The Mountain Springs Community lies within a region prone to wildland fires. Additionally, the Community faces the threat of urban fires associated with development. Fire protection for the Community Plan is provided by the Tuolumne County Fire Department. A one million gallon water tank and booster pump system will provide water to residents and provide fire flow with adequate pressures for the Community (refer to Figure 8.1). In addition, the several ponds contained on the property provide a reliable water source for fighting wildland fires. There are also several levels of “fire breaks” designed into the Community Plan. The first is a perimeter trail system with a compacted soil surface, second is the defensible space and related brush and limb clearing around individual residences, third is the neighborhood and community road system, and fourth is the large contiguous irrigated area of the golf course.
Home construction within the Community Plan will emphasize building with fire retardant building and roofing materials. Multi family homes within the Community Plan will also incorporate residential fire sprinkler systems tied into the plumbing of the home. Sprinkler systems in single family residential homes will also be encouraged.
The Development Agreement will specify the timing, location and dedication requirements for the public water improvements. A 2.2 acre site has also been set aside for other civic uses or the potential development of public facilities if the appropriate agencies or boards determine the need exists for a facility in the future. The facility could include fire, police, medical or other services if the County determines there is adequate need and sufficient number of homes to support an individual or multi-use facility (see potential community services parcel in Figures 2-1 and 2-2). This element identifies measures that can help reduce fire hazards for the Mountain Springs region.
Police protection for the Mountain Springs Community is provided by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department. Recent population increases have placed greater demands on the County’s police services. As the Mountain Springs area develops, additional law enforcement personnel will be required to maintain existing levels of service which are funded through GIGER fees assessed by the County at the time of building permit for individual homes and commercial buildings.
Goal
7.A Avoid exposure of people and improvements to seismically active or other hazardous conditions.
