Chapter 3.03
FIRE CODE AMENDMENTS
Sections:
Article I. General Provisions
3.03.040 Generally.
3.03.080 Section 108 amended – Board of appeals.
3.03.120 Subsection 109.3 added – Violation penalties.
3.03.130 Fire sprinkler system requirements.
3.03.160 Section 3305.1 amended – Explosives manufacture and storage.
3.03.200 Section 3402.1 amended – Flammable and combustible liquid storage.
3.03.240 Section 3406.2.4.4 amended – Flammable liquid bulk plants.
3.03.320 Section 3804.2 added – Liquefied petroleum gas bulk storage.
3.03.400 Section 2903.4 amended – Storage of agricultural products.
3.03.420 Table C105.1 amended – Number and distribution of fire hydrants.
3.03.430 Section 503 amended – Dimensions of fire department access roads.
3.03.440 Fire department key access.
Article II. Fireworks Limitations
3.03.500 Use and discharge limitations.
3.03.540 Sale and purchase limitations.
3.03.580 Violation – Penalties.
3.03.620 Adoption by reference.
3.03.630 Effective date.
3.03.640 Portable fire extinguishers – Exception.
3.03.650 Systems out of service – Amendment.
3.03.660 Additional fire alarm system requirements.
3.03.680 Inspection, testing and maintenance – Amendment.
3.03.700 Electrical code.
3.03.710 Premises identification – Amendment.
3.03.720 Open burning and recreational fires – Amendment.
3.03.730 Fire protection systems – Standards – Amendment.
3.03.740 Notice of violation – Amendment.
3.03.800 Fees and charges for initial response, equipment, personnel and other emergency services.
3.03.820 Fees and charges for reinspections/precitation.
3.03.840 Fees for plan reviews and inspections.
Code reviser’s note: For provisions adopting the International Fire Code, see Chapter 3.01 ECC.
Article I. General Provisions
3.03.040 Generally.
The International Fire Code adopted in ECC 3.01.080 is amended and changed as set out in this chapter. [Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.080 Section 108 amended – Board of appeals.
Section 108 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Board of Appeals,” is amended to read as follows:
Section 108 BOARD OF APPEALS ESTABLISHED. The Board of Appeals shall determine the suitability of alternate materials and type of construction and provide reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this Code. The Board of Appeals created under the provisions of the International Building Code shall be used.
[Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3799 § 5, 1992; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.120 Subsection 109.3 added – Violation penalties.
Subsection 109.3 of Section 109 of the International Fire Code, 2006 Edition, adopted by Ordinance No. 4486, is added to read as follows:
109.3 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
109.3.1 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.
[Ord. 4514 § 1, 2008.]
3.03.130 Fire sprinkler system requirements.
Section 903.3 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding the following subsection:
Section 903.3.8 Fire sprinkler control valves. All NFPA 13 and 13R Fire Sprinkler Systems will include an indicator type control valve accessible from outside of the protected structure to facilitate system shutdown and improve response safety.
[Ord. 4486 § 3, 2007; Ord. 4410 § 1, 2005.]
3.03.160 Section 3305.1 amended – Explosives manufacture and storage.
Section 3305.1 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 3305.1.1 The manufacture and storage of explosives shall be prohibited within all of the City of Ellensburg.
[Ord. 4486 § 4, 2007; Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3799 § 5, 1992; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.200 Section 3402.1 amended – Flammable and combustible liquid storage.
Section 3402.1 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 3402.1 STORAGE OF CLASS I AND II LIQUIDS IN ABOVE-GROUND TANKS LIMITED. The storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited in the City of Ellensburg except that portion zoned Industrial Heavy (I-H) under ECC Title 13.
[Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3799 § 6, 1992; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.240 Section 3406.2.4.4 amended – Flammable liquid bulk plants.
Section 3406.2.4.4 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 3406.2.4.4 NEW BULK PLANTS. No new bulk plants shall be constructed within the City of Ellensburg except that portion zoned for Industrial Heavy (I-H) under ECC Title 13.
[Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3799 § 5, 1992; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.320 Section 3804.2 added – Liquefied petroleum gas bulk storage.
Section 3804.2 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 3804.2 BULK STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS RESTRICTED. In all of the city of Ellensburg except that portion zoned for Industrial Heavy (I‑H) under ECC Title 13, the aggregate
capacity of any one installation of liquefied petroleum gas shall not exceed 2,000 gallons water capacity; except that in particular installations this capacity limit may be altered at the discretion of the Fire Chief, after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed tanks, degree of private fire protection to be provided, and facilities of Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas shall conform to the provisions of the local zoning ordinance.
[Ord. 4486 § 5, 2007; Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3799 § 7, 1992; Ord. 3056 § 8, 1975.]
3.03.400 Section 2903.4 amended – Storage of agricultural products.
Section 2903.4 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 2903.4. It shall be unlawful to store hay, straw or other similar agricultural products adjacent to buildings or combustible material unless a cleared horizontal distance equal to the height of pile is maintained between such storage and combustible material and buildings. A permit shall not be required for such storage.
Storage in storage barns or buildings shall be stacked in such a way as to allow separation between stacks of a minimum of 12 feet to a maximum of 20 feet as determined by the Fire Chief of the City of Ellensburg after viewing the structure intended for storage in accordance with the following criteria:
1. Proximity of storage facility to fire hydrant water;
2. Proximity of storage facility to other structures;
3. Accessibility of storage facility by fire fighting equipment;
4. Configuration of storage facility;
5. Materials used in construction of storage facility;
6. Height of storage facility.
Based upon a view by the Fire Chief of the storage facilities and after considering the criteria set forth above and the other guidelines set forth herein, the Fire Chief may impose upon the storage facility and the owners thereof a combination of requirements that provides adequate fire protection for that particular storage facility. Said requirements shall be outlined in writing and acknowledged by any owner of the storage facility to which the requirements are applied.
[Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 3586 § 1, 1987.]
3.03.420 Table C105.1 amended – Number and distribution of fire hydrants.
Table C105.1 of the International Fire Code entitled “Number and Distribution of Fire Hydrants” is amended by adding a footnote “f” to the column entitled “Maximum Distance from Any Point on Street or Road Frontage to a Hydrant,” which footnote “f” shall read as follows:
“f” Where an access road serves five (5) or fewer single family living units a hydrant may be up to 400 feet from the furthest of those living units.
[Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 4376, 2003.]
3.03.430 Section 503 amended – Dimensions of fire department access roads.
Section 503 and Appendix D of the International Fire Code are amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 DIMENSIONS OF FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS. 1. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm) 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 can be narrowed to 15 feet wide if serving five or fewer living units at the discretion of the Fire Marshall provided that the access road be posted “No Parking – Fire Lane.” Approved distance to fire hydrants and emergency vehicle turnarounds remain applicable.
2. In the immediate vicinity of any building or portion thereof in excess of 35 feet in height, the fire apparatus access road shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (7,924 mm) and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm).
3. At least one of the required fire apparatus access roads shall be located a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of 25 feet from each building on the premises and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of each building. The measurement for this requirement shall be taken from the exterior wall of the building to the nearest edge of the fire apparatus access road.
Section D103 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Minimum Specifications,” is amended by substituting Section D103.3 with the following:
Section D103.3 Turning radius. The fire apparatus access road shall have a 23 foot minimum inside turning radius and a 45 foot minimum outside turning radius.
Section D103 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Minimum Specifications,” is amended by substituting Table D103.4 with the following:
|
Requirements for Dead-End Fire Apparatus Access Roads |
||
|
Length (feet) |
Width (feet) |
Turnarounds Required |
|
0 – 150 |
20 |
None required |
|
150 – 300 |
20 |
Discretion of the Fire Official |
|
300+ |
20 |
140-foot Hammerhead, 60‑foot “Y” or 90-foot-diameter cul-de-sac, or equivalent design as approved by the Fire Code Official |
[Ord. 4486 § 6, 2007; Ord. 4384, 2004; Ord. 4376, 2003.]
3.03.440 Fire department key access.
Section 506.1 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding the following sentence:
A Knox brand Key Box will be installed between three (3) and five (5) feet from grade immediately to the right side of the entrance door located on the address side of the building or as designated for all new or newly occupied commercial occupancies. On buildings with an outside perimeter of greater than 1,000', a second Knox Box may be required to be located as directed by Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue. A single Knox Key Box may serve multiple occupancies in a single building provided the box is located per Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue instructions, is adequately sized for the number of keys, and the box is located no further than 250' from the door to the occupancy served. Large occupancies, with an outside perimeter exceeding 1,000' may be required to install multiple key boxes at the discretion of the Fire Marshal.
[Ord. 4486 § 7, 2007; Ord. 4410 § 2, 2005.]
Article II. Fireworks Limitations
3.03.500 Use and discharge limitations.
It is unlawful for any person to use or discharge consumer fireworks within the city limits except between the period from 6:00 p.m. on December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st of the subsequent year. [Ord. 4383, 2004; Ord. 4324, 2002; Ord. 3990 § 1, 1995; Ord. 3875 § 1, 1993.]
3.03.540 Sale and purchase limitations.
It is unlawful for any person to sell or purchase consumer fireworks within the city limits except from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. on each day from December 27th through December 31st of each year. [Ord. 4383, 2004; Ord. 4324, 2002; Ord. 3990 § 2, 1995; Ord. 3875 § 2, 1993.]
3.03.580 Violation – Penalties.
Any person violating the provisions of ECC 3.03.500 and 3.03.540 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. [Ord. 3875 § 3, 1993.]
3.03.620 Adoption by reference.
The following sections of the Revised Code of Washington, as they now read or as hereafter amended, are hereby adopted by reference as if set out in this section in full:
RCW
70.77.126 Definitions – “Fireworks”
70.77.131 Definitions – “Display Fireworks”
70.77.136 Definitions – “Consumer Fireworks”
70.77.210 Definitions – “Wholesaler”
70.77.215 Definitions – “Retailer”
70.77.480 Prohibited transfers of fireworks
70.77.485 Unlawful possession of illegal fireworks
70.77.488 Unlawful discharge or use of fireworks – Penalty
70.77.515 Unlawful sales or transfers of consumer fireworks – Penalty
A copy of the text of the adopted sections is placed on file in the office of the city clerk for use and examination by the public. [Ord. 4383, 2004; Ord. 4324, 2002; Ord. 4081, 1997.]
3.03.630 Effective date.
The ordinance codified in this article shall take effect on June 15, 2005; provided, however, that the provisions of ECC 3.03.500 and 3.03.540 authorizing the sale and purchase of common fireworks from December 27th through December 31st and the use and discharge of such fireworks on December 31st and January 1st shall take effect on June 15, 2004. [Ord. 4383, 2004.]
3.03.640 Portable fire extinguishers – Exception.
Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code, subsection 906.1, entitled “Where required,” is hereby amended to delete exception item number 1. [Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.650 Systems out of service – Amendment.
Chapter 9, Section 901.7 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Systems out of service,” is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 901.7 Systems out of service. Where a fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service. Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.660 Additional fire alarm system requirements.
All newly installed fire alarm panel doors, fire alarm pull stations and other keyed fire alarm components shall be keyed to a CAT 40 key.
Newly installed or upgraded fire alarm systems shall include an alarm-activated strobe light on the exterior wall located on the address side of the building adjacent to the main entrance or as designated by Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue.
All components of a fire alarm and communication system will be connected to and operational by backup power source.
Individual circuit breakers assigned for fire alarm system components shall be clearly marked at the panel and/or subpanel and shall be painted red on the exposed surface. [Ord. 4486 § 8, 2007; Ord. 4410 § 3, 2005.]
