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Resolution 2022-XXX <br />Page 2 of 7 <br /> <br />Edition, the California Existing Building Code, 2022 Edition, the California Plumbing Code, <br />2022 Edition, the California Mechanical Code, 2022 Edition, the California Electrical Code, <br />2022 Edition, the California Existing Building Code, 2022 Edition, California Energy <br />Code, 2022 Edition, California Historical Building Code, 2022 Edition, and the California <br />Fire Code, 2022 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local conditions in the City of <br />Santa Ana. <br /> <br />Section 3. Amendments to the 2022 Edition of the California Building Code, the <br />2022 Edition of the California Existing Building Code, the 2022 Edition of the California <br />Residential Code, and the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code, as recommended by <br />the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority, are hereby <br />found to be reasonably necessary based upon the following findings: <br /> <br />I. Climatic Conditions <br /> <br />A. The jurisdiction of Santa Ana is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type <br />climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures <br />with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach <br />speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These <br />climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common <br />building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to <br />the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires <br />(conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, <br />these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. <br />Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights <br />and utility poles will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident <br />scene. <br /> <br />B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief <br />flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County Fire <br />Authority’s ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also <br />disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County. <br /> <br />C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity <br />supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to <br />grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to <br />increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a <br />century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. <br />Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of <br />rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates <br />the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. <br /> <br />D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of <br />even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These <br />fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire <br />protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire