Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 8 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²) in area.
2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
4. In rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other such area where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.
5. Throughout any Group E structure greater than 3,599 square feet (334.36 m2) in area.
6. For public school state funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19.
7. For public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.20.
SECTION 903.2.4 “GROUP F-1" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m ²).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m ²).
SECTION 903.2.4.4 “GROUP F-2” is ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.4.4 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-2 occupancy where the following condition exits:
1. A Group F-2 fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m 2).
SECTION 903.2.7 “GROUP M" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 9 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m 2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m2).
4. [SMF] The structure exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
SECTION 903.2.7.2 “GROUP M UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE OR
MATTRESSES” IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.7.2 Group M upholstered furniture or mattresses: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group M fire area where the area used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
SECTION 903.2.8.1.1 "GROUP R-3 MANUFACTURED HOUSING" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.8.1.1 Group R-3 manufactured housing. An automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, shall be installed in new or used one and two-family manufactured homes, mobile homes, and multi-unit manufactured housing with two dwelling units where a fire sprinkler system would normally be required in any residential unit that could be built on the same site.
SECTION 903.2.8.3 "GROUP R-4, CONDITION 2" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.8.3 Group R-4. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided in Group R-4 occupancies.
SECTION 903.2.9 "GROUP S-1" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m ²).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m ²).
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m 2).
SECTION 903.2.9.1 “REPAIR GARAGES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the California Building Code, as shown:
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 10 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,599 square feet (334.36 m2).
2. Buildings no more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,599 square feet (334.36 m ²).
3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m 2).
SECTION 903.2.10 "GROUP S-2 PARKING GARAGES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages where any of the following conditions exist:
1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
2. Where the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, is located beneath other groups.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
3. Where the fire area of the open parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code, exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
SECTION 903.2.10.1 "COMMERCIAL PARKING GARAGES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m2).
SECTION 903.2.10.3 “GROUP S-2” IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.10.3 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy where the following condition exists:
1. A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
SECTION 903.2.18.1 "GROUP U PRIVATE GARAGES AND CARPORTS" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.2.18.1 Group U private garages and carports. Carports and garages within 6- feet of a Group R occupancy equipped with automatic fire sprinklers, shall be protected by fire sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13D or NFPA 13, as applicable.
SECTION 903.3.1.2 "NFPA 13R SPRINKLER SYSTEMS" IS DELETED
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 11 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 SECTION 903.3.1.2.1 “BALCONIES AND DECK” IS DELETED
SECTION 903.3.1.2.2 “CORRIDORS AND BALCONIES IN THE MEANS OF EGRESS” IS
DELETED
SECTION 903.3.1.2.3 “ATTICS” IS DELETED
SECTION 903.3.8.4 “SUPERVISION" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised and secured in the open position.
SECTION 903.3.9 "FLOOR CONTROL VALVES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
903.3.9 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor in multi-story buildings, at an approved location.
Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.
SECTION 903.4.2 "ALARMS" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.4.2 Alarms. One exterior approved audible/visual device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, and shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system.
Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
SECTION 903.4.3 "FLOOR CONTROL VALVES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.4.3 Floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in multi-story buildings.
SECTION 903.6 “WHERE REQUIRED IN EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES” IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 and as follows:
1. When there is a change in occupancy classification that results in an increased life safety or fire risk as determined by the fire code official and the structure exceeds 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²), an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building.
2. In existing buildings and structures exceeding 3,599 square feet (334.36 m 2),
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 12 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 where the floor area of the building or structure is increased.
Exception: When the building increase is to accommodate state mandated ADA improvements and is less than 500
square feet (46.45 m2).
3. In existing buildings and structures less than 3,600 square feet (334.45 m 2), where the floor area of the building or structure is increased to exceed 3,599 square feet (334.36 m²).
Exception: When the building increase is to accommodate state mandated ADA improvements and is less than 500
square feet (46.45 m2).
SECTION 903.6.1 "MONITORING" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 903.6.1 Monitoring. When required by the fire code official, valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, and water flow switches on all existing sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.
SECTION 1028.5.1 "EXIT DISCHARGE SURFACE" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1028.5.1 Exit discharge surface. Exterior exit pathway surfaces shall be suitable for pedestrian use in inclement weather and shall terminate at a public way as defined in the California Building Code.
