Chapter 15.24
FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.24.010 Adoption of the International Fire Code (IFC).
15.24.020 Establishment and duties of the bureau of fire prevention.
15.24.080 Amendments to the International Fire Code.
15.24.100 New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.
15.24.110 Application of chapter 15.06 SMC, Enforcement.
15.24.120 Plans – Professional approval.
15.24.130 Plans – City approval.
15.24.010 Adoption of the International Fire Code (IFC).
Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.140, there is hereby adopted by the city council of the city of Sumner, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous materials or explosion, that certain code known as the International Fire Code, being particularly the 2018 Edition thereof and the whole thereof including Appendix B and Appendix D, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended by SMC 15.24.080. The same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, including any amendments or successor editions thereto, and from the date on which the ordinance codified in this chapter shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city of Sumner. (Ord. 2796 § 4, 2021; Ord. 2568 § 5, 2016: Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.020 Establishment and duties of the bureau of fire prevention.
The individual or entity designated by the city administrator as the fire code official, as defined in SMC 15.24.030, has the authority to enforce the 2018 International Fire Code as adopted. (Ord. 2796 § 5, 2021; Ord. 2778 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.030 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter:
“Fire code official” means the city’s building fire safety inspector. (Ord. 2796 § 6, 2021; Ord. 2778 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.040 Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground tanks is prohibited.
The limits referred to in Section 5704.2.9.6 of the 2018 International Fire Code, in which the storage of flammable or combustible liquids is restricted, are hereby established within areas zoned other than M-1 or M-2. (Ord. 2796 § 7, 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.050 Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of liquefied petroleum gases is prohibited.
The limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the 2018 International Fire Code, in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby established within areas zoned other than M-1 or M-2. (Ord. 2796 § 8, 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.060 Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of explosives and explosive materials is to be prohibited.
The limits referred to in Section 5601 of the 2018 International Fire Code, in which storage of explosives and explosive materials is prohibited, are hereby established within all areas lying within the corporate limits. (Ord. 2796 § 9, 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.070 Establishment of limits of districts in which the storage of compressed gas and flammable cryogenic fluids is to be prohibited.
The limits referred to in Section 5301.1 of the 2018 International Fire Code, in which the storage of compressed gas is prohibited, are hereby established within all limits zoned other than IC, M-1 or M-2. The limits referred to in Section 5806 of the 2018 International Fire Code, in which the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids is prohibited, are hereby established within all limits zoned other than IC, M-1 or M-2. (Ord. 2796 § 10, 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.080 Amendments to the International Fire Code.
The following sections of the International Fire Code are hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 5
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet or 28 feet with parking on one side except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6 and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
503.2.4 Turning Radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall have a minimum inside turning radius of 28 feet.
503.2.5 Dead Ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus (see Appendix D of the International Fire Code).
503.3 Marking. Where required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided for fire apparatus 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 for adequate visibility.
In accordance with the Washington State Highway Commission Sign Fabrication Manual M240-70 HT and the Manual of International Traffic Control Devices issued by the Federal Highway Administration, per illustration:
Lettering Specifications:
3" - Class C Width
2" - Class C Width
1/2" - Class C Width
Entrance Signs: The chief may allow the use of entrance signs for multi-family dwelling occupancies. When allowed, the signs shall be placed at each entrance to the property. Signs shall be in a clearly conspicuous location and shall clearly state “Notice, All Roads Are Emergency Vehicle Lanes, Park in Marked Stalls-Only.”
Lettering Specifications:
4" - Class C Width
3" - Class C Width
1" - Class C Width
503.6 Security Gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall meet the following requirements:
1. Locked gates shall have an approved key box or key override system installed.
2. Gates serving 10 or more dwelling units shall have an Opticom activation system, Knox key override system or an equivalent and compatible system approved by the Fire Chief.
3. All electrically activated gates shall have default capabilities to the unlock position.
4. The minimum clearance width of a gate shall be compatible with the required width of the fire apparatus access road. Gate posts, keypads and other gate appurtenances shall be located in such a manner that they will not obstruct or restrict ingress and egress of emergency vehicles.
5. The security gate and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.
6. Gates shall follow Pierce County Gate Standards.
505.1 Premises Identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch. In addition, new and existing buildings located 100' or more from the street right-of-way shall have the same 6 inch address dimension on the building and at the street.
