of Los Gatos, people with
special health needs are attracted to live in this area.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos does
hereby adopt the requirements as shown on the attached Exhibit "A" as the enhanced
livability features of the Town of Los Gatos.
FURTHER RESOLVED, this Resolution supercedes Resolution No. 1987 -143.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town
of Los Gatos, California, held on the 5th day of August, 1991, by the following vote.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Randy Attaway, Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton
NAYS: Mayor Brent N. Ventura
ABSENT: Eric D. Carlson
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK OF THE TOWN (LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
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ENHANCED LIVABILITY FEATURES
APARTMENTS AND HOTELS:
Apartments and hotels are currently covered by the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) and Office of the State Architect (OSA) standards
(contained in Title 24, California Code of Regulations) which generally meet the Town's
need for accessibility /adaptability. Two additional provisions are added for apartments:
1. Units exempt under HCD regulations shall meet the current requirements for one
and two family residential accessibility /adaptability.
2. Placement of parking or other structures which elevate the finished floor height will
not necessarily exempt accessibility standards.
ALL OTHER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS:
All new residential developments including detached single - family dwellings (excluding
apartments and hotels which are covered above) shall be designed to include the following
features:
1. Wheelchair reachable light switches, thermostat controls and electrical outlets.
2. Wooden backing in bathroom walls to allow structural strength for addition of grab
bars by the occupants.
3. Faucets and shower controls operable with one hand requiring a minimal amount
of grasping with the exception of those used on vanity faucets.
4. All doors at least 32 inches wide.
5. Two outside door thresholds no higher than � -inch above landings. Landings to be
at least 5 feet by 5 feet.
In addition, 50 percent of newly developed condominiums shall be handicapped accessible
and meet the adaptability and accessibility regulations applicable to apartments in Title 24
of the California Administrative Code with the exception that these developments will not
require (a) the kitchen sink and a portion of the counter top to be lowerable and the
cabinet fronts removable so as to allow wheelchair access underneath; and (b) bathroom
lavatory need not have 28 -inch clearance underneath for wheelchair access.
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