Chapter 15.10
ADOPTION OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.10.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition.
Prior legislation: Code 1990 §§ 8.12.03, 8.12.04 and 8.12.05.
15.10.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition.
A. Except as hereinafter provided, the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition (Part 9, Title 24, California Code of Regulations), including Appendix Chapter 4 and appendices B, BB, C, CC, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, N, O, P and Q, which incorporates and amends the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference as the fire code of the city of Calimesa for regulating the design, construction, quality of materials, erection, installation, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, and provisions of the fire code systems, or other provisions in the city of Calimesa, and providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such International Fire Code 2024 Edition, not adopted or amended in the California Fire Code, and excepting Section 103, published by the International Code Council, which are on file in the office of the city clerk, city of Calimesa, are hereby adopted by reference and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter.
B. A copy of the fire code of the city of Calimesa shall be available in the office of the building division of the community development department in the city of Calimesa, and it shall be made available for public inspection while this code is in force. [Ord. 416 § 2, 2025; Ord. 416-U § 2, 2025; Ord. 415 § 1, 2025; Ord. 387 § 2, 2023; Ord. 368 § 2, 2019; Ord. 364 § 2, 2019; Ord. 344 § 2, 2016; Ord. 329 § 3, 2013; Ord. 311 § 3, 2011; Ord. 280 § 1, 2008; Ord. 226 § 2, 2004; Code 1990 § 8.12.01.]
15.10.020 Amendments.
The California Fire Code, as adopted herein, is amended as follows:
A. Definitions.
A.1.1. Wherever the word “Jurisdiction” is used in said California Fire Code, it shall mean the City of Calimesa.
A.1.2. Wherever the term “Corporation Counsel” is used in said California Fire Code, it shall mean the City Attorney for the City of Calimesa.
A.1.3. Wherever the term “Chief” is used in said California Fire Code, it shall mean the Fire Chief of the City of Calimesa, or his or her authorized representative.
A.1.4. Wherever the term “Fire Department” is used in said California Fire Code, it shall mean the Fire Department of the City of Calimesa.
A.1.5. An employee or agent of the City of Calimesa, when enforcing the California Fire Code, the Calimesa Municipal Code and other laws, rules and regulations relating to fire and life safety, fire prevention and fire investigation, shall be deemed a “Peace Officer” as those words are used in Section 830.31 of the California Penal Code.
B. Amendments.
A new Section 103.4 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
103.4 Cost Recovery. Fire suppression, investigation and rescue or emergency medical costs are recoverable in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1. Any person who negligently, intentionally, or in violation of law, causes an emergency response, including but not limited to, a traffic accident or spill of toxic or flammable fluids or chemicals, is liable for the costs of securing such emergency, including those costs set out in Health and Safety Code Section 13009 et seq. and Government Code Section 53150 et seq. Any expense incurred by the fire department for securing such an emergency may constitute a debt of such person and may be collectible by the City in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, expressed or implied.
Section 104.1.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.1.1 Responsibilities. The Chief is authorized to administer and enforce this Code. Under the Chief’s direction, the fire department is authorized to enforce all ordinances of the jurisdiction and the laws of the State pertaining to the prevention of fires, the suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires, the storage, use and handling of hazardous materials, the installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire-extinguishing equipment, the maintenance and regulation of fire escapes, the maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction, the maintenance of means of egress, and the investigation of the cause. origin and circumstances of fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials. Employees and agents of the City of Calimesa are hereby authorized to interpret and enforce the provisions of this Code (except as provided in Section 108.1) and to make arrests and issue citations as authorized by law.
Section 108.1.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
108.1.1 Permit Fees. Permit fees as established by City Council resolution shall be collected by the Finance Department. Proof of receipt shall accompany all permit applications prior to inspection and approval by the fire department.
Section 111.1 of the California Fire Code is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
111.1 Board of appeals established. The Board of Appeals shall be the City Manager. If he or she determines an outside board is needed, he or she shall designate an outside hearing officer to hear the appeal. The Fire Chief shall be notified of any appeal and the Fire Chief or his or her designee shall be in attendance at the appeal hearing. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited, at the expense of the applicant, for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.
Section 112.4 of the California Fire Code is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
112.4 Violation penalties. Violations of any provision of this chapter or the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to punishment or remedy as provided in Title 1 of the Municipal Code.
Section 202 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the following:
Section 202 Definitions.
