RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_06_03_D_Ord_Adopting_LA_County_Fire_CodeCrrYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
REVIEWED:
HONORABLE MAY
JOEL ROJAS, CO
DIRECTOR
JUNE 3, 2014
& CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE L.A.
COUNTY FIRE CODE
CAROLYNN PETRU, INTERIM CITY MANAGE~
Project Manager: Paul Christman, Building Offic~(._..,
RECOMMENDATION
INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY, AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING, ORDINANCE NO. _, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2014 LOS ANGELES COUNTY
FIRE CODE, WHICH IS TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE; AND
AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
BACKGROUND
On July 1, 2013, the California Building Standards Commission published the new
California Building Standards Code. The California Building Standards Code is a
compilation of building standards that apply to all occupancies in California. It includes
the building code, plumbing code, electrical code, mechanical code, fire code,
administrative code, and energy code, among others. Any city may establish more
restrictive building standards than those in the California Building Standards Code if a city
finds that the more stringent standard or "local amendment" is necessary because of local
climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
In December 2013, the City Council adopted the new 2013 State Building, Residential,
Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes by reference with
local amendments. At that time, Staff had intended, similar to previous years, to
recommend adoption of the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code with local amendments.
However, Staff was informed by the County that the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code
would not be adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors until early 2014.
Therefore, in the interim, the City Council adopted the 2013 State Fire Code by reference
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along with the 2013 State Building, Residential, Green Building Standards, Plumbing,
Electrical and Mechanical Codes.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has since adopted the 2014 Los Angeles
County Fire Code on March 25, 2014. The County's ordinance became effective on April
24, 2014. It is Staff's intent to adopt the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code by reference
with the same local amendments that the City has adopted in the past. An ordinance that
accomplishes this has been drafted for introduction this evening.
DISCUSSION
New 2014 L.A. County Fire Code
As in the past, the City is adopting the Los Angeles County Fire Code, which in turn adopts
the State Fire Code with amendments. The 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code and The
Los Angeles County Building Code Chapter 7 A, include ignition resistant construction
requirements that apply to all new construction (additions and new homes) located within
in a Very· High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Since the entire City, with the
exception of a small area off of Western Avenue, is identified as a VHFHSZ, this means
that almost all new construction in the City will be subject to compliance with these more
restrictive standards.
These stricter ignition resistant requirements have been applied to all new construction
(new homes and additions/remodels) in the City since January 1, 2011. Since that time,
Staff has encountered a handful of situations where applicants have expressed a concern
with the cost and necessity of complying with the strict ignition resistant construction
requirements. For example, residents seeking to replace their windows find that they need
to use more expensive tempered glass in order to be in compliance. Furthermore, the
requirements occasionally create inconsistencies in the design and appearance of a
residence, whereby the addition is required to have fire resistive eaves or ignition resistant
exterior materials that may not exactly match the older existing portion of the residence.
Notwithstanding these concerns, Staff believes the ignition resistant construction
requirements contained in L.A. County Building Code Chapter 7 A and the forthcoming
2014 L.A. County Fire Code provide greater fire protection to City residents. The adjacent
communities of Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates also utilize the same more restrictive
requirements contained in the LA County Fire & Building Codes.
Local Amendments
The attached ordinance also contains existing local amendments that have been adopted
by the City Council in the past. These local amendments address issues such as
Fireworks Displays, Insurance, Violations-Penalties, Responsibility, Infractions, and Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
Adoption Process
When adopting a code by reference, State law requires that the City Council schedule a
public hearing after first reading of the ordinance. The public hearing can occur in
conjunction with the second reading of the ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code
50022.3, the notice of the public hearing must be published once a week for two
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successive weeks, with at least 5 days intervening between the respective publications
dates. If there is no newspaper of general circulation, as is the case in the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, the notice is posted for two consecutive weeks. In addition, the City Clerk
is required to keep on file a copy of the code to be adopted by reference for at least 15
days before the public hearing.
Pursuant to said adoption process, introduction of the ordinance adopting the 2014 Los
Angeles County Fire Code with the local amendments is occurring tonight. The ordinance
will be presented again to the Council for adoption on July 15, 2014 along with the noticed
public hearing. Public notice of the July 15th public hearing will be published in the
Peninsula News on June 19th and 25th.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code be adopted by reference
with the same local amendments that the City has adopted in the past. An ordinance that
accompli~hes this has been drafted for introduction this evening.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts to the City associated with adoption of the 2014 Los Angeles
County Fire Code.
Attachments:
Draft Ordinance No.
Letter from L.A. County Fire dated April 7, 2014
Letter from L.A. County Fire dated May 1, 2014
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE 2014 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE, WHICH IS TITLE 32
OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE; AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 8.08 of Title 8 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Sections:
8.08.010
8.08.020
8.08.030
8.08.040
8.08.050
8.08.060
"Chapter 8.08
FIRE CODE
Fire Code adopted.
Fire Code amended-Fireworks displays.
Violations-Penalties.
Responsibility.
List of infractions.
Very high fire hazard severity zone map.
8.08.010 Fire Code adopted.
Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire
Code, Title 32, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on April 24,
2014, which constitutes an amended version of the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition,
published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Chapters 1 through
80 and Appendices B, BB, C, CC and K, and Chapters 1 through 7, Chapters 9 through
10, Chapters 20 through 36, Chapters 50 through 55, Chapters 57 though 67 and Chapter
80 of the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition, published by the International Code
Council, are hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute and may be cited as the
Fire Code of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. In the event of any conflict between
provisions of the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County
Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code, the provision contained in the Municipal Code shall control. A copy of
the Fire Code shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall be made available
for public inspection while the code is in force.
8.08.020 Fire Code amended-Fireworks displays.
A. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 101.1 is amended to
read:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 5608.1.2 is added to
the Fire Code to read:
2013 Code adoption
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5608.1.2 Displays. Permits are required from the City to conduct a fireworks display.
The City Council shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for
the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by the municipality,
fair associations, amusement parks or other organizations. Every such display shall
be handled by a competent operator approved by the City Council, and shall be of
such character and so located, discharged or fired as in the opinion of the City Council
after proper investigation, so as not to be hazardous to property or endanger any
person.
