REPORT TO THE BUILDING STANDARDS APPEALS BOARD
October 20, 2026
FROM: ASHLEY ATKINSON, AICP, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: VERONICA CORTEZ, Management Analyst II
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Appeal of Certified Building Official's Determination — Alternate Means and Methods for Waters Edge Apartments
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends upholding the Certified Building Official’s denial of the proposed Request for Alternate Materials, Design or Methods of Construction for Waters Edge Apartments at 330 S Clovis Ave.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 3, 2026, the applicant submitted an Alternate Means and Methods Request seeking approval to downsize an 8-inch sanitary sewer line to 6 inches as part of the project’s revised design. The Certified Building Official denied the request on September 16, 2026.
BACKGROUND
The applicant proposes revising the sewer design to use two separate 6-inch sanitary sewer lines at a 1% slope. The proposal includes installation of two separate 6-inch sanitary sewer pipes at a 1% slope receiving 557 and 612 drainage fixture units (DFU), respectively, from the associated buildings on the project site. The change in pipe sizing requires approval under the Alternate Means and Methods Request. The proposal includes installation of two separate 6-inch sanitary sewer pipes at a 1% slope receiving 557 and 612 drainage fixture units (DFU), respectively.
ANALYSIS
Obstruction and Flow Reduction
Staff determined that reducing the pipe size from 8 inches to 6 inches creates an obstruction that may significantly reduce flow capacity and increase the likelihood of debris accumulation, blockages, and sanitary sewer overflows.
Code and Standard Noncompliance
The proposed alternate design conflicts with multiple governing codes and standards, including:
California Plumbing Code / Uniform Plumbing Code:
Prohibits fittings or installations that obstruct or retard flow beyond normal ...
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