HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2292 N.C.S. 11/19/2007A
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EFFECTIVE DATE ORDINANCE NO. 2292 N.C.S.
OF ORDINANCE
December 19, 2007
Introduced by Seconded by
Mike O'Brien Teresa Barrett
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA REPEALING
CHAPTER 17.04 OF THE PETALUMA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADDING A NEW
CHAPTER 17.04 ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING CODES:
2007 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE,
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 1 - 2007 CALIFORNIA
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; PART 2 - 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE BASED
ON THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE; PART 3 - 2007 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL
CODE BASED ON THE 2005 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE; PART 4 - 2007 CALIFORNIA
MECHANICAL CODE BASED ON THE 2006 UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE; PART 5 - 2007
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE BASED ON THE 2006 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE; PART 6 -
2007 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE; PART 8 - 2007 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING
CODE; PART 10 - 2007 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE BASED ON THE 2006
INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE; PART 12 - 2007 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED
STANDARDS CODE, INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2006 EDITION, 1997
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE; AND 1997 UNIFORM CODE FOR ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS
BUILDINGS; APPENDIX CHAPTERS 1 (ADMINISTRATION), J (GRADING) AMENDED BY
DELETING J103.2 EXCEPTIONS 1 H (SIGNS) AND I (PATIO COVERS) OF THE CALIFORNIA
BUILDING CODE; APPENDIX CHAPTER 1 (ADMINISTRATION) AND APPENDIX CHAPTER A
(CODE STANDARD 6-2) OF THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE; AND APPENDIX
CHAPTER 1 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE AS PUBLISHED BY THE
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS FOLLOWS:
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37 SECTION 1. REPEAL OF OLD BUILDING CODES.
38 Chapter 17.04 of the Petaluma Municipal Code, entitled "Uniform Codes for Construction and
39 Regulation of Buildings and Structures" is hereby repealed in its entirety.
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Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 1
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SECTION 2. FINDINGS.
The City Council of the City of Petaluma finds that in order to best protect the health, safety and
welfare of the citizens of the City of Petaluma, the standards of building within the City must
conform with state law except where local conditions warrant more restrictive regulations.
Therefore, the City Council should adopt the current state building codes, contained in
California Building Standards Code Title 24, and other uniform codes governing the construction
and regulation of buildings and structures with the modifications and amendments contained
herein.
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 17958.7, the City Council makes the
factual findings set forth in "Exhibit A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference,
and finds that the amendments made in this ordinance to the California Building Standards
Code Title 24, Part 2, 2007 California Building Code, based on the International Building Code,
2006 Edition, are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological or
topographical conditions described in Exhibit A.
SECTION 3. CURRENT BUILDING CODES ADOPTED.
Chapter 17.04 of the Petaluma Municipal Code, entitled "Uniform Codes for Construction and
Regulation of Buildings and Structures" is hereby added to read as follows:
17.040.010 Adoption of Uniform Codes.
Pursuant to Section 50022.2 of the California Government Code, the following codes
are adopted by reference, including the amendments listed in this chapter which are
made pursuant to the findings of fact set forth in the adopting ordinance.
A. Part 1 - 2007 California Administrative Code;
B. Part 2 - 2007 California Building Code based on the 2006 International Building
Code, including Appendix Chapters 1 (Administration), J (Grading) amended
by deleting J 103.2 Exception 1., H (Signs) and I (Patio Covers) except as
amended in section 17.04.020 below;
C. Part 3 - 2007 California Electrical Code based on the 2005 National Electrical
Code;
D. Part 4 - 2007 California Mechanical Code based on the 2006 Uniform
Mechanical Code including Appendix Chapter 1 (Administration) and
Appendix Chapter A (Code Standard 6-2);
E. Part 5 - 2007 California Plumbing Code based on the 2006 Uniform Plumbing
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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F
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Code including Appendix Chapter 1 (Administration);
Part 6 - 2007 California Energy Code;
Part 8 - 2007 California Historical Building Code;
Part 10 - 2007 California Existing Building Code based on the 2006 International
Existing Building Code;
Part 12 - 2007 California Referenced Standards Code, International Property
Maintenance Code;
2006 edition, 1997 Uniform Housing Code; and
1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
All references to permit fees are hereby deleted. The permit fees shall be fixed by the
Fee Schedules adopted by the City Council via Resolution.
