2015-046 - Setting Forth Findings With Respect to Local Conditions Within the City of Santa Ana

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SECTION 2. The Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority have currently recommended that changes and modifications be made to the California Building Code as specified below in Section 3 and Section 4. SECTION 3. Amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Building Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority are hereby found to be reasonably necessary based up the following findings: 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. 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. SECTION 4. The following specific amendments to the sections of the 2013 Edition of the California Building Code as recommended by the Planning and Building Agency and the Orange County Fire Authority are reasonably necessary based upon the above corresponding findings in Section 3 of this resolution. SECTION 5. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby approves and authorizes the Planning and Building Agency to file copies of Resolution 2015 -046 and Ordinance No. NS -2883 with the California Building Standards Commission as required by Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7. Resolution No. 2015 -046 Page 2 of 3