Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 25-9501
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA,
CALIFORNIA, MAKING FINDINGS REQUIRED BY SECTIONS
17958.5 AND 18941.5 OF THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND
SAFETY CODE JUSTIFYING CERTAIN LOCAL
MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
AND 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE TO INCREASE
BUILDING SAFETY
WHEREAS, the State of California recently adopted and amended the Model Codes of the International Code Council and related Uniform Code publishers, and they will become applicable to all California cities as the California Building Standards Code on January 1, 2026; WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 17922, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7 and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, the City may adopt modifications to the provisions of the California Building Standards Code that are reasonably necessary to protect the health, welfare and safety of the residents of Santa Clara because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions;
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clara (“City”) has worked with other Bay Area jurisdictions and the International Code Council chapters to adopt local amendments which are necessary based upon our climatic, topographical or geological changes; and WHEREAS, the City must set forth the justifications for those local amendments.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA AS FOLLOWS:
1. Global Findings. That the Council finds and determines there is a need to adopt the changes or modifications because of local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
A. Climatic.
a. Precipitation. Average annual rainfall for the City is approximately 15.4 inches per year. The region continues to experience extended periods of drought, and as of August 2025, Santa Clara County is classified as abnormally dry to moderately drought-affected. This follows a multi-year pattern, with the City maintaining water conservation measures amid persistently dry conditions and an uncertain outlook. Conversely, the City has also experienced heavy rainfall seasons like that of 2016-2017, which caused widespread flooding, and the area has seen cyclical extremes, with projections indicating more intense precipitation events due to climate change. These patterns heighten fire and flood risks, potentially straining fire department resources. b. Relative Humidity. The average relative humidity ranges from 50% during daytime to 70% at night. It drops to approximately 40% during the summer months and occasionally exceeds 80% in the winter months. Low humidity, particularly during the summer months, heightens fire risk, especially in drought conditions.
c. Temperatures. Recorded temperatures range from 19°F to 109°F, with average summer highs of 78°– 82°F and winter lows of 28°– 35°F. Climate change is increasing heatwave frequency, with 19 days per year above 92.2°F projected by 2050, compared to 7 days in 1990.
d. Winds. Prevailing winds are from the Northwest. However, winds are experienced from virtually every direction throughout the year. Velocities are generally in the 5-mph to 15-mph range, with a mean speed of 5.8 mph, and gusts ranging from 7.4 mph to 30 mph, particularly during the summer months.
Extreme winds, up to 60 mph, have been recorded.
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
e. Climatic Summary. These local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fires in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to vegetation and combustible construction. These impacts are only expected to grow as the region’s population increases and the effects of global warming intensify. The winds experienced in the Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City. During structure fires, winds can carry embers and burning brands to other structures, spreading the fire and posing the risk of conflagration. In building fires, winds can force fires back into the building and can create a “blowtorch effect,” increasing the fire’s intensity and speed of spread throughout the building.
B. Geological and Topographical
a. Geographic Location. The City of Santa Clara is located in Santa Clara Valley and is approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco and 382 miles north of Los Angeles.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
b. Seismic Location. The City of Santa Clara is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
This zone includes the City’s industrial area, which contains the largest concentration of hazardous materials, and has seen a significant increase in high-density residential development.
c. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following an earthquake may potentially cause greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City have combustible roofs, which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. Should a significant seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases, could pose the greatest threat to the largest number of people. In the event of a widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted, and possibly unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
d. Other variables increase the risk from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake including:
1. The extend of damage to the water system;
2. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
3. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
4. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds);
5. The 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;
7. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industrial zones.
e. Soil Conditions. The City lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and is built atop the alluvial deposits that surround the margins of the Bay. The alluvium was created by the flooding of the many streams emptying into the San Francisco Bay depression, and from intermittent seawater inundation that has occurred over the last 2 or 3 million years. The areas closest to the Bay are overlain by unconsolidated fine silty clay, known as Bay Mud, which varies in thickness from a few feet to as much as 30 feet. Generally, the older, more stable alluvium is located to the south and the younger, less stable material is located to the north. Bedrock lies beneath the area at depths of 300 feet or more. f. Topography. The topography is essentially flat, dropping from an elevation of 94 feet to sea level. The slope across the City is in a northeasterly direction from the high point in the southwest corner to the Bay. The average slope is approximately 0.9%.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
g. Geographical and Topographical Summary. The stated local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, exposure, accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire Department. Beneath the City of Santa Clara are thick layers of sand, gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on the damage caused in Santa Clara Valley by the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, the City of Santa Clara areas could be subject to severe damage as a result of a major earthquake.