Applications for permits shall be made in writing to the Fire Chief not less than
thirty days in advance of the date of display or other use. The Fire Chief shall within
ten days after receipt of said application make a report and recommendation to the
City Council. If the City Council finds that such display can be made without danger
or nuisance to the general public, it shall grant the permit; otherwise it shall deny it. If
the City Council finds that such display as applied for may create danger or nuisance
to the public, but that if displayed subject to conditions may not create such danger or
. nuisance, it shall grant the permit subject to conditions. After such permit is granted,
sale, possession, use and distribution of fireworks for such display subject to the
conditions of this Chapter and such other conditions, if any, as may be imposed by the
City Council, is lawful for the purpose only for which such permit is granted. In all
cases the decision of the City Council shall be final.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 5608.1.3 is added to
read:
5608.1.3 Insurance. The permittee shall furnish a certificate of insurance in an
amount deemed adequate by the City Council for the payment of all damages which
may be caused either to a person or persons or to property by reason of the permitted
display, and arising from any acts of the permittee, his agents, employees or
subcontractors.
The policy shall provide limits of bodily injury and property damage liability of not
less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) combined single limits for each occurrence
annually. The policy may have a deductible not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars
($15,000). A deductible in excess of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) may be
permitted provided a security deposit, such as, but not limited to, a surety bond, pledge
of assets or bank letter of credit covering the value of the excess is approved by the
City Council.
The certificate of insurance shall provide that the insurer will not cancel the
insured's coverage without fifteen (15) days prior written notice to the City, that the
City shall not be responsible for any premium or assessments on the policy, and that
the duly licensed pyrotechnic operator required by law to supervise and discharge the
display, acting either as an employee of the insured or as an independent contractor
and the City, its officers, agents, and employees are included as additional insureds,
insofar as any operations under this Section are concerned.
8.08.030 Violations-Penalties.
Ordinance No.
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A. Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license
granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty
of a misdemeanor unless such violation is otherwise declared to be an infraction by
Section 8.08.050 of this chapter. Each such violation is a separate offense for each and
every day during any portion of which such violation is committed.
B. Every violation determined to be a misdemeanor hereunder is punishable in such
manner and to such extent as is provided by 1.08.01 O(A) of this Code. Every violation
determined to be an infraction hereunder is punishable in such manner and to such extent
as is provided by Section 1.08.01 O(B) of this Code.
C. For the purposes of this section a forfeiture of bail shall be equivalent to a
conviction.
8.08.040 Responsibility.
Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of
law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person
to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or
transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows
any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with
any written notice of the chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a
violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the
fire or for the expense incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense
shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person
and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in
the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
8.08.050 List of infractions.
In accordance with Section 8.08.030 of this chapter, the violation of the following
sections or subsections of the Fire Code shall be infractions:
303.1-303.9 Asphalt kettles
304.1.1 Waste material
304.1.2 Vegetation
304.2 Combustible waste rubbish-storage
305.2 Hot ashes and spontaneous ignition sources
310.4 Removal "No smoking" sign
315.3.2.1 Stairway -storage under
503.4 Obstructing access roadway
505.1 Address identification
507 .5.4-507 .5.5 Obstruction of fire hydrants
507.5.6 Physical protection -fire hydrants
507.5.7 Fire-fighting water source markers
507.5.8 Identification -private fire hydrant
507.5.9 Private fire hydrant caps or plugs
605.5 Electrical extension cords
901.7 Failure to notify fire department
901.6.3.1 Signs -above ground water control valves
901.6.3.2 Locks -above ground water control valves
Ordinance No.
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901.6.3.3 Identification -above ground water control valves
906.1-906.10 Fire extinguishers
912.7 Identification -fire department connection
912.8 Breakable caps or plugs -fire department connection
1007.9 Exit doors identification
1008.1.9.1 Door -operating devices
1104.3 Sign illumination
2003.2 "No Smoking" signs within aircraft hangers
2108.4 Fire extinguisher -dry cleaning plant
2108.5 No smoking signs -drv cleaning plant
2311.2.2 Waste oil storage
2403.2.7 Welding warning signs
2403.4 Operations and maintenance
2403.4.3 Metal waste cans for rags and waste
2404.7.8.5 Filter disposal
2405.3.4 Dip tank covers
2405.4.2 Portable fire protection equipment
2406.5 Maintenance -powder coatina
2407.1 Maintenance -electrostatic aooaratus
2407.5.2 Signs -"Danaer"
2408.5 Sources of ignition (organic peroxides)
2505.1 Housekeeping -fruit ripening room
2803.3.1 Lumber yards -housekeepina
2803.3.3 Combustible waste
3103.12.6.1 Exit sian illumination
3104.21 Vegetation removal
3603.2 Open flame device -boat or marina
3603.4 Rubbish containers -marina
3604.4 Portable fire extinguishers -marinas
4811.9 Fire department access -motion picture production
locations
4811.12 Blocked or obstructed fire hydrants and aooliances
5003.5 Hazardous materials signage
5003.7.1 No smoking signs -hazardous materials
5004.11 Combustible materials clearance -hazardous materials
storage
5005.3.8 Combustible materials clearance -hazardous materials use
5303.4 Markinas -compressed gases
5303.5 Security -compressed gases
5701.6 Maintenance and operating practices -flammable and
combustible liquids
5704.2.3.1 "No smoking" sign
5704.3.3.4 Empty containers
6107.2 "No smoking" signs -LPG container
6107.3 Combustible material clearance LPG container
8104 Auto wrecking yards -fire apparatus access
8.08.060 Very high fire hazard severity zone map.
Ordinance No.
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The city council of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby designates very high fire
hazard severity zones, as recommended by the director of the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection and the county of Los Angeles fire department, as
designated on the map entitled Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which are on file in the city's
community development department."
SECTION 2. All inconsistencies between the Fire Code, as adopted by this Ordinance,
and the 2013 edition of the California Fire Code, as set forth in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California
Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto
authorized by California Health and Safety Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7.
SECTION 3. The numbering of the most recent edition of the California Fire Code has
been completely revised from earlier editions. All references to the International and Uniform
Codes in the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code that are not amended by this or a
subsequently enacted ordinance shall refer instead to the successor section or sections contained
in the California Fire Code as adopted and amended by the County of Los Angeles in Title 32 of
the Los A~geles County Code.
SECTION 4. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same
as previous provisions of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, these provisions shall be
construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments.
SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, subdivision,· paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this Ordinance or any part hereof or exhibit hereto is for any reason held to be invalid,
such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part
thereof or exhibit thereto. The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby declares
that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause
a copy hereof to be forthwith transmitted to the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS_ DAY OF __ , 2014.
Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
Ordinance No.
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I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the
whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; the foregoing Ordinance No.
_passed first reading on June 3, 2014, was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of
said City at a regular meeting thereof held on July 15, 2014, and that the same was passed and
adopted by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
City Clerk
Ordinance No.
Page 6of6
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COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DARYL L. OSBY
FIRE CHIEF
FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN
April 7, 2014
Ms. Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Ms. Lehr:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90063-3294
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
APR 1 0 2014
City Manager's Office
This letter is to inform you that on March 25, 2014, the County of Los Angeles Board of
Supervisors, acting as the governing board for the Consolidated Fire Protection District
of the County of Los Angeles (District), adopted amendments to the Los Angeles
County Code, Title 32 and adopted Title 32 as the Fire Code for the District (2014 Fire
Code), effective April 24, 2014. The 2014 Fire Code is the approved fire prevention
code for the District and, effective April 24, 2014, will apply to, and be enforced in, all
areas within the jurisdiction of the District.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Adopt the 2014 Fire Code as the City's Fire Code.
2. Ratify the more restrictive fire and life safety building standards contained in the
2014 Fire Code, which are listed in Section 275 at the end of the County's
ordinance, and make the necessary local findings in support of the more
restrictive building standards (see attached sample resolution). A copy of the
City's Resolution or Ordinance ratifying the more restrictive building standards
and making the necessary findings, must be filed with the California State
Department of Housing and Community Development to make them
enforceable within your city.
SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF:
AGOURA HILLS CALABASAS DIAMOND BAR HIDDEN HILLS LA MIRADA MALIBU POMONA SIGNAL HILL
• .....,-r':.SIA CARSON DUARTE HUNTINGTON PARK LA PUENTE MAYWOOD RANCHO PALOS VERDES SOUTH EL MONTE
SA CERRITOS EL MONTE INDUSTRY LAKEWOOD NORWALK ROLLING HILLS SOUTH GATE
DWIN PARK CLAREMONT GARDENA INGLEWOOD LANCASTER PALMDALE ROLLING HILLS ESTATES TEMPLE CITY
L COMMERCE GLENDORA IRWINDALE LAWNDALE PALOS VERDES ESTATES ROSEMEAD WALNUT
.L GARDENS COVINA HAWAIIAN GARDENS LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE LOMITA PARAMOUNT SAN DIMAS WEST HOLL YW001
_LFLOWER CUDAHY HAWTHORNE LA HABRA LYNWOOD PICO RIVERA SANTA CLARITA WESTLAKE VILLAG
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Carolyn Lehr
April 7, 2014
Page 2
3. Transmit a copy of your Fire Code Ordinance or resolution, the ratification of
the more restrictive building standards, and approved findings, including any
other documents showing changes made by the City that affects the 2014
Fire Code to:
Assistant Fire Chief Philip Cocker, Fire Marshal
County of Los Angeles Fire Department
Fire Prevention Division
5823 Rickenbacker Road
Commerce, CA 90040-3027
Philip.Cocker@fire.lacounty.gov
Please download a copy of the Certified County Ordinance (#2014-0014) Fire Code
Adoption at: http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/supdocs/82703.pdf
A sample city resolution and staff report is attached to this message to assist you in this
process.
If you need any assistance with the Fire Code or more restrictive building standard
adoption process, please contact Battalion Chief Tony Lewis, Fire Prevention Division,
at (323) 890-4132 or Captain John Hentsch, Codes and Ordinances Unit, at
(323) 890-4226.
Very truly yours,
~~c~
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF PHILIP COCKER
FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
PC:cc
Enclosure
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Changes from 2011 Fire Code to the 2014 Los Angeles County/District Fire
Code include:
The base 2012 IFC model code has chapters rearranged from the previous 2009
edition. Unlike the last code cycle, the SFM did not adopt IFC fire apparatus access
requirements of Section 503. This section must be adopted locally in order to be
enforceable. The reasoning by the SFM is because of the State Attorney General's
opinion that fire apparatus access roads are not a building standard, therefore,
should not be part of the CA Title 24, Building Standards Code. Traffic calming
devices that affect fire apparatus access roads now require approval by the fire code
official. This requirement was by FD amendment last code cycle. This requirement
is now based on adoption of the IFC model code language. As per above reason,
this requirement was not adopted by the State. Photovoltaic systems, roof gardens,
and landscaped roofs access for firefighter requirements are now based on the new
model code language, which was adopted by the State. Los Angeles County Fire
proposes minor amendments for firefighter safety (carry over deletion from last
code). Deleted ban for open flame cooking devices on combustible balconies are
within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-residential buildings due to
problematic enforcement of this requirement. If there is a fire hazard because of a
. cooking issue on a combustible balcony, it can be addressed with another section of
the code rather than needing an all-out ban of such conditions. The SFM does not
adopt this section either. Added new amendment to prohibit high voltage
transmission power lines over the required fire apparatus access roads that face the
building's exterior walls for new buildings. The restricted area is termed area of
firefighting operations.
Added prohibition to use or release floating luminaries due to ignition concerns to
wildfire areas and structures. Allowed use only by fire code permit. Added
Department policy of fire flow water supply requirements directly into the fire code.
Revised SFM authored Appendix K "Temporary Amusement Haunted Houses" to
better meet the needs of the Fire Protection District by accommodating lesser
hazardous temporary haunted house themed events. Rewrote Appendix M Fire
Hazard Severity Zones. Made other administrative and editorial changes; many
sections of the existing code were renumbered and/or deleted and re-added to
correspond to the International Fire Code/State Fire Code section numbering
scheme.
California Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7 requires the Fire District and each
city to make and file findings that support the need for more restrictive building
standards based on local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Those
findings from the Ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors are as follows:
1. CLIMATIC -The County of Los Angeles is located in an area subject to
climatic conditions with long periods of low humidity and hot weather, combined with
unpredictable seasonal high winds (Santa Ana wind conditions), resulting in increased
exposure to fire risk. This combination of events creates an environment that is
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conducive to rapidly spreading fires. Control of such fires requires rapid response.
With the time that is required to deal with potential obstacles from the wind, such as
fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles in addition to the time required to climb 75 feet
vertically up flights of stairs, the ability to respond rapidly is negatively impacted.
Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind at 60 feet above the
ground. Use of aerial-type fire fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue
personnel at increased risk of injury. High winds will also cause burning embers to
become airborne resulting in the rapid spread of a fire to nearby structures. Immediate
containment of a fire is the only method by which it can be controlled during high wind
conditions. In high fire hazard severity zones, a unique combination of low humidity,
strong winds, and dry vegetation exists.
2. GEOLOGICAL -The County of Los Angeles is located in the middle of the
seismically active area identified as Seismic Zone 4. The viability of the public water
system would be questionable at best after a major seismic event. Tall buildings would
become vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability
to pump sufficient quantities of any available water to floors above the 55-foot level. A
severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire
suppression activities because it is likely to create significant physical obstacles and
logistical challenges. With the probability of strong aftershocks, there exists a need to
provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors.
Geological conditions created by the numerous faults will result in increased fire
danger to structures, delayed fire department response, and unique rescue challenges.
