Resolution No. 2019-049RESOLUTION NO. 2019-49
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON MAKING EXPRESS FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS
THAT MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE
CODE, 24 CCR PART 9 ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY
BECAUSE OF LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR
TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that
the City of Vernon may adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the
same or modified requirements as are contained in the regulations
adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922;
and
WHEREAS, the State of California is mandated by Health and
Safety Code Section 17922 to impose the same requirements as are
contained in the most recent edition of the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 permits the
City to make modifications or changes to the Codes, which are
reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or
topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7(a) requires
that the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to
the Codes, shall make an express finding that such changes or
modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, modification to administrative sections of the
California Fire Code is proposed to be made in order to clarify the
responsibility of the permittee, permit fees, Appeals Board and other
provisions which do not modify the Building Standards pursuant to
Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5 and 17958.7; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Vernon desires to
express its finding that such changes or modifications to the Codes are
reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or
topographical conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon finds
that this action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), because it is not considered a "project" under CEQA which
is defined as an action directly undertaken by a public agency which
has the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in
the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
the environment. Guidelines section 15378(a); Cal. Pub. Res. Code
section 21065. Under the proposed resolution, no such activity is
being undertaken. Even if the resolution were to be considered a
"project" under CEQA, which is not the case, the resolution would be
covered by the general rule set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3) which provides that CEQA applies only to projects which
have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that
the activity in question may have a significant effect on the
environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Here, the resolution
involves making express findings and determinations that modifications
to each Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic,
geological, or topographical conditions and will not have any effect on
the environment.
SECTION 2: The Fire Department recommends that changes and
modifications be made to the California Fire Code and have advised that
2 -
certain said changes and modifications to the 2019 California Fire Code
are reasonably necessary to clarify administrative provisions or due to
local conditions in the City of Vernon as described below:
A. Climatic Conditions. Adverse climatic conditions and
strong winds such as those in existence in the City of Vernon increase
the likelihood of fire spreading (conflagration) from one building to
another.
B. Geological Conditions. Geological conditions in the
City of Vernon are affected by the nearby location of earthquake faults
that can create tremendous loss of life and property in the City.
C. Topographical Conditions. Topographical conditions of
the City of Vernon coupled with the density of buildings, limited
setbacks, narrow access to buildings and narrow streets potentially
create a problem for governmental agencies to respond to emergency
conditions.
SECTION 3: Amendments to the 2019 Edition of the California
Fire Code as contained in City of Vernon Ordinance No. 1262, are found
reasonably necessary based on the climatic, geological and/or
topographical conditions cited above in Paragraphs A, B and C of
Section 1 of this Resolution and for administrative clarification are
listed in Exhibit A of this resolution.
SECTION 4: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
expresses its finding that such changes or modifications to the
California Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of local
climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
SECTION 5: This Resolution shall take effect upon the
effective date of Ordinance No. 1262.
�c�
SECTION 6: The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall
certify to the passage, approval and adoption of this resolution, and
the City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall cause this resolution and
the City Clerk's certification to be entered in the File of Resolutions
of the Council of this City.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of November, 2019.
ATTEST:
61 N 11!
Lisa Pope,wCity Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
T' Brka Byun,
Senior Deputy City Attorney
It"a2A UAt AA,
I if
Name: Melissa'A. Ybarra
=1C
Title: Mayor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
) ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
I, Lisa Pope, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No. 2019-49, was duly
passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Vernon
at a regular meeting of the City Council duly held on Tuesday, November
5, 2019, and thereafter was duly signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem
of the City of Vernon.
Executed this R day of November, 2019 at Vernon, California.
(SEAL)
- 5 -
Y(PLO)4�:
Lisa Pope, lity Clerk
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
FINDINGS AND JUSTIFICATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE 2019 CALIFORNIA
BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
The Fire Department recommend that changes and modifications be made to the 2019 California Fire
Code and have advised that certain said changes and modifications are reasonably necessary due to local
conditions in the City of Vernon as described below.
