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10/28/2019 3. Climatic: The areas served by the City, on average, experience an annual rainfall between 8 to 18 inches. This rainfall can be expected between October and April of each year and is based on the 100 -year weather almanac. However, during the summer and early fall months there is little, if any, measurable precipitation. During this dry period, the temperatures are usually between 700-900 with light to gusty westerly winds. These drying winds, mixed with the natural vegetation, which is dominant throughout the area, create a hazardous fuel condition, which further creates extensive grass and brush land fire risk. With residential developments, encroaching into these wooded and grass, or brush -covered areas, wind and terrain -driven fires could have severe consequences to improved properties at risk. This has been demonstrated on several occasions in other areas of our State Fire/Rescue Aid Regions. 4. Geological: A. Geographic Location. The area served by the City is located in San Mateo County. This area identified as being in the southern region of the county. B. Seismic Location. The relatively young geological processes that have created the San Francisco bay region are still active today. Seismically, the City sits along the active San Andreas Fault, and is rated as a Seismic Zone E. C. Size and population. Areas served by the Fire Department encompass approximately 19 square miles and 80,000 people. D. Roads and Streets. The number of vehicle miles driven is steadily increasing despite limited growth. Many older streets are narrow and steep. The impact of additional planned developments and increased traffic flow will continue to create an effect on the delivery of fire protection services. E. Soil Conditions. The City lays in the southern end of San Mateo County. The areas closest to the Bay are overlain by unconsolidated fine silty clay, known as Bay Mud, which varies in thickness from a few feet to as much as thirty (30) feet. Bedrock lies beneath the area at depths generally three hundred (300) feet or more. The topography is essentially flat, dropping from an elevation of eight hundred (800) feet to sea level. The slope of the City extends upwards on the western side. Slopes range from (0) degrees to more than (20) degrees on some streets. F. Vegetation. The hilly portion of the City contains trees, dense brush vegetation and a heavy growth of natural grasses. The City and surrounding areas suffer several wildland fires each year. G. Bay Mud. Within the City, specifically along the San Francisco Bay, is underlain with Bay Mud, which does not allow for infrastructure subject to corrosion. 5. Topographical: The topographical element, as would be expected, is closely associated with the geological element. With elevation changes in the City, development is of a geological concern. With these changes development is, of course, following the path of least resistance; thereby creating a meandering pattern. This does not lend itself to a good systematic street and road layout, which would promote easy traffic flow. It has, in fact, resulted in few major cross-town thoroughfares, which tend to be heavily congested, primarily during commute hours and seasonal periods of the year. "Pass-through" vehicular traffic in the cities, such as ATTY/RESO.0103 /CC RESO ADOPTING FIRE & BUILDING CODES RESO. NO. 15801 REV: 10-24-19 RL MUFF NO. 305 Page 2 of 4