Chapter 16.06 FIRE CODE

The 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council including Appendix B, Appendix C and modified Appendix D as adopted by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-54 WAC is adopted by reference. The 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code is amended by the City to include the following new and amended provisions. All references in this chapter shall be to the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code (hereinafter “IFC”). In the event of any conflict between any provision of the IFC and this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall apply. New sections or subsections shall be deemed deleted from the IFC and the amended provisions inserted in their place in accordance with the direction of this chapter. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.020 Authority of the Fire Chief and the Fire Department.

Section 104.1 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

If the Fire Department of the City of Issaquah ever consolidates its Fire Department with any other fire department, the Fire Chief of the consolidated fire department shall be authorized to administer this code. Such authority shall become effective immediately upon consolidation and shall terminate immediately upon dissolution of the consolidated fire department. Such authority shall be subject to review and approval by the Mayor of the City of Issaquah.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.030 Appeals.

A. Section 102 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Subsection 102.10, entitled “Appeals,” and Subsection 102.10.1, entitled “Limitations on authority,” to read as follows:

102.10. Appeals. The City of Issaquah hearing examiner shall hear and make decisions of appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Fire Official relative to the application and interpretations of this code.

102.10.1. Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The hearing examiner shall have no authority to waive requirements of this code.

B. Section 108 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Board of appeals,” is hereby deleted in its entirety. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.040 Open flames – Group A Occupancies.

Section 308 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition of new Exception 4 to Subsection 308.3.7, entitled “Group A occupancies,” to read as follows:

4. Where approved by the Fire Chief.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.050 Indoor displays – Vehicles.

Subsection 314.4 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Vehicles,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

314.4 Vehicles. Liquid or gas-fueled vehicles, fueled equipment, boats or other motorcraft shall not be located indoors except as follows:

1. Batteries are disconnected;

2. Fuel in fuel tanks does not exceed the lesser of one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (19 L);

3. Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering; and

4. Vehicles, boats or other motorcraft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.060 Fire apparatus access roads.

Section 503 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Fire apparatus access roads,” is hereby amended by the adoption of Subsections 503.1 through 503.4, with the exception of Subsection 503.2.7, which is not adopted. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.070 Grade.

The grade of fire apparatus access roads shall be no more than 15 percent. Access roads may be permitted to exceed 15 percent, with approval of Fire Official, providing all buildings are provided with approved fire sprinkler systems. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.080 Definitions.

All references in the 2006 International Fire Code to the “ICC Electrical Code” shall be deleted and replaced with “National Electrical Code.” (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.090 Power tap.

Subsection 602.1 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new definition entitled “Power Tap,” to read as follows:

Power Tap. A listed device for indoor use consisting of an attachment plug on one end of a flexible cord and two or more receptacles on the opposite end that has overcurrent protection.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.100 System out of service.

Subsection 901.7 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Systems out of service,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

Where a fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the Fire Chief shall be notified immediately and, where required by the Fire Chief, 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. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.110 Automatic sprinkler system.

Subsection 903.2 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Where required,” is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto in its entirety. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.120 Alarms.

Subsection 903.4.2 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Alarms,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

Approved audible and visible alarm notification appliances, to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, shall be provided for every automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section 907 and throughout areas designated by the Fire Chief. 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.

Exception: With approval of the Fire Chief, audible and visible alarm notification appliances may be omitted for approved residential sprinkler systems in 1 or 2 family dwelling units if not otherwise specifically required.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.130 Floor control valves.

Subsection 903.4.3 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Floor control valves,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor.

Exception: When approved by the Fire Chief in NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R systems.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.140 High-rise building standpipes.

Section 905 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Subsection 905.3.8, entitled “High-rise building standpipes,” to read as follows:

Standpipe risers shall be combination standpipe/sprinkler risers using a minimum pipe size of 6 in. Two 2 1/2 in. hose connections shall be provided on every intermediate floor level landing in every required stairway. Where pressure reduction valves (prv) are required, each hose connection shall be provided with its own prv. The system shall be designed to provide a minimum flow of 300 gpm at a minimum pressure of 150 psi (maximum 200 psi) at each standpipe connection, in addition to the flow and pressure requirements contained in NFPA 14.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.150 Dry standpipes.

Section 905.8 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Dry standpipes,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

Dry standpipes, when approved by the Fire Chief, are acceptable in other than high-rise buildings.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.160 Portable fire extinguishers.

Section 906.1.1 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Where required,” is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto in its entirety. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.170 Where required – New buildings and structures.

Section 907.2 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Where required – New buildings and structures,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

An approved manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 or where required by the Fire Chief. Where automatic sprinkler system protection installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required.

An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall comply with Section 907.1.2. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.180 Monitoring.

Subsection 907.15 of the 2006 International Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition of a new Subsection 907.15.1, entitled “Monitoring,” to read as follows:

When required by the Fire Chief, all fire detection systems shall be monitored and shall meet the following requirements:

1. The current NFPA Article 72, National Fire Alarm Code;

2. The current International Fire and Building Codes;

3. The system shall be supervised;

4. All signals from the fire alarm control panel shall be transmitted to an approved central station conforming to UL Standard 827, listed by Underwriters Laboratories and approved by the Fire Chief;

5. The building owner shall provide the fire department with proof of monitoring service;

6. The installer shall provide written certification to the Fire Department that the system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and specifications; and

7. The system shall have a signed maintenance agreement prior to Certificate of Occupancy.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.190 Single-family and multiple-family residential developments.

Appendix D, Section D106 of the 2006 International Fire Code, entitled “Multiple Family Residential Developments,” is hereby adopted and amended as follows:

Single family and multiple family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having more than 100 units may have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings, including nonresidential occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 of the International Fire Code.

(Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.200 Automatic fire-extinguishing system.

A. All newly constructed buildings with a gross square footage of 5,000 square feet regardless of type or use as well as zero lot line townhouses with an aggregate area of 5,000 square feet or greater must be sprinklered. Additions to existing buildings which would result in a gross floor area greater than 5,000 square feet and which exceed 50 percent of the building valuation must be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler system. Subject to the approval of the Fire Chief, a phasing plan of up to 5 years is permitted.

B. 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 and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of the interior walls, columns or other features. The 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. The gross floor area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior courts. For the purposes of this section, fire barriers of any type do not constitute separate buildings. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.210 False alarms – Penalties.

A. For the purpose of determining the time periods imposed by this section, false alarms shall be dated from the day of their occurrence.

B. First Response. Response to a premises at which no other false alarm has occurred within the same calendar month shall be referred to as a “first response.” No penalty or administrative sanction shall be imposed by any first response.

C. Second and Subsequent Response – Civil Penalty. When 2 or more false alarms have occurred at any premises in any calendar month the owner shall have committed the infraction of a “repetitive false alarm.” The civil penalty for a second and succeeding false alarm in any calendar month shall be $200.00 per occurrence, in addition to any fees imposed pursuant to Chapter 3.62 IMC. Any false alarm which results from a failure to take required corrective action to prevent such recurrence after notice thereof by the Fire Chief and/or any nonpayment of any false alarm penalty may result in the Fire Chief providing written notice ordering the disconnection of such alarm until the required corrective action or payment of penalty has been made; provided, however, that no disconnection shall be ordered on any premises required by law to have an alarm system in operation.

D. Notice of Violation.

1. Responsibility for Issuance. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the issuance of written notices of infraction to the owner following the second and each succeeding false alarm in any calendar month. The Fire Chief shall notify the City Finance Department of the amount of the penalties to be collected. It shall be the responsibility of the Finance Department to collect such penalties.

2. Waive Imposition. In the event the Fire Chief determines that the false alarm(s) occurred as a direct result of an interruption of electrical power, telephone system malfunction, an alarm equipment malfunction, or other causes beyond the control of the owner, the Fire Chief may waive imposition of the applicable false alarm penalty or administrative sanction. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.220 Fire lanes.

