HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 19-063 approving building codeRESOLUTION NO. 19-063
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA MAKING
FINDINGS OF FACT REGARDING THE NEED FOR THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE
PROVISIONS OF THE 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
MADE IN THE SARATOGA CITY CODE
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 18938 makes certain provisions
published in the California Building Standards Code pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section
17922 applicable to all occupancies throughout the state and effective one hundred eighty days
after publication by the California Building Standards Commission ("Commission"), or at a later
date established by the Commission; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 permits cities to amend the
requirements of the California Building Standards Code in accordance with Health and Safety Code
Sections 17958.5 and 17958.7; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 permits cities in adopting provisions
of the California Building Standards Code to make such modifications in such provisions as the city
determines, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, are reasonably necessary because
of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that a city, before making
modifications pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5, must make an express finding
that such modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or
topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, under Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7, modifications pursuant to
Health and Safety Code Section 17958.5 may not become effective until the required findings and
the modifications have been filed with the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saratoga ("City Council") intends to adopt an
ordinance adopting by reference certain provisions of the California Building Standards Code and
making modifications to certain of those provisions pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section
17958.5 ("Building Regulations Adoption Ordinance"); and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed Attachment 1, which sets forth the reasons for
the proposed modifications to the California Building Standards Code contained in the Building
Regulations Adoption Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby declare
and find that the changes to the provisions of the California Building Standards Code set forth in
the Building Regulations Adoption Ordinance are reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological, or topographical conditions set forth in Attachment 1 in accordance with Health and
Safety Code Section 17958.7; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution, including Attachment 1,
shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission in accordance with Health and
Safety Code Section 17958.7.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Saratoga at a regular
meeting of the Saratoga City Council held on the 4th day of December 2019 by the following
vote:
AYES: Mayor Howard A. Miller, Vice Mayor Mary -Lynne Bernald, Council Members Rishi
Kumar, Yan Zhao, E. Manny Cappello
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IGNED
Howard A. Miller, Mayor
A ST
DATE:
bbie Bretschneider, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT 1
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
The City of Saratoga makes the following findings regarding the need for amending the
2019 California Residential Code:
FINDING 1: CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga experiences low
humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures during the summer months creating conditions that
are particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush, and structure fires.
FINDING 2: TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS: The remoteness and steepness of
hillside areas in the City along with long, narrow roadways significantly impact the ability of
emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires.
The landscape of Saratoga also includes steep slopes susceptible to erosion, especially
during the rainy season. Areas of critically expansive soil and other unstable soil conditions
create a need for soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly
on steep slopes.
FINDING 3: GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga's dense population
is in an area of high seismic activity, as indicated by the United States Geological Survey and
the California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent earthquake activities, including the
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, indicated that the lack of adequate design and detailing
endangered building occupants and the occupants of nearby structures. The City's proximity to
active earthquake faults also means that building work must be completed in a timely fashion to
minimize the danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. Since the City is divided by a
freeway and highway, a major earthquake would significantly impact the ability of fire crews to
respond to emergencies should one or more roadways be blocked or damaged due to bridge
collapse or debris from falling structures. Additionally, fire suppression capabilities will be
severely limited should the water system be extensively damaged during the seismic event.
The table below describes the City of Saratoga's amendments to specific provisions of the
2019 California Residential Code and states which of the findings above and other
conditions make the amendment reasonably necessary.
Amended
Aplicable
Explanation
FindinLys
Sections of
Section of
the 2019 CA
SaratoLya
Residential
Building Code
Code
Ordinance
R310.1
16-18.22
Amends the 2019
Findings Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
Residential Code
minimize the risks to persons and
provisions for required
property due to potential response
egress from a
delays and compromised fire
basement sleeping
suppression capabilities, mitigation
room
measures such as requiring an
emergency escape and rescue opening
from a sleeping room in a basement
are necessary
R313.1
16-18.025
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
Residential Codes
minimize the risks to persons and
provisions for
property due to potential response
townhouse automatic
delays and compromised fire
fire sprinkler systems
suppression capabilities, mitigation
measures such as automatic sprinkler
systems are necessary. The ability of
automatic sprinklers to get water on
a fire early also reduces the fire flow
demand and the need for multiple
hydrants.
