HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2020 (Triannual Fire Code Ordinance Amendments)CLERK’S CERTIFICATE
I, LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, and Ex-Officio Clerk of the
Council of said City, do hereby certify that the foregoing
ORDINANCE NO. 2020
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER 4.08
OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE 2022 EDITION WITH AMENDMENTS, THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE 2021
EDITION, AND APPENDIX A OF THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE AND ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT SUPPORTING THE AMENDMENTS
TO SUCH CODES
is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance of said City, and was introduced at a REGULAR
meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on the 17th day of October 2022; a
SUMMARY of Ordinance No. 2020 was published as required by City Charter in the MARIN
INDEPENDENT JOURNAL, a newspaper published in the City of San Rafael, and passed
and adopted as an Ordinance of said City at a REGULAR meeting of the City Council of said
City, held on the 7th day of November, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
WITNESS my hand and the official
Seal of the City of San Rafael this
8th day of November 2022
______________
LINDSAY LARA
City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. 2020
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AMENDING
CHAPTER 4.08 OF THE SAN RAFAEL MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT BY
REFERENCE THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 2022 EDITION WITH
AMENDMENTS, THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE 2021 EDITION, AND
APPENDIX A OF THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE AND ADOPTING FINDINGS OF FACT SUPPORTING THE
AMENDMENTS TO SUCH CODES.
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael may adopt a fire prevention code by reference
pursuant to Article 2 commencing with Section 50022.1 of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of
Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13869, the City of San
Rafael may adopt building standards relating to fire and panic safety that are more
stringent than those building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and
contained in the California Building Standards Code when such modified standards
are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical
conditions; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5 of the State of
California Health and Safety Code, changes or modifications to the 2019 California
Building Standards Code are needed and are reasonably necessary because of
local climatic, geographic and topographic conditions; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance No. 2020 was introduced and read by title only at a
meeting of the San Rafael City Council on the 17th day of October 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
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DIVISION 1. Title 4, Chapter 4.08 of the Municipal Code of the City of San
Rafael is hereby replaced in its entirety and amended to read as
follows:
CHAPTER 4.08. FIRE CODE
Sections: 4.08.010 Purpose.
4.08.020 Adoption of the California Fire Code, 2022
Edition and the International Fire Code, 2021
Edition, with Amendments and Appendix A of
the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface
Code.
4.08.030 Definitions.
4.08.040 Administration and enforcement of the fire code.
4.08.050 The Fire Chief has powers of police and
authority to arrest and issue citations.
4.08.060 Restrictions on the storage of flammable and
combustible liquids in aboveground tanks
outside of buildings.
4.08.070 Restrictions on the storage and dispensing of
liquefied petroleum gases (LP-gas).
4.08.080 Explosives and blasting agents prohibited.
4.08.090 Restrictions on storage of compressed natural
gas.
4.08.100 Restrictions on storage of stationary tanks of
flammable cryogenic fluids.
4.08.110 New materials, processes or occupancies which
may require permits.
4.08.120 Amendments to the fire code.
4.08.130 Enforcement and penalties.
4.08.140 Appeals.
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4.08.010 Purpose.
The 2022 California Fire Code which consists of certain portions of the 2021
International Fire Code as amended by the California Building Standards
Commission described in Section 4.08.020 are adopted for the following purposes:
1. To prescribe regulations and building standards in order to protect life and
property from fire, explosion, earthquake and other disasters;
2. To provide for permits as prescribed herein;
3. To establish and maintain a Fire Prevention Bureau;
4. To provide penalties for violations of this code.
4.08.020 Adoption of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition and the
International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, with Amendments and Appendix A of the
2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
The City Council hereby adopts for the purpose of prescribing regulations
governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, those
certain codes which contain building standards and fire safety standards known as
the 2022 California Fire Code (International Fire Code, 2021 Edition as amended
by the State of California) as published by the California Building Standards
Commission, together with appendices Chapter 4, B, BB, C, CC, D, H, and O
thereto; and the 2021 International Fire Code; and Appendix A of the 2021
International Wildland-Urban Interface Code; save and except such portions as
are herein added, deleted, modified or amended. Where conflicts occur between
provisions of the 2022 California Fire Code and the 2021 International Fire Code
and Appendix A of the 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the
provisions of the 2022 California Fire Code as amended shall apply.
4.08.030 Definitions.
Except as words are defined in section 4.08.120, the words used in this chapter
and in the adopted codes listed in 4.08.020 shall have the meaning as defined
below.
The following words are defined:
1. Whenever the words “Building Code” are used, they shall mean the
California Building Code, as adopted by the City of San Rafael, with
amendments.
2. Whenever the words “Residential Code” are used, they shall mean the
California Residential Code, as adopted by the City of San Rafael, with
amendments.
3. Whenever the words “Fire Code” are used, they shall mean this chapter and
the codes and standards adopted in section 4.08.020, with amendments.
4. Whenever the word “Jurisdiction” is used, it shall mean the City of San
Rafael.
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4.08.040 Administration and Enforcement of the Fire Code.
A. The Fire Chief has the authority to interpret, administer and enforce this
code. The Fire Chief may delegate any or all of their authority under this code to
such duly authorized subordinates in the Fire Department as he may designate
and the actions of such duly authorized subordinates shall be construed as valid
actions of the Fire Chief.
B. The Fire Chief shall have the authority and powers of a Code Enforcement
Official, as specified in San Rafael Municipal Code Chapters 1.08 and 1.40, in
performing the duties under this code.
C. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to order the immediate abatement of
any hazard, located within or on public or private property and any public
thoroughfare or railroad, when deemed by the Fire Chief to be an imminent hazard
to the life, health, safety and the well-being of the public, firefighters and other City
employees.
D. Whenever the Fire Chief finds an activity or use regulated by this code being
performed or used in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a
dangerous or unsafe manner, the Fire Chief is authorized to issue an order to
cause the activity or use to cease or desist immediately.
4.08.050 The Fire Chief has powers of police and authority to arrest and issue
citations.
A. The Fire Chief and their duly authorized subordinates shall have the powers
of a police officer in performing their duties under this code. When requested to
do so by the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police is authorized to assign such available
police officers as necessary to assist them in enforcing the provisions of this code.
B. The Fire Chief and their duly authorized subordinates shall have authority
to arrest or to cite any person who violates any provision of the Fire Code, in the
manner provided for the arrest or release on citation and notice to appear with
respect to misdemeanors or infractions, as prescribed by Chapters 5, 5c and 5d of
Title 3, Part 2 of the California Penal Code, including Section 853.6, or as the same
hereafter may be amended.
C. It is the intent of the City Council that the immunities provided in Penal Code
Section 836.5 be applicable to the aforementioned Fire Chief and their duly
authorized subordinates exercising their arrest or citation authority within the
course and scope of their employment pursuant to this code.
4.08.060 Restrictions on the storage of flammable and combustible liquids in
aboveground tanks outside of buildings.
A. Pursuant to Sections 5704.2.9.6.1 and 5706.2.4.4 of the Fire Code, except
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as provided in Subsection B of this Section, the storage of flammable and
combustible liquids outside buildings in aboveground tanks is prohibited in all
areas of the City.
B. Providing storage of flammable and combustible liquids is within an
approved aboveground fuel storage tank as required by the Fire Code, such
storage and quantities are permitted in the following districts as defined in Title 14
of the Municipal Code:
1. Districts designated as I, LI/O, M, MC, or CCI/O shall be permitted to have
a maximum of ten thousand (10,000) gallons at any one (1) site.
2. Districts designated as PD, providing that they are industrial use in nature,
shall be permitted to have a maximum of ten thousand (10,000) gallons at
any one (1) site.
3. Districts designated as GC, C/O, FBWC, or PD (providing that they are
commercial use) shall be permitted to store a maximum of five thousand
(5,000) gallons at any one (1) site.
4. Discretion may be exercised by the Fire Chief to modify the maximum
capacities allowed by this section, in accordance with regulations and
standards adopted by the Fire Chief to protect against any increased
hazards to life or property.
C. Bulk plants for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids are
prohibited within the jurisdiction.
D. Prior to the Fire Department authorizing installation of a tank system, the
applicant shall apply for and obtain Environmental and Design Review Permit
approval from the Community Development Department as provided in Chapter
14.25.
4.08.070 Restrictions on the storage and dispensing of liquefied petroleum
gas (LP-gas).
A. Pursuant to Section 6104.2 of the California Fire Code, except as provided
in Subsection B of this Section, the storage of LP-gas is prohibited in all areas of
the City.
B. Storage, limited to one thousand (1,000) gallons of LP-gas at any one (1)
site, is permitted in the following districts as defined in Title 14 of the Municipal
Code, except that up to one thousand five hundred (1,500) gallons of LP-gas may
be permitted at any one (1) site, provided that the LP-gas storage tank system is
protected in a manner approved by the Fire Chief:
1. Districts designated as I, LI/O or CCI/O;
2. Districts designated as PD, providing that they are industrial use in nature;
3. Districts designated as GC, C/O, FBWC, HO, 2/3 MUE, 2/3 MUW, M, MC
or PD (providing that they are commercial use) only if the tank system is
wholly protected in a manner approved by the Fire Chief.
C. The storage of any LP-gas tank system in any residential district is
prohibited unless there are no natural gas lines available to be connected to the
residence.
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D. The dispensing of LP-gas is prohibited in all districts except such dispensing
is permitted in those districts outlined in Subsection B of this Section.
E. Exceptions to the Restrictions.
1. Limited quantities only when used in conjunction with home LP-gas
barbecues, recreational vehicles or similar uses;
2. Limited quantities only when used in conjunction with LP-gas driven
vehicles;
3. Limited quantities only when used in conjunction with construction projects
for which a Building Permit has been issued;
4. Existing bulk LP-gas facilities shall be able to continue their use and shall
be able to relocate their facilities with the express permission of the Fire
Chief and the City Council.
F. Prior to the Fire Department authorizing installation of a tank system, the
applicant shall apply for and obtain Environmental and Design Review Permit
approval from the Community Development Department as provided in Chapter
14.25.
4.08.080 Explosives and blasting agents prohibited.
Except where an operational permit is issued in accordance with Section 105.5.16
or Section 105.5.42 of the Fire Code, the manufacture, storage, handling, sale, or
use of any explosives, explosive materials, blasting agents, fireworks or
pyrotechnic special effects is prohibited within the jurisdiction.
