Chapter 14.20.271 California Fire Code

Chapter 14.20.271
California Fire Code

Sections:

14.20.271.010 Code adopted.

The City does hereby approve, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials, or explosion, that certain code known as the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, including Appendix Chapter 4, and Appendices B, C, D, E, F, I and J, as amended herein. The following portions of the California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, are not adopted: Chapters 16 (“Fruit and Crop Ripening”), 17 (“Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging”), 49 (“Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas”) and Appendices A and H. The documents approved in this section are approved in their entirety, excepting additions, revisions and deletions specified in Section 14.20.271.040.

(Ord. 1837, Amended, 03/22/2011; Ord. 1791, Amended, 12/11/2007; Ord. 1677, Amended, 10/23/2002)

14.20.271.020 Reference copies.

Two copies of the Fire Code shall be kept on file with the City Clerk for use and examination by members of the public.

(Ord. 1837, Amended, 03/22/2011; Ord. 1791, Amended, 12/11/2007; Ord. 1677, Amended, 10/23/2002)

14.20.271.030 Enforcement.

Enforcement of the Fire Code of the City adopted by this chapter shall be made in accordance with Section 14.20.270.060.

(Ord. 1837, Amended, 03/22/2011; Ord. 1791, Amended, 12/11/2007; Ord. 1677, Amended, 10/23/2002)

14.20.271.040 Amendments.

The California Fire Code, 2010 Edition, is amended as follows:

A. Subjects Not Regulated By This Code. Section 102.8.1 is added to Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

102.8.1 Fire extinguishing systems. Fire extinguishing systems shall comply with the applicable and most current codes and standards currently adopted and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the policies of the Fire Department.

Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R Occupancies of four stories or less that are designed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13R, shall have sprinklers installed in attics, balconies, porches and open corridors per NFPA 13.

B. Fire Prevention Bureau Personnel and Police. Section 103.3 of Chapter 1 is amended to read in full as follows:

All sworn safety personnel assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau, or such other full-time Fire Department officers or Fire Prevention personnel as may be authorized by the Fire Chief or the Police Chief or both, shall be peace officers as described in Section 830.37(b) of the California Penal Code and shall enforce the Penal Code, California Fire Code, and where necessary and appropriate, any sections of this code, the California Health and Safety Code, and any other county or state fire-related laws or codes not specifically covered in any part of this code. These police powers include the power to issue misdemeanor citations. When requested to do so by the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police is authorized to assign such available police officers as necessary to assist the Fire Department in enforcing the provisions of this code.

C. Fire Service Fees. Section 104.1.1 is added to Section 104 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

104.1.1 Fire service fees. Fire service fees may be charged to any person, firm, corporation, or business that, through negligence, violation of the law, or as a result of carelessness, is responsible for or is the cause of any Fire Department response.

D. Right of Entry. Section 104.3.2 is added to Section 104.3 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

104.3.2 Photographs and sketches. During the course of an inspection, the Fire Chief may take photographs and videos or make such sketches as he/she/they deem necessary in the performance of their duties hereunder. No person shall interfere with, refuse, or obstruct such persons in the performance of such photographing, filming, or sketching.

E. Obstructing Fire Department Operations. Section 104.11.2 of Chapter 1 is amended to read in full as follows:

Interference with the operations of the Fire Department in connection with extinguishing any fire or mitigating any other emergency, conducting inspections or investigations, or any other Fire Department operation is prohibited. Lawful commands of the Fire Chief or the officer of the Fire Department in charge at such scene, or any part thereof, or any police or law enforcement officer assisting the Fire Department or its personnel at or around such scene, shall be obeyed. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

F. Submittals. Section 105.4.1.2 is added to Section 105.4.1 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

105.4.1.2. Review of submittals. The Fire Chief may review all plans for the construction or remodeling of buildings for the purpose of ascertaining and requiring to be corrected any condition that may cause or lead to a fire, endanger life or safety, create panic, or is a violation of this code, state laws or regulations, or any other local ordinances, regulations, or requirements that he or she may deem necessary or proper. The Fire Chief may establish a schedule of fees, as approved by resolution of the city council, to be charged and collected for plan checking and other required inspection services.

G. Plan Review Section. Section 105.4.1.3 is added to Section 105.4.1 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

105.4.1.3. Permit to install or change fire protection equipment or systems. A permit from the Fire Department shall be required in order to install, alter, modify, or change any fire hydrant, fire extinguishing system, or fire alarm system.