R313.2
16-18.025
Amends the 2019 CA
Findings Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
Residential Codes
minimize the risks to persons and
provisions for one
property due to potential response
and two family
delays and compromised fire
dwellings automatic
suppression capabilities, mitigation
fire sprinkler systems
measures such as automatic sprinkler
systems are necessary. The ability of
automatic sprinklers to get water on
a fire early also reduces the fire flow
demand and the need for multiple
hydrants.
R337.7.9
16-18.030
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 1. The increased risk of
Residential Code
fire in the City of Saratoga makes it
regarding the
necessary to amend this section to
underside of
make it mandatory.
appendages
R337.10.3,
16-18.030
R337.10.3 is amended
Finding No. 1. The increased risk of
R337.10.3.1,
to require that all
fire in the City of Saratoga makes it
R337.10.3.2,
accessory structures
necessary to amend this section to
R337.10.3.3
shall be constructed of
make it mandatory.
noncombustible
Finding No. 2. The remoteness and
materials or of ignition
steepness of hillside areas in the City
resistant materials;
along with long, narrow roadways
Deletes Section
significantly impact the ability of
R337.10.3.1,
emergency responders to extinguish o
R337.10.3.2,
control wildland or structure fires.
R337.10.3.3of the
Residential Code as
unnecessary given
the amendment to
R337.10.3
R403.1.3
16-18.035
Amends the 2019
Finding No. 3. This proposed
CA Residential
amendment to the California
Code regarding
Residential Code is made to be
plain concrete.
consistent with Tri Chapter Uniform
Code Committee amendment 3 that
modifies the plain concrete
provisions in CBC Section
1908.1,8 and American Concrete
Institute 318 Section
22.10.1.
This proposed amendment addresses
the problem of poor performance of
plain or under -reinforced concrete
footings during a seismic event. This
amendment reflects the
recommendations by the Structural
Engineers Association of Southern
California (SEAOSC) and the Los
Angeles City Joint Task Force that
investigated the poor performance of
plain and under -reinforced concrete
footings observed in 1994
Northridge earthquake.
Table
16-18.040
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 3. The proposed
R602.10.3(3), and
Residential
amendment addresses the problem of
R602.10.4.4
Code regarding
poor performance of gypsum
Seismic Design
wallboard and Portland cement
Categories Do, DI,
plaster as wall bracing materials in
and D2
high seismic areas. This amendment
reflects the recommendations by the
Structural Engineers Association of
Southern California (SEAOSC) and
the Los Angeles City Joint Task
Force that investigated the poor
performance of these bracing
materials that were observed in 1994
Northridge earthquake.
R902.1.4
16-18.045
A new subsection has
Finding Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
been added to the
minimize the risks to persons and
2019 CA Residential
property due to potential response
Code to retain the
delays and compromised fire
Saratoga Code's
suppression capabilities, mitigation
provisions for roof
measures such as the installation of
coverings.
fire -retardant Class A roofing are
necessary.
R902.1.3
16-18.045
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
Residential Code to
minimize the risks to persons and
regarding roof
property due to potential response
coverings.
delays and compromised fire
suppression capabilities, mitigation
measures such as the installation of
fire -retardant Class A roofing are
necessary.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
The City of Saratoga makes the following findings regarding the need for amending the
2019 California Building Code:
FINDING 1: CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga experiences low
humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures during the summer months creating conditions are
particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush, and structure fires.
FINDING 2: TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS: The remoteness and steepness of
hillside areas in the City along with long, narrow roadways significantly impact the ability of
emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires.
The landscape of Saratoga also includes steep slopes susceptible to erosion, especially
during the rainy season. Areas of critically expansive soil and other unstable soil conditions
create a need for soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly
on steep slopes.
FINDING 3: GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga's dense population
is in an area of high seismic activity, as indicated by the United States Geological Survey and
the California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent earthquake activities, including the
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, have indicated that the lack of adequate design and detailing
endangered building occupants and the occupants of nearby structures. The City's proximity
to active earthquake faults also means that building work must be completed in a timely
fashion to minimize the danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. Since the City is
divided by a freeway and highway, a major earthquake would significantly impact the ability of
fire crews to respond to emergencies should one or more roadways be blocked or damaged due
to bridge collapse or debris from falling structures. Additionally, fire suppression capabilities
will be severely limited should the water system be extensively damaged during the seismic
event.
The table below describes the City of Saratoga's amendments to specific provisions of the
2019 California Building Code and states which of the findings above and other conditions make
the amendment reasonably necessary.