17.04.020 Amendments Made in California Building Code.
The California Building Code, as adopted in section 17.04.010, is hereby amended to
include the following additions, amendments and deletions:
Section 115 is hereby added to read as follows:
115 Stop work orders.
(a) A Stop Work Order will be issued when:
1) Work is being done or has been done without a permit.
2) Work being done is beyond the scope of the issued permit.
3) Work being done does not match approved plans.
4) Work being done violates current adopted Building Code.
5) Work being done in violation of Municipal Code and Zoning
Ordinance.
(b) Violators receiving a Stop Work Order are required to respond to the
Building Division within 48 hours of the issued notice to receive
instructions on how to rescind the order. If no response is forthcoming,
within 48 hours, the Building Division will forward a Building Code
Violation memo to the City Attorney's Office for abatement action. A
copy of the abatement request will be sent to the Planning Department
for their use and information.
(c) A building permit application with construction plans and supporting
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 3
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(structural calculations, energy calculations, handicapped access)
documents must be submitted for approval within 15 working days
following response to the Building Division. Plans will be reviewed within
15 working days and correction letters issued or permit application
approved. A response to any correction letter must be returned within
15 working days. Five working days will be required to review this second
submission and a permit approved for issue. Permits ready for issue must
be issued within 5 working days. All construction must be inspected as
work progresses and signed off by all (affected) departments within 60
days of building permit issuance.
(d) All time limitations for plan check review and construction indicated in
the building codes shall not apply to any work indicated in Section (a)
that has received a Stop Work Order.
(e) An additional fee of five times the permit fee shall be added to each
permit reflecting a Stop Work Order.
Section 202 is hereby amended to add the following definition:
ABANDONED. Work shall be considered abandoned if an inspection has not been
recorded and approved within 180 days from the last approved progress inspection.
Chapter 7A - MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE
Section 701 A.3 is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
701.A.3 Applicability. New buildings for which a building permit is submitted on or after
January 1, 2008, that are located within any Moderate, High or Very High Fire Severity
Zone as designated by the Director of CalFire or in any Moderate, High or Very High Fire
Severity Zone as identified by the FHSZ map as defined in Section 17.20.040 of the
Petaluma Municipal Fire code shall comply with the following sections:
1. Section 4707 California Fire Code Defensible Space (moderate, high, very
high)
2. Section 4710.1 California Fire Code and Section 704.A1, 2007 California
Building Code - Roofing (Moderate, high, very high)
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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3. Section 4710.2 California Fire Code and Section 704.A2, 2007 California
Building Code - Attic Ventilation (moderate, high, very high)
4. Section 704A.3 2007 California Building Code - Exterior Walls (moderate,
high, very high)
5. Section704.A.4 - Decking, floor and under floor protection (high, very
high)
6. Section 704.A4.2 - Underfloor and appendages protection (high, very
high)
Section 701 A.3.2.2 is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
701.A.3.2.2 Local Agency Moderate, High and Very -High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. New
buildings located in any local agency moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity
zone for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1,
2008, shall comply with the sections designated in 701.A.3 parts 1-6.
Chapter 9 - FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Section 903.2. is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in
all newly constructed buildings.
Exceptions:
1. Detached Group U occupancies 1000 sq. ft. or less. Agricultural buildings and
private riding arenas as approved by the Fire Code Official.
2. Detached pool houses up to 1000 sq. ft. in floor area within 50 feet of the pool
and limited to a single bathroom.
3. A room above a detached garage used for storage only that does not contain a
bathroom, cooking or refrigeration facilities or connections for such facilities.
4. Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies classified as a
Group M occupancy.
5. Car ports of non-combustible construction.
6. B or M occupancies 500 sq. ft. or less.
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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Section 903.2.1 js hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2.1 Additions. Additions to existing commercial buildings that increase square feet
(based on the following percentages) calculated by the existing gross floor area shall
meet the requirements for a newly constructed building:
0-1000 sq. ft.: 200% (or 2000 sq ft. maximum cumulative total)
100 1 -4000 sq. ft.: 100%
>=4001 sq. ft.: 50%
Sections 903.2.1.1 through 903.2.1.5 are hereby deleted.
Section 903.2.2. is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2.2 Alteration or Repairs. For alterations or repairs to existing building(s) involving
demolition, removal, or repair due to fire damage of more than 50% of the structure, the
building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building.
Exceptions:
1. One time alterations or additions made solely for the purpose of complying
with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sections 903.2.3 through 903.2.3.1 are hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2.3 Residential Conversions and Additions. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in all
single-family dwellings that are converted to duplexes and/or multi -family dwellings, bed
and breakfasts, inns, lodging houses, or similar uses. All additions to residences with an
existing sprinkler system shall require the extension of the sprinkler system into the
addition. Existing residences in which an addition occurs and no fire sprinkler system has
been previously installed will not require installation of a sprinkler system in either the
existing structure or the addition.
Sections 903.2.4 through 903.2.4.3 are hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2.4 Changes of Occupancy. For any change of occupancy when the proposed new
occupancy classification is more hazardous based on life and fire risk, as determined by
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 6
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the Fire Code Official, including the conversion of residential buildings to condominiums,
the building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building.
Sections 903.2.5 through 2.5.1 are hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.2.5 Design Criteria. Fire sprinkler systems installed in buildings of undetermined use
shall be designed and installed to have a design density of (.33) gallons per minute per
square foot over a minimum design area of 3000 square feet. Where a subsequent
occupancy change requires a system with greater capacity, it shall be the building
owners' responsibility to upgrade the system to the required density and meet any
additional requirements of the Fire Code at the time of such change.
Sections 903.2.6 through 903.2.6.1 are hereby deleted replaced to read as follows:
903.2.6 Residential Fire Extinguishing System - Fully sprinklered. Requirements. Full sprinkler
systems are required in all newly constructed single-family dwellings that meet any one of
the following conditions (see definition, Section 202, Fully Sprinklered Building —
Residential). The buildings:
1. Have fire flows of 1000 GPM or less where the residual pressure is 20 PSI or less.
2. Are three or more stories in height.
3. Are located within the boundaries of the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
4. Are located at elevations or in areas where the water supply does not meet fire
flow requirements as determined by the fire chief.
5. Are located more than 150 feet from an approved all weather emergency
vehicle access.
6. Are located where access is hampered by insufficient road widths, excessive
grades, lack of adequate turnarounds, or other conditions which would impede
or delay emergency response vehicles.
7. In the opinion of the chief, create an increased hazard or contain conditions that
will hamper the ability of fire suppression crews to adequately suppress a fire
and/or affect firefighter safety.
Section 903.2.7 is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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903.2.7 Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinklers in Pre-existing Buildings- Historic
Downtown Business District.
A. Geographic Boundary- Historic Downtown District:
For the purposes of this section, the Historic Downtown Business District shall include
all buildings located inside the geographic area generally formed by Kentucky
Street to the west, Washington Street to the north, the Petaluma River to the east,
and B Street to the south. Also included in this section is 201 Washington Street
(Phoenix Theater) and 132 Keller Street (formerly Tuttle Drug), as more particularly
described in Figure 1003.2.12.
•a ol i
�I
.•.... �.•..:.,:..,_. ..,. ..... �...... � i;
....>, !! .. it
figure 1003.2.12
B. Installation Requirements:
An automatic sprinkler system conforming to the Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems (NFPA13) shall be installed in all existing buildings in the Historic
Downtown Business District in accordance with the following criteria:
(1) Kentucky Street and Western Avenue:
a. In any building wherein a change of occupancy occurs.
b. In any building or occupancy where the square footage of the building or
occupancy is increased in area by greater than or equal to 25% of the
building's or occupancy's existing square footage.
c. All buildings with basement or space below street grade used for storage,
business, or public use shall have automatic fire sprinklers installed within
the basements or the below street grade areas no later than December
24 31, 2010.
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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d. All buildings not meeting the criteria of 'a' or 'b' above, shall have
automatic fire sprinklers installed throughout the structure, including all
public, private, storage and/or concealed spaces, as defined by the
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA13) by no later than
December 31, 2016.
(2) Petaluma Boulevard North:
Automatic fire sprinkler requirements shall not become effective until the City
of Petaluma installs an appropriate sized water main and laterals to the curb
lines similar to the main installed. Upon notice by the City of such installation, an
automatic sprinkler system conforming to the Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems (NFPA-13) shall be installed according to the following criteria:
a. In any building wherein a change of occupancy occurs.
b. In any building or occupancy where the square footage of the building or
occupancy is increased in area by greater than or equal to 25% of the
building's or occupancy's existing square footage.
c. All buildings with basement or space below street grade used for storage,
business or public use shall have automatic fire sprinklers installed within
the basements or the below street grade areas, no later than December
31, six (6) years from the date of the water main installation.
d. All buildings not meeting the criteria of 'a', or 'b' above, shall have
automatic fire sprinklers installed throughout the structure, including all
public, private, storage and/or concealed spaces, as defined by the
Standard for the Installation of Sprinklers (NFPA-13), no later than
December 31, twelve (12) years from the date of the water main
installation.
C. Property Owner's Responsibility for System Installation:
(1) The Property Owner shall be responsible for installation of the lateral service from
the curb line into the building. This also includes isolation, check or other valves
or devices, as applicable.
(2) The Property Owner shall be responsible for the installation of the automatic fire
sprinkler system according to the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems (NFPA-13).
D. Plans and Specifications:
Plans and Calculations (NFPA-13, Chapter 8) for the service lateral and fire sprinkler
system shall be submitted to and approved by the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to
installation of equipment and materials.
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 9
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(1) For the Kentucky Street installations that are required on or before December
31, 2010 or December 31, 2016, all Plans and Calculations for service lateral and
sprinkler systems shall be submitted no later than June 30, 2010 or June 30, 2016
respectively, with installation and approval of work to occur prior to December
31, 2010 or December 31, 2016 respectively.
(2) For Petaluma Boulevard North installations that occur in the last year of the six
(6) or twelve (12) year deadline (when established) after the installation of the
water main by the City of Petaluma, Plans and Calculations shall be submitted in
that last year no later than June 30, with installation and approval of work to
occur prior to December 31 of that last year.
Sections 903.2.8 through 903.2.12.2 are hereby deleted.
Section 903.3 is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.3 Installation requirements. Sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with
NFPA 13, NFPA 13R if approved by the Fire Code Official and NFPA 13D.
Section 903.4 is hereby deleted and amended to read as follows:
903.4 Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms. Except for Group R, Division 3
Occupancies, all valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems,
pumps, tanks, water levels, and water flow switches shall be electronically supervised.
Valves when used for standpipes are excluded from this provision unless required by the
Fire Code Official.
Section 903.4.1 is hereby is amended to read as follows:
903.4.1 Signals. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall
be automatically transmitted to an approved central station, remote supervising station
or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72, or when approved by the Fire
Code Official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
Section 905.3.1 is hereby deleted and replaced to read as follows:
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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905.3.1 Building height. Class I standpipes shall be installed in buildings three stories or
over in height and/or if, in the opinion of the Chief, a hazard or condition exists in which
the installation of standpipes would improve firefighting operations. Standpipes will be
provided with approved outlets provided on each floor level, including the roof when
roof access is provided.
Section 907.2.8.3 is hereby amended as follows: all wording after "as required by section
907.2.10." is hereby deleted.
Section 907.2.10.1.2.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
907.2.10.1.2.1 Smoke Alarms - Sale of Property. No person or persons shall buy or
otherwise receive legal or equitable title in real property or permit a change of tenancy
in owned real property improved with one or more dwellings or apartments capable of
human habitation unless there is installed therein one or more smoke alarms, listed by
Underwriter's Laboratories or a similar testing organization and listed by the State Fire
Marshal. Such devices shall be installed in the same locations required by the Building
Code for new structures, and may be powered by battery, house current or any means
authorized for such devices.
Every person who buys or who permits a change of tenancy in owned residential real
property as described herein shall certify, by declaration made under penalty of perjury,
that this section has been complied with and the detector or detectors required by this
section has or have been installed in and are operational in said dwelling, to the
standards set out herein.
17.04.030 Violations/Penalty.
Every person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,
punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of up to six (6)
months. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each day during which he/she
commits, or continues or permits a violation of this chapter, or each time he/she disobeys
a valid order of an enforcement officer.
In addition to any other remedies available to the city under any applicable state or
federal statute or pursuant to any other lawful power the City may possess, any violation
of this chapter may be prosecuted or enforced as a nuisance and enforced by a civil
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
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court action as provided in Chapter 1.13 of the Petaluma Municipal code or via
administrative enforcement as a nuisance as provided in Chapter 1.14 of the Petaluma
Municipal Code as Chapters 1.13 and 1.14 may be amended from time to time.
