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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Adopt Ordinance No. 4268 amending Chapter 17.56 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, adopting California Fire Code - Approved for Introduction October 18, 2022 - Vote 6-0-1, Peterson absent
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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.
The first reading of Ordinance No. 4268 was approved by the City Council (6-0-1 with Councilmember Peterson absent) on October 18, 2022.
Financial Impact:
The adoption of the proposed Codes will not have any fiscal impact.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt 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.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not adopt Ordinance No. 4268, and direct staff accordingly. However, the 2022 California Fire Codes will automatically go into effect on January 1, 2023 per State law.
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 due to 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
3. Notice of Public Hearing