Amended
Applicable
Explanation
Fin in
Sections of
Section of
the 2019 CA
Saratoga
Building
Building Code
Code
Ordinance
107.5
16-15.025
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 3. The City of Saratoga
Building Code
is adjacent to active earthquake faults
section regarding
capable of producing substantial
retention of plans.
seismic events. It is necessary for one
set of plans to be retained on the work
site at all times so that detailed
inspections to ensure compliance with
seismic standards can be carried out.
105.5
16-15.030
Amends the 2019
Finding No. 3. Given the City of
CA Building Code
Saratoga's
section regarding
adjacency to active earthquake
expiration of permits,
faults capable of producing
giving the Building
substantial seismic events,
Official discretion to
building work must be completed
abate a public nuisance
in a timely fashion to minimize the
created through
danger to the public health, safety,
abandonment or
and welfare.
expiration.
109.2
16-15.040
Adds a new
The City of Saratoga may prescribe
subsection to the
fees to defray the cost of
2019 CA Building Code
enforcement of rules and
to make it clear the city
regulations promulgated by the
can prescribe reasonable
Department of Housing and
fees to defray the cost of
Community Development under
regulation. Adds
the terms of Sec. 109.2 of the 2019
provisions for permit,
CA Building Code. These fees will
investigation, plan
be set by the City Council of
review, and other
Saratoga to ensure they are
additional fees.
reasonably necessary given the cost
of regulation to the City.
1505.1.3
16-15.045(a)
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
Building Code
minimize the risks to persons and
section regarding roof
property due to potential response
coverings, requiring all
delays and compromised fire
areas within the City to
suppression capabilities, mitigation
install a minimum of a
measures such as the installation of
Class A roof.
fire -retardant Class A roofing are
necessary.
1505.1.4
16-15.045(b)
Amends the 2019
Finding Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
CA Building Code to
minimize the risks to persons and
retain the Saratoga
property due to potential
Code's provisions for
response delays and
Class A roof coverings
compromised fire suppression
for WUI areas.
capabilities, mitigation measures
such as the installation of fire -
retardant Class A roofing are
707A.9
16-15.050
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 1. The increased risk of
Building Code regarding
fire in the City of Saratoga makes
the fire resistive
it necessary to amend this section
construction method for
to make it mandatory.
the underside of
appendages.
710A.3.
16-15.055
710A.3 is amended to
Finding No. 1. The increased risk o
710A.3.1,
require that all accessory
fire in the City of Saratoga makes it
710A.3.2,
structures located in the
necessary to amend this section to
701 A.3.3.
WUI shall be constructed
make it mandatory.
of noncombustible
Finding No. 2. The remoteness and
materials or of ignition-
steepness of hillside areas in the City
resistant materials;
along with long, narrow roadways
710A.3.1, 710A.3.2, and
significantly impact the ability of
710A.3.3 are deleted as
emergency responders to extinguish
unnecessary given the
or control wildland or structure fires
amendment to 710A.3.
903.2
16-15.060
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 1. Amendment to be
Building Code regarding
consistent with
fire sprinklers to include
Fire District amendments
City definitions of new
buildings.
1705.3
16-15.065
Adds language excepting
Finding No. 3. In order to improve
special inspections and
quality control during construction to
tests for specific designs
allow for special inspection and
depending on Seismic
exceptions to special inspection for
Design Category.
seismic concerns.
1905.1.7
16-15.070
Amends the 2019 CA
Finding No. 3. The proposed
Building Code regarding
amendment addresses the problem of
exceptions to structures
poor performance of plain or under -
assigned to seismic design
reinforced concrete footings during a
categories (requires steel
seismic event.
reinforcement due to
seismic design category).
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS
TO PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
The City of Saratoga makes the following findings regarding the need to amend the
2019 California Fire Code:
Finding No. 1 — Climatic Conditions: The City of Saratoga experiences low
humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures during the summer months creating
conditions which are particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush, and
structure fires.
Finding No. 2 — Topographical Conditions: The remoteness and steepness of hillside
areas in the City along with long, narrow roadways significantly impact the ability of
emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires.
Finding No. 3 — Geological Conditions: The City of Saratoga's dense population is
in an area of high seismic activity, as indicated by the United States Geological Survey and
the California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent earthquake activities, including the
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake indicated that the lack of adequate design and detailing
endangered building occupants and the occupants of nearby structures. The City's proximity
to active earthquake faults also means that building work must be completed in a timely
fashion to minimize the danger to the public health, safety, and welfare. Since the City is
divided by a freeway and highway, a major earthquake would significantly impact the ability
of fire crews to respond to emergencies should one or more roadways be blocked or damaged
due to bridge collapse or debris from falling structures. Additionally, fire suppression
capabilities will be severely limited should the water system be extensively damaged during
the seismic event.
Therefore, in order to minimize the risks to persons and property due to potential
response delays and compromised fire suppression capabilities, mitigation measures are
necessary such as but not limited to; automatic fire suppression systems, controls for
hazardous materials, safety provisions in buildings for firefighters and additional fire
hydrants.
Additions and deletions to the 2019 California Fire Code are hereby determined to be
reasonably necessary based on the above findings and apply to following amended, added, or
deleted sections:
Amended
Sections of
the 2019 CA
Applicable
Section of
Saratota
Building
Code
Ordinance
EXPLANATION
FINDINGS
Fire Code
105.6.8
16-20.050
Compressed Gases
Admin
105.6.30
16-20.050
Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles
Admin
105.6.52
16-20.050
Day care facility
Admin
105.6.53
16-20.050
Institutional
Admin
105.6.54
16-20.050
Lithium Batteries
Admin
105.6.55
16-20.050
Additive Manufacturing
Admin
105.7.4
16-20.050
Compressed gases
Admin
105.7.5
16-20.050
Cryogenic fluids
Admin
106.2.1
16-20.050
Construction Permit Fees
Admin
106.2.2
16-20.050
Operational Permit Fees
Admin
107.5
16-20.050
Final Inspection
Admin
110.4
16-20.050
Violation penalties
Admin
110.4.1
16-20.050
Abatement of Violation
Admin
110.5
16-20.050
Abatement of Hazard
Admin
202
16-20.060
Definitions
Admin
315.8
16-20.070
Lithium Battery Storage and
Handling
Admin
315.8.1
16-20.070
Permits
Admin
315.8.2
16-20.070
Maximum quantity in a fire area
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
315.8.3
16-20.070
Construction requirements
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
315.8.4
16-20.070
Number of fire areas
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
315.8.5
16-20.070
Group H, Division 2 occupancy
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
315.8.6
16-20.070
Automatic sprinkler system
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
315.8.7
16-20.070
Automatic smoke detection system
Finding No. 2
315.8.8
16-20.070
Radiant energy detection
Finding No. 2
315.8.9
16-20.070
Collection containers
Admin
315.8.10
16-20.070
Storage configuration
Admin
316.7
16-20.070
Roof guardrails at interior courts
Finding No. 3
321.1
16-20.070
General
Admin
321.1.1
16-20.070
Scope
Admin
321.1.2
16-20.070
Installation, operation and
maintenance
Admin
321.1.3
16-20.070
Production materials
Admin
321.2
16-20.070
Non -industrial additive
manufacturing
Admin
321.2.1
16-20.070
Listing
Admin
321.2.2
16-20.070
Occupancies
Admin
321.3
16-20.070
Industrial additive manufacturing
Admin
321.3.1
16-20.070
Permits required
Admin
321.3.2
16-20.070
Listing
Admin
321.3.3
16-20.070
Combustible dusts and metals
Admin
321.3.4
16-20.070
Powder evaluation
Admin
321.3.5
16-20.070
Combustible (non-metallic) dusts
Admin
321.3.6
16-20.070
Combustible metals
Admin
321.3.7
16-20.070
Ancillary equipment
Admin
321.3.8
16-20.070
Hazardous materials
Admin
321.3.9
16-20.070
Inert Gas
Admin
321.3.10
16-20.070
Technical assistance
Admin
321.3.11
16-20.070
Performance based design
alternative
Admin
321.3.12
16-20.070
Occupancies
Admin
321.3.13
16-20.070
Safety Certification
Admin
503.1
16-20.090
Where required
Admin
503.1.1
16-20.090
Buildings and facilities
Admin
503.2.1
16-20.090
Dimensions
Admin
503.2.2
16-20.090
Authority
Admin
504.5
16-20.090
Access control devices
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
510.1
16-20.090
Emergency responder radio
coverage in new buildings
Admin
510.1.1
16-20.090
Obstruction by new buildings
Admin
510.2
16-20.090
Deleted
510.3
16-20.090
Permit required
Admin