SECTION 1201.1 “SCOPE” IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, retrofitting, testing, commissioning, and decommissioning of energy systems used for generating or storing energy including but not limited to energy storage systems under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. It shall not apply to equipment associated with the generation, control, transformation, transmission, or distribution of energy installations that is under the exclusive control of an electric utility or lawfully designated agency. Energy storage systems regulated by section 1207 shall comply with this chapter as appropriate and NFPA 855.
SECTION 3313.1 “WHEN REQUIRED” IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 3313.1 When required. A permanent approved water supply for fire protection shall be made available as soon as combustible building materials arrive on the site, on commencement of foundation, on commencement of vertical construction and on installation of a standpipe system in buildings under construction.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to reduce the fire flow requirements in rural areas or small communities where the development of full fire flow requirements is impractical
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 13 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 SECTION 3313.2 “COMBUSTIBLE BUILDING MATERIALS” IS DELETED SECTION 3313.3 “VERTICAL CONSTRICTION OF TYPES III, IV, AND V CONSTRUCTION” IS DELETED.
SECTION 3313.3.1 “FIRE SEPARATION UP TO 30 FEET” IS DELETED.
SECTION 3313.3.2 “FIRE SEPARATION OF 30 FEET UP TO 60 FEET” IS DELETED.
SECTION 3313.3.3 “FIRE SEPARATION OF 60 FEET OR GREATER” IS DELETED.
SECTION 3313.4 “VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION, TYPE I AND II CONSTRUCTION” IS DELETED.
SECTION 3313.5 “STANDPIPE SUPPPY” IS DELETED.
SECTION 5003.9.1.2 "EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT INFORMATION" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 5003.9.1.2 Emergency response support information. Ready access to floor plans, safety data sheets (SDS), Hazardous Materials Management Plans (HMMP), Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS), shall be provided, as determined by the fire code official Chapter 80 “REFERENCED STANDARDS” HAS AMENDED NFPA 24 AS FOLLOWS:
NFPA 24-22: Standard for Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, as amended*
Chapter 80 "REFERENCED STANDARDS" HAS ADDED NFPA 855 AS FOLLOWS:
NFPA 855-23: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 14 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 APPENDIX B, TABLE NO. B105.1(1) "REQUIRED FIRE FLOW FOR ONE- AND TWO- FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
TABLE NO. B105.1 (1)
REQUIRED FIRE FLOW FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSESª
FIRE FLOW
CALCULATION
AREA (square
feet)
AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
(Design Standard)
MINIMUM FIRE-
FLOW (gallons per
minute)
FLOW
DURATION
(hours)
0-3,600 No automatic sprinkler
system 1000 1
3,601 and greater No automatic sprinkler
system
Value in Table B105.1
(2)
Duration in Table
B105.1 (2) at the
required flow
rate
0-3,600
Section 903.3.1.3 of the
CFC or Section 313.3 of
the CRC
1000 1
3,601 and greater
Section 903.3.1.3 of the CFC
or Section 313.3 of the CRC ½-value in Table
B105.1 (2)ª 1
For SI: 1 square foot= 0.0929 m², 1 gallon per minute= 3.785 L/m. a. The reduced fire-flow shall not be less than 1,000 gallons per minute for a duration of 1 hour.
SECTION B105.2 "BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES," IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section B105.2 Buildings other than one- and two-Family dwellings, Group R-3 and R4 buildings and townhouses. The minimum fire flow and flow duration for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 buildings and townhouses shall be as specified in Tables B105.1(2) and B105.2.
Exceptions:
A. Group B, S-2 and U occupancies having a floor area not exceeding 1,000 square feet, primarily constructed of noncombustible exterior walls with wood or steel roof framing, having a Class A roof assembly, with uses limited to the following or similar uses:
1. California State Parks buildings of an accessory nature (restrooms).
2. Safety roadside rest areas, (SRRA), public restrooms.
3. Truck inspection facilities, (TIF), CHP office space and vehicle inspection bays.
4. Sand/salt storage buildings, storage of sand and salt.
B. Group U occupancies accessory to a one or two-family dwelling.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 15 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 APPENDIX B, TABLE NO. B105.2, “REQUIRED FIRE FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES” IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
TABLE NO. B105.2
REQUIRED FIRE FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM (Design Standard)
MINIMUM FIRE-FLOW
(gallons per minute)
FLOW DURATION
(hours)
No automatic sprinkler system Value in Table B105.1
(2)
Duration in Table B105.1
(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 of the
California Fire Code
50% of the Value in
Table B105.1 (2)ª
Duration in Table B105.1
(2) at the reduced flow
rate
a. The reduced fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute.
