REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance Amending Chapter 16.52 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code to Adopt by Reference the 2019 Intervening California Fire Code.
Report
BACKGROUND
The International Fire Code (IFC) is a model fire code that regulates minimum fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, storage and processes. The IFC is in use or adopted in 42 states and is published every three years by the International Code Council. In California, the California Building Standards Commission adopts the IFC with new statewide amendments every three years. This adopted code is known as the California Fire Code (CFC) and is found in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. Title 24 is commonly referred to as the California Building Standards Code. Sunnyvale adopted the regular cycle 2019 California Fire Code on November 5, 2019, (RTC 19-1184) with local amendments, effective January 1, 2020.
In addition to the regular three-year code cycle, the State of California also adopted the 2019 Intervening California Fire Code, effective on July 1, 2021. All local jurisdictions are required to adopt this code with appropriate amendments by July 1, 2021 or accept by default the version adopted by the State.
If adopted, the 2019 Intervening Fire Code will allow residents, businesses, and contractors to utilize streamlined or clarified code requirements related to a variety of fire safety building features and operational requirements. The highlights include Energy Storage Systems (or "ESS"), elevator operations involving hazardous materials transportation, and building exit route design.
EXISTING POLICY
Sunnyvale General Plan - Safety and Noise Sub-Element
Goal SN-1, Acceptable Levels of Risk for Natural and Human-caused Hazards
Ensure that natural and human-caused hazards are recognized and considered in decisions affecting the community and that land uses reflect acceptable levels of risk based on identified haz...
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