4.08.090 Restrictions on storage of compressed natural gas.
Compressed natural gas facilities and storage are prohibited in all areas of the City
except the following districts as defined in Title 14 of the Municipal Code:
1. Districts designated as I, LI/O or CCI/O;
2. Districts designated as PD providing that they are industrial use in nature.
4.08.100 Restrictions on storage of stationary tanks of flammable cryogenic
fluids.
Pursuant to Chapter 55 of the Fire Code, the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids
in stationary containers is prohibited in all areas of the City except the following
districts as defined in Title 14 of the Municipal Code:
1. Districts designated as I, LI/O or CCI/O;
2. Districts designated as PD providing that they are industrial use in nature.
4.08.110 New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.
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The Fire Chief shall determine and specify, after giving affected persons an
opportunity to be heard, any new materials, process or occupancies which shall
require permits in addition to those now enumerated in the Fire Code. The Fire
Chief shall post such list in a conspicuous place in their office and distribute copies
thereof to interested persons.
4.08.120 Amendments to the Fire Code.
The 2022 California Fire Code and the 2021 International Fire Code are amended
or modified, as follows:
Section 1.11.2.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1.11.2.1.1 Enforcement. Pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 13146,
the Fire Chief shall have the responsibility for enforcement of building standards
adopted by the State Fire Marshal and published in the California Building
Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State
Fire Marshal, for Group R-3 occupancies and all buildings and property subject to
regulation by the City.
Section 102.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
102.5 Application of California Residential Code. Where structures are
designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code, the
provisions of this code shall apply as follows:
1. Design and construction provisions: Provisions of this code pertaining to
the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to,
premises identification, fire apparatus access and water supplies.
Provisions of this code pertaining to the interior of the structure shall apply
when specifically required by this code, including but not limited to Section
903.2 and Chapter 12. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are
installed, construction permits required by Section 105.6 of this code also
shall apply.
2. Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions: All such
applicable provisions of this code shall apply.
Section 103.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
103.1 Fire Prevention Bureau. The Fire Prevention Bureau is established
within the Fire Department under the direction of the Fire Chief. The function of
the Fire Prevention Bureau shall include the interpretation, implementation,
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administration and enforcement of the Fire Code and adopted standards. The Fire
Prevention Bureau is authorized to enforce the provisions of other codes and
ordinances of the City pertaining to the storage, handling and use of hazardous
materials, fire and life safety, and the fire protection system requirements of the
Building Code and the Residential Code.
Section 104.12 is hereby added to read as follows:
104.12 Liability of persons causing a Fire Department response. The
Fire Department may recover the costs and expenses of a Fire Department
response (incident) within the responsibility for enforcement of the Fire Chief,
including all costs and expenses of the Fire Department and other mutual aid Fire
Departments responding to the incident, where the incident has been caused by
the willful misconduct or negligence of the party that caused the incident. These
response costs shall be a debt of the business, corporation, individual or other
responsible party owed to the Fire Department and to the other responding mutual
aid Fire Departments. The City may collect response costs on behalf of itself, and
also may collect response costs on behalf of the other mutual aid Fire Departments
with their consent. The mutual aid Fire Departments also may collect their
response costs directly from the responsible party. The City shall compute and bill
the responsible party for such response costs and expenses, with payment due
within thirty (30) days following the mailing of the bill, unless an appeal is filed as
provided in Section 4.08.140 A. Upon failure to pay the response costs and
expenses when due, the responsible person shall be liable, in a civil action brought
by the City, for such response costs and expenses, and costs of the litigation,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
104.12.1 Liability for correction and abatement. Where the Fire Chief
determines that a violation of any provision of this Chapter constitutes an
immediate threat to public health or safety, the Fire Chief is authorized to take such
corrective action as may be necessary to cause the summary abatement of the
violation. The City may recover the costs and expenses associated with the
correction and abatement of a violation or hazardous condition, including all costs
and expenses incurred by the City and contractors hired by the City to cause the
correction and abatement. These correction and abatement costs shall be a debt
of the owner, business, corporation, individual or other responsible party owed to
the City. The City shall compute and bill the responsible party for such correction
and abatement costs and expenses, with payment due within thirty (30) days
following the mailing of the bill, unless an appeal is filed as provided in Section
4.08.140 A. Upon failure to pay the correction and abatement costs and expenses
when due, the responsible person shall be liable, in a civil action brought by the
City, for such correction and abatement costs and expenses, and costs of the
litigation, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
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Section 104.13 is hereby added to read as follows:
Section 104.13. Fire prevention resource sharing. Other enforcement
agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance to the City in plan
review, inspection, code interpretation, enforcement and other fire prevention
services when authorized and as delegated by the Fire Chief, by written agreement
Section 105.2.5 is hereby added to read as follows
105.2.5 Operational permit applications. Application for operational
permits (i.e: Assembly, Pyrotechnic, Tents, etc.) shall be submitted at least ten
(10) business days prior to the scheduled event date. Applications submitted less
than ten (10) business days prior to the event date may be charged one and one-
half (1½) times the regular permit rate.
Section 105.7.26 is hereby added to read as follows:
105.7.26 Vegetation Management Fire Protection Plan. A construction
permit is required to implement a vegetation management fire protection plan for
a new structure located in the Wildland-Urban Interface as designated in San
Rafael Municipal Code Section 4.12.010. The vegetation management fire
protection plan shall comply with Chapter 49 of this code and the Vegetation
Management Standards in San Rafael Municipal Code Section 4.12.030.
Section 107.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
107.2 Master fee schedule. The fees for permits and other services shall
be as established in the Master Fee Schedule Resolution of the City Council as
adopted from time to time. The fee shall be set to cover the cost to review the
application, issue a permit, and inspect the intended construction, activities,
operations, use, or functions. The fees must be paid to the City prior to engaging
in the construction, activities, operations, use or functions.
Exception: The applicant for a given permit shall be exempt from payment
when the event is sponsored by the City, or work to be conducted is located
on properties owned by the City, or as otherwise determined by the Fire
Chief.
Where it is determined during inspections that the construction, activity, or use
repeatedly fails to comply with the requirements of the Fire Code, and additional
inspections or re-inspections are required to verify compliance, the Fire Chief may
require those additional inspections be billed at the fully burdened hourly rate as
published by the City’s Finance Director.
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Section 107.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
107.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who
commences any work, activity, operation or use regulated by this code before
obtaining the necessary permits may be subject to an additional investigation fee
as determined by the Fire Chief; the investigation fee shall be two (2) times the
normal permit fee, and shall be in addition to the normal permit fee as specified in
the Master Fee Schedule Resolution.
Section 107.7 is hereby added to read as follows
107.7 After hours inspection fees. An after-hours inspection is an
inspection conducted outside of normal work hours; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday
– Friday. Where an afterhours inspection is performed before or following normal
work hours that inspection may be charged by the hour. Where an inspector is
called back to duty to perform an afterhours inspection, that inspection may be
charged at four (4) hours minimum, then by the hour for any additional hours
required over four (4). The afterhours inspection fee shall be charged at a rate of
one and one-half (1½) times the fully burdened hourly rate as published by the
City’s Finance director.
Section 112.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
112.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this
Chapter and the Fire Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements
thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the
approved construction documents or direction of the Fire Chief, or of a permit or
certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to the enforcement
and penalties set forth in Section 4.08.130. Each day that a violation continues
shall be deemed a separate offense.
Section 113.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
113.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue to work after
having been served with a stop work order, or any person who shall continue an
activity or a use after having been served with a cease and desist order, shall be
guilty of misdemeanors/infractions and are subject to the penalties set forth in
Section 4.08.130.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Coverings” as follows:
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COVERINGS. As applied to the definition of Substantial Remodel only, coverings
shall mean materials including, but not limited, to gypsum board, lath and plaster,
paneling (including wood paneling), floor boards, brick and mortar, or other
materials attached to rough framing of the building elements. Coverings do not
include finishes, such as carpet, tile, paint or wall paper.
Section 202 definition of “False Alarm” is hereby amended to read as follows:
FALSE ALARM. False alarm shall mean an alarm signal, willful, knowing or
otherwise, initiating a response by the Fire Department where an emergency
situation did not or does not exist.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Fire Prevention Standards”
as follows:
FIRE PREVENTION STANDARDS. Fire prevention standards shall mean those
supplemental rules and regulations that have been approved by the Fire chief to
provide additional guidance and interpretation of this code.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Fire Road” as follows:
FIRE ROAD. Fire road shall mean any improved or unimproved road, public or
private, that provides access for firefighting equipment and personnel to
undeveloped areas.
Section 202 is hereby amended by changing the first sentence of the definition of
“Fireworks” to read as follows:
FIREWORKS. Fireworks shall mean any composition or device for the purpose of
producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion,
deflagration, or detonation, and any “safe and sane” fireworks as defined by
section 12529 of the State of California Health and Safety Code, and including
1.4G fireworks and 1.3G fireworks as set forth hereafter.
[Remainder is unchanged]
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Pre-plans” as follows:
PRE-PLANS. Pre-plans shall mean detailed plans of buildings and premises
where there may be special challenges for emergency operations. These pre-plans
include information on the building's location, occupancy, hazards, fire department
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connections and hydrants, access, building layout, and other pertinent data that
would assist the fire department in case of an emergency.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Public Storage Facility” as
follows:
PUBLIC STORAGE FACILITY. A public storage facility shall mean any business
that sells, leases or rents space to the public, whether it is a building, storage
container or similar configuration.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Substantial Remodel” as
follows:
SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL. Substantial remodel shall mean the alteration of any
structure which combined with any additions to the structure, performed within any
three (3) year period, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the
existing floor area of the structure. When any changes are made in the building,
such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof
rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles or retaining walls or similar
components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included
in computing floor areas for purposes of applying this definition. This definition
does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings or
exterior wall finishes.
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding the definition of “Temporary” as follows:
TEMPORARY. Temporary shall mean any occupancy, activity, or use for a period
of less than one hundred eighty (180) days.
Section 304.1.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
304.1.2 Vegetation. At the direction of the Fire Chief to reduce the fire
hazard, weeds, grass, vines, brush, trees, or other growth that is capable of being
ignited and endangering public or private property, a fire apparatus access road,
a public thoroughfare, or a railroad, shall be cut and mulched or removed by the
owner or occupant of the premises or by the responsible public agency in
accordance with 304.1.2.1 and 304.1.2.2.
304.1.2.1 Vegetation clearance. Vegetation located within ten (10) feet of
the outlet of a chimney or stove pipe shall be cut and mulched or removed.