C. Related City Information:
a. Size and Population. The City of Santa Clara is the third largest city in Santa Clara County. The City occupies a total of 19.3 square miles and has a population of 127,647according to 2020 US census data. With the opening of the Levi’s Stadium in 2014 we have seen the transitory population increase to more than 200,000 during events.
b. Future Development. The City is in the process of developing several sites North of the Bayshore Freeway. In addition, over the next (sixth) cycle Housing Element, the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is 11,632 units, and therefore the City anticipates increased development activity in all types of housing construction. Over the next 10-20 years the number of residential units could grow by as many as 25,000 units. The City continues to see a significant increase in the size, height and density of multi-family residential projects and expects the trend to continue well into the future. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
c. Public Safety. The Santa Clara Fire Department (SCFD) operates nine in- service fire stations, with Station 10 currently being rebuilt and relocated. The department maintains a workforce of approximately 175.5 personnel, including 138 assigned to the Field Operations Division. The City holds a Class 2 Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The City is expected to see increased demand based on the RHNA.
d. Fire Prevention. The City's fire prevention and hazardous materials philosophy requires that fire detection and suppression occur as quickly as possible to minimize loss of life, property, and the environment. For these reasons, the most advanced fire detection, suppression, and hazardous materials alarms and mitigation measures (such as scrubbers) are required for most new development within the City.
e. Traffic. The number of vehicle miles driven in the City has steadily increased over the past decade. Considerable effort is being made to improve conditions impacting traffic in order to ease the crush of commuters through the City. Due to the City's high concentration of jobs, much of the peak traffic (about 75%) consists of nonresidents travelling to or through Santa Clara. The impact of current and future planned developments on traffic conditions will continue to affect the delivery of emergency services.
f. Industry. The City of Santa Clara is the site of more than 1,000 regulated manufacturing, and research and development companies. Special precautions are required to minimize the risk to adjoining properties which have recently seen the development of high-density housing around many of these facilities. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
g. Zoning. The City of Santa Clara recently updated its Zoning Code, aligning it with state and federal law and the direction provided in the 2010–2035 General Plan. All property and land uses in the City are governed by the City's General Plan. The Santa Clara General Plan is a road map to the future that encompasses the hopes, aspirations, values and dreams of the community. The time frame of the Plan is 2010-2035. The Plan contains the City’s official policies on land use and community design, transportation, housing, environmental resources and health and safety.
h. Proximity of Industrial and Residential Uses. High-density residential uses are located near high-risk industries, necessitating specialized fire protection, and hazardous materials regulations being implemented to ensure an adequate level of safety for life, property and the environment. i. Transportation. The City of Santa Clara is divided by an interstate highway, which could potentially negatively affect emergency response times during any nature disaster or significant event.
j. Buildings, Landscaping and Clearances. Many of the designs of the newer large buildings and building complexes greatly limit visibility, approach and accessibility by Public Safety resources. Many houses and other buildings with wood roofs and/or siding are so close together that fire can readily spread by both radiation and convection.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
k. Water Supply. The City of Santa Clara supplies its own water for commercial and residential needs. Water services are provided to residents and businesses in the City of Santa Clara by the Water Utility. The Water System consists of approximately 306 miles of water mains, 21 wells and 7 storage tanks with approximately 28.8 million gallons of water capacity. Sources available to the City include an extensive local underground aquifer and imported water supplies delivered by two wholesale water agencies: the Santa Clara Valley
Water District (SCVWD) and the San Francisco Hetch-Hetchy system. l. Electric Power. The City of Santa Clara operates its own electric utility company, Silicon Valley Power (SVP). SVP currently provides over 40 percent of Santa Clara’s electricity from carbon free renewable resources. In addition to using green energy from large-scale wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects outside of the area, SVP employs innovative ways to locally produce electricity by capturing and burning methane gas from a closed city landfill and using power from solar generating systems on city-owned garages and vacant, unusable land. SVP participates in new technologies such as fiber optic networks, citywide Wi-Fi, advanced metering, digital substation controls, fuel cells, and server virtualization, working to enhance the electric utility.