ALL-WEATHER DRIVING SURFACE is an approved concrete, asphalt, or engineered surface approved by the Code Official of sufficient thickness, installed upon soil compacted to a minimum of 95% and designed to support the imposed loads of the fire apparatus.
BED AND BREAKFAST. See Lodging House.
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS. Explosive materials are explosives, blasting agents and detonators including, but not limited to, dynamite and other high explosives; slurries, emulsions and water gels; black powder and pellet powder; initiating explosives; detonators or blasting caps; safety fuses; squibs; detonating cord; igniter cord; igniters and fireworks, 1.3G (Class B special fireworks) and any explosives as defined in Section 841 of Title 18 of the United States Code and published pursuant to Section 55.23 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
FIREWORKS. Fireworks means any device containing chemical elements and chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical, or thermal effects which are useful as pyrotechnic devices or for entertainment. The term fireworks includes, but is not limited to, devices designated by the manufacturer as fireworks, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, rockets, Daygo bombs, sparklers, party poppers, paper caps, chasers, fountains, smoke sparks, aerial bombs, and fireworks kits. (H&S 12511). Including, but not limited to, all fireworks defined in the California Health and Safety Code starting with Section 12500.
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES shall mean those areas identified by the State of California/Cal-Fire as “Moderate Fire Severity Zone,” “High Fire Severity Zone” or “Very High Fire Severity Zone.” Finding: The State of California Fire Marshal has designated areas within the City of Calimesa as “Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone,” “High Fire Hazard Severity Zone” or “Very High Fire Severity Zone” in which all new construction must comply with requirements as set forth in the California Building Code Chapter 7A and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
HIGH EXPLOSIVE. An explosive material, such as dynamite, which can be caused to detonate by means of a No. 8 test blasting cap when unconfined and any explosive defined in Section 12000 of the California Health and Safety Code.
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA. Land which is covered with grass, grain, brush or forest, whether privately, or publicly owned, which is so situated or is of such inaccessible location that a fire originating upon such land would present an abnormally difficult job of suppression or would result in great and unusual damage through fire or resulting erosion. Such areas are designated on maps entitled “Hazardous Fire Areas of San Bernardino County” on file in the office of the Chief
MODEL ROCKET. Any toy or educational device, which weighs not more than 500 grams, including the engine and any payload, that is propelled by model rocket engines (H&SC 12519).
MODEL ROCKET ENGINE. A commercially manufactured, non-reusable rocket propulsion device which is constructed of a nonmetallic casing and solid propellant, wherein all of the ingredients are self-contained so as not to require mixing or handling by the user and which have design and construction characteristics determined by the State Fire Marshal to provide a reasonable degree of safety to the user (H&SC 12520).
Section 305.5.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
305.5.1 Spark Arresters Required. All chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester, and the spark arrester shall meet all the following requirements:
1. The net area of the spark arrester shall not be less than four times the net area of the outlet of the chimney.
2. The spark arrester screen shall have heat or corrosion resistance equivalent to 12-gauge wire, 19-gauge galvanized wire, or 24-gauge stainless steel.
3. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter larger than 1/2-inch and shall not block the passage of spheres having a diameter of less than 3/8-inch.
4. The spark arrester shall be accessible for cleaning, and the screen or chimney cap shall be removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney flue.
Section 307 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
307.1 General. No person shall kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open and outdoor burning except as permitted by, and subject to the requirements of this Section 307, inclusive of Sections 307.1 through 307.5.
Section 307.1.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
307.1.2 Burning Operations. The burning of salvage vehicles and salvage or waste materials shall be prohibited:
Section 307.1.2.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
307.1.2.1 Material restrictions. Open burning of rubbish containing paper products, trash and debris containing non-organic material is prohibited.
307.2 Definitions. The terms below shall have the following respective meanings for purposes of this Section 307.
1. “Agricultural Burning” means an outdoor open fire of burning clean vegetation for silvicultural, range, or wildlife management practices, prevention, or control of disease or pests.
2. “Approved” means acceptable to the City of Calimesa Fire Department Fire Chief or designee.
3. “Barbecue grill” (also known as a barbecue or BBQ) means a portable or fixed device constructed of non-combustible material for the primary purpose of cooking food with a fuel fire consisting of either liquefied petroleum (LP), natural gas, clean wood, or charcoal.
4. “Barbecue pit” means a trench or depression in the ground for the primary purpose of cooking food with a fuel fire consisting of either clean wood or charcoal.
