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damage and possible failure in a major earthquake event. The prepared amendments put back the passive safety measures removed from the CBC. The amendments do not increase the requirements currently being used in Pleasanton. Another issue addressed in the amendments to the CBC deal with building materials. We know, based on prior earthquake events throughout the State of California, that residential and commercial buildings designed by licensed professionals, using structural plywood or steel materials, minimize damage and remain standing while other conventionally designed buildings that rely on gypsum wall board and other nonstructural materials to resist earthquake and high wind forces, have a much higher chance of damage or collapse. Therefore, staff has eliminated from the 2007 version of the CBC, consistent with our current ordinance, any materials that are less appropriate for seismic or wind design here in the City of Pleasanton. This modification does not increase the requirements currently being used in Pleasanton. A third issue is related to code language. As a member of the California Building Officials Committee on disaster relief, staff has worked with FEMA to come up with code language that will aid local jurisdictions in obtaining reimbursement after certain natural disasters. We have added to the new 2007 Code those certain code sections that FEMA has advised California jurisdictions to write into their local ordinances in order to receive FEMA reimbursement. All these 2007 CBC proposed code amendments are an effort to maintain what is now, and for that matter for at least the last ten years, the minimum fire and life safety standards that are currently being employed to construct buildings throughout the City of Pleasanton. Changes to the existing Fire Code are not proposed at this time. Proposed changes include requiring fire sprinklers in most new construction, retrofitting of existing buildings with sprinklers in some cases, and increasing the amount of coverage required by sprinkler systems. Because these changes will have an impact on existing buildings and new construction, staff will develop an outreach program and bring the issue back to the City Council later next year. Submitted by: ~~~ Rob Wilson Director of Public Works Fiscal Review: David P. Cu ver Director of Finance Approv by: Nelson Fialho City Manager Attachments: 1. Ordinance Page 3 of 3