D. Specific Findings. In addition to changes justified on administrative grounds or by all of the general findings, several substantive sections are justified specifically, as set forth below.
2. 2025 California Building Code, Volume 1, Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, Subsection 903.2.8.1, Group R-3 (Single family residences and duplexes; fire sprinklers.). //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
A. Text Change: Subsection 903.2.8.1, Group R-3, is hereby amended by adding the following text immediately following Section 903.2.8.1:
“Section 903.2.8.1.1 Additions to Group R3, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, shall be provided throughout existing buildings, when additions are made that increase the square footage of a building by more than 1,200 square feet or the building total square footage will exceed 3,600 square feet. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings when new basements regardless of size are added or when existing basements are expanded by more than 50%.”
B. General Finding: The weather, including high temperatures and winds, can significantly increase the chance that a structure fire can spread to neighboring properties. Automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven track record for containing fires and allowing for the control of fires by fewer firefighters than structures not protected by fire sprinklers.
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
3. 2025 California Building Code, Volume 1, Chapter 10, Means of Egress, Section 1011, Stairways, Subsection 1011.1, General.
A. Text Change: Subsection 1011.1 General, is hereby amended by adding the following text immediately following Subsection 1011.1:
“Section 1011.1.1 Stairway Configuration. Stairways shafts which are part of a required means of egress and which are required to be fire rated enclosed on any side, shall be entirely vertical without horizontal offsets.”
B. General Findings: The risk of fire for a building is usually greatest during its construction phase. The intensity of a fire involving a building under construction is directly influenced by challenging weather conditions, including but not limited to high temperatures, and winds. Since a building under construction does not generally have active fire protection systems, it is essential to have identified and unobstructed means of egress for the occupants to evacuate the building in an emergency.
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts.
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
4. 2025 California Building Code, Volume 1, Chapter 10, Means of Egress, Section 1016, Exit Access, Subsection 1016.1, General.
A. Text Change: Subsection 1016.1, General, is hereby amended by adding the following text immediately following Subsection 1016.1:
“Section 1016.1.1 Exit Access Configuration. Exit Access in multi-story buildings which are part of the required means of egress from a stairway, and which are required to be fire rated, shall be routed to the exterior of the building or structure in the shortest configuration possible.”
B. General Findings: The risk of fire for a building is usually greatest during its construction phase. The intensity of a fire involving a building under construction is directly influenced by challenging weather conditions, including but not limited to high temperatures, and winds. Since a building under construction does not generally have active fire protection systems, it is essential to have identified and unobstructed means of egress for the occupants to evacuate the building in an emergency.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts.
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
5. 2025 California Building Code, Volume 1, Chapter 10, Means of Egress, Section 1022, Exits, Subsection 1022.1. (Interior Exit stairways and Ramps Configuration.) A. Text Change: Subsection 1022.1, General is hereby amended by adding the following text immediately following Subsection 1022.1: ` “Section 1022.1.1 Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps Configuration. Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps in multi-story buildings which are part of the required means of egress, and which are required to be fire rated, shall be routed to the exterior of the building or structure in the shortest configuration possible.” //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
B. General Findings: The risk of fire for a building is usually greatest during its construction phase. The intensity of a fire involving a building under construction is directly influenced by challenging weather conditions, including but not limited to high temperatures, and winds. Since a building under construction does not generally have active fire protection systems, it is essential to have identified and unobstructed means of egress for the occupants to evacuate the building in an emergency.
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts.
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone. //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
6. 2025 California Building Code, Volume 2, Chapter 19, Concrete, Section 1905.6 Structural Plain Concrete.
A. Text Change: Subsection 1905.6, Structural Plain Concrete, is hereby amended to read as follows:
“1905.6 Structural Plan Concrete. Structural plain concrete elements shall comply with this section in lieu of section 14.1.4 of ACI 318.
