SR-6-I (45)
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CM:KV:ckl.mgr.manager/fireprt Santa Monica, Callifornia
city Council: March 3, 1992
TO: Mayor and city Council
FROM: City staff
SUBJECT: Resolution of Support for Proposed Legislation by
Assemblymember Tom Bates Relating to Fire Protection
Introduction
Assemblymember Tom Bates has requested Santa Monica support of
proposed legislation to add Chapter 6.8, section 51175 of
Division 1 to the Government Code, relating to fire protection.
This report recommends support of the proposed legislation and
suggests modifications to expand its fire protection controls.
Background
The proposed legislation would require the state Department of
Foresty to identify all fire hazard zones in the state and
provide for the classification of urban interface areas
according to the fire hazard presented. The underlining purpose
of the legislation is to identify measures to be taken to retard
the rate of spreading and reduce the potential intensity of
uncontrolled fires.
Urban interface areas are defined as any area not located in
state responsibility areas. No such lands exist in Santa Monica,
however, the bluffs in Santa Monica Canyon would be considered
urban interface lands. specifically I the proposed legislation
requires that: combustible vegetation be cleared 30 feet to 100
feet from buildings; new roofs be constructed with non
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combustible materials and existing roofs be constructed of non
combustible materials when more than 25% of the roof is
repaired. (The latter provision is under review with discussions
being held regarding the appropriate trigger for replacement with
non combustible materials upon repair.)
Experiences of multiple building loss during urban interface area
fires in our state, have clearly demonstrated the overwhelming
power of nature and the limitations of emergency response to
control loss. Urban interface fires rapidly cross jurisdictional
areas, require fire protection resources from multiple
jurisdictions and consume state resources for mitigation and
recovery. Experience has also demonstrated that the ability to
control multiple building loss in interface areas is determined
by: the control of combustible vegetation; roof materials;
glazing and exterior building materials; the proximity of
buildings to slopes; the presence of fire resistant green belts;
and access for emergency response personnel and equipment.
Effective loss control requires the concurrent implementation of
multiple fire prevention measures.
Assemblymember Bates has indicated his intention to introduce
fire protection legislation in early 1992. The proposed measure
is expected to be one of a number of fire-related proposals to be
considered by the legislature in the upcoming session. In light
of the recent Oakland-Berkeley fire tragedy it is reasonable to
expect that the issue of enhancing fire protection will receive
serious consideration.
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staff anticipates that the Bates legislation is likely to be
modified in the course of legislative enact ion and proposes
expansion in several key areas. We recommend consideration be
given to expand the legislation to be more comprehensive
including: replacement of combustible roofs upon sale of
property; regulation of building proximity to slopes; emergency
response access; exterior building combustibility factors
including roof and patio overhangs and attic vent design;
irrigated drought and fire resistant green belts.
Some jurisdictions may interpret the legislation to have home
rule implications. The author has informed our lobbyist that it
is his intention to develop a concensus on the measure and that
he will involve local enforcement authorities from around the
State on the specifics of the bill including the definition of
urban interface areas and required mitigation/enforcement
measures.
BUdget/Financial Impact
There is no budget or financial impact as a result of supporting
this legislative proposal.
Recommendation
staff recommends that the city council adopt the attached
resolution in support of the concept of a 1992 Fire Prevention
Act to reduce the risk of injury and loss of life and buildings
in urban interface areas as proposed by Assemblymember Tom Bates.
It is further recommended that Council authorize the Fire Chief
and other staff to participate in the legislative debate on these
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issues to strengthen and expand the proposed Bates legislation as
indicated previously.
Prepared by: John Montenero, Fire Chief
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FD:JM:ckl.pub.managerjfirereso Santa Monica, California
City Council Meeting 2-25-92
RESOLUTION NUMBER 8362(CCS)
(CITY COUNCIL SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA MONICA SUPPORTING LEGISLATIVE
EFFORTS BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER TOM BATES
TO REGULATE BUILDING FIRE SAFETY IN URBAN INTERFACE AREAS
WHEREAS, disastrous fires destroying multiple buildings
in Urban Interface Areas have occurred many times in the State of
California, causing loss of life and precious resources; and
WHEREAS, these fires rapidly cross jurisdictional areas
through brush, grass and trees during conditions of hot, dry and
windy weather that occur in the state; and
WHEREAS, the risk of injury, life and multiple building
loss within Urban Interface Areas can be sUbstantially reduced
through regulation of building proximity to combustible
vegetation and slopes and their exterior construction; and
WHEREAS, Assemblymember Tom Bates has proposed to
introduce a 1992 Fire Prevention Act to reduce the risk of injury
and loss of life and buildings in Urban Interface Areas; and
WHEREAS, the act will cause the classification of lands
in Urban Interface Areas by hazard and will regulate combustible
roofs and the proximity of buildings to combustible vegetation;
and
WHEREAS, the city of Santa Monica recognizes the
demonstrated effectiveness of fire protection design measures to
substantially reduce the risk of injury, life and property loss
from fires in Urban Interface Areas and the limitations of
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emergency response to control such loss; and
WHEREAS, the city recognizes that control of loss in
Urban Interface Areas requires a system of fire protection
measures that includes, ultimate removal of combustible roofs,
specification of fire and drought resistant green belts, control
of combustible vegetation, the regulation of building proximity
to slopes, the exterior design and combustibility of buildings
including overhangs such as eves and patios, and emergency
resources access,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION l. The City Council hereby supports the
proposed Fire Prevention Act of 1992 to be introduced by
Assemblymember Tom Bates for purposes of regulating the
combustibility of roofs and the proximity of combustible
vegetation to buildings in Urban Interface Areas and requests
that amendments be considered to the proposed legislation to
include additional safety measures.
SECTION 2. The city Clerk shall certify to the adoption
of this Resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall
be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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ROBERT M. MYERS
City Attorney
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Adopted and approved this 3rd day of March, 1992.
May ofL:!-i re
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 8362 (CCS)
was duly adopted by the city council of the City of Santa Monica
at a meeting thereof held on March 3, 1992 by the following
Council vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers: Holbrook, Katz, Olsen, Vazquez,
Zane, Abdo
Noes: Councilmembers: None
Abstain: Councilmembers: None
Absent: Councilmembers: Genser
ATTEST:
~Lto/> d: n~
~ - City Clerk - /
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