APPENDIX C, TABLE NO. C102.1, "REQUIRED NUMBER AND SPACING OF FIRE HYDRANTS" IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
TABLE NO. C102.1
REQUIRED NUMBER AND SPACING OF FIRE HYDRANTSᵉ
FIRE FLOW
REQUIREMENT
(gpm)
MINIMUM NO.
OF HYDRANTS
AVERAGE SPACING
BETWEEN
HYDRANTS
a,b ,d
(Ft.)
MAXIMUM
DISTANCE FROM
HYDRANT TO ANY
POINT
ON STREET OR
ROADWAY
FRONTAGE-(Ft.)
1750 or less 1 300 150
1751-2250 2 300 150
2251-2750 3 300 150
2751-3250 3 300 150
3251-4000 4 300 150
4001-5000 5 300 150
5001-5500 6 300 150
5501-6000 6 250 150
6001-7000 7 250 150
7001or more 8 or more 200 120
For SI: 1 foot= 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute= 3.785 L/m.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 16 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 a. Where streets are provided with median dividers that cannot be crossed by fire fighters pulling hose lines, or where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes or street width is in excess of 88 feet (26.82m), hydrant spacing shall average 300 feet on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.
b. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet (305m) to provide for transportation hazards. In addition, there shall be at least one hydrant at each intersection.
c. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute or fraction thereof. d. Average spacing between fire hydrants may be extended to 500 feet (152.4m) on streets serving one and two-family dwellings.
e. The fire code official is authorized to modify the location, number and distribution of fire hydrants based on site-specific constraints and hazards.
SECTION C104.2 "SINGLE OUTLET FIRE HYDRANTS" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section C104.2 Single outlet fire hydrants. Where required by the fire code official, existing single outlet 2 ½ inch fire hydrants shall be changed to an approved steamer fire hydrant, when the following conditions occur:
1. The recoding of a tentative subdivision or parcel map.
2. A lot merger or split.
3. The modification of an existing structure resulting in an increased fire flow.
4. A change in occupancy type, use, or character of the building that results in an increased life safety or fire risk, as determined by the fire code official.
5. The construction of a new building.
SECTION C104.3 "RIGHT OF WAY IMPROVEMENTS" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section C104.3 Right of way improvements. Existing fire hydrants affected by right of way improvements shall be moved to an approved location.
SECTION C106.1 "HYDRANT TYPE" IS ADDED AS FOLLOWS:
Section C106.1 Hydrant type. The fire code official shall approve the type of fire hydrants to be installed in public right of way or on private property prior to any such installation.
17.04.060 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.
All former fire prevention ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance or of the code hereby adopted are hereby repealed.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 17 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Section 2. FINDINGS. In connection with the amendments enacted by Section 1 relating to the California Fire Code and its appendices, 2022 edition, the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova makes the following findings pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5. The changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, or geological conditions.
The City C o u n c i l o f t h e C i t y of Rancho Cordova hereby adopts, pursuant to Section 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, the following findings of fact:
(a) Under this adopting ordinance, specific amendments have been established which are more restrictive of nature than those adopted by the State of California (State Buildings Standards Code, State Housing & Community Development Codes) commonly referred to as Title 24 & Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations. These amendments to the California Fire Code, 2022 edition, have been recognized by the City of Rancho Cordova to address the fire problems, concerns, and future direction by which the City can establish and maintain an environment which will afford a level of fire and life safety to all who live and work within its boundary.
(b) The International Code Council has assumed responsibility for the International Fire Code and International Fire Code Standards. The International Code Council provided a means for participation by all code enforcement officials from throughout the country as well as industry representatives, consultants, and other private parties with an interest in the International Fire Code. (c) The International Fire Code, being the 2021 edition thereof, published by the International Code Council nationally recognized compilation of proposed rules, regulations, and standards of said Association.
