HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-4076 - Ordinance - 02/25/2019ORDINANCE NO. 2019-4076
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16, “FIRE PREVENTION AND
PROTECTION,” ARTICLE III, “FIRE CODE,” AND ARTICLE IV “LIFE SAFETY
CODE” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS, BY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL
FIRE CODE AND LIFE SAFETY CODE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
DECLARING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1: That Chapter 16, “Fire Prevention and Protection,” Article III, “Fire Code” and
Article IV “Life Safety Code” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College
Station, Texas, be amended as set out in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a
part of this Ordinance for all purposes.
PART 2: If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstances
is held invalid or unconstitutional, the invalidity or unconstitutionality does not
affect other provisions or application of this Ordinance or the Code of Ordinances
of the City of College Station, Texas, that can be given effect without the invalid
or unconstitutional provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this
Ordinance are severable.
PART 3: That any person, corporation, organization, government, governmental subdivision
or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association and any other legal
entity violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not less
than twenty five dollars ($25.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00)
or more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for a violation of fire safety, zoning, or
public health and sanitation ordinances, other than the dumping of refuse. Each day
such violation shall continue or be permitted to continue, shall be deemed a separate
offense.
PART 4: This Ordinance is a penal ordinance and becomes effective on April 1, 2019.
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PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 25th day of February, 2019.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_____________________________ _____________________________
City Secretary Mayor
APPROVED:
_______________________________
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
That Chapter 16, “Fire Prevention and Protection,” Article III, “Fire Code” and Article IV “Life
Safety Code” of the Code of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE III. - FIRE CODE
Sec. 16-51. - International Fire Code adopted.
The 2018 Edition of the International Fire Code, including Appendix Chapters B through I, all as
published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted to the same extent as though such
Code were copied at length herein, subject, however, to the omissions, additions, supplements, and
amendments contained in this article.
Sec. 16-52. - Amendments to the International Fire Code.
The International Fire Code, as referred to in Section 16-51, is hereby amended as follows:
1) Section 101 (General) is amended by adding Section 101.6 to read as follows:
Section 101.6 (Emergency Vehicle Egress). No part of any commercial structure will be
located outside the limits of a 150-foot arc from a point where fire apparatus can operate.
Fire apparatus will operate on surfaces designed for such and may utilize public right -of-
way, approved fire lanes and/or drive access ways to meet this 150-foot limit but in no case
shall the truck travel route be measured across grass, wooded or landscaped areas, over
curbs, through fences, through ditches or across paved areas which are not designed and
maintained as fire lanes.
2) Section 105 (Permits) is amended by adding Section 105.1.1.1 to read as follows:
Section 105.1.1.1 (Registration of Contractors). It shall be the duty of every individual who
makes contracts to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any life safety
systems to include, but not be limited to, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems,
commercial cooking extinguishing systems, underground tanks, underground piping and
underground fire supply lines of which are regulated by this code, or cause such work to
be done, and every individual making such contracts and subletting the same or any part
thereof, to first register with the Building Official, giving full name, residence, name and
place of business, and in case of removal from one place to another to have made
corresponding change to the Building Official.
3) Section 106.5 (Refunds) is amended by deleting the existing text in its entirety and
replacing it with the following: "The City Manager or designee is authorized to establish a
refund policy."
4) Section 108.6 is amended by adding after the Fire Code Official "or any member of the
Fire Department designated by the Fire Code Official, the Chief of Police, or any member
of the Police Department designated by the Chief of Police."
5) Section 108.6.1 is added.
108.6.1 (Certificate of Occupancy Temporary Suspension). The Fire Code Official or any
member of the Fire Department designated by the Fire Code Official, the Chief of Police,
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or any member of the Police Department designated by the Chief of Police is authorized,
in writing, to immediately suspend a Certificate of Occupancy for a twenty-four (24) hour
period where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is
Overcrowded, violating any life safety regulation or ordinance or violating any other
ordinance adopted by this code. Within one (1) business day after the suspension, a person
may submit a written appeal to the City Manager appealing the Certificate of Occupancy
Temporary Suspension. The City Manager's decision is final.
6) Section 109 is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
7) Section 110.4 (Violation Penalties) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and
replacing with the following:
Section 109.4 (Violation Penalties). Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or
shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter,
repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the
Fire Official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be
punished as provided in with Section 1-7.
8) Section 202 (Definitions) is amended by adding “Porte Cocheres “:
1. A passageway through a building or screen wall designed to let vehicles pass from the
street to an interior courtyard.
2. A roofed structure extending from the entrance of a building over an adjacent driveway
and sheltering those getting in or out of vehicles”
9) Section 202 (Definitions) is amended by adding "tutorial services" under the definition of
"Occupancy Classification Assembly Group A-3."
10) Section 202 (Definitions) is amended by deleting the townhouse definition and replacing
it with the following: "Townhouse. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group
of attached units separated by property lines in which each extend from foundation to roof
and with open space on at least two sides."
11) Section 307.4.2 (Recreational Fires) is amended by adding the following: "This code is to
include manufactured and non-manufactured fire pits/boxes."
12) Section 307.4 (Location) is amended by adding Section 307.4.2.1 to read as follows:
Section 307.4.2.1 Solid fuels are strictly prohibited for recreational fires.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings.
13) Section 307.4 (Location) is amended by adding the following:
307.4.4 (Permanent outdoor fire pits or fire feature devices). Permanently installed outdoor
fire pits and similar fire feature devices, manufactured and non-manufactured, shall not be
installed within 20 feet of a structure or combustible materials. Exceptions:
1. Permanent outdoor fire pits or fire feature devices listed less than 100,000 BTU/hr
shall not be installed within 10 feet of combustible materials (vertically and
horizontally).
2. Permanently installed outdoor fireplaces constructed in accordance with the
International Building Code.
307.4.4.1 (Solid fuels). All solid fuels are strictly prohibited for fire pits and fire feature
devices.
1. Exception: One- and two- family dwellings.
307.4.4.2 (Requirements for all fire pits or fire feature devices). Comply with all of the
following requirements:
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1. Flame shall be fully enclosed by an approved permanent means to prevent debris
from entering the fire and to prevent occupants from becoming burned.
2. Provide an emergency fuel gas supply line shut-off device at least 20 feet from the
fire pit device location but not greater than 50 feet. Provide emergency fuel gas
shut-off device signage clearly visible from fire pit or fire feature device locations.
3. Floor surface shall be a solid continuous non-combustible material without any
gaps and all joints sealed.
4. Timer device on fuel gas line set to automatically shut-off gas supply and
extinguishes flame at a set time agreed upon by the fire code official.
14) Section 308.1.4 (Open-Flamed Cooking Devices) is amended by deleting the section
including exceptions in its entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 308.1.4 (Open-Flame Cooking Devices). Charcoal burners, liquefied-petroleum-
gas fueled cooking devices, and other open -flamed cooking devices shall not be stored or
operated on combustible balconies or within ten feet (3048 mm) of combustible
construction.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings.
15) Section 501.4 (Timing of Installation) is amended by adding the following text at the end
of the section: "There shall be no combustible, job trailers, flammable or ignitable materials
placed on a site, lot or subdivision where water lines, fire hydrants and/or all weather access
roads capable of supporting emergency vehicles with an imposed load of at least 84,000
pounds as required by this code or other adopted codes or ordinances are completed,
accepted and in service."
16) Section 503.2.1 (Dimensions) is amended by replacing "13 feet 6 inches" with "14 feet."
17) Section 503.2.5 (Dead Ends) is amended by replacing "150 feet" with "100 feet."
18) Section 503.3 (Marking) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and replacing
with the following:
Section 503.3 (Marking). The owner, manager, or person in charge of any building or
property to which fire lanes have been approved or required by engineering shall mark and
maintain said fire lanes in the following manner:
1. All curbs and curb ends shall be painted RED with four-inch white lettering stating
"FIRE LANE - NO PARKING - TOW AWAY ZONE." Wording may not be
spaced more than 15 feet apart.
2. In areas where fire lanes are required but no continuous curb is available, the
following method shall be used, in conjunction with the curb markings, to indicate
that the fire lane is continuous:
a. From the point the fire lane begins to the point the fire lane ends, including
behind all parking spaces which adjoin a fire lane, shall be marked with one
continuous eight-inch red stripe painted on the drive surface behind the
parking spaces. All curbing adjoining a fire lane must be painted red. Red
stripes and curbs will contain the wording "FIRE LANE - NO PARKING-
TOW AWAY ZONE," painted in four-inch white letters. ("Figure A" in
Ordinance No. 1630 illustrates striping on drive surface behind parking
spaces.). Also, a sign 12 inches wide and 18 inches in height shall be
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mounted in a conspicuous location at each entrance to the property. (See
Diagram No. 1 for specifications on colors and lettering.)
3. In those cases where curb markings are not possible or where signs would in the
Fire Official's opinion work more effectively, the Fire Marshal may require signs
in lieu of curb markings.
4. The use of the color RED to mark or stripe any curb or parking area (other than fire
lanes) is prohibited within the City.
19) Section 503 is amended by adding Sections 503.3.1 (Fire Lane Signs; Tow-Away Zone
Signs), 503.3.2 (Destruction of Fire Lane and Tow-Away Signs), 503.3.3 (Abandonment
or Closing) and 503.3.4 (Authority Under Emergency Conditions) to read as follows:
Section 503.3.1 (Fire Lane Signs; Tow-Away Zone Signs). The owner, manager, or person
in charge of any building to which fire lanes have been approved by the Planning and
Development Services Department shall post and maintain appropriate signs in
conspicuous places along such fire lanes stating "No Parking - Fire Lane." Such signs shall
be 12 inches wide and 18 inches high, with a companion sign 12 inches wide and six inches
high stating "Tow-Away Zone."
Any "No Parking - Fire Lane" or "Tow-Away Zone" sign shall be painted on a white
background with symbols, letters and border in red. Drawings and samples of such signs
may be obtained from the Fire Department of the City. Standards for mounting, including,
but not limited to, the height above the grade at which such signs are to be mounted, shall
be as adopted by the Fire Official of the City.
Section 503.3.2 (Destruction of Fire Lane or Tow-Away Signs). It is hereby unlawful for
any person without lawful authority to attempt or in fact alter, destroy, deface, injure, knock
down, or remove any sign designating a fire lane or tow-away zone erected under the terms
of this code, or to deface a curb marking in any way.
Section 503.3.3 (Abandonment or Closing). No owner, manager, or person in charge of
any premises served by a required fire lane shall abandon or close such fire lane without
written permission of the Fire Official of the City.
Section 503.3.4 (Authority under Emergency Conditions). The Fire Marshal is hereby
authorized to establish fire lanes during any fire, and to exclude all persons other than those
authorized to assist in extinguishing the fire or the owner or occupants of the burning
property from within such lanes.
20) Section 503.4 (Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads) is amended by deleting the
section in its entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 503.4 (Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads). No person shall park, place,
allow, permit, or cause to be parked or placed, any motor vehicle, trailer, boat, or similar
obstruction within or upon an area designated as a fire lane and marked by an appropriate
sign or curb marking.
21) Section 503 (Fire Apparatus Access Roads) is amended by adding Sections 503.4.2
(Obstructing Fire Lanes) and 503.4.3 (Enforcement; Issuance of Citations; Impoundment
of Obstructions) to read as follows:
Section 503.4.2 (Obstructing Fire Lanes). Any motor vehicle, trailer, boat, or similar
obstruction found parked within an area designated as a fire lane as required by this section
is hereby declared a nuisance per se and any such motor vehicle, trailer, boat, or si milar
obstruction parked or unoccupied in such a manner as to obstruct in whole or in part any
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such fire lane shall be prima facie evidence that the registered owner unlawfully parked,
placed, or permitted to be parked or placed such obstruction within a fire lane.
The records of the State Department of Transportation or the County Highway License
Department showing the name of the person to whom the State highway license or boat or
trailer license is issued shall constitute prima facie evidence of ownership by the named
persons.
Section 503.4.3 (Enforcement; Issuance of Citations; Impoundment of Obstructions). The
Fire Official or any member of the Fire Department designated by the Fire Official, the
Chief of Police, or any member of the Police Department designated by the Chief of Police
are hereby authorized to issue parking citations for any motor vehicle, trailer, boat, or
similar obstruction found parked or unattended in or upon a designated fire lane and may
have such obstruction removed by towing it away. Such vehicle or obstruction may be
redeemed by payment of the towage and storage charges at the owner's expense.
No parking citations shall be voided nor shall the violator be relieved of any penalty
assessed by a Judge of the Municipal Court for any provision by the redemption of the
obstruction from the storage facility."
22) Section 505.1 (Address Identification) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and replacing with the following:
Section 505.1 (Address Identification). An official building number placed pursuant to this
section must be at least four inches high, and have at least a one-half inch stroke in the
main body of the number, and be composed of a durable material and of a color which
provides a contrast to the background. The number shall be mounted a minimum of 36
inches and a maximum of 30 feet in height measured from ground level. Buildings located
more than 50 feet from the curb of a street shall have numbers at least five inches in height.
For the purpose of this section, durable materials for use in numbering shall include, but
not be limited to, wood, plastic, metal, weather-resistant paint, weather-resistant vinyl, or
weather-resistant numbers designed for outside use on a glass surface. For single-family
residences, the requirement of this section may be met by providing two-inch-high numbers
on both sides of a U.S. mailbox located near the curb in front of the house, or a freestanding
structure with numbers at least four inches in height.
23) Section 505 (Premises Identification) is amended by adding Sections 505.1.1 (Building
Complex Identification), 505.1.2 (Rear Access Identification), 505.1.3 (Alley Premises
Identification) and 505.1.4 (Building Complex Diagrams) to read as follows:
Section 505.1.1 (Building Complex Identification). A building complex composed of
multiple structures shall have an official suite/unit number assigned to each building as
well as a street address number. If there is sufficient street frontage, each unit or building
may be assigned a separate official street address number. The official street address
number of each structure as designated by the Building Official must be prominently posted
on the building so that it is visible from the nearest public street. Each number designated
by the Building Official for each individual suite/unit must be conspicuously posted on the
suite/unit.
Section 505.1.2 (Rear Access Identification). Commercial buildings with rear access shall
also display the business name and designated street address and suite/unit number on the
rear access door.
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Section 505.1.3 (Alley Premises Identification). Residential structures that provide for rear
vehicular access from a dedicated public alley shall conspicuously post the designated
numbers that comply with the size requirements above so that it is visible to the alley.
Section 505.1.4 (Building Complex Diagrams). The owner of a building complex which
contains an enclosed shopping mall shall submit to the Fire Official four copies of diagrams
acceptable to the Fire Official of the entire complex, indicating the location and number of
each business. When a change in a business name or location is made, the owner or
manager of the structure shall so advise the Fire Official in writing of the change.
24) Section 505.2 (Street or Road Signs) is amended by adding the following:
Section 505.2.1. (Street and road signs) shall only be installed on streets or roadways that
are approved through the platting process.
25) Section 506.1 is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and replacing with the
following:
Section 506.1 Where required:
Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings
or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire
code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The
key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain
keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official and the College Station
Police Department SWAT Team. The fire code official authorizes the College Station
Police Department SWAT Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader to have access to key
boxes and a Fire Department master key to aid in life saving activities. College Station
SWAT Team will maintain a Fire Department's master key with the same or similar
policies or procedures as the Fire Department.
26) Section 507.5.1 (Where Required) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and
replacing with the following:
Section 507.5.1 (Where Required). Public fire hydrants of the City standard design shall
be installed as part of the water distribution system for subdivisions and/or site
developments. The Planning and Development Services Department shall approve the
appropriate hydrant locations accessible to firefighting apparatus and within the maximum
distances described in the following sections.
27) Section 507.5.2 (Inspection, Testing and Maintenance) is amended by deleting the section
in its entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 507.5.2 (Inspection, Testing and Maintenance). Public fire hydrants shall be
installed in districts zoned for single-family and duplex at such locations that no part of
any structure shall be more than 500 feet from a fire hydrant as measured along the right-
of-way of a public street as the fire hose is laid off the fire truck.
28) Section 507.5.3 (Private Fire Service Mains and Water Tanks) is amended by deleting the
section in its entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 507.5.3 (Private Fire Service Mains and Water Tanks). Private fire hydrants shall
be installed in districts other than districts zoned single-family and duplex at such locations
that no part of any structure, aboveground tanks or fueling station, shall be more than 300
feet from a fire hydrant as measured along the right-of-way of a public street or along an
approved fire lane as the fire hose is laid off the fire truck.
29) Section 509.2 (Equipment Access) is amended by adding the following:
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Section 509.2.1 (Fire Sprinkler Riser Access) Access to the fire sprinkler riser must be on
the exterior of the structure unless authorized by the Fire Code Official or designee.
30) Table 803.9 (Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish Requirements by Occupancy) is amended
by deleting the existing text in footnote "d" and replacing it with the following:
"Class A interior finish material shall be required in all areas of all assembly occupancies,
whether a fire sprinkler system is present or not, except as provided for in notes e and f
below."
31) Section 901.4.6.2 (Marking on access doors). Is amended by replacing 2 inches with 4
inches.
32) Section 903.1 (General) is amended by adding the following text at the end of said section:
"For the purpose of this section, the term "fire area" shall be replaced with "building area."
33) Section 903.2 (Where Required) is amended by adding the following text at the end of the
section:
In addition to the requirements of this section, an automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout all new buildings and structures as follows:
1. Where the total building area exceeds 12,000 square feet in area.
2. Where the height exceeds two stories, regardless of area.
34) Section 903.2.1.6 (Assembly Occupancies on Roofs) is amended by deleting the exception
in its entirety.
35) Section 903.2.3 (Group E) is amended by deleting the exception in its entirety.
36) Section 903.2.4 (Group F-1) is amended by deleting items "2" and "3."
37) Section 903.2.7 (Group M) No. 2 is amended by replacing "three stories above grade" with
"two stories in height" and by deleting No. 3 in its entirety.
38) Section 903.2.8 (Group R) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
39) Section 903.2.9 (Group S-1) is amended by replacing "three stories above grade" with "two
stories above grade" in item "2" and by replacing "24,000 square feet" with "12,000 square
feet" in item "3."
40) Section 903.2.10 (Group S-2 Enclosed Parking Garage) is amended by deleting the
exception in its entirety.
41) Section 903.2.13 (Porte-cocheres). All porte-cocheres shall be protected with fire
sprinklers.
Exception: Porte-cocheres of non-combustible construction or a distance of 10 foot or
greater.
42) Section 903.3.1.2.3 (Attics) is amended by deleting sections 3.4 and 4.5
43) Section 903.4 (Sprinkler systems supervision and alarms) is amended by adding the
following:
Exceptions:
8. Valves located outside buildings or in a vault that are sealed or locked in the open
position.
44) Section 904.3.5 is amended by deleting the section and replacing it with:
904.3.5 (Monitoring). Where a building fire alarm or sprinkler monitoring system is
installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire
alarm or sprinkler monitoring system.
45) Section 905.1, (General), is amended by adding Section 905.1.1, Safety factor, as follows:
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905.1.1 (Safety factor). All standpipe systems with the exception of manual standpipes
shall be designed with a minimum safety factor of 5 PSI or 10% of required pressure
(whichever is greater) taken at the source for the hydraulically most demanding system
and/or outlet.
46) Section 905.4, (Location of Class I standpipe hose connections), is amended as follows
with all other code text to remain as written:
905.4 (Location of Class I standpipe hose connections). Class I standpipe hose connections
shall be provided in all of the following locations:
1. In every required interior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for
each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at [the
main] an intermediate [floor] landing between stories unless otherwise approved by
the fire code official.
47) Section 906.1 (Where required) is amended by deleting exception 1 and 2 all others remain
the same.
48) Section 907.2.1 (Group A) is amended by adding the following section:
907.2.1.3 Group A-2. An automatic alarm system shall be provided for fire areas containing
Group A-2 occupancies that have an occupant load of 100 or more.
49) Section 907.2.7.1, (Occupant notification), is repealed in its entirety.
50) Section 907.2.8.2, (Automatic smoke detection system), is hereby amended to read as
follows:
907.2.8.2 (Automatic smoke detection system). An automatic smoke detection system that
activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be
installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units. The automatic smoke
detection system requirement is met only by the installation of smoke or beam detectors
whenever possible. If environmental conditions do not allow the installation of smoke
detectors, fire alarm heat detectors may be used on a limited basis when approved by the
fire code official.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not
have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of
egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an
exit.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not
have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of
egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an
exit.
51) Section 907.2.12.2, (Fire department communication system), is hereby deleted in its
entirety.
52) Section 907.2.12.1.2, (Duct smoke detection), is amended to read as follows:
907.2.12.1.2 (Duct smoke detection). Duct smoke detectors complying with Section
907.3.1 shall be located in accordance with the NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of
Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems or as follows:
1. In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system
having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s). Such
detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
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2. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a
return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2
occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying
not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air-inlet openings.
53) Section 907.2, (Where required) - new buildings and structures, is amended by adding
Section 907.2.24, Fire alarm systems for property protection, to read as follows:
907.2.24 (Fire alarm systems for property protection). Fire alarm systems dedicated solely
to the protection of property are permitted to be installed in facilities where a fire alarm
system is not required by other sections of this code or the International Building Code
provided the following conditions are met:
1. Any and all automatic detection is installed, located and maintained in accordance
with the requirements of NFPA 72 and a documentation cabinet as required by
NFPA 72 is provided and installed.
2. The installed system is monitored by a supervising station which provides remote
and central station service.
3. One manual means of activation is installed in an approved location
4. Where the fire alarm system control unit is located in an area that is not readily
accessible to response personnel, a remote fire alarm system annunciator panel is
installed.
54) Section 907.2, (Where Required) – is amended by adding Section 907.2.25, Fire alarm
systems for property protection, to read as follows:
907.2.25 (Group R-4) Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-
4 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.10.1 through 907.2.10.3. 907.2.10.1 Manual
fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification
system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R -4 occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories
in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces
to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less
than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to
a public way, egress court or yard.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the
following conditions are met:
2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved
location.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas shall not be required
at exits where located at all nurses’ control stations or other constantly attended
staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continuously accessible and
that the distances of travel required in Section 907.4.2.1 are not exceeded.
907.2.10.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that
activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be
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installed in corridors, waiting areas open to corridors and habitable spaces other than
sleeping units and kitchens.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke detection in habitable spaces is not required where the facility is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
2. An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not
have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a
means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that
leads directly to an exit.
907.2.10.3 Smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in
accordance with Section 907.2.11.
55) Section 907.3.1, (Duct smoke detectors), is amended to read as follows:
907.3.1 (Duct smoke detectors). Smoke detectors installed in ducts shall be listed for the
air velocity, temperature and humidity present in the duct. Duct smoke detectors shall be
connected to the building's fire alarm control unit where a fire alarm system is required by
Section 907.2. Activation of a duct smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible
supervisory signal at a Central monitoring station and shall perform the intended fire safety
function in accordance with this code, NFPA 90A: Standard for the Installation of Air-
Conditioning and Ventilating Systems and the International Mechanical Code. In facilities
that are required to be monitored by a supervising station, duct smoke detectors shall report
only as a supervisory signal and not as a fire alarm. They shall not be used as a substitute
for required open area detection. 2018 International Building-Related Codes
Exceptions:
1. In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, actuation of a
smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in an approved
location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal
in an approved location and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble.
2. For fire alarm systems which cannot be programmed for supervisory signals, duct
detectors shall be allowed to activate the alarm signal.
56) Section 907.3., (Fire safety functions), is amended by adding 907.3.5, Fire alarm systems
- emergency control, as follows:
907.3.5 (Fire alarm systems - emergency control). At a minimum, the following functions,
where provided, shall be activated by the fire alarm system:
1. Elevator capture and control in accordance with ASME/ANSI A17.1b, Safety Code
for Elevators and Escalators.
2. Release of automatic door closures and hold open devices.
3. Stairwell and/or elevator shaft pressurization.
4. Smoke management and/or smoke control systems.
5. Initiation of automatic fire extinguishing equipment.
6. Emergency lighting control.
7. Unlocking of doors.
8. Emergency shutoff of gas and fuel supplies that may be hazardous provided the
continuation of service is not essential to the preservation of life.
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9. Emergency shutoff of audio systems for sound reinforcement or entertainment (i.e.
music systems, systems for announcement and broadcast which are separate from
public address systems) provided that such systems are not used to issue emergency
instructions.
10. Emergency shutoff of systems used for the creation of displays or special effects
(i.e. lighting effects, laser light shows, projection equipment).
57) Section 907.4.2.1, (Location), is amended to add the Exception to read as follows:
907.4.2.1 (Location). Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524
mm) from the entrance to each exit. In buildings not protected by an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, additional manual fire alarm
boxes shall be located so that the distance of travel to the nearest box does not exceed 200
feet (60 960 mm).
Exception: Where construction of the building prohibits the proper installation of a pull
station (e.g. glass walls, interior brick or rock walls), a pull station shall be allowed to be
located in the normal path of egress, where approved by the Fire Marshal or his/her
designee.
58) Section 907.5.1, (Presignal feature), is amended to read as follows:
907.5.1 (Presignal feature and positive alarm sequences). A presignal feature or Positive
Alarm Sequence as defined in NFPA 72 shall not be installed unless approved by the fire
code official. Request to use a presignal feature or a Positive Alarm Sequence must be
submitted in writing to the Fire Marshal and approval granted before installation. Where a
presignal feature or Positive Alarm Sequence is provided, a signal shall be annunciated at
a constantly attended location approved by the fire code official, so that occupant
notification can be activated in 2018 International Building-Related Codes the event of fire
or other emergency. When approved by the fire code official, the presignal feature or
Positive Alarm Sequence shall be implemented in accordance with the requirements of
NFPA 72.
59) Section 907.5.2.1, (Audible alarms), is amended by adding Section 907.5.2.1.3, Testing of
audible alarms in occupancies other than Group R, and Section 907.5.2.1.4, Testing of
audible alarms in Group R occupancies, as follows:
907.5.2.1.3 (Testing of audible alarms in occupancies other than Group R). Audibility
levels for all occupancies other than Group R shall be in accordance with the public mode
requirements of NFPA 72, and shall be tested utilizing the following criteria:
1. A UL listed sound pressure level meter, which has been calibrated within the last
calendar year, and supplied by the fire alarm system installing contractor, shall be
utilized to obtain readings. The sound pressure level meter will be held five feet
above floor, pointed in the direction of the audible device.
2. All doors within the occupancy, including the bathroom and balcony doors shall be
in the closed position.
3. Measurements shall be taken in the most remote areas of the occupancy first,
including bathrooms and balconies.
4. Initial measurements to confirm the average ambient sound level in each area shall
be taken.
5. The fire alarm system shall be activated and measurements in the tested areas shall
be retaken and compared with the requirements.
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907.5.2.1.4 (Testing of audible alarms in Group R occupancies). Audibility levels for all
Group R occupancies shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 907.5.2.1.1,
and shall be tested utilizing the following criteria:
1. A UL listed sound pressure level meter, which has been calibrated within the last
calendar year, and supplied by the fire alarm system installing contractor, shall be
utilized to obtain readings. The sound pressure level meter will be held five feet
above floor, pointed in the direction of the audible device.
2. All doors within the occupancy, including the bathroom and balcony doors shall be
in the closed position.
3. Ambient sound level shall be established with the television set at 50% of maximum
volume, showers running, bathroom exhaust systems running, and air conditioning
units running.
4. Measurements shall be taken in the most remote area of the dwelling or sleepi ng
unit first, including bathrooms and balconies.
5. Initial measurements to confirm the ambient sound level in each area shall be taken.
6. The fire alarm system shall be activated and measurements in the tested areas shall
be retaken and compared with the requirements.
60) Section 907.5.2.2, (Emergency voice/alarm communication systems), is amended to read
as follows:
907.5.2.2 (Emergency voice/alarm communication systems). Emergency voice/alarm
communication systems required by this code shall be designed and installed in accordance
with NFPA 72. The operation of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler waterflow device or
manual fire alarm box shall automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice
instructions giving approved information and directions for a general or staged evacuation
in accordance with the building's fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404
of the International Fire Code. In high-rise buildings, the system shall operate on at least
the alarming floor, the floor above and the floor below. If the system is not reset after five
minutes, the building shall sound the general evacuation signal 2018 International
Building-Related Codes and message in all zones unless an alternative Positive Alarm
Sequence has been approved by the Fire Marshal. Speakers shall be provided throughout
the building by paging zones. At a minimum, paging zones shall be provided as follows:
1. Elevator groups.
2. Interior exit stairways.
3. Each floor.
4. Areas of refuge as defined in Chapter 2.
Exception: In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound in a constantly attended
area and a general occupant notification shall be broadcast over the overhead page.