Key to Justifications for Amendments to
The 2019 California Fire Code
A) Administrative. Amendments are necessary for administrative clarification. They do not modify a
Building Standard pursuant to Sections 17958, 17958.5, and 17958.7 of the California Health and
Safety Code. This amendment establishes administrative standards for the effective enforcement of
building standards throughout the City of Vernon.
B) Climatic. Amendments are justified on the basis of a local climatic conditions. The seasonal
climatic conditions during the late summer and fall create severe.fire hazards to the public health
and welfare in the City of Vernon. The hot, dry weather in combination with Santa Ana winds
results in extreme fire conditions for the community and increase the likelihood of fire spreading
(conflagration) from one building to another. The aforementioned conditions combined with the
geological characteristics of the county and near the City create hazardous conditions for which
departure from the California Building Standards Code is required.
C) Geological. Amendments are justified on the basis of local geological conditions. The City of
Vernon is subject to earthquake hazards caused by its location in an active seismic activity area.
Faults which potentially cause seismic activity in the City include the Whittier Fault to the east, the
Raymond Fault to the north, and the Newport -Inglewood Fault to the west. Said faults are
generally considered major Southern California earthquake faults which may experience rupture at
any time. Such geological conditions can create tremendous loss of life and structures in the City.
Thus, because the City is within seismic area which includes the aforementioned earthquake faults
within the County of Los Angeles and near the City, the modifications and changes cited herein are
designed to better limit property damage as a result of seismic activity and to establish criteria for
repair of damaged property following a local emergency.
D) Topographical. This amendment is justified on the basis of local topographical conditions. The
City of Vernon is coupled with the density of buildings, limited setbacks, narrow access to
buildings, narrow streets potentially create a problem for governmental agencies to respond to
emergency conditions. Additionally, long periods of dry, hot weather, combined with unpredictable
seasonal winds (Santa Ana wind conditions) result in increased exposure to fire risk. The heavy
rains tend to over -saturate the soil for a short time period during the year, having a detrimental
effect on in -ground structures affected by varying moisture conditions.
Fire Code Section
Justification
I Rationale
I04.7.2
Administrative
This amendment provides investigation assistance
when the fire code official requires reinforcement and
1�
Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
validation of origin, cause, and circumstances of an
emergency event or explanations to the threat or risk of
an identified problem. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
104.12
Administrative
Fire apparatus and personnel respond to numerous
false alarm responses due to owner/occupants not
maintaining their fire alarm and/or fire protection
systems. The time taken to respond to these non -
emergency incidents can limit the ability of emergency
responders to be available for response to legitimate
emergencies and calls for assistance. The City should
have the ability to collect for this additional work with
the rationale that the owner or responsible party will
maintain their fire alarm and/or fire protection systems
if a penalty is incurred for the false alarm. This change
was previously adopted and included in Ordinance
1237.
104.13
Administrative,
At times, vehicles are left positioned on thoroughfare
Climatic, Geological,
locations that restrict and block access to emergency
Topographical
vehicles. This ad can impede the ability of emergency
responders to arrive, investigate, and function at the
scene of the incident on a timely basis, potentially
causing more harm, damage, and property loss.
Operators have the responsibility to position their
vehicles in locations that will not hamper emergency
responders from doing they're job. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
104.14
Climatic, Geological,
At times, stock, product, materials, and vehicles are
Topographical
left at sites that restrict and block access to emergency
vehicles or obstruct ingress/egress to emergency
personnel. This act can impede the ability of
emergency responders to safety and quickly function at
the scene of the incident, potentially causing more
harm, damage, and property loss. Owners, occupants,
and operators have the responsibility to position their
product, materials, and vehicles in locations that will
not hamper emergency responders from doing they're
job. This change was previously adopted and included
in Ordinance 1237.
104.15
Administrative
Occasionally scheduled activities endorsed by property
owners, their agents, and production companies occur
at locations and facilities in the City that require
guidance and service in the preservation of life and
property. Approving fire safety personnel, trained to
recognize and eliminate unsafe acts, prevent fires, and
other hazardous actions will save life and property in
— 7 —
Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
the City. This change was previously adopted and
included in Ordinance 1237.
