R-9404
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PCD BLDGSAF TM LDH C \Code Adopt\99resoln wpd
City Council Meeting 6-08-99 Santa MOnica, CalifornIa
RESOLUTION NUMBER 9404(CCS)
(City Council Senes)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL AND
TOPOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
SECTIONS 17958 5, 17958 7 and 18941 5
WHEREAS, the State BUIlding Standards Commission has approved and published
the 1998 edition of the California BUIldIng Standards Code In January, 1999, and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Sections 17958 7and 18941 5 proVide that
the CIty may make changes or modifications to the California BUIlding Standards Code
based upon express find Ings that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary
because of local climatiC, geologIcal or topographIcal condItions, and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the 1998 California BUilding Standards
Code, which Incorporates by reference the 1996-1997 edlttons of the Uniform Fire Code,
Uniform BUIldIng Code, UnIform MechanIcal Code, Uniform Plumbmg Code, Uniform Code
for BUilding Conservation, AppendiX 1 and the1996 National Fire and Electrical Codes, and
WHEREAS, based upon the fIndings contained In thiS Resolution, the CIty CounCil
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Will be adopting an ordinance contamlng certain modIfications and addItions to the
CalifornIa BUilding Standards Code, which are reasonably necessary based upon local
climatic, topographical and geological conditions,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS
SECTION 1 With respect to the need for amended or supplemental Fire Safety
and PreventIon Requirements, and Fire and Safety Duties and procedures, the City
CouncIl makes the follOWing findings regarding local climatiC, geological, and topographical
cond Itlons
(a) The Safety Element of the General Plan, adopted In January,
1995, shows high nsk of seismiC actIvIty In the City due to the close proximIty
of the CIty to the Santa Momca-Mallbu Coast fault, the Newport-Inglewood
fault and the San Andreas fault The Safety Element discusses the
damaging effect local seismIC actIvIty would have on street, roadways and
overpasses at the Santa MOnica Freeway whIch would hamper and delay
emergency vehicle response
(b) The Safety Element also Identifies that many of the structures In
the City are older structures which are prone to the qUick spread of fire from
adjacent structures due to the materrals used In construction and less
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stringent fIre resistant technology avaIlable at the time they were bUilt
(c) The Master Environmental Assessment (MEA), adopted In Apnl,
1996, shows that Santa Monlcats climate IS prlmanly Influenced by the
PaCifIc Ocean and IS characterized by Infrequent rainfall and Winds, which
come from the west dunn9 the daytIme and from the north and northeast
dUring the nighttIme, with intermittent Santa Ana winds occurring from
September to March These conditions create the potential for high velOCity
winds wIth high temperatures which are conducive to uncontrolled Wind
driven fires
(d) The MEA also shows that structures In the City are situated In
close proximity to each other, with only about 1 % ofthe 8 3 sq uare miles that
the City occupies vacant In addItIon, these lots are often very narrow or on
hIlly terrain, whIch lImits access to SIde yards for fIre suppressIon and
placement of ladders for rescue operations These conditions Increase the
threat to life and property and contnbutes to the ability of fires to spread
qUickly between bUildings because of their proxImity to each other
(e) AnalYSIS of the emergency response to the January 17, 1994
earthquake showed that the need for emergency fire servIces In the City
greatly exceeded the available resources of the Fire Department and that
there remains a SignifIcant pOSSibility that multIple fIres follOWing a future
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earthquake Will exceed the available resources of the Fire Department
(f) Based upon these local chmatlc, geological, and topographIcal
conditions which create fire hazards and Inhibit fire safety response access
and response tIme, It IS reasonably necessary to adopt amendments to the
CalifornIa BUIlding Standards Code, including but not limited to, the California
BUilding Code and CalIfornia Fire Code In the follOWing manner
(I) ReqUire automatic fire extInguishing and detection systems In all
new construction and when there IS a change In use to a hIgher
claSSIfIcation, so that In the event of an earthquake or other major
disaster, the Fire Department may depend on bUilt-in fIre suppression
