HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 384-07City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: FIRE
DATE:
SUBJECT:
OCTOBER 15, 2007 CMR: 384:07
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE RE.PEALING CHAPTER 15.04 OF THE
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE, UNIFORM FIRE CODE, AND
.~iENDING TITLE 15 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ADOPT A NEW CHAPTER 15.04, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2007
EDITION; A NEW CHAPTER 15.05, INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
CHAPTERS 3, 4, 5, 25, AND CHAPTER 1 APPENDIX, 2006 EDITION; AND
ADOPTING LOCAL ASIENDMENTS AND RELATED FINDINGS; AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2007
RECOMMENDATION
This report reconmaends that Council take the following actions:
Approve the attached ordinance wtlich repeals and reenacts Chapter 15.04 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code in its entirety and adopts the 2007 Edition of the California Fire Code with
Palo Alto Local Amendments and Chapters 3, 4, 5, 25 and Appendix Chapter I of the 2006
Edition of the International Fire Code with Palo Alto Local Amenchr~ents, and
Approve the related Findings of Fact, and
Set a public hearing for November 13, 2007
BACKGROUND
The California Fire Code (CFC) is revised and published every three years. State law requires
jurisdictions that adopt local amendments to adopt those amendments within 180 days from the
adoption of, and prior to the effective date of, the CFC. State law requires the City to make specific
findings that local amendments to the CFC are necessary based on the climate, topowaphy, and
geology of the City. State law also requires that there be a reading to introduce the ordinmace and the
title of the code to be adopted prior to the public hearing. Following the public hearing, set for
November 13, the Council will vote to adopt the ordinance and local amendments.
The pro-pose of the CFC and local amendments is to prescribe regulations consistent with nationally
recognized standards of safe and best practices. This purpose is accomplished by safeguarding life
and property from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials release as well as from
hazardous conditions associated with the use or occupancy of buildings or premises.
CMR 384:07 Page 1 of 3
The 2007 CFC is based On the 2006 Ii~ternational Fire Code (IFC). The I~C is a consensus document
that was developed after numerous public hearings with testimony fi’om interested members of the
fire service, private indust13~ and other concerned individuals throughout the United States. It is
currently used at the state or local level in forty-one states and in Washington DC. Previous editions
of the CFC were based on the Uniform Fire Code (UFC), a similar consensus document that was
used by many western states. Publication of the L~C was discontinued in 2000 and now has been
replaced with the IFC.
California historically has adopted the UFC with California axnendments. This practice will continue
with the anaendment and adoption of the CFC and portions of the K:C that were not included in the
CFC. The 2007 CFC will become effective January 1, 2008. Local agencies must adopt any
amendments to the CFC or IFC prior to that effective date.
The Santa Clara County Fh’e Ct~iefs Association endeavors to sla’eamline, modernize, consolidate and
standardize local amendments where possible. Streamlining and uniform code interpretation is a
concern of business and industry throughout the state. The primary objective has been to provide
uniform language mad interpretation of the codes. Additionally, consistency with the Building,
Mechanical and Electric!l Codes has been achieved, while addressing each conm~unity’s unique
characteristics. Staff participated in the development and review of the model codes mad county-wide
amendments.
The ~o~uiding principles applied by City staff during the development of these an~endments were to:
¯ Maintain current safety standards for use, storage and handling of hazardous materials and
toxic gases.
¯Provide regional consistency where possible for safeguarding life and property from the
hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials release.
¯Clarify fire sprinkler requirements for new structures and existing structures undergoing
extensive remodel, including single family dwellings over 3,600 square feet in size.
DISCUSSION
The attached ordinance reflects a number of deletions and editorial clarifications to the CFC and WC
sections, which do not compromise public safety, but which streamline and coordinate the code
requirements on a county-wide basis. Existing local anaendments were reviewed to determine
applicability and were can~ed over from previous code adoptions, when appropriate. Amendments
result from identifying hazards from lessons learned, and by proactively incorporating engineering
controls and best practices into new buildings within the community.
The provision addressing fire sprinkler requirements has been simplified for new commercial and
residential structures, including single family dwellings, and for existing structures where work
exceeds 50 percent of the valuation of the structure or significant additions are made. A reasonable
threshold of 3,600 square feet is applied for exemption from fire sprinkler requirements for all
structures, which is consistent with the current standard for residential construction. Larger existing
structures are exempted for a one-time addition of not more than 500 square feet. The requirements
CMR 384:07 Page 2 of 3
for fire sprinklers in all structures west of the 280 Freeway exceeding 500 square feet remains
unchanged.
In addition to the public hearing notice and making the codes and ordinance available for review at
city hal!, the City’s proposed local amendments of the CFC will be published on the Fire
Depm-tment’s web site prior to the public heating to provide an additional opportunity for conmamzity
feedback. Notification was made to the business conm~unity tba’ough the City’s Economic
Development Office, to members of the Health at~d Safety Co~rmaittee in the Research Park, to
members of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and to the Stanford Fire Marshal. Staff has
responded to all questions and comments.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Adoption of the attached ordinance will not require changes to existing resources. Cun’ent staffing
and facilities are not affected.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This recommendation is consistent with existing City policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This ordinance is not a project under the California Enviromnental Quality Act (CEQA), and is
therefore exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(c)(3) of the CEQA
guidelines.
PREPARED BY:
Fire Marshal
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
NICHOLAS MARINARO
Fire Chief
Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance adopting the 2007 Edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments,
and Chapters 3, 4, 5, 25 and Appendix Chapter 1 of the 2006 Edition of the International
Fire Code, with local amendments
2.Findings of Fact
CMR 384:07 Page 3 of 3
***NOT YET APPROVED***
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
REPEALING AND REENACTING TITLE 15 OF THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2007
EDITION, AND LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND CHAPTERS
3, 4, 5, AND 25 AND CHAPTER ONE APPENDIX OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 15 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by repealing
in its entirety Title 15 and enacting a new Title 15 to read as follows:
15.04 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
15.04.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code.
The California Fire Code, 2007 Edition, as adopted by the California Code of Regulations
Title 24, Part 9, and Appendices B and C, is adopted as herein amended. One copy of the California
Fire Code is on file and open to public inspection in the office of the city clerk. Additional copies of
the secondary codes set forth within the California Fire Code, and the amendments set forth in this
chapter, are on file and open to public inspection in the fire department administrative office.
Whenever the phrase "California Fire Code" appears in this code or in any ordinance of
the city, such phrase shall be deemed and construed to refer to and apply to the °’California Fire
Code, 2007 Edition" as adopted by the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9 and this
chapter.
15.04.020 Sections 105.3.8 through 105.3.9 added- Permits/Permit fees.
Sections 105.3.8 throu~h 105.3.9 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
105.3.8 Permits/Permit fees. All permit fees shall be established by the City
Council as set forth in the municipal fee schedule.
Section 105.3.9 Operational Permits. Operational permits are valid for one year at
which time they must be renewed by paying a fee specified in the municipal fee
schedule.
071001 cis 8260586 1
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.030 Table 105.6.8 amended- Permit amounts for compressed gases.
Table 105.6.8 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.6.8
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASESx
TYPE OF GAS AMOUNT(cubic feet)2
Corrosive
Flammable (except cryogenic and liquefied petroleum gases)
Highly toxic
Inert and simple asphyxiant
Irritant
Moderately toxic
Other health hazards
Oxidizing (including oxygen)
Pyrophoric
Radioactive
Sensitizer
Toxic
Unstable (reactive)
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.02832m3.