(d) Said International Fire Code has been printed and published as a Code in book form within the meaning of Section 50022.1 of the Government Code of the State of California.
(e) Under the provisions of Section 18941.5 of the Health and Safety Code, local amendments are based on climatic, topographical, and geological conditions. The findings of fact contained herein address each of these situations and present the local situation, which either singularly or in combination, caused the aforementioned amendments to be adopted.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 18 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13
LOCAL CONDITIONS
A. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local climatic condition. The City of Rancho Cordova, located within Sacramento County and within the jurisdiction of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, is subject to precipitation, relative humidity, temperature extremes, and high velocity winds.
1. Precipitation and relative humidity
a. Conditions
Monthly precipitation ranges from .05 to 2.87 inches with an average of approximately 17.2 inches per year. The majority of this precipitation falls during the months of November through April.
There is a dry period of at least six (6) months each year, May through October. Additionally, the area is subject to occasional drought. Relative humidity remains in the middle range most of the time. It ranges from twenty-nine (29) to thirty-eight (38) percent during spring, summer, fall, and from fifty-seven (57) to ninety (90) percent in the winter. It occasionally falls as low as fifteen (15) percent (National Weather Service Sacramento Branch average of historical data (https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/clilcd.pl?ca23232.). b. Impact
Locally experienced dry periods cause extreme dryness of untreated wood shakes and shingles on buildings and non-irrigated grass, brush, and weeds, which are often near buildings with wood roofs and sidings. Such dryness causes these materials to ignite very readily and burn rapidly and intensely.
Due to dryness, a rapidly burning grass fire or exterior building fire can quickly transfer to other buildings by means of radiation or flying brands, sparks, and embers. A small fire can rapidly grow to a magnitude beyond the control capabilities of the Fire District resulting in an excessive fire loss.
The Sacramento area has had several consecutive years of drought conditions thus reducing available water supply. The drought conditions have led to lower water tables. Groundwater as well as surface supplies have all been affected. The degradation of water supplies reduces the efficiency of fixed fire protection systems as well as hampering fire suppression activities. As an example, in 1998, the City of Sacramento lowered its static water pressure from 50 psi to 30 psi.
The doubling of average rainfall called an "El Nino" event has occurred from time to time and does cause the grass to mature and grow in excess of six feet high before it dries out. Ten sq. feet of this
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 19 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 type of fuel is equivalent to the explosive force of one gallon of gasoline.
Low-level fog (Tule Fog) is present throughout the winter months, which brings visibility to almost zero feet. The fog delays emergency responders and has caused numerous vehicle accidents including the December 11, 1997, Interstate 5 incident in Elk Grove which involved 36 vehicles and caused 31 casualties including 5 fatalities.
The fog can also cause freezing and slick roadways.
2. Temperature
a. Condition
Temperatures have been recorded as high as 115° F throughout the Sacramento region. Average summer highs are in the 86° F range, with average maximums of 108° F (National Weather Service Sacramento Branch average of historical data
(https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/clilcd.pl?ca23232.).
b. Impact
The Sacramento region has extreme variations in weather patterns too. Summers are arid and warm, winters are cool to freezing, fall and spring can bring any combination of weather pattern together. It is this cyclical uncertainty that allows weather events such as the rapid melting of the snow pack which causes flooding in the low- lying valley areas of Sacramento County.
High temperatures cause rapid fatigue and heat exhaustion of firefighters, thereby reducing their effectiveness and ability to control large building and wildland fires.
Another impact from high temperatures is that combustible building material and non-irrigated weeds, grass, and brush are preheated, thus causing these materials to ignite more readily and burn more rapidly and intensely. Additionally, the resultant higher temperature of the atmosphere surrounding the materials reduces the effectiveness of the water being applied to the burning materials.
This requires that more water be applied, which in turn requires more Fire District resources in order to control a fire on a hot day.
High temperatures directly contribute to the rapid growth of fires to an intensity and magnitude beyond the control capabilities of the Fire District.
3. Winds
a. Condition
Prevailing winds in the area are from the south or southeast.