510.4
16-20.090
Technical requirements
Admin
510.4.1.1
16-20.090
Minimum signal strength into the
building
Admin
510.4.1.2
16-20.090
Minimum signal strength out of the
building
Admin
510.5
16-20.090
Installation requirement
Admin
510.5.1
16-20.090
Approval prior to installation
Admin
510.5.3
16-20.090
Acceptance test procedure
Admin
603.4.2.1.1
16-20.100
Prohibited locations
Admin
604.12
16-20.100
Immersion Heaters
Admin
806.1.1
16-20.110
Restricted occupancies
Admin
901.6.3
16-20.120
Records
Admin
903.2
16-20.120
Where required
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
903.2.18
16-20.120
Group U private garages and
carports, accessory to group R3
occupancies
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
909.20.1
16-20.120
Schedule
Admin
Chapter 11
16-20.130
Construction Requirements for
Existing Buildings
Admin
3304.9
16-20.140
Fire Walls
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
3311.1
16-20.140
Stairways required
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
3311.1.1
16-20.140
Required Means of Egress
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
4902
16-20.150
Definitions
Admin
4906.2
16-20.150
Application
Admin
4907.1
16-20.150
General
Admin
4907.2
16-20.150
Corrective Action
Admin
4908.1
16-20.150
General
Admin
4908.2
16-20.150
Content
Admin
4908.3
16-20.150
Cost
Admin
4908.4
16-20.150
Plan Retention
Admin
4909.1
16-20.150
General
Admin
4909.2
16-20.150
Standby Power
Admin
4910.1
16-20.150
Fireworks
Admin
5601.1.3
16-20.170
Fireworks
Admin
5704.2.7.5.8
16-20.180
Overfill Prevention
Admin
5704.2.7.5.9
16-20.180
Automatic Filling of Tanks
Admin
5704.2.9.6.1
16-20.180
Locations where above -ground tanks
Admin
are prohibited
5706.2.4.4
16-20.180
Locations where above -ground tanks
Admin
are prohibited
5707.3.3
16-20.180
Site plan
Admin
5806.2
16-20.190
Limitations
Admin
5809.3.4
16-20.190
Site plan
Admin
6104.2
16-20.200
Maximum capacity within
Admin
established limits
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Mechanical Code is being adopted
without modification.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Electrical Code is being adopted without
modification.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Plumbing Code is being adopted without
modification.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
CODE TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
The City of Saratoga makes the following findings regarding the need for amending the
2019 California Green Building Code:
FINDING 1: CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga experiences low
humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures during the summer months creating
conditions are particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush, and
structure fires.
FINDING 2: TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS: The remoteness and steepness
of hillside areas in the City along with long, narrow roadways significantly impact the
ability of emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires.
The landscape of Saratoga also includes steep slopes susceptible to erosion,
especially during the rainy season. Areas of critically expansive soil and other unstable soil
conditions create a need for soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of surface
waters, particularly on steep slopes.
FINDING 3: GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga's dense
population is in an area of high seismic activity, as indicated by the United States
Geological Survey and the California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent earthquake
activities, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, have indicated that the lack of
adequate design and detailing endangered building occupants and the occupants of nearby
structures. The City's proximity to active earthquake faults also means that building work
must be completed in a timely fashion to minimize the danger to the public health, safety,
and welfare. Since the City is divided by a freeway and highway, a major earthquake
would significantly impact the ability of fire crews to respond to emergencies should one
or more roadways be blocked or damaged due to bridge collapse or debris from falling
structures. Additionally, fire suppression capabilities will be severely limited should the
water system be extensively damaged during the seismic event.
The table below describes the City of Saratoga's amendments to specific provisions of the
2019 California Green Building Standards Code and states which of the findings above and other
conditions make the amendment reasonably necessary.
