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the California Plumbing Code, 2013 Edition, the California Mechanical Code, 2013 Edition, <br />the California Electrical Code, 2013 Edition, the California Existing Building Code, 2013 <br />Edition, and the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local <br />conditions in the City of Santa Ana. <br />Section 3. Amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Building Code, the <br />2013 Edition of the California Residential Code, and the 2013 Edition of the California <br />Fire Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange <br />County Fire Authority are hereby found to be reasonably necessary based upon the <br />following findings: <br />Climatic Conditions <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, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights <br />of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. <br />Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at <br />60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire fighting apparatus above <br />this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury. <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 />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. It would also <br />leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of <br />available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available <br />water to floors in a fire. <br />Resolution No. 2013 - <br />Page 2 of 10 <br />75A -6 <br />