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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-023 - ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. FD19-023 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL GEOLOGIC, TOPOGRAPHIC, AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS WHICH MAKE CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND EXCEPTIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE REASONABLY NECESSARY. WHEREAS, The Board of Directors (herein after "Board") of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District (herein after "District") has determined that: 1. The Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the District shall adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same, modified, or changed requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State of California (herein after "State") pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and 2. The State 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 Fire Code; and 3. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5(a) permits the District to make changes or modifications to the California Fire Code which are reasonably necessary because of local geologic, topographic, or climatic conditions; and 4. Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the Board, before making any changes or modifications to the California Fire Code, shall make an express finding that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local geologic, topographic, or climatic conditions. WHEREAS, The Board has determined that local geologic, topographic, and climatic conditions do exist that make changes and modifications to the California Fire Code reasonably necessary and that those conditions are: Geologic a. The District has within its boundaries active seismic hazards along five known earthquake faults. Seismic activity events within the District occur throughout the year and a fire potential exists with these events. Existing structures and planned new development are at serious risk from an earthquake. This risk includes fire, collapse, and the disruption of utility services, including water main breaks and lost or diminished water supply for firefighting purposes along with the loss of natural gas and electricity services that supply power to essential systems. Areas can become isolated and/or be subject to delayed responses as a result of bridge, overpass, and road damage and debris. b. Due to its location along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the District is subjected to flooding, flash flooding, and rapid runoff conditions during rain episodes. Some of the major arterial streets in the District are designed to function as part of the flood control system and are at times impassable as a result of high, swift -moving running water. Other streets are often damaged and/or clogged with debris during flooding episodes creating delayed responses by emergency apparatus. Roads are often washed out or obstructed by landslides, especially in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. Resolution No. FD19-023 - Page 1 of 4 c. The District's jurisdiction includes a significant amount of designated Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area comprised of both State and Local Responsibility Areas. The native vegetation in these areas of the south aspect of the San Gabriel Mountains is capable of and has in the past produced wildfire conflagrations that threaten large numbers of homes and businesses and have in the past destroyed homes and other buildings. Wildfires threaten the continuity of electricity services since calculated flame lengths are capable of damaging above ground transmission lines that are installed across the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. Loss of electricity can affect public and private water supply systems if pumps do not have the power necessary to maintain minimum pressures in the systems. Loss of electricity can also affect the ability of essential systems to operate as designed. Evacuations cause streets to reach capacity, which slows response times. 2. Topographic a. The District is situated on the alluvial fan of the San Gabriel Mountains, an inclined plane that increases from approximately 1,200 feet in elevation on the south side of the District to approximately 3,000 feet in elevation on the north side of the District. This elevation change occurs across approximately seven miles creating several roads with steep slopes that slow fire apparatus and produce extended response times. Some slopes within the District exceed 30%. The slopes, with a south facing aspect and native vegetation consisting chaparral and various types of sage scrub, contribute to fast moving wildfires with extreme flame lengths, especially during Santa Ana wind events. b. The District contains two freeways and several main arterial streets that connect several of the foothill cities. Traffic conditions on any given day, absent geological or climatological complications, are sufficient to cause delayed responses by fire apparatus. The District also has several at -grade railroad crossings that are used daily by commuter and freight trains. Train traffic across these grades causes extended response times or the need to dispatch additional units that can respond from the opposite of the train crossing. c. The elevation change within the District and the rapid rise of the San Gabriel Mountains adjacent to the District are topographical conditions that naturally create flooding throughout the District and region. A comprehensive flood management system has been constructed but flooding, including flash flooding, still occurs during significant rainfall and snow melt conditions. Flooding can damage the electrical distribution system and leave roads heavily damaged or impassable. The flood management system in the District relies on many mid -block and intersection at -grade drainage channels that create dips in roads that require fire apparatus to slow their response in order to prevent damage to the vehicles. Other rises and troughs designed to direct and carry flood waters during rain episodes that are built into major arterial streets create elevation changes dramatic enough to produce fire apparatus damage if they are not traversed at significantly reduced speeds. Reduced speeds along these main thoroughfares create extended response times. 