REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
December 17, 2019
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title v
Introduction of Ordinance Related to the Adoption and Amendment of the 2019 California Fire Code
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS ITEM MAY BE CONTINUED TO TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020:
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD):
1. Find that the proposed ordinance is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15061(b)(3)) and direct the Secretary of the Board of Directors to file and post the Notice of Exemption.
2. Conduct a public hearing on proposed ordinance relating to adoption and amendment of the 2019 California Fire Code.
3. Make alterations, if necessary, to proposed ordinance.
4. Approve introduction of proposed ordinance.
5. Read title only of proposed ordinance; waive reading of entire text and SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL ADOPTION ON JANUARY 7, 2020 on the Discussion Calendar.
(Presenter: Michael A. Horton, Fire Marshal, 386-8410)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as there is no cost impact associated with implementing this proposed ordinance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 13869 and Government Code section 50022 et seq., the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) may adopt by reference the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code and amend as necessary based on certain findings.
Adopting the proposed ordinance would incorporate, by reference, all of the provisions of the 2019 California Fire Code, and would provide specific amendments that are based upon the unique character and various climate, geography and topography that exist within San Bernardino County. Implementation of the new ordinance would improve SBCFPD's ability to regulate new and existing occupancies and their activities. On February 14, 2017 (Item No. 91), the Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. FPD 17-01 which incorporated by reference with amendments, the 2016 Edition of the California Fire Code and the 2016 Edition of the California Residential Code. The proposed ordinance would repeal Ordinance No. FPD 17-01.
Existing local amendments were reviewed to determine applicability and were carried over from previous adoption of the 2016 California Fire Code when appropriate. Some of the significant changes/amendments to the 2019 California Fire Code in the proposed ordinance include, but are not limited to, the following: adding language from the 2018 International Fire Code regarding permits for various uses; requirements for fire access and water supply, fire sprinkler systems, and general fire safety regulations.
It is also important to note that unlike Ordinance No. FPD 17-01, the proposed ordinance only adopts by reference and amends the California Fire Code and does not adopt by reference the California Residential Code due to the fact that the various cities and the County of San Bernardino that are within the boundaries of SBCFPD typically adopt by reference the California Residential Code.
The ordinance was reviewed pursuant to CEQA and found to be categorically exempt from further environmental review in accordance with Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15061(b)(3). The ordinance results in administrative changes that will have no potential for causing significant effect on the environment. When the Board of Directors considers the environmental findings, the filing of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Scott Runyan, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 20, 2019; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on November 27, 2019; and County Finance and Administration (Katrina Turturro, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on December 2, 2019.