X 0.0283 for m
200
200
Any amount
6,000
200
20
650
504
Any amount
Any amount
20O
Any Amount
Any amount
Refer to Chapters 27, 30, 32, 35, 37, 40 and 41 for additional requirements and
exceptions.
Cubic feet measured at normal Temperature and pressure.
15.04.040 Table 105.6.20 amended- Permit amounts for hazardous materials.
Table 105.6.20 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.6.20
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS1
Carcinogens
Combustible liquids
Corrosive materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Cryogens
Explosive materials
Flammable materials:
Gases
Liquids
071001 cjs 8260586
TYPE OF MATERIAL
AMOUNT
10 pounds
See Section 105.6.16
See Section 105.6.8
55 gallons
500 pounds
See Section 105.6.10
See Section 105.6.14
See Section 105.6.8
See Section 105.6.16
***NOT YET APPROVED***
Solids
Highly toxic materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Moderately toxic gas
Organic peroxides:
Liquids: Class I-IV
Liquids: Class V
Solids: Class I-IV
Solids: Class V
Oxidizing materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids:
Other health hazards:
Liquids
Solids
Pyrophoric materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Radioactive materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Toxic materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
10 pounds
I Any amount
i Any amount
,’Any amount
l 20 cubic feet
Any Amount
No Permit Required
Any Amount
No Permit Required
504 Cubic Feet
Any amount
Any amount
55 gallons
500 pounds
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
See
See
Any Amount
Section 105.6.47
Section 105.6.47
Unstable (reactive) materials:
Water
For SI:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
reactive materials:
Liquids
Solids
1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 pound = 0.454kg.
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
a.20 gallons when Table 2703.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification si~o-ns in
accordance with Section 2703.5 are provided for quantities of 20 gallons or less.
b.200 pounds when Table 2703.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification signs in
accordance with Section 2703.5 are provided for quantities of 200 pounds or less.
071001 ~s 8260586 3
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.050 Sections 105.6.48 through 105.6.49 added- Permits required.
Sections 105.6.48 through 105.6.49 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
105.6.48 Radioactive materials. To store or handle at any installation more than one
microcurie (37,000 becquerel) of radioactive material not contained in a sealed
source or more than 1 millicurie (37,000,000 becquerel) of radioactive material in a
sealed source or sources, or any amount of radioactive material for which a specific
licenses from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required.
105.6.49 Day Care Permit. To operate a day care facility for more than six children
or adults.
15.04.060 Sections 105.7.14 through 105.7.15 added.
Sections 105.7.14 through 105.7.15 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
105.7.14 Cryogenic fluids. Except where federal or state regulations apply and
except for fuel systems of the vehicle, to produce, store or handle cryogens in excess
of the amounts listed in Table 105.6. ! 0, to install a cryogenic vessel or piping system
for the storage or distribution of cryogens. See Chapter 32.
105.7.15 Underground Fire Service Lines, installation or modification.
15.04.070 Sections 105.8.1 and 105.8.2 added - Fire and life safety.
Subsections 105.8.1 and 105.8.2 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
105.8.1 Fire and life-safety plan review of all new construction, all remodels, and all
additions.
105.8.2 The Fire Chief may require floor plans, on-site hydrant locations, hazar~tous
materials locations, and other significant design elements to be provided in a format
compatible with the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) at time of
construction. This requirement applies to newly constructed buildings over two
stories in height or over 15,000 square feet in floor area for single or aggregate
buildings, and to facilities where hazardous materials are used or stored in quantities
exceeding permit amounts in Section 105.
15.04.080 Section 105.9 added - Certified Unified Program Agency Fees.
Section 105.9 is added to the California Fire Code to read as foltows:
105.9 Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Fees. Pursuant to the Participating
Agency Agreement between the County of Santa Clara and the City of Palo Alto dated
July 1, 1997, or as amended, the Fire Department is authorized to collect fees
associated with the CUPA programs. The CUPA fees will be collected on an armual
basis or as specified in the Palo Alto Fire Department Fee Schedule.
071001 cjs 8260586 4
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.090 Section 106.1 amended- Inspection authority.
Section 106.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
106.1 Inspection authority. The fire code official is authorized to inspect, as often
as necessary, buildings and premises, including such other hazards or appliances
designated by the fire code official for the purposes of ascertaining and causing to be
corrected any conditions which would reasonably tend to cause fire or contribute to
its spread, result in an unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials, or any
violation of this code or any other law or standard affecting fire and life safety.
15.04.100 Section 109.1.2 added - Enforcement/citation authority.
Section 109.1.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
109.1.2 Enforcement/citation authority The following designated employee
positions may enforce the provisions of this chapter by the issuance of citations.
Persons employed in such positions are authorized to exercise the authority provided
in Penal Code Section 836.5 and are authorized to issue citations for violations of this
chapter. The designated employee positions are: Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire
Marshal, Fire Inspector, Hazardous Materials Specialist and Hazardous Materials
Inspector.
15.04.110 Section 109.3 amended - violations and penalties.
Section 109.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as fo!lows:
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this Title 15 shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished as
provided in subsection (a) of Section 1.08.010 of the Pa!o Alto Municipal Code.
Each separate day or any portion thereof during which any violation of the fire code
occurs or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense, and upon
conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
15.04.120 Definitions added to section 202- "Device" and "Workstation."
The following definitions are added to Section 202 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
DEVICE. Device is, for the purpose of Exhibit "A," an appliance or piece of
equipment that plays an active part in the proper functioning of the regulated systems.
Examples include, but are not limited to the following: smoke detectors, heat detectors,
flame detectors, manual pull stations, horns, alarms, bells, warning lights, hydrants,
risers, FDCs, standpipes, strobes, control panels, transponders, and other such
equipment used to detect, transmit, initiate, annunciate, alarm, or respond according to
the system design criteria.
WORKSTATION is a defined space or independent principal piece of equipment
071001 cis 8260586 5
***NOT YET APPROVED***
using hazardous materials where a specific function, laboratory procedure or research
activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage cabinets, flammable
liquid storage cabinets or gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as. part of
the workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilation equipment, fire
protection devices, electrical devices, and other processing and scientific equipment.
15.04.130 Section 304.1.2.1 added- Weed removal.
Section 304.1.2.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
304.1.2.1 Weed removal. The fire chief may cause the removal of weeds or
combustible debris on properties in which further delay of such removal would
promote a hazard. The chief may also at his option bill subject properties for any and
all expenses related to the removal or as outlined in Chapter 8.08 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code.
15.04.140 Sections 311.5 through 311.5.3 deleted.
Sections 311.5 through 311.5.3 of the California Fire Code are deleted.
15.04.150 Section 503.1.1 amended- Buildings and facilities.
Section 503.1.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
503.1.1 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 within 150 feet 945,720 mm)
of all portions of the facility and a!! 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.
Exception: When Group R, Division 3, or Group U occupancies are
equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system, the
provisions of Sections 503.1.1 and 503.2.1 may be modified by the fire code
official.
15.04.160 Section 503.2.1 amended - Dimensions.
Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of
not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance
with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches (4.115
mm).
Exception: When there are not more than two Group R, Division 3, or Group
U occupancies, the access road width may be modified by the fire code
official.
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.170 Section 504.4 amended -Access Control Devices.
Section 504.4 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
504.4 Access Control Devices. When access control devices including bars, grates,
gates, electric or mag-netic locks or similar devices, which would inhibit rapid fire
department emergency access to the building, are installed, such devices shall be
approved by the fire code official. All access control devices shall be provided with
an approved means for deactivation or unlocking by the fire department.
