BACKGROUND
Ordinance No. 1127 passed its first reading at the February 7, 2023 City Council meeting.
The 2019 California Fire Code was superseded by the 2022 California Fire Code, which became state law on January 1, 2022. The City of Santa Fe Springs Department of FireRescue needs to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with amendments under Chapter 93 of the Santa Fe Springs City Municipal Code of Ordinances. The code is amended for a variety of reasons, including updates to include revisions to definitions, energy storage systems, updated references, and adoption of model code text for more clarity and alignment with current technologies.
ANALYSIS
California periodically updates its fire safety building standards, including the California Fire Code, Wildland‐Urban Interface Code, and related standards via the California Building Standards Commission and State Fire Marshal. The 2025 updates include important changes intended to address new fire risks, advances in technology, climate change, wildfire exposure, and public safety.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental and Public Health and Safety benefits include improved protection of life and property from fire, enhanced safety through more current standards for electrical hazards, energy storage, batteries, fire alarm/notification systems, and reduced risk of catastrophic fires spreading from or to structures.
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Fe Springs Department of Fire-Rescue needs to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code with amendments under Chapter 93 of the Santa Fe Springs City Code of Ordinances. The code has been amended to reflect updates from various International Code Councils and California Fire Code committees, incorporate current industry practices, and align with recent changes in state and federal law.
SUMMARY/NEXT STEPS
Given the foregoing, staff recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance to update the City’s Fire Code to the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code (and related standards), effective October 7, 2025, to ensure compliance with state law and improved public safety, and directing staff to implement the transition.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT – MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2025 ORDINANCE NO. 1164 – UPDATING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND RESOLUTION NO. 9981, SETTING FORTH LOCAL CONDITIONS
OF JUSTIFYING AMENDMENTS
ITEM STATUS:
APPROVED: ☐
DENIED: ☐
TABLED: ☐
DIRECTION GIVEN: ☐
ATTACHMENT(S):
A. Ordinance No. 1164
B. Resolution No. 9981
ORDINANCE NO. 1164
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS, BY AMENDING SECTIONS
93.01, 93.03 AND 93.04 OF CHAPTER 93 (FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION) OF
THE SANTA FE SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND REPEALING ALL OTHER
ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF THE ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby repeals in its entirety Section 93.01 (Adoption of California Fire Code and Other Recognized Standards) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby amends Chapter 93 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Santa Fe Municipal Code with the addition of a new Section 93.01 (Adoption of California Fire Code and Other Recognized Standards) to read as follows:
Section 93.01 (Adoption of California Fire Code and Other Recognized Standards) The City of Santa Fe Springs adopts by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code, including Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted – Chapter 1, Division II, Chapters 1, 3, 25, and Sections 503 and 5707. One (1) copy of the California Fire Code is on file in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Santa Fe Springs.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby repeals in its entirety Section 93.03 (Amendments to the Fire Code) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby amends Chapter 93 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Santa Fe Municipal Code with the addition of a new Section 93.03 (Amendments to the Fire Code) to read as follows:
Section 93.03 (Amendments to the Fire Code)
That the following sections are hereby revised:
Section 101.1.
Insert: City of Santa Fe Springs
Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Fe Springs, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
Section 102.10 is added to read as follows:
Conflicting provisions. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the fire code official shall decide which requirement meets the general intent of this code.
Section 105.5 is amended to read as follows:
Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the operations set forth in Section 105.5.1 through 105.5.59, or as required by the fire code official.
Section 105.5.16 is amended to read as follows:
Explosives. An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 56, or when a local permit or approval by the fire code official is required per CCR Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6- Fireworks, or Chapter 10- Explosives.
Section 105.6 is amended to read as follows:
Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for the work set forth in Section 105.6.1 through 105.6.25, in addition to the construction, addition, alteration, installation, modification or repair of any building, or building system and equipment, or as required by the fire code official.
Section 108.7 is added to read as follows:
False fire alarm response. A service charge for the response and investigation of false alarms, in accordance with the fee schedule as established through City Council resolution, may be required.
