Chapter 15.70 FIRE CODE

The following codes, as amended, added to, or excepted in this chapter, are adopted by reference thereto and by this reference fully incorporated herein, and shall be applicable within the city of Edgewood:

A. International Fire Code (IFC). The 2021 Edition of the IFC and standards published by the International Code Council, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council and published in Chapter 51-54A WAC, provided:

1. Chapter 15.10 EMC shall be used in place of IFC Chapter 1, Administration, except as specifically modified in EMC 15.70.020;

2. IFC Appendix B, Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings, is adopted by reference;

3. IFC Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, is adopted by reference; and

4. IFC Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, is adopted by reference. (Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.020 Applicability.

A. The provisions of this chapter and EMC 15.70.010(A) shall apply to matters affecting or relating to buildings, structures, building service equipment, processes, and premises from:

1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials, or devices;

2. Conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and

3. The construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.

B. Operational permits listed in IFC Section 105.6, Required operational permits.

C. The following permits, as required by WAC 51-54A-0105:

105.5.14.1 Lithium batteries. An operational permit is required for an accumulation of more than 15 cubic feet (0.42 m) of lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries, where required by IFC Section 322.1.

105.5.32 Mobile food preparation vehicles. An operational permit is required for mobile preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors or utilize LP-gas systems or CNG systems.

105.6.25 Underground supply piping for automatic sprinkler system. A building permit is required for the installation of the portion of the underground water supply piping, public or private, supplying a water-based fire protection system. The building permit shall apply to all underground piping and appurtenances downstream of the first control valve on the lateral piping or service line from the distribution main to 1 foot above finished floor of the facility with the fire protection system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. When the underground piping is installed by the aboveground piping contractor.

2. Underground piping that serves a fire protection system installed in accordance with NFPA 13D.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.030 Exemptions.

A. Certain work is exempt from the building permit requirements of this chapter and the technical codes; provided, that:

1. Exemption from permit requirements shall not be deemed to exempt the development or its use from other applicable requirements nor grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this title, the technical codes, or any other applicable federal, state, and local regulations; and

2. Exemption from the building permit requirements of one technical code does not exempt work from the building permit requirements of other technical codes.

B. The exemptions listed herein shall not apply when the proposed work is located in any of the critical areas regulated by:

1. Chapter 14.40 EMC, Wetlands;

2. Chapter 14.50 EMC, Critical Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas;

3. Chapter 14.70 EMC, Volcanic Hazard Areas;

4. Chapter 14.80 EMC, Flood Hazard Areas;

5. Chapter 14.90 EMC, Landslide Hazard Areas;

6. Chapter 14.100 EMC, Seismic (Earthquake) Hazard Areas; or

7. Chapter 14.110 EMC, Erosion Hazard Areas.

C. To be exempt from the requirement for a building permit, the proposed scope of the work, activity, operation, practice, or function to be covered by the building permit must be equal to or smaller than the exemption listed. Building permits shall not be required for the following work otherwise governed by EMC 15.70.010(A):

1. Temporary growing structures, as exempted by WAC 51-54A-007, Exceptions;

2. Temporary worker housing, as exempted by WAC 51-54A-007, Exceptions; and

3. The manufacture, storage, handling, sale, and use of fireworks, as exempted by WAC 51-54A-007, Exceptions. (Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.040 Amendments, additions, or exceptions.

Pursuant to RCW 19.27.060, the following contain amendments, additions, or exceptions to the codes adopted under EMC 15.70.010 applicable and enforceable within the city of Edgewood. (Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.202 IFC Section 202 amended – Definitions.

A. Section 202 of the IFC is hereby amended to include the added definition:

FIRE APPARATUS. Fire apparatus is a vehicle such as a fire pumper, aerial ladder truck, fire tender, elevated platform, rescue squad, fire ground support vehicle or similar fire-fighting or reserve equipment, including emergency medical response vehicles.

B. Section 202, Fire Code Official, of the IFC is hereby amended to read as follows:

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. See definition in EMC 15.10.050.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.1.1 IFC Section 503.1.1 added – Buildings and facilities.

Section 503.1.1 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

Exception:

The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimensions of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code.

2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.

3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies. This exception does not apply to Adult Family Homes.

In addition to the provision of Exception (3) of this section, adult family homes shall be served by fire apparatus access roads as if new construction.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.2.1 IFC Section 503.2.1 added – Dimensions.

