TULARE AVE FROM EAST OF MOONEY TO WEST OF COURT
±
1 inch = 700 feet
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EVANS
TULARE AVE FROM EAST OF COURT TO WEST OF COTTA ±
1 inch = 600 feet
1177
CLASS IV
BIKE LANES
FOR THE TULARE AVENUE MAJOR
ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT
SPECIAL PRESENTATION ON
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visalia.gov 2
01 02
03 04
INTRODUCTIONS
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING & BUILDING
Jason Huckleberry
CITY ENGINEER
Chris Crawford
SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER
Diego Corvera
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER
Jonathan Frausto
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visalia.gov
April 5th,
2021
• 1st
Presentation
on Class IV
Concept
Public
Feedback
• Mailed
Surveys
• Public
Workshop
• Public
Questions
Received &
Answered
June 7th,
2021
• 2nd
Presentation on
Class IV
Concept
• Public Feedback
was shared
July 18th,
2022
• Federal
Funding
Accepted &
Approved
June 5th,
2023
• Designate
d $400K in
SB1
April
21st,
2025
• Project
Constructi
on Award
May 19th,
2025
• Staff
Presentation
to Council
3 TIMELINE OF EVENTS
INDICATES COUNCIL ACTION
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visalia.gov 4
PROJECT BACKGROUND
REHABILITATION EFFORT
• Project identified in our Pavement Management
Plan
FUNDING SOURCE
• Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
(STBGP) - Federal
• Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) – Federal
• Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1) – State
FEDERAL FUNDING DEADLINES
• Construction Completion by January 30th, 2026
• All paperwork completed by April 1st, 2026
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PROJECT BACKGROUND
PROJECT GOALS & OPPORTUNITIES
• Repair and upgrade Tulare Avenue
• Pavement, ADA crossings, and signals
• Implementation of a Class IV (Protected) Bike Lane
• Provides residents the opportunity to safely travel
across town whether on car or bike
• Strengthen future grant competitiveness
• Agencies tend to score higher where multimodal
elements exist within City Limits (Santa Fe, County
Center, Tulare)
• Strengthens the City of Visalia’s approved goals,
objectives, and policies set forth in our:
• Active Transportation Plan (Goal 1, 2, and 4)
• General Plan (T-O-3, T-P-1, and T-P-11)
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PROJECT BACKGROUND
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
• Safety & Accessibility
• Fewer conflict points for Cyclists
• Encourages young riders to travel on Tulare Ave
• Mobility & Connectivity
• Key East to West Corridor in Visalia
• Links residents to key destinations
• Schools, Parks, downtown, commercial centers,
and Santa Fe Trail
• Complete Streets Network
• Future connectivity for any future Class I or Class IV travel ways
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PROJECT STATUS
Phase 1: Tulare Avenue from Mooney Blvd to Watson St – Paved and Fully Striped pending signage
Phase 2: Tulare Avenue from Demaree St to Mooney Blvd – Paved Pending bike lane striping – Center lane striped
Phase 3: Tulare Avenue from Watson to Cotta – Paved but no striping has been installed Construction currently paused to address concerns from residents. 1184
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PROJECT OVERVIEW
- Project is designed to balance improved safety for people on bikes while still accommodating on street parking.
- The current parking protected Class IV bike lanes are arranged to provide traffic calming affect along the corridor enhancing the safety for residents, motorists and bicyclist alike. 1185
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visalia.gov 9
OVERVIEW OF CROSS SECTION
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PROJECT CHALLENGES
RESIDENT’S CONCERNS
- Parked cars being hit by traffic on Tulare Ave
- Concerns with ADA accessibility from on-street parking - Loss of on-street parking spaces
- Trash Can Placement and solid waste trucks stopping in the travel lane - Current vehicle speed through the corridor
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PROJECT CHALLENGES
STAFF RESPONSE
- Parking Protected bike lane configurations have been utilized in many different jurisdictions across the nation in varying types of land use and roadway configurations and have been substantiated as safe configurations for all road users.
- On street parking will be lost, this was outlined when the project was originally proposed, staff has endeavored to keep as much on street parking as possible. - Solid waste trucks collect refuse during off peak hours and will allow for motorist to pass if a large queue of vehicles builds up during trash pick up operations.