3. Climatic a. The District is bounded on the east and the west by canyons that channel seasonal high- pressure air masses from the desert to the ocean creating Santa Ana winds. Santa Ana winds in the District have a history of sustained velocities of 40-60 miles per hour with gusts in excess of 80 miles per hour. The winds create damage that includes downed power lines, downed utility poles, fallen trees, and blowing dust and debris. These hazards create extended response times. The wind can cause damage to the public electric utility resulting in the possibility of fire alarms, fire pumps, other fire and life safety protection equipment, and traffic signals being rendered ineffective or completely out of service. Resolution No. FD19-023 - Page 2 of 4 b. The summer and early fall months often see periods of high temperatures and low humidity that quickly dry out the native chaparral and other foothill vegetation as well as the historic windrows planted when the area was a mostly agricultural area. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds create critical fire weather conditions capable of producing catastrophic wildland fires and wildland-urban interface conflagrations. The District has experienced a number large area wildland during the course of its existence. Such fires quickly deplete the District's resources and the resources of neighboring jurisdictions as these fire events are generally large regional events that span several cities and many miles. Critical fire weather conditions can result in a public safety power shutoff (PSPS). Actual wildfire events can result in evacuations that fill streets to capacity, which delays emergency response. c. The rapid rise of the San Gabriel Mountains has the potential to and historically has generated thunderstorm and significant rainfall events that quickly result in both localized and regional flooding, including flash flooding. Flooding has resulted in roads and bridges being washed out or otherwise made impassable. Flooding has been substantial enough to result in major debris flows that include whole trees and boulders which block entire streets and knock down poles and towers that support power lines. These conditions cause damage to utility systems and can significantly impede or delay emergency response. NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE RANCHO CUCAMONGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT HEREBY FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: 1. The facts set forth in this Resolution are true and correct. 2. Changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions to the California Fire Code are reasonably necessary in the District. 3. The reasonably necessary changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions to specific sections of the California Fire Code are listed along with the applicable findings in a matrix appended to this resolution, marked as Exhibit A, and incorporated by reference herein. 4. The aforementioned changes, modifications, amendments, additions, deletions, and exceptions have been incorporated in detail in Ordinance FD 57. 5. Copies of this Resolution and Ordinance FD 57 shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission and Department of Housing and Community Development, as required by Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7. Resolution No. FD19-023-Page 3 of 4 FWAINUMIM Reynolds, Cle ry (L'y6ne B. Kennedy,; Vice Prent 1, JANICE C. REYNOLDS , SECRETARY of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, at a Regular Meeting of said Board held on the 4 th day of December 2019. AYES: Hutchison, Kennedy, Scott, Spagnolo NOES: None ABSENT: Michael ABSTAINED: None Executed this 5 th day of December, 2019, at Rancho Cucamonga, California. olds, Clerk FD 19-023 - Exhibit W Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District Findings of Fact Matrix for 2019 Fire Code Adoption Chapter Applicable Finding(s) Note 2 Not a construction provision; finding not required Adds a reference to Standard 2-1 which is where any necessary or modified definitions will be listed. Adds Fire District Standards to the list of referenced 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c standards. Some of the Fire District standards contain 80 construction provisions as noted below. Section Applicable Finding(s) Note 101 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Supplies the required title of the code. Section 102.13 added in order for the ordinance to be 102 Not a construction provision; finding not required certified by Cal Fire as applicable in the State Responsibility Areas of the Fire District. 103 Not a construction provision; finding not required Some provisions conflict with District organizational structure; necessary provisions added to Sec. 104. Provides clarifying language and additional powers andauthorities 104 Not a construction provision; finding not required to the Fire District. Provides clarity and provisions for non-payment. Also 105 Not a construction provision; finding not required references Standards 1-1 and 1-2 which establish required permits replacing the corresponding lists in the California Fire Code. 106 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds Fire District policies and procedures for fees. 109 Not a construction provision; finding not required Changes Board of Appeals provisions to be consistent with Fire District policies and procedures. Clarifies policies and procedures for violations and 110 Not a construction provision; finding not required establishes the use of Administrative Citations. 111 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds clarifying language. 112 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds clarifying language. Provides the Chief with authority to make closures for 114 Not a construction provision; finding not required public safety concerns. Replaces permit requirements with standardizedlanguage 301 Not a construction provision; finding not required used throughout the ordinance. 304 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds additional detail regarding vegetation. 