Amended
A lnn icable
Explanation
Fin i
Sections of
Section of
the 2019
SaratoLya
Green
Building Code
i in
Building'
Ordinance
Standards
Code
4.106.4.1
16-49.020
Require the
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
installation of a
amendments support the City's
second electric
sustainability goals, including the
vehicle charger
Council's Goal to reduce greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. The Silicon
Valley area has a disproportionate
share (19.4 %) of electric vehicles
registered in California, according to
the Joint Venture Silicon Valley
Institute for Regional Studies. The
proposed requirement of an additional
EV Charger outlet provides
infrastructure to service the needs of
electric vehicle owners. This
amendment, aimed at reducing GHG
emissions, addresses the City's
climatic conditions.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE TO BE ADOPTED BY
REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
The City of Saratoga makes the following findings regarding the need for amending the
2019 California Energy Code:
FINDING 1: CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga experiences low
humidity, high winds, and warm temperatures during the summer months creating
conditions are particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush, and
structure fires.
FINDING 2: TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS: The remoteness and
steepness of hillside areas in the City along with long, narrow roadways significantly
impact the ability of emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure
fires.
The landscape of Saratoga also includes steep slopes susceptible to erosion,
especially during the rainy season. Areas of critically expansive soil and other unstable
soil conditions create a need for soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of
surface waters, particularly on steep slopes.
FINDING 3: GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS: The City of Saratoga's dense
population is in an area of high seismic activity, as indicated by the United States
Geological Survey and the California Division of Mines and Geology. Recent
earthquake activities, including the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, have indicated that the
lack of adequate design and detailing endangered building occupants and the occupants
of nearby structures. The City's proximity to active earthquake faults also means that
building work must be completed in a timely fashion to minimize the danger to the
public health, safety, and welfare. Since the City is divided by a freeway and highway, a
major earthquake would significantly impact the ability of fire crews to respond to
emergencies should one or more roadways be blocked or damaged due to bridge collapse
or debris from falling structures. Additionally, fire suppression capabilities will be
severely limited should the water system be extensively damaged during the seismic
event.
The table below describes the City of Saratoga's amendments to specific provisions of
the 2019 California Energy Code and states which of the findings above and other conditions
make the amendment reasonably necessary.
Amended
Annlicable
Explanation
Findings
Sections of
Section of
the 2019
Saratoga
CA
Building Code
Energy
Ordinance
Code
100.0(e)
16-51.015
Amends the
Finding No. 1. The proposed energy
2019 CA
reach code supports the City's
Energy
sustainability goals, including the
Code
Council's goal to reduce greenhouse
regarding
gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed
buildings
energy reach code will reduce GHG
subject to
emissions from energy use in new
this section
buildings, and will accelerate the
City's timeline to achieve its GHG
emission reduction targets, thereby
addressing the City's climatic
conditions.
100.0(c)(2)(F)
16-51.015
Amends the
Finding No. 1. The proposed energy
2019 CA
reach code supports the City's
Energy
sustainability goals, including the
Code
Council's goal to reduce greenhouse
regarding
gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed
buildings
energy reach code will reduce GHG
subject to
emissions from energy use in new
the section.
buildings, and will accelerate the
City's timeline to achieve its GHG
emission reduction targets, thereby
addressing the City's climatic
conditions.
100.1(b)
16-51.015
Amends the
Finding No. 1. The proposed energy
2019 CA
reach code supports the City's
Energy
sustainability goals, including the
Code
Council's goal to reduce greenhouse
regarding
gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed
buildings
energy reach code will reduce GHG
subject to
emissions from energy use in new
the section
buildings, and will accelerate the
City's timeline to achieve its GHG
emission reduction targets, thereby
addressing the City's climatic
conditions.
110.2
16-51.015
Amends the
Finding No. 1. The proposed energy
2019 CA
reach code supports the City's
Energy
sustainability goals, including the
Code
Council's goal to reduce greenhouse
regarding
gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed
buildings
energy reach code will reduce GHG
subject to
emissions from energy use in new
the section
buildings, and will accelerate the
City's timeline to achieve its GHG
emission reduction targets, thereby
addressing the City's climatic
conditions.
110.3(a)
16-51.015
Amends the
Finding No. 1. The proposed energy
2019 CA
reach code supports the City's
Energy
sustainability goals, including the
Code
Council's goal to reduce greenhouse
regarding
gas (GHG) emissions. The proposed
buildings
energy reach code will reduce GHG
subject to
emissions from energy use in new
the section
buildings, and will accelerate the
City's timeline to achieve its GHG
emission reduction targets, thereby
addressing the City's climatic
conditions.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Referenced Standards Code is being
adopted without modification.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Historical Building Code is being
adopted without modification.
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2019 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE TO BE
ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2019 California Existing Building Code is being
adopted without modification.
1186294.2