HomeMy WebLinkAbout2409ORDINANCE NO. 2409
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO FIRE REGULATIONS; AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE
2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY,
INCLUDING APPENDICES, CHAPTER 4, B, C, D, K, AND P BASED ON THE
2024 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE PUBLISHED BY THE
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, AND THE 2025 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY,
INCLUDING APPENDIX A, BASED ON THE 2024 EDITION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE PUBLISHED BY
THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL; TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN
ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND CHANGES THERETO
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 etseq. the City may
adopt by reference the California Building Standards Code, 2025 Edition as provided
in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, which includes the California Fire
Code; and
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission ("Commission")
recently adopted the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7,
and 18941.5 authorize cities to adopt the California Building Standards Code with
modifications determined to be reasonably necessary because of local climatic,
geological or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arcadia desires to adopt the 2025 Edition of the California
Fire Code in its entirety, including Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, D, K, and
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P based on the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code published by the
International Code Council; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arcadia desires to adopt the 2025 Edition of the
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code in its entirety, including Appendix A based
on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by
the International Code Council; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arcadia desires to adopt both Codes together with the
necessary amendments to assure that the Codes are tailored to the particular safety
needs of the City as required by its unique climatic, geological and topographical
conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted first reading of this Ordinance on
October 21, 2025; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the
Arcadia Weekly on October 27, 2025 and October 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on November 18, 2025, as
required by law, at which time the Council determined that the adoption of the Codes
and amendments thereto are in the best interest of the City and are based on the
findings required by law; and
WHEREAS, at least one copy of each of the Codes adopted by reference by this
ordinancewere available for public inspection atthe office of the City Clerk fifteen (15)
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days preceding the public hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.6.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA,
DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the amendments and additions to the
California Fire Code herein are supported by Findings of Fact which are attached
hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein as part of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Section 3121 of Division 1, Part2, Chapter 1,Article III oftheArcadia
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"3121. CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTION.
Subject to the exception of the deletions or additions hereinafter set forth, and
further subject to the amendments hereinafter specified, there is adopted by
reference for the City of Arcadia the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, including
Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, D, K, and P based on the 2024 Edition of
the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, and the
foregoing shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Arcadia.
One (1) copy of said code is on file in the office of the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public."
SECTION 3. Division 4, Part 2, Chapter 1 of Article III of the Arcadia Municipal
Code is hereby amended by amending Sections 3124, 3124.1, 3124.2, 3124.3, 3124.4,
3124.5, 3124.6, 3124.7, and 3124.8, and adding Sections 3124.9, 3124.10, 3124.11,
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3124.12 and 3124.13 to read in their entirety as follows:
"3124. AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS.
The California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
3124.1. AMENDMENT.
Section 105.6.30 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
105.6.30 LP -gas. An operational permit is required for:
1. Storage and use of LP -gas.
Exception: A permit is not required for individual containers with a 500-gallon
water capacity or less or multiple container systems having an aggregate quantity
not exceeding 500 gallons, used exclusively for emergency power generation, and
serving occupancies in Group R-3 not located in the Wildland-Urban Interface Area.
2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP -gas.
3124.2. AMENDMENT.
Section 203.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topological conditions:
Business Group B
Training and skill development not in a school or academic program (this shall
include, but not be limited to, martial arts studios, gymnastics and similar uses
regardless of the ages served, and where not classified as a Group A occupancy).
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3124.3. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.2. Where required. Approved automatic extinguishing systems shall
be installed:
1. In all new buildings regardless of the type of construction or occupancy.
EXCEPTIONS:
A) Detached private garages, providing the floor area does not exceed 1000
square feet.
B) Pool houses, recreation rooms, workshops, and similar accessory R-3
occupancies providing no portion of the exterior wall of the building is more
than 150 feet from a public street.
C) Other minor buildings and/or occupancies as approved by the Fire Chief.
2. In existing buildings with new occupancies as required by other sections of
the Fire Code.
3124.4. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.2.18 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.2.18. Group U garages and carports accessory to Group R-3
occupancies.
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Carports with habitable space above, detached private garages over 1000 square
feet in area, and attached private garages shall be protected by fire sprinklers in
accordance with this section. These areas shall have a design density of an Ordinary
Hazard Group 1 occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick -response
intermediate temperature commercial type heads shall be used.