systems to extIngUish or limit fires In those structures so that fire does
not spread to older structures ThiS WIll reduce the potential demand
on emergency services resources from Simultaneous InCIdents
(8 M M C Section 8 44 050)
(II) ReqUire compliance with high-rise requirements In bUIldings with
human occupancy over 55 feet In height above the highest fire vehicle
access pOint to enhance such bUIldings' fire safety and reduce the risk
of fIres m such bUildings spreading to other structures and greatly
increasing the demand on emergency servIces resources (S M M C
Section 8 44 090)
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(III) Require fife safety procedures, such as fire alarm systems, fIre
safety doors, appropnate slgnage, and evacuation procedures In
eXIsting non-resIdentIal bUildings, and In eXIsting bUIldings used as
hotels, apartments or lodging houses to enhance such bUildings' fire
safety, protect occupants, and reduce the nsk that fires In such
bUlldmgs Will spread to other structures (Uniform BUilding Code
AppendIX Chapter 34, Uniform Fire Code AppendiX 1-A, S M M C
8 12 030, 840020)
(IV) ReqUire fire safety procedures. such as partial automatic fire
spnnkler systems, automatIc shutoff of mechanical systems, and
smoke detectors, for eXlstmg non-residentIal bUIldings, hotels, or
apartments WIth floors more than 55 feet above fIre department
access to enhance such bUlldmgs' fire safety t protect occupants, and
reduce the nsk that fires In such bUildings Will spread to other
structures (Uniform BUilding Code AppendIX Chapter 34, UnIform Fire
Code AppendiX 1-B, S M M C 8 12 030, 840020)
(v) ReqUire automatic fire spnnkler systems for eXisting public
assembly spaces larger than 5,000 square feet to protect assembly
areas and eXit ways (8 M M C 8 44 050)
(VI) ReqUire In any new bUIlding WIth floors more than 55 feet In
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height, connection with control valves on each floor level with full
automatic sprrnkler systems to enhance such bUildIngs' fire safety by
ensuring adequate delivery of required water supply (S M M C
8 44 090)
(VII) Prohibit the use of roofmg that IS non-rated or low rated against
fIre exposure mcludlng but not lImited to non-fire retardant wood
shingles or non-fire retardant wood shakes for new or replacement
roofing to reduce the rrsk of rapId spread of fire between adjacent
bUildings (S M M C 844 140).
(VIII) Require the seIsmIc bracIng of all fire spnnkler systems to
prevent the loss of fire suppressIon during an earthquake when
emergency services Will be at peak demand (S M M C 8 44 120)
SECTION 2 With respect to the need for amended or supplemental SeismiC Safety
Requirements. the CIty Council makes the follOWing findIngs regardmg local clImatiC,
geological, and topographical conditions
(a) The Safety Element shows a hIgh rrsk of seismIC actIvIty In the
City due to the close proxImity to the Santa MOnlca-Mallbu Coast fault, the
Newport-lnglewood fault and the San Andreas fault, and discusses the
damagIng effect local seismiC activity would have on potentially hazardous
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bUIldIngs and the related potentIal demands on emergency services needs
Structures bUilt without supplemental seIsmiC provIsions perform poorly
dUring ground shakIng, are susceptible to extenSive damage, and therefore
pose a threat to the public safety
(b) The Safety Element also IdentIfies shallow ground waterwlthm 50
feet of the ground surface along the beach, near the Industnal corndor and
Manne Park areas of the City ThiS ground water condItion, coupled with
unconsolIdated youthful sedimentary salls, makes these areas susceptible
to possible liquefaction dunng strong or moderately strong earthquakes
Liquefaction IS a very destructive secondary effect of strong seismiC shaking
where a loss of beann9 strength occurs along With ground OSCillations In the
supporting Salls
c) An analYSIS of damage patterns to structures In the City from the
January 17, 1994 Northndge earthquake and ItS aftershocks showed that
unrelnforced masonry structures, wood frame structures, tilt-up and masonry
structures With fleXible diaphragms, non-d uctlle concrete bUIldings, and steel
frame structures, were more susceptIble to damage than other types of
structures Unless supplemental seIsmIC proVISIons are adopted, these
bUildings WIll continue to perform poorly dunng Intense ground shaking and
WIll pose an ongoing threat to public safety
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d) An analysIs of damage patterns to nonstructural elements In the
City from the January 17, 1994 Northrldge earthquake and ItS aftershocks