5. “Bonfires” means an outdoor open fire for pleasure, entertainment, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or other similar activities with a fueled fire consisting of either liquefied petroleum (LP), natural gas, or clean wood with a total fuel area of three (3) feet or greater in width, length, or diameter or a total fuel area of two (2) feet or greater in height.
6. “Kindle” means to light or set on fire.
7. “Open and outdoor burning” means burning materials wherein combustion products are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Open and outdoor burning activities include, without limitation: (i) agricultural burning; (ii) burning operations associated with barbecue grilling and barbecue pits; (iii) bonfires; (iv) portable outdoor fireplaces; (v) recreational fires; and (vi) residential burning. For this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues, or chimneys that are open are those necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas.
8. “Portable outdoor fireplace” means an outdoor open fire with a portable outdoor solid, burning fireplace constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material for the primary purpose of a recreational fire with a fueled fire consisting of either liquefied petroleum (LP), natural gas, clean wood, or charcoal. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening on the top.
9. “Recreational Fire” means an outdoor open fire for pleasure, entertainment, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or other similar activities with a fueled fire consisting of either liquefied petroleum (LP), natural gas, clean wood, or charcoal in a fire ring style with a total fuel area less than three (3) feet in width, length, or diameter or a total fuel area less than two (2) feet in height. Recreational fires shall not include fires occurring in an incinerator, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit.
10. “Residential Burning” means an outdoor open fire burning clean waste vegetation, tree and yard trimmings, other than rubbish for disposal on residential privately owned property.
11. “Structure” means any dwelling, house, building, or flammable construction attached to or near any other structure.
307.3 Residential Burning Prohibited. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Municipal Code, including this Section 307, residential burning is prohibited. No person kindle, maintain, or authorize to be kindled or maintained any residential burning operation anywhere in the City.
307.4 Requirements Applicable to all Open and Outdoor Burning. Any open and outdoor burning operation allowed under this Section 307 must be conducted in accordance with the following requirements:
1. No person younger than eighteen (18) years of age shall kindle or maintain any open and outdoor burning operation of any kind.
2. All open and outdoor burning operations of every kind must be continuously attended to by one or more persons at least eighteen (18) years of age or older until the fire is extinguished.
3. At least one functioning portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment must be readily available for use at times during open and outdoor burning operations.
4. All open and outdoor burning operations shall be conducted in compliance with all state or local law or regulations. Where state or local law or regulations require prior approval of an open and outdoor burning operation, no person shall conduct such open and outdoor burning operation without such approval or in a manner that violates the conditions of such approval, if any.
307.5 Permits required for Agricultural Burning and Bonfires.
1. No persons shall kindle, maintain, or authorize to be kindled or maintained any agricultural burning or bonfire without an operational permit approved in advance by the City of Fire Chief or their designee.
2. The Fire Chief or their designee shall not approve an operational permit for any agricultural burning or bonfire the proposed operations comply with all requirements of this Section 307 and the Fire Chief or their designee finds that the agricultural burning or bonfire will be conducted in a manner consistent with protection of life, health, safety, and property from fire hazards.
3. The Fire Chief or their designee shall have the authority to impose such conditions on the approval of any permit as are reasonably necessary to make such finding.
307.6 Setback Requirements. Where and when permitted by this Section 307, open and outdoor burning operations must be maintained at a reasonable setback from any structure, but in no case less than the following minimum distances:
1. Agricultural burning operations – at least fifty (50) feet from any structure.
2. Barbecue grills and barbecue pits – at least fifteen (15) feet from any structure.
3. Bonfires – at least fifty (50) feet from any structure.
4. Recreational fires – at least twenty-five (25) feet from any structure.
307.7 Enforcement. In addition to any other authority granted by law to the Fire Chief, the Fire Chief or their designee shall have the authority to:
1. Issue an order prohibiting any or all open and outdoor burning operations at such time or in such manner or locations that the Fire Chief or their designees determine are hazardous due to atmospheric conditions or local circumstances. No person shall knowingly kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open and outdoor burning in violation such an order by the Fire Chief or their designee.
2. Order the extinguishment of any open and outdoor burning operation conducted in violation of this Section 307 or when such operation creates, threatens to create, or adds to a hazardous situation.
Section 315.8 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
315.8 Removal. Combustible rubbish stored in containers outside of noncombustible vaults or rooms shall be removed from buildings at least once each working day or when determined by the Chief to be a fire hazard.