San Vicente Blvd – Los Angeles
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PROJECT DESIGN
CURRENT DESIGN COMPARED TO CONCEPT
- Final design incorporated sight distance set back at driveways. - Reduced parking near intersections for corridor operational safety considerations. - Wider space for bike lanes for street sweeper maintenance and to meet current guidance. - Red curb for bus stops
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CONCEPT
CURRENT DESIGN
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PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
ALTERNATIVE 1
- Considering concerns received from council and
the public, staff proposes the following
modifications to current design:
- Widen parking spaces to 10ft to push parking
further away from the travel lane
- Find areas where additional parking may be
incorporated
- Perform speed study following
implementation of project striping to
potentially lower the posted speed limit along
the corridor.
- Class IV Bike lanes will be installed per the
original plans
Staff recommends Alternative 1
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ALTERNATIVE 1 ENLARGED EXHIBIT
7ft for Bike Lane
10ft for Parking
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PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
ALTERNATIVE 2
- Do not stripe parking protected bike lanes and stripe Tulare Avenue from Woodland St to Demaree St with a combination of Class 2 and Class 3 bikes lanes.
- From Demaree to Mountain Class 2 bike lanes will be installed on both sides of the road. Parking will remain up against the curb.
- From Mountain to Woodland there will be a Class 3 bike lane on the north side of the road and a Class 2 bike lane on the south side of the road transitioning to Class 3 near Woodland. - From Woodland to Cotta (remainder of the project) Class IV bike lanes will be striped per the original plans.
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ALTERNATIVE 2 – ENLARGED EXHIBIT
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ALTERNATIVE 2 – ENLARGED EXHIBIT
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PROJECT ALTERNATIVE COST IMPACTS
ALTERNATIVE 1
- Alternative 1 will not have any cost impact to the project budget as the current design is complete, and the construction budget is set. The proposed modifications are field adjustments that will be no cost adjustments.
- Project can be finished on time to still meet Federal deadlines.
ALTERNATIVE 2
- Alternative 2 is estimated to cost $20,000 for staff to redesign the striping from Woodland St to Demaree St.
- Project can be finished on time to still meet Federal deadlines. 1196
Thank you
for your time.
20 1197
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PRE-PROJECT EXISTING ROAD STRIPING
PROJECT IMPACTS
- Digouts in travel lanes will not align with pre-project road striping in some areas resulting in earlier road failure. This could occur from around Terri St. to Mooney Blvd. and from Giddings St. to Sowell St. - New Striping in Phase 1 (Mooney Blvd to Watson) would need to be removed and replaced. If done correctly with removal and a slurry seal cost could be around $150,000-$300,000. Problem right now is that slurry seal isn’t typically installed December-February because of temperatures so this work would create a timing problem with Federal Funding Deadlines. Removed striping leaves permanent marks on the roadway and the striping corrections will be noticeable in time. This removed striping may pose a risk to the public when old removed striping becomes visible and conflict with new striping.
- If City Council wants to remove striping in Phase 1 and is acceptable with ground linework visible after restriping the cost above would most likely be lower and work could be completed now. - A portion of the newly striped centerlines from around Mountain to Mooney may need to be removed and re-installed.
1198
22 PARKING COUNT
Tulare Avenue Parking Count
Prior to Project Project
Demaree to County Center 62 27
County Center to Woodland 107 40
Woodland to Mountain 7 0
Mooney to Divisadero 12 4
Divisadero to Giddings 36 9
Giddings to Conyer 62 6
Conyer to Watson 71 27
Watson to Court 43 6
Court to Santa Fe 48 0
Santa Fe to Cotta Exist. Parking Not Affected
1199
Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0479 Agenda Date: 11/17/2025 Agenda #: 2.
Agenda Item Wording:
Ordinance Adoption - Public hearing and first reading of ordinance 2025-14 to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code as published by the International Code Council and amended by the State of California and the City of Visalia.
Prepared by: Corbin Reed, Fire Marshal, [email protected], (559)713-4272, Dan Griswold, Fire Chief, [email protected], (559)713-4220
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends City Council receives the presentation, hold a public hearing and introduce the first reading of Ordinance No. 2025-14, amending Visalia Municipal Code 8.20.
Summary:
Every three years, the State of California updates and adopts a new fire code edition. The last update to the fire code was in 2022. The attached ordinance is being passed to update the references in the Visalia Municipal Code 8.20 to the applicable statewide standards including all local amendments.
Background Discussion:
Every three years, the State of California updates and adopts a new fire code edition. The last update to the fire code was in 2022. The attached ordinance is being passed to also update the references in the Visalia Municipal Code 8.20 to the applicable statewide standards including all local amendments. On July 1, 2025, the State of California Building Standards Commission published the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC). Local jurisdictions are required by State law to implement these State of California mandated codes along with any local amendments by January 1, 2026.
To comply with State law, Staff recommends adopting the California Fire Code, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 9, 2025 Edition, together with the California Fire Code Standards referenced; additionally, Staff recommends adopting the local amendments as outlined in attached VMC 8.20 and the following sections as published by the International Code Council:
· 104.4 Right of Entry- Provides additional authority to obtain an inspection warrant if entry is denied to an unsafe structure.
· 111.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities- Provides additional authority to disconnect utilities in the event of an emergency or when a structure is deemed unsafe to occupy. · 112 Means of Appeals- Outlines the requirements of a board of appeals to rule on appeals of the interpretation and/or enforcement of the California Fire Code. · 311 Vacant Premises- Provides additional authority to require maintenance of vacant structures throughout the community. Provides additional authority to secure vacant structures if a property owner fails to do so and or demolish abandoned structures that are deemed hazardous.
· 503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads- Outlines minimum fire apparatus road construction Visalia City Council Page 1 of 2 Printed on 11/13/2025
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File #: 25-0479 Agenda Date: 11/17/2025 Agenda #: 2.
requirements including dimensions and marking requirements. Additionally, section 503 provides the ability to require multiple access points to large commercial projects that may otherwise only have one point of access/egress.
· Appendix Chapters D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads as amended by section L)- Provides additional fire apparatus access road requirements including turnaround dimensions and templates. Appendix D has been modified to require multi-family projects be provided with a minimum of two access/egress points when more than 100 dwellings are built, single family residential projects are required to have two access points when more than 30 homes are to be constructed. These requirements prevent bottlenecking of traffic at a singular point that may be blocked by emergency apparatus. Having two access/egress points supports Police Department operations in the event and necessitates expedient egress from an area due to a potential or actual threat.
· I (Fire Protection Systems- Non-compliant Conditions)- Consolidates applicable code references from NFPA for the enforcement non-compliant fire protection system conditions and maintenance requirements, primarily fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems. · N (Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions)- Provides applicable code sections for indoor trade shows and exhibitions.
· P (Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses)- Provides applicable code sections for haunted houses and similar amusement buildings that pose a unique hazard due to a large number of occupants in a building that may be designed to purposefully confuse or disorientate the occupants.
Fiscal Impact: Unknown
Prior Council Action: The City Council adopted the 2022 California Fire Code and local amendments on Dec 5th, 2022.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Take no action- State adopted sections of the 2025 California Fire Code will be effective on January 1st, 2026, without local amendments.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025-14 for the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and all local amendments.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 11/17/2025
Attachments: Visalia Municipal Code 8.20, 2025 California Fire Code Adoption Power Point.
Visalia City Council Page 2 of 2 Printed on 11/13/2025
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ORDINANCE NO. 2025-14
AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE
SECTION 8.20.010 OF THE VISALIA MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VISALIA;
Section 1. Consistent with its control over municipal affairs and the powers vested in the City of Visalia through the California Constitution and its Charter, the City of Visalia is authorized to secure and promote the public health, comfort, safety and welfare of its citizenry. It is the intent of this ordinance that the City of Visalia adopt the California Fire Code, Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 9, 2025 Edition, together with the Appendices thereto, and the California Fire Code Standards referenced therein, published by the International Code Council and hereby referred to, adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Visalia. This section shall hereinafter be referred to as the “California Fire Code”, regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Visalia; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor.
Section 2. Section 8.20.010 through 8.20.120 is hereby repealed and replaced as follows:
8.20.010 Adoption of the 2019 California Fire Code
A. There is adopted for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials or explosion, that certain document, not less than one copy is filed in the office of the Fire Department and one in the office of the Building Division of City of Visalia, being marked and designated as the California Fire Code, 2025 edition published by the International Code Council, including sections 104.4 Right of Entry, 111.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities, 112 Means of Appeals, 311 Vacant Premises, 503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads and Appendix Chapters D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads as amended by section L), I (Fire Protection Systems- Noncompliant Conditions), N (Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions) and P (Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses), as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Visalia, in the State of California regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Fire Code on file in the office of the City of Visalia are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed this section 8.20.010.