3124.5. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows
due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.3.1.3. NFPA 13D SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler
systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings shall be installed throughout in
accordance with NFPA 13D with the following additions:
A) Attics containing forced air units shall have one or more quick -response
intermediate temperature sprinkler heads adjacent to each unit.
B) Attached private garages shall be sprinklered and shall have a design density
of an Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads.
Quick- response intermediate temperature commercial type heads shall be used
for the garage area.
C) Detached private garages over 1000 square feet in total area shall be
sprinklered and shall have a design density of an Ordinary Hazard Group 1
occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick -response intermediate
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temperature commercial type heads shall be used for the garage area.
D) Residential structures under 5000 square feet in total area shall be designed
for two
(2) heads flowing in the residential area. Residential structures over 5000 square
feet in total area shall be designed for four (4) heads flowing in the residential
a rea.
E) Attics and basements used for storage purposes shall be fully sprinklered
with residential type heads.
F) A single exterior bell activated by the waterflow switch shall be provided at
an approved location.
G) A representative sample of spare heads shall be provided at an approved
location.
3124.6. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.4.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.4.3 ALARMS. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm
device shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water -
flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single
sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch
is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow
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alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire
alarm system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an
approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic
fire sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Approved audible
notification appliances shall be provided in the interior of the building at locations
required by the Fire Chief.
EXCEPTION: NFPA 13D systems serving R-3 occupancies shall be provided with
a single exterior bell.
3124.7 AMENDMENT.
Section 1103.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographic conditions:
1103.5 EXISTING BUILDINGS. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system
shall be installed in existing buildings, including any additions thereto, in the
occupancies and buildings as set forth in this section.
1. In all commercial and industrial buildings greater than 5000 square feet in area
when enlarged by an addition to the existing structure or as required by the Fire
Chief.
2. In all commercial and industrial buildings equal to or less than 5000 square feet
in area, when enlarged by an addition to the existing structure, exceeds 5000
square feet or as required by the Fire Chief.
3. In all Group R-1 or R-2 Occupancies when an addition results in additional
guestrooms or dwelling units.
4. In all Group R-3 Occupancies greater than 2500 square feet in living area when
enlarged by an addition to the living area of the existing structure.
EXCEPTIONS:
1) Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers such as closets
or bathrooms.
2) Additions that occur without increasing the number of stories or
increasing the horizontal projection of the first story roof.
5. In all Group R-3 Occupancies equal to or less than 2500 square feet in living
area, when enlarged by an addition to the living area of the existing structure,
exceeds 2500 square feet in residential area.
EXCEPTIONS:
1) Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers such as closets
or bathrooms.
2) Additions that occur without increasing the number of stories or
increasing the horizontal projection of the first story roof.
6. In existing buildings for new occupancies as required by other sections of the
Fire Code.
3124.8 AMENDMENT.
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Section P101.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
P101.2 Permits. An operational permit shall be required for haunted houses,
ghost walks, or similar amusement uses in accordance with Appendix P101.2.
EXCEPTION: Haunted houses, ghost walks, or similar amusement uses in
Group R-3 occupancies."
"3124.9 ADDITION.
Section 5608.2 is added to Chapter 56 of the California Fire Code to read as
follows due to local climatic conditions:
5608.2. FIREWORKS PROHIBITED. No person shall sell, display for sale.
possess, store, or manufacture, use, light, fire, discharge, explode or set off any
fireworks, including "Safe and Sane" fireworks anywhere within the City, except as
allowed by the Fire Chief.
3124.10 ADDITION.
Section 6112 is hereby added to Chapter 61 of the California Fire Code to read
as follows: The use of liquefied petroleum gas for emergency power generation for
Group R-3 occupancies located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone area shall
comply with the following:
1. All individual containers shall be a maximum size of 500-gallon (1893 Q water
capacity. Multiple container systems shall not exceed 500-gallons (1893 Q in
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aggregate quantity.
2. A minimum 10-foot setback shall be maintained between the tank and all
buildings in perpetuity. All future developments on the property shall be subject
to this requirement.
3. Signage shall be provided on the tank indicating its contents and warning of
"NO SMOKING WITHIN 25 FEET".
4. Weeds, grass, brush, trash, and other combustible materials shall be
kept a minimum of 10 feet from the tank.
5. A minimum 6A:80BC fire extinguisher shall be provided within 50 feet of the
tank. It shall be the applicant's responsibility to have the fire extinguisher
serviced by a qualified contractor on an annual basis.