302 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds a provision for the health and safety of people. 307 Not a construction provision; finding not required Replaces model code requirements with Standard 3-1. 308 Not a construction provision; finding not required Replaces model code requirements with Standard 3-2. Adds additional regulated equipment and standardizespermit 309 Not a construction provision; finding not required language. 310 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds a reference to the Municipal Code. Adds a reference to Appendix N and Standard 4-2. 314 Not a construction provision; finding not required Standardizes permit language and adds some safety provisions. Adds clarifying language. Adds a provision for the storage of pallets indoors. Adds a reference to 315 Not a construction provision; finding not required Standard 3-3 which deals with the storage of commodities that expand with the absorption of water, a topic on which the code is silent. Provides for additional safe uses and operations within 316 Not a construction provision; finding not required power line easements and rights of way. • Section Applicable Finding(s) Note Creates a reference to Standard 3-4 which brings all 321 Not a construction provision; finding not required provisions of the code regarding waste handling and recycling facilities into a single reference document. 322 Not a construction provision; finding not required Establishes weed and fire hazard abatement authority. Adds a section that creates a reference to Standards 4- 401 Not a construction provision; finding not required 1, 4-1, 4-3, 4-4, and Appendix N for indoor and outdoor special events. Adds a reference to Standard 2-1 which is where any 402 Not a construction provision; finding not required necessary or modified definitions will be listed. 403 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Adds several safety provisions and requirements. Makes permanent certain discretionary changes to the 503 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 3a, 3c design of fire apparatus access roads. Adds a roof access design feature that facilitates safe 504 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3c access to and egress from roofs. Adds a reference to Standards 5-7 and 5-8 that have specific requirements for address number dimensions 505 1 a, 1 b, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c intended to make addresses more visible from extended distances. Also adds a requirement to provide addressing for construction sites. 506 Not a construction provision; finding not required References Standard 5-9 and provides clarifying language. Creates a reference to Appendix B and Standard 5-10, 507 1 a, 1 c, 3a, 3b both of which provide specific detail with regard to the design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection water supplies. Requires the construction of a room or enclosure with exterior access for fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems 509 1 a, 1 b, 2b, 3a, 3c in multi -tenant buildings to ensure timely emergency responder access to system controls. 510 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. Creates a requirement for site plans and references 511 Not a construction provision; finding not required Standard 5-11. 601 Not a construction provision; finding not required Permit requirements made non-specific to avoid confusion. 603 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Creates additional safety requirements. Requires manually operated control valves to be 605 1 a, 1 b, 2b, 3a, 3c installed in an easily accessible location to ensure timely emergency responder access to system controls. Changes the section heading to be more descriptive. 607 Not a construction provision; finding not required Brings all provisions regarding commercial cooking operations into a single point of reference within the code. References Standard 6-1. 807 Not a construction provision; finding not required Adds clarifying language and references Standard 8-1. Creates a reference to Standard 9-1 for partial systems. Creates a references to Standard 9-2 to 901 Not a construction provision; finding not required authorize the use of a fire watch for systems out of service. Enhances the scope of removing and tampering with equipment. Adds references to various Standards. Adjusts the 903 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c square footage and other requirements for fire sprinkler systems. Exhibit 'A' Section Applicable Finding(s) Note References Standards and other source material needed to ensure correct installation. Adds a 904 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3c requirement for alternative automatic fire -extinguishing systems to be monitored by fire sprinkler monitoring systems. Adds a reference to Standard 5-10 which has specific 905 1 a, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c design and installation requirements for standpipe systems to ensure ready access to and timely use of standpipes. 906 Not a construction provision; finding not required Adds a clarifying condition that requires fire extinguishers at various events. Allows for alarm signal verification. Creates certain 907 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c design and installation requirements for fire alarm systems. Creates a reference to Standard 9-3 to provide greater reliability of fire alarm systems. References Standard 5-10 which includes specific 912 1 a, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c design and installation requirements for fire department connections to ensure ready access to and timely use of fire department connections. 913 1 a, 1 c, 3a, 3b, 3c Creates a requirement for alternate source of power due to the high probability of utility service interruption. 916 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language 1001 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language Referenced Guidance Document clarifies application of 1003 Not a construction provision; finding not required provisions from other codes; does not alter construction provisions. References Standard 11-1 which requires current code 1101 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c provisions for additional buildings, operations, and systems. 