B. All further references shall be to the 2025 California Fire Code, in Subsection 101.1 of the, the term “City of Visalia” shall be inserted.
C. Subsection 104.4.1.1. Warrant cost recovery, is added to read as follows:
104.4.1.1 Warrant cost recovery. Cost to the City of Visalia for obtaining and executing an Inspection Warrant is the responsibility of the property owner and steps to recover the costs will be taken, up to and including a lien against the property. Recovery costs may include staff time, legal fees, and court fees.
1202
D. Subsection 113.4 Change: Violation penalties, is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violations penalties. Persons who shall violate a prevision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or a permit or certificate used under provision of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, infraction or both, alternatively violations may be subject to an administrative fine or penalty.
Penalties shall be as prescribed in local Ordinance Section 1.12.010. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
E. Subsection 113.4.2 Cost of abatement, is added to read as follows:
113.4.2 Cost of abatement. Cost of abatement is the responsibility of the property owner and steps to recover the costs will be taken, up to and including a lien against the property.
Property owners shall be notified of any action taken as soon as possible. Recovery costs may include staff time, contractor’s costs, legal fees and any and all cost associated with the abatement.
F. Subsection 114.4 Change: Failure to comply, is amended to read as follows:
114.4 Failure to Comply. Any person who shall continue any work after 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 liable to a fine prescribed in local Ordinance Section
1.12.010.
G. Subsection 108.7 Added: Visalia Fire Department Fee Schedule, is added to read as follows:
108.7 Visalia Fire Department Fee Schedule. The Fire Chief may establish a schedule of fees, as approved by the City Council, to be charged and collected for plan checking, required inspection services, and for the issuance of permits pursuant to Section 105 of this Code. In addition, this schedule may include a fire service Cost Recovery fee to be charged to any person, firm, corporation or business that through negligence, violation of the law or as a result of carelessness is responsible for the cause of any fire service response to the scene of such an incident. A copy of the fee schedule shall be kept in the office of the City Clerk and the Office of the Fire Department and shall be available for public inspection.
H. Subsection 105.5.36 Exception, is amended to read as follows:
105.5.36 Exception: Recreational Fires, see Visalia Municipal Code Ordinance, Open Burning, Section 8.44.010.
I. Subsection 904.4.7 shall be added to read as follows:
904.4.7 Tamper Protection. All exterior risers, drain/test valves and backflow devices shall be protected from unauthorized tampering by approved means. Protection method shall be indicated on building plans.
J. Subsection 912.2.3 and 912.2.3.1 Buildings provided with a fire sprinkler system, is added to read as follows:
912.2.3 Buildings provided with a fire sprinkler system. Any newly constructed building provided with a NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R fire sprinkler system shall provide a fire hydrant within fifty (50) feet of the fire department connection. Where an existing building is 1203
retrofitted with a NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R fire sprinkler system a fire hydrant shall be provided within seventy-five (75) feet of the fire department connection. 912.2.3.1 An additional twenty-five (25) feet of distance between a fire hydrant and the fire department connection (FDC) may be granted by the Fire Marshal when a fire sprinkler system density is designed with an additional 25%.
Exceptions: The additional twenty-five (25) feet of distance between a fire hydrant and the fire department connection (FDC) shall not be permitted for Pipe scheduled and ESFR sprinkler systems.
K. Section D106 where required, “apparatus access roads” shall be available to local traffic at all times.
L. Section D106.1 (Exception) shall be deleted in its entirety.
M. Subsection D107.1 Shall read as follows:
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one- two family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved access roads that are available to local traffic at all times.
N. Subsection D107.1, Exception 1. shall be deleted in its entirety.
8.20.020 Establishment authority and responsibilities.
A. The fire marshal under the authority of the fire chief is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of the California Fire Code and shall have the authority to render interpretations of the code, and to adopt policies, procedures, rules and regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures, rules and regulations shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of the code and shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in the code.
