4A Public Hearings 2016 1121 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 1 of 6 EXHIBIT A FINDINGS FOR LOCAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2016 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, AS SET FORTH IN THE 2016 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE A. General Findings. The San Leandro City Council makes the following general findings regarding local climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions, which the City finds necessitates the local modifications to the California Building Standards Code set forth below: 1. Local climatic conditions include a low amount of average yearly rainfall, which tends to be concentrated from October through April. From May through September, a dry period occurs where daily temperatures remain high and there is little measurable precipitation. In addition, the local climate frequently includes high winds which sweep down through the valley. High summer temperatures, average load demand and peak load demand of energy used in the City are important factors impacting public safety and creating the potential for adverse economic impacts due to power outages or power reductions (i.e. “brownouts”). As a result of the low precipitation, the area is subject to occasional drought. In all areas of the City, fires can occur in buildings, rubbish, automobiles, and grass fires on vacant lots. In the high fire severity zone of the City, there is a risk of large brush and grass fires. If a fire occurs in high winds, it creates the risk of a potential fire storm. In addition, development is occurring in previously undeveloped areas. This new development increases the chance of fire while simultaneously being located further from fire stations, delaying critical response times. This potential problem can be mitigated by requiring initial fire control through the installation of automatic fire protection systems. 2. Local geographical conditions include a risk of earthquake. A number of earthquake faults are located either within or in close proximity to the City’s boundaries. Those with the most direct and potentially destructive impact are the San Andreas, Calaveras, and Hayward. History of earthquake activity indicates that there is a likelihood of a major earthquake in the area. The largest recorded earthquake in this immediate area occurred on the San Andreas Fault on October 17, 1989, a 7.1 magnitude. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified a 63% probability of a major earthquake occurring in the region within the next 30 years. Recent earthquake damage studies, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake, have indicated the lack of adequate design and detailing as a contributing factor to damages that reduced the protection of the life-safety of building occupants. In the event of an earthquake, damage to structures can be expected. In residential and commercial areas, this could include significant damage or collapse of buildings. Secondary impacts could include ruptured electric or gas connections and/or breaks in water distribution lines. The potential for a major seismic event would create a City-wide demand for emergency response and fire protection services that would exceed staff response capacity. This potential problem can be mitigated by requiring initial fire control through the installation of automatic fire protection systems.