Vegetation located within one hundred (100) feet of a building shall be cut and
mulched or removed. Vegetation located within ten (10) feet of a fire apparatus
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access road, a public thoroughfare, or a railroad shall be cut and mulched or
removed. The minimum clearances specified above may be increased by the Fire
Chief where there may be special challenges for emergency operations.
304.1.2.2 Wildland-Urban Interface areas. Vegetation clearance
requirements in Wildland-Urban Interface areas shall be in accordance with
Chapter 49 of this code and San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 4.12.
Section 307.4.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
307.4.2 Recreational Fires. Recreational fires within the jurisdiction limits
of the City are subject to Sections 307.4.2.1 through 307.4.2.4.
307.4.2.1 City property. Recreational fires are prohibited on City
owned property.
Exception: Where an operational permit is issued in accordance
with Section 105.5.34.
307.4.2.2 Wildland-Urban interface properties. Recreational fires
are prohibited in Wildland-Urban Interface areas as designated in San
Rafael Municipal Code Section 4.12.010.
Exception: Where an operational permit is issued in accordance
with Section 105.5.34.
307.4.2.3 Other properties. For all properties other than those
identified in Section 307.4.2.1 and 307.4.2.2 above, recreational fires shall
be conducted in compliance with all of the following:
307.4.2.3.1. Recreational fires shall be conducted in accordance
with applicable Fire Prevention Standards;
307.4.2.3.2. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet
of a structure or combustible materials;
307.4.2.3.3. Conditions which could cause a fire to be spread within
25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition;
307.4.2.3.4. Recreational fires shall be conducted under the
constant supervision and control of the Owner or tenant of the
property;
307.4.2.3.5. A charged portable fire extinguisher with a minimum
capacity of 4-A, or a charged garden hose, shall be available for use
at the location of the recreational fire.
307.4.2.3.6. Upon completion of use, the Owner or tenant of the
property shall ensure the recreational fire is completely extinguished
prior to leaving the recreational fire unattended.
307.4.2.4 Fire Department Response. Where the Fire Department
responds to the location of a recreational fire, the Fire Department Officer
in charge of the response is authorized to extinguish the fire for non-
compliance with Section 307.4.2, any operational permit that has been
issued, or the applicable Fire Prevention Standards, or where the
recreational fire is a fire hazard.
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Section 307.4.3 is hereby modified by deleting the exception.
Section 308.1.2 is hereby amended to add the following concluding sentence:
Smoking is prohibited within all Parks as defined in San Rafael Municipal
Code Section 8.10.015 and Open Space areas as defined in San Rafael Municipal
Code Section 19.10.020, located within jurisdiction limits.
Section 324 is hereby added as follows:
Section 324 Fireworks
324.1 Fireworks prohibited. Except where an operational permit is issued
in accordance with Section 105.5.16 or Section 105.5.42 of the Fire Code, the
manufacture, storage, sale, possession, handling, or use of any fireworks as
defined in Section 202, is prohibited within jurisdiction limits.
324.2 Seizure. The Fire Chief shall seize, remove or cause to be removed,
at the expense of the owner or person in possession, all stocks of fireworks offered
or exposed for sale, stored, used or held in violation of this code.
Section 407.8 is hereby added as follows:
407.8 Pre-plans. Pre-plans shall be developed for buildings and premises
where there may be special challenges for emergency operations, as determined
by the Fire Chief.
Section 503.1.2 is hereby amended by adding the following concluding sentence:
The Fire Chief is authorized to require additional fire apparatus access
roads for all newly constructed vehicle parking areas and for all new or altered
structures, facilities, uses, or hazards.
Section 503.1.4 is hereby added as follows:
503.1.4 Fire roads. Fire roads shall be provided for firefighting equipment,
apparatus and personnel to undeveloped areas of the City so as to gain access to
improved, unimproved, and undeveloped areas in a manner approved by the Fire
Chief. Any vehicle or other obstruction to Fire Department access may be towed
away or removed at the owner's expense.
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Section 503.2.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface. Except for fire roads, fire apparatus access roads shall
be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and
shall be surfaced with asphalt or concrete so as to provide all-weather driving
capabilities.
Section 503.2.6.1 is hereby added as follows:
503.2.6.1 Load testing. Bridges, piers and wharfs used for fire apparatus
access shall be load tested to the original designed capacity when required by the
Fire Chief.
Section 503.4 is hereby amended by adding the following concluding sentence:
Any vehicle or other obstruction may be towed away or removed at the
owner's expense.
Section 503.4.2 is hereby added as follows:
503.4.2 Prohibition on vehicular parking on private access ways. If, in
the judgment of the Fire Chief, it is necessary to prohibit vehicular parking along
private access ways serving existing facilities, buildings, or portions of buildings in
order to keep them clear and unobstructed for fire apparatus access, the Fire Chief
may issue an Order to the owner, lessee or other person in charge of the premises
to paint the curbs red or install signs or other appropriate notices to the effect that
parking is prohibited by Order of the Fire Department. From the effective date of
the order, it shall be unlawful for such owner, lessee or other person in charge of
the premises to fail to install, maintain in good condition, the form of notice so
prescribed. When such areas are marked or signed as provided herein, no person
shall park a vehicle adjacent to any such curb or in the private access way contrary
to such markings or signs. Any vehicle so parked in the private access way may
be towed away at the expense of the owner of the vehicle.