105.1.7
Administrative
The City Council shall set forth the permit and plan
review fees by resolution in order to ensure sufficient
funds are collected for services provided. From time
to time occupants construct and/or modify the
structure, building, facility or operation without
providing plans or obtaining a permit for the changes.
The City should have the ability to collect for this
investigational work. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
105.1.1
Administrative
Certain activities historically have been hazardous at
work locations. Operational permits annually regulate
these activities to reduce or eliminate the risks,
whereas construction permits direct the building or
installation of specific operational systems or
functions. Permits must be posted conspicuously,
either permanently or for a limited time, for view by
inspectors. This change was previously adopted and
included in Ordinance 1237.
105.6.25
Climatic, Geological,
Large amounts of loose wood products are a fire
Topographical
hazard. Currently, this permit does not incorporate
pallet storage. This addition will standardize storage
practices at facilities that store substantial amounts of
pallets in the City. This change was previously adopted
and included in Ordinance 1237.
105.6.52
Climatic, Geological,
Currently, some activities or operations occur at
Topographical
locations that increase the potential for loss of life or
property. This permit addresses these activities and
operations by regulating safer practices at facilities in
the City. This change was previously adopted and
included in Ordinance 1237.
105.7.14.1
Administrative,
Currently, this permit is not listed in the CFC. The
Climatic, Geological,
addition of this construction permit will standardize
Topographical
the installation of high -piled combustible storage in
racks along with the requirement of providing a floor
plan. The addition of this requirement will direct safer
storage within buildings and facilities. This change
was previously adopted and included in Ordinance
1237.
105.8
Administrative
The permittee and/or its agents shall be held
responsible to ensure its work complies with the code
and with other regulations or laws adopted by the State
and this responsibility should not be shifted in any way
to the City or its employees. This change was
Dreviously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
— 8 —
Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
106.6
Administrative
This amendment provides the Fire Department with
administrative provisions for the establishment and
review of fees for services. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
106.7
Administrative
Certain business operations create additional potential
hazards at the workplace. These hazards are regulated
by the fire code, and may require a specialized
inspection. The City Council shall set forth the permit
fees by resolution in order to ensure sufficient funds
are collected for services provided. The City should
have the ability to collect for this additional work. This
change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
106.8
Administrative
The City Council shall set forth the permit and plan
review fees by resolution in order to ensure sufficient
funds are collected for services provided. From time
to time permittees call for an inspection when the work
has not been completed or is not performed in
conformance with the plans causing the City to re-
inspect the work. The City should have the ability to
collect for this additional work. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
106.9
Administrative
From time to time permittees call for an inspection
when the work has not been completed or is not
performed in conformance with the plans causing the
City to re -inspect the work. The City should have the
ability to collect for this additional work. This change
was previously adopted and included in Ordinance
1237.
114
Administrative,
The owner, occupant and/or its agents shall be held
Climatic, Geological,
responsible to ensure that safety and preventative
Topographical
measures are provided for employees, visitors, and
emergency responders by maintaining fire prevention
within its buildings, facilities, storage and processes.
If the owner or occupant does not comply with the
established codes and regulations, fees and/or penalties
can be imposed. The City should have the ability to
recover the costs of these expenses from the
violator(s). This change was previously adopted and
included in Ordinance 1237.
202
Administrative
Definitions for fire chief and fire code official are
imprecise. These modifications are specific to Vernon
Fire Department. The definitions for awning, false
alarm, fire safety officer and safety container were not
included in section 2 of the CFC and are referenced in
the adoptions, so by including them, the terms are
- 9 -
Flre Code Section
Justification
Rationale
identified. This change was previously adopted and
included in Ordinance 1237.