1. Multi-Family Residential, Commercial, or Small Business:
|
Amount of Setback |
Number/Letter Size |
|---|---|
|
50 Feet or less |
6 inches |
|
51 Feet to 100 Feet |
12 inches |
|
100 Feet or more |
18 inches |
|
Individual Apartment Units |
4 inches |
2. Large Commercial or Industrial Complexes:
|
Amount of Setback |
Number/Letter Size |
|---|---|
|
50 Feet or less |
12 inches |
|
51 Feet to 100 Feet |
18 inches |
|
100 Feet or more |
24 inches |
Section 903
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
1. For structures with unknown tenants, the sprinkler density of .39 per 5,600 square feet shall be used for design purposes where required by the Fire Chief.
903.1.1 Alternative Protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official.
903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.
For provisions on special hazards and hazardous materials, see the fire code.
Gross floor area. For purposes of this chapter, gross floor area shall be defined in Chapter 10, International Building Code.
1. All buildings hereinafter constructed or enlarged as defined by the International Fire Code, shall be equipped with a fully automatic sprinkler system designed, installed, maintained and tested per NFPA 13, 13D, 13R 24 and/or 25, the edition currently adopted by the city, where the gross floor area or occupant load exceeds those listed below, or the building is 35 feet in height or three or more stories.
2. Where buildings are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, canopies 4 feet or more in width shall be protected by the automatic sprinkler system.
903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-1, A-2, A 3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor area where the Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy is located, and in all floors between the Group A occupancy and the level of exit discharge. For Group A-5 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the spaces indicated in Section 903.2.1.5.
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more;
3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge; or
4. The gross floor area contains a multi-theater complex.
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or
3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or
3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Areas used exclusively as participant sports areas where the main floor area is located at the same level as the level of exit discharge of the main entrance and exit.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. The gross floor area has an occupant load of 100 or more; or
3. The gross floor area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Areas used exclusively as participant sports areas where the main floor area is located at the same level as the level of exit discharge of the main entrance and exit.
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in concession stands, retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in excess of 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
903.2.1.6 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group B occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the gross floor area of a Group B occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. Where the gross floor area of a Group B occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or
3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group B occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E occupancies where the gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level.
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the gross floor area of a Group F-1 occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. Where the gross floor area of a Group F-1 occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or
3. Where the combined floor area of all Group F-1 occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.
4. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,500 square feet in gross floor area which generate finely divided combustible waste or which use finely divided combustible materials.
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the gross floor area of a Group M occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. Where the gross floor area of a Group M occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or
3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group M occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.
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.
1. Or as required by the International Fire Code and or Washington State Amendments.
Exception: Detached one-family dwellings under 5,000 square feet.
903.2.8.1 Group R-3 or R-4 congregate residences. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 or R-4 congregate living facilities with 16 or fewer residents.
903.2.8.2 Care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in care facilities with 5 or fewer individuals in a single-family dwelling.
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the gross floor area of a Group S-1 occupancy exceeds 5,000 square feet;
2. Where the gross floor area of a Group S-1 occupancy is located more than three stories above grade; or
3. Where the combined gross floor area of all Group S-1 occupancies on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 5,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 occupancy where the gross floor area used for the storage of commercial trucks or buses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2)
5. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet (232 m2).
903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with the International Building Code, as follows:
1. Buildings two or more stories in height, including basements, with a gross floor area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet.
2. One-story buildings with a gross floor area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet.
3. Buildings with a repair garage servicing vehicles parked in the basement.
4. A Group S-1 occupancy where the gross floor area used for the repair of commercial trucks or buses exceeds 5,000 square feet (464 m2).
903.2.9.2 Bulk Storage of Tires. Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 20,000 cubic feet shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
903.2.9 Group S-2 Enclosed Parking Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as an enclosed parking garage in accordance with the International Building Code or where located beneath other groups.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
903.2.10.1 Commercial Parking Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial trucks or buses where the gross floor area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
903.2.11.3 Building height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings 35 feet in height or three or more stories.
Exceptions:
1. Airport control towers
2. Open parking structures
3. Occupancies in Group F-2
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. Subject to the approval of the Fire Chief, automatic sprinklers may be omitted in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.
2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents.
3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
4. In rooms or areas that are of non-combustible construction with wholly non-combustible contents.
5. Fire service access elevator machine rooms and machinery spaces.
6. Machine rooms and machinery spaces associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008 of the International Building Code.
7. In rooms or areas where other approved fire extinguishing systems are installed to protect special hazards or occupancies in lieu of automatic fire sprinklers.