Section 505.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
505.1 Address numbers. New and existing buildings shall have approved
address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a
position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the
property. Numbers painted on the curb do not satisfy this requirement. These
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numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic
numerals or alphabet letters. Said numbers shall be either internally or externally
illuminated in all new construction or substantial remodels. Number sizes shall be
as follows: Minimum of one-half-inch (1/2″) stroke by four inches (4″) high for
residential applications, minimum one-half-inch (1/2″) stroke by six inches (6″) high
for commercial applications. Larger sizes may be required by the Fire Chief based
on distance from the street or road fronting the property. All buildings abutting on
any public or private street, avenue, drive, road, place or lane within the City shall
be given and marked with an official address number. Where access is by means
of a private way, a monument, or other sign may be required by the Fire Chief to
identify the building. The Chief Building Official shall decide the proper number to
be assigned to any building. Where required by the Fire Chief, address numbers
shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency
response. Address numbers shall be maintained.
505.1.1 Multi-tenant buildings. Numbers or letters shall designate all
separate occupancies within new or existing multi-tenant buildings. Size shall be
minimum one-quarter-inch (1/4″) stroke by two inches (2″) high and on a
contrasting background for tenant spaces accessed from an interior corridor, and
as indicated in Section 505.1 for spaces with exterior access doors. In multi-story
or larger buildings, directional address numbers or letters shall be provided at a
central location. Said addresses or numbers shall be posted at a height no greater
than 5 feet, 6 inches (5′ - 6″) above the finished floor and shall be either internally
or externally illuminated in all new construction or substantial remodels.
505.1.2 Rear addressing. Where required by the Fire Chief, approved
numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a
position as to be plainly visible and legible from the fire apparatus road at the back
of a property or where rear parking lots or alleys provide an acceptable vehicular
access. Number stroke and size shall comply with Section 505.1.
Section 506.1 is hereby amended by adding the following concluding sentences:
506.1. Key Boxes. Except for single family dwellings, all buildings which
have installed therein an automatic fire alarm system, automatic fire sprinkler
system or a security gate, shall have an approved key box system installed. All
facilities that are required to have Hazardous Materials Business Plans shall have
an approved key box system installed. All electronic operated vehicular gates,
including gates serving single family dwellings, shall have an approved key switch
override system mounted on a stanchion or wall as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 507.5.1.2 is hereby added as follows:
507.5.1.2 Fire hydrant upgrades. When additions or alterations to
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structures are made, the nearest existing fire hydrant shall be upgraded to the
minimum standard of a Clow model 950, wet barrel type hydrant with one (1) four
and one-half inch (4½”) outlet and one (1) two and one-half inch (2½”) outlet for
single family dwellings, or for all other applications or structures to a Clow model
960, wet barrel type hydrant with one (1) four and one-half inch (4½”) outlet and
two (2) two and one-half inch (2½”) outlets.
Exceptions 1: If the cost of upgrading the fire hydrant exceeds two percent
(2%) of the cost of the project, based on the Building Permit valuation.
Exception 2: This section does not apply where an automatic fire sprinkler
system is installed throughout the building.
Section 903.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required; All Occupancies and Facilities. An automatic
fire sprinkler system shall be installed in all of the following:
1. Every newly constructed, building or facility.
Exception: Freestanding structures not more than one thousand
(1,000) square feet and provided with exterior wall and opening
protection as per Table 602 of the Building Code.
2. Newly created, attached, second dwelling units which meet the definition
of a substantial remodel.
3. All other existing buildings, where required by the Fire Chief in
accordance with the following:
i. All buildings where improvements occur during any three (3) year period
which meet the definition of a substantial remodel.
ii. All buildings in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet which have
more than ten (10) percent floor area added within any three (3) year period.
iii. A change in the use of a building that results in a higher fire or life safety
hazard when the square footage of the area changing use is more than fifty (50)
percent of the square footage of the existing building.
iv. Where fire sprinklers are required by the provisions above, they shall be
extended throughout the building.
4. All public storage facilities.
5. All tunnels used for the transportation of people or any type of vehicle.
The requirements for fire sprinklers in this code section are not meant to
disallow the provisions for area increase, height increase, or fire-resistive-rated
substitution if otherwise allowed by the Building Code or Residential Code.
Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.17 and 903.2.19 through 903.2.21 remain the same.
Section 903.2.18 is hereby modified by deleting the exception.
Section 907.2.11.2.3 is hereby amended to add the following concluding sentence:
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Replacement of existing smoke alarms which are hardwired and/or
interconnected shall be made with an alarm of the same functionality.
Section 907.8.5 is hereby added as follows:
907.8.5 False and nuisance fire alarm – public nuisance. A protected
premises fire alarm shall constitute a public nuisance if it actuates three (3) or more
false or nuisance alarms within any calendar year. This section shall be effective
thirty (30) days after fire alarm system installation is operational.
907.8.5.1 False alarm response fee. Where a protected premises fire
alarm constitutes a public nuisance as specified in Section 907.8.5, the owner or
lessee shall be responsible for the City’s false and nuisance alarm response fees
as specified in the Master Fee Schedule Resolution adopted by the City Council.
Section 1015.2 is hereby amended by adding the following sentence to the end of the
paragraph before the Exceptions:
Guards are also required at waterfront bulkheads, fixed piers and
gangways.
Sections 1015.8.2 and 1015.8.3 are hereby added as follows:
1015.8.2 Existing Hotels. The provisions of sections 1015.8 shall apply
retroactively to all existing hotels.