B. The fire marshal may authorize fire inspectors and other members of the fire department as deemed necessary to enforce the provisions of the fire code.
8.20.030 Definitions.
Fire Code Official. Whenever the term “fire code official” is used in the California Fire Code, it means fire marshal of the fire department.
Municipality. Whenever the term “municipality” is used in the California Fire Code, it means the City of Visalia.
8.20.040 Establishment of limits of storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks and bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gases.
The limits referring to storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks and bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gases in the California Fire Code is to be restricted shall be regulated by the city zoning ordinance. Where the zoning ordinance is silent about the permitted or conditional use the omission shall be considered prima facie evidence of clear intent to prohibit the act.
8.20.050 Modifications.
Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire marshal shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire 1204
marshal shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of the code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of the code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department of fire prevention.
8.20.060 Alternative materials and methods.
The fire marshal shall have power to approve alternative materials and methods where he or she finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of the California Fire Code. Where the alternative material, design or method of construction is not approved, the fire marshal shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved.
8.20.070 Appeals.
Whenever the fire marshal and or chief of the fire department disapprove an application or refuse to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the fire marshal and or chief of the fire department to the board of appeals as established by California Fire Code section 112 within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision.
8.20.080 New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.
A. The city manager, the chief of the fire department, fire marshal and the chief building official shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancy, which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in said code.
B. The fire chief shall post such list in conspicuous place in his/her office and distribute copies thereof to interested persons. (Prior code § 4408)
8.20.090 Capacity of tank trucks.
The capacity of compartments of tank trucks used in the delivery of Class I flammable liquids in retail lots and for retail purposes within the city shall be limited to one thousand two hundred (1,200) gallons. (Prior code § 4450)
8.20.100 Special permits.
The chief of the fire department may, at his discretion, issue special permits for the entrance into the city of tank trucks of greater than one thousand two hundred (1,200) gallon compartment capacity for the purpose of making delivery of Class I flammable liquids to retail distribution stations, but not otherwise; provided, such permits shall be restricted to deliveries at locations where unusual hazards will not be created by such larger capacity trucks; provided, that no such tank trucks, carrying Class I flammable liquid, shall be parked or left unattended on any street, highway, avenue or alley of the city. (Prior code § 4451)
8.20.110 Penalties.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the code adopted or fail to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement of specification or plans submitted and approved thereunder or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the city attorney 1205
or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed herein, shall severally for each and every such violation and noncompliance respectively be guilty of a misdemeanor or infraction as determined by the city attorney, and shall be assessed administrative penalties pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1.13 of the Visalia Municipal Code. These penalties may accrue and each day the property is not in compliance shall be considered another violation.
Section 3. Consistent with its control over municipal affairs and the powers vested in the City of Visalia through the California Constitution and its Charter, the City of Visalia is authorized to secure and promote the public health, comfort, safety, and welfare of its citizenry. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, sections 17958.7 & 18941.5 because of local climatic, topographical or geological conditions the City of Visalia hereby affirms that the following appendices and code section amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code are necessary. It is noted that these appendices and code section amendments are referenced above in Section 1, but are also referenced below to clarify that they have been found to be necessary:
A. The following appendices and code sections are adopted by reference as necessary due to the local climatic, topographical, or geologic conditions:
California Fire Code, 2025 edition published by the International Code Council, including sections 104.4 Right of Entry, 111.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities, 311 Vacant Premises, 503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads and Appendix Chapters D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads as amended by section L), I (Fire Protection Systems- Noncompliant Conditions), N (Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions) and P (Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses), as published by the International Code Council.
B. The City of Visalia has found the following concerning local climactic conditions, specifically extreme temperatures:
As documented in the Visalia General Plan Visalia is characterized as having an “inland Mediterranean” climate. High temperatures are also contributors to ozone formation, and summer high temperatures often exceed 100ºF with an all-time high of 115ºF averaging 275 sunny days per year. Climate models predict a 4ºF temperature increase in the next 20 to 40 years, with an increase in the number of long dry spells (Visalia: 2010). Data shows that during the months of July and August, Visalia's daily high temperature has averaged in excess of 94ºF as compared to San Francisco with an average of 67ºF and San Diego having an average of 74ºF. During the winter months Visalia experiences extended periods of cold weather.
During the months of December and January the average low temperature is 38ºF with an all-time low of 13ºF, compared to San Francisco with a low of 47ºF and San Diego with a low of 49ºF. Though Health & Safety Code § 17958.7 does not require the local conditions to be unique to a particular jurisdiction, the aforementioned temperatures experienced in Visalia are extreme as compared to temperatures experienced in other parts of California.
The Heat Stress Index published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its publication entitled Emergency Incident Rehabilitation sets forth the stress placed on the human body when exposed to various temperatures and humidity. A note under the Heat Stress Chart states that 10 degrees should be added to the temperature when protective clothing is worn and an additional 10 degrees should be added when the person is standing in direct sunlight. According to this chart, a person exposed to temperatures between 90 and 105 degrees is subject to heat cramps and heat exhaustion if exposure to these temperatures is prolonged and there is physical activity. A person exposed to temperatures of 105 to 130 degrees is likely to experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Furthermore, heat stroke is possible if exposure is prolonged and there is physical activity. A person exposed to 1206
temperatures above 130 degrees or greater faces a high risk of suffering from heat stroke (USFA: July 2008).
Because of the extreme heat Visalia experiences during the summer months, Visalia Fire Fighters responding to fires and other incidents requiring the evacuation of a building are regularly exposed to temperatures in excess of 105 degrees. High temperatures and protective gear exposes fire personal to the probability of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and possibly heat stroke.
C. In addition, the City of Visalia makes the following findings concerning local geological conditions, specifically water supply and water pressure:
The Visalia area is an arid area that receives an average of 11 inches of precipitation per year occurring primarily in the winter months. Furthermore, The Visalia City Area relies completely on groundwater for its water supply using approximately 28,834 acre feet in 2019.
Due to the hot, dry summers in the Visalia area, domestic water demand can substantially reduce the ability of the public water system to dependably meet the large fire flow demand requirements in many areas of the city. According to the City of Visalia’s General Plan “Public safety should be a top priority for the use of water.” D. As documented below the City of Visalia makes the following findings concerning local climatic/topographical conditions, specifically air quality caused by the topography of the San Joaquin Valley air basin, number of sunny days, and inversions that form during winter months:
As a result of the San Joaquin Valley's climate and topography, the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin (SJVAP) is predisposed to poor air quality. High mountain ranges surrounding the Valley frequently create air layer inversions that prevent mixing of air masses. The large number of sunny days per year, and high temperatures in the summer favors the formation of ozone. In the winter, inversions form that often trap particulate matter
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board have classified the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin as severe non-attainment for ozone and serious non-attainment (federal) non-attainment (state) for PM10. Ozone is formed by a complex series of chemical reactions between reactive organic gases (ROG), oxides of nitrogen and sunlight. PM10 is suspended particulate matter that is less than 10 microns in size. Given its small size, PM10 can remain airborne for long periods and can be inhaled, pass through the respiratory system, and lodge in the lungs. In general, nonattainment means that the federal standard has been exceeded more than twice per year.
Smoke is composed primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, trace minerals and several thousand other compounds. Particulate matter is the principal pollutant of concern from some for the relatively short-term exposures (hours to weeks) typically experienced by the public. Particulate matter in wood smoke has a size range near the wavelength of visible light (.4-.7 micrometers) because these particles can be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lungs, they are thought to represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Another pollutant of concern during some events is carbon monoxide (Wildfire smoke 2001). the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District states "Emissions from burning include fine particulate, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur, carbon monoxide, and toxic air contaminants that contribute to our air quality problems.
E. City makes the following findings concerning local topographical conditions, specifically the City of Visalia’s development pattern:
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Due to the relatively low-density growth pattern in the Visalia area, likely due to the large amounts of agricultural business that contribute heavily to the local economy and the agricultural uses surround the community, its 6 fire stations are spaced approximately 3.4 miles apart resulting in an average of a 1.7 mile running distance for the designated first-in engine company.
This average 1.7-mile travel distance increases the response time to fires which result in an increase in the size and intensity of fires. Fires have the potential to require the response of all on-duty personnel in the City of Visalia, which depletes all available resources. This leaves the city dependent on off-duty personnel and outside agencies to cover the city.