However, winds are experienced from virtually every direction at one
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 20 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 time or another. Velocities are generally in the six (6) mph to nine and one half (9.5) mph ranges, gusting to twenty-five (25) to thirty- five (35) mph. Forty (40) mph winds are experienced occasionally and winds up to seventy-four (74) mph have been registered locally. During the winter half of the year strong, dry, gusty winds from the north move through the area for several days creating extremely dry conditions. (National Weather Service Sacramento Branch average of historical data (https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi- bin/clilcd.pl?ca23232.).
b. Impact
Winds such as those experienced locally can and do cause fires, both interior and exterior, to burn and spread rapidly. Fires involving non-irrigated weeds, grass, and brush can grow to a magnitude and be fanned to intensity beyond the control capabilities of the Fire District very quickly even by relatively moderate winds. During wood shake and shingle roof fires, or exposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. When such fires are not controlled, they can extend to nearby buildings, particularly those with untreated wood shakes or shingles. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blow torch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross- ventilation efforts.
Winds of the type experienced locally also reduce the effectiveness of exterior water streams used by the Fire District on fires involving large interior areas of buildings, fires which have vented through windows and roofs due to inadequate built-in fire protection and fires involving wood shake and shingle building exteriors. Local winds will continue to be a factor toward causing major fire losses to buildings not provided with fire resistive roof and siding materials. Buildings with inadequately separated interior areas or lacking automatic fire protection systems are also at risk.
Throughout the District, homes are being built within grass and brush covered rural areas creating an urban interface environment.
Combustible weeds on vacant lots, coupled with windy conditions can be a recipe for disaster. Throughout the State of California, large catastrophic fires in these urban interface environments have resulted in loss of life and property at an increasing rate.
B. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local geologic condition. Sacramento County is subject to seismicity as it is located within seismic zone 3 (major damage capability). Faults within this area are (1) Rescue Lineament-Bear Mountain Fault; (2) San Joaquin Fault; (3) Vacca-Kirby Fault; (4) Greenville Fault; and (5) Dunnigan Hills Fault.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 21 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Sacramento County is bisected by major transportation corridors including Interstate 80 and U.S. 50 which traverses in an east/west direction and is bisected by both Highway 99 and Interstate 5. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and The Cosumnes Fire Department serve a combined population in excess of 923,000 residents and over 500 square miles. There are 2 major rail lines which run through the Districts. An overpass or underpass crossing collapse would significantly increase response time for fire and emergency vehicles and hinder mutual aid efforts. This is due to the limited crossings of the major highways and rail lines.
Earthquakes of the magnitude experienced locally can cause major damage to electrical transmission facilities, which, in turn, cause power failures while at the same time starting fires throughout the Fire Districts. The occurrence of multiple fires will quickly deplete existing fire districts’ resources; thereby reducing and/or delaying their response to any given fire. Additionally, without electrical power, elevators, smoke management systems, lighting systems, alarm systems, and other electrical equipment urgently needed for building evacuation and fire control in large buildings without emergency generator systems would be inoperative, thereby resulting in loss of life and/or major fire losses in such buildings.
The above local topographical conditions impede emergency response activities and increase response times. Public Safety resources would have to be prioritized to mitigate the greatest threat and may likely be unavailable for smaller single dwelling or structure fires.
C. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local topographic condition. Sacramento County is subject to increased vegetation, varied surface features, hazardous building operations, increased landscaping and terrain risk factors.
1. Vegetation
Highly combustible dry grass, weeds, and brush are common in the hilly and open space areas adjacent to built-up locations six (6) to eight (8) months of each year. Many of these areas frequently experience wildland fires, which threaten nearby buildings, particularly those with wood roofs, or sidings. This condition can be found throughout the Fire Districts, especially in those fully developed areas and those areas marked for future development.
Development continues to extend from the urban core into grass- covered areas and brush/tree covered canyons, such as the American River Parkway, where every 20-percent increase in slope doubles the rate of fire spread.
2. Surface features
The Districts are bisected by Sacramento RT Light Rail running east/west and the Union Pacific mainline running north/south with an average of eighteen to twenty-four trips daily and with the ability to increase the trips significantly without prior notice to the District.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 22 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Underground pipelines run parallel to the mainline in a north/south direction in the western portion of the district and carry liquid petroleum, and natural gases under high pressure. It is reasonably foreseeable that this bisection of the Districts by the railroad track could result in the reduction of response time for fire and emergency vehicles in the event a train is traveling on the railroad track at the time of a fire or other emergency.