17.04.040 Copies made available.
The city clerk shall retain three copies of each code adopted in Section 17.04.010 of
this chapter, and keep the same on file in the office of said city clerk for the
examination of the public, but such codes shall not be deemed invalid because of the
omission to have copies on file at any time.
17.04.050 Amendments - State Building Standards Commission.
All amendments to the codes mentioned in Section 17.04.010 which have been duly
adopted by regulation or act of the California Building Standards Commission shall be
deemed to be a part of the code so amended, whether said regulation is effective
upon the effective date of this section or thereafter.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk is hereby directed to file this ordinance and the attached findings of
fact, with the California Building Standards Commission.
SECTION 5. All former ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of
this ordinance or of the Code or Standards hereby adopted are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase or word of this ordinance is for
any reason held to be unconstitutional, unlawful or otherwise invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
The City Council of the City of Petaluma hereby declares that it would have passed and
adopted this ordinance and each and all provisions thereof irrespective of the fact that any one
or more of said provisions be declared unconstitutional, unlawful or otherwise invalid.
SECTION 7. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in
a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c) (3)
(the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines because it has
no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 12
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SECTION 8. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of its adoption
by the Petaluma City Council, and its provisions shall become applicable on January 1, 2008.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk is hereby further directed to post and publish this ordinance or a
synopsis of this ordinance for the period and in the manner required by the City Charter.
INTRODUCED and ordered posted/wed this 5th day of November, 2007.
ADOPTED this 19th day of November, 2007 by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:
Barrett, Freitas, Harris, Vice Mayor Nau, O'Brien, Rabbitt, Torliatt
None
None
None
ATTEST:
RWAL,)
Claire Cooper, City Clerk
APPRO D S T FO M:
Eric W. Danly, Cit torney
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
Page 13
1 Exhibit "A"
2
3
4 FINDINGS OF FACT AND NEED FOR CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS
5 TO THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE TITLE 24,
6 PARTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, AND 12
7
8 CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS: Pursuant to Section 17958 of the State of California
9 Health and Safety Code, the governing body of the City of Petaluma in its ordinance adopting
10 and amending the 2007 Edition of the California Fire Code, with California Amendments,
11 changes or modifies certain provisions of the State Building Standards Code as it pertains to the
12 regulation of buildings used for human habitation. A copy of the text of such changes or
13 modifications is attached.
14
15 FINDINGS: Pursuant to Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 (a) of the State of California
16 Health and Safety Code, the governing body of the City of Petaluma has determined and finds
17 that all the attached changes or modifications are needed and are reasonably necessary
18 because of local climatic, geological and topographic conditions as discussed below.
19
20 LOCAL CONDITIONS: Local conditions have an adverse effect on the prevention of (1) major
21 loss fires, (2) major earthquake damage, and (3) the potential for life and property loss, making
22 the changes or modifications in the California Fire Code and the State Building Standards Code
23 necessary in order to provide a reasonable degree of property security, and fire and life safety in
24 the City of Petaluma.
25
26 Below are adverse local climatic, geological and topographic conditions that necessitate the
27 modifications to the California Fire Code and State Building Standards Code.
28
29 CLIMATIC
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31 Precipitation: Precipitation ranges from 20 inches to approximately 25 inches per year.
32 Approximately ninety percent (90%) falls during the months of November through April, and 10%
33 from May through October. Severe flooding occurred during the months of January and March
34 1995 and in 1998 and 2006.
35
36 Relative Humidity: Humidity generally ranges from 50% during daytime 86% at night. It drops to
37 20% during the summer months and occasionally drops lower during the months of September
38 through November.
39
40 Temperatures: Temperatures have been recorded as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Average
41 summer highs are in the 78-85 degree range.
42
43 Winds: Prevailing winds are from the northwest. However, winds are experienced from virtually
44 every direction at one time or another. Velocities are generally in the 5-15 mph range, gusting to
45 7.4-30 mph, particularly during the summer months. Extreme winds, up to 50 mph, have been
46 known to occur.
