10B Action 2009 0302 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SAN LEANDRO STAFF REPORT DATE: March 2, 2009 TO: Stephen Hollister, City Manager FROM: Sheldon Gilbert, Fire Chief $. ~ - Luke Sims, Community Development Dire for APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO CITY COUNCIL Stephen L. Hollister City Manager BY: Bonnie Terra, Fire Marshal William Schock, Chief Building Official ~ .---- SUBJECT PROJECT/PROJECT DESCRIPTION: AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 21 TO TITLE III OF THE SAN LEANDRO MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION California Government Code Section 51179 requires that a local agency designate, by ordinance, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in its jurisdiction within 120 days of receiving recommendations from the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The areas identified by CAL Fire, as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, are based on consistent statewide criteria and the severity of fire hazard that is expected to prevail in those areas. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones take into consideration fuel loading, slope, fire weather, and other relevant factors. The areas are identified on maps published by CAL FIRE. They show the areas within the city where ignition resistant building standards are required for new construction. The maps also identify properties requiring defensible space maintenance and where sellers are required to disclose natural hazards at the time of property sale. Recently adopted building codes and standards reduce the risk of burning embers igniting buildings. Codes already in effect place standards on roofing construction and attic venting. New buildings constructed within the zone, require ignition resistant building materials for siding, exterior doors, decking, windows, eaves wall vents, and enclosed overhanging decks. The City of San Leandro's Building & Safety Services Division began enforcing the ignition resistant building standards on July 1, 2008. It is recommended that the City, pursuant to California Government Code Section 51179, adopt by ordinance the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.