3. Buildings, landscaping, and terrain
The Districts include several topographical features, including major rivers and creeks, aqueducts, lakes, sloughs, natural parkways, open space, bridges/overpasses, freeways, railroad tracks, drainage canals, and sprawling industrial facilities such as Kinder Morgan, U.S. Cold Storage, Ampaq, and McClellan Park. Traffic has to be channeled around several of these topographical features and limitations, which creates traffic congestion and delays in emergency response. In the event of an accident or other emergency at one of the key points of intersection between a road and river or freeway, sections of the Districts could be isolated or response times could be significantly increased so as to increase the risk of injury or damage. These features are located between many of the District's fire stations.
Preservation of wetland areas, natural parkways, riparian corridors along rivers/streams, vernal pools, open space and endangered species habitats have all contributed to access problems as well as exemption from vegetation abatement programs. These situations, though very environmentally important, do increase the demands on the fire service due to the extreme fire hazard created by fuel loading and limited access.
Reduced available infrastructure features, such as roads, water supplies, and fire protection, hamper the effectiveness of fire response resources.
These rural areas are subject to a higher degree of risk without mitigation measures.
Intricate levee systems hold back a portion of the floodwater. However, significant flooding has occurred in many of the Districts' low-lying areas where soil conditions are not conducive to rapid infiltration. Localized street flooding has occurred near creeks which make access for fire- fighting equipment difficult.
The above local topographical conditions impede emergency response activities and increase response times. Public Safety resources would have to be prioritized to mitigate the greatest threat and may likely be unavailable for smaller single dwelling or structure fires.
Additional variables that may negatively impact emergency response:
1. The extent of damage to the water system.
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 23 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13
2. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse.
3. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways.
4. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds).
5. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours.
6. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance. 2022 California Fire Code
Section Title
Adopted
from CFC
Amended
from CFC
Added to
CFC
Deleted
from
CFC
Justification
105.5.5 Carnivals and fairs X Administrative
107.7 Cost Recovery Fees X Administrative
109.3.1 Electronic Filing X Administrative
111.1 Board of Appeals Established X Administrative
112.4 Violation Penalties X Administrative
112.4.2 Citations X Administrative
112.4.3 California Bail Schedule X Administrative
113.4 Failure to comply X Administrative
202 General Definitions X X Administrative
503.1.2.1 Remoteness X B, C2
503.6.1 Electrified security fences X Administrative
505.1 Address identification X A1
505.1.1 Illumination X A1
507.1.1 Connection X A2, A3, C1
507.5.1 Where required X A2, A3, C1
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for standpipe systems X A2, A3, C1
510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into
the buildings X C3
510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of
the building X C3
901.4.7 Pump and riser room size X A1, A2
901.4.7.2 Marking on access doors X A1
901.4.7.4 Lighting X A3, B
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 24 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Section Title Adopted
from CFC
Amended
from CFC
Added to
CFC
Deleted
from CFC Justification
903.2 Where required X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.1.1 Group A-1 X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.1.2 Group A-2 X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.1.3 Group A-3 X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.1.4 Group A-4 X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.2.1 Group B X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.3 Group E X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.4 Group F-1 X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.4.4 Group F-2 X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.7 Group M X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.7.2 Group M Upholstered
Furniture or Mattresses X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.8.1.1 Group R-3 manufactured
housing
X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.8.3 Group R-4, Condition 2 X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.9 Group S-1 X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.9.1 Repair garages X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.10 Group S-2 parking garages X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.10.3 Group S-2 X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.2.18.1
Group U private garages and
carports accessory to Group R-
3 occupancies X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2,C3
903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.3.1.2.2 Corridors and balconies in the
means of egress X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.3.1.2.3 Attics X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
903.3.8.4 Supervision X B, C2, C3
903.3.9 Floor control valves X B, C2, C3
903.4.2 Alarms X A1, B, C2, C3
903.4.3 Floor control valves X B, C2, C3
903.6 Where required in existing
buildings and structures X
A1, A3, C1,
C2, C3
903.6.1 Monitoring X B, C2, C3
1028.5.1 Exit discharge surface X A1
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 25 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Section Title Adopted
form CFC
Amended
from CFC
Added to
CFC
Deleted
from CFC Justification
1201.1 Scope X A1, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.1 When required X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.2 Combustible building materials X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.3 Vertical construction of Types
