Chapter 15.16
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE (IFC)
Sections:
15.16.010 Amendment to IFC Section 102.6.
15.16.015 Amendment to IFC Section 104.10.
15.16.020 Amendment to IFC Section 103.
15.16.030 Amendment to IFC Section 105.1.
15.16.040 Amendment to IFC Section 106.
15.16.043 Amendment to IFC Section 105.2.3.
15.16.045 Amendment to IFC Section 113.
15.16.050 Amendment to IFC Section 108.
15.16.060 Amendment to IFC Section 109.
15.16.070 Amendment to IFC Section 202.
15.16.080 Amendment to IFC Section 503.1.
15.16.090 Amendment to IFC Section 503.2.3.
15.16.095 Amendment to IFC Section 503.3.
15.16.100 Amendment to IFC Section 503.6.
15.16.110 Amendment to IFC Section 506.1.
15.16.120 Amendment to IFC Section 507.1.
15.16.130 Amendment to IFC Section 507.5.
15.16.140 Amendment to IFC Section 605.1.
15.16.145 Amendment to IFC Section 510.
15.16.147 Amendment to IFC Section 901.1.
15.16.150 Amendment to IFC Section 902.1.
15.16.160 Amendment to IFC Section 903.2.
15.16.162 Amendment to IFC Section 903.3.7.
15.16.170 Amendment to IFC Section 907.2.
15.16.172 Amendment to IFC Section 907.6.2.3.2.
15.16.174 Amendment to IFC Section 907.5.
15.16.176 Amendment to IFC Section 912.3.1.
15.16.180 Amendment to IFC Section 1011.1.
15.16.190 Amendment to IFC Chapter 45.
15.16.200 Amendment to IFC Section 4603.6.
15.16.210 Amendment to IFC Appendix Chapter C, Table C105.1.
15.16.010 Amendment to IFC Section 102.6.
Section 102.6 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
102.6 Historic Buildings. The construction, alteration, repair, enlargement, restoration, relocation or movement of buildings or structures that are designated as historic buildings when such buildings or structures do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property shall be in accordance with the provisions of the International Existing Building Code adopted under Chapter 15.18 GHMC and the Washington State Historic Building Code adopted under GHMC 15.06.020.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(A), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.015 Amendment to IFC Section 104.10.
Section 104.10 of the IFC is amended as follows:
104.10 Incident Investigations. The fire code official, the fire department or other responsible authority shall have the authority to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire, explosion or other hazardous condition. Information that could be related to trade secrets or processes shall not be made part of the public record except as directed by a court of law.
104.10.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of fires when requested to do so.
104.10.2 Incident investigation fees. A fee shall be collected for response to and investigation of fires, explosions, or other hazardous conditions resulting from emergency incidents. The fee shall be as stipulated in the City’s fee resolution.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(B), 2010).
15.16.020 Amendment to IFC Section 103.
Section 103 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
103.1 General. The Division of Fire and Building Safety is hereby created in the Community Development Department under the direction of the fire code official, for the purpose of enforcing this code; and the official in charge thereof shall be know as the building official/fire marshal. The function of the department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
103.2 Appointment. The building official/fire marshal shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the City of Gig Harbor.
103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of the City of Gig Harbor and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official/fire marshal shall have the authority to appoint an assistant building official/fire marshal, the related technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by the building official/fire marshal.
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(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.030 Amendment to IFC Section 105.1.
Section 105.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
105.1 General. Permits shall be in accordance with Section 105.
105.1.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the fire code official. Permit fees shall be paid prior to issuance of a fire code operational or construction permit prescribed under IFC Section 105 as required in accordance with the City’s permit fee resolution. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the fire code official.
105.1.2 Types of permits. There shall be two types of permits as follows:
1. Operational permit. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by Section 105.6 for either:
1.1 a prescribed period;
1.2 until renewed or revoked.
2. Construction permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by Section 105.7.
105.1.3 Permits for the same location. When more than one permit is required for the same location, the fire code official is authorized to consolidate such permits into a single permit provided that each provision is listed in the permit.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.040 Amendment to IFC Section 106.
Section 106 of the IFC is amended to add a new Section 106.2.3, which shall read as follows:
Section 106.2.3 Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when the work for which the inspection is requested is not complete or when corrections noted on previous inspections are not made.
This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with code requirements, but rather that fees are intended as a means of controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may also be assessed when the inspection record card is not available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access for the inspection or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the building official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished for that purpose and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with the City fee resolution.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(C), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.043 Amendment to IFC Section 105.2.3.
Section 105.2.3 of the IFC is amended as follows:
105.2.3 Time limit on application. An application for a permit for any proposed work or operation shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been diligently prosecuted or a permit shall have been issued; except that the fire code official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Any permit application that has been approved by the director but for whatever reason has not been issued within a period of 180 days after approval shall be deemed to have expired. If an update in code editions in accordance with Chapter 51-54 WAC occurs after expiration, application for a new permit must be submitted with new construction documents demonstrating compliance with the appropriate code provisions as enumerated in 51-54 WAC and GHMC Title 15.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(D), 2010).
15.16.045 Amendment to IFC Section 113.
Section 113 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
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113.2 Schedule of permit fees. A fee for each permit shall be paid as required in accordance with the schedule as established by the City’s fee resolution.
113.3 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work, activity or operation regulated by this code before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an additional fee established by the City’s fee resolution which shall be in addition to the required permit fee.
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113.5 Refunds. The director may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The director may also authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
The director may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or cancelled before any plan reviewing is done.
The director shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
113.6 Incident management and investigation fee. A fee as prescribed under the City’s fee schedule shall be charged for management and investigation of emergency incidents involving structural damage, fires, or other pubic health and safety threats. The fee shall be payable by the property owner upon receipt of an invoice from the City for such services.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(E), 2010).
15.16.050 Amendment to IFC Section 108.
Section 108 of the IFC is repealed and a new Section 108 is hereby added, which shall read as follows:
108 Appeals. The Building Code Advisory Board shall hear and decide those appeals and interpretations described in Chapter 15.02 GHMC, under the procedures set forth therein.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.060 Amendment to IFC Section 109.
Section 109 of the IFC is repealed and a new Section 109 is hereby added, which shall read as follows:
109 Enforcement. Enforcement of violations of this code shall proceed as set forth in Chapter 15.24 GHMC.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.070 Amendment to IFC Section 202.
Section 202 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
The following definitions and abbreviations are added to those found in Article 2 of the International Fire Code:
1. “AWWA” means the American Water Works Association.
2. “Dead-end main” means a water main over 50 feet long and not being fed from both ends at the time of installation.
3. “Expanding water system” means an approved, expanding water system which is undertaking new construction (definition follows) to provide water service to additional service connections. Any expanding water system shall install facilities sized to meet the necessary minimum design criteria for area being served. The expanding system shall show by plans submitted by a registered professional engineer how fire flow, if required, is to be provided and the plan shall be approved by the City of Gig Harbor.
4. Fire Code Official. The Building Official/Fire Marshal of the City of Gig Harbor or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the code or a duly authorized representative.
5. Fire Department is Pierce Co. Fire District No. 5.
6. Primary Fire Department Access Road. Means any road required to provide access to the front or main entry side of a property or structure.
7. “Private hydrant” means a fire hydrant situated and maintained to provide water for firefighting purposes with restrictions as to use. The location may be such that it is not readily accessible for immediate use by the fire department for other than certain private property.
8. “Public hydrant” means a fire hydrant so situated and maintained as to provide water for firefighting purposes without restriction as to use for the purpose. The location is such that it is accessible for immediate use of the fire department for all nearby property.
9. Secondary Fire Department Access Road. Means any on-site access road required to provide access to remote areas of a property or structure.
10. “Substantial alteration” is any alteration, where the total cost of all alterations (including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural changes) for a building or facility within any 12-month period amounts to 60 percent or more of the current assessed value established by the Pierce County Assessors Office.
11. “Water authority” and “purveyor” means the city public works department, a water district, or other body legally supplying water in the area and approved by the city.
12. “Yard system” means any extension from a transmission main and/or water main onto a development site.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.080 Amendment to IFC Section 503.1.
Section 503.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
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 measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
In those situations in which emergency vehicles must cross private property from a public right of way, the property owner shall grant an emergency vehicle access easement to the City of Gig Harbor and Pierce Co. Fire District #5 for such purposes. The form of the easement shall be approved by the City Attorney and recorded against the property at the property owners expense.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3.
2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, non-negotiable 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.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.090 Amendment to IFC Section 503.2.3.
Section 503.2.3 of the IFC is amended as follows:
503.2.3 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
Where storm vaults and other underground structures are located under fire apparatus access roads, the location of such structures shall be clearly marked on the roadway surface in an approved manner.
* * *
(Ord. 1186 § 7(F), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.095 Amendment to IFC Section 503.3.
Section 503.3 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
Where required by the fire code official, approved signs, curb painting or other approved notices shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs or notices shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.100 Amendment to IFC Section 503.6.
Section 503.6 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across private fire apparatus access roads shall be approved by the building official/fire marshal and the city engineer. Where security gates are installed on primary fire department access roads, they shall be provided with optical communication controls as the primary means of emergency operation. Optical controls shall default to the open condition in the event of a power failure. Gates installed on secondary fire department access roads shall be provided with optical controls, an approved access key box at the gate, or an approved lock keyed to the fire department access key system. Security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.110 Amendment to IFC Section 506.1.
Section 506.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes the building official/fire marshal is authorized to require a key box be installed in an approved location. Key boxes shall also be required for buildings containing fire suppression systems or fire alarm systems. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the building official/fire marshal.
506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code official.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.120 Amendment to IFC Section 507.1.
Section 507.1 of the IFC is amended as follows:
507.1 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction.
507.1.1 Private property easements. When water is provided to private property from facilities located in the public right of way, but such water facilities must cross private property owned by third parties, the property owner shall obtain, at his/her own expense, easement(s) granting access to the city of Gig Harbor, allowing the city access for installation, repair and maintenance of the fire flow system. The form of the easement shall be approved by the City Attorney and recorded against the property at the property owner’s expense.
507.1.2 Certificate of water availability. Prior to approval of plans for new developments, the applicant shall submit a certificate of water availability from the water purveyor, if other than the city of Gig Harbor, certifying the purveyor’s ability and intention to provide the required fire flow at the site.
507.1.3 Water system plan approval. Plans and specifications for new, revised or extended water systems providing fire protection water supply shall be approved in writing by the fire code official.
507.1.4 Prior to final approval of a development’s water system, two copies of the “as-built” drawings shall be filed with the Gig Harbor Public Works Department.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(G), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.130 Amendment to IFC Section 507.5.
Section 507.5 of the IFC is amended as follows:
507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.5.1 through 507.5.6.
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet from a 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 mains shall be provided where required by the building official/fire marshal. Fire hydrant locations shall be marked with a stake, flagging or other approved means by a land surveyor registered by the State of Washington, and the locations approved prior to installation. Fire hydrant systems shall be installed, tested and approved prior to beginning combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. For group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Newly installed fire hydrants shall be flow tested by an approved testing agency in the presence of the building official/fire marshal or designee, to verify the systems ability to provide the required fire flow prior to final approval. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the building official/fire marshal. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards.
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507.5.7 Type of hydrant. Standard hydrants shall have not less than five inch main valve openings with two, two and one-half inch outlets and one, four and one-half inch outlet. Hydrants shall comply with city of Gig Harbor public works standards. All four and one-half inch outlets shall be equipped with five inch Storz fittings.
507.5.8 Fire hydrant system installations. Hydrant systems shall be installed in accordance with city of Gig Harbor Public Works Standards and NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. Hydrants shall stand plumb and be set to finished grade. The bottom of the lowest outlet shall be no less than 18 inches above the finished grade and the bottom of the ground flange shall be no less than 1" above finished grade. The five inch Storz fitting shall face the roadway.
507.5.9 Backflow prevention. When required by the water purveyor, private fire hydrant systems shall be separated from the public water system with an approved detector check valve installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and purveyor’s standards.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(H), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.140 Amendment to IFC Section 605.1.
Section 605.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
605.1 Abatement of electrical hazards. Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the State Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Section. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, and other equipment that is modified or damaged and constitutes an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used.
605.1.1 Electrical permit, inspections and approval required. A final inspection and certificate of occupancy will not be issued by the City of Gig Harbor without receipt of documentation of approval of electrical work by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Electrical Section.
(Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.145 Amendment to IFC Section 510.
Section 510 of the IFC is amended by the addition of new subsection 510.4 to read as follows:
510.4 Application to existing buildings. Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided as prescribed in this code in all existing buildings by January 1, 2015. All buildings annexed into the City shall have emergency responder radio coverage within 5 years of the effective date of annexation.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(I), 2010).
15.16.147 Amendment to IFC Section 901.1.
Section 901.1 of the IFC is amended as follows:
901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection systems. For the purposes of this chapter the term fire chief refers to the City of Gig Harbor director of building and fire safety.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(J), 2010).
15.16.150 Amendment to IFC Section 902.1.
Section 902.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
902.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein:
* * *
SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL / RENOVATION. A building or structure undergoes substantial remodel/renovation when the value of the construction exceeds fifty percent of the building valuation determined by the most recent Pierce County Assessor’s Office assessment.
* * *
(Ord. 1186 § 7(K), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.160 Amendment to IFC Section 903.2.
Section 903.2 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.
* * *
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
Exception: Group R-3 occupancies subject to the requirements of the International Residential Code.
903.2.8.1 Application to existing structures. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed, tested and approved:
1. Whenever an existing building containing a Group R fire area is being substantially remodeled or renovated.
2. Whenever an existing building containing a Group R fire area incurs fire damage requiring repairs meeting the definition of substantial remodel/renovation.
3. In all existing hotels and motels annexed into the City of Gig Harbor within five years of the effective date of the annexation.
* * *
(Ord. 1186 § 7(L), 2010; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005).
15.16.162 Amendment to IFC Section 903.3.7.
Section 903.3.7 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
903.3.7 Fire department connections. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.
903.3.7.1 Positive connection. Inlet connection fittings shall be positively secured to the fire department connection piping in an approved manner to deter theft.
(Ord. 1128 § 6, 2008).
15.16.170 Amendment to IFC Section 907.2.
Section 907.2 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
907.2 Where required – new buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.6 unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers a single alarm box shall be installed not more than 5 feet from the entrance to each required exit.
* * *
(Ord. 1186 § 7(M), 2010).
15.16.172 Amendment to IFC Section 907.6.2.3.2.
Section 907.6.2.3.2 of the IFC is amended as follows:
907.6.2.3.2 Employee work areas. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in all employee work areas.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(N), 2010).
15.16.174 Amendment to IFC Section 907.5.
Section 907.5 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
907.5 Initiating devices. Where manual or automatic alarm initiation is required as part of a fire alarm system, the initiating devices shall be addressable and shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.4.1 through 907.4.3.
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(Ord. 1186 § 7(O), 2010).
15.16.176 Amendment to IFC Section 912.3.1.
Section 912.3.1 of the IFC is amended to read as follows:
912.3.1 Locking fire department connection caps. Approved locking caps shall be provided on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(P), 2010).
15.16.180 Amendment to IFC Section 1011.1.
Section 1011.1 of the IFC is amended as follows:
1011.1 Where required. Exit and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Intervening means of egress doors within exits shall be marked by exit signs. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is more than 100 feet (30,480 mm) or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign.
Exceptions:
1. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the building official.
2. Exit signs are not required in occupancies in Group U and individual sleeping units or dwelling units in Group R-1, R-2 and R-3.
3. Exit signs are not required in sleeping areas in occupancies in Group I-3.
4. In occupancies in Groups A-4 and A-5, exit signs are not required on the seating side of vomitories or openings into seating areas where exit signs are provided in the concourse that are readily apparent from the vomitories. Egress lighting is provided to identify each vomitory or opening within the seating area in an emergency.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(Q), 2010; Ord. 1128 § 7, 2008).
15.16.190 Amendment to IFC Chapter 45.
IFC Chapter 45 is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 45
MARINAS
Section 4501
4501.1 Scope. Marina facilities shall be in accordance with this chapter.
4501.1.1 Plans and approvals. Plans for marina fire-protection facilities shall be approved prior to installation. The work shall be subject to final inspection and approval after installation.
4501.1.2 Permits. Permits are required to use open flame devices for maintenance or repair on vessels, floats, piers or wharves.
Section 4502
Definitions
Section 4502.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
COVERED BOAT MOORAGE is a pier or system of floating or fixed access ways to which vessels on water may be secured and any portion of which are covered by a roof.
DRAFT CURTAIN is a structure arranged to limit the spread of smoke and heat along the underside of the ceiling or roof.
FLOAT is a floating structure normally used as a point of transfer for passengers and goods, or both, for mooring purposes.
GRAVITY-OPERATED DROP OUT VENTS are automatic smoke and heat vents containing heat-sensitive glazing designed to shrink and drop out of the vent openings when exposed to fire.
MARINA is any portion of the ocean or inland water, either naturally or artificially protected, for the mooring, servicing or safety of vessels and shall include artificially protected works, the public or private lands ashore, and structures or facilities provided within the enclosed body of water and ashore for the mooring or servicing of vessels or the servicing of their crews or passengers.
PIER is a structure built over the water, supported by pillars or piles, and used as a landing place, pleasure pavilion or similar purpose.
VESSEL is watercraft of any type, other than seaplanes on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation. Included in this definition are non-transportation vessels such as houseboats and boathouses.
WHARF is a structure or bulkhead constructed of wood, stone, concrete or similar material built at the shore of a harbor, lake or river for vessels to lie alongside of, and piers or floats to be anchored to.
Section 4503
General Precautions
4503.1 Combustible Debris. Combustible debris and rubbish shall not be deposited or accumulated on land beneath marina structures, piers or wharves.
4503.2 Sources of Ignition. The use of open flame devices for lighting or decoration on the exterior of a vessel, float, pier or wharf shall have the prior approval of the building official/fire marshal.
4503.3 Flammable or Combustible Liquid Spills. Spills of flammable or combustible liquids at or upon the water shall be reported immediately to the fire department or jurisdictional authorities.
4503.4 Rubbish Containers. Containers with tight-fitting or self-closing lids shall be provided for the temporary storage of combustible trash or rubbish.
4503.5 Electrical Equipment. Electrical equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with its listing and Section 605 of the IFC as required for wet, damp and hazardous locations.
4503.6 Slip Identification. Slips and mooring spaces shall be individually identified by an approved numeric or alphabetic designator. Space designators shall be posted at the space. Signs indicating the space designators located on finger piers and floats shall be posted at the base of all piers, finger piers, floats, and finger floats.
4503.6.1 Application to existing marinas. Slip identification designators shall be installed in all existing marinas within the City’s jurisdiction on or before January 1, 2014. All marinas annexed into the City shall have slip identification designators installed within 5 years of the effective date of annexation.
Section 4504
FIRE-PROTECTION
4504.1 General. Marinas, piers, wharves, floats with facilities for mooring or servicing five or more vessels, and marine motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations shall be equipped with fire-protection equipment in accordance with Section 4604.
4504.2 Standpipes. Marinas shall be equipped throughout with Class I manual, dry standpipe systems in accordance with NFPA 303. Systems shall be provided with outlets located such that no point on the marina pier or float system exceeds 150 feet from a standpipe outlet.
4504.2.1 Application to existing marinas. Class 1 manual, dry standpipes in accordance with this section shall be installed in all existing marinas within the City on or before January 1, 2014. All marinas annexed into the City shall have class one manual, dry standpipes installed within 5 years of the effective date of annexation.
4504.2.2 Identification of standpipe outlets. Standpipe outlet locations shall be clearly identified by a flag or other approved means designed to be readily visible from the pier accessing the float system.
4504.3 Access and Water Supply. Piers and wharves shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads and water-supply systems with on-site fire hydrants when required by the fire code official. At least one fire hydrant capable of providing the required fire flow shall be provided within an approved distance of standpipe supply connections.
4504.4 Portable Fire Extinguishers. One 4A:40BC fire extinguisher shall be provided at each standpipe outlet. Additional fire extinguishers, suitable for the hazards involved, shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Section 906.
4504.5 Communications. A telephone not requiring a coin to operate or other approved, clearly identified means to notify the fire department shall be provided on the site in a location approved by the code official.
4504.6 Equipment staging areas. Space shall be provided on all float systems for the staging of emergency equipment. Staging areas shall provide a minimum of 4 feet wide by 10 feet long clear area exclusive of walkways and shall be located at each standpipe outlet. Staging areas shall be provided with barriers having a minimum height of 4 inches and a maximum space between the bottom barrier edge and surface of the staging area of 2 inches on the outboard sides to prevent loss of equipment overboard. A sign reading “Fire Equipment Staging Area - Keep Clear” shall be provided at each staging area to prevent obstruction.
4504.7 Smoke and heat vents. Approved automatic smoke and heat vents shall be provided in covered boat moorage areas exceeding 2,500 sq. ft. (232 m2) in area, excluding roof overhangs.
Exception: Smoke and heat vents are not required in areas protected by automatic sprinklers.
4504.7.1 Application to existing marinas. Smoke and heat vents in accordance with this section shall be installed in all existing marinas within the City on or before January 1, 2014. All marinas annexed into the City shall have smoke and heat vents installed within 5 years of the effective date of annexation.
4504.7.2 Design and installation. Where smoke and heat vents are required they shall be installed near the roof peak, evenly distributed and arranged so that at least one vent is over each covered berth. The effective vent area shall be calculated using a ratio of one square foot of vent to every fifteen square feet of covered berth area (1:15). Each vent shall provide a minimum opening size of 4 ft. x 4 ft.
4504.7.2.1 Smoke and heat vents. Smoke and heat vents shall operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at 100°F (56°C) above ambient.
Exception: Gravity-operated drop out vents.
4504.7.2.2 Gravity-operated drop out vents. Gravity-operated drop out vents shall fully open within 5 minutes after the vent cavity is exposed to a simulated fire represented by a time-temperature gradient that reaches an air temperature of 500°F (260°C) within 5 minutes.
4504.8 Draft curtains. Draft curtains shall be provided in covered boat moorage areas exceeding 2,500 sq. ft. (232 m2) in area excluding roof overhangs.
Exception: Draft curtains are not required in areas protected by automatic sprinklers.
4504.8.1 Application to existing marinas. Draft curtains in accordance with this section shall be installed in all existing marinas within the City on or before January 1, 2014. All marinas annexed into the City shall have draft curtains installed within 5 years of the effective date of annexation.
4504.8.2 Draft curtain construction. Draft curtains shall be constructed of sheet metal, gypsum board or other approved materials that provide equivalent performance to resist the passage of smoke. Joints and connections shall be smoke tight.
4504.8.3 Draft curtain location and depth. The maximum area protected by draft curtains shall not exceed 2,000 square feet (186 m2) or two slips or berths, whichever is smaller. Draft curtains shall not extend past the piling line. Draft curtains shall have a minimum depth of 4 feet and shall not extend closer than 8 feet (2438 mm) to the walking surface of the pier.
Section 4507
MARINE MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL-DISPENSING STATIONS
4507.1 Fuel-Dispensing. Marine motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations shall be in accordance with IFC Chapter 22.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(R), 2010; Ord. 1145 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1128 § 8, 2008; Ord. 983 § 16, 2005. Formerly 15.16.180).
15.16.200 Amendment to IFC Section 4603.6.
Section 4603.6 of the IFC is amended as follows:
4603.6 Fire alarm systems. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 4603.6.1 through 4603.6.7 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.6 unless other requirements are provided by other sections of this code.
Occupancies subject to section 4603.6 and annexed into the city of Gig Harbor shall have smoke alarms installed in accordance with this section within five years of the date of annexation.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(S), 2010).
15.16.210 Amendment to IFC Appendix Chapter C, Table C105.1.
Appendix C, Table 105.1 is amended by the addition of a new footnote “f” to read:
f. When the fire flow determined under Appendix Ch. B falls between the fire flow requirements specified in the first column of Table C105.1 the flow shall be rounded up to the next closest prescribed flow.
(Ord. 1186 § 7(T), 2010).