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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RESO 14,076RESOLUTION NO. 14,076 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA ADOPTION FINDINGS OF FACTS TO SUPPORT THE IMPOSITION OF REQUIREMENTS WHICH ARE GREATER THAN THE REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY OR PURSUANT TO THE STATE BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AS ADOPTED BY TITLE 15 OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958 and Section 17958.5 allow the City, by Ordinance, to make modifications or changes to the State Building Standards Code and other regulations adopted pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 requires that such changes must be determined to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographical, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the governing body of the City, before making any modifications or changes pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5, shall make an express finding that each such modification or change is needed; and WHEREAS, such findings must be made available as a public record and a copy thereof with each such modification or change shall be filed with the Department of Housing and Community Development of the State of California. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of National City that said Council hereby determines that Ordinance No. 1787, amending the 1979 Edition of the Uniform Building Code and Section 15.08.060 of the National City Municipal Code relating to fire retardant roof materials, establishes requirements greater than those set forth in the California State Building Standards Code, as adopted by the City of National City and set forth in Title 15 of the National City Municipal Code; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each of the aforementioned changes or modifications which are set forth in the aforementioned ordinance are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographical or topographical conditions in the area encompassed by the boundaries of the City of National City, and said Council further finds that the following findings support the local necessity for the aforementioned changes or modifications: PROFILE: National City is located on the west coast of Southern California along the shoreline of San Diego Bay. It is surrounded by the City and County of San Diego to the north and east and the City of Chula Vista to the south. San Diego Bay on the west is a naturally formed seaport which empties into the Pacific Ocean. This bay is shared by five neighboring cities and contains facilities belonging to the United States Navy. It provides these cities with both commercial and naval industry and recreational boating and fishing. It has played a major role in the development of National City as a significant commercial and industrial center in San Diego County. Housing in National City is predominantly pre -World War two type construction. Fire stops and other construction safety features are not common to these buildings because of a lack of Code legislation and fire prevention foresight during the era of their construction. The City of National City encompasses approximately 8.4 square miles of land which is inhabited by both civilian residents in permanent housing and military personnel living in group quarters within the City. This combined population fluctuates on a yearly basis due in large part to the continuous relocation of Navy personnel and their families. As of January, 1983, the California Department of Finance estimated the population at 54,003 residents. FIRE DEPARTMENT: The City of National City Fire Department consists of 42 personnel. Daily manning averages three 3-man engine companies from two stations, one at the intersection of 16th Street and "D" Avenue, and the second at the intersection of 24th Street and Euclid Avenue. The City relies on a truck company and engine company from the City of San Diego on all structure fires. Second and greater alarm resources are required from the City of San Diego and other regional agencies. CLIMATIC: The climate of National City is directly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay to the west, and by migratory pressure centers which affect wind direction and speed throughout the year. These prevailing wind currents usually flow from the west or northwest during most of the year. The annual rainfall is slightly less than ten inches per year and temperature average from the mid -fifties during the winter months to the lower eighties in the late summer months. The combination of a moderate annual rain fall, modest range of temperatures and the year-round sunshine characteristic of Southern California provides National City with an extended year-round growing season for vegetation. During the late summer and early fall season National City experiences higher than average temperatures and extremely low humidity. When associated with dry easterly winds blowing in from the Imperial Valley region and surrounding desert regions, the humidity may drop as low as 5-10% relative humidity. These dry, hot periods occur frequently and may last several days at a time, creating a severe fire hazard conditions. The dry hot winds are known as "Santa Ana" winds in Southern California. They are strong and gusty, often reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour as they are channeled through the mountain valleys that separate the desert basins from the southwest coastal communities, such as National City. The vegetation that has had all year to grow under ideal conditions quickly dries and contributes a major source of fuel should a fire occur. A fire at this time of the year during a Santa Ana wind would be one of rapid spread and devastating in size, nature and intensity. TOPOGRAPHICAL; The topographical layout of National City differs extensively between its eastern and western regions, as divided by the City's major downtown thoroughfare. To the west of National City Boulevard the land is predominantly level. Its elevation begins at sea level and averages no more than 20 to 40 feet above sea level. It rises from the e^ San Diego and Sweetwater River with a gentle slope to a number of low -rolling hills. East of National City Boulevard the terrain takes on a totally different topographical aspect. This region consists largely of scattered low but relatively steep slopes. Here elevations reach heights in excess of 300 feet above sea level over relatively short distances. The grid pattern of the City's urban development in this region is often disrupted by the numerous canyons, gullies, ravines, water drainages and water basins common to the area. The extensive canyon sites and sharp inclinations have dictated the scope of development within these natural boundaries. r., Thus there exists an integration of residential housing and open valleys. Much of the topography in this region has been altered by construction to create an urbanized community. Where development of the terrain was considered financially infeasible, native vegetation (i.e. chaparral, tall grasses, weeds, etc.) continues to grow year-round. The proximity of this vegetation to the surrounding neighborhoods escalates the hazardous conditions created during the Santa Ana season. A wildland fire under these circumstances would include in its path of destruction the homes and property of many National City residents. The added problem of wood roofs and roofing of minimal fire resistant material would serve to feed the fire and promote its extension to other uninvolved structures. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Uniform Building Code, as adopted by the City of National City and set forth in Title 15 of the National City Municipal Code, be modified, changed and amended as provided in Ordinance No. 1787 based upon the foregoing findings, and that the City Council takes this action in the interest of protecting life and property and preserving the public health, safety and welfare. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 28th day of June, 1983. 7 MA •R ATTEST: