1. City Council Agenda Item #10
Patrick Howard, Development Services Director
May 20, 2014

2. SYNOPSIS
Recent interpretation of the requirement for providing secondary fire access for one- or two-family dwelling residential developments (as defined by Appendix D107 of the City Council-adopted 2009 International Fire Code) has prompted an extensive discussion regarding the need to revisit/modify language to more adequately reflect current development practices in San Angelo.
After much discussion, City Council provided direction to staff at it April 15, 2014 meeting, resulting in the proposed language presented today for consideration.

3. PROPOSED ACTIONS
To amend the City’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 “Building and Construction”, Article “Administration”, restating Section “Adoption of Codes”, Part (A), Subpart 7, adopting the International Fire Code-2009 Edition (“Fire Code”): A) Amending Section , entitled “Additional Access,” cross referencing it with criteria identified in the proposed language to be included in Appendix D; B) Providing language to provide additional flexibility related to Remoteness, as defined by Section D104.3, Appendix D; and C) Modifying language with Section D107, Appendix D, thereby creating tiered requirements for the requirement for secondary vehicular access for “One- Or Two-Family Residential Developments”

4. PROPOSED ACTION (A)
Additional Access: The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access. in accordance with City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4, Section 4.101(a)(7) – Appendix D107 of the International Fire Code.

5. PROPOSED ACTION (B)
D104.3 Remoteness: The proposed language now provides three flexible options for the meeting the distance requirement when two access roads are required, and where it is physically impossible to diagonally dimension requirements, in addition to providing the opportunity for separate entrances sharing a common path of travel in certain circumstances

6. PROPOSED ACTION (C)
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments:
Allows for the development of up to 75 residential dwelling units with one means of access
Allows the number of dwelling units to exceed 75 units with exceptions:
All units equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system
- OR -

7. PROPOSED ACTION (C) continued
- OR -
Up to 165 units allowed (with connection to future development)
Up to 275 units allowed (with 1 improved access, and 1 unimproved access)
Greater than 275 units allowed (with 2 improved access roads).
Gives Director of Development Services the authority to grant relief from this Ordinance for previously-initiated projects

8. IMPACT OF PROPOSAL
Provides a seemingly reasonable compromise, recognizing the need for greater flexibility based on local market conditions, while maintaining a reasonable level of assurance related to eventual provision of secondary access, as necessary and when required.