RTC#03-160 Attachment A

NUMBER

CDD-17

PROPOSED COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
			For Calendar Year:		2003
				Continuing
				New
				Previous Year (below line/defer)

Issue:	Fire Rating for Roof Material
Lead Department:		Community Development
General Plan Element or Sub-Element: Fire Services Sub-Element

1.	What are the key elements of the issue? What precipitated it?

This issue is regarding the fire rating of roof material for all buildings in Sunnyvale. Roofing material is currently classified into four fire rating categories: non-rated, Class A, Class B, and Class C. The current requirement in the State of California is a minimum of a Class C rating. Higher fire rating may be required depending on the type of use and construction of the building (non-rated roof material is not allowed). This study would determine if a higher standard for roof material is appropriate.

This issue was originally raised by a member of the public at the August 27, 2002 Council meeting when ordinances to adopt the 2001 Building Codes were introduced. At the City Council meeting on September 24, 2002, the Council added this item to the list of potential study issues.

2.	How does this relate to the General Plan or existing City Policy?

The Fire Service Sub-Element encourages continued review of city ordinances and code requirements to provide appropriate fire prevention and safety measures possible. The Fire Services Sub-Element has the following policy and action statement related this study issue:

Fire Services Sub-Element

Policy 4.2C.1. Provide controls based on fire and life safety codes, ordinances, permits and field inspections. Promote compliance through enforcement efforts.

Action Statement 4.2C.1a. Revise and adopt appropriate codes, ordinances, and policies significant to fire and life safety issues.

3.	Origin of issue:
		Councilmember:	Miller/Risch
		General Plan:
		Staff:

	BOARD or COMMISSION
	Arts			Library
	Bldg. Code of Appeals			Parks & Rec.
	CCAB			Personnel
	Heritage & Preservation			Planning
	Housing & Human Svcs

	Board / Commission Ranking/Comment:

Board / Commission ranked

Due date for Continuing and Mandatory issues (if known):

N/A

Multiple Year Project?

Yes

Expected Year of Completion

2003

Estimated work hours for completion of the study issue.

(a) Estimated work hours from the lead department

150

(b) Estimated work hours from consultant(s):

(d) List any other department(s) and number of work hours:

Department(s):

Public Safety/Fire Prevention

Total Estimated Hours:

230

Expected participation involved in the study issue process?

(a) Does Council need to approve a work plan?

Yes

(b) Does this issue require review by a Board/Commission?

Yes

If so, which Board/Commission?

Yes

(d) What is the public participation process?

Staff will notify and solicit input from Sunnyvale residents, roofing contractors, and developers determine the community's interest and opinion on this subject.

Estimated Fiscal Impact:

Cost of Study

Capital Budget Costs

New Annual Operating Costs

New Revenues or Savings

10 Year RAP Total

Staff Recommendation

Recommended for Study

Against Study

No Recommendation

Explain below staff's recommendation if "for" or "against" study. Department director should also note the relative importance of this study to other major projects that the department is currently working on or that are soon to begin, and the impact on existing services/priorities.

Based on the public and Council comments received this issue appears to be of great interest in the community. This study would determine if a higher fire rating standard for roof material is appropriate in order to significantly limit the threat and/or spread of fire.

reviewed by
Department Director	Date

approved by
City Manager	Date