Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Steve Monowitz, Director of Planning and Building
Subject: Resolution Ratifying Ordinance Codes of Various Fire Protection Districts Within the County
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution ratifying the ordinance codes of the Coastside Fire Protection District, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, Woodside Fire Protection District, and Redwood City Fire Department for enforcement within the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County lying within their jurisdictional boundaries and delegating enforcement to each respective fire chief.
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BACKGROUND:
The State of California updates California Building Standards (Title 24) every three years. These standards consist of 12 specific codes, including the residential, building, fire, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and energy codes. Local jurisdictions must enforce the most current version of these codes and may establish more restrictive building standards to address local conditions. The new version of the California Building Standards went into effect on January 1, 2026. The amendments that are the subject of this report have been adopted by the noted fire districts and department and propose to supplement the new Fire Code in a manner that establishes additional fire safety requirements within their respective jurisdictions. In order for these additional requirements to be legally effective within the unincorporated areas of the County, the Board of Supervisors must approve the amendments, and the County must submit them to the California Building Standards Commission with facts and findings adopted by the fire districts that identify the local conditions which warrant the additional requirements.
DISCUSSION:
The primary issues addressed by these amendments are the following:
• Fire sprinkler requirements for residential additions and remodels;
• Establishing storage limits of Hazardous Materials, Flammable/Combustible liquids and Natural Gas;
• Roadway and driveway standards necessary to provide adequate access for fire safety equipment and personnel; and
• Fire safety requirements within Wildland Urban Interface areas.
The amendments also provide supplemental definitions regarding fire safety terminology.
The agencies require the installation of fire sprinklers when the size of an addition or alteration to an existing home and to new structures that are equal to or greater than 1,000 sq. ft. with some exceptions.
Each agency includes the “50% rule” for alterations and additions to existing structures of all types. Under this approach, the installation of fire sprinklers within an existing building will be required when the size of additions or alterations exceed 50% of the existing structure’s gross floor area.
Additional aspects of the agency amendments address roadways, fire department access, additional definitions unique to fire safety, as well as identifying additional criteria for fire safety within Wildland Urban Interface zones (wildfire areas).
Staff has reviewed these agencies’ proposed amendments and recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution ratifying these local agency amendments.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Ratification of the agencies’ fire codes will support the enforcement of minimum levels of health and safety within and around structures on private property.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County cost.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Coastside Fire Protection District Ordinance
B. Menlo Park Fire District Ordinance
C. Redwood City Fire Ordinance
D. Woodside Fire Protection District Ordinance