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• Policy 2.3 - In areas with laiown geologic hazards, limit development to minor structures and improvements where damage would not threaten human life or cause significant financial loss. • Program 2.5 - Continue to require applicants to submit a geotechnical report prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer for proposed new residences and major additions on sites that have a potential geologic hazard. In cases where a geologic hazard is confirmed, the engineering recommendations in the geotechnical report shall be implemented to avoid or mitigate the probable effects of the hazard. • Policy 4.1 - Development shall not be permitted unless an acceptable level of fire protection and adequate water supplies can be provided. (5) The Town adopted local amendments to the Fire Code and the State Residential Building Standards Code to require compliance with Section R337 (Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure) on December 19, 2019 based on identification of the following unique local climatic, topographic and geologic conditions: • The Town of Los Altos Hills experiences low humidity, high winds and warm temperatures during the summer months creating conditions which are particularly conducive to the ignition and spread of grass, brush and structure fires. • The remoteness and steepness of hillside areas in the Town significantly impacts the ability of emergency responders to extinguish or control wildland or structure fires. These factors cumulatively mandate special provisions for Fire Department access, fire protection water supplies, automatic fire sprinklers, fire retardant roof coverings and ignition -resistant exterior materials. • The Town of Los Altos Hills is geographically situated adjacent to active earthquake faults capable of producing substantial seismic events. Since the Town is divided by a freeway and other major traffic corridors, the occurrence of a major earthquake would significantly impact the ability of fire crews to respond to emergencies should one or more bridges collapse or be substantially damaged. • Fire suppression capabilities will be severely limited should the water system be extensively damaged during the seismic event. • Roofs and exterior materials that are not ignition -resistant contribute to the spread of fires, and therefore pose a risk to the safety of the Town's citizens and their property. (6) The Town of Los Altos Hills is uniquely situated in a semi -rural, hillside environment with physical limitations to vehicular access, steep slopes with soils and geological constraints, riparian creels corridors and native oak woodlands. Given the unique landscape, geological characteristics, topography and terrain in the Town, higher urban densities with minimal setbacks and buffers between structures is not conducive to minimizing risks related to wildland fires, earthquakes and other natural hazards, and minimizing impacts to unique and sensitive environmental settings. (7) The Town's standards for residential lots is a one -acre minimum size with a minimum average width of 160 feet, a front yard setback of at least 40 feet and side and rear yard setbacks of at least 30 feet, and a maximum floor area limit of approximately 6,000 square feet per prdinance 590 Page 3