also showed that concrete and masonry chimneys, veneer. clay and
concrete tile roofing and fire sprinklers were more susceptible to damage
than other types of nonstructural elements Unless supplemental seismic
provIsions are adopted, these nonstructural elements Will continue to perform
poorly dUring Intense ground shaking and pose an ongomg threat to public
safety
(e) The Los Angeles region has a vast and complex network offaults
Some of these faults, like the previously unknown Northrrdge Fault, are blInd
thrust faults, that earth SCIentists believe are capable of Intense ground
shaking similar or greater In size than the Northridge Earthquake The
random possible location of these blind thrust faults, Increases the local
seismic rrsk and pose an Increasing threat to public safety
(f) The local climate IS and and especIally susceptIble to aggressive
termite activity, wood attacking Insects, and mIcroorganisms including dryrot
and fungus As a result, untreated wood frame structures can perform poorly
especIally dUring strong ground shakIng caused by earthquakes WIthout
adequate limits on the separation of wood and earth and pressure treated
wood, wood structures Will perform poorly under local conditIons and pose
a further threat to the public safety
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(g) These climatIc, topographical and geological conditions place
demands on emergency services and pose substantial nsks to public health,
safety, and welfare It IS therefore reasonably necessary to adopt
amendments to the California BUilding Standards Code, Including the
California BUlldmg Code, m the follOWing manner
(I) Establish supplemental seismiC provIsions for the
construction of potentially hazardous structures. IncludIng but
not limIted to, wood frame construction, hIllSide bUildings,
masonry and concrete wall bUIldings with flexible dIaphragms,
steel frame bUIldings, and bUildings constructed with steel stud
wall systems to ensure that these bUildings are not susceptible
to extensive damage or perform poorly dUring an earthquake
(Chapters 8 12, 8 16 and 820 of the S M M C )
(II) Establish supplemental seismiC provIsions for the
construction of potentially hazardous nonstructural elements,
Including but not limIted to concrete and masonry chImneys,
flues, fireplace, barbeques or veneer, clay or concrete roof
covenngs, reroofmg r fasteners for roof covenngs, and fIre
spnnklers to ensure that these nonstructural elements are not
susceptible to extensive damage or perform poorly dUring an
earthquake (UnIform BUIldIng Code AppendiX Chapter 15,
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S M M C Section 8 12030 and Chapters 8 12,8 16 and 844)
(Ill) Establish supplemental seismiC provISions for excavation,
grading and earthwork construction, IncludIng fills and
embankments on pnvate property, so that the near source
effects of the Newport Inglewood Fault, Santa MOnica Fault
and other nearby faults do not cause excessive consolidation
of salls or damage from Increased liquefaction due to
Improperly placed Salls (Umform Building Code AppendiX
Chapter A-33, S M M C Section 8 12 030)
(IV) Establish supplemental seismiC provIsions for the
waterproofIng and dampprooflng of foundations to protect
structures from the shallow ground water present and the
effects from Increased liquefactIon due to Improperly placed
Salls (UnIform BUilding Code AppendiX Chapter A-18,
S M M C Section 8 12030)
SECTION 3 With respect to the need for amended or supplemental Electncal Code
ReqUIrements, the CIty CouncIl makes the follOWing findIngs regarding local clImatiC,
geologIcal, and topographical condItions
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(a) The California Electncal Code does not address electncal safety
reqUirements for non-construction related electncal equIpment, Including
portable electncal eqUipment, machinery, temporary power poles and
concrete vaults The unregulated use of such equipment poses a potential
safety hazard to Citizens and property In Santa MOnica by Increasing the risk
of fire aggravated by the condItions described In Section 1 above
(b) The City's former Electnc Board of Appeals has approved safety
standards for the use of electrrcal appliances, devices, materials and
equIpment, and has considered local problems caused by the Improper use
of non-metallic sheated wiring and use of aluminum alloy conductors In sizes
smaller than No 6 Experience offield Inspection personnel has shown that
certain specific uses of aluminum based conductors and non-metallic
sheated wiring has caused or led to partIally hazardous and nUisance
electrrcal wIring installations increasing the risk of fIre aggravated by the
conditions descnbed In Section 1 above
(c) Based upon the local conditions outlined above, along WIth the
conditIons related to fire nsk descrrbed In Section 1, It IS reasonably
necessary to adopt the follOWing local amendments to the California
Electncal Code to ensure fire safety and prevent aCCIdents from electncal
procedures and appliances
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(I) Ensure that any wiring not having metal protection over the
conductors IS entIrely concealed WIthin the bUIlding structure to
prevent and inhibit tamperrng. and restrrct the use of aluminum
wlnng found to be hazardous (S M M C Section 8 24 030)
(II) Prohibit the sale and use of any electrical matenal, deVIce,
or equipment not In compliance With rating and conformance
proVISions (S M M C SectIon 8 24 040)
(III) Regulate the construction of temporary power poles,
concrete vaults, and handholes to prOVide a minimum safety
standard for electrrcal equipment to Withstand the lateral forces
placed on It dunng an earthquake and climatiC conditions
Imposed on underground electrical systems subject to pOSSible
underwater emerslon (S M M C 8 24 060)
SECTION 4 With respect to the need for amended or supplemental Mechanical
Code ReqUIrements, the City Council makes the follOWing fIndings regarding local clImatIC,
geological, and topographical conditions
(a) Based upon the local geological conditions outlined In Section 2
above, along With the conditions related to fire risk descrrbed In Section 1, It
IS reasonably necessary to adopt the follOWing local amendments to the
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California Mechanical Code to ensure fire safety durrng earthquakes
(I) ProvIde grease duct supports that are the same thickness
as the duct to prevent these supports from teanng away from
the duct durrng an earthquake (S M M C 8 28 030)
(II) Require the use of Type I hoods In all ovens that cook
meat products, including pizza ovens, so that no fire hazard
would eXIst dunng an earthquake due to an mappropnate hood
system for grease laden vapors, whIch would otherwise cause
an Increased rrsk of conflagration (S M M C 8 28 040)
SECTION 5 WIth respect to the need for amended or supplemental Plumbing
Code ReqUirements, the City CouncIl makes the follOWIng fIndings regardIng local climatIC,
geological, and topographical conditions
(a) Santa MOnica IS situated In Southern Callfornta which has
extreme and conditions and perrods of severe drought As outlined In the
MEA, the City relies upon water from outSide the region which IS bought from
the Metropolitan Water Dlstnct, and local groundwater for the CIty's water
supply Severe drought condItions and potential uncertainty about the
avaIlability of future water supplies from outSide the region require the proper
management of avaIlable water supplies
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(b) Based upon this local condItion. along with the local conditions
related to fire risk detailed In SectIon 1, It IS reasonably necessary to adopt
the following local amendments to the California Plumbing Code to reduce
consumption of scarce water resources and ensure fire safety by preventing
accidents from pressure gas systems and preserving local water supplies
(I) Require Initial approval and more thorough
Inspection of medium pressure gas installation to
prevent potentially hazardous and confusIng systems
for emergency services which could result In fIre
hazards If not properly Installed (S M M C 8 32 030)
(Ii) ProhibIt the discharge of effluents of water softening
systems uSing dry wells so that the local ground water,
a scarce resource due to climatIC condItions, IS
preserved In a pristine and usable state (S M M C
8 32 040)
(III) Prohibit the use of combined storm draIns and
sewers to preserve the local ground water and Santa
MonIca Bay so that untreated water and treated water
cannot mix and contaminate water supplies (S M M C
8 32 050)
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SECTION 6 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
hl~LLL_
MA.8SHA JQNES MOUTRJE
CIty Attorney
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Adopted and approved thIs 8th of June, 1999
I, Mana M Stewart, City Clerk of the CIty of Santa MOnica, do hereby certify that
the foregoing ResolutIon 9404(CCS) was duly adopted at a meeting of the Santa
MOnica CIty Council held on the 8th of June, 1999, by the follOWing vote
Ayes CouncIl members
Felnstem, Holbrook, McKeown, Rosenstem,
Bloom, Mayor Pro Tern Genser,
Mayor O'Connor
Noes CouncIl members
None
Abstain CouncIl members
None
Absent Council members
None
ATTEST
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Marra M Stewart, City Clerk