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Home My WebLink About02-03-2020 Public Safety Task Force Agenda PacketSaratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 2 SARATOGA PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2020 6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING City Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Any member of the public may address the Public Safety Task Force for up to three (3) minutes on matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Public Safety Task Force from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Public Safety Task Force schedule the item for discussion at a future meeting. AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the draft minutes from the December 2, 2019 meeting. 2. Public Outreach & Increasing Wildfire Public Awareness (Work Plan Item) Recommended Action: Discuss the Wildfire Task Force’s public outreach goals and objectives with the City of Saratoga Public Information Officer, so that the City can support the Wildfire Public Safety Task Force’s work plan goal to increase public awareness of wildfire. 3. Wildfire Risk Reduction in the City Code (Work Plan Item) Recommended Action: Finalize recommended City Code changes for the Planning Commission and City Council to consider that will help reduce wildfire risk in the City of Saratoga. Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 2 4. Review Work Plan Recommended Action: Review the adopted Task Force work plan. 5. Future Agenda Items Recommended Action: Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next regular Task Force meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2020. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT I, Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Public Safety Task Force was posted and available for review on January 31, 2020 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Signed this 31st day of January 2020 at Saratoga, California. Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Public Safety Task Force by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1294. Notification 24 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-35.104 ADA title II] Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 1 of 3 MINUTES DECEMBER 2, 2019 WILDFIRE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE REGULAR MEETING Chair Chuck Page called the Wildfire Public Safety Task Force Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in the Linda Callon Conference Room at Saratoga City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Chuck Page, Vice Chair Paul Hansen, Members Bill Cooper, May Lu, Michael Zhang ABSENT: Members Arun Venkatachar (excused) ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager Captain Bill Murphy, Santa Clara County Fire ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Daryl Miller spoke about dead brush and trees on Prospect Road near the country club and the Town of Woodside chipping program. AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes Recommended Action: Review and approve the draft minutes from the October 7, 2019 meeting. HANSEN/ZHANG MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 7, 2019 MEETING WITH A CORRECTION TO THE NAME OF THE MEMBER WHO SECONDED APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 MINUTES. MOTION PASSED. AYES: HANSEN, PAGE, COOPER LU, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: VENKATACHAR. Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 2 of 3 2. Wildfire Risk Reduction in the City Code (Work Plan Item) Recommended Action: Review the City Code and develop recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council to consider that will help reduce wildfire risk in the City of Saratoga. Vice Chair Hansen raised concerns that replacement requirements for trees could prevent property owners from removing hazardous trees. Chair Page shared information about the tree fund, that property owners can pay into when replacement trees are not an option. The Task Force discussed landscape materials, the size of protected trees and tree removal permit process for dead trees, replacement requirements after trees are removed and the option to require replacement based on number of trees planted instead of value of tree so that properties don’t become over wooded, a temporary moratorium on tree replacements in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area of the City, allowing removal of trees that are located or have a canopy within 5 feet of a structure in the WUI, and allowing removal of trees to maintain a distance of 12 feet or more from tree canopy tops in the WUI. Daryl Miller and Jim Rosenfeld shared their thoughts on the discussion. The Task Force agreed to ask staff to prepare a draft policy recommendation for consideration at the next Task Force meeting that includes: 1) create a temporary moratorium on tree replacement requirements in the WUI after a tree removal; 2) allow replacement based on number of trees removed instead of tree value in the WUI; 3) allow removal of trees that are located or have a canopy within 5 feet of a structure in the WUI; and 4) allow removal of a tree in the WUI if the canopy of the tree is near the canopy of another tree. 3. Review Work Plan Recommended Action: Receive update on City Council approval of the Task Force Work Plan and review adopted work plan. Chair Page provided an overview of the City Council review of the Task Force Work Plan, including changes requested by the Council. Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 3 of 3 The Task Force discussed chipping programs, funding for fuel reduction programs, fuel reduction incentives that have no cost, the Firewise Communities fire risk assessment, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and reducing wildfire fuel through volunteer projects. Jim Rosenfeld shared his thoughts on the discussion. Chair Page indicated he would speak with the Community Development Director on the Task Force’s proposals and implementation options for policy-based changes. 4. Future Agenda Items Recommended Action: Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next regular Task Force meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2020. The Task Force agreed to include the following items on the February agenda: - Final Recommendation for Wildfire Risk Reduction in the City Code - Communications ADJOURNMENT COOPER/HANSEN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:38 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES: HANSEN, PAGE, COOPER LU, ZHANG. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: VENKATACHAR. Minutes respectfully submitted: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager City of Saratoga CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To: Public Safety Task Force From: Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager Date: February 3, 2020 Subject: Wildfire Risk Reduction in the City Code (Work Plan Item) At the December 2019 meeting, the Task Force started developing recommended City Code changes to reduce wildfire risk. At the December, the Task Force agreed the goals of the recommended City Code changes included reducing the growth of wildfire fuels and reducing obstacles to following defensible space best practices through the following strategies: 1) Allowing removal of trees that are located or have a canopy within 5 feet of a structure in the WUI 2) Allowing removal of a tree in the WUI if the distance between tree canopies represents a fire risk 3) Creating a temporary moratorium on tree replacement requirements in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) after a tree removal to slow growth of wildfire fuels 4) Allowing replacement based on number of trees removed instead of tree value in the WUI Tree Removal Criteria After the December 2019 meeting, the Task Force Chair, Vice Chair, Community Development Director, and City Arborist met to consider options to transition the Task Force’s goals and strategies for reducing wildfire risk in the City Code into an ordinance that could be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council . The outcome was a draft ordinance that would add an 11th criteria for removal of a tree to the City Code Section 15-50.080 that would allow removal of a tree if: 1) The tree is located in the WUI; 2) The tree is within 100 feet of a structure (up to the owner’s property line); 3) The tree cannot be reasonably maintained in a manner consistent with State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) defensible space guidelines or as determined by Santa Clara County Fire; and 4) The property is otherwise in compliance with defensible space standards. This ordinance would address the Task Force’s suggestions to allow removal of trees in the WUI that or located or have a canopy within 5 feet of a structure and allow removal of a tree in the WUI if the distance between tree canopies represents a fire risk. A draft of the ordinance language is attached. Planning Commission review and of an ordinance changing tree removal criteria is required before City Council consideration. Consequently, if the Task Force were to recommend an ordinance that adds an 11th criterial for removal of trees, the ordinance would be presented to the Planning Commission. The Commission is already expected to review the City’s tree regulations to allow removal of blue gum eucalyptus trees without a permit as these trees have been identified as a “problem invasive” tree. Any recommended ordinances from the Task Force would be considered along with the Planning Commission’s review of protected tree species, which is tentatively planned for April 2020. Tree Replacement Additionally, the Task Force’s suggestions related to the replacement of removed trees were relayed to the Community Development Director and Arborist. They shared that when property owners cannot replace removed trees, they are given the optio n to pay into the City’s tree fund which is used for maintenance of trees on public property. As a result of the Task Force’s suggestions, property owners in the WUI will also be given the choice to pay into the City’s tree fund instead of replacing trees. Attachments - Draft Ordinance Language - CAL FIRE Defensible Space Guidelines Draft Ordinance Language (Additions shown in bold, double-underlined text.) 15-50.080 - Determination on permit. (a) Criteria. Each application for a tree removal pruning or encroachment permit shall be reviewed and determined on the basis of the following criteria: (1) The condition of the tree with respect to disease, imminent danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services, and whether the tree is a Dead tree or a Fallen tree. (2) The necessity to remove the tree because of physical damage or threatened damage to improvements or impervious surfaces on the property. (3) The topography of the land and the effect of the tree removal upon erosion, soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly on steep slopes. (4) The number, species, size and location of existing trees in the area and the effect the removal would have upon shade, privacy impact, scenic beauty, property values, erosion control, and the general welfare of residents in the area. (5) The age and number of healthy trees the property is able to support according to good forestry practices. (6) Whether or not there are any alternatives that would allow for retaining or not encroaching on the protected tree. (7) Whether the approval of the request would be contrary to or in conflict with the general purpose and intent of this Article. (8) Any other information relevant to the public health, safety, or general welfare and the purposes of this ordinance as set forth in Section 15-50.010. (9) The necessity to remove the tree for economic or other enjoyment of the property when there is no other feasible alternative to the removal. (10) The necessity to remove the tree for installation and efficient operation of solar panels, subject to the requirements that the tree(s) to be removed, shall not be removed until solar panels have been installed and replacement trees planted in conformance with the City Arborist's recommendation. (11) The necessity to remove a tree because it is located in the Wildland Urban Interface, is within 100 feet of a structure, and creates an increased wildfire risk according to the defensible space standards established by Cal-Fire, or as determined by Santa Clara County Fire, and that risk cannot reasonably be addressed through maintenance. A precondition of this criterion is that a defensible space has been created within 100 feet of structures on the property except for the subject tree(s). ZONE 1 100 FEET 30 FEET 10 FEE T ZONE 2 NEIGHBORING PROPERTY ROAD A I I BJ D C E L F M G N KH O Zone 1 / Within 30 of all structures or to the property line (Refer to illustration below): A. Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet, pursuant to PRC § 4291(a)(4) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(2). B. Remove leaves, needles or other vegetation on roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairways, etc. pursuant to PRC § 4291 (a)(6) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(1). C. Remove all dead and dying trees, branches and shrubs or other plants adjacent to or overhanging buildings, pursuant to PRC § 4291 (a)(5) and 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(2). D. Remove all dead and dying grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches, leaves, weeds and needles, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(1). E. Remove or separate live flammable ground cover and shrubs, pursuant to PRC § 4291(a)(1) and BOF General Guidelines item1. F. Remove flammable vegetation and items that could catch fire which are adjacent to or below combustible decks, balconies, and stairs, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(4). G. Relocate exposed wood piles outside of Zone1 unless completely covered in a fire resistive material, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(a)(3). Zone 2 / Within 30-100 feet of all structures or to the property line (Refer to illustration below): H. Cut annual grasses and forbs to a maximum of 4 inches in height, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(B). I. Remove fuels in accordance with the Fuel Separation or Continuous Tree Canopy guidelines (see back), pursuant to BOF General Guidelines item 4. J. All exposed woodpiles must have a minimum of ten feet (10 feet) clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(C). K. Dead and dying woody surface fuels and aerial fuels shall be removed. Loose surface litter, normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and small branches, shall be permitted to a maximum depth of three inches (3 in.), pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(b)(2)(A). Defensible and Reduced Fuel Zone / Within 100 feet of all structures or to the property line (Refer to illustration below): L. Logs or stumps embedded in the soil must be removed or isolated from other vegetation, pursuant to BOF General Guidelines item 3. Other Requirements: M. Outbuildings and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) storage tanks shall have ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance to bare mineral soil and no flammable vegetation for an additional ten feet (10 ft.) around their exterior, pursuant to 14 CCR § 1299.03(c)(1). N. Address numbers shall be displayed in contrasting colors (4” min. size) and readable from the street or access road, pursuant to 2013 CFC § 505.1. O. Equip chimney or stovepipe openings with a metal screen having openings between 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch, pursuant to 2013 CBC § 2113.9.2. All violations marked must be addressed by the owner/tenant within 30 days of the inspection date. A reinspection of the property will occur after the 30-day compliance timeframe. Owner/Tenant: State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CAL FIRE LE-100 (3/17) COMMENTS: KNOW THE LAW BE FIRE SMART 100 FEET OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE IS REQUIRED UNDER THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE (PRC) 4291. CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE CHAPTER 7A REQUIRES CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR HOMES IN WILDLAND AREAS. BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE YOUR HOME IS COMPLIANT WITH THE LAW. READYFORWILDFIRE.ORG/THELAW Date: NOTICE OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE INSPECTION A fire department representative has inspected your property for fire hazards. You are hereby notified to correct the violation(s) indicated below. Failure to correct these violations may result in a citation and fine. Inspection Address: Inspector Name: Contact Number:No Violations ObservedInspection No.1 2 3 CHECKED BOXES INDICATE VIOLATIONSIMPORTANT MODERATE TO STEEP SLOPE (GREATER THAN 40%) VERTICAL SPACING Eliminate opportunities for a vertical “fire ladder” by: • Remove branches beneath large trees for a 6 foot minimum clearance. • Create proper vertical spacing between shrubs and the lowest branches of trees by using the formula shown. X 3X 6 FOOT MINIMUM CLEARANCE 3X HEIGHT OF SHRUB = MINIMUM VERTICAL CLEARANCE X 2X 4X 6X FLAT TO MILD SLOPE (LESS THAN 20%) MILD TO MODERATE SLOPE (20%–40%) SHRUBS TREES 20 FEET 30 FEET DOWNLOAD THE READY FOR WILDFIRE APP HORIZONTAL SPACING The spacing between grass, shrubs, and trees is crucial to reduce the spread of wildfire. The spacing needed is determined by the type and size of the shrubs and trees, as well as the slope of the land. For example, a property on a steep slope with larger plant life will require greater spacing between trees and shrubs than a level property that has small, sparse vegetation. Fire-safe landscaping Fire-safe landscaping isn’t necessarily the same thing as a well-maintained yard. Fire-safe landscaping uses fire-resistant plants that are strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to your home. It’s never been more important to keep on top of preparing your family, home and property for a wildfire. Fires are on the rise, and are burning hotter, faster and more unpredictably than ever before. Download the app to: • Get custom wildfire alerts • Track your progress • Get detailed action steps WILDFIRE IS COMING.ARE YOU READY? HARDENING YOUR HOME Flying embers can destroy homes up to a mile ahead of a wildfire. Prepare (harden) your home now before a fire starts. Priority list for building or remodeling with ingition-resistant* materials: • Roof (Above all else your roofing is the most important hardening feature) • Eaves and Soffits • Walls • Decks • Patio Cover • Fencing Other priority activities: • Vents: Cover and protect all openings. • Windows: Protect against blow-outs and install dual- paned windows. • Rain Gutters: Screen or enclose. • Chimney: Cover outlets with non-combustable screens. • Garage: Have an accessable fire extinguisher. • Driveways: Ensure acess to your home complies with local fire codes. • Water Supply: Get multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach all areas of your home. *Visit ReadyforWildfire.org/ hardening-your-home for detailed information on ingition-resistant building materials and all home hardening activities. 10 FEET