Section 108.8 is added to read as follows:
Cost recovery. The City shall be entitled to recover the cost of emergency services as described in subsections 1 through 4 below. Service costs shall be computed by the fire department and shall include the costs of personnel, equipment facilities, materials and other external resources.
1. Any person or corporation who allows a hazard to exist on property under the control of that person or corporation, after having been ordered by the fire department or other City department to abate that hazard, is liable for the cost of services provided by the fire department should an emergency arise as a result of said unabated hazard.
2. Any person or corporation whose negligence causes an incident to occur on any public or private street, driveway or highway, which, for the purposes of life, property or environmental protection, places a service demand on the City fire department resources beyond the scope of routine service delivery, shall be liable for all costs associated with that service demand.
3. Any person or corporation responsible for property equipped with fire protection or detection devices which, due to malfunction, improper manipulation or negligent operation
causes a needless emergency response by the fire department to the property shall, during a one-year period consisting of January 1 – December 31 of any given year and after written notification by the fire department be liable for all future costs associated with each subsequent needless response caused by those devices.
4. Any person or corporation who conducts unlawful activity which results in fire, explosion, chemical release or any other incident to which the fire department responds for the purpose of performing services necessary for the protection of life, property or the environment, shall be liable for the costs associated with the delivery of those services.
Section 113.3.1 is amended to read as follows:
Service. A notice of violation issued pursuant to this code shall be served upon the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service, mail, electronic mail, or by delivering the same to, and leaving it with, some person of responsibility upon the premises. For unattended or abandoned or locations, a copy of such notice of violation shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises and the notice of violation shall be mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested or a certificate of mailing, to the last known address of the owner, occupant or both.
Section 113.4.
Insert: Misdemeanor, $1,000.00, 180 days
Section 114.4 is added to read as follows:
Failure to comply. Any person, who continues any work having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00 dollars per day.
Section 202 is amended by adding or modifying the following definitions:
Addition. An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
All-Weather Surface. A road surface of asphalt, concrete, approved pavers, or an engineered surface such as decomposed granite compacted to 95% capable of supporting 80,000-pound fire apparatus in all weather conditions.
False Alarm. In addition, the activation of any local or central station alarm which results in a response by the fire department, and which is caused by the negligence, lack of proper maintenance or intentional misuse of the fire alarm system by the owner, its employees, agents or any other activation of a fire alarm system not caused by heat, smoke or fire. Whenever the fire department responds to the location of a false alarm and finds that there is no evidence of a fire or of external causes beyond the control of the owner or person in possession that may have caused the alarm, the activation shall be presumed to be a false alarm.
Fire Apparatus Access Road. A road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station
to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, public street, private street, parking lot lane, access roadway, and anything that augments fire ground operations.
Fire hazard. Any condition or conduct which: (a) increases or may increase the threat of fire
to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service
regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire or (b) may obstruct, delay,
hinder or interfere with the operations of the fire department or the egress of occupants in the
event of fire.
Repair. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of maintenance.
Section 301.3 is added to read as follows:
Hazard discontinuation. The fire code official is authorized to require the discontinuance of any hazardous, offensive or nuisance condition.
Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows:
Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (7924 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4114.8mm).
Section 503.3.1 is added to read as follows:
Fire lane designation. Where the fire code official determines that it is necessary to ensure
adequate fire access, the fire code official may designate existing roadways as fire apparatus
access roads as provided by Vehicle Code section 22500.1.
Section 504.5 is added to read as follows:
Access signage. When required by the fire code official, exterior and interior doors shall be identified as to the function of that room or area, or when the door is not functional.603.4.1.1 is repealed in its entirety:
Section 901.1.1 is repealed in its entirety:
Section 901.11 is added to read as follows:
Fire Protection Equipment Access. Unobstructed access and adequate working space to fire protection equipment shall be maintained at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to any fire protection system.
Section 903.2 is added to read as follows:
Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall
be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and Sections
903.2.14 through 903.2.21. Mezzanines shall be included in the total square footage calculation.
Section 903.2.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.1.4 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.3 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.4 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.7 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.9 is amended to read as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read as follows:
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m)
2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m) Section 903.2.9.2 is amended to read as follows:
Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 5,000 cubic feet shall be equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Section 903.2.10 is amended to read as follows:
1. Where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (465 sq. m) Section 903.3.1.3 is amended to read as follows:
NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one and twofamily dwellings and townhomes shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D, including garages per NFPA 13D A8.3.4.
Section 903.6.1 is added to read as follows:
Retrofit requirements. In existing building(s) when additions, alterations and /or repairs to such building(s) causes the floor area to exceed 5,000 square feet or the height to exceed 40 feet or three or more stories irrespective of height.
In existing buildings(s) over 5,000 square feet when alterations and/or additions to such buildings exceed 25% of the current assessed value of said building(s) in accordance with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s records.
For the purpose of clarification, additions, alterations and repairs, or where a change of use and/or occupancy is taking place, the entire building shall be made to comply with the provisions of this section.
Section 903.6.2 is added to read as follows:
Consideration for separation walls. Requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems may be waived by the fire code official if the building is divided into areas of less than 5,000 square feet, provided the building is not considered a three story or higher building,. Such divisions shall be made by the construction of a four-hour fire resistive area separation wall(s) which meet the requirements of the California Building Code. Four hour walls shall be required regardless of type of building construction type used.
Area separation walls shall be without openings or penetrations. Area separation walls shall extend from the foundation to a point at least 30 inches above the roof.
Section 907.2 is amended to read as follows:
Where Required-new buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.29 and provide occupant alarm initiation, notification and annunciation, in accordance with 907.6, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for the fire alarm system employing automatic fire detectors of water-flow detection devices. Where other sections of this Code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to fire sprinkler or automatic fire alarm systems, a single fire alarm box shall be installed at a location approved by the enforcing agency.
Section 907.2.1 is amended to read as follows:
Delete Exceptions.
Section 907.2.2 is amended to read as follows:
Delete Exception.
Section 907.2.2.1 is amended to read as
follows: Delete Exception.
Section 907.2.2.3 is amended to read as
follows: Delete Exception.
Section 907.2.3 is amended to read as follows:
Delete Exceptions.
Section 907.2.4 is amended to read as follows:
Delete Exception.
Section 907.2.7 is amended to read as follows:
Group M. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies.
Section 907.2.7.1.1 is amended to read as follows:
Occupant notification. During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a water flow switch shall be required to activate the occupant notification appliances in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 Section 907.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
Manual fire alarm boxes. Where a manual fire alarm system is required by another section of the Code, or as required by the Fire Code Official, it shall be activated by fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Sections 907.4.2.1 through 907.4.2.6.
Section 907.5.2.3 is amended to read as follows:
Visible alarms. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.3.1 through 907.5.2.3.4. Notification appliances shall remain activated when the fire alarm system has been silenced.
Section 907.9 is amended to read as follows:
Where required in existing buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11, in addition to existing buildings undergoing a change of use, change of occupancy or fire alarm system modification.
Section 913.5.4 is amended to read as follows:
Pump room environmental conditions. Tests of pump room environmental conditions, including heating, natural and mechanical ventilation, natural and powered illumination shall be made to ensure proper manual or automatic operation of the associated equipment.
Section 5003.3.2 is added to read as follow:
Secondary containment. Containers used for the storage of hazardous materials shall be provided with secondary containment for the entire capacity of the largest single container and sufficient freeboard to contain precipitation or fire sprinkler water.
Section 5004.1.1 is added to read as follows:
Rail cars used as a stationary tank. For the purpose of this chapter, a rail car shall be considered a stationary tank if the rail car is connected into a chemical manufacturing, blending, or filling process. Storage requirements may be waived if the rail car off- loads its product into a designated storage tank and is connected in line to the storage tank for a period of less than 24 hours for off- loading purposes.
Section 5004.1.2 is amended to read as follows:
Lead-acid battery storage. Based on the pathway for toxicity (sulfuric acid is toxic by inhalation), the Department has made a determination that lead-acid batteries do not constitute a significant toxicity threat because the acid is fully enclosed in a sealed battery, therefore lead acid batteries will be regulated as a corrosive only. • The Fire Department adds the following exemption to Table 5003.1.1(5), footnote b:
b. Lead acid batteries on motorized equipment operated in accordance with this code shall not be included in determining the maximum allowable quantities.
