HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-052 - Setting Forth Findings with Respect to Local Conditions Within the City of Santa AnaROH 11/04/13
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-052
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH FINDINGS WITH
RESPECT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA WHICH JUSTIFY CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS
AND CHANGES TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL
CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA
PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA
EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE AS AMENDED BY THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council hereby finds, determines, and declares as follows:
A. Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City of Santa Ana
shall adopt Ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified or changed
requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health
and Safety Code Section 17922.
B. The State of California is mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 17922
to impose the same requirements as are contained in the most recent edition of the California
Building Code, California Existing Building Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California
Mechanical Code, and the California Electrical Code (hereinafter referred to collectively
as "Codes ").
C. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5(a) permits the City to make
modifications or changes to the Codes, which are reasonably necessary because of local
climatic, geographic or topographic conditions.
D. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City Council, before
making any modifications or changes to the Codes, shall make an express finding that such
changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographic
or topographic conditions.
Section 2: The Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority
have recommended that changes and modifications be made to the Codes and have advised
that certain said changes and modifications to the California Building Code, 2013 Edition,
the California Plumbing Code, 2013 Edition, the California Mechanical Code, 2013 Edition,
Resolution No. 2013 -052
Page 1 of 10
the California Electrical Code, 2013 Edition, the California Existing Building Code, 2013
Edition, and the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local
conditions in the City of Santa Ana.
Section 3. Amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Building Code, the
2013 Edition of the California Residential Code, and the 2013 Edition of the California
Fire Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange
County Fire Authority are hereby found to be reasonably necessary based upon the
following findings:
I. Climatic Conditions
A. The jurisdiction of Santa Ana is located in a semi -arid Mediterranean type
climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures
with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach
speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These
climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common
building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to
the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires
(conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings,
these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County.
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.
Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at
60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire fighting apparatus above
this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.
B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief
flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County fire
Authority's ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also
disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County.
C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity
supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to
grow, the already -taxed water supply does not. California is projected to
increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a
century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California.
Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of
rainfall future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates
the need for additional and on -site fire protection features. It would also
leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of
available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available
water to floors in a fire.
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D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of
even small fires originating in high- density housing or vegetation. These
fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire
protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire
protection features will supplement normal fire department response by
providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by
containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire
sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as
much as 50 to 75 percent.
H. Topographical conditions
A. Natural; slopes of 15 percent or greater generally occur throughout the
foothills of Orange County. The elevation change cause by the hills
creates the geological foundation on which communities with Orange
County is built and will continue to build. With much of the populated
flatlands already built upon, future growth will occur steeper slopes and
greater constraints in terrain.
B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive
topographical condition, which is common throughout Orange County.
C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which
places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and
makes it necessary to provide automatic on -site fire - extinguishing systems
and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.
III. Geological Conditions
The Orange County region is a densely populated area that has buildings
constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are
believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in
size that the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Earthquake
faults run along the northeast and southwest boundaries of Orange County.
The Newport- Inglewood Fault, located within Orange County was the source
of the destructive 1933 Long Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude) which took
120 lives and damaged buildings in an area from Laguna Beach to Marina
Del Rey to Whittier. In December 1989, another earthquake occurred in the
jurisdiction of Irvine at an unknown fault line. Regional planning for
reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the state of California,
Department of Conservation.
A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow
and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact
any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create
obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above.
Resolution No. 2013 -052
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With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide
increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings. The October
17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake resulted in one major fire in the Marina
District (San Francisco). When combined with the 34 other fires locally
and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its fullest
capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains
supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. This situation
creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on -site
fire protection for building occupants. State Department of Conservation
noted in their 1988 report (Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on
the Newport- Inglewood Fault Zone, page 59), "unfortunately, barely
meeting the minimum earthquake standards of building codes places a
building on the verge of being legally unsafe."
B. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make
amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are
major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers
and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design
accompanies with occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and
landslides and at times may make an emergency access route
impassable. There are areas in Orange County that naturally have
extended emergency response times that exceed the 5 minute goal.
C. Soils throughout the County possess corrosive properties that reduce the
expected usable life of water services when metallic pipes in contact with
soils are utilized.
D. Portions so of the County contain active or former oil production fields.
These areas contain a variety of naturally occurring gasses, liquids and
vapors. These compounds present toxicity or flammability hazards to
building occupants. Evaluation of these hazards and the risks they pose
to development is necessary implement appropriate mitigation.
