This chapter is enacted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 7.5 of Division
2 of the California
Public Resources Code, known as the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (
Public Resources Code, Section 2621, et. seq.).
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act requires that
the State Geologist delineate earthquake fault zones that shall encompass
all potentially and recently active faults in California that the
State Geologist determines to be sufficiently active and well-defined
as to constitute a potential hazard to structures from surface faulting
or fault creep.
The Act further requires cities and counties to exercise specified
approval authority with respect to projects within delineated earthquake
fault zones.
In compliance with the stated provisions and intent of the Act,
the City declares the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act,
the policies and criteria established and adopted by the State Mining
and Geology Board, and the Earthquake Fault Zones maps (formerly called
the Special Studies Zones maps) of the State Geologist that affect
the City to be incorporated within this code.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
The latest editions of the maps compiled by the State Geologist
delineating the earthquake fault zones and documents shall be maintained
at all times by Department of Community Development for use and examination
by the public. Copies of the Earthquake Fault Zones maps (Special
Studies Zones maps) shall be made available to the public at a reasonable
cost at the Department of Community Development.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
Unless otherwise defined in this article, words used in this
chapter shall be defined as set forth in the:
(B) Policies and Criteria of the State Mining and Geology Board, or if
not therein defined, as defined in the Uniform Building Code.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
Based on the geologic reports, the decision-making body shall
determine the specific geologic hazard at the site and shall evaluate
the suitability of the proposed use in relation to the hazard. In
granting any permit, the decision-making body shall attach such conditions
as may be deemed necessary to fulfill the purposes of the district.
Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to, alternative
locations of structures, special foundation design, and special structural
design or equipment which will facilitate restoration of utility service
in the event of displacement. A permit shall be denied if the decision-making
body finds that the site is unsuitable for the proposed use because
of geologic hazards which cannot be mitigated. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this code, no building permit shall be issued for
a project within the earthquake fault zones which has not complied
with the provisions of this article.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
No structure for human occupancy identified as a project under
this chapter shall be permitted to be placed across the trace of an
active fault, nor shall such structure be permitted within 50 feet
of the trace of an active or potentially active fault. This setback
requirement may be waived only if the geologic report has satisfactorily
demonstrated that the fault is inactive.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)
This article shall not apply to construction exempted by Public
Resources Code Section 2621.7 as presently enacted or as amended in
the future.
(Ord. 3126 § 2, 1994)