II, IV, and V construction X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.3.1 Fire separations up to 30 feet X A2, A3, B, C1, C2, C3
3313.3.2 Fire separations of 30 feet up
to 60 feet X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.3.3 Fire separations of 60 feet or
greater X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.4 Vertical construction, Type I
and II construction X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3313.5 Standpipe supply X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
3312.2 –
3313.5 Water supply for fire protection X A2, A3, B, C1, C2, C3
5003.9.1.2
Emergency response support
information X A, B, C
Chapter 80 Reference standards, NFPA 24 X A, B, C
Chapter 80 Reference standards, NFPA
855 X A, B, C
Appendix
Chapter
4 Special detailed requirements
based on use and occupancy X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
B
Fire-Flow Requirements for
Buildings X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
B,
Table
B105.1(1)
Required fire flow for one and
two- family dwellings, Group
R-3 and R-
4 buildings and townhouses
X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
B
B105.2
Buildings other than one and
two- family dwellings, Group
R-3 and R-
4 buildings and townhouses
X
A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix B
Table
B105.2
Required fire flow for
buildings other than one
and two-family dwellings,
Group R-3 and R-4
buildings and townhouses
X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
BB
Required fire flow
requirements for building X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
C, Table
C102.1
Required number and spacing
of fire hydrants X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix C Fire hydrant locations and
distribution X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
C, Section
C104.2
Single outlet fire hydrants X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
C, Section
104.3
Right of way improvements X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
C, Section
C106.1
Hydrant type X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix
CC
Fire hydrant location and
distribution X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Ordinance No. XX-2022 Page 26 of 26
ITEM 10.3. ATTACHMENT 13 Section Title Adopted
from CFC
Amended
from CFC
Added from
CFC
Deleted
from CFC Justification
Appendix H
Hazardous materials
management plans and
hazardous materials inventory
statements
X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
Appendix O
Temporary haunted houses,
ghost walks and similar
amusement uses
X A2, A3, B, C1,
C2, C3
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rancho Cordova on the 7th day of November 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Donald Terry, Mayor
ATTEST:
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 3
ITEM 12.1.
DATE: November 7, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Darcy Goulart, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: PLANNING PROJECT PROCESSING AND PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION
Receive information on the overall key steps to processing planning entitlements, including when in the process specific questions can be addressed.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
The purpose of the discussion is to provide the Council and public with information related to the key steps associated with processing planning entitlements and, when in the process, specific questions can be addressed by staff. No formal action will be taken by the Council.
BACKGROUND
Recently during a Council meeting, a request was made by Council to bring an item forward to discuss when and how responses can be provided to questions from the public related to projects in process with the Planning Division. The presentation by staff will walk through the key steps in the project review process, types of questions received and when in the process responses to questions can be provided.
Project Review
Project review happens in four steps; Pre-Application Coordination, Application Submittal, Application Review, and Final Review and Decision. A general overview of what happens in each step is provided below.
Pre-Application - Initial inquiry to the City and/or attendance at a Development Services Team meeting. This step means that someone is interested in developing a new residential, commercial or industrial project. These potential projects do not always become an actual project that is submitted. Sometimes these inquiries are merely one that requires internal tenant improvements to an existing building and would only result in a building permit.
Application Submittal - The Planning Division receives an application submittal and project documents.
Application Review - All relevant City departments and external agencies receive the project application and documents for review. Multiple re-submittals to address comments could be received. A determination is made on what type of environmental
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 3
document will be needed and if any technical or supplemental studies will be needed. A community meeting is held during this step in the process. Final Review and Decision - A public hearing is scheduled for the appropriate approval body. All final hearing documents are prepared, such as a staff report, conditions of approval, an ordinance or resolution with the required findings, etc.
It's important to understand what occurs in these four steps, as that directly relates to the types of questions typically received and when those can be addressed.
Categories of Questions
Generally, questions asked about projects fall into four categories; Process Questions, General Technical Questions, Project Specific Technical Questions and Personal Opinion Questions.
Examples of these questions are:
Process Questions - What are the noticing requirements for a conditional use permit? General Technical Questions - What is the parking requirement for retail uses? Project Specific Technical Questions - Is this project consistent with zoning? Personal Opinion Questions - DO you think this project is appropriate for the community?