Section 5004.2.2 is amended to add the following:
In addition, there shall be a minimum of three feet between the toe of the tank and any other structures, berms or tanks. For Purposes of this article, anhydrous ammonia storage or process tanks shall comply with section 5004.2.2.
Section 5704.2.7.11 is repealed in its entirety:
Section 5706.2.8.2 is added to read as follows:
Tank vehicle as a substitute for permanent tank prohibited. The use of a tank vehicle in a stationary manner as a permanent fuel tank is prohibited.
Section 6203.3 is added to read as follows;
SADT. Areas with organic peroxides with self-accelerating decomposition temperatures (SADT) less than 125°F shall be provided with supervised temperature controls and alarms. Stand-by power shall be provided for control systems.
Section 6603.3 is added to read as follows:
SADT. Areas with unstable reactive materials with self-accelerating decomposition temperatures (SADT) less than 125°F shall be provided with supervised temperature controls and alarms. Stand-by power shall be provided for control systems.
Appendix B, Section B105.2 of the California Fire Code, as adopted by the city, is hereby
added to read as follows:
B105.2 Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 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 Table B105.2 and B105.1(2). The resulting fireflow shall be at least 50% of the value in Table Bl05.1(2) and not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5,678 L/min) for the prescribed duration.
SECTION 5. The City Council hereby repeals in its entirety Section 93.04 (Geographic Limits) of the Santa Fe Springs Municipal Code.
SECTION 6. That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. That nothing in this ordinance of in the Fire Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited in Section 4 of this ordinance; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.
SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance, including the vote for and against and shall post a certified copy of this ordinance, within 15 days after its passage to be posted in at least three (3) public places within the City as established by ordinance, and, in compliance with Section 36933 of the Government Code.
PASSED and ADOPTED this [day] day of [month & year], by the following called vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
William Rounds, Mayor
ATTEST:
Fernando N. Muñoz, CMC, CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
RESOLUTION NO. 9981
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH LOCAL CONDITIONS JUSTIFYING AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, AS CODIFIED IN THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, PARTS 9, TITLE 24 OF THE
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, DUE TO LOCAL CLIMATIC, TOPOLOGICAL
AND GEOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, Section 17958.5 of the Health and Safety Code permits the City to make changes or modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code, incorporating by reference the 2024 International Fire Code with California amendments, as codified within the California Building Standards Code, Part 9, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, (hereinafter "2025 California Fire Code"), as such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographical or topographical conditions.
WHEREAS, Section 13143.5 of the Health and Safety Code permits a city, by ordinance, to make changes or modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code that are more stringent than the requirements published in the California Building Standards Code, Part 9, Title 24, of the California Code of Regulations, relating to fire and panic safety.
WHEREAS, Sections 13143.5 and 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code require the City, prior to adopting the ordinance, to make express findings that the adopted standards are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
WHEREAS, the findings and local amendments apply to all occupancy classifications, unless specified otherwise.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
1. That to the extent that the City's adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code, as amended, makes changes or modifications that are more stringent than the requirements published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety, such changes and modifications are reasonably necessary due to the following conditions as set forth in the matrix:
Condition A. Climatic Conditions:
The City of Santa Fe Springs is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean-type climate that experiences hot and dry conditions during the summer months creating the need for an increased level of fire protection. The hot, dry weather in combination with seasonal Santa Ana winds are a contributing factor to the high fire danger in the area. Like other cities in Southern California, Santa Fe Springs is periodically affected by drought conditions and heatwaves, both of which are anticipated to APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
intensify due to ongoing climate change and can create the potential for the rapid spread of fire in structures. Added protection will supplement normal fire department emergency response and provide immediate protection for life and safety of multiple occupants during fire occurrences.
In addition to rising temperatures, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that climate change will likely cause shifts in precipitation patterns. Currently, Santa Fe Springs receives around 14 inches (355 mm) of rain annually, with the majority falling between November and March. However, future projections indicate greater variability in rainfall, with an increased risk of both extended droughts and sporadic, intense rainfall events. Prolonged droughts could strain local water resources, affecting not only the city’s water supply but also industries reliant on water, such as manufacturing and landscaping. On the other hand, when heavy rain occurs, it may overwhelm the region’s drainage systems, heightening the risk of localized flooding, particularly near the San Gabriel River and other low-lying areas. Flooding has the potential to damage structures, disrupt transportation networks, and cause impacts to the response and activity level of the Fire Department.
Condition B. Geological Conditions:
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century drastically altered the trajectory of Santa Fe Springs’ development. In 1919, oil was discovered in the Santa Fe Springs Oil Field, triggering one of the largest oil booms in Southern California. The oil industry, which once defined the city, has largely wound down, with most oil wells no longer active within city limits. However, the legacy of this industrial past continues to shape the city's landscape, with much of the City situated within designated methane zones. The existing oil wells, oil transmission pipelines, and methane zones present a threat that has the potential to cause fire or environmental emergencies.
The City of Santa Fe Springs is located in an area of substantial seismic activity and near active earthquake faults. These local and regional faults include the Whittier Fault, Puente Hills Fault System, Norwalk Fault, and San Andreas Fault. These faults along with the larger San Andreas fault are expected to have a major impact on the City of Santa Fe Springs and pose a threat to life and property. Most city residents live in older housing stock, which may not meet modern seismic codes, making them more susceptible to damage from earthquakes. Major earthquakes are accompanied by congested traffic flow and fires. After a major earthquake, fire department resources will be extremely limited and the ability to respond will be significantly impacted if not impossible in extreme cases. The viability of the city’s water system can be questionable after a major seismic event, leaving many large industrial buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to the lack of available water.
The California Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey classify Santa Fe Springs as part of a high-liquefaction susceptibility zone, particularly in areas underlain by saturated, loose soils, which could amplify ground shaking and contribute to infrastructure failure during a significant seismic event.
APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
According to the City’s draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) (2025), dam failure, while a low-probability event, poses high-consequence risks, including uncontrolled water release leading to downstream flooding, infrastructure damage, and potential loss of life. Santa Fe Springs, though not situated immediately downstream of a major dam, remains vulnerable to dam-related flooding from regional reservoirs and flood control structures, especially during extreme storm events, seismic activity, or structural failures. The Whittier Narrows Dam, located approximately 5 miles northeast of Santa Fe Springs, is classified as a High Hazard Potential Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, indicating that while failure probability is low, consequences would be severe. A catastrophic failure of the Whittier Narrows Dam could lead to widespread flooding along the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River channels, impacting low-lying areas and storm drain outfalls in the City. Santa Fe Springs’ industrial and commercial zones contain large impervious surfaces, which prevent natural water infiltration and increase runoff potential. In the event of a dam failure-related flood surge, storm drain capacity may be exceeded, leading to temporary ponding and water intrusion into properties.
Hazardous materials storage facilities in the industrial sites may face secondary risks if floodwaters cause containment failures or contamination concerns.
Condition C. Topological Conditions:
The City of Santa Fe Springs features a largely flat topography, making it highly suitable for the extensive industrial and commercial developments that characterize the city. This topography contributes to the city’s historical and ongoing role as a hub for manufacturing, rail and freight transportation, logistics and warehousing. The City has a population of 19,219 people (2020 US Census).
However, the daytime population increases significantly during normal working days. Due to the City’s large business community, worker injuries, hazardous material release, and fires related to industrial accidents are common. These factors contribute to a high demand for fire, medical, and environmental services.
The addition of fire protection systems will supplement the Fire Department response by providing immediate structural and life safety protection.