1905.6.1 - Left intentionally blank.
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
1905.6.2 - Seismic Design Categories C, D, E and F.
Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F shall not have elements of structural plain concrete, except as follows:
1. Left intentionally blank.
2. Isolated footings of plain concrete supporting pedestals or columns are permitted, provided the projection of the footing beyond the face of the supported member does not exceed the footing thickness.
3. Plain concrete footings supporting walls are permitted, provided the footings have at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars not smaller than No. 4, with a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross cross-sectional area of the footing. A minimum of one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.” B. General Finding: The weather, including high temperatures and winds, can significantly increase the chance that a structure fire can spread to neighboring properties. Automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven track record for containing fires and allowing for the control of fires by fewer firefighters than structures not protected by fire sprinklers.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts.
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
7. 2025 California Residential Code, Chapter 3, Building Planning, Section R309, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, Subsection R309.1, Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
A. Text Change: Subsection R309.1, Townhouse Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
“Section R309.1. Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing townhouses, when additions are made that increase the buildings square footage by more than 1,200 square feet or the building total square footage will exceed 3,600 square feet. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
2. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required where additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed where the additions are 1,200 square feet or less and the building area will be 3,600 square feet or less.
3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing townhouses when all new basements regardless of size are added or when existing basements are expanded by more than 50%.”
B. General Finding: The weather, including high temperatures and winds, can significantly increase the chance that a structure fire can spread to neighboring properties. Automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven track record for containing fires and allowing for the control of fires by fewer firefighters than structures not protected by fire sprinklers.
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; //
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
8. 2025 California Residential Code, Chapter 3, Building Planning, Section R309, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, Subsection R309.2, One- and Two-Family Dwellings Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
A. Text Change: Section R309.2, One- and Two-Family Dwellings Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, is hereby deleted and replaced with:
“Section R309.2. One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings, including Accessory Dwelling Units, except as otherwise provided below.
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing One- and Two- Family Dwellings, when additions are made that increase the One- and Two-Family Dwelling area by more than 1,200 square feet or the building total square footage will exceed 3,600 square feet. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system where the additions or alterations are 1,200 square feet or less and the building area will be 3,600 square feet or less. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings when all new basements regardless of size are added and when existing basements are expanded by more than 50%.
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required for an Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met:
2.1. The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
2.2. The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
2.3. If the accessory dwelling unit is detached, it does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.
2.4 The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.” B. General Finding: The weather, including high temperatures and winds, can significantly increase the chance that a structure fire can spread to neighboring properties. Automatic fire sprinkler systems have a proven track record for containing fires and allowing for the control of fires by fewer firefighters than structures not protected by fire sprinklers.
C. Climatic Findings: The local climatic conditions in the City of Santa Clara can affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the City of Santa Clara area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the City of Santa Clara. 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. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. //
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Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
D. Geologic and Topographic Findings:
1. Seismic Location. The City is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The City's location makes its taller and older structures particularly vulnerable to damage caused by significant seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the City sits between two active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras) and other potentially active faults. According to the Association of Bay Area Governments, the City of Santa Clara is located in a very high-risk seismic zone.
2. Seismic Events. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in the City of Santa Clara have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies.
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4. 3. Other variables that increase the risk from fire after a major earthquake:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; g. The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, mercantile and light industry zones.
Effective date. This resolution shall become effective immediately.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THE FOREGOING TO BE A TRUE COPY OF A RESOLUTION PASSED
AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, AT A REGULAR MEETING THEREOF HELD ON THE 21 5T DAY OF OCTOBER, 2025, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: COUNCILORS:
NOES: COUNCILORS:
ABSENT: COUNCILORS:
ABSTAINED: COUNCILORS:
Attachments incorporated by reference: None
Reach Code Ordinance 2081
City Council October 21, 2025
Chahal, Cox, Gonzalez, Hardy, and Jain, and Mayor
Gillmor
Park
None
None
ATTEST:_JL~~~~~t.47-- _J'=""" __
NORA PIMENTEL, MC
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
CITY OF SANTA CLARA