75C - PH CONSTRUCTION CODES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Sec. 14-18. Board of Appeals (Section a-8~ 108). Section 1084 of the Californiak~+a+#e~ Fire Code is amended to read as follows: The planning commission shall have the power and be required to hear appeals regarding the fire marshal's denial of, or refusal to grant, any application for a permit required under any provision of the fire code, the determination of the suitability of alternative materials and types of construction, and the reasonable interpretation of the provisions of the fire code in the event of a dispute occurring in the permit application process. Any such appeal shall be filed with the secretary for the planning commission. SECTION 51: The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares that adoption of section 14-21 amending California Fire Code section 202, Definition of High-Rise Structure is necessary due to the climatic and geographic conditions of high winds and low humidity. This combination of events creates an environment that is conducive to rapidly spreading fire. Control of such fire requires rapid response. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Moreover, this area has been designated as the highest seismic risk zone in the hierarchy that rates the potential risk for seismic activity by geographical areas. The viability of the public water system would be questionable after a large earthquake leaving tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires and the inability to pump sufficient quantities of water to upper floors. SECTION 52: That section 14-21 is added to Chapter 14 of the Santa Ana Municipal code to read in full as follows (new language underlined for tracking purposes only): Sec. 14-21. Definitions (Section 202). Section 202 of the California Fire Code is adopted in its entirety except for the following amendment revising the definition of High-Rise and adding a definition for Planned Unit Development building as follows: HIGH-RISE BUILDING. As used in this Code: 1. "Existing high-rise structure" means ahigh-rise structure the construction of which is commenced or completed prior to July 1 1974. 2. "High-rise structure" means every building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest floor level having building access (see California Building Code Section 403 1 2) except buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1250. 3. "New high-rise structure" means a high-rise structure the construction of which is commenced on or after July 1 1974. Ordinance No. NS-XXXX Page 30 of 48 75C-38