Section 503.2.1 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet with no parking on either side or 28 feet with parking allowed on one side, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm).

Exception:

Fire apparatus access roads serving not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies may be reduced to have an unobstructed width of not less than 15 feet (4,572mm).

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.2.4 IFC Section 503.2.4 added – Turning radius.

Section 503.2.4 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

503.2.4 Turning Radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall have a minimum inside turning radius of 30 feet.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.3 IFC Section 503.3 added – Marking.

Section 503.3 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

503.3 Marking.

When required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING—FIRE LANE signs complying with Figure 503.3, in order to clearly identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs shall meet the following minimum standards:

1. Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) wide by 18 inches (457 mm) high and have red letters on a white reflective background.

2. Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required by IFC Appendix Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2. When in a straight line of sight, these signs shall be no further than 120 feet apart. This distance may be reduced when curves, corners, or other adverse sighting conditions restrict the line of sight.

3. Signs shall be mounted so that the top of the sign is not over six (6) feet in elevation, nor lower than four (4) feet in elevation from the curb elevation.

4. Signs shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

5. Signs shall be designed in accordance with the Washington State Department of Transportation Sign Fabrication Manual M55-05 and the Federal Highway Administration Standard Highway Signs Manual, generally conforming to Detail R7-3 with supplemental plaque R7-201, as illustrated in Figure 503.3 below:

Figure 503.3 Fire Lane Sign

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.4.1 IFC Section 503.4.1 added – Towing notification.

Section 503.4.1 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

503.4.1 Towing notification. At each entrance to property where fire lanes have been designated, signs shall be posted in a clearly conspicuous location and shall clearly state that vehicles parked in fire lanes may be impounded, and include the requirements in RCW 46.55.070, as existing or hereinafter amended.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.4.2 IFC Section 503.4.2 added – Enforcement.

Section 503.4.2 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

Section 503.4.2 Enforcement. Enforcement of Section 503.4 of the IFC shall be the responsibility of the Edgewood police department, which shall have the authority to impound or otherwise cause such obstruction to be removed and said remedies shall be in addition to the criminal penalties provided by the EMC.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.503.6 IFC Section 503.6 amended – Security gates.

Section 503.6 of the IFC is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates shall comply with Appendix D and any policies set forth by the fire code official.

All residential developments with greater than 10 dwelling units, commercial, or industrial developments which are to be constructed with their access points containing gates shall be constructed in a manner which includes the installation of an emergency vehicle preemption system to open all such gates to allow for immediate entry of emergency vehicles into the development. The design and final installation of the system must be approved by the City of Edgewood. Further, such system must be maintained in proper working order by the owners of the development or the proper homeowners or business owners’ association, whichever shall be the case.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.505.1 IFC Section 505.1.1 added – Address identification sizing.

Section 505.1.1 of the IFC is hereby added to read as follows:

505.1.1 Address identification sizing. Structures shall comply with the premises identification sizing found herein.

1. Residential Uses:

Amount of Setback	Number/Letter Size
0.00 – 50.00 Feet	6 inches
50.01 – 99.99 Feet	12 inches
100 Feet or more	18 inches
Individual Apartment Units	4 inches

2. All Other Uses:

Amount of Setback	Number/ Letter Size
0.00 – 50.00 Feet	12 inches
50.01 – 99.99 Feet	18 inches
100 Feet or more	24 inches

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2 IFC Section 903.2 amended – Automatic sprinkler systems required.

Section 903.2 of the IFC is hereby amended to read as follows:

903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems required.

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures and additions shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, in accordance with the following:

1. All newly constructed buildings with a gross floor area of 5,000 square feet or greater, regardless of type or use, as well as zero lot line townhouses with an aggregate gross floor area of 5,000 square feet or greater, must be sprinklered.

2. Additions to existing buildings that are 50% or more of the assessed building valuation, based on current information from the Pierce County Assessor’s office, and would result in a gross floor area of 5,000 square feet or greater must be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler system. Subject to the approval of the fire code official, a phasing plan of up to five years is permitted.

3. Floor Area, Gross. For the purpose of this section, “gross floor area” shall be defined as the floor area whether above or below grade within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts, attics, crawl spaces and courts, and without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of the interior walls, columns, or other features. The gross floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.

4. For the purposes of this section, fire barriers, walls or partitions of any type do not constitute separate buildings.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.1.1 IFC Section 903.2.1.1 amended – Group A-1.

Section 903.2.1.1 of the IFC is hereby amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.1 Group A-1.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more;

3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge; or

4. The gross floor area contains a multi-theater complex.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.1.2 IFC Section 903.2.1.2 amended – Group A-2.

Section 903.2.1.2 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.2 Group A-2.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or

3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.1.3 IFC Section 903.2.1.3 amended – Group A-3.

Section 903.2.1.3 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.3 Group A-3.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or

3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.1.4 IFC Section 903.2.1.4 amended – Group A-4.

Section 903.2.1.4 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.1.4 Group A-4.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or

3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.4 IFC Section 903.2.4 amended – Group F-1.

Section 903.2.4 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.4 Group F-1.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where the gross floor area of a Group F-1 occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. Where the gross floor area of a Group F-1 occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or

3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group F-1 occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.

4. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.4.1 IFC Section 903.2.4.1 amended – Woodworking operations.

Section 903.2.4.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancies that contain woodworking operations more than 2,500 square feet in gross floor area which generate finely divided combustible waste, or which use finely divided combustible materials.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.7 IFC Section 903.2.7 amended – Group M.

Section 903.2.7 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.7 Group M.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where the gross floor area of a Group M occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. Where the gross floor area of a Group M occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or

3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group M occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.

4. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.9 IFC Section 903.2.9 amended – Group S-1.

Section 903.2.9 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.9 Group S-1.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. Where the gross floor area of a Group S-1 occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;

2. Where the gross floor area of a Group S-1 occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or

3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group S-1 occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.

4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).

5. A Group S-1 occupancy used for self-storage where the gross floor area exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.2.9.1 IFC Section 903.2.9.1 amended – Repair garages.

Section 903.2.9.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the International Building Code, as shown:

1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a gross floor area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet (929 m2).

2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a gross floor area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet (1,115 m2).

3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.

4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.4.2 IFC Section 903.4.2 amended – Alarms.

Section 903.4.2 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.4.2 Alarms.

Approved audible and visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided for every automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 907 and throughout areas designated by the Fire Code Official. Sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

Exception: Audible and visible notification devices are not required in NFPA 13D systems.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.4.3 IFC Section 903.4.3 amended – Floor control valves.

Section 903.4.3 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.4.3. Floor control valves.

Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor. The floor control valves shall be located within interior exit stairways and within six feet (6') above floors or landings unless chains or other approved devices are readily available.

Exceptions:

1. In buildings without interior exit stairways, the location of the floor control valves shall be determined by the fire code official.

2. Approved domestically supplied local systems with 10 heads or less.

3. Approved residential sprinkler systems for one or two dwelling units if not otherwise specifically required.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.903.5 IFC Section 903.5 amended – Testing and maintenance.

Section 903.5 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:

903.5 Testing and maintenance.

Sprinkler systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901 of the fire code. A copy of the annual inspection report shall be signed by the individual conducting the inspection, and a copy of the report shall be forwarded to the fire department.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.907.1.3 IFC Section 907.1.3 amended – Equipment.

Section 907.1.3 Equipment.

Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed.

In addition to the requirements found in Section 907.2, the following shall apply:

The fire alarm control panel, remote annunciator panel and access keys to locked fire alarm equipment shall be installed and maintained in locations approved by the fire code official.

The automatic/manual fire alarm system shall consist of a minimum of the following:

1. Addressable fire alarm control panel and components.

2. Interior audible/visual alarm devices for the notification of the building occupants throughout. WAC 51-50-1101 and IBC Chapter 11.

3. Visible devices in restrooms.

4. Exterior horn/strobe shall be located on the address side of the building.

5. Manual pull stations at each exit.

6. Smoke detection in corridors.

7. Monitoring of the automatic fire sprinkler systems/fire alarm systems.

8. Buildings containing multiple tenants shall have an addressable fire alarm system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems and the individual suite address within the building to an approved central station.

9. Multiple story buildings shall have an addressable system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems within the building to an approved central station.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).

15.70.D103.6 IFC Appendix Section D103.6 amended – Signs.

Section D103.6 of Appendix D of the IFC is hereby amended to read as follows:

D103.6 Signs. Fire lane signs shall be installed in accordance with IFC Section 503.3.

(Ord. 24-660 § 1 (Exh. A)).