304.1.1.1
Administrative,
Unregulated installations of solar photovoltaic
Climatic, Geological,
systems, garden, and landscaping located on the roofs
Topographical
of buildings can create conditions which severely
hinder firefighting ventilation operations. Firefighting
ventilation allows the escape of heat, smoke, and gases
from the interior compartments of a building, reduces
the chances of flashover condition, and greatly helps
restore and maintain a tenable interior environment in
a building during a fire.
In many firefighting situations, roof top vertical
ventilation is the only form of ventilation that can be
employed to meet the need to quickly and effectively
ventilate a building's interior. Rapid ventilation is
often a critical element in allowing firefighters to enter
a burning building to search for and rescue occupants,
control the spread of fire, and create a tenable
environment to extend the time a person could survive
within a burning building.
In order to traverse a roof to place an effective
ventilation opening near a fire, it is required that
firefighters have access to the roof surface of a
building. Firefighters utilize techniques including
"sounding" roofs with tools such as a rubbish hook,
cutting small inspection holes with power saws in
roofs to check for extension, and by using infrared
cameras to check for heat concentrations on the
surface of a roof. Installing roof obstructions without
regard for firefighting ventilation operations may
prevent firefighters from safely traveling along strong
underlying roof structural members. Installing layers
of waterproofing, building material, soil, and
vegetation to the surface of a roof will very likely
delay or preclude firefighting roof top ventilation
operations unless consideration for ventilation
operations were incorporated into the layout design of
the roof obstruction. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
311.2.2
Climatic, Geological,
Vacant premises that have fire protection systems
Topographical
installed most be required to maintain the systems to
function in case of a fire. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
312.2
Administrative,
The City of Vernon is an industrial city, with large
Topographical
trucks, tractor -trailers, and heavy equipment moving
on public and private roadways and property.
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Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
Occasionally large vehicles strike protective guard
posts bending, breaking and pushing them against fire
protection equipment, hazardous materials containers,
and other specialized appliances the posts are designed
to protect. This code modification increases the
requirements of the guard posts, thus providing better
protection of the equipment. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
315.4.3
Climatic, Geological,
Large amounts of loose wood products are a fire
Topographical
hazard. This addition will standardize storage
practices at facilities that store substantial amounts of
pallets in the City, and provide the fire department
avenues to access the product piles if a fire occurs.
This change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
315.4.4
Climatic, Geological,
Significant volume pallet storage increases the
Topographical
potential for loss due to the increased fire load.
Keeping pallet stacks organized and orderly will assist
in limiting the potential for pallets falling over and
restricting fire spread. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
315.4.4.1
Climatic, Geological,
Combustible rubbish tends to accumulate around pallet
Topographical
stacks. These light fuels allow combustion to occur
more readily if not cleaned up. Large amounts of
pallet materials add to the fire hazard. This addition
will standardize storage practices at facilities that
stockpile substantial amounts of pallets in the City, and
provide the fire department avenues to access the
product piles if a fire occurs. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
315.4.4.2
Climatic, Geological,
Climatic, geologic, and topographic events or
Topographical
conditions may cause pallets to fall onto a
structure/awing potentially causing serious injury or
death & extensive property damage. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
503.2.1
Administrative,
The Fire Department emergency vehicles are very
Topographical
large and difficult to maneuver when restrictions are
placed on them during incidents. Additionally, some
vehicles have outrigger supports that extend the
footprint of the vehicle beyond the prescribed access
road dimensions in the current fire code. This code
modification increases the requirements of the fire
apparatus access roads, thus providing sufficient space
for movement and placement of emergency equipment.
This change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
FYre Code Section
Justification
Rationale
505.1
Administrative,
The City of Vernon is an industrial city, with large
Topographical
industrial building which may be set back from the
public right-of-way, also with large trucks, tractor -
trailers and heavy equipment moving on public and
private roadways and on property. The increase in the
address numbers will provide better visibility for
emergency response. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
507.5
Administrative,
The City of Vernon has established standards for the
Climatic, Geological,
spacing of Fire hydrants. This change was previously
Topographical
ado ted and included in Ordinance 1237.
