(5)AR 030309 Reconstruction of Buildings

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 3, 2009 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: David Zamora, Community Development Director ITEM #5 SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Making Findings of Local Climatic, Geological or Topographical Conditions for Amendments to the 2007 California Building Code Relating to the Reconstruction of Buildings DATE: February 23, 2009 BACKGROUND: The City Council is considering an Ordinance that would adopt additional reasonable regulations for the repair and reconstruction of buildings to be applied uniformly throughout all occupancies in the City. Adoption of these regulations will improve the City's eligibility to receive FEMA funds for the repair and reconstruction of buildings and structures damaged in a future declared disaster. These regulations will amend the California Building Code, as adopted by the City. Health and Safety Code sections 17958 et seq. authorize the City to amend or modify the California Building Code when reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. However, before making any such modifications or changes, the City Council must make an express finding that such amendments are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions (Health & Saf. Code § 17958.7.) This Resolution and the Ordinance must be filed with the California Building Commission at least fifteen (15) days before modifications are made. (Ibid.) DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: The attached Resolution makes the following findings regarding the City's local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions that make necessary modifications, as contained in the Ordinance adopting regulations for the repair and reconstruction of buildings: 1. Within the City of Colton, there are at least two (2) earthquake fault lines (San Jacinto and Rialto -Colton). Two (2) additional fault lines (San Andreas and Sierra Madre) are located immediately adjacent to the City of Colton. In the event of an earthquake, these faults present the potential for catastrophic damage throughout the City, including damage to buildings and structures. Planned Development continues to occur in the City of Colton, and because of the existing faults lines, structural or building renovation or repair is necessary to prevent or cope with an earthquake disaster. 2. The areas of the City of Colton is subject to extremely strong wind conditions, commonly referred to as the "Santa Ana" winds, which can reach up to and exceed 80 miles per hour and damage structures or buildings.