Seismic events of sufficient magnitude will cause substantial damage to structures.
These damages are likely to be accompanied by a substantial number of fires that may
exceed the fire department suppression capabilities. Accordingly, built-in fire
suppression systems provide the only adequate measure to mitigate the potential
hazards from and damage caused by such fires.
The County of Los Angeles is subject to occasional severe rainstorms. The
impacts from these rainstorms are exacerbated if hillside areas have been burned by
wildland fires because significant mud and debris flows can occur. Mud and debris
flows can impair fire department access or delay response times if access roads are
obstructed by mud or debris.
3. TOPOGRAPHICAL -The topographical conditions of the County of Los
Angeles includes many mountains, hills, and canyons which tend to accelerate the
periodic high velocity winds by means of a venturi effect. These canyon winds and the
significant growth of vegetation of a combustible nature increase the fire danger.
Additionally, long periods of dry, hot weather, combined with unpredictable seasonal
winds (Santa Ana wind conditions) result in increased exposure to fire risk. The hillside
areas have access roads that are narrow, steep, and contain many sharp curves, all of
which makes timely response by large fire apparatus difficult.
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3. Finds that the more restrictive building standards contained in the District
Fire Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical
conditions in the City and adopts by reference the specific findings made in Section 275
of the Ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors regarding these local conditions,
a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
4. Delegates authority to enforce the District Fire Code, including the more
restrictive building standards contained in the District Fire Code, to the District Fire
Chief pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7.
5. Instructs the City Clerk to send a copy of this resolution to the California
Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Codes and
Standards, 1800 3rd Street, Room 260, Sacramento, California 95811, and a copy to the
Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County, Attn: Assistant Fire Chief
Phil Cocker, Fire Marshal, 5823 Rickenbacker Road, Commerce, California 90040.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED, this ___ day of ____ ,2014
Mayor
ATTEST: ________ _
CITY CLERK
HOA.748582.1 D-14
With the time that is required to deal with potential obstacles from the wind, such as
fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles, in addition to the time required to climb
75 feet vertically up flights of stairs, the ability to respond rapidly is negatively impacted.
Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind at 60 feet above the
ground. Use of aerial-type firefighting apparatus above this height would place rescue
personnel at increased risk of injury. High winds will also cause burning embers to
become airborne resulting in the rapid spread of a fire to nearby structures. Immediate
containment of a fire is the only method by which it can be controlled during high wind
conditions. In high fire severity zones, a unique combination of low humidity, strong
winds, and dry vegetation exists.
GEOLOGICAL -The County of Los Angeles is located in the middle of the
seismically active area identified as Seismic Zone 4. The viability of the public water
system would be questionable at best after a major seismic event. Tall buildings would
become vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability
to pump sufficient quantities of any available water to floors above the 55 foot level. A
severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire
suppression activities because it is likely to create significant physical obstacles and
logistical challenges. With the probability of strong aftershocks, there exists a need to
provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors.
Geological conditions created by the numerous faults will result in increased fire
danger to structures, delayed fire department response, and unique rescue challenges.
Seismic events of sufficient magnitude will cause substantial damage to structures.
These damages are likely to be accompanied by a substantial number of fires that may
HOA.748582.1 D-15
Section· ·.·~··~ EXplanation and ·findings ·.condition
304.1.2 -Climatic and Local amendment requiring brush clearance in order
Vegetation Topographical to maintain defensible space for fire operations that
is necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique
climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and
minimize the spreading of fire to structures.
315.3.2.1 -Climatic Prevents storage of combustible materials under
Storage under stairways to help prevent fire in stairways from
stairways preventing safe exit in event of fire. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to hot and windy conditions.
316.6.1 -Climatic, Imposes additional requirements for the grounding of
Structures Geological, and construction under high voltage transmission lines in
Topographical order to protect property, the public, and firefighters
responding to emergencies. Necessary due to
Los Angeles County's unique climate and
topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the
possibility of fires being caused by downed high
voltage transmission lines, to minimize the spreading
of fires that may begin under transmission lines, and
to protect firefighters responding to emergencies
under transmission lines. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
317 -Rooftop Climatic and Provides various design and location requirements
gardens and Topographical for roof gardens and landscaped roofs for residential
landscaped and commercial structures. Necessary due to
roofs. Los Angeles County's unique climate and
topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the
possibility of fires being causes by rooftop
vegetation, to minimize the spreading of fires, and to
protect firefighters responding to emergencies by
ensuring that the integrity of the roof is not
compromised by a garden or landscaping. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
326.7 -Fire Climatic, Local amendment to require fire safety measures
protection Geological, and including but not limited to water supply, firebreaks,
facilities Topographical posting of fire watchers, access roads, restriction of
required activities during high fire hazard and other conditions
to maintain reasonable fire safety. Necessary due to
Los Angeles County's unique climate and
topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the
possibility of wild land fires spreading to structures,
HOA.748582.1 D-16
Section local Explanation and Findings · Condition
503.4-Climatic, Adds speed bumps and speed humps to list of
Obstruction of Geological, and prohibited obstructions to fire apparatus access
fire apparatus Topographical roads. Speed bumps and speed humps reduce
access roads response times to fires and other emergencies
because fire apparatus have to slow down to pass
over them or drive around them. Necessary to
ensure adequate response times due to the unique
climatic and topographical conditions that increase
the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
503.4.1 -Climatic, Requires fire code official approval to install traffic
Traffic-calming Geological, and calming devices such as speed bumps and speed
devices Topographical humps. Such devices can reduce response times to
fires and other emergencies. Necessary to ensure
adequate response times due to the unique climatic
and topographical conditions that increase the risk of
fires in fire hazard severity zones. This section is
necessary because the risk of fire is increased due
to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
503.7-Fire Climatic, Requires fire apparatus access roads in recreational
apparatus Geological, and vehicle, mobile home, manufactured housing, sales
access roads in Topographical lots, and storage lots. Necessary to ensure
recreational adequate water supply and access to such locations
vehicle, mobile due to the unique climatic and topographical
home, manu-conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard
factured severity zones. Further necessary because the risk
housing, sales of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
lots, and storage earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
lots
503.7.1 -Fire Climatic, Requires additional fire apparatus access roads in
apparatus Geological, and mobile home parks and special occupancy parks.
access roads in Topographical Necessary to ensure adequate water supply and
mobilehome access to such locations due to the unique climatic
parks and and topographical conditions that increase the risk of
special fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
occupancy necessary because risk of fire is increased due to
parks the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
504.5 -Roof top Climatic, Provides various design and location requirements
barriers and Geological, and for solar photovoltaic systems installed on roofs of
parapets Topographical buildinQs for residential and commercial structures.
HOA. 7 48582.1 D-17
·· Section
903.2.11.7 -
Occupancies in
Fire Hazard
Severity Zones
and in the
Malibu-Santa
Monica
Mountains or
San Gabriel
Southface areas
903.4.2-
Alarms
· Lccal
CondHion
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic and
Geological
903. 7 -Climatic and
Buildings four or Geological
more stories
905.2.1 -Class Climatic
I standpipes;
905.2.1.1,
905.2.1.2;
905.2.1.3
905.4 -Location Climatic
of Class I
standpipe hose
connections
905.5.3 -Class Climatic
II System 1 1/2-
inch hose
905.6.1 -Climatic
Protection
HOA.748582.1
Explanatlon and Fin~,.gs· ., . . . .,,
due to damage or collapse of buildings due to the
increased prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
Provides an additional level of protection to
occupancies in case of a fire by requiring installation
of automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of catastrophic fires in fire hazard
severity zones and due to the topography that
reduces response times to fires. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Requires installation of exterior fire alarm visual
device. Visual alarms are necessary to warn both
disabled and non-disabled persons. Necessary
because of increased likelihood of fires due to
climatic conditions. Further necessary because risk
of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County.
Requires installation of devices for the automatic fire
sprinkler system within an exit stairway enclosure.
Necessary because of increased likelihood of fires
due to climatic conditions. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County.
Construction and installation requirements for Class I
standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection
systems and water supply due to fires in Los
Angeles County's hot and windy climate.
Installation/Regulation of Fire Protection System to
ensure proper location of hose connection to control
fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate.
Installation and regulation of interior wet standpipes
to ensure adequate fire protection system due to
fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate.
Local amendment regarding installation and
regulation of Fire Protection System to ensure
proper location of hose connection to control fires.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions.
D-18
Section Local Exptanation and fi~lngs ..
Condition ..
905.6.1.1 -Size Climatic Size requirements for Class Ill standpipes to ensure
adequate fire protection system. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to hot and windy conditions.
905.9 -Riser Climatic Additional requirements to fire protection system for
shutoff valve testing, maintenance, and operation. Necessary
supervision and because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
drain County due to hot and windy conditions.
905.12-Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to
Basement pipe inlets for fire protection systems in basements.
inlets, 905.12.1, Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
905.12.2~ Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
905.12.3, conditions.
905.12.4
HOA. 7 48582. 1 D-19
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
P. MICHAEL FREEMAN
FIRE CHIEF
FORESTER & FIRE WARDEN
May 1, 2014
Carolyn Lehr
City Manager
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Ms. Lehr:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90063-3294
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
MAY 05 Z014
RECEIVED
MAY O 6 2014
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
ADOPTION OF THE 2014 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE -TITLE 32-ADDENDUM
An incomplete list of more restrictive fire and life safety building standards was inadvertently
sent to you on April 7, 2014, in a letter regarding the adoption of the 2014 Los Angeles
County Fire Code. Enclosed is a complete list of these standards, which are also available
on the link to the Certified County Ordinance (#2014-0014) Fire Code Adoption available at:
http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/supdocs/84058.pdf
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Should you have further
questions, please contact Captain John Hentsch, Codes and Ordinances Unit, at
(323) 890-4226.
Thank you,
~~(_~
PHILIP COCKER, ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF
FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
HOA.753366.1SERVINGTHE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF:
AGOURA HILLS
ARTESIA
AZUSA
BALDWIN PARK
BELL
BELL GARDENS
BELLFLOWER
BRADBURY
CALABASAS
CARSON
CERRITOS
CLAREMONT
COMMERCE
COVINA
CUDAHY
DIAMOND BAR
DUARTE
EL MONTE
GARDENA
GLENDORA
HAWAIIAN GARDENS
HAWTHORNE
HIDDEN HILLS
HUNTINGTON PARK
INDUSTRY
INGLEWOOD
IRWINDALE
LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE
LAHABRA
LA MIRADA
LA PUENTE
LAKEWOOD
LANCASTER
LAWNDALE
LOMITA
LYNWOOD
MALIBU
MAYWOOD
NORWALK
PALMDALE
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
PARAMOUNT
PICO RIVERA
POMONA
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ROLLING HILLS
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
ROSEMEAD
SAN DIMAS
SANTA CLARITA
SIGNAL HILL
SOUTH EL MONTE
SOUTHGATE
TEMPLE CITY
WALNUT
WEST HOLLYWOOD
WESTLAKE VILLAGE
WHITTIER
D-20
SECTION 275. Findings in Support of Adoption of More Restrictive
Buildi.ng Standards.
The provisions of this ordinance contain various changes, modifications, and
additions to the 2013 California Fire Code. Some of those changes are administrative
in nature in that they do not constitute changes or modifications to requirements
contained in the building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshall and published in
the California Building Standards Code. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code
sections 1-7958.5, 17958.7, and 189415, the Board of Supervisors hereby expressly
finds and determines that all of the changes and modifications to requirements
contained in the building standards published in the California Building Standards Code,
contained in this ordinance, which are not administrative in nature, are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions in the
County of Los Angeles and in the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles
County. This expressed finding is supported and based upon the following more
specific determinations:
CLIMATIC -The County of Los Angeles is located in an area subject to climatic
conditions with long periods of low humidity and hot weather, combined with
unpredictable seasonal high winds (Santa Ana wind conditions), resulting in increased
exposure to fire risk. This combination of events creates an environment that is
conducive to rapidly spreading fires. Control of such fires requires rapid response.
With the time that is required to deal with potential obstacles from the wind, such as
fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles, in addition to the time required to climb
75 feet vertically up flights of stairs, the ability to respond rapidly is negatively impacted.
D-21
Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind at 60 feet above the
ground. Use of aerial-type fire fighting apparatus above this heig~. would place rescue
personnel at increased risk of injury. High winds will also cause burning embers to
become airborne resulting in the rapid spread of a fire to nearby structures. Immediate
containment of a fire is the only method by which it can be controlled during high wind
conditions. In high fire severity zones, a unique combination of low humidity, strong
winds, and dry vegetation exists.
GEOLOGICAL -The County of Los Angeles is located in the middle of the
seismically active area identified as Seismic Zone 4. The viability of the public water
system would be questionable at best after a major seismic event. Tall buildings would
become vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability
to pump sufficient quantities of any available water to floors above the 55-foot level. A
severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire
suppression activities because it is likely to create significant physical obstacles and
logistical challenges. With the probability of strong aftershocks, there exists a need to
provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors.
Geological conditions created by the numerous faults will result in increased fire
danger to structures, delayed fire department response, and unique rescue challenges.
