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Attachment 1 Exhibit A <br /> KEY TO JUSTIFICATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF <br /> REGULATIONS: <br /> C. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local climatic condition. Local climatic <br /> conditions include a low amount of average yearly rainfall,which tend to be concentrated <br /> from October through April. From May through September, a dry period occurs where daily <br /> temperatures remain high,and there is little measurable precipitation. In addition,the local <br /> climate frequently includes high winds which sweep down through the valley.These <br /> seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer and fall period create severe fire hazards <br /> to the public health and welfare in the City. The California Division of Forestry& Fire <br /> Protection has classified areas within and adjacent to the City as Very High Fire Severity <br /> Zones. The aforementioned conditions combined with the geological characteristics of the <br /> hills within the City create hazardous conditions for which departure from the California <br /> Building Standards is required. <br /> G. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local geologic condition. The City is subject to <br /> earthquake hazards caused a number of earthquake faults that are located either within or in <br /> close proximity to the City. Those with the most direct and potentially destructive impact are <br /> the San Andreas, Calaveras,Hayward, Greenville and Concord-Green Valley Faults. The <br /> U.S. Geological Survey(USGS)has identified a 72%probability of at least one earthquake <br /> of magnitude 6.7 or greater occurring in the region before 2043. Recent earthquake damage <br /> studies,including the 1994 Northridge earthquake, have indicated the lack of adequate <br /> design and detailing as a contributing factor to.damages that reduced the protection of the <br /> life-safety of building occupants. Because the City is within a seismic area which includes <br /> earthquake faults within and through the jurisdictional limits of the City,the modifications <br /> and changes cited herein are designed to better limit property damage as a result of seismic <br /> activity and to establish criteria for repair of damaged property following a local emergency. <br /> T. This amendment is justified on the basis of a local topographic condition. Local <br /> topographical conditions include hills on the western border and flat area on the eastern <br /> border. The narrow and winding access along with steeply sloped streets in the hills makes <br /> timely response by fire suppression vehicles difficult. Interstate 680 divides the City into two <br /> sections, and circulation between areas of the City rely on both freeway overpasses and <br /> underpasses. In addition, local traffic must also pass over railroad tracks,creeks,and bridges <br /> (to cross arroyos). Water lines which come from tanks on the hills of the City must also <br /> cross the interstate to feed the automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in buildings <br /> throughout the City. During peak a.m.and p.m.traffic periods,the City experiences heavy <br /> traffic congestion at key intersections,and near many freeway on-ramp and off-ramps. In the <br /> event of an accident or emergency at one of these key intersections,bridges,or other <br /> circulation corridors, sections of the City could become isolated and response times increased <br /> beyond ideal levels. Combined with both the climatic and geologic hazards,these <br /> topographical conditions require modifications from the State Building Standards to mitigate <br /> these conditions. <br /> Page 7 of 60 <br />