1015.8.3 Clear area adjacent to hotel window opening. There shall be
no furniture, fixed or moveable, placed within thirty-six inches (36″) of any openable
portion of a window. Hotels shall also provide notice to prospective guests of this
requirement.
Section 1030.3.2 is added as follows:
1030.3.2 Group I-2 Hospital Obstructions. In Group I-2 Hospitals, the
required clear width for aisles, corridors and ramps that are part of the required
means of egress shall comply with Section 1018.2. The facility shall have a plan
to maintain the required clear width during emergency situations.
Exception: In areas required for bed movement, equipment shall be
permitted in the required width where all the following provisions are met:
1. The equipment is low hazard and wheeled.
2. The equipment does not reduce the effective clear width for the means
of egress to less than 5 feet (1525 mm).
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3. The equipment is limited to:
3.1 Equipment and carts in use;
3.2 Medical emergency equipment;
3.3 Infection control carts; and
3.4 Patient lift and transportation equipment.
4. Medical emergency equipment and patient lift and transportation
equipment, when not in use, is required to be located on one side of the corridor.
5. The equipment is limited in number to a maximum of one per patient
sleeping room or patient care room within each smoke compartment.
Section 1103.8.1 is hereby amended by adding the following subsections, following the
Exceptions:
A. On or after January 1, 1986, every single-family dwelling and factory-
built housing, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 19971, which is sold
shall have operable smoke alarms installed. The smoke alarms shall be approved
and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with section
907.2.11.2. Battery operated smoke alarms shall be deemed to satisfy the
requirements of this section.
B. On or after January 1, 1993, every apartment building shall have
installed a hardwired smoke alarm with battery back-up located within every
dwelling unit. This smoke alarm shall be located outside of sleeping rooms and
the primary power shall be from the building wiring, with no intervening switches
other than the circuit breaker. The smoke alarm shall be approved and listed by
the State Fire Marshal.
Section 1104.5.2 is hereby added as follows:
1104.5.2 Change of ownership. Buildings, portions of buildings, or
occupancies shall meet the requirements of Section 1104.5 upon a change of
ownership.
Section 5704.3.3.11 is hereby added as follows:
5704.3.3.11 Storage of flammable and combustible liquids and other
hazardous materials. The storage of flammable or combustible liquids or other
hazardous materials in public storage facilities is prohibited. Such facilities shall
post legible and durable signs to indicate same in a manner and locations as
specified by the Fire Chief. This section shall apply to new and existing public
storage facilities.
Exception: Only those quantities of flammable and combustible liquids
necessary for normal maintenance of the facility.
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Appendix D103.5, Subsection 1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
D103.5, Subsection 1 Gate Opening Width. Except for a single one- or
two-family dwelling, the minimum unobstructed gate width shall be twenty (20) feet.
For a single one- or two-family dwelling, the minimum unobstructed gate width
shall be sixteen (16) feet, except where a narrower width is approved by the Fire
Chief for exceptional circumstances.
4.08.130 Enforcement and penalties.
A. In addition to the enforcement powers and remedies provided in the Fire
Code, the Fire Chief shall have the power to enforce the provisions of this code as
provided in Chapters 1.40, 1.42, 1.44, and 1.46 .
B. Violations of the Fire Code as adopted in this code are
misdemeanors/infractions and are subject to the penalties set forth in Section
1.42.010 of the San Rafael Municipal Code.
C. The imposition of one (1) penalty for any violation shall not excuse the
violation or permit it to continue and all such persons shall be required to correct
or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time and, when not
otherwise specified each day that a violation occurs or continues, after a final
notice has been delivered shall constitute a separate offense. The application of
both penalties shall not be held to prevent the enforced correction of prohibited
conditions.
D. Nothing contained in Subsections A through C of this Section shall be
construed or interpreted to prevent the City from recovering all costs associated
with a Fire Department response as described in Section 104.12 of the Fire Code.
E. Any violation of any provision of this code shall constitute a public
nuisance, and shall entitle the City to collect the costs of abatement and related
administrative costs, by a code enforcement assessment lien and special
assessment pursuant to Section 1.46.160 of the San Rafael Municipal Code, or by
a nuisance abatement lien and special assessment pursuant to Government Code
Sections 38773.1 and 38773.5. Prior to recordation of such a lien or processing
such a request for special assessment, the City shall give written notice to the
record owner of the affected property. In addition, the City shall be entitled to collect
such abatement costs and related administrative costs, together with litigation
costs and attorneys’ fees, in a civil action pursuant in Section 1.42.020 of the San
Rafael Municipal Code.
4.08.140 Appeals.
A. Any person receiving a bill for Fire Department response costs and
expenses pursuant to Section 104.12 of the Fire Code, may file within thirty (30)
days after the date of mailing the bill, an administrative appeal against imposition
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of the civil penalty or response costs and expense. The appeal shall be in writing
and filed with the Fire Chief, and shall include a copy of the bill and statement of
the grounds for appeal. The Fire Chief shall conduct an administrative hearing on
the appeal, after giving the appellant at least ten (10) days' advance written notice
of the time and place of the hearing. Within ten (10) days after the hearing, the
Hearing Officer shall give written notice of the decision to the appellant, which
decision shall be final. If the appeal is denied in part or full, all amounts due shall
be paid within thirty (30) days after the mailing of the notice of the decision of the
Hearing Officer.
B. Whenever the Fire Chief shall disapprove an application or refuse to
grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do
not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued
or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the Fire Chief
to the City Council within ten (10) days from the date of the decision. The
provisions of this section shall not apply to corrective actions for the clearance of
vegetation as specified in Sections 304.1 through 304.1.2.2 of the Fire Code, or to
matters for which an appeal is provided pursuant to subsection 4.08.140(A) above.
DIVISION 2.
California Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5
require that findings be made in order to change or modify building standards found
in the California Building Standards Code based on local climatic, geologic, or
topographic conditions.
Therefore, the San Rafael City Council hereby finds that these changes or
modifications to the Fire Code as adopted in Title 4 of the San Rafael Municipal
Code are reasonably necessary because of the following local climatic, geological
and topographical conditions:
I. Climatic conditions
a. Precipitation. Most of the annual rainfall in San Rafael occurs during the winter; it
receives no measurable precipitation between May and October. During this time,
temperatures average between 70 and 90 degrees. These conditions eliminate
most of the moisture in the natural vegetation and heavily wooded hillsides. The
area also suffers periodic droughts that can extend the dry periods to other months
of the year. These conditions can be further exacerbated by high off-shore winds,
or hot, dry, inland winds.
b. Relative Humidity. Humidity generally ranges from 50% during daytime to 86% at
night. It drops to 20% during the summer months and occasionally drops lower
typically at the most extreme periods of the wildland fire season.
c. Temperatures. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 108 degrees F.
Average summer highs are in the 75 degree to 90 degree range.
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d. Winds. Prevailing winds are from the northwest. However, winds are experienced
from virtually every direction at one time or another. Velocities are generally in the
5 – 15 mph range, gusting to 30 mph, particularly during the summer months.
Extreme winds, up to 50 mph, have been known to occur.
II. Geological conditions
a. San Rafael lies near several earthquake faults, including the very active San
Andreas Fault; there are significant potential hazards such as road closures, fires,
collapsed buildings, and isolation of residents requiring assistance.
b. Many areas of the City, including some highly developed industrial and commercial
areas, are located on bay alluvial soils which are subject to liquefaction in the event
of an earthquake.
III. Topographical conditions
a. Much of San Rafael is located in hilly areas, and many of the residential areas are
heavily landscaped, and many exist adjacent to hilly open space areas which are
characterized by dry vegetation and have limited access. In addition, the
steepness of grades located in the hills and canyons results in narrow and winding
roads, and limited water supply.
b. The major arterial route between San Francisco and Marin and Sonoma county
areas, Highway 101, bisects the City of San Rafael; should that highway become
impassable, alternative routes via surface streets in San Rafael may cause heavy
traffic congestion, limiting emergency access or delaying response.
More specifically, the above modified building standards are listed below with the
corresponding climatic, geological or topographical condition which necessitates the
modification, as follows:
Section Number Climatic, geological and topographical condition
1.11.2.1 Ia, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
102.5 Ia, Ib,Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
103.1 Ia,Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
104.12 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
104.13 Ia, IIb, IIc, IId, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
105.2.5 Id, IIa
105.7.26 Ia, Ib, Ic, Id,IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
107.7 Ia, IIa, IIIa
112.4 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
113.4 Ia, IIa, IIIa
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202 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
304.1.2 Ia,Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
307.4.2 Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
307.4.3 Ia, IIa, Ic, Id, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
308.1.2 Ia,Ib, Ic, Id, IIIa, IIIb
324 Ia,Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
407.8 Ic, Id, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
503.1.2 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
503.1.4 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIIa
503.2.3 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
503.2.6.1 Ia, IIa, IIb, IIIa
503.4 Ia, 1b, Ic, Id, IIa,IIIa
503.4.2 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
505.1 Ia,Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
506.1 Ia, IIa, Ic, Id, IIb, IIIa
507.5.1.2 Ia, IIIa, IIIb
903.2 Ia, IIa, IIIa,IIIb
907.8.5 Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
1015.2 Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, IIa
1015.8.2 IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
1015.8.3 IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
1030.3.2 Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb
1103.8.1 Ia, IIa, IIIa
1104.5.2 Ia, IIa, IIIa
5704.3.3.11 Ia, IIa, IIIb
Appendix D103.5 Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, IIa, IIIa, IIIb
DIVISION 3.
All former Ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Ordinance codified in this chapter or the Codes hereby adopted
are hereby repealed.
DIVISION 4.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is
for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portion of this Ordinance. The City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby declares that it would have adopted the Ordinance and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any
one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases shall be
declared invalid.
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DIVISION 5.
This Ordinance shall be published once, in full or in summary form, before its
final passage, in a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the
City of San Rafael and shall be in full force and effect on January 1, 2023. If
published in summary form, the summary shall also be published within fifteen (15)
days after the adoption, together with the names of those Council members voting
for or against same, in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated
in the City of San Rafael, County of Marin, State of California.
Within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall also post in the
office of the City Clerk, a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance along with
the names of those Councilmembers voting for and against the Ordinance.
DIVISION 6.
The City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to 14 CCR Section
15061(b)(3), since it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment.
THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was first read and introduced at a regular meeting of
the San Rafael City Council on the 17th day of October 2022, and was passed and
adopted at a regular meeting of the San Rafael City Council on the 7th day of November
2022 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Kate Colin, Mayor
Attest:
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk