REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager
VIA: Scott M. Haberle, Fire Chief
PREPARED BY: Janice Van Mullem, Fire Marshal
Subject:
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Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4268 amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 17.56 adopting California Fire Code and schedule a Public Hearing for November 15, 2022
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Statement of Issue:
The State’s Health and Safety Code requires local governments to adopt the most recent editions of the model codes related to construction. The construction codes includes the Fire Code.
City Council approval is requested to approve and adopt Ordinance No. 4268 (Attachment 1) to set forth findings with respect to local climatic and geographic conditions with the City of Huntington Beach and allow certain modifications and changes to the California fire codes. If approved, these editions will become effective January 1, 2023 as required by State law.
Financial Impact:
The adoption of the proposed Codes will not have any fiscal impact on the City’s budget.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4268, “An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 17.56 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Adopting the California Fire Code and Repealing Ordinance No. 4189”; and,
B) Direct that a Public Hearing be set for the adoption of Ordinance No. 4268 at the City Council’s November 15, 2022 meeting. This procedure is in accordance with California Government Code Title 5, Division 1, Part 1, as described in the Guide for Local Amendments of Building Standards 2022.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not adopt Ordinance No. 4268 of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach. The 2022 CA Codes will automatically be in effect on January 1, 2023 without City amendments.
Analysis:
The State’s Health and Safety Code (Section 13869.7) permits the City to make changes or modifications to California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations regarding fire and panic safety requirements. Such changes or modifications must be reasonably necessary because of climatic, geographic or topographical conditions.
The California Building Standards Commission adopts and publishes the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) every three years. The 2022 Edition of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, which incorporates the international model codes, becomes effective on January 1, 2023. The 2022 California Fire Code is based upon the 2021 International Fire Code.
If approved, Ordinance No. 4268 will amend Chapter 17.56 of Huntington Beach Municipal Code by repealing references to the prior editions of the model codes.
Adopting the 2022 California Fire Code would coincide with the adoption of the 2022 California Building and Residential Code by the Department of Community Development, scheduled to also take effect January 1, 2023.
Environmental Status:
None
Strategic Plan Goal:
Financial Sustainability, Public Safety or Other
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance No. 4268
2. PowerPoint Presentation on Fire Code Adoption 2022