2013-052 - Setting Forth Findings with Respect to Local Conditions Within the City of Santa Ana

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the California Electrical Code, 2013 Edition, the California Existing Building Code, 2013 Edition, and the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, are reasonably necessary due to local conditions in the City of Santa Ana. Section 3. Amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Building Code, the 2013 Edition of the California Residential Code, and the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority are hereby found to be reasonably necessary based upon the following findings: I. Climatic Conditions A. The jurisdiction of Santa Ana is located in a semi -arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury. B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County fire Authority's ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also disrupt utility services to buildings and facilities within the County. C. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already -taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on -site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire. Resolution No. 2013 -052 Page 2 of 10