Due to the topographical conditions of sprawling development separated by
waterways and narrow and congested streets and the expected infrastructure
damage inherent in seismic zone described above, it is prudent to rely on
automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate extended fire department response
time and keep fires manageable with reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a
given structures. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current
resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the Orange County Fire
Authority.
Section 4. The following speck amendments to the sections of the 2013 Edition
of the California Building Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency
and the Orange County Fire Authority are reasonably necessary based upon the
corresponding findings in Section 3 of this resolution as listed below:
Resolution No. 2013 -052
Page 4 of 10
BUILDING
CODE SECTION
TITLE (Clarification)
FINDINGS 1,11,111
202
General definitions (High -rise, EHLF)
Admin
403.1
High -rise buildings Applicability
II & III -A
412.7.6 thru
412.7.6.13
Emergency Helicopter Landing Facility
II & III -A
710A.3.2
Detached accessory structures
I & II
710A.4
Accessory structure material
I & II
903.2
Where required (Sprinklers)
II & III -B
903.2.8
Group R (Sprinklers)
II -B & III -B
903.3.5.3
Hydraulically calculated systems
I & II
903.4
Sprinkler system supervision and alarms
(of valves)
III -A
905.4
Location of Class I standpipe hose
connections
III -A
907.2.13
High -rise buildings (Alarm Systems)
Admin
907.3.1
Duct smoke detectors
III -A
907.5.2.2
Emergency voice /alarm communication
system
II &III -A
Chapter 35
Reference Standards
2010 NFPA 13 (Sprinkler Systems)
Admin, II &111
2010 NFPA 13 -R (Multi - Family
Sprinkler Systems)
II & III
2010 NFPA 13 -D (Single Family
Sprinkler Systems)
II & III
2007 NFPA 14 (Standpipe Systems)
II & III
2010 NFPA 24 (Underground Water
Supply Systems)
II & III
Section 5. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2013 Edition
of the California Residential Code as recommended by the Planning and Building
Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority are reasonably necessary based upon
the corresponding findings in Section 3 of this resolution as listed below:
RESIDENTIAL
TITLE (Clarification)
FINDINGS 1,11,111
CODE SECTION
R202
Hazardous Fire Area
Admin
R301.9
Development on or near land containing
III
or emitting toxic, combustible or
flammable liquids, gases or vapors
R301.10
Fuel modification requirements for new
I & II
Resolution No. 2013 -052
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Section 6. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2013 Edition
of the California Fire Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and
the Orange County Fire Authority are reasonably necessary based upon the
corresponding findings in Section 3 of this resolution as listed below:
FIRE CODE
SECTION
construction
FINDINGS 1,11,111
R309.6
Fire sprinkler attached garages, carports
with habitable space above
III
R313.1
Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler
systems
III
R313.2
One- and two - family dwellings automatic
fire sprinkler system
III
R313.3.6.2.2
Calculation procedures
III
R319
Site Address
II
R327.1.6
Fuel modification requirements for new
construction
I & II
R1001.13
Spark arrestors
I & II
Chapter 35
Reference Standards
I & II
305.6.1.2
2010 NFPA 13 (Sprinkler Systems)
Admin, 11 &111
2010 NFPA 13 -R (Multi - Family
Sprinkler Systems)
11 & III
2010 NFPA 13 -D (Single Family
Sprinkler Systems)
II & III
Section 6. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2013 Edition
of the California Fire Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and
the Orange County Fire Authority are reasonably necessary based upon the
corresponding findings in Section 3 of this resolution as listed below:
FIRE CODE
SECTION
TITLE (Clarification)
FINDINGS 1,11,111
109.3
Violation penalties
Admin
109.3.2
Infraction
Admin
109.3.3
Misdemeanor
Admin
202
General definitions (Flow -Line, Hazardous
Fire Area, EHLF)
Admin
305.5
Chimney spark arrestors
I & II
305.6
Outdoor fires
I & II
305.6.1
Where prohibited
I & II
305.6.1.1
Fuel Modification Area
I & II
305.6.1.2
Supervision
I & II
Resolution No. 2013 -052
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305.6.2
Hazardous conditions
I & II
305.6.3
Disposal of rubbish
I & II
307.6
Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings,
and Outdoor Fireplaces
I & II
307.6.1
Gas - fueled devices
I & 11
307.6.2
Devices using wood or fuels other than
natural gas or LPG
I & 11
307.6.2.1
Where prohibited
I & 11
319
Development on or near land containing
or emitting toxic, combustible or
flammable liquids, gases or vapors
III
320
Fuel modification requirements for new
construction
N/A
321
Clearance of brush or vegetation growth
from roadways
N/A
322
Unusual circumstances
N/A
323
Use of equipment
N/A
323.1
Spark arrestors
N/A
324
Restricted entry (In hazardous area)
N/A
325
Trespassing on posted property
N/A
326
Sky Lanterns or similar devices
I & 11
503.2.1
Clarity to
VHFSZ
Dimensions (Fire Lanes)
N/A
505.1
Address identification
N/A
510.1;
Emergency responder radio coverage in
new buildings
Admin
510.2
Emergency responder radio coverage in
existing buildings
Admin
510.3
Permit Required
Admin
510.4
Technical requirements
Admin
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510.5
Installation requirements
Admin
510.6
Maintenance
Admin
608.1
Scope (Battery Systems)
Admin
608.10
Indoor charging of electric carts /cars
III -A
903.2
Where required (Sprinklers)
II & III -B
903.2.8
Group R (Sprinklers)
II -B & III -B
903.3.5.3
Hydraulically calculated systems
I & II
903.4
Sprinkler system supervision and alarms
(of valves)
III -A
905.4
Location of Class I standpipe hose
connections
III -A
907.2.13
High -rise buildings (Alarm Systems)
Admin
907.3.1
Duct smoke detectors
III -A
907.5.2.2
Emergency voice /alarm communication
system
II &III -A
2008.1. thru
2008.1.11
Emergency Helicopter Landing Facility
II & III -A
2801.2
Permit (Miscellaneous combustible
storage)
Admin
2808.2
Storage site
N/A
2808.3
Size of piles
N/A
2808.7
Pile fire protection
N/A
2808.9
Material - handling equipment
N/A
2808.11
Temperature control
N/A
2808.11.2
New material temperature control
N/A
4906.3
Vegetation
N/A
4908
Fuel modification requirements for new
construction
N/A
4909
Explosions and blasting
N/A
5001.5.2
Hazardous materials inventory statement
(HMIS)
Admin
Resolution No. 2013 -052
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5003.1.1(1)
Maximum allowable quantity per control
area
III & III
5003.1.1.1
Extremely hazardous substances
III
5003.5
Hazard identification signs
Admin
5503.4.1
Identification signs (Cryogenic Fluid)
Admin
5610
Firing (Fireworks)
Admin
5611
Seizure of fireworks
Admin
5612
Displays (Fireworks)
5613
Retail fireworks
5704.2.3.2
Label or placard (Flammable /Combustible
liquid)
Admin
6004.2.2.7
Treatment systems (Highly toxic & toxic
material)
II & III
Chapter 50
Reference Standards
2010 NFPA 13 (Sprinkler Systems)
Admin, II &111
2010 NFPA 13 -R (Multi - Family
Sprinkler Systems)
II & III
2010 NFPA 13 -D (Single Family
Sprinkler Systems)
11 & III
2007 NFPA 14 (Standpipe Systems)
II & III
2010 NFPA 24 (Underground Water
Supply Systems)
11 & III
2010 NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm Systems)
Admin & II
Section 8. The aforementioned amendments have been incorporated in detail
in Ordinance NS -2851.
Section 9. Additional amendments have been made to the relevant California
Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Existing Building
Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standards Code, Fire Code, and International
Property Maintenance Code. On the recommendation of the Planning and Building
Agency and the Fire Authority, such amendments are hereby found to be either
administrative or procedural in nature or concern themselves with subjects not covered
in the aforementioned Codes. The changes made include provisions making each of
said Codes compatible with other Codes enforced by the City.
Section 10. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby approves and authorizes
the Planning and Building Agency to file copies of Resolution 2013 -052 and Ordinance NS-
2851 with the California Building Standards Commission as required by Health and Safety
Code Section 17958.7.
Section 11. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption.
Resolution No. 2013 -052
Page 9 of 10
ADOPTED this 4th day of November, 2013.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Att y
By: �
Ryan o
Assists t � ity A rney
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN
Councilmembers: Amezcua, Benavides, Martinez, Pulido, Revna,
Sarmiento Tinajero (7)
Councilmembers:
Councilmembers: None (0)
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers: None (0)
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, MARIA D. HUIZAR, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached
Resolution No. 2013 -052 to be the original resolution adopted by the City
Council of the City of Santa Ana on November 4, 2013.
Date: l l �� bit %1 5
Resolution No. 2013 -052
Page 10 of 10
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana