There is hereby adopted by the city council for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire and explosions, that certain code, known as “The International Fire Code,” (hereafter referred to as the “I.F.C.”) being particularly the 2003 edition thereof and the whole thereof, including appendix, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended, of which code not less than one (1) copy has been and now is filed in the office of the city secretary and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which this section shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city.

Sec. 5.202 Application of Other Codes

Section 102.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Application of other codes. The design and construction of new structures shall comply with this code, and other codes as applicable. Repairs, alterations and additions to existing structures shall comply with this code and the International Building Code.

Sec. 5.203 General Definitions

Section 202 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to provide for the following definitions:

Fire Watch. A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals or standby personnel when required by the fire code official, for the purposes of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of fire and notifying the fire department.

High-Rise Building. A building having any floors used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Self-Service Storage Facility. Real property designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storing and removing personal property on a self-service basis.

Standby Personnel. Qualified fire service personnel, approved by the fire code official. When utilized, the number required shall be as directed by the fire code official. Charges for utilization shall be as normally calculated by the jurisdiction.

Sec. 5.204 Open-Flame Cooking Devices

Section 308.3.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal Burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated or located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Exceptions:

(1) One and two family dwellings.

(2) Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

Sec. 5.205 Liquefied-Petroleum Gas Fueled Cooking Devices

Section 308.3.1.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Liquefied-petroleum gas fueled cooking devices. When permitted as listed in the exceptions of section 308.3.1, LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction:

Exception: One and two family dwellings, and other residential occupancies when those residential occupancies are in compliance with section 308.3.1, exception 42, may have containers with a water capacity not greater than 20 pounds.

Sec. 5.206 General

Section 405.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

General. Emergency evacuation drills complying with the provisions of this section shall be conducted in the occupancies listed in Table 405.2 or when required by the fire code official. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.

Sec. 5.207 Drill Frequency

Section 408.5.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Drill frequency. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at least twelve times per year, four times per each shift.

Sec. 5.208 Buildings and Facilities

Section 503.1.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. Except for single or two family residences, the path of measurement shall be along a minimum of a ten foot wide unobstructed pathway around the external walls of the structure.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet where:

(1) The building is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

(2) Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable 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.

Sec. 5.209 Dimensions

Section 503.2.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Dimensions. Fire Apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet, except for approved security gates in accordance with section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet.

Exception: Vertical clearances may be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance when approved.

Sec. 5.210 Authority

Section 503.2.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require an increase in the minimum access widths and vertical clearances where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

Sec. 5.211 Marking

Section 503.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Marking. Approved striping or, when allowed by the code official, signs, or both shall be provided for the apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs and striping shall be maintained in a clean legible condition at all times and be replaced when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

(1) Striping - Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked by painted lines of red traffic paint six inches in width to show the boundaries of the lane. The words “No Parking Fire Lane” or “Fire Lane No Parking” shall appear in four inch white letters at 25 feet intervals on the red border markings along both sides of the fire lanes. Where a curb is available, the striping shall be on the vertical face of the curb.

(2) Signs - Signs shall read “No Parking Fire Lane” or “Fire Lane No Parking” and shall be twelve inches wide and eighteen inches high. Signs shall be painted on a white background with letters and borders in red, using not less than two inch lettering. Signs shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches from the finished grade. Signs shall be spaced not more than fifty feet apart. Signs may be installed on permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the fire code official.

Sec. 5.212 Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads

Section 503.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in section 503.2.1 and any area marked as a fire lane as described in section 503.3 shall be maintained at all times.

Sec. 5.213 Enclosure

Section 704.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Enclosure. Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoist ways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall be enclosed or protected in accordance with the codes in effect at the time of construction but, regardless of when constructed, not less than as specified in Table 704.1. When openings are required to be protected, openings into such shafts shall be maintained self-closing or automatic closing by smoke detection. Existing fusible link type automatic door closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sec. 5.214 Artwork

Section 803.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Artwork. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

Exception: Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.

Sec. 5.215 Systems out of Service

Section 901.7 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Systems out of service. Where required fire protection system is out of service or in the event of an excessive number of activations, the fire department and the code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the code official, the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shut down, until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Sec. 5.216 Where Required

Section 903.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.

Sec. 5.217 Self-Service Storage Facility

Section 903.2.8.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Self-service storage facility. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all self-storage facilities.

Exception: One-story self-service storage facilities that have no interior corridors, with one-hour fire barrier separation wall installed between every storage compartment.

Sec. 5.218 Buildings More Than 35 Feet in Height

Section 903.2.10.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Buildings more than 35 feet in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a floor level that is located 35 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exception: Open parking structures in compliance with section 406.3 of the International Building Code.

Sec. 5.219 High-Piled Combustible Storage

Section 903.2.10.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

High-Piled Combustible Storage. For any building with a clear height exceeding twelve feet, see chapter 23 to determine if those provisions apply.

Sec. 5.220 Spray Booths and Rooms

Section 903.2.10.5 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Spray Booths and Rooms. New and existing spray booths and spraying rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.

Sec. 5.221 Buildings Over 6,000 Square Feet

Section 903.2.10.6 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Buildings Over 6,000 sq. ft. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings with a building area over 6,000 sq. ft. For the purpose of this provision, firewalls shall not define separate buildings.

Exceptions:

(1) Open parking garages in compliance with section 406.3 of the International Building Code.

(2) Type A-5.

Sec. 5.222 Water Supplies

Section 903.3.5 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Water Supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the requirements of this section and the International Plumbing Code. .

Water supply as required for such systems shall be provided in conformance with the supply requirements of the respective standards; however, every fire protection system shall be designed with a 10 psi safety factor.

Sec. 5.223 Spray Booths and Rooms

Section 903.6.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Spray booths and rooms. New and existing spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with section 1504.

Sec. 5.224 Design Standards

Section 907.1.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Design Standards. All alarm systems new or replacement serving 50 or more alarm actuating devices shall be addressable fire detection systems. Alarm systems serving more than 75 smoke detectors or more than 200 total alarm activating devices shall be analog intelligent addressable fire detection systems.

Exception: Existing systems need not comply unless the total building remodel or expansion initiated after the effective date of this code, as adopted, exceeds 30% of the building. When cumulative building remodel or expansion exceeds 50% of the building must comply within 18 months of permit application.

Sec. 5.225 Group E

Section 907.2.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Group E. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E educational occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. An approved smoke detection system shall be installed in Group E day care occupancies. Unless separated by a minimum of 100' open space, all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, will be considered one building for alarm occupant load consideration and interconnection of alarm systems.

Exceptions:

1. Group E educational and day care occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50 when provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

1.1 Residential In-Home day care with not more than 12 children may use interconnected single station detectors in all habitable rooms. (For care of more than five children 21/2 or less years of age, see section 907.2.6)

2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in group E occupancies where all the following apply:

2.1 Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.

2.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.

2.3 Shops and laboratories involving dust or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.

2.4 Off-premises monitoring is provided.

2.5 The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.

2.6 In buildings where normally occupied spaces are provided with a two way communication system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded, except in locations specifically designated by the fire code official.

Sec. 5.226 High-Rise Buildings

Section 907.2.12 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

High-rise buildings. Buildings having any floors used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with section 907.2.12.2.

Exceptions:

(1) Airport traffic control towers in accordance with section 907.2.22 and section 412 of the International Building Code.

(2) Open parking garages in accordance with section 406.3 of the International Building Code.

(3) Buildings with an occupancy in group A-5 in accordance with section 303.1 of the International Building Code.

(4) Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with section 503.1.2 of the International Building Code.

(5) Buildings with an occupancy in group H- 1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with section 415 of the International Building Code.

Sec. 5.227 Manual Fire Alarm Boxes

Section 907.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Manual fire alarm boxes. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed in accordance with sections 907.4.1 through 907.4.5. Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an double action type.

Sec. 5.228 Installation

Section 907.6.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Installation. All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner that the failure of any single alarm-actuating or alarm-indicating device will not interfere with the normal operation of any other such devices. All systems shall be Class “A” wired with a minimum of six feet separation between supply and return loops. IDC - Class “A” style - D - SLC Class “A” Style 6 - notification Class “B” Style Y.

Sec. 5.229 High Rise Buildings

Section 907.9.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

High-rise buildings. In buildings that have any floor located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access that are occupied for human occupancy, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for all of the following types of alarm-initiating devices where provided:

(1) Smoke detectors.

(2) Sprinkler water-flow devices.

(3) Manual fire alarm boxes.

(4) Other approved types of automatic fire detection devices or suppression systems.

Sec. 5.230 Smoke Proof Enclosures

Section 10.19.1.8 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Smoke proof enclosures. In buildings required to comply with section 403 or 405, each of the exits of a building that serves stories where any floor surface is located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access or more than 30 feet below the level of exit discharge serving such floor levels shall be a smoke proof enclosure or pressurized stairway in accordance with section 909.20 of the International Building Code.

Sec. 5.231 Fire Protection

Section 1504.6 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Fire protection. New and existing spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9 which shall also protect exhaust plenums, exhaust ducts and both sides of dry filters when such filters are used.

Sec. 5.232 Definitions

Section 2302.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to provide for the following definition:

High-Piled Combustible Storage. Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of the storage is greater than 12 feet in height. When required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet in height.

Any building exceeding 6,000 sq. ft. that has a clear height in excess of 12 feet, making it possible to be used for storage in excess of 12 feet, shall be considered to be high piled storage and shall comply with the provisions of this section. When a specific product cannot be identified, a fire protection system shall be installed as for a Class IV commodities, to the maximum pile height.

Sec. 5.233 Fireworks

Section 3301.1.3 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.

Exceptions:

(1) Only when approved for fireworks displays, storage and handling of fireworks as provided in section 3304 and 3308.

(2) The use of fireworks for approved display as permitted in section 3308.

Sec. 5.234 Definitions

Section 3302.1 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to provide for the following definition:

Fireworks. Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, and/or activated by ignition with a match or other heat producing device that meets the definition of a 1.4G or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.

Sec. 5.235 Piping Systems

Section 3403.6 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Piping Systems. Piping systems, and their component parts, for flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with this section. An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and piping systems.

Sec. 5.236 Leak Prevention

Section 3404.2.11.5 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Leak Prevention. Leak prevention for underground tanks shall comply with sections 3404.2.11.5.1 and 3404.2.11.5.2. An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and piping systems.

Sec. 5.237 Jewelry Repair, Dental Labs and Similar Occupancies

Section 3803.2.1.8 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Jewelry Repair, Dental Labs and Similar Occupancies. Where natural gas service is not available, portable LP-Gas containers are allowed to be used to supply approved torch assemblies or similar appliances. Such containers shall not exceed 20-pound water capacity. Each device shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet.

Sec. 5.238 Spas, Pool Heaters and Other Listed Devices

Section 3804.3.2 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

Spas, Pool Heaters and other listed devices. Where natural gas service is not available, LP-Gas containers are allowed to be used to supply spa and pool heaters or other listed devices. Such containers shall not exceed 250-gallon water capacity. See table 3804.3 for location of containers.

(Ordinance 1231 adopted 4/25/05)