507.5.5
Administrative,
The City of Vernon has established standards for
Climatic, Geological,
regulating the clear space around fire hydrants. This
Topographical
spacing standard assists in providing fire department
apparatus dire" access to fire hydrants. This change
was previously adopted and included in Ordinance
1237.
901.4.7
Administrative,
The City of Vernon is an industrial city, with large
Topographical
trucks, tractor -trailers, and heavy equipment moving
on public and private roadways and property.
Occasionally large vehicles strike protective guard
posts bending, breaking and pushing them against fire
protection equipment, hazardous materials containers,
and other specialized appliances the posts are designed
to protect. This code modification increases the
requirements of the guard posts, thus providing better
protection of the equipment. This change was
previously adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
24042
Climatic, Geological,
This code was amended to include regulations for
Topographical
spray finishing operations that may occur outside. This
change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
5601.1
Climatic, Geological,
Allowing explosive materials in or near densely
Topographical
positioned structures along with a sizeable general
population creates an untenable potential for the City
and its business activities. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
5604.2.9.6.1
Climatic, Geological,
This code was amended to address storage and the
Topographical
separation from schools, and to define the volume of
product stored. This change was previously adopted
and included in Ordinance 1237.
6101.4
Climatic, Geological,
Inside storage or use of LP -gas creates problems that
Topographical
can compromise workplace safety and potentially
cause or add to the danger of fire department personnel
fighting fires. LP -gas cylinders have been struck,
fallen over and been damaged, leaked and rocketed
— 12 —
Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
around, and exploded when exposed to heat and fire.
This change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
6103.2.2.1
Climatic, Geological,
Inside storage or use of LP -gas creates problems that
Topographical
can compromise workplace safety and potentially
cause or add to the danger of fire department personnel
fighting fires. LP -gas cylinders have been struck,
fallen over and been damaged, leaked and rocketed
around, and exploded when exposed to heat and fire.
This change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
6104.1
Climatic, Geological,
This code was amended to address storage and the
Topographical
separation from schools, and to define the volume of
product stored. This change was previously adopted
and included in Ordinance 1237.
6104.3.3
Climatic, Geological,
Improperly positioned containers of pressurized
Topographical
flammable gas pose a significant fire and safety hazard
to facilities, employees, and emergency responders.
This change was previously adopted and included in
Ordinance 1237.
Table B 105.2 of
Administrative,
Appendix B of the California Fire Code provides fire
Appendix B
Topographical
flow requirements for buildings. The City of Vernon as
an industrial city, density of buildings and narrow
streets, the modification of the code increases the fire
flow requirements, thus providing, better protection for
an industrial city, therefore it is recommended that
Table B 105.2 of Appendix B of the California Fire
Code be amended.
Appendix C
Administrative
Appendix C of the California Fire Code provides
requirements for the locations and distribution of fire
hydrants. The City of Vernon currently establishes
standards for Fire Hydrant Location and Distribution.
The requirements within the Fire Code would conflict
with the City's requirements; therefore it is
recommended that Appendix C of the California Fire
Code be deleted. This change was previously adopted
and included in Ordinance 1237.
D103.1
Administrative
Appendix D of the California Fire Code provides
requirements for fire apparatus access roads. Previous
City Codes have been amended to establish City
regulations for Fire Access Road Turnarounds. The
requirements within the Fire Code would conflict with
the City's requirements; therefore it is recommended
that Section D103.1 of Appendix D of the California
Fire Code be amended to be in accordance with the
- 13 -
Fire Code Section
Justification
Rationale
City of Vernon standard. This change was previously
adopted and included in Ordinance 1237.
- 14 -
TRANSMITTAL COMMUNICATION
November 26, 2019
. Of zler
fit no
P(BLIC WORKS DFPARTMFNT
4305 Santa Fe Avenue, Vernon, California 90058
Telephone (323) 583-8811
C-14
Via 1'SPS Cenifed & Mum Receipt Mail
California Building Standards Commission
2525 Natamos Park Drive, Suite 130
Sacramento, California 95833
Attn: Ordinance Filing
Dear Sir or Madam:
The City Council of the City of Vernon (" City') moemly adopted by reference the 2019 California Building
Code; the 2019 California Electrical Code; the 2006 Edition of the ICC Electrical Code Administrative
Provisions; the 2019 California Mechanical Code; the 2019 California Plumbing Code; the 2019 California
Existing Building Cade; the 2018 International Existing Building Code; the 2019 California Residential
Code; the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code; and the 2019 Califomia Energy Code with
various amendments under Ordinance No. 1261. The City is making express findings and determinations
that modifications to the aforementioned codes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions under Resolution No. 2019-50.
The City also recently adopted by reterence the 2019 California Fire Code with various amendments under
Ordinance No. 1262, Furthermore, the City is making express findings and determinations that
modifications to the 2019 California Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions under Resolution No. 2019-49.
Copies of Ordinance Nos. 1261 and 1262 and Resolution Nos. 201949 and 2019-50 are enclosed herewith.
This letter shall serve as the City of Vernon's filing of its mudifiations to the above mentioned codes along
with the City's findings determining why each amendment or modification is necessary.
If you have any questions you may contact me at (323) 583-8811 extension 305 or dwallialci.vemon.ca.us.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
o.1144LJA
Daniel Wall
Director of Public Works
r.
Enclosures
c Debbie Jumry City Clerk's Office
Jim F:ariqut ,Interim Fire Chief
rEXcfusivefy Indnstriaf
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM APPROVED
- 11105119, SD
City Council Agenda Item Report
Agenda Item No. COV-441-2019
Submitted by: Adrian Ramos
Submitting Department: Fie Department
Meeting Date: November 5, 2019
SUBJECT
Findings Supporting Amendments to the 2019 California Fie Code
Recommendation:
A. Find that the action proposed is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as the resolution is
not considered a `projecf' under CEQA which 6 defined as an action directly undertaken by a public agency which has
the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect
physical charge in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a); Cal. Pub. Res. Code section 21065. Under
the proposed resolution, no such activity is being undertaken. Even if the resolution were to be considered a `project"
under CEQA, which is not the case, the resolution would be covered by the general rile set forth in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061(bx3) which provides that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in
question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is rot subject to CEQA. Here, the resolution
involves making express findings and determinations that modifications to each Code are reasonably necessary due to
local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions and will not have arty effect on the environment; and
B. Adopt the proposed resolution making express findings and determinations that modifications to each Code are
reasonably necessary due to local cli late, geological, or topographical condition.
Background:
The Fie Department is proposing to adopt the 2019 California Fie Code. The Fie Department recommends that the
Califonne Fie Code be modified by adding deleting or amending certain provisions.
California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7 requires that ]Deal code amendments to the Codes
and other regulation, including but not limited to green building standards, be enacted only when an express finding is
made that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical
condition.
The C'ty has determined that due to the local conditions fisted below modifications to the Codes are necessary:
A) Climatic Conditions. Adverse climatic conditions and strong wills such as those in existence in the City of Vemon
increase the likelihood of fire spreading (confiagn ition) from one building to another.
B) Geological Conditions. Geological conditions in the City of Vemon are affected by the nearby location of
earthquake faults that can create tremendous loss of fife and structures in the City.
C) Topographical Conditions. Topographical conditions oftlie City of Vernon coupled with the density ofbunildigs,
united setbacks, narrow access to buildings and narrow streets potentially create a problem for governmental agencies
to respond to emergency condition.
AGENDA ITEM APPROVED
- 11105119, SO
In addition City staff have determined that modifications are necessary to administrative portions of the Codes for
clarficatlon. These modifications are not subject to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 since they do not modify
a building standard.
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved as to form, the proposed resolution. It's recorrnended that the
resolution be adopted setting forth the findings for each Code section modification. The resolution shall be forwarded to
the California Building Standards Commission after adoption.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal inpact with the City Council making express findings and detemtiations that modifications to each
Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.
ATTACHMENTS
• 1. Fie Code Amendment - Resolution