Within recent years, Grand Terrace, Calif., has prioritized public safety by going the extra step to layer safety measures into its building ordinances. These building ordinances require the placement of certain life-saving equipment that will undoubtedly give residents peace of mind while also easing the demands faced by public safety agencies.

“We’re basically trying to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the code,” Luis Gardea, building official for the Grand Terrace Building Division, said. “Our goal is to have our buildings reach that point where 100% of them are safe by requiring the equipment of automatic fire sprinklers.”

Since ordinance No. 346 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, Grand Terrace has required that all new buildings — from nonresidential to residential — regardless of square footage be equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Additionally, if a building is undergoing additions or alterations of more than 50%, it, too, would require the addition of automatic fire sprinklers. These measures go beyond California’s state building codes, which do not require the installation of fire sprinklers, and provide residents additional time to exit a burning building safely.

“Three years ago, there was a house that caught fire and one of the residents passed away,” Gardea said. “We are trying to reduce (similar incidents) and have most of our buildings safe for everybody in our community.”

The idea was first brought forward by Grand Terrace’s city manager, Konrad Bolowich, a former paramedic. Throughout the creation of the ordinance, Bolowich offered his experience and guidance. Gardea shared that the city also tried to look at other cities’ ordinances; however, finding similar ones to what Grand Terrace wanted to put in place proved difficult.

“We basically just started from scratch,” he said. “We started with the language by ourselves and tried to make that aspect as effective as possible.”

The city’s goal of realizing safer buildings has led to the passing of two additional ordinances in 2024. One adds the requirement of certain safety features, such as safety hardware, trip hazard prevention measures and uniform abatement of dangerous buildings, into the city’s building code for single and multi-family homes. Like with the ordinance for fire sprinklers, this requirement is for new constructions and remodels of more than 50%. For example, if someone is doing a remodel in the shower area, they need to make sure there is wood blocking, so in the future, safety hardware like grab bars can be easily installed.

Gardea noted that Grand Terrace has a sizable senior population, and these requirements allow them to age safely in place by reducing hazards.

“Unfortunately, most residents when they fall, nobody hears it or nobody’s there to help,” he said. “We want to take these measures to prevent any of those mishaps — to make it easier for residents, our seniors. This way, you can again prevent fatalities.”

The other 2024 ordinance requires the placement of automated external defibrillators in largely nonresidential buildings that are being remodeled or newly occupied.

“Let’s say, there’s an existing building and there’s a new tenant who’s moving in, or there’s any remodeling going on in the inside of that building — we require that building be equipped with an AED,” Gardea said. “They’d be accessible to everybody. In addition to that, we also require that a bleeding control kit be equipped as well.”

This is particularly important in structures where people may gather. Gardea noted that given the numerous incidents that have occurred around the country, the placement of such items may prove invaluable.

“Thirdly, we require that NARCAN supply kits be equipped in those same safety unit packages — unfortunately, because of the opioid overdose (crisis) that’s going on in our country,” Gardea said. “We wanted to make sure that those tools of life-saving equipment were accessible to everybody in our community.”

While the ordinance for AEDs and the safety kits largely affects commercial and industrial buildings, Gardea noted it would also apply to residential structures with a shared common space where people would gather, like a clubhouse, or in apartment buildings. “Anywhere there’s usually a large congregated amount of people, that’s where we’re going to make sure those items are present for residents,” he added.

“First responders, you know, they have so much on their plates right now,” Gardea said. “What we want to do is if there’s somebody who’s close by (they should be able to) access this equipment to save somebody’s life. We believe that is going to make a huge difference.”

The Grand Terrace building permit process ensures everyone is on the same page with these features before any ground has been broken. Gardea noted, “Anytime there’s a new project that’s being proposed, they would first need to go through our planning department, and that’s where we actually include those conditions. So the property owners, they’re aware way before the project starts.”

Grand Terrace has not received pushback for the ordinances. Gardea said, “I feel property owners realize that this will make a big difference for everybody, and it is hugely important to have (these features).”

The city has provided different resources on its website for homeowners and developers who may need guidance for purchasing items for the safety kits, such as AEDs or NARCAN. Contact information is also available to the local fire department and San Bernardino County Fire, both of which can provide guidance on purchasing items and offer training on their use.

These measures apply to city buildings, too. Gardea shared that all city facilities, including city hall and the senior center, are equipped with sprinklers and safety kits. He said, “That way we’re setting an example for the community.”

Recently, all city employees have also received their CPR certifications. “From our main staff to our field staff to our administrative staff to our secretary and all the way up to our state managers — so everybody is basically CPR certified,” Gardea added.

Partnerships have helped Grand Terrace along the way, with Gardea crediting the county health department for its help in procuring NARCAN kits and local fire departments for their guidance. The sheriff’s department has also been a help. Gardea noted the city has worked with the local school district to get information out, too.

To cities looking to update their own ordinances, Gardea said, “I would recommend that they look at their stats. How many house fires have they been through for the last few years — let’s say, five years. Basically, gather all of that data and really see how implementing this ordinance will significantly decrease that numbers.”

Once those statistics are in place, Gardea recommended implementing these requirements slowly and being sure to enforce them. Then hopefully over time, there will be a decrease in those numbers.

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