REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt a Supplemental Resolution to include Additional Findings of Fact and amend several 2022 California Fire Code Appendices in Ordinance 2054; Action to Waive First Reading and Approve Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.60 “Municipal Fire and Environmental Code” and setting September 12, 2023, for a Public Hearing on Adoption of said Ordinance.
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The International Fire Code (IFC) is a model fire code that regulates minimum fire and life safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, storage, and processes. The California Building Standards Commission adopts the International Fire Code with state-wide amendments on a triannual code adoption cycle. The City’s adoption process for the 2022 code adoption cycle was completed on November 1, 2022 and went into effect on January 1, 2023.
DISCUSSION
On April 4, 2023, the City of Santa Clara Fire Department received correspondence from the California Building Standards Commission noting that Part 9, 2022 California Fire Code Adoption of appendices E and N and the amendments to appendices B, C, and D required additional topographical, climatic, or geological findings. The City Attorney’s Office was consulted and recommended proceeding with a supplemental resolution to provide the necessary findings to support the adoption of referenced appendices.
Notice and publication of the amended ordinance shall be provided in the same manner as the original adoption in late 2022, in compliance with Government Code Sections 50022, et seq., and 6066.
There were no substantive changes to the ordinance or resolution previously approved by the Council on November 1, 2022, beyond the fourteen specific findings requested. Formatting, grammar, and section number modifications were necessary to incorporate the supplemental materials and improve accuracy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no economic or fiscal impacts anticipated. Council has previously approved a cost recovery mechanism for the development and inspection mandates in the form of inspection fees as allowed by the Health and Safety Code.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve introduction of an Ordinance amending Chapter 15.60 of the Santa Clara City Code (“Santa Clara Municipal Fire and Environmental Code”) to adopt the several 2022 California Fire Code appendices, as amended;
2. Adopt a Supplemental Resolution establishing the findings of fact necessary for the specified supplemental amendments; and
3. Set a public hearing date for September 12, 2023, for final adoption of the Supplemental Ordinance amending Chapter 15.60 of the Santa Clara City Code (“Santa Clara Municipal Fire and Environmental Code”) to adopt the 2022 Supplemental California Fire Code, appendices as amended.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ruben Torres, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. A Supplemental Resolution of the City of Santa Clara, California, finding and determining the need for modifications to the California Fire Code, 2022 edition.
2. A Supplemental Ordinance of the City of Santa Clara, California, amending Chapter 15.60 (“Santa Clara Municipal Fire and Environmental Code”) of the Code of the City of Santa Clara to adopt the 2022 California Fire Code, as amended.