F. The appendices and modifications to the California Fire Code by the City of Visalia are reasonably necessary because of the above described local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. These appendices and sections are intended to reduce the incidence of fires in the City of Visalia; to provide for a safer community that is less prone to accidents and the need for emergency services; and to provide for specific building conditions applicable to the City of Visalia since it is a community with a considerable agricultural economic base and surrounded by agricultural uses. For reference the following documents support the findings concerning the local conditions cited above:
Visalia general plan update: existing conditions report. (2010). Environmental resources and hazards. (ch.8)
Visalia general plan update: (2014)
Historical Temperature Data: https://www.weatherbase.com U.S. Fire Administration. (July 2008). Emergency incident rehabilitation. (FEMA fa314). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Wildfire Smoke – A Guide for Public Health Officials (2001) Published by the Washington State Department of Health, p. 3.
California Water Service, Visalia Division
G. It is further noted that the changes or modifications identified in this ordinance are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City of Visalia and that were in effect as of September 30, 2025, and are necessary as emergency standards to protect health and safety.
Section 4. That all City of Visalia Ordinances with the term “Uniform Fire Code” shall change to “2022 California Fire Code” and all other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Section 5. 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 Council of the City of Visalia 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 6. That nothing in this ordinance or 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 5 of this ordinance; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.
Section 7. That this ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force and effect 30 days after final passage and adoptions but not earlier than January 1, 2020. 1208
Section 7. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted according to law.
PASSED AND ADOPTED:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
BY CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney
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2025 California
Fire Code
Adoption Presented by:
Visalia Fire
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Code Adoption
• 2025 California Fire Code
– Sections not adopted by the State Fire Marshal or other State entities must be specifically adopted by the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction to be enforced.
• Sections:
–104.4 Right of Entry – Provides additional authority to obtain an inspection warrant if entry is denied to an unsafe structure. –111.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities – Provides additional authority to disconnect utilities in the event of an emergency or when a structure is deemed unsafe to occupy.
–112 Means of appeals – Outlines the requirements of a board of appeals to rule on appeals of the interpretation and/or enforcement of the California Fire Code.
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Code Adoption continued
• Sections continued:
–311 Vacant premises – Provides additional authority to require maintenance of vacant structures throughout the community. Provides additional authority to secure vacant structures in the event that a property owner fails to do so and or demolish abandoned structures that are deemed hazardous.
–503 Fire Apparatus access roads – Outlines minimum fire apparatus road construction requirements including dimensions and marking requirements. Additionally, section 503 provides the ability to require multiple access points to large commercial projects that may otherwise only have one point of access/egress.
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Code Adoption continued
• Appendices continued:
–Appendix I (Fire Protection Systems- Noncompliant Conditions) – Consolidates applicable code references from NFPA for the enforcement of fire protection system maintenance requirements, primarily fire sprinklers and fire alarm systems.
–Appendix N (Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions) – Provides applicable code sections for indoor trade shows and exhibitions. –Appendix P (Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses) – Provides applicable code sections for haunted houses and similar amusement buildings that pose a unique hazard due to a large number of occupants in a building that may be designed to purposefully confuse or disorientate the occupants.
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Code Adoption Continued
• Appendices:
–Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads as amended by section L) – Provides additional fire apparatus access road requirements including turnaround dimensions and templates. Appendix D has been modified to require additional access points for residential projects. These requirements prevent bottlenecking of traffic at a singular point that may be blocked by emergency apparatus. Having two access/egress points supports Police Department operations in the event and necessitates expedient egress from an area due to a potential or actual threat. 1214
New Visalia Specific Amendments
• Section D106.1 Exception is deleted, requiring all multi-family (apartment) complexes with over 100 units to be provided with two points of vehicular entry and exit.
• All citations were updated as code sections changed throughout the code. 1215
Thank You!
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Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia City Council
707 W. Acequia
Visalia, CA 93291
File #: 25-0432 Agenda Date: 11/17/2025 Agenda #: 1.
Agenda Item Wording:
Upcoming City Council Meetings
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Monday, December 15, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. at 707 W. Acequia Note: Meeting dates and times are subject to change, check posted agenda for correct details. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in meetings contact 713-4512.
Written materials relating to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda are available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia CA 93292, during normal business hours.
Visalia City Council Page 1 of 1 Printed on 11/12/2025
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