6. During refueling, the. LP tank vehicle shall not be left unattended at any time.
3124.11 ADDITION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 105.1.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
When the application for a permit under this section is filed, a non-
refundable fee as adopted by City Council Resolution shall be paid for the purpose
of recovering the cost of services provided.
3124.12 DELETION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 103 is hereby deleted from the California Fire Code without
replacement.
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3124.13 ADDITION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 104.12 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.12 COST RECOVERY. Where an emergency situation is caused or
exacerbated by a willful act, a negligent act, or a violation of the Fire Code, Building
Code, or any other applicable law, ordinance or regulation, the cost of mitigating and
securing any emergency that is within the responsibility of the Fire Chief is a charge
against the person who caused the emergency or who caused the circumstances
leading to the creation of the emergency. Damages and expenses incurred by any
public agency providing mutual aid shall constitute a debt of such person and shall
be collectible by the Fire Chief for proper distribution in the same manner as in the
case of an obligation under contract expressed or implied.. Expenses as stated above
shall include, but not be limited to, equipment and personnel committed and any
payments required by the public agency to outside business firms requested by the
public agency to mitigate or secure -the emergency, monitor remediation, and clean
up.
SECTION 4. Division 5, Part 2, Chapter 1 of Article III of the Arcadia Municipal
Code is hereby amended by amending Sections 3125 and 3125.1 to read in their
entirety as follows: -
"DIVISION 5. -APPEALS AND PERMITS
3125. AMENDMENT [ADMINISTRATIVE].
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Section 112 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Appeals. Whenever the Chief disapproves an application or refuses to
grant a permit, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the Chief to the
City of Arcadia Building/Fire Code Appeals Board within thirty (30) days from
the date of the decision being appealed.
3125.1. AMENDMENT [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 112 of the California Fire Code is amended by adding the following
paragraph:
Appeals Procedure. The City of Arcadia Building/Fire Code Appeals Board shall
not consider any such appeal unless the matter has come to the attention of the
Chief and he has rendered a decision in writing. Any appeal to the board shall be
made by the affected person or his agent in writing in the form and manner as
prescribed by the Chief and as specified in Arcadia Municipal Code section 8130.2."
SECTION 5. Parts 3 and 4 of Chapter 1 of Article III of the Arcadia
Municipal Code are hereby amended in their entirety to read as follows:
"PART 3.-CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
3130. CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE ADOPTION
There is adopted by reference for the City of Arcadia the 2025 Edition of the
California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Chapter A based on the 2024
Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code published by the
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International Code Council, and the foregoing shall constitute the Wildland-Urban
Interface Code of the City of Arcadia.
3130.1. WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREA BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of the Wildland-Urban Interface Area shall be the same as the
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map as produced by the California Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection and as adopted by City Council Resolution.
3130.2 AMENDMENT.
Section 101.5 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is
amended to read as follows due to local climatic and topographical conditions:
101.5. Additions, Remodels, Repairs or Alterations. Additions, remodels,
repairs or alterations may be made to any building or structure without requiring the
existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of this code,
provided the addition, remodel, repair or alteration conforms to that required for a
new building or structure.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Provisions of this code that specifically apply to existing conditions are
retroactive.
2. The Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to any remodel, alteration,
addition or repair based on the following:
0% - 50% - Applicable to addition/alteration only.
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51 % - 100% - Applicable to the entire structure.
All percentages are based on habitable area and pertain to remodel/additions
completed within the most recent thirty-six (36) month period.
Additions, repairs, remodels or alteration shall not be made to an existing
building or structure that will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation
of any of the provisions of this code nor shall such additions or alterations cause the
existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be
deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing
building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide
adequate access in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct
existing exits or access; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance
or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
3130.3 AMENDMENT [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 112.1 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is added
to read as follows:
112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the Building Official or the Fire Chief relative to the
application and interpretation of the City's Building and Fire codes, the Planning
Commission shall act as the Arcadia Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. The
Planning Commission shall not consider an appeal until the Building Official or the
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Fire Chief has rendered a decision in writing. An appeal shall be filed with the City
within 30 days from the date of his or her written decision; in addition, an appeals
fee shall be paid to the City in an amount established by City Council Resolution. The
appeal shall be in writing and shall clearly set forth the order, decision or
determination being appealed. A hearing shall be scheduled before the Planning
Commission as soon as practicable from the date of receipt of the appeal. The
Building Official or the Fire chief, as applicable, shall prepare a written report for the
Planning Commission. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be final unless
appealed to the City Council. The appeal to the City Council shall be in writing and
shall be filed with the City within five (5) working days from the date of the Planning
Commission's decision; in addition, an appeals fee shall be paid to the City in an
amount established by City Council Resolution. A hearing shall be scheduled before
the City Council as soon as practicable from the date of the receipt of the written
appeal. The Building Official or the Fire Chief, as applicable, shall prepare a written
report for the City Council. The decision of the City Council shall be final.