The I-5 and I-605 freeways run along the city’s western boundary. The Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink train station provides an important public transportation service to residents and workers in the city. Other major transportation corridors such as Imperial Highway, Telegraph Road, Florence Avenue, and Carmenita Road regularly see high volumes of daily traffic. Traffic and circulation congestion is common throughout the City of Santa Fe Springs. The City is particularly affected because of its industrial nature including the high volume of truck traffic. This congestion often places at risk the fire department response time to fire occurrences and makes it necessary to provide additional fire and life safety requirements to limit the exposure to death, injury, and property loss caused by fire, prior to the arrival of the fire department. There are numerous narrow alleys, dead ends, and cul-de sacs further making access for fire or rescue response more challenging. The regulation of fire apparatus access roads is APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
necessary to help provide efficient response times.
2. In order to correct existing conditions and prevent future conditions that are detrimental to public health and safety which may result in serious injury, it is reasonably necessary for the City of Santa Fe Springs to require the provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code as amended and adopted. Provisions of the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code are modified or changed as follows, based on the findings set forth below:
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE SECTIONS
AMENDED OR ADDED
JUSTIFICATION/EXPRESS
FINDING
101.1, Title Administrative
102.10, Conflicting provisions Administrative
105.5, Required operational permits Administrative
105.5.16, Explosives Administrative
105.6, Required construction permits Administrative
108.7, False fire alarm response, Added Administrative
108.8, Cost recovery, Added Administrative
113.3.1, Service Administrative
113.4, Violation penalties Administrative
114.4, Failure to comply Administrative
202, General Definitions, Amended and Added A, B
301.3, Hazard discontinuation, Added A, B, C
503.2.1, Dimensions A, B, C
503.3.1, Fire lane designation, Added A, B
504.5, Access signage, Added A, B, C
901.11, Fire protection equipment access A, B, C
903.2, Where required A, B, C
APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
903.2.1.1, Group A-1 A, B, C
903.2.1.3, Group A-3 A, B, C
903.2.1.4, Group A-4 A, B, C
903.2.3, Group E A, B, C
903.2.4, Group F-1 A, B, C
903.2.7, Group M A, B, C
903.2.9, Group S-1 A, B, C
903.2.9.1, Repair garages A, B, C
903.2.9.2, Bulk storage of tires A, B, C
903.2.10, Group S-2 parking garages A, B, C
903.1.1.3, NFPA 13D sprinkler systems A, B, C
903.6.1, Retrofit requirements, Added A, B, C
903.6.2, Consideration for separation walls,
Added
A, B, C
907.2, Where required-new buildings and
structures
A, B, C
907.2.1, Group A A, B, C
907.2.2, Group B A, B, C
907.2.2.1, Ambulatory care facilities A, B, C
907.2.2.3, Group B Education facilities A, B, C
907.2.3, Group E A, B, C
907.2.4, Group F A, B, C
907.2.7, Group M A, B, C
907.2.7.1.1, Occupant notification A, B, C
APPROVED:
ITEM NO.:
907.4.2, Manual fire alarm boxes A, B, C
907.5.2.3, Visible alarms A, B, C
907.9, Where required in existing buildings and
structures
A, B, C
913.5.4, Pump room environmental conditions A, B, C
5003.3.2, Secondary containment A, B, C
5004.1.1, Rail cars used as a stationary tank,
Added
A, B, C
5004.1.2, Lead-acid battery storage, Added Administrative 5004.2.2, Secondary containment for hazardous
material liquids and solids
B, C
5706.2.8.2, Tank vehicle as a substitute for
permanent tank prohibited
A, B, C
6203.3, SADT A, B, C
6603.3, SADT A, B, C
Appendix B, B105.2 Buildings other than oneand two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 buildings and townhouses
A, B
Appendices Chapter 4, B, C, D, E, F, and G A, B
APPROVED:
ITEM NO·
3. The City Council of the City of Santa Fe Springs has found that the proposed local amendments are in compliance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958 and does hereby adopt the findings stated herein.
4. A copy of this Resolution, together with the Ordinance adopting the amendments to the 2025 California Fire incorporating by reference the 2024 International Fire Code shall be filed with the State Department of Housing and Community Development and with the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED and ADOPTED this _____ day of _________ by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
William Rounds, Mayor
ATTEST:
Fernando N. Munoz, CMC, City Clerk