H. Carnivals, Fairs, and Special Events. Section 105.6.4 of Chapter 1 is amended to read in full as follows:

An operational permit from the Fire Department is required in order to conduct a carnival, fair, or special event that involves field inspections by Fire Department personnel to ensure compliance with this code.

I. Fire Permit Fees. Section 105.7.15 is added to Section 105 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

105.7.15. Permit fees. The Fire Chief may establish a schedule of fees, as approved by resolution of the city council, to be charged and collected for the issuance of permits pursuant to Section 105 of this code.

J. Board of Appeals. Section 108 of Chapter 1 is amended to read in full as follows:

When a person claims that the provisions of this code do not apply, or that the intent, purpose, or meaning of this code has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted by the Fire Chief, such person may, within 30 days from the date of such decision of the Fire Chief, appeal the matter in writing to the City Manager who shall consider and render a decision on the appeal. Such decision of the City Manager shall be final.

K. Stopping Use, Evacuation. Section 109.3.2 is added to Section 109.3 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

109.3.2. Orders to Stop Work or Evacuate. The Fire Chief is authorized to order a stop to any operation, construction, or use or to evacuate any premises, building or vehicle or portion thereof that, in his or her judgment, is a hazardous condition, poses a threat to life, safety, or property, or is a violation of this code, Fire Department requirements, or any other regulation, ordinance, or law. The failure to comply with such order shall be a misdemeanor.

L. Abatement of Hazards. Section 109.3.3 is added to Section 109.3 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

109.3.3. Abatement of hazards. In situations where the immediate abatement of a fire hazard or other potentially hazardous condition is required, the Fire Chief shall have the authority to abate such hazard or condition immediately. Abatement measures may include, but are not limited to, confiscation or removal of the item(s) causing or contributing to the fire hazard or potentially hazardous condition; temporary closure of a building, structure, or occupancy threatened by the hazard or potentially hazardous condition; extinguishing unsafe or illegal fires; or utilization of any other method of abatement deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief under the circumstances. At the Fire Chief’s discretion, the cost of abatement may be charged to the owner of the property affected and, if not paid, may become a lien upon the property or the affected property confiscated, provided the owner thereof is given prior notice of the action to be taken and afforded due process of law.

M. Infraction Citations. Section 109.3.4 is added to Section 109.3 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

109.3.4 Issuance of citation. Any person who operates or maintains an occupancy or use of a vehicle that is a hazard and in conflict with the provisions of the Fire Code or this code and who fails to take immediate action to abate such hazard when ordered to do so by the Fire Chief or other Fire Department official or employee who is authorized to issue citations shall be subject to citation.

N. Unsafe Buildings. Section 110.5 is added to Section 110 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

110.5 Unsafe buildings. It shall be unlawful to leave or maintain any building in an unsafe condition or maintain any building in a manner that is a public nuisance, a threat to life, safety, or property, or a fire hazard. The Fire Chief may order or cause the abatement of such nuisance, threat, or hazard as specified in Section 109.3.3 of this code.

O. One- and Two-Family Dwellings. Section B105.1 of Appendix B is amended to read in full as follows:

The minimum fire-flow for one and two-family dwellings shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. residual pressure. The fire flow duration shall be in accordance with Table B105.1 of this code.

Exception: A reduction to 1,000 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. residual pressure may be granted by the Fire Chief in his or her sole discretion under the following circumstances:

1. The building is protected throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13-D, and VFD requirements, and the applicant has submitted a written statement to the Fire Chief explaining the practical difficulties that preclude the applicant from providing the required 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. fire-flow.

P. Definitions. Section 202 of Chapter 2 is amended to include the following definitions:

AREA SEPARATION WALL: For the purposes of calculating the total building floor area square footage specific to the local fire sprinkler requirements, an area separation wall shall be a fire wall dividing a building into separate areas, each of which may be considered a separate building provided the area separation walls are not less than 4-hour fire walls as defined in the city’s building codes.

FIRE TRAIL: An approved dirt road at least 18 feet wide, installed for the purpose of providing Fire Department access to wildland and open space areas during dry seasons of the year.

FIREBREAK: A strip devoid of flammable vegetation, such as a strip of bare mineral soil or irrigated landscaping (i.e. green belt), which can be used as a barrier to the spreading of fire without modification or improvement.

MEMBER: Any person involved in performing the duties and responsibilities of the Fire Department, under the auspices of the Fire Department organization for the purposes of this code. A Fire Department member may be a full-time or a part-time employee, a paid or unpaid volunteer, may occupy any position or rank within the Fire Department, and may or may not necessarily engage in emergency operations.

Q. Asphalt Kettles. Section 303.3.1 of Chapter 3 is added to read in full as follows:

Fuel cylinders or containers used with roofing kettles or equipment shall be securely mounted and placed in such a manner as approved by the Fire Chief. All fuel lines from cylinders or containers shall be supported and/or securely mounted as approved by the Fire Chief.

R. Abatement of Waste Material, Weeds, and Dry Grass. Section 304.1.4 is added to Section 304.1 of Chapter 3 to read in full as follows:

304.1.4 Accumulation of combustible materials. It shall be unlawful to accumulate or allow to accumulate or exist on any property any combustible waste matter, rubbish, weeds, dry grass, or other matter that creates a public nuisance, poses a threat to life, safety, or property, or creates a fire hazard. The Fire Chief may order or cause the abatement of such hazard or nuisance in the manner specified in Section 109.3.3 of this code.

S. Open Fires. Section 307.1.2 is added to Section 307.1 of Chapter 3 to read in full as follows:

307.1.2 Open fires. No person may ignite, permit or maintain an open fire, including incinerators, open burning, and recreational fires, within the City limits.

Exceptions:

1. Fires permitted by the Fire Chief for the burning of tree trimmings from commercial orchard operations exceeding 1 acre in size.

2. Fires properly contained in a barbecue pit, barbecue grill, approved outdoor fire pit, or approved outdoor fireplace when located in lawfully occupied premises or designated campsites.

3. Fires set or permitted by the Fire Chief in the performance of official duties, including, but not limited to, the following:

3.1. Disease and pest control prevention in connection with agricultural activities.

3.2. Improvement of wildlife habitat.

3.3. The training of Fire Department personnel or members.

3.4. Other special situations, as approved by the Fire Chief in his or her discretion, on a case by case basis.

T. Fire Apparatus Road Dimensions. Section 503.2.9 of Chapter 5 is added to read in full as follows:

The required width of any fire apparatus access road, fire trail, fire lane, or driveway marked in accordance with Section 503.3, shall not be obstructed in any manner, including, but not limited to, by vehicles that are parked or left standing. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this Section shall be maintained at all times. Any obstructions in violation of this Section may be removed in the manner specified in Section 109.3.3 of this code.

U. Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Section 503.2.10 is added to Section 503.2 of Chapter 5 to read in full as follows:

503.2.10 Parking. Parking may be prohibited on or along a fire apparatus access road if, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, it is necessary to maintain clear and unobstructed access. The Fire Chief may require the owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the premises to paint the curbs red, install signs, or give other appropriate notice that parking is prohibited. It shall thereafter be unlawful for any such owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the premises to fail to install and maintain in good condition the painted curbs, signs, or other appropriate notice so prescribed.

V. Address Numbers. Section 505.1 of Chapter 5 is amended to read in full as follows:

Approved addresses shall be provided for all new and existing buildings or businesses and shall be located in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Address numbers and/or letters shall contrast with their background. In addition, any business that affords vehicular access to the rear through any driveway, alleyway, or parking lot may also be required to display the address number(s) on the rear of the building if, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, the number(s) is needed to identify the property.

W. Diagram for Multi-Dwelling and Commercial Complexes. Section 505.1.1 is added to Section 505.1 of Chapter 5 to read in full as follows:

505.1.1 Multiple dwelling or commercial complexes. At each main driveway entrance to a multiple dwelling or commercial complex, there shall be posted and positioned an illuminated diagram or map of the complex, which lists the individual addresses of all units in the complex. It shall thereafter be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the complex to fail to update and maintain said diagram(s) or map(s) in good working condition.

X. Fire Protection Water Supplies. Section 507.5.1 of Chapter 5 is amended to eliminate the Exception and to read in full as follows:

Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 300 feet (122 m) from a fire hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and water mains shall be provided at a location(s) required by the Fire Code Official.

Y. Obstruction of Fire Protection Systems and Hydrants. Section 507.5.4 of Chapter 5 is amended to read in full as follows:

No person shall park, stop, or leave standing any vehicle within six (6) feet of any fire hydrant (measured along the curb or edge of street) unless the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the driver’s seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity. The Fire Department or its personnel shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or hydrants. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage, and other materials or things shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections, or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible.

Z. Fuel-Fired Appliances. Section 603.4 of Chapter 6 is amended to read in full as follows:

Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in all buildings and structures.

Exception: Portable outdoor gas-fired heating equipment shall be allowed in accordance with Section 3803.2.

AA. Chimneys and Appliances. Section 603.6.6 is added to Section 603.6 of Chapter 6 to read in full as follows:

603.6.6 Chimneys and Internal Combustion Engines.

603.6.6.1 Chimneys. In all new construction and when located within 200 feet of a hazardous fire area, chimneys used in conjunction with fireplaces, barbecues, incinerators, or outdoor heating/burning appliances, in which solid or liquid fuel is used upon buildings, structures or premises, a spark arrester constructed with heavy wire mesh or other noncombustible material with openings not to exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) shall be provided.

603.6.6.2 Internal combustion engines. The use of internal combustion engines is strictly regulated by requiring the use of spark arrestors and mufflers and restricting the location and use of such engines as follows:

1. No person shall use, operate, or allow to be operated any internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels on or about any hazardous fire area unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order.

2. Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.

3. A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable materials specifically for the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 of an inch in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels or which is qualified and rated by the United States Forest Service.

4. Engines used to provide power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code.

5. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in effective mechanical condition.

BB. Obstruction to Fire Protection Equipment. Section 901.10 is added to Section 901 to read in full as follows:

Unobstructed access to fire protection equipment shall be maintained at all times. The Fire Department or its personnel shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment.

CC. Fire Sprinklers Required. Section 903.2 of Chapter 9 is amended to read in full as follows:

Regardless of any exception listed above or in the remainder of this code or the California Building Code, all buildings in excess of three stories or 35 feet in height, or that have a total floor area greater than 5,000 square feet, shall be equipped, throughout, with an approved fully automatic fire sprinkler system.

Buildings in existence prior to the effective date of this Section or its prior equivalent shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section until such time as any one or more of the following occurs:

1. Major changes or improvements (exceeding 25% of the fair market value) are made to the building.

2. There is an addition to or change in the building’s occupancy classification.

DD. Fire Alarm Response Charges. Section 907.9.5.1 is added to Section 907.9.5 of Chapter 9 to read in full as follows:

907.9.5.1. Fire service fees. Any person, who causes the Fire Department or its personnel to respond to a fire alarm in any building or structure under his or her control, and who has not provided or maintained required smoke detectors or fire alarm systems after having prior knowledge of such deficiencies, may be subject to the payment of fire service fees.

EE. Hazard Identification Signs. Section 2703.5.1.1 is added to Section 2703.5.1 of Chapter 27 to read in full as follows:

Hazard identification signs. In addition to the design requirement in Section 2703.5, hazard identification signs shall be made using reflective materials as required by the Fire Chief.

FF. Explosives and Fireworks. Section 3301.2 is added to Section 3301 of Chapter 33 to read in full as follows:

3301.2 Storage prohibited. Storage of explosives and blasting agents within the city limits is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Fire Chief by issuance of a permit permitting such storage.

GG. Explosives and Fireworks. Section 3308.1.2 is added to Section 3308.1 of Chapter 33 to read in full as follows:

Fireworks prohibited. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use, and handling of fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind, including snappers and those described as “safe and sane,” is prohibited within the city.

Exception: The Fire Chief may issue ‘special-use’ permits for the possession, storage, use, and handling of fireworks and pyrotechnics by state-licensed contractors.

HH. Aboveground Tank Storage of Flammable Combustible Liquids Outside. Section 3406.2.4.4.1 is added to Section 3406.2.4.4 of Chapter 34 to read in full as follows:

Tanks outside of buildings. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited, unless a special permit is issued by the Fire Chief.

II. Parking and Garaging. Section 3811.4 is added to Section 3811 to read in full as follows:

It shall be unlawful for anyone to leave, unattended, any vehicle loaded with hazardous materials, including but not limited to: explosives, compressed gas in excess of 20 liquid gallons, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) in excess of 60 gallons, flammable or combustible liquids in excess of 60 gallons (excluding vehicle fuel tanks) within 2,000 feet of any residential, retail or commercial area, or any other area that is deemed unsafe in the reasonable opinion of the Fire Chief.

JJ. Buildings Exceeding 62,000 Square Feet in Area. Section D104.2 of Appendix D is amended to eliminate the exception and to read in full as follows:

Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be provided with two separate and approved apparatus access roads.

(Ord. 1837, Amended, 03/22/2011; Ord. 1791, Amended, 12/11/2007; Ord. 1698, Amended, 04/01/2004; Ord. 1677, Amended, 10/23/2002)