1201 Not a construction provision; finding not required Provides clarifying language and standardizes permit language. 1203 1 a, 2c, 3a Creates a requirement for alternate source of fuel due to the high probability of utility service interruption. 1205 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 1206 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2101 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2201 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2301 la,3a Includes residential fueling operations as a regulated operation. Standardizes permit language. 2501 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2601 Not a construction provision; finding not required Adds relevant references from other applicable State codes for the sake of consistency. 2701 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2801 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 2804 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3c Requires enhanced water supply for lumber yards and similar facilities. 2901 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 3101 Not a construction provision; finding not required References Standards 4-1 and 31-1 which provide additional safety requirements. 3106 Not a construction provision; finding not required References Chapter 4 and various Standards to provide additional safety. Exhibit 'A' Section Applicable Finding(s) Note References Standard 32-1 which contains detailed information about high -piled combustible storage 3201 Not a construction provision; finding not required analyses and process along with clarifying language. Makes permanent the discretionary language related to high hazard commodities. Adds a requirement to designate both the height and 3205 Not a construction provision; finding not required area of high -piled combustible storage areas. Does not affect construction standards. Adds a requirement for door identification markings to 3206 Not a construction provision; finding not required enhance safety. Makes permanent the discretionary provision to equip 3208 Not a construction provision; finding not required flue spaces with protection. Expands the scope of the chapter and references Standard 33-1 to enhance safety during construction 3301 Not a construction provision; finding not required and demolition. Provides clarification on issuance of construction permits 3302 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Provides clarifying language. Adds a requirement for approval of heating devices 3303 Not a construction provision; finding not required used with construction projects. Provides additional safety requirements during 3304 Not a construction provision; finding not required construction. Provides clarifying language and references Standard33-3. 3308 Not a construction provision; finding not required Adds an approval for cellular enabled devices to beused 3309 Not a construction provision; finding not required for emergency communication. Modifies required access requirements and references Standard 33-2 which sets the design, installation, and 3310 1 a, 1 b, 2b, 2c, 3c construction requirements for temporary fire apparatus access roads. References Standard 33-2 which sets the design, 3312 1a, 1b, 2b, 2c, 3c installation, and construction requirements for temporary water supply systems. 3318 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Provides clarifying language. 3401 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. References Standard 35-1, standardizes permit 3501 Not a construction provision; finding not required language, and provides clarifying language. 3701 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 4803 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. References Standard 49-1 which contains certain construction and site requirements intended to reduce the risk of structure ignition associated with wind -driven 4901 1c, 2a, 3a, 3b wildfires. Other Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area construction provisions are found in the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, and other referenced codes and standards. 5001 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Provides clarifying language regarding permits. 5101 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 5301 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 5401 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 5501 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 5601 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Provides clarifying language. References Standard 56-2. Provides a requirement for 5608 Not a construction provision; finding not required and clarifying language regarding electrically firing fireworks displays. Exhibit 'A' Section Applicable Finding(s) Note 5704 Not a construction provision; finding not required References Standard 57-1 which establishes the Procedures for repairs, alterations, abandonment, removal, and disposal of tanks. Modifies the amount of idle pallet storage. 5801 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 5901 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6001 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6104 Not a construction provision; finding not required Provides clarifying language. Establishes limits as allowed by the code. 6107 1 a, 1 b, 2a, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c Requires certain orientation of tank installations and stored tanks. 6109 2a Provides specific design standards for vehicle impact protection. 6201 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6301 Not a construction provision; finding not required References Standard 63-1 which provides safety features for the use of oxygen and oxygen systems in certain occupancies. Standardizes permit language. 6401 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6501 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6601 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. 6701 Not a constructionprovision; finding not required Standardizes permit language. App. A Not a construction provision; finding not required Provides clarifying language, policies, and procedures. App. N 1 Not a constructionprovision; finding not re uired Standardizes permit language.