1491#xMU, 1 11 1141►I
Section 503.3 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is added
to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
503.3 Heavy timber construction. Heavy timber construction as defined per
Chapter 6 of the 2025 California Building Code.
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3130.5 AMENDMENT.
Section 504.7.3 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is
amended to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical
conditions:
504.7.3 Decks. The walking surface material of decks, porches, balconies and
stairs shall comply with the requirements of Sections 504.7.3.1 through 504.7.3.4
when any portion of such surface is within fifty (50) feet of the building.
3130.6 AMENDMENT.
Section 507.1 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is
amended to read as follows due to local climatic, geographical, and topographical
conditions:
507.1 General. The Wildland-Urban Interface Code Sections 504.2 and 504.2.1
shall apply to any addition, replacement, or repair of roof coverings based on the
following:
0% - 25% of the existing roof area - Applicable to new roof covering only.
26% -100% of the existing roof area - Applicable to the entire roof covering of
the structure.
All percentages are based on the addition, replacement, or repairs completed
within the most recent twelve (12) month period. All portions of a roof covering
applied during an addition, replacement, or repair to an existing structure shall meet
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at least a Class A classification. Pressure treated, untreated, or fire -retardant treated
wood shakes and wood shingles shall not be installed on any building or structure
located in the Wildland Urban -Interface Area Boundaries.
PART 4. -SPECIAL REGULATIONS DIVISION 1.
FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL
3141. STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.
Storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks is prohibited within
the boundaries of the City as the same now exist or as the same may at any time
hereafter exist. Aboveground tanks may be permitted on a case by case basis with
approval of the Chief.
3141.1. NEW BULK PLANTS PROHIBITED.
The limits in which new bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted are
established as the boundaries of the City.
3141.2. SAME.
All real property which has been or may hereafter be classified as, changed to
or placed in Zones R-M, R-O, R-1, R-2 or R-3 shall be limited to the storage of a
maximum of the equivalent to ten (10) gallons of water capacity outdoors and five
(5) gallons of water capacity in either freestanding or attached accessory structures.
3141.3. SAME. EXCEPTIONS.
1) Individual containers with a 500-gallon water capacity or less or multiple
container systems having an aggregate quantity not exceeding 500 gallons, used
exclusively for emergency power generation and serving occupancies in Group R-3.
2) The City Council may, upon written application, and after receipt of the report
and recommendation of the Chief, after finding upon the evidence received that the
public health, safety and welfare will not be jeopardized, alter the limits fixed by any
of the preceding section.
3142. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ABATEMENT.
Clean up or abatement; liability for cost.
3142.1. SAME.
The Fire Department is authorized to abate or cause to be cleaned up the
effects of any hazardous material deposited upon or into any property or facilities
in the City; and any such person or persons responsible for such property or who
intentionally, negligently or otherwise caused such deposit shall be liable for the
payment of all such cost incurred by the Fire Department as a result of such cleanup
or abatement activity. The remedy provided by this part shall be in addition to any
other remedies provided by law.
3142.2. SAM E.
For the purposes of this part, "Hazardous Materials" shall be defined as any
substance or materials in a quantity or form which, in the determination of the Fire
Chief or his authorized representative, poses an unreasonable and imminent risk to
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the life, health or safety of persons or property or to the ecological balance of the
environment, and shall include, but not be limited to, such substances as explosives,
radioactive materials, unstable or toxic materials, petroleum or petroleum products
or gases, poisons, etiologic (biologic) agents, pesticides, flammables and corrosives.
3142.3. SAM E.
For purposes of this part, cost incurred bythe Fire Department shall include, but
shall not necessarily be limited to the following: actual labor costs of City personnel,
including workers compensation benefits, fringe benefits, administrative overhead,
cost of equipment operations, cost of materials obtained directly by the City and cost
of any contract labor, equipment and materials as necessary to clean up and abate
the hazard.
3142.4. SAME.
The authority to recover costs under this part shall not include actual fire
suppression services which are normally or usually provided by the Fire
Department."
SECTION 6. The City Council finds that it can be seen with certainty that
adoption of this Ordinance will not have a significant adverse effect on the
environment and is therefore exempt from California Environmental Quality Act
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. City staff is directed to file a
notice of exemption within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance.
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SECTION 7. Transmittal. The Building Official shall transmit a copy of this
Ordinance to the California Building Standards Commission, pursuant to Health and
Safety Code Section 17958.7.
SECTION 8. Recession. All former ordinances or parts conflicting or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or of the codes adopted by this
Ordinance and any other ordinance in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 9. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason
held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portion of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that
it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence,
clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section,
subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared
unconstitutional.
SECTION 10. Incorporation of Recitals. The above recitals are true and
correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of the Ordinance and
shall cause a copy of same or summary thereof to be published in the official
newspaper of said City within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.
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Passed, approved and adopted this 18th day of November, 2025.
ATTEST:.
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael J. Maurer
City Attorney
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u
Mayor of the City of Arcadia
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) SS:
CITY OF ARCADIA )
I, LINDA RODRIGUEZ, City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, hereby certifies that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 2409 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City
of Arcadia, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk at a regular meeting
of said Council held on the 18th day of November, 2025 and that said Ordinance was
adopted by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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City Clerk of the City o Arcadia
EXHIBIT "A"
FINDINGS OF FACT
Pursuant to the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code Preface, the report contained
herein shall be submitted as the Findings of Fact document with regard to Article III
of the City of Arcadia Municipal Code, Ordinance No. 2409, as adopted by the City of
Arcadia. Under this adopting Ordinance specific amendments have been established,
which are more restrictive in nature than those sections adopted by the California
Building Standards Code.
The amendments to the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition have been recognized by
the City of Arcadia to address the fire problem(s), concern(s) and future direction(s)
by which this City can establish and maintain an environment, which will afford a
level of fire and life safety to its citizens and guests.
Under the provisions of California Fire Code Preface, local amendments shall be
based on climatic, geographical or topographical conditions. The Findings of Facts
contained herein shall address each of these situations and shall present the local
situation, which singularly or in combination cause the established amendments to
be adopted.
Climatic: The City of Arcadia is located in the County of Los Angeles, and is subject
to long periods of dry, hot and windy climates, which increase the chance of a fire
occurring and predispose the City to large destructive fires. These dry climatic
conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in
moderate density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create
a need for increased levels for fire prevention and protection.
Geographical: The geographic layout and contours of the City of Arcadia create
barriers for accessibility for fire suppression forces. Due to the City's close proximity
to major fault lines, there is a significant possibility for multiple fires spreading out of
control due to ruptured gas lines and multiple structural -collapses. Because of the
major earthquake hazard, and due to some older nonconforming buildings, it is
necessary during the new construction or building renovation to use the City
ordinance to control and minimize conditions hazardous to life and property, which
may result from fire, hazardous materials or an explosion.
Topographical: The water supply (domestic and fire flow) system within the City is
directly affected by the topographical layout of Arcadia. The distribution system
consists of high -low pressure and gravity systems zones, which carry the water from
various reservoirs and storage tanks to different zones via water pipes. These street
mains consist of high-pressure lines and low pressure lines where the pressure and
flows are adequate in most of the areas of the city. There are certain areas in the
southern portion of the City with static pressures of 40 psi, and in the northern
portion as low as 20 psi. This variation of pressure causes major problems to
development, as well as fire suppression forces.
As a result of the Findings of Fact, which identified the various climatic,
geographical, and topographical elements, the requirements established by the City
of Arcadia Fire Department within the adopted Ordinance No. 2409 are considered
reasonable and necessary modifications to the California Fire Code based upon
local conditions.
While it is clearly understood that the adoption of such regulations may not prevent
the incidents of fire, it is further noted that with the implementation of these various
regulations and/or requirements it may serve to reduce the severity and potential
loss of life and property.
The City of Arcadia Fire Department submits these Findings of Fact and request
acceptance of these as defined in the California Fire Code Preface.
Prepared and submitted by: Mark Krikorian, Fire Marshal