ORD 1778 - Laserfiche WebLink

In addition, local residential development is occurring in previously undeveloped areas adjacent to wild fire hazard areas. These new developments increase the chance of fire while simultaneously being located further from fire stations, delaying critical response times. 2. Local geographical conditions include a risk of earthquake. A number of earthquake faults are located either within or in close proximity to the City. Those with the most direct and potentially destructive impact are the San Andreas, Calaveras, Hayward, Greenville and Concord-Green Valley Faults. History of earthquake activity indicates that there is a likelihood of a major earthquake in the area. In the event of an earthquake, damage to structures can be expected. In residential and commercial areas, this could include significant damage or collapse of buildings. Secondary impacts could include ruptured electric or gas connections and/or breaks in water distribution lines. The potential for a major seismic event would create a City-wide demand for emergency response and fire protection service which would exceed staff response capacity. 3. Local topographical conditions include hills on the western boarder and flat area on the eastern boarder. Interstate 680 divides the City into two sections, and circulation between areas of the City rely on freeway overpasses. In addition, local traffic must also pass over railroad tracks, creeks, and bridges (to cross arroyos). During peak a.m. and p.m. traffic periods, the City experiences heavy traffic congestion at key intersections, and near many freeway on-ramp and off-ramps. In the event of an accident or emergency at one of these key intersections, bridges, or other circulation corridors, sections of the City could become isolated and response times increased beyond ideal levels. 4. Based on the local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions outlined above, there is a real risk that emergency response could be significantly delayed in the event of an accident or emergency. Therefore, it is necessary to address this problem through the requirement of additional mitigation measures to: (i) prevent the chance of accident or injury by requiring standards more stringent than required by the current codes; and (ii) requiring additional built-in automatic fire protection systems which will provide for early detection and initial fire control.