61) Section 907.5.2.2.4, (Emergency voice/alarm communication captions), is repealed in its
entirety.
62) Section [907.5.2.3, (Visible alarms), is amended by adding a subsection 907.5.2.3.4, Group
R-2 sleeping areas, and Section 907.5.2.3.5, Combination devices, to read as follows:
907.5.2.3.4 (Group R-2 sleeping areas). Living rooms in Group R-2 occupancies shall have
audible notification appliances that meet the sleeping area audible requirements of NFPA
72, Chapter 18, Section 18.4.5, and Subsection 18.4.5.1. When such units are required to
be equipped with visible notification for the hearing impaired or when such units are
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designated as accessible in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, combination audible and
visible notification appliances that meet both the sleeping area audible requirements of
NFPA 72, Chapter 18, Section 18.4.5, Subsection 18.4.5.1 and the effe ctive intensity
settings of NFPA 72, Chapter 18.5.5.7.2 shall be installed.
907.5.2.3.5 (Combination devices). Combination 120 VAC single or multiple-station
smoke detectors with an onboard visible notification appliance if utilized to meet the
requirements of Section 907.2.11, will not be given credit for meeting the visible alarm
notification requirements of Section 907.5.2.3.3 if these devices do not have the capability
of supplying backup power for the visible notification appliance portion of the device.
Should such devices be utilized to comply with Section 907.2.11, the visible appliance side
of the device shall flash in synchronization with the notification appliances required in the
unit.
63) Section 907.6.3, (Initiating device identification), is amended to read as follows with
exceptions to remain as written:
907.6.3 (Initiating device identification). The fire alarm system shall identify the specific
initiating device address, location, device type, and floor level where applicable and status
including indication of normal, alarm, trouble and supervisory status, to the fire alarm
panel, annunciator panel and to the supervising station as appropriate.
64) Section 907.5.2.3.1 (Public Use Areas and Common Use Areas) is amended by deleting
the exception and adding Section 907.5.2.3.1.1 to read as follows:
Section 907.5.2.3.1.1 (Employee Work Areas). Where a fire alarm and detection system is
required, employee work areas shall be provided with devices that provide audible and
visible alarm notification.
65) Section 912.2.1, (Visible location), is amended by adding the following sentence to the
end of that section to read as follows:
912.2.1 (Visible location). Fire department connections shall be located on the street side
of buildings or facing approved fire apparatus access roads, fully visible and recognizable
from the street, fire apparatus access road or nearest point of fire department vehicle access
or as otherwise approved by the fire code official. The fire department connection shall be
identified by a sign installed above the connection with the letters “FDC” not less than 6
inches high and mounted at least 3 feet above the FDC to the bottom edge of the sign unless
approved by the fire code official and if multiple FDC’s a sign identifying the
corresponding riser.
66) Section 912.2.2, (Existing buildings), is amended to read as follows:
912.2.2 (Existing buildings). On existing buildings, wherever the fire department
connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall
be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building.
Such sign shall have the letters “FDC” not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in
letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. Signs shall
be mounted no lower than 7 feet from grade to the bottom edge of the sign and are subject
to the approval of the fire code official.
67) Section 912.2 (Location), is amended to add the following:
Section 912.2.3 (Distance). Fire department connection shall not be located further than
100 feet from the fire hydrant measured by lay of hose from the engine.
68) Section 912.4.1, (Locking fire department connection caps), is amended to read as follows:
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912.4.1 (Locking fire department connection caps). Locking caps are required on all fire
department connections for water-based fire protection systems including but not limited
to FDC’s and standpipes.
69) Section 912, (Fire Department Connections), is amended by adding Section 912.8,
Location and type, as follows:
912.8 (Location and type). Sprinkler system and standpipe fire department hose
connections shall be as follows:
1. Any riser 4” in diameter or larger are required to have a five inch “Storz”
connection.
2. Within 40 feet of a public street, approved fire lane, or access roadway.
3. Within 100 feet of an approved fire hydrant measured per hose lay.
4. Minimum of two feet above finished grade and a maximum of four feet above
finished grade for standard inlets and minimum of 30 inches at lowest point above
finished grade and maximum of four feet above finished grade for the five inch
"Storz" inlet.
5. Freestanding FDCs shall be installed a minimum of one foot and a maximum of
seven feet from the gutter face of the curb.
6. The Fire Code Official shall approve the location of freestanding fire department
connections. Freestanding FDCs must be physically protected against impact per
the requirements of Section 312 or other approved means.
7. Where provided, the five inch "Storz" inlet shall be installed at a 30 degree angle
pointing down.
8. Fire department connections for H occupancies shall be freestanding, remote and
located as determined by the fire code official.
9. Fire department connections for systems protecting fuel storage tanks shall be
freestanding, remote and located as determined by the fire code official.
10. There shall be no more than one “Storz” connection per riser in any configuration.
11. One (1) 2.5 inch inlet is required for all systems designed per NFPA 13R. If the
system demand is greater than 250 GPM, two (2) 2.5 inch inlets are required to be
installed. No FDC is required for projects designed per NFPA 13D.
70) Section 1004.5.1 (Increased Occupant Load) is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety.
71) Section 1004.9 (Posting of Occupant Load) is amended by adding the following text to the
end of said section:
"For the purposes of this section, the occupant load shall be the number of occupants
computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5."
72) Section 1103 (Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings) is amended by deleting
this section in its entirety.
73) Section 1103.5.1 (Group A-2) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety and
replacing it with the following:
1103.5.1 (Group A-2). A Group A-2 occupancy that is permitted “Alterations – Level 2”
according to the International Existing Building Code Chapter 8 and is dedicated
predominantly to selling and consuming of alcoholic beverages rather than food and having
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an occupant load of 100 or more shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with section 903.3.1.1.
74) Section 1107.7 (Fire alarm systems) is amended by adding the following section:
1107.7.7 (Group A-2). A Group A-2 occupancy that is permitted “Alterations – Level 2”
according to the International Existing Building Code Chapter 8 and is dedicated
predominantly to selling and consuming of alcoholic beverages rather than food and having
an occupant load of 100 or more shall be equipped throughout with an automatic alarm
system in accordance with section 907.2.1.
75) Section 2304.1 (Supervision of Dispensing) is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 2304.1 (Supervision of Dispensing). The dispensing of flammable or combustible
liquids into the fuel tank of a vehicle or into an approved container shall be under the
supervision of a qualified attendant, except service stations not open to the public. S uch
stations may be used by commercial, industrial governmental or manufacturing
establishments for fueling vehicles in connection with their business."
76) Section 2304.3 (Unattended Self-Service Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities) is amended by
deleting the section in its entirety.
77) Section 2304.3.1 (General) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
78) Section 2304.3.2 (Dispensers) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
79) Section 2304.3.3 (Emergency Controls) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
80) Section 2304.3.4 (Operating Instructions) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
81) Section 2304.3.5 (Emergency Procedures) is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety.
82) Section 2304.3.6 (Communications) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
83) Section 2304.3.7 (Quantity Limits) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
84) Section 3106.3.1 (Occupant Load) is amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
85) Section 3106.4.2 (Weather monitoring person) is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety.
86) Section 5706.6.1.2 (Leaving Vehicle Unattended) is amended by deleting the section in its
entirety and replacing with the following:
Section 5706.6.1.2 (Leaving Vehicle Unattended). At no time while discharging
flammable, combustible or ignitable liquids shall the driver or operator be out of sight and
reach of the discharge valves. If at any time while discharging flammable, combustible or
ignitable liquids, the driver or operator must leave the vehicle for any reason, the driver or
operator shall shut down all valves until the driver or operator returns and shall be totally
responsible for any and all spillage. When the delivery hose is attached to the vehicle it is
presumed to be discharging flammable, combustible or ignitable liquids.
87) Chapter 80 (Referenced Standards) is amended by adding under NFPA, all referenced
NFPA will be the most current editions.
88) Appendix D, Section D102.1 (Required access) is amended by replacing 79,000 pounds
(34050 kg) with 84,000 pounds (38101.76 kg).
89) Appendix D, Section D102 (Required Access) is amended by adding the following:
Section D102.2 (Alternative Approved Access). If a product is used other than asphalt or
concrete for the access surface it must be approved prior to installation. Once installed an
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installation certificate with an engineer stamp confirming it was installed according to
manufacturer’s specification must be submitted. In the case of base material a certificate
with an engineer stamp stating that it has been tested and will support the imposing load
of a fire apparatus weighing at least 84,000 pounds (38101.76 kg).
90) Appendix D, Section D103.1 (Access road width with hydrant) is amended with replacing
“26 feet” with “20 feet”.
91) Appendix D, Section D103.2 (Grade) is amended by adding the following:
Section 103.2.1 (Aerial Access Grade) where aerial access is required the aerial access
portion of the road shall not exceed 6 percent in grade.
92) Appendix D, Section D103.4 (Dead Ends) and Table D103.4 are amended by replacing
"150 feet" with "100 feet."
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ARTICLE IV. - LIFE SAFETY CODE
Sec. 16-78. - Life Safety Code Handbook adopted.
The Life Safety Code Handbook, specifically the 2018 Edition published by the National Fire
Protection Association, a copy of which is on file in the Office of the City Secretary, is hereby
adopted and designated as the Life Safety Code of the City. Said code is adopted to the same extent
as though such code was copied at length herein, subject, however, to the omissions, additions,
supplements, and amendments contained in this article.