§ 8.32.010. Findings.

The Board of Supervisors finds the following:

A.

Every three years the State of California adopts a new California Fire Code, as part of the California Building Standards Code, which becomes effective as to Riverside County 180 days after publication by the California Building Standards Commission.

B.

The International Fire Code has been published and adopted, as amended, by the California Building Standards Commission into the California Code of Regulations as Title 24, Part 9, titled the California Fire Code.

C.

Riverside County may establish more restrictive standards reasonably necessary to provide fire protection for life and property because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.

D.

Riverside County has an arid climate with annual rainfall varying from three inches in Blythe to over thirty-three (33) inches in Pine Cove. The County also experiences annual hot, dry Santa Ana Winds, which contribute to fires spreading quickly throughout the County.

E.

A variety of regions exist within Riverside County including deserts, mountains, brush covered wild lands, the Salton Sea and agricultural lands. Additionally, elevations within Riverside County range from three hundred (300) feet below sea level to mountains over ten thousand (10,000) feet. This variety in regions contributes to an increased emergency response time, which necessitates cooperation between local agencies.

F.

Riverside County contains a large number of sensitive habitats for various species and vegetation, consists of large open space areas between major urban centers and includes landscapes varying from mountains and hills to valleys and deserts. These conditions impact building and structure location, which impedes emergency access and response.

G.

Riverside County extends from Orange County to the State of Arizona and is mixed with congested urban areas, rural lands and wild lands, which increase Riverside County Fire Department response times to emergencies.

H.

Two major earthquake faults, the San Andreas Fault and the San Jacinto Fault, bisect Riverside County and numerous minor faults exist throughout it. As a result, a substantial amount of property and persons located in Riverside County are likely to be impacted by earthquakes and will require emergency response and rescue.

I.

The topography within Riverside County extends from flat to twenty-five (25) percent slope for habitable land, which causes buildings and structures to be located in unique areas that impact emergency response and access.

J.

In addition to earthquakes, a substantial amount of property and persons located in Riverside County are likely to be impacted by landslides, wind erosion, blown sand, flooding and wildfires because of the County's unique climatic, geological and topographical conditions.

K.

The additional requirements included herein are necessary to properly protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and workers of Riverside County.

L.

Revenue shortages make it difficult to locate additional fire stations and provide staffing sufficient to control fires in single and multi-story retail, commercial and industrial buildings, making enhanced built in protection necessary.

M.

The sections of the California Fire Code may be referred to by the same number used in said published compilation preceded by the words "Riverside County Fire Code Section" or "Fire Code Section."

(Ord. No. 787.8, § 1, 11-15-2016)