ORD 1903 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ord/nance 1903 Page 2 Local geographical conditions include a risk of earthquakes. 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 raptured 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. 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. 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 prevent the chance of accident or injury by requiring standards more stringent than required by the current code. WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City, before making any modifications or changes pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958 and Section 17958.5, shall make an express finding that such modification of change is needed; and WHEREAS, such findings must be made available as a public record and a copy thereof with each such modification or change shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission; and WHEREAS, on September 23, 2003, the City Council hereby made factual fundings set forth in Title 20 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code relating to the amendments made to the tmiform code; and