47
48 Summary: These local climatic conditions affect the acceleration intensity, and size of fires in the
49 community. Times of little or no rainfall, of low humidity and high temperatures create extremely
50 hazardous conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires and
51 conflagrations. The winds experienced in this area also adversely impact structure fires in
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 14
1 buildings in close proximity to one another. Winds can carry sparks and burning branches to
2 other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, winds can
3 literally force fires back into the building and create a blowtorch effect, in addition to
4 preventing "natural" ventilation and cross -ventilation efforts. Petaluma's downtown and
5 surrounding areas contain numerous historic and older buildings that are located very close
6 together, which exacerbates the fire danger from dry conditions, wind, and shake/shingle roofs.
7
8 TOPOGRAPHIC
9
10 The topographic fire environment of a community is primarily a combination of two factors: The
11 area's physical geographic characteristics and the historic pattern of urban -suburban
12 development. These two factors, alone and combined, create a mixture of environments which
13 ultimately determine the areas' fire protection needs.
14
15 The basic geographical boundaries of the city include hills to the south and west, and valley
16 floor in the central area and to the north and east. The Petaluma River bisects the city through
17 the central area. The City of Petaluma covers 13 square miles, including an urban population
18 estimated at 57,000. The city's service area is a conglomeration of bay, plains, hills, valleys, and
19 ridges. Within the city are three fire stations and 56 fire personnel. Because of the size of the City
20 of Petaluma the characteristics of the fire environment changes from one location to the next.
21 For example, the central downtown area contains older buildings situated close together, which
22 increases the ability of fire to spread from one building to the net. In contrast, some of the
23 properties on the outlying hills are far apart, but contain large grassy acreages that promote
24 quickly -spreading wildfires during the long dry season.
25
26 The city's development pattern also contributes to its unique fire protection needs.
27 Development has traditionally occurred on the flat lands (0 - 5% slope) in the central and
28 eastern portions of the city. However, over the last ten years, development has spread into the
29 hills and the smaller valleys and canyons. This development has significantly increased the
30 service area for the city's fire department and added complicated logistical challenges for
31 getting fire equipment to remote fires or fires on steep hillsides. The majority of the hillsides in
32 these areas have slopes ranging from 15 - 30%. As a basic rule of thumb, the rate of spread will
33 double as the slope percentage doubles, all other factors remaining the same.
34
35 The local vegetation further contributes to fire dangers in the city. Petaluma's semi -arid
36 Mediterranean -type climate produces vegetation similar to that of most of Sonoma County. In
37 the long periods of the year with little or no rain (April through October), this vegetation provides
38 ready fuel for fast -spreading wildfires.
39
40 Moreover, approximately half of all the structures in the city have combustible wood -shingle or
41 shake roofs. This very flammable material is susceptible to ignition by embers from a wild land
42 fire, furthering the spread of fire to adjacent buildings.
43
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45 GEOLOGICAL
46
47 The above local topographic conditions enhance the magnitude, exposure, accessibility
48 problems, and fire hazards presented to the City of Petaluma. Fire following an earthquake has
49 the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself.
50
51 The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still
52 active today. Two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Healdsburg-Rodgers Creek)
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S. Page 15
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affect the Petaluma area. Approximately 50% of the city's land surface is in the high -to -
moderate seismic hazard zones.
The majority of the City's industrial complexes are located in the highest seismic risk zones. The
highest seismic risk zone also contains the largest concentration of hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases, could pose the greatest threat to the largest
number, should a significant seismic event occur. The City's resources would have to be
prioritized to mitigate the greatest threat, and may likely be unavailable for fires in smaller single -
dwellings and structures.
Other variables that may intensify the fire danger after a major seismic event include:
® The extent of damage to the water system
• The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse
• The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways
® Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds)
• Time of day, which will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify
the risk of life during normal business hours
• The availability of timely mutual aid or assistance from neighboring departments, which
will likely have similar emergencies at the same time. The large portion of dwellings with
wood shingle roof coverings will increase the likelihood of conflagrations
CONCLUSION
Local climatic, geological and topographic conditions impact fire protection efforts, and the
frequency, spread, acceleration, intensity and size of fire involving buildings in this community.
Further, they impact potential damage to all structures from earthquake and subsequent fire.
Therefore it is found to be reasonably necessary that the California Fire Code be changed or
modified to mitigate the effects of the above conditions.
Ordinance No. 2292 N.C.S.
Page 16