Seismic events of sufficient magnitude will cause substantial damage to structures.
These damages are likely to be accompanied by a substantial number of fires that may
exceed the fire department suppression capabilities. Accordingly, built-in fire
suppression systems provide the only adequate measure to mitigate the potential
hazards from and damage caused by such fires.
D-22
The County of Los Angeles is subject to occasional severe rainstorms. The
impacts from these rainstorms are exacerbated if hillside areas have been burned by
wildland fires because significant mud and debris flows can occur. Mud and debris
flows can impair fire department access or delay response times if access roads are
obstructed by mud or debris.
TOPOGRAPHICAL -The topographical conditions of the County of Los Angeles
includes many mountains, hills, and canyons which tend to accelerate the periodic high-
velocity winds by means of a venturi effect. These canyon winds and the significant
growth of vegetation of a combustible nature increase the fire danger. Additionally, long
periods of dry, hot weather, combined with unpredictable seasonal winds (Santa Ana
wind conditions) result in increased exposure to fire risk. The hillside areas have
access roads that are narrow, steep, and contain many sharp curves, all of which
makes timely response by large fire apparatus difficult.
The specific sections of this code that constitute more restrictive building
standards are identified in the table set forth below. The more restrictive building
standards contained in this code and identified in the table below shall be applicable
only in those cities served by the District which have ratified the aforesaid sections in
accordance with California Health and Safety Code section 13869.
304.1.2-
Vegetation
Climatic and
Topographical
Local amendment requiring brush clearance in order
to maintain defensible space for fire operations that is
necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique
climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and to
minimize the spreading of fire to structures.
D-23
31 {, . ..,.2.1 -
Storage under
stairways
316.6.1 -
Structures
317 -Rooftop
gardens and
landscaped
roofs.
326.7-Fire
protection
facilities
required
Climatic
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Prevents storage of combustible materials under
stairways to help prevent fire in stairways from
preventing safe exit in event of fire. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to hot and windy conditions.
Imposes additional requirements for the grounding of
construction under high-voltage transmission lines in
order to protect property, the public, and firefighters
responding to emergencies. Necessary due to
Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography
to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of fires
being causes by downed high-voltage transmission
lines, to minimize the spreading of fires that may
begin under transmission lines, and to protect
firefighters responding to emergencies under
transmission lines. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Provides various design and location requirements for
roof gardens and landscaped roofs for residential and
commercial structures. Necessary due to
Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography
to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of fires
being causes by rooftop vegetation, to minimize the
spreading of fires, and to protect firefighters
responding to emergencies by ensuring that the
integrity of the roof is not compromised by a garden
or landscaping. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Local amendment to require fire safety measures
including but not limited to water supply, firebreaks,
posting of fire watchers, access roads, restriction of
activities during high fire hazard and other conditions
to maintain reasonable fire safety. Necessary due to
Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography
to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of
D-24
326.12.2-
Chimneys
326.14-
Roadway
clearance
503.1.2 -
Additional
access
503.2.1 -
Dimensions
Climatic and
Topographical
Climatic and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
wildland fires spreading to structures, and to minimize
impacts of fire. Further necessary because risk of fire
is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in
Los Angeles County.
Local amendment to reduce the threat of fires by
requiring spark arrestors on chimneys that is
necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique
climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and to
minimize impacts of fire. Such spark arrestors reduce
the likelihood of embers exiting a chimney and
igniting a fire.
Local amendment requiring clearance of roadways to
provide adequate access for firefighting apparatus, to
create defensible space for fire operations, and to
reduce the possibility of wildland fires spreading to
structures. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's
unique climate and topography.
Provides for additional access requirements
necessary because of terrain, climate, or other factors
that limit access. Necessary to ensure adequate
response times due to the unique climatic and
topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires
in fire hazard severity zones. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Requires unobstructed clearance to sky on fire
apparatus access roads with exception for protected
tree species. Necessary to prevent obstruction of
access roads by tree limbs or other obstructions and
thus allow for quick response times to fires and other
emergencies. Necessary to ensure adequate
response times due to the unique climatic and
topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires
in fire hazard severity zones. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
D-25
503.2.5-
Dead-ends
503.4-
0bstructioo of
fire apparatus
access roads
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
503.4.1 -Climatic,
Traffic-calming Geological, and
devices Topographical
503.7-Fire
apparatus
access roads
in recreational
vehicle, mobile
home, manu-
factured
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides for more stringent width, turning radius, and
grade specifications for access roads to ensure
access for fire apparatus. Necessary due to unique
climatic and topographical conditions that increase
the risk of fires. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Adds speed bumps and speed humps to list of
prohibited obstructions to fire apparatus access
roads. Speed bumps and speed humps reduce
response times to fires and other emergencies
because fire apparatus have to slow down to pass
over them or drive around them. Necessary to
ensure adequate response times due to the unique
climatic and topographical conditions that increase
the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Requires fire code official approval to install traffic
calming devices such as speed bumps and speed
humps. Such devices can reduce response times to
fires and other emergencies. Necessary to ensure
adequate response times due to the unique climatic
and topographical conditions that increase the risk of
fires in fire hazard severity zones. This section is
necessary because the risk of fire is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
Requires fire apparatus access roads in recreational
vehicle, mobile home, manufactured housing, sales
lots, and storage lots. Necessary to ensure adequate
water supply and access to such locations due to the
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones.
Further necessary because the risk of fire is
D-26
housing, sales
lots, and
storage lots
503.7.1 -Fire
apparatus
access roads
in mobilehome
parks and
special ·
occupancy
parks
504.5-Roof
top barriers
and parapets
507.5.1.2-
Pool draft
system in fire
hazard
severity zones
507.5.10-
Draft system
identification
sign
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in
Los Angeles County.
Requires additional fire apparatus access roads in
mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks.
Necessary to ensure adequate water supply and
access to such locations due to the unique climatic
and topographical conditions that increase the risk of
fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides various design and location requirements for
solar photovoltaic systems installed on roofs of
buildings for residential and commercial structures.
Access and spacing requirements ensure firefighter
access to the roof, provide access pathways to
specific areas of the roof, provide for venting cut-out
areas, and to provide emergency egress from the
roof. Necessary because of increased danger of fire
in Los Angeles County due to climatic and
topographical conditions.
Requires a draft hydrant for swimming pools and
spas located in the fire hazard severity zone in order
to provide a source of water to fight fires. Necessary
because of unique climatic and topographical
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard
severity zones. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Provides posting of sign to notify fire department of
draft hydrant for swimming pools and spas in fire
hazard severity zone. Necessary because of unique
climatic and topographical conditions that increase
the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the
D-27
901.6.3.1 -
Above-ground
water control
valve signs
901.6.3.4-
Clearspace
around above-
ground water
control valve
903.2.11.3 -
Building over
three stories in
height
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic and
Geological
903.2.11. 7 -Climatic,
Occupancies in Geological, and
Fire Hazard Topographical
Severity Zones
and in the
Malibu-Santa
Monica
Mountains or
San Gabriel
South face
areas
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides signage requirements for water control
valves in order to facilitate fire fighter identification
and use of said valves in an emergency. Necessary
because of unique climatic and topographical
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard
severity zones. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Provides clearance requirements for water control
valves in order to facilitate fire fighter identification
and use of said valves in an emergency. Necessary
because of unique climatic and topographical
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard
severity zones. Further necessary because risk of
fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in Los Angeles County.
Provides an additional level of protection to
occupancies in case of a fire by requiring installation
of automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of
large number of buildings over three stories in
Los Angeles County that increases the. risk of fire due
to damage or collapse of buildings due to the
increased prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
Provides an additional level of protection to
occupancies in case of a fire by requiring installation
of automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of catastrophic fires in fire hazard
severity zones and due to the topography that
reduces response times to fires. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
D-28
903.4.2-
Alarms
903.7-
Climatic and
Geological
Climatic and
Buildings four · Geological
or more stories
905.2.1 -
Class I
standpipes;
905.2.1.1,
905.2.1.2;
905.2.1.3
905.4-
Location of
Class I
standpipe
hose
connections
Climatic
Climatic
905.5.3 -Climatic
Class II
System 1 1 /2-
inch hose
905.6.1 -Climatic
Protection
Requires installation of exterior fire alarm visual
device. Visual alarms are necessary to warn both
disabled and non-disabled persons. Necessary
because of increased likelihood of fires due to
climatic conditions. Further necessary because risk
of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County.
Requires installation of devices for the automatic fire
sprinkler system within an exit stairway enclosure.
Necessary because of increased likelihood of fires
due to climatic conditions. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County.
Construction and installation requirements for Class I
standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection
systems and water supply due to fires in Los Angeles
County's hot and windy climate.
Installation/Regulation of Fire Protection System to
ensure proper location of hose connection to control
fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate.
Installation and regulation of interior wet standpipes
to ensure adequate fire protection system due to fires
in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate.
Local amendment regarding installation and
regulation of Fire Protection System to ensure proper·
location of hose connection to control fires.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions.
D-29
905.6.1.1 -
Size
905.9 -Riser
shutoff valve
supervision
and drain
905.12-
Basement pipe
inlets,
905.12.1,
905.12.2,
905.12.3,
905.12.4
910.2.1.1 -
Group S-2
910.4-
Mechanical
smoke
exhaust
Climatic
Climatic
Climatic
Climatic and
geological
Climatic
912.2.1 -Climatic,
Visible location Topographical,
Geological
Size requirements for Class ... standpipes to ensure
adequate fire protection system. Necessary because
of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due
to hot and windy conditions.
Additional requirements to fire protection system for
testing, maintenance and operation. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to hot and windy conditions.
Requires installation and other guidelines related to
inlets for fire protection systems in basements.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions.
Requires smoke and heat removal for basement level
parking garages. Necessary to increase ability of fire
fighters to respond to fires in parking garages.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los
Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and
the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
Requirements for mechanical smoke exhaust in
buildings. Necessary because of increased danger of
fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions.
Requires fire department connections to be located
within 150 feet of a public fire hydrant and at a safe
distance from the building. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
hot and windy conditions. Further necessary
because the risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
D-30
912.7-
ldentification
912.8-
Breakable
caps or plugs
914.9.1 -
Spray booths
1007.9.1 -
Signage for
high-rise
buildings
1103.2-
Emergency
Responder
Radio
Coverage in
Existing
buildings
Climatic,
Topographical
Climatic,
Topographical
Climatic
Climatic,
Geological, and
Topographical
Climatic and
Geological
Requires red paint on fire department connections
subject to rust or corrosion in order to identify them to
firefighters and protect from the elements. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to hot and windy conditions.
Requires breakable caps or plugs for fire hose
couplings to protect them from the elements and to
ensure easy access to the fire department connection
during fires. Necessary because of increased danger
of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions.
Requires spray booths to have automatic fire
sprinkler system protection under specified
conditions. Necessary because of increased danger
of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions. Further necessary because the risk of fire
is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in
Los Angeles County.
Requirements for signage warning against elevator
use in an emergency. Necessary to ensure proper
notice and evacuation in case of fire or other
emergency. Necessary because of increased danger
of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions. Further necessary because risk of fire
and need for evacuation is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Adopts International Fire Code requirements for radio
coverage in existing buildings. Necessary to increase
fire and life safety and increase ability of fire fighters
to rescue people trapped in buildings during an
emergency and to communication between fire
fighters when responding to fire and life safety
emergencies. Necessary because of the prevalence
of earthquakes in Los Angeles County and the risk of
fires due to the climate in Los Angeles County.
D-31
1104 -Means Climatic and
of egress for Geological
existing
buildings
1104.6.7 -Climatic and
Maintenance Geological
1105.1 -Tire Climatic,
Storage Yards Topographical,
and Geological
2007.9-
Helistops for
high rise
2007.10-
Helistops in
Fire Hazard
Severity
Zones;
1107.10.1
Surface
Climatic and
Topographical
Climatic and
Topographical
Adopts International Fire Code requirements
regarding egress requirements for existing buildings.
Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to
minimize fire danger from hazardous materials.
Necessary because risk of fire and spillage of
hazardous materials is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Adopts requirement to keep fire escapes clear and
unobstructed to allow for safe evacuation of buildings
in event of fire or other life safety emergency.
Necessary to increase fire and life safety in
evacuations because of the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County and the risk of
fires due to the climate in Los Angeles County.
Requirement for fire access roads for tire storage
yards to enable fire apparatus to gain access to fight
fires. Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to
minimize risk of fire spreading beyond storage areas.
Necessary because risk of fire due to climate and
topography in Los Angeles County and due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides for additional public safety
evacuation/landing area on high-rise buildings.
Necessary due to large number of high-rise buildings
in Los Angeles County and difficulty in evacuating
high-rise buildings in case of fire or other emergency.
Provides for requirements for helistops in fire hazard
severity zones to enable helicopters and associated
water tenders and support equipment to safely
operate to conduct operations to combat fires in those
areas. Necessary because of increased danger of
fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions and topography that hinders the ability for
fire apparatus to gain access to remote portions of
the County.
