§ 23.05.082. Fire Safety Plan.

The purpose of a fire safety plan is to enable a fire protection agency that has jurisdiction over a proposed site to evaluate the adequacy of proposed fire protection measures, and to keep itself informed of new developments to evaluate their effect upon the ability of the agency to provide continuing service. The approval of a fire safety plan does not imply a commitment by any agency to an increased level of service. [Amended 1992, Ord. 2570]

a.

Where required: A fire safety plan is to be submitted with a land use permit application as follows:

(1)

Within urban and village reserve areas: All land use permit applications shall be submitted to the applicable fire protection agency, except for single family dwellings proposed on existing lots where a letter from the applicable fire protection agency is submitted that verifies that adequate fire flow and fire hydrants exist.

(2)

Rural areas: All applications for uses proposed outside of urban or village reserve lines are to be submitted to the County Fire Chief or designated appointee, except agricultural uses not involving buildings and agricultural accessory buildings.

(3)

Exception: The requirements of this section may be waived where the applicable fire protection agency verifies in writing that fire safety review is unnecessary.

b.

Fire safety plan content:

(1)

Urban and village areas: A fire safety plan shall identify the location of the fire hydrant nearest to the site; the location of any emergency firefighting equipment or water supplies on the proposed site; the location of any explosive or flammable materials; and means of access to all structures available for firefighting equipment.

(2)

Rural areas: A fire safety plan shall include the location of: available water storage; any storage of fuel, explosives, flammable or combustible liquids and gases; and identification of the extent of proposed vegetative fuel reduction areas.

(3)

Exception to content requirements: Where the applicable fire protection agency determines that information provided with the project application and plans is sufficient to enable fire safety review without the need for a separate fire safety plan, the information required by subsections b(1) and b(2) of this section need not be supplied. A letter verifying the adequacy of application information shall be submitted to the Planning and Building Department.

c.

Fire safety plan review:

(1)

Timing of review: Review of a fire safety plan is to be completed before approval of a Minor Use Permit or Development Plan application; and before application for construction permits in cases of Plot Plan approval. [Amended 1992, Ord. 2570]

(2)

Effect of review: Review of fire safety plans is to result in a recommendation to the applicant on the adequacy of proposed fire protection measures, which does not affect approval or disapproval of a project application, except:

(i)

Where the recommendations of the agency enforce the specific provisions of this chapter or, where applicable, the Uniform Fire Code and the State Responsibility Area Fire Safe Regulations (Public Resources Code Section 1270 et seq.).

(ii)

Where the authority vested in the fire protection agency enables the agency to mandate fire protection requirements for new development, such requirements shall be met before final building inspection has been granted or prior to occupancy where allowed by Section 19.04.042 (Occupancy or use of an incomplete structure).

(iii)

In the case of applications for Minor Use Permit or Development Plan approval, recommended fire protection requirements shall be considered as conditions of approval as set forth in Section 23.02.034c(2) (Development Plan Approval - Additional Conditions).