HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 22-045, Making Findings Regarding modifications to Bldg CodeRESOLUTION NO. 22-045
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 2022 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
Resolution 22-045
Page 2
BE TT 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 7th day of December 2022 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS BERNALD, KUMAR, ZHAO, VICE MAYOR
FITZSIMMONS, MAYOR WALIA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Tina Walia, Mayor
ATTEST:
Britt Avrit, MMC, City Clerk
Resolution 22-045
Page 3
ATTACHMENT 1
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 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
2022 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
2022 California Residential Code and states which of the findings above and other
conditions make the amendment reasonably necessary.
Resolution 22-045
Page 4
Amended
Applicable
Explanation
Findings
Sections of
Section of
the 2022 CA
Saratoga
Residential
Building Code
Code
Ordinance
R313.1
16-18.025
Amends the 2022 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 2022 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.
R328.7
16-18.027
Amends the 2022 Ca
Findings Nos. 1 and 2. In order to
residential code for
minimize the risks to persons and
Energy storage
property due to potential response
systems
delays and compromised fire
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.
R337.7.10
16-18.030
Amends the 2022 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
Resolution 22-045
Page 5
R337.10.3,
16-18.030
Deletes Section
This section is unnecessary, as the
R337.10.3.1,
R337.10.3.1,
requirements are already specified in
R337.10.3.2,
R337.10.3.2,
California Building Code section
R337.10.3.3
R337.10.3.3of the
710.A.3.
Residential Code
regarding accessory
structures
Resolution 22-045
Page 6
R403.1.3
16-18.035
Amends the 2022
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 2022 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, D1,
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
2022 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.
Resolution 22-045
Page 7
R902.1.3
16-18.045
Amends the 2022 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.
Resolution 22-045
Page 8
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 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
2022 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
2022 California Building Code and states which of the findings above and other conditions make
the amendment reasonably necessary.
Resolution 22-045
Page 9
Amended
Applicable
Explanation
Findings
Sections of
Section of
the 2022 CA
Saratoga
Building
Building Code
Code
Ordinance
107.5
16-15.025
Amends the 2022 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.
Resolution 22-045
Page 10
105.5
16-15.030
Amends the 2022
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
2022 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
provisions for permit,
2022CA Building Code. These fees
investigation, plan
will 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 2022 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 2022
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.10
16-15.050
Amends the 2022 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.
Resolution 22-045
Page 11
710A3.
16-15.055
710A.3 is amended as
Finding No. 1. The increased risk o
follows, all accessory
fire in the City of Saratoga makes it
structures located in the
necessary to amend this section to
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
significantly impact the ability of
emergency responders to extinguish
or control wildland or structure fires
903.2
16-15.060
Amends the 2022 CA
Finding No. 1. Amendment to be
Building Code regarding
consistent with
fire sprinklers to include
Fire District amendments
City definitions of new
buildings.
903.2.11.7
16-15.060
Amends the 2022 CA
Finding No.3 Amendment to be
Building Code regarding
consistent with
fire sprinklers for chemical
Fire District amendments
fume hood protection
907.8
16-15.060
Amends the 2022 CA
Finding No.3 Amendment to be
Building Code regarding
consistent with
inspection, testing and
Fire District amendments
maintenance of fire alarm
and fire detection systems
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 2022 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).
Resolution 22-045
Page 12
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS
TO PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 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 2022 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
Applicable
EXPLANATION
FINDINGS
Sections of
Section of
the 2022 CA
Saratoga
Fire Code
Building
Code
Ordinance
107.2.1
16-20.050
Construction permit fees
Admin
107.2.2
16-20.050
Operational permit fees
Admin
Resolution 22-045
Page 13
108.5
16-20.050
Final inspection
Admin
112.4
16-20.050
Violation penalties
Admin
112.5
16-20.050
Abatement of Hazard
Admin
202
16-20.060
Definitions
Admin
503.1.1
16-20.090
Buildings and facilities
Admin
503.2.1
16-20.090
Dimensions
Admin
503.2.4
16-20.090
Turning radius
Admin
503.2.7
16-20.090
Grade
Admin
503.5
16-20.090
Required gates or barricades
Admin5001.2.2.2
503.6
16-20.090
Security gates
504.5
16-20.090
Access control devices
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
505.1
16-20.090
Address identification
510.1
16-20.090
Emergency responder radio
coverage in new buildings
Admin
510.1.1
16-20.090
Obstruction by new buildings
Admin
510.3
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
510.5.2
16-20.090
Approval prior to installation
Admin
510.5.4
16-20.090
Acceptance test procedure
Admin
603.11
16-20.100
Immersion heaters
Admin
605.5
16-20.090
Portable unvented heaters
Admin
605.5.2.1.1
16-20.090
Prohibited locations
Admin
703.3
16-20.105
Fire resistant joints
Admin
806.1.1
16-20.110
Restricted occupancies
Admin
901.6.2
16-20.120
Integrated testing
Admin
901.6.2.1
16-20.120
High-rise buildings
Admin
901.6.2.2
16-20.120
Smoke control systems
Admin
901.6.3
16-20.120
Records
Admin
903.2
16-20.120
Where required
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
903.2.11.7
16-20.120
Chemical fume hood fire protection
Finding No 3
907.8
16-20.120
Inspection, testing and maintenance
Admin
909.20.1
16-20.120
Schedule
Admin
1202.1
16-20.125
Definitions
Admin
1207.1.5
16-20.125
Large -scale fire test
Admin
1207.2.2.1
16-20.125
Ongoing inspection and testing
Admin
Resolution 22-045
Page 14
1207.5.2
16-20.125
Maximum allowable quantities
Admin
1207.5.5
16-20.125
Fire suppression systems
Admin
1207.11.3
16-20.125
Location
Admin
Chapter 11
16-20.130
Construction Requirements for
Existing Buildings
Admin
3305.5
16-20.140
Fire watch
Admin
3305.10
16-20.140
Fire walls
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
3311.1.1
16-20.140
Fire Department access roadways
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
3312.1
16-20.140
Stairways required
Admin
3312.4
16-20.140
Required means of egress
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
3315.1
16-20.140
Completion before occupancy
Admin
4901.3
16-20.150
Where applicable
Admin
4901.4
16-20.150
Exemptions
Admin
4902
16-20.150
Definitions
Admin
4906.1.1
16-20.150
Hazardous vegetation
Admin
4906.1.2
16-20.150
Maintenance required
Admin
4906.1.3
16-20.150
Additional measures
Admin
4906.1.4
16-20.150
Exemption
Admin
4907.3
16-20.150
Requirements
Admin
4913..1
116-20.150
Fireworks in WUI
Findings 1 & 2
5001.2.2.2
16-20.160
Health Hazards
Admin
5002.1
16-20.160
Definitions
Admin
5003.1.3.1
16-20.160
Toxic, highly toxic, moderately
toxic gases
Finding No 3
5003.1.5
16-20.160
Health hazards- other
Finding No 3
5003.1.6
16-20.160
Additional spill control and
secondary containment requirements
Finding No 3
5003.2.2.1
16-20.160
Design and construction
Finding No 3
5003.2.2.2
16-20.160
Additional regulation for supply
_piping for heat hazard materials
Finding No 3
5003.5.2
16-20.160
Ventilation ducting
Finding No 3
5003.5.3
16-20.160
"H" occupancies
Finding No 3
5003.10.4
16-20.160
Elevators utilized to transport
hazardous material
Admin
5004.2.1
16-20.160
Spill control for hazardous material
liquids
Admin
5004.2.2.2
16-20.160
Incompatible materials
Admin
5402.1
16-20.165
Definition
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
Resolution 22-045
Page 15
5704.2.9.6.1
16-20.180
Locations where above -ground tanks
are prohibited
Admin
5706.2.4.4
16-20.180
Locations where above -ground tanks
are rohibited
Admin
5707.3.3
16-20.180
Site plan
Admin
5806.2
16-20.190
Limitations on cryogenic fluids
Admin
5809.3.4
16-20.190
Site plan
Admin
6001.1
16-20.195
Scope
Admin
6004.1
16-20.195
General
Admin
6004.1.1
16-20. 195
Special limitations for indoor
storage and use occupancy
Admin
6004.1.1.1
16-20. 195
Group A, E, I or U occupancies
Admin
6004.1.1.2
16-20. 195
Group R occupancies
Admin
6004.1.1.3
16-20. 195
Offices, retail sales and classrooms
Admin
6004.2
16-20. 195
Indoor storage and use
Admin
6004.2.1
16-20.195
Applicability
Admin
6004.2.1.4
16-20.195
Quantities
Admin
6004.4
16-20. 195
General indoor requirements
Admin
6004.4.1
16-20. 195
Cylinder and tank location
Admin
6004.4.2
16-20. 195
Ventilated areas
Admin
6004.4.3
16-20. 195
Piping and controls
Admin
6004.4.4
16-20. 195
Gas rooms
Admin
6004.4.5
16-20. 195
Treatment rooms
Admin
6004.4.5.1
16-20.195
Design
Admin
6004.4.5.2
16-20.195
Performance
Admin
6004.4.5.3
16-20.195
Sizing
Admin
6004.4.5.4
16-20. 195
Stationary tasks
Admin
6004.4.5.5
16-20. 195
Portable tanks and cylinders
Admin
6004.4.6
16-20.195
Emergency power
Admin
6004.4.6.1
16-20. 195
Fail-safe systems
Admin
6004.4.7
16-20.195
Automatic fire detection systems
Admin
6004.4.8
16-20. 195
Gas detection system
Admin
6004.4.8.1
16-20.195
Alarms
Admin
6004.4.8.2
16-20. 195
Shut off gas supply
Admin
6104.2
16-20.200
Maximum capacity within
established limits
Admin
6405.3.1
16-20.210
SSi avne distribution systems auto shut
n
Admin
Chapter 80
16-20.220
Reference standards NFPA
Admin
Appendix B
16-20.220
B 105.2
16-20. 220
Buildings other than one- and two-
fam ly dwellings
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
Resolution 22-045
Page 16
C 102.1
16-20. 220
Minimum number of fire hydrants
for a building
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
Appendix D
16-20. 220
D 103.1
16-20. 220
Delete D 103.1
D 103.2
16-20. 220
Grade
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
D103.3
16-20.220
Turning radius
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
D103.4
16-20. 220
Dead ends
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
D 103.6
16-20. 220
Signs
Finding Nos. 2 & 3
Resolution 22-045
Page 17
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Mechanical Code is being adopted
without modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 18
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Electrical Code is being adopted without
modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 19
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE
OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Plumbing Code is being adopted without
modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 20
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO PROVISIONS IN
THE 2022 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
Applicable
Explanation
Findings
Sections of the
Section of
2022CA Green
Saratoga
Building
Building
Standards
Code
Code
Ordinance
Chapter 2
16-49.020
Provide definitions
Administration
Section 202
Resolution 22-045
Page 21
Chapter 4
16-49.020
Require the
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
Section 4.106.4.1
installation of a
amendments support the City's
Level 2 Electric
sustainability goals, including the
Vehicle Charger
Council's Goal to reduce
and a second
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
minimum Level 1
The Silicon Valley area has a
Electric Vehicle
disproportionate share (19.4 %) of
charger
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.
Chapter 4
16-49.030
Require new
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
Section 4.106.5
construction
amendments support the City's
residential
sustainability goals, including the
buildings to mostly
Council's Goal to reduce
electric, all electric
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
appliances except
This amendment, aimed at reducing
for cooking
GHG emissions, addresses the
appliances
City's climatic conditions.
16-49.050
Require new
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
Chapter 4
construction one-
amendments support the City's
Section 4.303.5
and two-family
sustainability goals, including the
dwellings to be
Council's Goal to reduce
equipped with a
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
demand hot water
This amendment, aimed at reducing
circulation system
GHG emissions, addresses the
City's climatic conditions.
Chapter 4
16-49.060
Require new
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
Section 4.305.1
construction one-
amendments support the City's
and two-family
sustainability goals, including the
dwellings to install
Council's Goal to reduce
piping to permit
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
future use of a
This amendment, aimed at reducing
graywater system
GHG emissions, addresses the
City's climatic conditions.
Chapter 5
16-49.040
Require new
Finding No. 1. The proposed local
Section 5.106.13
construction non-
amendments support the City's
residential
sustainability goals, including the
buildings to mostly
Council's Goal to reduce
electric, all electric
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
appliances except
This amendment, aimed at reducing
for cooking
GHG emissions, addresses the
appliances
City's climatic conditions.
Resolution 22-045
Page 22
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE TO BE ADOPTED BY
REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Referenced Standards Code is being
adopted without modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 23
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE TO
BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Referenced Standards Code is being
adopted without modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 24
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
TO BE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Historical Building Code is being adopted
without modification.
Resolution 22-045
Page 25
FINDINGS REGARDING THE NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO
PROVISIONS IN THE 2022 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE TO BE
ADOPTED BY REFERENCE IN THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA
No findings are necessary because the 2022 California Existing Building Code is being adopted
without modification.
1181990.2