903.3.7 Fire department connections. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire chief. Where possible, fire department connections shall be located not less than 50 feet from the protected building and not more than 50 feet from a fire hydrant.
903.4.4 Indicating valves. All automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided with a listed and approved indicating valve. Such valve shall be provided on the exterior of the building in a location to be determined by the Fire Chief. When possible, such valve shall be located not less than 50 feet from the protected structure.
903.5 Testing and maintenance. Sprinkler systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901. A copy of the annual inspection report shall be signed by the individual conducting the inspection, and a copy of the report shall be forwarded to the fire department.
903.6 Existing buildings. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in existing buildings and structures as described below:
A. Where the gross floor area exceeds 8,000 square feet and one or more of the following conditions exist:
i. There is a change of occupancy classification within the building that would require an occupancy separation per Table 508.4 of the International Building Code.
ii. Any changes to the building which in their aggregate would increase the gross floor area of the building by 15 percent or more based upon the square footage of the building at the time of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this section.
iii. There is a change to the building, such as changes to the exiting system, that would increase the hazard to the occupants and/or fire suppression personnel.
Exception: The installation of an approved automatic sprinkler system is not required in existing buildings or structures where the gross floor area exceeds 8,000 square feet if a permit is requested for:
(a) Tenant improvements where there is no change in occupancy classification within the building that would require an occupancy separation per Table 508.4 of the International Building Code and the change to the building would not increase the hazard to the occupants and/or fire suppression personnel; or
(b) Routine maintenance which includes but is not limited to (1) utility upgrades (replacement of electrical panel, replacement of wiring, new water or sewer service); (2) aesthetic upgrades (replacement of windows or doors, replacement of facades); (3) routine repairs (roof replacement or repair, siding replacement); or (4) site upgrades (landscaping replacement, parking area repairs).
B. Where the gross floor area is 8,000 square feet or less and one or more of the following conditions exist:
i. There is a change to the building that would increase the gross floor area of the building such that the gross floor area exceeds 9,200 square feet.
Section 907
FIRE ALARMS & DETECTION SYSTEMS
907.1.3 In addition to those requirements found in Section 907.2 of the 2012 International Fire Code, the following shall apply.
907.1.3.1 New Buildings and Structures. An approved manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with this section, and in all structures exceeding 5,000 square feet gross floor area.
Where required, the automatic/manual fire alarm system shall consist of a minimum of the following:
• Addressable fire alarm.
• Interior audible/visual alarm devices for the notification of the building occupants throughout. WAC 51.50.1101 and IBC Chapter 11.
• Visible devices in restrooms.
• Exterior horn/strobe shall be located on the address side of the building.
• Manual pull stations at each exit.
• Smoke detection in corridors.
• Monitoring of the automatic fire sprinkler systems/fire alarm systems.
• Buildings containing multiple tenants shall have an addressable fire alarm system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems and the individual suite address within the building to an approved central station.
• Multiple story buildings shall have an addressable system capable of monitoring and sending notification of all protection systems within the building to an approved central station.
907.1.3.2 Existing Buildings and Structures. An approved manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with this section, and in all structures exceeding 5,000 square feet gross floor area, which are altered as defined by the 2012 International Building Code and International Fire Code.
(Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.090 Appeals.
Whenever the fire code official disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the fire code official to the board of appeals within 20 days from the date of the decision as provided by chapter 15.04* SMC. (Ord. 2778 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
*Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 2568 repeals chapter 15.04. The board of appeals provisions previously codified in the chapter have been replaced by the appeals process in the 2015 International Building Code adopted by Ordinance 2568.
15.24.100 New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.
The mayor, the fire chief and the chief of the bureau of fire prevention shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies for which permits are required in addition to those now enumerated in the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition. The chief of the bureau of fire prevention shall post such list in a conspicuous place at the bureau of fire prevention and distribute copies thereof to interested persons. (Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.110 Application of chapter 15.06 SMC, Enforcement.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter or the International Fire Code shall be subject to the penalty provisions of SMC 15.06.070 and 15.06.110. (Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.120 Plans – Professional approval.
Only plans approved by the Washington State Survey and Rating Bureau or certified and stamped by a fire protection engineer shall be accepted. Four sets of approved automatic sprinkler system plans shall be submitted to the building official or fire chief. (Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.130 Plans – City approval.
No building shall be occupied prior to installation and approval of required automatic sprinkler and fire alarm systems as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)
15.24.140 Severability.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter or the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition, or its application to any person or circumstance, is declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. (Ord. 2452 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2328 § 1 (part), 2010)