§ 15.04.250. Findings.

The city council finds that the regulations enacted by this chapter and the modifications to the California Construction Code Standards are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, topographical, or geographical conditions present within the city of Lincoln. Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, Section 18941.5, the city of Lincoln has made certain modifications based on these climatic, topographical and geographical conditions as follows:

Average yearly rainfall for the city is approximately 16—22 inches. This rainfall normally occurs from October to April. During the summer months, there is generally no measurable precipitation. Temperatures for this dry period average from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and are frequently accompanied by light to gusty northerly winds. The city is surrounded by several hundred acres of grassland, which in conjunction with the dry and sometimes windy climate creates a hazardous fire situation that has led to extensive grass and brush fires in recent years. Over the past decade, the city has grown in population and continues development extending from the urban core into these grassland areas and at some locations, oak tree covered areas. In these areas of the city, wind-driven fires could lead to severe consequences, as has been the case on several occasions in similar areas of the state.

Uniquely for a city of its size, the city is bisected by several topographical features, including two ravines (Auburn Ravine and Markham Ravine), one railroad line (Union Pacific), and State Highway 65 and State Highway 193. As a result, the city is divided into four different areas, including the East-side (east of the railroad), West-side (west of the railroad), Lincoln Hills (south of Auburn Ravine), and Twelve Bridges (south of Twelve Bridges Drive). Traffic between these areas is channeled into several thoroughfares which must cross the creeks, railroad tracks, and state highways by means of bridges or at grade crossings (which are sometimes blocked by trains with only one overpass). Heavy traffic congestion on the city's major streets already acts as a barrier to timely response for fire equipment and emergency services. In the event of an accident or other emergency at one of the main points of intersection between the road, creek, or railroad sections, portions of the city could become isolated or emergency response times could be sufficiently slowed so as to increase the risk of substantial injury or damage.

These local climatic, topographical and geographical conditions could potentially create serious concerns regarding the potential for an explosive fire situation and the inability of the city to provide a rapid emergency services response to various areas of the city. Additionally, there are areas of the city that have larger homes located within their confines and private gated areas where homes are further apart. As a result, it is necessary to mitigate these issues by amending the California Residential, Building and Fire Codes as provided for in California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958 et seq., requiring installation of horn/strobe devices for townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings during activation of the code-required dwelling sprinkler system.

Failure to enact this chapter with the amendments outlined could place the residents of the city of Lincoln in a condition which would be perilous to their health and safety and therefore, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65961(a)(1), the requirements for horn/strobe devices during activation of the code-required dwelling sprinkler system as required by this chapter shall be imposed as a condition to the issuance of a building permit for townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings pursuant to the requirements of the California Building and Residential Codes of the California Building Standards.

(Ord. No. 926B , § 6, 11-15-2016)