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1999-158-Making Certain Findings With Respect To The Amendment Of Chapter 9 Of The Town Code~ .RESOLUTION 1999 -1:58 ~ RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO THE AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 9 OF THE TOWN CODE WHEREAS: The Town of Los Gatos is .adopting the Uniform File Code, 1998 Edition, with numerous changes and modifications. Section 13869.7 of the California Health and Safety Code provides that the Town may make changes to the provisions in the Uniform codes that are published in the 1998 California Fire Code. Further section 17958.5 of the Health .and Safety Code enables changes or modifications in the requirements contained in the provisions published in the 199.8 California Fire Code which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, :geological, or topographical conditions. RESOLVED: Council :hereby finds that adopting a new Chapter 9 of the Town Code regarding fire prevention and protection, including provisions from the Uniform Fire Code, 1998 Edition is reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions outlined on Attachment A. PASSED .AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, California 11e1d on the 18t~' day of October, 1999, by the following vote: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES.: Randy Attaway, Steven Blanton, Linda Lubecl{, Joe Przynslci, Mayor Jan Hutchins. NAYS.: None ABSENT: None GATOS CLERK OF TI-~E TOWN OF LOS' GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA ATTACHMENT A GENERAL FINDINGS 1. Climatic a Precipitation. The 1998 average winter rainfall was approximately 6.13 inches per year. b. Temperatures. The temperature has been recorded as high as 106 °F and as .low as 22°F. Average summer highs are in the 72 °F rangeand winter lows average 35°F. c. Winds. The prevailing winds are from the northwest at a man. hourly speed of 6.5 miles -per hour. Winter winds tend to be southerly. Winds are experienced from virtually every direction throughout the year. d. Climatic Summary. The Town's climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures .create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to vegetation and .combustible construction. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos can .have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the downtown area. During structure fires, winds can and have carried embers and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and posing the risk of conflagration. In building fires, winds can literally force fires back into the building and create a blowtorch effect increasing the fire's intensity .and speed of spread throughout the building. 2. Geological and Topographical a. Geographic Location. Los Gatos is located in the western foothills of Santa Clara County. Located 400 miles. south of Los Angeles, 52 miles south of San Francisco, and 22 miles .across the mountains to the ocean at Santa Cuz. b. Seismic Location. Located at the lower slope of the'Santa Cruz Mountain range, centered on Los Gatos Creek, at the southwestern edge of the Santa Clara Valley, the San Andreas and Berrocal Fault run near the Town. Earthquake hazards are, and will continue to be, a major problem for both commercial. and residential buildings.. Geologic hazards, earthquake faults, unreinforced masonry buildings, other building types and high probability of future earthquakes all contribute to the Town's potential for earthquake probability. c. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings have-combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. Shouldasgnificantsefsmic event occur,hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases would pose the greatest threat. to the largest number of people.. In the event of widespread catastrophic event,. public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: (1) The extent of damage to the water system; (2) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; (3) The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); (5) Tune of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance;-and, (7) The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in the residential, hillside, :and light industry zones. d. Topography. The topography is mountainous, dropping from an elevation of over 1400 feet to 400 .feet. The approximate range of hillside versus .flat land is 50 / 50. e. Geographical and Topographical Summary. The state local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, :exposure, accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire Department. Lying beneath the Town of Los Gatos :are thick layers of sand, gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on the damage caused in the Town by the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, areas within the Town of Los Gatos could be subject to severe .damage as a result of a major earthquake. 3. Related Town Information A. Size. and Population. The Town has an area 13 square miles in size and a current population of approximately 31,000. B. Public Safety. The Town utilizes a Police department comprised of 81 employees and 41 sworn Officers utilizing all modern equipment. Fire Department services are provided by Santa Clara County Fire Department with four fire stations located throughout the Town. The Town's fire prevention philosophy holds that it is imperative that fire detection and suppression occur as quickly as possible to minimize loss of property and life: For these reasons the most advanced fire detection, alarm and suppression systems are required for most new construction within the Town. C. Traffic. The number of vehicle miles driven in the Town has steadily increased over the .past 25 years. Commuters use `State .Highway 17, which runs through Town, to connect to State Highways 85, 101, 280 and 680. Considerable effort is being made to improve conditions which impact traffic in order to ease the crush of commuters through the Town. The impact of planned developments and traffic flow will continue to have an effect on the delivery of emergency services. D. Proximity of Industrial and Residential Uses. High .density residential uses .are located near high-risk industries, necessitating special health and safety precautions. 2 E. Transportation. The Town is divided by an interstate highway, which has potential to negatively affect response times of fire suppression equipment. The impact of planned developments and traffic flow will continue to have an effect on the delivery of emergency services.. F. Industry Zoning. The Town has approximately 150 acres zoned for .light and clean industry. There are two industrial zoned .located in the the Town, L-M or C-1V1. G. Industry. The Town has manufacturing plans and research facilities. The leading products are electronic equipment, communication equipment :and medical equipment. Many of these manufacturing. and research industries use toxic, flammable and explosive chemicals and other materials in potentially hazardous combinations. Special precautions are .required to minimize the risk of damage to adjoining persons and properties. H. Proximity of Industrial and Residential Uses. High density residential uses are located near high-risk industries, necessitating special health and safety precautions. The terrain in these areas is evel, the drainage excellent and the subsoil is firm. Buildings, Landscaping and Clearances. Many of the Town's newer largebuildings and building complexes are of designs, which greatly limit visibility .and approach to and .accessibility by Public Safety resources, Many houses and other buildings with wood roofs and/or sidings are so close together that fire canreadily spread from one to the other. J. Water Supply. Water for residential and commercial uses within the Town is supplied by San .Jose Water Company. The maximum supply capacity is approximately 244.93 million gallons per day (MGD), The average consumption is 114 MGD. Sizes ofwater mains range from six to 12 inches. K. Electric Power. The Town's .residents, as well as commercial and industrial customers, are supplied with electric power from.Pacific Gas & Electric Company. SPECIFIC FINDINGS In addition to changes justified on administrative grounds or by all of the general. findings, several substantive sections are justified. Those .sections are listed on Attachment 1. 