3.03.680 Inspection, testing and maintenance – Amendment.
Chapter 9, Section 901.6 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Inspection, testing and maintenance,” is hereby amended by adding subsections to read as follows:
a. Section 901.6.3 – Annual Certification Required: All sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, smoke removal systems and other fire protective or extinguishing systems shall be certified annually by a qualified agency. (Exception) Hood fire extinguishing requires 6-month service. Documentation shall be provided as indicated in section 901.6.
b. Section 901.6.4 – Annual hazardous systems certification: All electronic monitoring systems used in connection with flammable, combustible liquids and/or hazardous materials shall be certified annually by a qualified agency. Documentations of the system certification shall be forwarded to the Fire Prevention Bureau indicating the system has been tested and functions as required.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.700 Electrical code.
Chapter 6 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Building Services and Systems,” Sections 603, 604, 605, and 606, is hereby amended to change reference from the ICC Electrical Code to the electrical code adopted by the city of Ellensburg. [Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.710 Premises identification – Amendment.
Chapter 5, Section 505 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to add the following subsections:
a. Section 505.1.1 – Identification Size: In order that the address identification is plainly visible, the following size figures or numbers, in block style in contrasting color shall be used in accordance with the following:
i. Single-family residential houses – 4".
ii. Multifamily residential, commercial, or small business: 50' or less setback – 6"; more than 50' setback – 8 – 12".
iii. Large commercial or industrial areas: 100' or less setback – 18"; more than 100' setback – 24".
b. 505.1.2 – Rear Door Marking: When vehicle access is provided to the rear of commercial, industrial and warehouse buildings, the rear doors servicing individual businesses shall be marked to indicate address and/or unit identification with letters or numbers at least 4" high.
c. Section 505.1.3 – Suite Numbers: Buildings consisting of separate suites with the same building address shall have their suite number marked so that the suite is readily identifiable and sized as per Section 505.1.1.
i. Exception: Suites located on an interior hall or corridor shall have lettering at least 1 inch high.
d. Section 505.1.4 – Building Complex Identification: When required by the Fire Marshal, individual structures, buildings, suites, apartments, and other building units shall be identified by a schematic sign that is clearly visible from the access road. The schematic shall be to scale, shall be installed prior to building occupancy and shall be updated and maintained as necessary.
e. Section 505.1.5 – Address Location: Address numbers shall be posted a minimum of 6' above grade.
[Ord. 4450 § 2, 2006; Ord. 4410 § 4, 2005; Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.720 Open burning and recreational fires – Amendment.
Chapter 3, Section 307 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Open Burning and Recreational Fires,” is hereby amended to read as follows:
d. Section 307.1 – General open burning is hereby prohibited in conformance with the Washington State Department of Ecology regulations.
e. Section 307.2 – Permits are required for the following: recreational or agricultural fires as outlined in state regulations.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.730 Fire protection systems – Standards – Amendment.
Section 901 of the International Fire Code, entitled “General,” is amended by supplementing Section 901.6.1, Table 901.6.1 and Section 901.6.2 with the following:
Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) standards listed in Table 901.6.1 below.
|
SYSTEM |
STANDARD |
|
Carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 12 |
|
Clean agent fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 2001 |
|
Dry chemical fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 17 |
|
Emergency power systems |
NFPA 110 & NFPA 111 |
|
Fire alarm systems |
NFPA 72 |
|
Fire doors |
NFPA 80 |
|
Foam fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 11 |
|
Halogenated fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 12A |
|
Smoke-control systems |
NFPA 92A |
|
Underground fire lines and hydrants |
NFPA 25 |
|
Water-based fire protection systems |
NFPA 25 |
|
Water-mist systems |
NFPA 750 |
|
Wet chemical fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 17A |
Section 901.6.2 Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 3 years. A copy of each inspection, test, or maintenance record shall be forwarded to the fire code official within 30 days of the date the inspection, test, or maintenance occurred.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.740 Notice of violation – Amendment.
Chapter 1, Section 109.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
109.2 Notice of violation. When the fire code official finds a building, premises, vehicle, storage facility or outdoor area that is in violation of this code, the fire code official is authorized to prepare a written notice of violation describing the conditions deemed unsafe and, when compliance is not immediate, specifying a time for re-inspection. Whenever the Fire Department has given proper notification of an infraction which required re-inspection and fourteen (14) days have expired with such condition or violation still in existence, a second re-inspection will be required.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.800 Fees and charges for initial response, equipment, personnel and other emergency services.
The fire chief may impose a fee for responses under the following circumstances:
A. Fire alarm system activations due to equipment malfunction in excess of three per calendar year. Each occupancy will be given three responses due to equipment malfunction at no cost each calendar year. Charges may be assessed at the discretion of the fire chief to the owner of the affected property starting on the fourth alarm due to equipment maintenance or malfunction and will be based on the current Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs rate schedule for apparatus and personnel with a one-hour minimum.
B. Intentional false alarm activations may result in a fee for false alarm responses based on rated consistent with current Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs rate schedule for apparatus and personnel based on a one-hour minimum.
C. Alarms secondary to outdoor burning activity which was not permitted by Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, outdoor burning activity which falls outside the permit specification, or arson.
A copy of the rate schedule shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk for use and examination by the public. The applicable rate schedule will be the current Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs schedule for apparatus and personnel based on the date of service. [Ord. 4486 § 9, 2007; Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.820 Fees and charges for reinspections/precitation.
Section 109.2.3 of the International Fire Code is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
Section 109.2.3.1 Re-inspections required beyond the second re-inspection as noted in IFC Section 109.2 may be assessed a fee of $40.00 per hour with a one hour minimum, for each re-inspection after the second re-inspection. Payment will be required within thirty (30) days of the notice for the re-inspection. Fee assessment will be based on non-compliance by the property owner and the Fire Chief will have discretion in not assessing said fee if the property owner has made a good faith effort to correct the violations.
[Ord. 4384, 2004.]
3.03.840 Fees for plan reviews and inspections.
A. Section 105.4.1 of the International Fire Code is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
Section 105.4.1 Plan Review Fee. A fee of $50.00 per hour will be assessed for all plan review work by Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue. A 20% surcharge upon charges for an outside plan review will be added to cover shipping and Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue input and correspondence pertaining to such a review.
B. Section 106.4 of the International Fire Code is added to read as follows:
Section 106.4 Hydrant Flow Fee. A fee of $100.00 will be assessed for a single hydrant flow test requested by an outside party. Additional hydrants may be requested and a fee of $50.00 for each additional hydrant flow test will be assessed. Existing hydrant flow test results will be provided at no cost as requested to anyone who requests them. Newly installed hydrants will be acceptance tested by Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue personnel. Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue will bill the responsible party for the acceptance test at the rate of $50.00 per hydrant test.
C. Repealed by Ord. 4436.
D. Section 105.7.14 of the International Fire Code is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
Section 105.7.14 Installation/Alteration of Fire Protection Systems. The installation or alteration of a fire detection or fire protection system shall require a permit. The permit fee shall be $100.00 for any single alteration or installation.
E. Section 105.6 of the International Fire Code is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
Section 105.6.47 Hazardous Materials Permit Fees. The installation, removal or alteration of flammable gas and liquid storage tanks requires a permit. The permit fee shall be as follows:
|
Installation (Liquid) |
Installation (Gas) |
||
|
Size |
Fee |
Size |
Fee |
|
1 – 300 gallons |
$60.00 |
1 – 1,000 gallons |
$50.00 |
|
301 – 1,000 gallons |
$75.00 |
1,000 gallons plus |
$100.00 |
|
1,001 – 10,000 gallons |
$125.00 |
|
|
|
10,000 gallons plus |
$200.00 |
||
Removal: All commercial tanks will be assessed a $100.00 removal fee for underground liquid tanks. There will be no charge for removal of flammable gas tanks. Residential home fuel oil tank removal or abandonment requires a permit and the fee is $25.00 per tank.
[Ord. 4486 § 10, 2007; Ord. 4436 § 1, 2006; Ord. 4410 § 5, 2005; Ord. 4384, 2004.]