dawn836,
The definition you found describes when orthogonal effects could become significant. For example, if you have two x-brace systems in a structure, one for the N-S direction and the other for the E-W direction that are connected to a common column, then the column could carry seismic forces from both the N-S or E-W directions simultaneously. The IBC does not require orthogonal effects be considered for Seismic Design Category A and B however, and I think the old versions of the UBC had similar requirements but I don't really remember. It's been a long time. Sorry, I haven't read UBC87.
The Equivalent Static Method is a considerable simplification of the dynamic response of a structure. In my opinion the irregularities are discussed mostly to identify structures where the static method would not give a good answer and a dynamic analysis is required.
Regards,
-Mike