3 ATTACHMENT 1 The following list of amendments are considered with the applicable climatic, geologic and topographic conditions. A. Section 204-C, Hazardous Materials Business Plan Definition is added to the Uniform Fire Code adopted by Town ordinance as section 9.30:080.. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relateto wood hake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced ntheTown ofLos Gatos area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which. is commonly found in the Town. During wood shake and shingle roof fires, or exposure fires, winds .can carry sparks and burning.. brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. 'The Town of Los Gatos is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The Town's iooation makes itpartcularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by seismic events. 'The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are ..still active today. Seismically, the Town sits near one active earthquake fault (San Andreas) and other potentially active faults, including the Berrocal .Fault. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following. an earthquake :has the potential of causing .greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in Los Gatos .have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires .after an earthquake. Should a .significant seismic event occur, hazardous .materials, particularly_ toxic gases could pose the .greatest threat to the largest number of people. Tn the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk .from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: (1) The extent of damage to the water system; {2) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; {3) The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); {5) Time of day will influence :the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during .normal business hours; . (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; and, 4 (7) The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in residential, mercantile and light industry zones. Geographical and Topographical Summary The stated local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, .exposure, .accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire Department. Lying beneath Santa Clara are thick layers of sand, gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1906 and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, areas of the Town could be subject to severe damage as a result of a major earthquake. B. Section 1003.202, Fire Extinguishing System for New Buildings, item 6 of the Uniform Fire Code is added to the Uniform Fire Code adopted by Town ordinance as section 9.30.-105. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and .high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the Town. During wood shake and shingle rooffires, or exposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. The Town of Los Gatos is situated on alluvial soils between .San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone, The Town's location makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by seismic events. 'The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the Town sits near-one active earthquake fault (San Andreas) and other potentially :active faults, including the Berrocal Fault. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage thanthe earthquake itself. Alarge number ofresidential dwellings in Los Gatos have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. Should a significant seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases could pose the greatest threat to the .largest number of people. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire .and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: {2) The extent of damage to the water system; {3) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; {4) The extent of roadway damage and/or. amount of debris blocking the roadways; 5 (. ~. {5) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); (6) Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (7) The availability of timely mutual .aid or military assistance; and, (8) 'The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in residential, mercantile and light industry zones. Geographical and Topographical Summary The stated local :geological :and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, exposure, accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire Department. Lying beneath.Santa Clara are thick layers of sand, gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1906 and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, areas of the Town could be subject to severe damage as a result of a major earthquake. C. Section 79Q1.13, .Monitoring, is added to the Uniform Fire Code adopted by Town ordinance as section 9.30.1.35. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely hazardous. fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings :are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found inthe Town. During wood shake and shingle roof fires, orexposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. The Town of Los Gatos is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The Town's locationmakes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the Town sits near one active earthquake fault :(San Andreas) and other potentially active faults, including the Berrocal .Fault. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire .following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in Los Gatos have combustible .roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. Should a significant seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases could pose the .greatest threat to the largest number of people. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to :all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: 6 (1) The extent of damage to the water system; (2) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; (3) The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); (5) 'Time ofday will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military .assistance.; and, (7) The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in residential, mercantile and light industry zones. Geographical and Topographical Summary The stated local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, exposure, accessibility :problems and firehazards presented to the Fire Department. Lying beneath Santa Clara are thick layers of sand, gravel and clay,. known as alluvium, which amplify the :effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1906 and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, areas of the Town could'be subject to severe damage as a result of a major earthquake. D, Section 7901.14, Flammable and Combustible Liquids-Containment is added to the Uniform Fire Code .adopted by Town ordinance as section 9.30.140. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the .acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity, and high temperatures create extremely .hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos •area can have a tremendous impact upon structure .fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the Town. During wood shake and shingle roof fires, or exposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation :and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. The Town of Los Gatos is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The Town's location makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today.. Seismically, the Town sits near one active earthquake fault (San Andreas) and other potentially .active faults, including the Berrocal Fault, SeismicEvents, Fire and Hazardous MaterialReleases. Fire following an earthquake hasthe potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in Los Gatos have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires .after an earthquake. Should a significant .seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases could pose the greatest threat to the largest number of people. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respondtoall emergencies. 7 t ~ Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire and,hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: (1) The extent of damage to the water system; (2) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; (3) The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds); (5) Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways :and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; and, (7) The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in residential, mercantile .and light industry zones. Geographical and .Topographical Summary The stated local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, exposure, .accessibility problemsand fire hazards presented to the Fire Department. Lying beneath Santa Clara are thick layers of sand,. gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1906 and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes,. the Town of Los Gatos areas could be subject to severe damage as a result of a major earthquake. E. Article 91, Toxic Gases is added to the Uniform Fire Code adopted by Townordinance as section 9.30.155. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, .low humidity, and high temperatures .create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to woodshake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos .area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings are in close proximity to one another, which is commonly found in the Town. During. woodshake and shingle roof fires, or exposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing. conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. The Town of Los Gatos is situated on alluvial soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The Town's locatiori makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by seismic events. The relatively young geological :processes that have created the .San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the Town sits near one active earthquake fault (San Andreas) and other potentially active faults, including the Berrocal Fault. Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in Los Gatos have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. 8 Should a significant seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases could pose the :greatest threat to the largest number of people. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted andmaybeunavalable to effectively respond to all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: (1) The extent of damage to the water system; (2) The extent of isolation. due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; (3) The extent of roadway damage .and/or amount. of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, .dry weather with high winds); (5) Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance; and, (7) The concentration of combustible structures (wood frame) in residential, mercantile and light industry. zones. Geographical and Topographical Summary The stated local geological and topographical conditions increase the magnitude, exposure, accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire. Lying beneath Santa Clara are thick layers of sand,. gravel and clay, known as alluvium, which amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1906 .and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes, areas of the Town could be subject to severe damage as a result of arnajor earthquake. F. Section 16.3, Suppression and Control of Hazardous Fire Areas is added to the Uniform Fire Code adopted by Town ordinance as section 9.30,175. Climatic Findings The local climatic conditions affect the acceleration, intensity, and size of fire in the community. Times of little or no rainfall, low humidity,- .and high temperatures create extremely hazardous fire conditions, particularly as they relate to wood shake and shingle roof fires. The winds experienced in the Town of Los Gatos area can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires where buildings. are in close proximity to one. another, which is commonly found in the Town. During wood shake and shingle roof fires, or exposure fires, winds can carry sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations. In building fires, which can literally force fires back into the building and can create a blowtorch effect, in addition to preventing "natural" ventilation and cross-ventilation efforts. Geologic and Topographic Conditions Seismic Location. The Town of•Los Gatos is situated on alluvial .soils between San Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault zone. The Town's location makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and older structures caused by eismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco Bay Area .are still active today. Seismically, the Town sits near one active earthquake fault (San Andreas) and other potentially active faults, including the Berrocal Fault. 9 Seismic Events, Fire and Hazardous Material Releases. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of life and damage than the earthquake itself. A large number of residential dwellings in Los Gatos have combustible roofs which add significantly to the risk of structural fires after an earthquake. Should a significant seismic event occur, hazardous materials, particularly toxic gases could pose the greatest threat to the largest number of people. In the event of widespread catastrophic event, public safety service resources would be seriously impacted and maybe unavailable to effectively respond to all emergencies. Other variables may tend to increase the risk from fire and hazardous material releases after a major earthquake: { 1) The extent of damage to the water system; (2) The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse; (3) The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways; (4) Climatic conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds):; (5) Tirne of.day will influence the amount of traffic onroadways and could intensify the risk to life during normal business hours; (6) The availability of timely mutual aid or military .assistance; and,. {7) The concentration of combustible structures .(wood frame) in residential, mercantile and light. industry zones. GeographicaC and Topographical Summary The stated local geological andtopographical conditions.increase the magnitude, exposure, accessibility problems and fire hazards presented to the Fire. Lying beneath Santa Clara are thick layers of sand, gravel .and clay, known as alluvium, which .amplify the effects of earthquakes. Based on damage caused in Los Gatos by the 1'906 and 1989 earthquake and the poor performance of alluvial deposits during earthquakes,. areas of the Town could be subject to severe damage as a result of a major\earthquake. N:WTY~FIREGODB.RES 10