D-32
2001.10.2-Climatic; Requires a hydrant next to helistops in fire hazard
Hydrant Topographical severity zones to enable helicopters to fill their tanks
to facilitate water drops on wild land fires in those
areas. Necessary because of increased danger of
fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy
conditions and topography that hinders the ability for
fire apparatus to gain access to remote portions of
the County.
2007.10.3-Climatic; Adopts requirements for fire apparatus access to
Access Topographical helistops in fire hazard severity zones to enable
support equipment and apparatus associated with
helicopter operations to combat fires in those areas.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in the
county due to hot and windy conditions and
topography that hinders the ability for fire apparatus
to gain access to remote portions of the County.
2404.4 -Fire Climatic Provides for spray booths to be equipped with
protection automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
hot and windy conditions.
2503, 2504, Climatic and Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening
2505, 2506, Geological operations to prevent ignition of ethylene gas and
2507 -Fruit reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because
and crop of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due
ripening to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires
and explosion from earthquakes.
2810-Climatic Provides requirements for the safe storage of
Storage of combustible pallets to reduce risk of fire. Necessary
combustible because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
idle pallets County due to hot and windy conditions.
3104.21 -Climatic and Increased clearance requirements for combustible
Combustible Topographic vegetation near tents and membrane structures.
vegetation Necessary to increase fire and life safety around such
structures and to create defensible space. Necessary
because of fire risk due to climate and unique
D-33
topography of Los Angeles County.
Table 3206.2 Climatic and Provides for increased separation for aisles.
Geological Necessary because of unique climatic conditions that
increase the risk of fires. Further necessary because
risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
3206.7.1 -Climatic Requires installation of smoke and heat vents.
Vents Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions.
3208.2.2-· Climatic Provides for effectiveness of sprinkler systems by
Racks with prohibiting solid shelves, which would restrict water
solid shelving from extinguishing fire on shelves. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to climatic conditions.
3505.9-Geological Requires protective devices to be installed on fuel
Backflash gas and oxygen lines to increase safety and reduce
prevention risk of explosion and fire. Necessary because risk of
leaks or tank failure is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
4907.1 -Climatic and Local amendment providing that defensible space
General Topographical requirements shall also comply with Chapter 3 of this
code. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's
unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire
and to minimize impacts of fire in Fire Hazard
Severity Zone.
5003.11.3.8 -Climatic and Creates requirements for floors in buildings where
Floors Geological hazardous materials are used or stored. Necessary
to increase fire and life safety and to minimize fire
danger from hazardous materials. Necessary
because risk of fire and spillage of hazardous
materials is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
5704.2.8.3 -Geological Requires secondary containment of flammable and
Secondary combustible liquids that are necessaiY to increase fire
D-34
containment
5704.2.8.16.1 Climatic and
-System Geological
requirements
5704.2.9.1.1 -Geological and
Required foam Climatic
fire protection
systems
5704.2.9.6.1.3 Geological and
-Location of Climatic
tanks for
boilover liquids
5704.3.7.6-Geological and
Construction Climatic
5706.5.1.1 -Geological and
Climatic
Location
and life safety and to prevent fires involving
flammable and combustible liquids from spreading.
Necessary because risk of leaks or tank failure is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in
Los Angeles County.
Requires foam deluge system. Necessary because
of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due
to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or
tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Requires all above-ground tanks exceeding 1,500
square feet of liquid surface area used for the storage
of Class I or Class II flammable liquids to be provided
with foam fire protection. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank
failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides for additional spacing between tanks to
reduce fire danger and help prevent fire from
spreading to adjacent tanks. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank
failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Construction and fire access requirements for liquid
storage rooms. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic
conditions and because risk of explosion or container
failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Provides increased distances for bulk transfer and
process transfer operations so that they are farther
away from the public and other buildings. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
D-35
5706.5.1.19-Geological and
liquid transfer Climatic
6104.4-
Multiple
container
installation
8104-fire
apparatus
access roads;
8106-
housekeeping;
8108 tires
APPENDIX8
Section
8105.1 -One-
family
dwellings
APPENDIX8
Section
8105.1.1 -
Two-family
dwellings
APPENDiXB
Geological and
Climatic
Climatic and
Topographical
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographicai
.;ounty due to climatic conditions and. because risk of
leaks or tank failure is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
Class I, II, or Ill liquids shall be transferred from a
tank vehicle or tank car only into an approved
atmospheric tank or approved portable tank.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due
to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County.
Requirements for LP gas storage tank distances.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due
to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles
County
Creates requirements for fire access roads and
storage requirements for tire storage in automobile
wrecking yards. Necessary to enable fire apparatus
and fire fighters to gain access to fight fires and
respond to emergencies. Necessary because risk of
fire due to climate and topography in Los Angeles
County.
Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more
water to be available to fight fires. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more
water to be available to fight fires. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in
Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical
conditions.
Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more
D-36
' '
Section
B105.2-
Buildings other
than one-and
two-family
dwellings
APPENDIXB
Section
B105.3-
Mobile home
parks
APPENDlXB
Section
B105.4-Land
subdivision
projects
APPENDIXC,
Section
C102.2-
Location on
street
APPENDlXC,
Section
C105.2-0ne-
family dwelling
APPENDlXC,
Section
C105.2.1 -
Cul-de-sac
hydrant
location
APPENDIXC,
Section
C105.2.2 -
Buildings other
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
Topographical
and Climatic
water to be available to fight fires. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides for increased fire-flow at mobile home parks
in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to allow for
more water to be available to fight fires. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides for increased fire-flow for subdivisions of
land to allow for more water to be available to fight
fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire
in Los Angeles County due to climatic and
topographical conditions.
Provides for hydrant spacing on streets to ensure
hydrants are accessible to firefighters. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles
County due to climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides for hydrant spacing to ensure that water is
available to fight fires. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides for hydrant spacing for cul-de-sacs to
ensure that there is adequate water supply available
to fight fires. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County due to climatic and
topographical conditions.
Provides for hydrant spacing for buildings other than
single family dwellings to ensure that there is
adequate water supply available to fight fires.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in the
D-37
than one-
family dwelling
units
APPENDIX C, Topographical
Section C106 -and Climatic
On-site
hydrants
APPENDIXK,
Section K103
-General
Requirements
Topographical,
Geographic, and
Climatic
" .
County due to climatic and topographical conditions.
Provides requirements for on-site hydrants to ensure
that there is adequate water supply available to fight
fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire
in Los Angeles County due to climatic and
topographical conditions.
Provides various design and location requirements for
temporary haunted houses, ghost walks, and similar
amusement uses where the means of egress are not
apparent due to decorative materials confusing
sounds and or visual effects. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to
climatic and topographical conditions and the
prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County.
D-38