Of the four categories, staff will never provide a response to a personal opinion question. It is not the staff's job to take a personal opinion on a particular project. Staff's role is to process a project objectively against the various local, state and federal codes and standards that a particular project would be subject to. Process questions and general technical questions can typically be addressed at any point during the application process and even prior to the submission of an application. Project specific technical questions will generally be addressed during the final review stages of a project. These are typically questions that are associated with compliance of codes and standards that get translated into findings for approval.
Addressing these types of questions in advance of preparing final review and decision documents raises issues of an unbiased due process or providing information that may be correct at that point in time, but changes upon receipt of new technical studies or revised submittals. For example, a project might meet the required minimum parking standards with the first submittal package, but a comment that warrants a redesign could impact the parking layout and it becomes out of compliance in the second submittal. While it may seem fairly simple to address the question of whether the project is consistent with parking standards, that type of question is ultimately associated with a finding of consistency with the Zoning Code, which is addressed in the final hearing documents. It should be noted, that a response to a question directed towards staff will be addressed to the extent possible and if that question cannot be addressed at that specific point in the process, an explanation as to why will be provided.
Summary
In summary, this staff report provides a general overview of the key steps in project processing and the types of questions typically asked throughout the application process. If upon completion of the discussion, additional information if needed, staff would request the Council provide direction on what additional information is needed and that can be provided at during the discussion if possible or brought back for further discussion.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no Fiscal Impact.
City Council Staff Report - Page 3 of 3
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Presentation
Planning Project Processing and
Procedure
CityOfRanchoCordova.org
Monday, November 7, 2022
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
• Receive information on the overall key steps to processing planning enti
tlements and when in the process specific project related questions can be addressed.
Purpose of Tonight’s Meeting
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
Douglas 98
Process Questions
• What are the noticing requirements for a CUP?
General Technical Questions
• What is the parking requirement for retail use?
Project Specific Technical Questions
• Is this project consistent with zoning?
Personal Opinion Questions
• Do you think this project is appropriate for the community? ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
PROJECT REVIEW
Douglas 98
Pre-
Application
Coordination
Application
Submittal
Application
Review
Final Review
and Decision
• Initial inquiry to City
• Development Services
Te
am Meeting
• Submit application
and
project
documents to City
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
PROJECT REVIEW
Douglas 98
Pre-
Application
Coordination
Application
Submittal
Application
Review
Final Review
and Decision
• Public hearing
sche
duled with
Planning Commission
or City Council
• All relevant City departments and external
ag
encies receive project application and
documents for review
• Potential multiple re-sub mittals of proposed
project per comments received from staff
• CEQA, technical and supplemental studies, etc.
• Community meeting
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
PROJECT REVIEW & RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
Douglas 98
Pre-
Application
Coordination
Application
Submittal
Application
Review
Final Review
and Decision
Process Questions
General Technical Questions
Project Specific
Questions
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS: Why Not Earlier?
Douglas 98
Pre-
Application
Coordination
Application
Submittal
Application
Review
Final Review
and Decision
Process Questions
General Technical Questions
Project Specific
Questions
X• Due Process
• Right to a Hearing
• Conflicts of Interest/ Bias
• CEQA
• Staff Technical Analysis
and New Information
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Questions?
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
THANK YOU
QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION
ITEM 12.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 1
ITEM 12.2.
DATE: November 7, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Lorianne Ulm, Community Engagement Analyst II
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION ANNUAL UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
Provide Community Engagement Division update and answer Council questions.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
An update to City Council on the Community Engagement components, accomplishments for fiscal year 2021/22, as well as an overview on what’s planned for fiscal year 2022/23.
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Community Engagement Division presents an update to the City Council.
During updates, staff provided the Council with:
Community Engagement Division project overview (Beautification & Neighborhood Engagement, and Special Projects/Events)
Community Engagement accomplishments
City Community Engagement Division Action Plans for 2022/23
The goal of the update is to provide the Council with a review of 2021/22 successes/accomplishments, as well as 2022/23 action plans.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no Fiscal Impact.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Community Engagement Division Council Update 10.3.22
1. ITEM 12.2.
ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 1
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