Section 315.9 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
315.9 Abatement. In the event that abatement is not performed as required in this code, the Chief may give notice to the owner of the property upon which such condition exists to correct such prohibited condition, and if the owner fails to correct such condition the Chief may cause the same to be done and may cause the expense of such correction to become a lien upon the property upon which such condition exists.
Section 324 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 324 USE OF EQUIPMENT
324.1 General. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated, in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the prevention of fire.
324.2 Spark Arrester. Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to this section shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
324.3 Specifications. A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable material specifically for the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 of an inch (0.58 mm) in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels, or which is qualified and rated by the U.S. Forest Service.
EXCEPTIONS: Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhaust gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in effective mechanical condition.
Section 325 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
Section 325 RESTRICTED ENTRY
325.1 General. The Chief shall determine and publicly announce when hazardous fire areas shall be closed to entry and when such areas shall again be opened to entry. Entry on, and occupation of, hazardous fire areas, except public roadways, inhabited areas, or established trails and camp sites which have not been closed during such time when the hazardous fire area is closed to entry, is prohibited.
EXCEPTIONS: (1) Residents and owners of private property within hazardous fire areas, and their invitees and guests going to, or being upon, their lands; (2) Entry, in the course of duty, by peace or police officers, and other duly authorized public officers, members of a fire department, and members of the U.S. Forest service.
Section 326 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 326 TRESPASSING ON POSTED PROPERTY
326.1 General. When the fire code official determines that a specific area within a hazardous fire area presents an exceptional and continuing fire danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be closed until changed conditions warrant termination of closure. Such areas shall be posted as hereinafter provided.
326.2 Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and referring to applicable fire code chapters shall be placed on every closed area.
326.3 Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.
EXCEPTION: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within closed and posed areas, their guests or invitees, and local, state or federal public officers and their authorized agents acting in the course of duty.
Section 327 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 327 EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING
327.1 General. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported, or disposed of within hazardous fire areas except by permit from the fire code official.
Section 328 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 328 OUTDOOR FIRES
328.1 General. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon hazardous fire areas except by permit from the fire code official.
EXCEPTION: Outdoor fires within inhabited premises or designated camp sites where such fires are built in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecues, outdoor fireplace, incinerator or grill and are a minimum of 30 feet (9,144 mm) from a grass-, grain-, brush-, or forest-covered area.
328.2 Permits. Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions that will reasonably safeguard public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon hazardous fire areas under the following conditions:
1. When high winds are blowing.
2. When a person aged 17 or over is not always present to watch and tend such fire.
3. When public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited.
328.2 Prohibited Burning. Permanent barbecues, portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces or grills shall not be used for the disposal of rubbish, trash, or combustible waste material.
Section 503.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.5
Section 503.1.4 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.1.4 Fire Apparatus Access. Plans for fire apparatus access roads or modification of fire apparatus access roads shall be submitted to the fire marshal for review and approval prior to construction.
Section 503.1.5 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.1.5 Fire Lane designation. The Chief may designate fire apparatus access roads as a “Fire Lane,” pursuant to the provisions of Vehicle Code Section 22500.1.
Section 503.2.3 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus, minimum of 75,000 lbs., and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. Gravel, Turf block, Ritter Rings, Turf Paver and other similar products shall not be used for fire department access surfacing.
Section 503.2.7 of the California Fire Code amended to read as follows:
503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for fire apparatus access road grades shall not exceed a maximum of 10% unless approved by the City of Calimesa. A grade variance and plan review approval for a road, street, private lane or driveway with a slope of 10-12% may be approved at the discretion of the City of Calimesa Fire Marshall. A grade variance and plan review approval for a road, street, private lane or driveway with a slope of 12-16% may be approved at the discretion of the City of Calimesa Fire Chief/Fire Code Official.
Section 505.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
505.1 Premises Identification. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Said numbers shall contrast with their background.
New Group R, Division 3 Occupancy addresses shall be posted with a minimum of 4-inch (102 mm) numbers, visible from the street, and during the hours of darkness the numbers shall be low voltage, internally electrically illuminated. Posted numbers shall contrast with their background and be legible from the street. Where building setbacks exceed 100 feet (30,480 mm) from the roadway or where the addresses are not visible from the roadway, additional non-illuminated contrasting 4-inch (102 mm) numbers shall be displayed at the property entrance.
New Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R Division I and S occupancy addresses shall be posted with a minimum of 8-inch (203 mm) numbers, visible from the street, and during the hours of darkness shall be electrically illuminated. Where the building setback exceeds 200 feet (60,960 mm) from the roadway or where the addresses are not visible from the roadway, additional non-illuminated contrasting 6-inch (152 mm) numbers shall be displayed at the property entrance. Where commercial occupancies have multiple tenants, addresses or unit numbers shall be posted with a minimum of 3-inch contrasting numbers and displayed on both the front and the rear doors of the tenant spaces.
Section 505.1.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
505.1.1 Map directory. A lighted directory map shall be installed and maintained at each driveway entrance to multiple unit residential projects and mobile home parks, where the total number of units in the project exceeds fifteen (15).
Section 605.3.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
605.3.1 Sparks from Chimneys or Vents. Chimneys or vents used in conjunction with fireplaces or heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuel is used shall be equipped and maintained with an approved / listed spark arrester. An approved spark arrester shall be defined as a device constructed of stainless steel, copper, brass or woven galvanized wire mesh. The spark arrester screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 12-gauge wire, 19-gauge galvanized wire or 24-gauge stainless steel. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter larger than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) and shall not block the passage of spheres having a diameter of less than 3/8-inch (9.5 mm). The screen shall be mounted per the manufacturers listing in or over all outside flue openings in a vertical or near vertical position, adequately supported to prevent movement and visible from the ground.
Section 605.3.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
605.3.2 Incinerators. Free-standing non-commercial incinerators are prohibited. Commercial and industrial incinerators shall be constructed and installed in accordance with other governing agencies regulating emissions. For other requirements and for other types of incinerators, see the Building and Mechanical Codes.
Section 905.4 of the California Fire Code is amended by adding the following:
7. The centerline of the 2.5" outlet shall be no less than 18" above, and no more than 24" above, the finished floor.
8. Hose connections shall be provided on every floor of the building.
9. Every new building with any horizontal dimensions greater than 300 feet (91,440 mm) shall be provided with either access doors or a 2.5" outlet so that all portions of the building can be reached with 150 feet (45,720 mm) of hose from an access door or hose outlet. Required access doors shall be located in the exterior of the building and shall be accessible without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width, and not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2,032 mm) in height.
Section 2809.1.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2809.1.1 Pallet Yards. Pallet storage, handling, repair or manufacturing shall comply with the requirements of this Article. Pallets must be stored in an orderly manner not to exceed 16 feet in height, 20 feet in width, and 70 feet in length. Pile separation shall be a minimum of 20 feet and no closer than 26 feet to property lines or exposures. Fire department access roadways shall be no less than 26 feet in width with a vertical clearance of 14 feet 6 inches. All fire department roadways shall be maintained within 150 feet of all pallet storage and structures. Pallet yards shall be considered as a heavy industrial use.
Section 5601.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
5601.2 Permits Required. Permits shall be obtained from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the following:
• To manufacture, possess, store, sell, display or otherwise dispose of explosives blasting agents or phosphoric compounds.
• To manufacture, possess, store, sell, display or otherwise dispose of explosives blasting agents or phosphoric compounds.
• To transport explosives or blasting agents. To use explosives or blasting agents.
• To operate a terminal for handling explosives or blasting agents.
• To transport blasting caps or electric blasting caps in the same vehicle with explosives.
Section 5601.2.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5601.2.2 Permit Holder. The handling and firing of explosives or blasting agents shall be performed only by persons possessing a valid explosives permit issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Section 5601.2.4.3 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5601.2.4.3 Display. The maximum quantities, storage conditions, and fire protection requirements for gunpowder and ammunition displayed in a building shall be as follows:
Smokeless powder – 20 pounds in original containers. Containers shall not exceed one pound.
Section 5601.2.4.4 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5601.2.4.4 Displays. Permits are required to conduct a fireworks display. See Section 105.6.14. Permit application shall be made not less than 14 days prior to the scheduled date of the display. The permit application shall include a diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged; the location of buildings, highways and other lines of communication; the lines behind which the audience will be restrained; and the location of nearby trees, telegraph or telephone lines and other overhead obstructions. At the time of permit application, the Chief shall be consulted regarding requirements for standby fire apparatus and personnel. All fireworks displays shall be electrically fired.
Section 5601.2.4.5 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5601.2.4.5 Additional Requirements. In addition to the requirements set forth in this Article, the police department, the fire department or the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department may, for the safety and security of the public, set additional requirements for a permit application.
Section 5601.7 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
5601.7 Seizure of Fireworks. The storage, use, sale, possession, and handling of fireworks 1.3G is prohibited. The sales, use and/or display of fireworks 1.4G (commonly referred to as Safe & Sane) is prohibited. The Chief, the police department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are authorized to seize, take, remove or cause to be removed, at the expense of the owner, all stocks of fireworks, offered or exposed for sale, stored, handled or held in violation of Title 19 CCR, Chapter 6.
EXCEPTION: Fireworks 1.4G and fireworks 1.3G may be part of an electrically fired public display when permitted and conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic operator.
Section 5604.1.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.1.2 Temporary Storage. For the purpose of this part, temporary storage shall mean no longer than 4 hours or the end of the workday, whichever time is less.
Section 5604.1.3 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.1.3 Storage. The police department and the Chief may authorize the storage of smokeless powder not to exceed 100 pounds, sporting black powder not to exceed 25 pounds, and up to 75,000 small arms primers in approved portable magazines in approved establishments. Sporting black powder, when authorized, shall be stored in an approved portable magazine. Small arms primers or percussion caps shall be stored in a manner prescribed by the police department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Chief.
Section 5604.3.4 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.4 Magazines Required. Explosive materials shall be stored in magazines in accordance with Section 5604.3. Magazines shall at all times be in the custody of a person holding a valid explosives permit who shall be at least 21 years of age and who shall be held responsible for compliance with all safety precautions.
Section 5604.3.4.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.4.1 Magazine Size. Indoor magazines shall not be of a size greater than the exit door or contain more than 50 pounds of explosive materials.
Section 5604.3.5 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.5 Powder. The amount of powder stored in an indoor magazine shall not exceed 50 pounds.
Section 5604.3.6 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.6 Classification and Use of Magazines. Magazines shall be classed as Type 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 and used in accordance with Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 55, Subpart K, and Title 19, California Code of Regulations, Subchapter 6, Section 989, as amended.
Section 5604.3.7 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.7 Use and Handling. The police department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and the fire department shall be notified prior to detonation of any explosives.
Section 5604.3.8 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.8 Personnel Qualifications. The handling and firing of explosives shall be performed only by person(s) possessing a valid explosives permit issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Section 5604.3.9 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.3.9 Utility Notification. When blasting is being conducted in the vicinity of gas, electric, water, sewer, fire alarm, telephone, telegraph, cable television or stream utilities, the blasting person shall notify the appropriate representative of such utilities at least 24 hours in advance of blasting specifying the location and intended time of such blasting.
EXCEPTION: In an emergency, advance notification may be waived by the Chief, the police department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The fire department shall be notified prior to detonation of any explosives.
Section 5604.10.2.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5604.10.2.1 Deteriorated Material Handling. When an explosive has deteriorated to an extent that it is in an unstable or dangerous condition, or when a liquid has leaked from an explosive material, the person in possession of such explosive material shall immediately contact the police department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Chief. The work of destroying explosive materials shall be directed by persons experienced in the destruction of explosive materials. Explosive materials recovered from blasting misfires shall be handled in a standard method for disposal. Only persons holding a valid explosives pem1it shall do the work of destroying explosives.
Section 5605.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
5605.1 Manufacturing. The manufacturing of fireworks is prohibited.
Section 5605.1.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5605.1.2 Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material. A permit is required to manufacture, compound, store or use pyrotechnic special effects material. A permit for use shall be granted only to a licensed pyrotechnic operator. See Section 105.6.36.
Section 5704.3.1.2 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5704.3.1.2 Lubricating Oil. Lubricating oil that has been drained from motor vehicles shall be stored and handled as required for Class III-B liquids. Crankcase drainings and waste oil products may be stored in an above-ground tank as approved by the Chief. Drainings and used oils may also be stored outside a building in not more than 3 tight drums having an aggregate capacity not exceeding 180 gallons.
[Ord. 416 § 2, 2025; Ord. 416-U § 2, 2025; Ord. 415 § 1, 2025; Ord. 407 § 3, 2024; Ord. 387 § 2, 2023; Ord. 368 § 2, 2019; Ord. 344 § 2, 2016; Ord. 329 § 5, 2013. Formerly 15.10.060]
15.10.030 Regulation of building construction.
Repealed by Ord. 416. [Ord. 415 § 1, 2025; Ord. 387 § 2, 2023; Ord. 368 § 2, 2019; Ord. 344 § 2, 2016; Ord. 280 § 1, 2008; Ord. 226 § 2, 2004; Code 1990 § 8.12.02. Formerly 15.10.020]