The Fire Chief shall establish and designate fire lanes in conformance with the following requirements:

A. All designated fire lanes shall be clearly marked by the property owner in the following manner: Vertical curbs shall be painted 6 inches in height and shall be painted red on the top and side, extending the length of the designated fire lane with 4-inch white block lettering stenciled on the face “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” The stenciling shall be spaced every 50 feet. Rolled curbs or surfaces without curbs shall have a red 6-inch-wide stripe painted extending the length of the designated fire lane with 4-inch white block lettering stenciled on the stripe “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” The stenciling shall be spaced every 50 feet.

B. Signs may be substituted for curb painting when approved in writing by the Fire Chief.

C. Signs shall not be less than 18 inches in height by 12 inches in width, with block lettering of not less than 3-inch-high brush stroke, reading: “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” Such signs shall be reflective in nature, with red lettering on a white background, and be spaced at intervals of not less than 50 feet apart. The top of such signs shall not be less than 4 feet nor more than 6 feet from the ground. Signs may be placed on buildings when approved in writing by the Fire Chief. When posts are required, they shall be constructed of either 2-inch or greater galvanized steel, or 4-inch by 4-inch or greater pressure treated wood.

D. The Fire Chief may approve deviations from any of the specifications when practical difficulties exist. Requests for deviations must be in writing and shall state the reasons therefor and shall be maintained on file in the Fire Department’s records.

E. Existing signs may be allowed to remain until the Fire Chief determines that a need for replacement exists based on the illegibility or other deterioration of the existing signs. Such replacement shall occur within 30 days of receiving written notification of the deficiency.

F. Fire lane markings shall be established and maintained as often as required by the Fire Chief to clearly identify the designated area as a fire lane, at the sole expense of the property owner. The property owner shall have completed the required establishment or maintenance of fire lanes within 30 days of receiving written notification that such is necessary.

G. At the entrance to the 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 the name, telephone number, and address of the towing firm where the vehicle may be redeemed.

H. The owner, manager, or person in charge of any property upon which any designated fire lane has been established shall be responsible to prevent the parking of vehicles in such fire lanes by informing the appropriate towing company of the violation. If the lane is blocked by any other obstructions, the owner, manager, or person in charge of the property shall attempt to remove the obstruction, and, if unable, shall inform the Fire Department that the obstruction exists.

I. All criminal violations of the International Fire Code and obstruction of a fire apparatus road may be enforced by any regular or reserve police officer of the Police Department.

J. The Fire Chief, and such other personnel of the Fire Department as designated by the Fire Chief and approved by the City Administrator, shall have the authority to issue infractions for violations of the International Fire Code on forms provided by the Chief of Police for such purposes.

K. Any vehicle or object obstructing a designated fire lane is hereby declared to be an immediate hazard to the public safety, and may be impounded without notice to the owner pursuant to Chapter 46.55 RCW, and in accordance with Chapter 10.34 IMC. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.230 Fire lanes – Penalties.

A. Any person who fails to mark or maintain the marking of or tampers with the marking of a designated fire lane or sign as required by this chapter, or willfully obstructs or allows the obstruction of a designated fire lane or sign is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days.

B. Except when in compliance with the law or at the direction of a police or fire officer, no person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in an area designated “Fire Lane.” Violation of this section is an infraction and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $250.00. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.240 Other penalty provisions.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to silence an alarm without the approval of the Fire Chief unless the silencing of an alarm is accomplished by resetting the system in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

B. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter other than those set forth in IMC 16.06.200 and 16.06.210 shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500.00. Each day of continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation. In the event of conflict between this general penalty provision and a penalty of specific application specified herein, this general provision shall be inapplicable. (Ord. 2498 § 1, 2007).

16.06.250 International Fire Code operational permit fees.

The following operational fees and renewal fees are hereby established for the specified permit issued under the International Fire Code:


Type of Permit	Code	Fee	Renewal
1. Automatic fire alarm install	FBAI	$100.00
2. Automobile wrecking yard Site plan Floor plan	FBAW	$100.00	$60.00
3. Bowling alley/pin refinish Floor plan Start/End date	FBBA	$100.00	N/A
4. Open burning, land clear	FBBP	$100.00	N/A
5. Candles/Open flame Start/End date	FBCF	$25.00	N/A
6. Carnivals – operate Site plan Insurance certificate Certificate of flammability for tents Start/End date	FBCO	$50.00
7. Combustible fiber – storage Floor plan	FBCS	$75.00	$45.00
8. Compressed gases store/use/ handle (ref. IFC Table 4.108-A) Site plan Floor plan	FBCG	$75.00	$45.00
9. Combustible material/store Floor plan	FBCM	$75.00	$45.00
10. Dry cleaning plant Floor plan	FBDC	$75.00	$45.00
11. Dust producing operation Site plan Floor plan	FBDP	$100.00	$60.00
12. Explos/blast agents – use Site plan Floor plan	FBEU	$100.00	$100.00
13. Explos/blast agents – store Site plan Start/End date	FBES	$100.00	$100.00
14. Explos/blast agents – transport Start/End date	FBET	$50.00	$30.00
15. Fireworks display (public) Site plan Insurance certificate Pyrotechnician’s WA St. license Start/End date	FBFD	$100.00
16. Fireworks stand Fireworks stand (nonprofit) Site plan Insurance certificate State Fire Marshal’s permit $50.00 check (cleanup bond) Start/End date	FBFW	$100.00 $10.00
17. Flammable/combustible liquids storage/handling/use Site plan and floor plan	FBFL	$75.00	$45.00
18. Flammable/combustible tank installation Site plan Piping diagram	FBFI	$75.00
19. Flammable/combustible tank abate/removal Site plan Start/End date	FBFR	$75.00
20. Fruit ripening Site plan Floor plan	FBRF	$25.00	$15.00
21. Fumigation/fogging Floor plan Start/End date	FBFF	$25.00	$15.00
22. Garages/vehicle repair Floor plan	FBVR	$75.00	$45.00
23. Hazardous materials storage/use/handle Site plan Floor plan	FBHM	$75.00	$45.00
24. Hazardous production materials Site plan Floor plan	FBPM	$75.00	$45.00
25. Hi-toxic pesticides Site plan Floor plan	FBTP	$100.00	$60.00
26. High piled combustible storage Floor plan	FBHP	$75.00	$45.00
27. Junk yards – operate Site plan	FBJY	$100.00	$60.00
28. LPG tank – install Site plan	FBLI	$50.00
29. LPB tank – maintain Site plan	FBLM	$50.00	$30.00
30. Lumber yards – storage Site plan	FBLY	$75.00	$45.00
31. Magnesium working + 10 lbs. per working day Site plan	FBMW	$75.00	$45.00
32. Mall covered, temporary display/concession/kiosk Floor plan Start/End date	FBMC	$25.00
33. Mall covered, temporary assembly use Floor plan Start/End date	FBMA	$50.00
34. Mall covered – use open flame Floor plan Start/End date	FBMF	$50.00	$30.00
35. Mall covered – use comp. gas Floor plan Start/End date	FBMG	$50.00	$30.00
36. Organic coating – mfg Site plan Floor plan	FBOC	$100.00	$60.00
37. Ovens industrial Floor plan	FBOI	$50.00	$30.00
38. Place of assembly – operate Floor plan	FBPA	$75.00	$45.00
39. Place of assembly One-time event	FBPA2	$25.00
40. Place of assembly One-time event (nonprofit)	FBPA3	$10.00
41. Radioactive material store/ handle Site plan, floor plan	FBRM	$100.00	$60.00
42. Refrig. equip. – install Floor plan	FBRI	$50.00