Access control devices shall also comply with Chapter 10 Egress.
15.04.180 Section 507.4 added - Roof guardrails at interior courts.
Section 507.4 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
507.4 Roofguardrails at interior courts. Roof openings into interior courts that are
bounded on all sides by building walls shall be protected with guardrails. The top of
the guardrail shall not be less than 42 inches in height above the adjacent roof surface
that can be walked on. Intermediate rails shall be designed and spaced such that a 12-
inch diameter sphere cannot pass through.
Exception: Where the roof opening is greater than 600 square feet in area.
15.04.190 Section 511.1 added-Emergency communications systems.
Section 511.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
511.1 Emergency communications systems. New buildings, or buildings expanding
by more than 20%, or buildings in which a change in occupancy classification occurs
which can not support adequate emergency radio coverage shall be provided with an
approved system or equipment that will allow for adequate emergency radio
coverage.
15.04.200 Section 603.4.2 added - Portable Fueled Open-Flame Heating Appliances.
Section 603.4.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
603.4.2 Portable Fueled Open-Flame Heating Appliances. Use of portable fueled
open-flame heating devices shall be as approved by the fire code official.
15.04.210 Section 605.11 added - Immersion Heaters.
Section 605.11 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
605.11 Immersion Heaters. All electrical immersion heaters used in dip tanks,
sinks, vats and similar oper~.tions shall be provided with approved over-temperature
controls and low liquid level electrical disconnects. Manual reset of required
protection devices shall be provided.
071001 cis 8260586 7
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.220 Section 608.6.3 added - Failure of Ventilation System.
Section 608.6.3 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
608.6.3 Failure of Ventilation System. Failure of the ventilation system shall
automatically disengage the charging system.
15.04.230 Section 903.2 amended - Automatic sprinkler systems, Where Required.
Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems, Where Required. Approved automatic
sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures and in existing modified buildings
and structures, shall be provided in the locations described in this section. Automatic
fire sprinklers shall be installed per the requirements set forth in Sections 903.2.1
through 903.2.13 and as follows, whichever is the more restrictive:
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings
that have a fire area in excess of 3600 square feet or that are three (3) or more
stories in height.
o An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing
buildings, where the principal occupancy classification is changed or when
modifications are made that increases the fire area to more than 3600 square feet
or increases the number of stories to three (3) or more.
Exception: One-time additions to existing buildings made after January 1,
1994 that do not exceed 500 square feet in building area.
°An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings
located in the designated Wildland-Urban Interface areas.
Exception: Any non-residential accessory structures to single family residences
that have a fire area of 500 square feet or less.
°An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing buildings
located in the designated Wildland-Urban Interface areas when modifications are
made that increases the fire area.
Exception:One-time additions to existing buildings made after January 1,
1994 that do not exceed 500 square feet in fire area.
15.04.240 Section 903.2.1.3.1 added - Garages and attics.
Section 903.3.1.3.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
903.2.1.3.1 Ga rages an d attics. Garages shall be fully protected to NFPA 13 densit3,
for Ordinary Hazard, Group 1. Attics shall be hilly protected to residential density or
light hazard as appropriate for the slope of ceiling and configuration of framing.
Exception: Garages and attics in one-and two-family dwellings not located in the
Wildland Urban Interface area.
071001 cis 8260586 8
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.250 Section 903.3.1.2.2 added - Attics and usable crawl spaces.
Section 903.3.1.2.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
903.3.1.2.2 Attics and usable crawl spaces. Attics and usable under-floor spaces
including crawl spaces shall be fully protected to residential or light hazard density as
appropriate for the slope of the ceiling and configuration of framing.
15.04.260 Section 903.3.7 amended - Fire department connections.
Section 903.3.7 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as fotlows:
903.3.7 Fire department connections. Sprinkler systems shall be equipped with a
minimum two-way Siamese (is this term necessary?) Fire Department connection.
Connections shall be located on a street front not less than three (3) feet or more than
four (4) feet above grade and shall be equipped with an approved straightway check
valve. Locations shall be subject to approval by the Fire Chief prior to any
installation.
Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with the
NFPA standards 13-D, and 13-R, may have a single 2-1/2-inch connection
with approved straightway check valve.
15.04.270 Section 903.4.3 amended - Floor control valves.
Section 903.4.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.4.3 Floor control valves. Automatic sprinkler systems serving buildings two (2)
or more stories in height shall have valves installed so as to control the system
independently on each floor including basements.
Exception: Buildings not over three (3) stories in height containing only R-3
occupancies, or with 10,000 square feet or less above the first story.
Floor control valves shall be protected from tampering by installation in lockable
enclosures or as approved by the chief. Flow control valve assemblies shall be
provided with a flow switch and drain connections.
15.04.280 Section 1404.8 added - Fire Walls.
Section 1404.8 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
1404.8 Fire Walls. When firewalls are required, the wall construction shall be
completed (with all openings protected) immediately after the building is sufficiently
weather-protected at the location of the wall(s).
15.04.290 Section 1411.1 amended - Stairways Required.
Section 1411.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
1411.1 Stairways Required. Each level above the first story in new multi-story
buildings shall be provided with at least two usable exit stairways after the floor
071001 cis 8260586 9
***NOT YET APPROVED***
decking is installed. The stairways shall be continuous and discharge to wade level.
Stairways serving more than two floor levels shall be enclosed (with openings
adequately protected) after exterior walls/windows are in place. Exit stairs in new and
in existing, occupied buildings shall be lighted and maintained clear of debris and
construction materials at all times.
Exception: For new multi-story buildings, one of the required exit stairs may
be obstructed on not more than two contiguous floor levels for the purposes
of stairway construction (i.e., installation of gypsum board, painting, flooring,
etc.).
15.04.295 Section 1411.1.1 added - Required Means Of Egress.
Section 1411.1.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
1411.1.1 Required Means Of Egress. All new buildings under construction shall
have a least one unobstructed means of egress. All means of egress shall be identified
in the Fire Protection Plan.
15.04.300 Section 1802.1 amended- Definition of "continuous gas detection system."
The definition of"Continuous Gas Detection System" in Section 1802.1 of the California Fire Code
is amended to read:
CONTINUOUS GAS DETECTION SYSTEM. An approved gas detection system
where the analytical instrument is maintained in continuous operation and sampling
is performed without interruption. Analysis is allowed to be performed on a cyclical
basis at intervals not to exceed 30 minutes. In occupied areas where air is re-
circulated and not exhausted to a treatment system (e.g. breathing zone), the Chief
may require a cyclical basis at intervals not to exceed 5 minutes. The gas detection
system shall be able to detect the presence of a gas at or below the permissible
exposure limit in occupiable areas and at or below ½ IDLH (or 0.05 LC 50 if no
established IDLH) in unoccupiabte areas.
15.04.310 Section 1908.7.1 added - Fire Protection Water Supply System.
Section 1908.7.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
1908.7.1 Fire Protection Water Supply System. An approved fire protection water
supply system suitable for the fire hazard involved shall be provided for open storage
yards.
15.04.320 Section 1908.11 added - Fire Protection Water Supply System.
Section 1908.11 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
1908.11 Fire Protection Water Supply System. An approved hydrant and hose
system or portable fire-extinguishing equipment suitable for the fire hazards involved
shall be provided for open storage yards and processing areas. Hydrant and hose
071001 cis 8260586 ] 0
***NOT YET APPROVED***
systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24.
15.04.340 Section 2701.2.2.2 amended - Health Hazards.
Section 2701.2.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2701.2.2.2 Health Hazards. The material categories listed in this section are
classified as health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health
hazard can also pose a physical hazard.
1. Highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic.
2. Corrosive materials
15.04.330 Section 2702.1 amended - addition Of definition of "secondary containment."
The following definition is added to section 2702.1 of the California-Fire Code to read:
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT. Secondary containment is that level of
containment that is external to and separate fi-om prflnary containment and is capable of
safely and securely containing the material, without discharge, for a period of time
reasonably necessary to ensure detection and remedy of the primary containment
failure.
15.04.350 Section 2703.1 amended - addition of definitions of "carcinogen," "other health
hazard material," and "sensitizer."
The following definitions are added to section 2703.1 of the California Fire Code to read:
CARCINOGEN is a substance that causes the development of cancerous ~owths in
living tissue. A chemical is considered a carcinogen if:
1. It has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and
found to be a carcinogen or potentia! carcinogen, or
2. It is listed a s a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the latest edition of the
Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicolog~ progam, or
3. It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
OTHER HEALTH HAZARD MATERIAL is a hazardous material which affects
target organs of the body, including but not limited to, those materials which produce
liver damage, kidney damage, damage to the nervous system, act the blood to
decrease hemoglobin function, deprive the body tissue of oxygen or affect
reproductive capabilities, including mutations (chromosomal damage) or teratogens
(effect on fetuses).
SENSITIZER is a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people
or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to
the chemica!.
071001 cis 8260586 11
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.351 Section 2703.1.3.1 added - Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic gases and
similarly used or handled materials.
Section 2703.1.3.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.1.3.1 Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic gases and similarly used or
handled materials. The storage, use and handling of toxic, highly toxic and
moderately toxic gases in amounts exceeding Table 3704.2 or 3704.3 shall be in
accordance with this chapter and Chapter 37. Any toxic, highly toxic or moderately
toxic material that is used or handled as a gas or vapor shall be in accordance with the
requirements for toxic, highly toxic or moderately toxic gases.
15.04.352 Section 2703.1.5 added - Secondary Containment Requirements.
Section 2703.1.5 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.1.5 Secondary Containment Requirements. A containment system shall be
required for all hazardous materials, which are liquids or solids at normal
temperature, and pressure (NTP) where a spill is determined to be a plausible event
and where such an event would endanger, people, property or the environment.
Construction shall be substantial, capable of safely and securely containing a sudden
release without discharge. Design criteria shall be performance oriented and
constructed of physically and chemically compatible materials to resist degadation
and provide structural and functional inte~ity for a period of time reasonably
necessary to ensure detection, mitigation, and repair of the primary system.
Monitoring of secondary containment shall be accordance with Section 2704.2.2.5.
15.04.353 Section 2703.1.6 added - Other health hazards.
Section 2703.1.5 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.1.6 Other Health Hazards Including Carcinogens, Irritants and
Sensitizers. The storage, use and handling of materials classified as other health
hazards including carcinogens, irritants and sensitizers in amounts exceeding 810
cubic feet for gases, 55 gallons for liquids and 5,000 pounds for solids sha!l be in
accordance with this chapter.
15.04.360 Section 2703.2.2.1 amended - Design and Construction.
Section 2703.2.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2703.2.2.1 Design and Construction. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related
components used for hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the following:
Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and
fabricated from materials compatible with the material to be contained and shall be of
adequate strength and durability to withstand the pressure, structural and seismic
stress, and exposure to which they are subject.
071001 cis 8260586 12
***NOT YET APPROVED***
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 and Santa
Clara County Fire Chiefs Marking Requirements and Guidelines for Hazardous
Materials and Hazardous Waste to indicate the material conveyed.
3.Readily accessible manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe
emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on supply piping and tubing at the
following locations:
a. The point of use.
b. The tank, cylinder or bulk use.
4. Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency
shutoff valves shall be identified and the location shall be clearly visible accessible
and indicated by means of a sign.
5. Backflow prevention or check valves shall be provided when the backflow of
hazardous materials could create a hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized
discharge of hazardous materials.
6. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of:
Health hazard Class 3 or 4
Flammability Class 3 or 4
Reactivity Class 4
in accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per
square inch gauge (psig)(103 Kpa), an approved means of leak detection, emergency
shutoff and excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from
within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow control shall be
located within the storage room or area. Where the piping originates from a bulk
source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as
practical.
Exceptions:
1. Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
2. Piping for pressure relief devices.
7.Secondary containment or equivalent protection from spills shal! be provided for
piping for liquid hazardous materials and for highly toxic and toxic corrosive gases
above threshold quantities listed in Tables 3704.2 and 3704.3.Secondary
containment includes, but is not limited to double walled piping.
Exceptions:
1. Secondary containment is not required for toxic corrosive gases if the
piping is constructed of inert materials.
2. Piping under sub-atmospheric conditions if the piping is equipped with an
alarm and fail-safe-to-close valve activated by a loss of vacuum.
8.Expansion chambers shall be provided between valves whenever the regulated gas
may be subjected to thermal expansion. Chambers shall be sized to provide
protection for piping and instrumentation and to accommodate the expansion of
regulated materials.
071001 cis 8260586 13
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.361 Section 2703.2.2.2 amended - Additional Regulation for Supply Piping for Health
Hazard Materials.
Section 2703.2.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2703.2.2.2 Additional Regulation for Supply Piping for Health Hazard
Materials. Supply piping and tubing for gases and liquids having a health hazard
ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with ASME B31.3 and the following:
1. Piping and tubing utilized for the transmission of toxic, highty toxic, or highly
volatile corrosive liquids and gases shall have welded or brazed connections
throughout except for connections within an exhausted enclosure if the material is a
gas, or an approved method of drainage or containment is provided for connections if
the material is a liquid.
2. Piping and tubing shall not be located within
corridors, within any portion of a means of egress
required to be enclosed in fire-resistance-rated construction or in concealed spaces
in areas not classified as Group H Occupancies.
Exception: Piping and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors
and the floor or roof above or in concealed space above other occupancies when
installed in accordance with Section 415.8.6.3 of the California Building Code as
required for Group H, Division 5 Occupancies.
3. All primary piping for toxic, highly toxic and moderately toxic gases shall
pass a helium leak test of lxl 0-9 cubic centimeters/second where practical, or
shall pass testing in accordance with an approved, nationally recognized standard.
Tests shall be conducted by a qualified "third party" not involved with the
construction of the piping and control systems.
15.04.370 Section 2703.3.1 amended - Unauthorized Discharges.
Section 2703.3.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2703.3.1 Unauthorized Discharges. When hazardous materials are released in
quantities reportable under state, federal or local regulations or when there is a
threatened release that presents a threat to health, property or the environment, the
fire code official shall be notified immediately in an approved manner and the
following procedures required in accordance with Sections 2703.3.!.1 through
2703.3.1.4.
15.04.380 Section 2703.5.2 added - Ventilation Ducting.
Section 2703.5.3 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.5.2 Ventilation Ducting. Product conveying ducts for venting hazardous
materials operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the material being
vented and the direction of flow.
071001 cis 8260586 14
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.381 Section 2703.5.3 added - "H" Occupancies.
Section 2703.5.4 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.5.3 "H" Occupancies. In "H" occupancies, all piping and tubing may be
required to be identified when there is any possibility of confusion with hazardous
materials transport tubing or piping. Flow direction indicators are required.
15.04.390 Section 2703.9.8 amended - Separation of Incompatible Materials.
Section 2703.9.8 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2703.9.8 Separation of Incompatible Materials. Incompatible materials in storage
and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be
separated. When the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than
5 pounds (2 kg) or 0.5 gallon (2 L), separation shall be accomplished by:
1. Se~egating incompatible materials in storage by a distance of not less than 20
feet (6096 mm) and in an independent containment system.
2. Isolating incompatible materials in storage by a noncombustible partition
extending not less than 18 inches (457 ram) above and to the sides of the stored
material.
3.Storing liquid and solid materials in hazardous material storage cabinets.
4.Storing compressed gases in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures in
accordance with Sections 2703.8.5 and 2703.8.6. Materials that are incompatible
shall not be stored within the same cabinet or exhausted enclosure.
15.04.391 Section 2703.9.10 added - Fire Extinguishing Systems for Workstations
Dispensing, Handling or Using Hazardous Materials.
Section 2703.9.10 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
2703.9.10 Fire Extinguishing Systems for Workstations Dispensing, Handling or
Using Hazardous Materials. Combustible and non-combustible work stations
which dispense, handle or use hazardous materials shall be protected by an approved
automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with Section 1803.10.
Exception: Internal fire protection is not required for Biological Safety
Cabinets that carry NSF/ANSI certification where quantities of flammable
liquids in use or storage within the cabinet do not exceed 500 ml.
15.04.400 Section 2704.2.1 amended - Spill Control for Hazardous Material Liquids.
Section 2704.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2704.2.1 Spill Control for Hazardous Material Liquids. Rooms, buildings or
areas used for storage of hazardous material liquids shall be provided with spill
control to prevent the flow of liquids to adjoining areas. Floors in indoor locations
and similar surfaces in outdoor locations shall be constructed to contain a spill from
the largest single vessel by one of the following methods:
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
1. Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors in indoor locations or similar areas in
outdoor locations.
2. Liquid-tight floors in indoor locations or similar areas provided with liquid-tight
raised or recessed sills or dikes.
3. Sumps and co!lection systems.
4. Other approved engineered systems.
Except for surfacing, the floors, sills, dikes, sumps and collection systems shall be
constructed of noncombustible material, and the liquid-tight seal shall be compatible
with the material stored. When liquid-tight sills or dikes are provided, they are not
required at perimeter openings having an open-gate trench across the opening that
connects to an approved collection system.
15.04.401 Section 2704.2.2 amended and Table 2704.2.2 deleted - Secondary Containment
for Hazardous Material Liquids and Solids.
Table 2704.2.2 is deleted and Section 2704.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as
follows:
2704.2.2 Secondary Containment for Hazardous Material Liquids and Solids.
Buildings, rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials liquids or solids
shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with this section.
15.04.410 Section 2705.4.4 amended - Emergency Alarm.
Section 2705.4.4 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
2705.4.4 Emergency Alarm. When hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of
3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704, or toxic gases exceeding 10 cu. ft. and any
amount of highly toxic compressed gases are transported through corridors or exit
enclosures, there shall be an emergency telephone system, a local manual alarm
station or an approved alarm-initiating device at not more than 150-foot (45,720 ram)
intervals and at each exit and exit-access doorway throughout the transport route. The
signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or
constantly attended on-site location and shall also initiate a local audible alarm.
15.04.420 Section 3102.1 amended -addition of definition of "corrosive liquid."
The following definition is added to section 3102.1 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
CORROSIVE LIQUID. Corrosive liquid is a liquid which, when in contact with
living tissue, will cause destruction or irreversible alteration of such tissue by chemical
action. Examples include acidic, alkaline or caustic materials. Such material will be
considered corrosive when the Ph is 2 or less or 12.5 or more, except for foodstuffs or
medicine. Included are Department of Transportation and Title 22, California Code of
Regulations, 66261.22 classed corrosives.
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.430 Section 3301.1 amended - Scope- Explosives and Fireworks
Section 3301.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3301.1 Scope- Explosives and Fireworks. For explosives requirements see Title 19
California Code of Regulations Chapter 10 and section 3301.1.1 of this chapter. For
fireworks requirements see Title 19 California Code of Regulations Chapter 6 and
section 3301.1.2 of this chapter.
Exceptions:
1. The armed Forces of the United States, Coast Guard or National Guard.
2. Explosives in forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopoeia.
3. The possession, storage and use of small arms ammunition when packaged in
accordance with DOTn packaging requirements.
4. The use of explosive materials by federal, state and local regulator5,, law
enforcement and fire agencies acting in their official capacities.
5. Items preempted by federal regulations.
15.04.431 Sections 3301.1.1. through 3301.1.3 added- Explosives, fireworks, and rocketry.
Section 3301.1.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3301.1.1. Explosives. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and
use of explosives are prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Possession, storage, handling and use of explosives for test and research
purposes is allowed with permit and approval of the fire code official.
2. Possession, storage, handling and use of squibs, explosive nuts or bolts and
similar small quantity explosive devices is allowed with permit and approval
of the fire code official.
3301.1.2 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and
use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the
California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Storage, handling and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects
outside of buildings when used for public or proximate audience displays,
motion picture, television, theatrical and ~oup entertainment productions
and when in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of
Regulations.
2. Storage, handling and use of pyrotechnic special effects fireworks inside
of buildings when used for proximate audience displays or special effects
in theatrical, television, motion picture and goup entertainment
productions when in accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of
Regulations and when in buildings equipped throughout with an approved
fire sprinkler system.
3301.1.3 Rocketry. The storage, handling, and use of model rockets shall be in
071001 cis 8260586 17
***NOT YET APPROVED***
accordance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations and as approved by
the Fire Code Official.
15.04.440 Section 3404.2.7.5.8 amended - Overfill Prevention.
Section 3404.2.7.5.8 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3404.2.7.5.8 Overfill Prevention. An approved means or method in accordance
with Section 3404.2.9.6.6 shall be provided to prevent the overfill of all Class I, II
and IIIA liquid storage tanks. Storage tanks in refineries, bulk plants or terminals
regulated by Sections 3406.4 or 3406.7 shall have overfill protection in accordance
with API 2350.
15.04.441 Section 3404.2.7.5.9 added - Automatic Filling of Tanks.
Section 3404.2.7.5.9 is added to the California Fife Code to read as follows:
3404.2.7.5.9 Automatic Filling of Tanks. Systems that automatically fill flammable
or combustible liquid tanks shall be equipped with an approved overfill protection
system that sends an alarm signal to a constantly attended location and immediately
stops the filling of the tank. The alarm signal and automatic shutoff shall be tested
on an annual basis and records of such testing shall be maintained on-site for a period
of five (5) years.
15.04.450 Section 3701.3 added - Moderately Toxic Gases With A Lc50 Equal To Or Less
Than 3000 Parts Per Million.
Section 3701.3 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3701.3 Moderately Toxic Gases With A Lc50 Equal To Or Less Than 3000 Parts
Per Million. Notwithstanding the hazard class definition in Section 3702,
moderately toxic gases with an LC50 less than 3000 parts per million shall
additionally comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Section 3704 of this
code.
15.04.460 Section 3702.1 amended - add definition of "moderately toxic gas."
The following definition is added to section 3702.1 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
MODERATELY TOXIC GAS. Moderately toxic gas is a chemical or substance
that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air more than 2000 parts per million
but not more than 5000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, when
administered by continuous inhalation for an hour, or less if death occurs within one
hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Maximum Threshold Quantity (Max TQ) is the maximum quantity of a moderately
toxic or toxic gas, which may be stored in a single vessel before a more stringent
category of regulation is applied. The following equation shall be used to calculate
the Max TQ:
071001 cis 8260586 1 8
***NOT YET APPROVED***
Max TQ (pounds) = LC50 (ppm) x 2 lb.
Gas Mixtures, the LC50 value for a gas mixture containing toxic, highly toxic or
moderately toxic components shall be calculated using the formula in Appendix E,
Section 103.1.3.1.
15.04.470 Section 3704 amended- Toxic gases including refrigerants.
Section 3704 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704 HIGHLY TOXIC, TOXIC AND MODERATELY TOXIC GASES
INCLUDING THOSE USED AS REFRIGERANTS.
15.04.480 Sections 3704.1.4 through 3704.1.17 added - Controls for toxic gases.
Sections 3704.1.4 through 3704.1.17 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3704.1.4 Automatic Shut-OffValve. An automatic shut-off valve, which is of a fail-
safe to close design, shall be provided to shut off the supply of highly toxic gases for
any of the following:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Activation of a manual fire alarm system.
Activation of the gas detection system.
Failure of emergency power.
Failure of primary containment.
Seismic activity.
Failure of required ventilation.
Manual activation at an approved remote location.
3704.1.5 Emergency Control Station. Signals from emergency equipment used for
highly toxic gases shall be transmitted to an emergency control station or other
approved monitoring station, which is continually staffed by trained personnel.
3704.1.6 Maximum Threshold Quantity. Toxic gases stored or used in quantities
exceeding the maximum threshold quantity in a single vessel per control area or
outdoor control area shall comply with the additional requirements for highly toxic
gases of Section 3704 of this code.
Moderately toxic gases stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum
threshold quantity in a single vessel per control area or outdoor control area shall
comply with the additional requirements for toxic gases of Section 3704 of this code
3704.1.7 Reduced Flow Valve. All containers of materials other than lecture bottles
containing Highly Toxic material and having a vapor pressure exceeding 29 psia shall
be equipped with a reduced flow valve when available. Ifa reduced flow valve is not
available, the container shall be used with a flow-limiting device. All flow limiting
devices shall be part of the valve assembly and visible to the eye when possible;
otherwise, they shall be installed as close as possible to the cylinder source.
071001 cis 8260586 ] 9
***NOT YET APPROVED***
3704.1.8 Annual Maintenance. All safety control systems at a facility shall be
maintained in good working condition and tested not less frequently than annually.
Maintenance and testing shall be perfornaed by persons qualified to perform the
maintenance and tests. Maintenance records and certifications shall be available to
any representative of the Fire Department for inspection upon request.
3704.1.9 Fire Extinguishing Systems. Buildings and covered exterior areas for
storage and use areas of materials regulated by this Chapter shall be protected by an
automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13. The design of the
sprinkler system for any room or area where highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic
gases are stored, handled or used shall be in accordance with Section 2704.5.
3704.1.10 Local Gas Shut Off. Manual activation controls shall be provided at
locations near the point of use and near the source, as approved by the fire code
official. The fire code official may require additional controls at other places,
including, but not limited to, the entry to the building, storage or use areas, and
emergency control stations. Manual activated shut-off valves shall be of a fail-safe-
to-close design.
3704.1.11 Exhaust Ventilation Monitoring. For highly toxic gases and toxic gases
exceeding threshold quantities, a continuous monitoring system shall be provided to
assure that the required exhaust ventilation rate is maintained. The monitoring system
shall initiate a local alarm. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall be
desig-ned to provide warning both inside and outside of the interior storage, use, or
handling area.
3704.1.12 Emergency Response Plan. If the preparation of an emergency response
plan for the facility is not required by any other law, responsible persons shall
prepare, or cause to be prepared, and filed with the fire code official, a written
emergency response plan. If the preparation of an emergency response plan is
required by other law, a responsible person shall file a copy of the plan with the Fire
Chief.
3704.1.13 Emergency Response Team. Responsible persons shall be designated the
on-site emergency response team and trained to be liaison personnel for the Fire
Department. These persons shall aid the Fire Department in preplanning emergency
responses, identifying locations where regulated materials are stored, handled and
used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such material. An adequate number
of personnel for each work shift shall be designated.
3704.1.14 Emergency Drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response
team shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than once every three months.
Records of drills conducted shall be maintained.
3704.1.15 Cylinder Leak Testing. Cylinders shall be tested for leaks immediately
upon delivery and again immediately prior to departure. Testing shall be approved by
071001 cis 8260586 20
***NOT YET APPROVED***
the fire code official in accordance with appropriate nationally recogni7ed industry
standards and practices, if any. Appropriate remedial action shall be immediately
undertaken when leaks are detected
3704.1.16 Inert Gas Purge System. Gas systems shall be provided with dedicated
inert gas purge systems. A dedicated inert gas purge system may be used to purge
more than one gas, provided the gases are compatible. Purge gas systems inside
buildings shall be located in an approved gas cabinet unless the system operates by
vacuum demand.
3704.1.17 Seismic Shutoff Valve. An automatic seismic shut-off valve, which is of a
fail-safe to close design, shall be provided to shutoff the supply of highly toxic, toxic
and moderately toxic gases with an LCs0 less than 3000 parts per million upon a
seismic event within 5 seconds of a horizontal sinusoidal oscillation having a peak
acceleration of 0.3G (1.47m/sec~-) and a period of 0.4 seconds.
15.04.490 Section 3704.2 amended -Indoor storage and use of toxic gases.
Section 3704.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.2 Indoor Storage and Use. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic
and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 3704.2.1
through 3704~2.2.10.3.3. The threshold quantity for highly toxic, toxic and
moderately toxic gases for indoor storage and use are set forth in Table 3704.2.
Table 3704.2
Threshold Quantities for Highly Toxic, Toxic and Moderately Toxic Gases
for Indoor Storage and Use
Highly Toxic I 0
Toxic 1 10 cubic feet
Moderately Toxic I 20 cubic feet
15.04.491 Sections 3704.2.1 through 3704.2.1.1 amended-Applicability of toxic gas regulations.
Sections 3704.2.1 through 3704.2.1.1 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:
3704.2.1 Applicability. The applicability of regulations governing the indoor storage
and use of highly toxic, toxic, and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be as set
forth in Sections 3704.2.1.1 through 3704.2.1.3.
3704.2.1.1 Quantities Not Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Quantity per
Control Area. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, and toxic and moderately
toxic gases in amounts exceeding the threshold quantity per control area set forth in
Table 3704.2 shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 3701, 3704.1 and
3704.2,
071001 cis 8260586 21
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.492 Section 3704.2.2 amended- General requirements for use and storage of toxic gases.
Section 3704.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.2.2 General indoor requirements. The general requirements applicable to the
indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be in
accordance with Sections 3704.2.2.1 through 3704.2.2.10.3.
Moderately toxic gases with an LCs0 less than 3000 parts per million shall comply
with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 3704.2.2.1 through 3704.2.2.10.3
All other moderately toxic gases exceeding the threshold quantity shall comply with
the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 3704.2.2.1 through 3704.2.2.7.
15.04.493 Section 3704.2.2.7 amended-Treatment systems.
Section 3704.2.2.7 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.2.2.7 Treatment Systems. The exhaust ventilation from gas cabinets,
exhausted enclosures, gas rooms and local exhaust systems required in Section
3704.2.2.4 and 3704.2.2.5 shall be directed to a treatment system. The treatment
system shall be utilized to handle the accidental release of gas and to process exhaust
ventilation. The treatment system shall be designed in accordance with Sections
3704.2.2.7.1 through 3704.2.2.7.5 and Section 505 of the California Mechanical
Code.
Exceptions:
1.1 Highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases storage. A treatment system is
not required for cylinders, containers and tanks in storage when all of the following
are provided:
1.2 Valve outlets are equipped with gas-tight outlet plug or caps.
1.3 Hand wheel-operated valves have handles secured to prevent movement.
1.4 Approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in
accordance with Section 3704.2.2.3.
15.04.494 Section 3704.2.2.10.1 amended-Alarms.
Section 3704.2.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.2.2.10.1. Alarms. The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and
transmit a signal to a constantly attended control station when a short-term hazard
condition is detected. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall provide
warning both inside and outside the area where the gas is detected. The audible alarm
shall be distinct from all other alarms.
15.04.500 Section 3704.3 amended- Outdoor storage and use.
Section 3704.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.3 Outdoor Storage and Use. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic
and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 3704.3.1
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
through 3704.3.4. The threshold quantity for highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic
gases for outdoor storage and use are set forth in Table 3704.3.
Table 3704.3
Threshold Quantities for Highly Toxic, Toxic and Moderately Toxic Gases
for Outdoor Storage and Use
Highly Toxic [0
Toxic !10 cubic feet
Moderately Toxic I 20 cubic feet
15.04.501 Sections 3704.3.1 through 3704.3.1.1 amended-Applicability of toxic gas regulations.
Sections 3704.3.1 through 3704.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:
3704.3.1 Applicability. The applicability of regulations governing the outdoor
storage and use of highly toxic, toxic, and moderately toxic compressed gases shall
be as set forth in Sections 3704.3.1.1 through 3704.3.1.3.
3704.3.1.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per
control area. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts
exceeding the threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 3704.3 shall be in
accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 3701, 3704. !, and 3704.3.
Moderately toxic gases with an LC50 less than 3000 parts per million in amounts
exceeding the threshold quantity in Table 3704.3 shall comply with the requirements
for toxic gases in Sections 2701, 2703, 3701, 3704.1 and 3704.3.
Moderately toxic gases in amounts exceeding the threshold quantity in Table 3704.3
shall comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 2701, 2703, 3701,
3704.! and 3704.3.2.1 through 3704.3.2.5.
15.04.502 Section 3704.3.3 amended - Outdoor storage of tanks and cylinders.
Section 3704.3.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3704.3.3 Outdoor storage weather protection for portable tanks and cylinders.
Weather protection in accordance with Section 2704.13 and this section shall be
provided for portable tanks and cylinders located outdoors and not within gas
cabinets or exhausted enclosures. The storage area shall be equipped with an
approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 2704.5.
15.04.510 Section 3801.4 added - Storage and use of liquefied petroleum gas.
Section 3801.4 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3801.4 Storage and use of liquefied petroleum gas. Storage and use of liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) is prohibited within the City limits of Palo Alto where natural
gas mains exist.
EXCEPTION: The Fire Chief may permit the use of LPG for the following purposes
071001 cis 8260586 23
***NOT YET APPROVED***
and in the following manner:
(1) A single tank of no more than 500-gallon (1892 L) water capacity in
connection with portable equipment or devices which are approved for use
with LPG.
(2) As an emergency standby fuel supply for critical industrial, medical or
research equipment.
(3) A single tank of no more than 2000-gallon (7570 L) water capacity used
in vehicle servicing operations installed in accordance with applicable safety
standards.
The storage of LPG shall conform to the provisions of applicable state and local
Codes and ordinances.
15.04.520 Section 4702.1 amended-Definition ofwildland-urban interface area.
The definition of"wildland-urban interface fire area" in Section 4702.1 is amended to read as follows:
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREA is a geographical area identified
by the state as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources
Code Sections 4201 through 4202 and Government Code Sections 51175 through
51189. Within the limits of the City of Palo Alto, wildland-urban fire interface area
shall include all areas west of Highway 280 and all other areas recommended as Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by the director of CDF.
15.04.530 Sections 4703.1 through 4703.4 added- General Requirements for wildland-urban
interface fire areas.
Sections 4703.1 through 4703.4 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4703.1 General. When required by the fire code official, a fire protection plan shall
be prepared.
4703.2 Content. The plan shall be based upon a site-specific wildfire risk assessment
that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect, flammable vegetation,
climatic conditions and fire history. The plan shall address water supply, access,
building ignition and fire-resistance factors, fire protection systems and equipment,
defensible space and vegetation management.
4703.3 Cost. The cost of fire protection plan preparation and review shall be the
responsibility of the applicant.
4703.4 Plan retention. The fire protection plan shall be retained by the fire code
official.
15.04.540 Sections 4707.1 though 4707.2 amended - Defensible space.
Sections 4070.1 through 4707.2 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4707.1 General. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining
buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining the Wildtand-Urban Interface Fire Area
071001 cis 8260586 24
***NOT YET APPROVED***
and persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such buildings or structures,
shal! at all times:
1. Maintain an effective defensible space by removing and clearing away
flammable vegetation and combustible growth from areas within 30 feet (9144 mm)
of such buildings or structures.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as
ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from
the native growth to any structure.
2. Maintain additional effective defensible space by removing brush, flan~mable
vegetation and combustible growth located 30 feet to 100 feet (9144 mm to 30480 mm)
from such buildings or structures, when required by the fire code official due to
steepness of terrain or other conditions that would cause a defensible space of only 30
feet (9144 mm) to be insufficient.
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from
buildings or structures and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above the ground
need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
3. Remove portions of trees, which extend within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet
of a chimney.
4.Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood; and
5. Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetative
growth.
4707.2 Corrective Actions. The executive body is authorized t~ instruct the fire code
official to give notice to the owner of the property upon which conditions regulated by
Section 4707.1 exist to correct such conditions. If the owner fails to correct such
conditions, the executive body is authorized to cause the same to be done and make the
expense of such correction a lien upon the property where such condition exists.
15.04.550 Sections 4714 through 4714.3 added- Access Requirements for wildland-urban
interface fire areas.
Section 4714 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4714 ACCESS
4714.1 General. Buildings and structures, or portions thereof, hereafter constructed
or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire
apparatus access in accordance with this chapter.
4714.2 Driveways. Driveways with an all-weather surface shall be provided when
any portion of an exterior wall of the first story of a building is located more than 150
feet (45 720 mm) from a fire apparatus access road. Driveways shall provide a
minimum unobstructed width of 12 feet (3658 mm) and a minimum unobstructed
height of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm). Driveways in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm)
071001 cis 8260586 25
***NOT YET APPROVED***
in length shall be provided with turnarounds. Driveways in excess of 200 feet (60
960 ram) in length and less than :20 feet (6096 ram) in width shall be provided with
turnouts in addition to turnarounds. An all-weather surface shall be any surface
material acceptable to the code official.
A driveway shall not serve in excess of two dwelling units without meeting the
requirements for an access road in accordance with this chapter.
Driveway turnarounds shall be in accordance with Fire Department Standards.
Driveways that connect with a road or roads at more than one point may be
considered as having a turnaround if all changes of direction meet the radii
requirements for driveway turnarounds.
Driveway turnouts shall be an all-weather road surface at least 10 feet (3048 mm)
wide and 30 feet (9144 mm) long. Driveway turnouts shall be !ocated as required by
the code official.
Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges on driveways and
private roads. Design loads for bridges shall be established by the code official.
4714.3 Fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall be all weather
roads with a minimum width of 20 feet (6096 mm) and a clear height of 13 feet 6
inches (4115 mm); and shall be designed in accordance with Fire Department
Standards. Dead-end roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length shall be
provided with turnarounds designed in accordance with Fire Department Standards.
An all-weather road surface shall be any surface material acceptable to the code
official.
15.04.560 Sections 4715 through 4715.9 added -Water supply requirements for wildland-
urban interface fire areas.
Section 4715 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4715 WATER SUPPLY
4715.1 General. Buildings and structures, or portions thereof, hereafter constructed
or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall be provided with fire
protection water supplies in accordance with this chapter.
Exception: Buildings containing only private garages, carports, sheds
and agricultural buildings with a building area of not more than 500
square feet (56 m2).
4715.2 Water sources. The point at which a water source is available for Fire
Department use shall be located not more than 600 feet from all portions of the
exterior walls of the building and be approved by the code official. The distance shall
be measured along an unobstructed line of travel.
071001 cis 8260586 26
***NOT YET APPROVED***
Water sources shall have a minimum usable water volume as determined by the
adequate water supply needs in accordance with Section 4715.4. This water source
shall be equipped with an approved hydrant. The water source shall be provided and
maintained by a recognized water purveyor, mutual water company or water pumped
from a well. The design, construction, location, water level maintenance, access, and
access maintenance of man-made water sources shall be approved by the code
official.
4715.3 Hydrants. All hydrants shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
nationally recognized standards. The location and access shall be approved by the
code official.
4715.4 Adequate water supply. Adequate fire protection water supplies shall be as
follows:
1. One- and two-family dwellings. The required fire protection water
supply for one- and two- family dwellings shall be in accordance with
Appendix B.
Exception: The water supply duration need not exceed 30 minutes.
2. Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings. The water
supply required for buildings other than one-and two-family dwellings shall
be in accordance with Appendix B.
Exception: The water supply duration need not exceed 2 hours.
4715.5 Obstructions. Access to all water sources required by this code shall be
unobstructed at al! times. The code official shall not be deterred or hindered from
gaining immediate access to water source equipment, fire protection equipment or
hydrants.
4715.6 Identification. Water sources, hydrants and fire protection equipment shall
be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to identify location
and to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions.
4715.7 Testing and maintenance. Water sources, hydrants and other fire protection
equipment required by this code shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the
code official. All such equipment installed under the provisions of this code shall be
maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired or replaced
where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing of such fire protection
equipment and resources shall be in accordance with approved standards.
4715.8 Clearance of fuel. Defensible space shall be provided around water tank
structures, water supply pumps and pump houses in accordance with Section 470"7.
4715.9 Standby power. Stationary water supply facilities within the wildland-urban
interface area dependent on electrical power to meet adequate water supply demands
071001 cis 8260586 27
***NOT YET APPROVED***
shall provide standby pm~er systems in accordance with the Electrical Code to ensure
that an uninterrupted water supply is maintained. The standby power source shall be
capable of providing power for a minimum of two hours.
Exceptions:
1. When approved by the code official, a standby power supply is not
required where the primary power service to the stationary water supply
facility is undergound.
2. A standby power supply is not required where the stationary water
supply facility serves no more than one single-family dwelling.
15.04.570 Sections 4716 through 4716.3 added -Fire sprinkler requirements for wildland-
urban interface fire areas.
Section 4716 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4716 AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
4716.1 General. Buildings and structures located in wildland-urban interface areas
shall be provided with automatic fire sprinkler protection in accordance with this
chapter.
4716.2 New buildings. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout all new buildings located in the wildland-urban interface area.
Exception: Accessory structures to single-family residences that are non-
residential and that have a building area of 500 square feet or less.
4716.3 Existing buildings. An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout all existing buildings located in the wildland-urban interface
area when modifications are made that increase the building area.
Exception: One-time additions to existing buildings made after January 1,
1994 that do not exceed 500 square feet in building area.
15.04.580 Sections 4717 through 4717.3.5 added - General Requirements for wildland-
urban interface fire areas.
Sections 4717 through 47 ! 7.3.5 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4717 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPRESSION AND
CONTROL
4717.1 General
4717.1.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements
applicable to new and existing properties located within wildland-urban interface
areas.
4717.1.2 Objective. The objective of this appendix is to provide necessary fire-
protection measures to reduce the threat of wildfire in an wildland-urban interface
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
area and improve the capability of controlling such fires.
4717.2 Vegetation Control
4717.2.1 General. Vegetation control shall comply with Sections 4717.2.2 through
4717.2.5.
4717.2.2 Maintenance of Defensible Space
4717.2.2.1 General. Defensible spaces required by 4707 shall be maintained in
accordance with Section 4717.2.2.
4717.2.2.2 Modified Area. Non-fire-resistive vegetation or growth shall be kept
clear of buildings or structures, in accordance with Section 4707, in such a manner as
to provide a clear area for fire suppression operations.
4717.2.2.3 Responsibility. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or
maintaining buildings or structures are responsible for maintenance of defensible
spaces. Maintenance of the defensible space shall include modifying or removing
nonfire-resistive vegetation and keeping leaves, needles and other dead vegetative
material regularly removed from roofs of buildings and structures.
4717.2.2.4 Trees. Tree crowns extending to within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any
structure shall be pruned to maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of 10 feet
(3048 mm). Tree crowns within the defensible space shall be pruned to remove limbs
located less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the ground surface adjacent to the trees.
Portions of tree crowns that extend within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a
chimney shall be pruned to maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of 10 feet
(3048 mm).
Deadwood and litter shall be regularly removed from trees.
4717.2.3 Clearance Of Brush Or Vegetative Growth From Roadways. The code
official is authorized to require areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of
portions of fire apparatus access roads and driveways to be cleared of non-fire-
resistive vegetation growth.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental vegetative fuels or
cultivated ground cover, such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants
used as ground cover, provided they do not forma means of readily
transmitting fire.
4717.2.4 Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical transmission
and distribution lines.
4717.2.4.1 General. Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from electrical
071001 cis 8260586 29
***NOT YET APPROVED***
transmission and distribution lines shall be in accordance with Section 4717.2.4.
Exception: Section 4717.2.4 does not authorize persons not having legal
right of entry to enter on or damage the property of others without consent of
the owner.
4717.2.4.2 Support clearance. Persons owning, controlling, operating or
maintaining electrical transmission or distribution lines shall have an approved
program in place that identifies poles or towers with equipment and hardware types
that have a history of becoming an ignition source, and provides a combustible free
space consisting of a clearing of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in each direction
from the outer circumference of such pole or tower during such periods of time as
designated by the code official.
Exception: Lines used exclusively as telephone, telegraph, messenger call,
alarm transmission or other lines classed as communication circuits by a
public utility.
4717.2.4.3 Electrical distribution and transmission line clearances.
4717.2.4.3.1 General. Clearances between vegetation and electrical lines shall be in
accordance with 4717.2.4.3.
4717.2.4.3.2 Trimming clearance. At the time of trimming, clearances not less than
those established by Table 4717.2.4.3.2 shall be provided. The radial clearances
shown below are minimum clearances that shall be established, at time of trimming,
between the vegetation and the energized conductors and associated live parts.
Table 4717.2.4.3.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
TABLE 4717.2.4.3.2
MINIMUM CLEARANCES BETWEEN VEGETATION
AND ELECTRICAL LINES AT TiME OF TRIMMING
LINE VOLTAGE MINIMUM RADIAL CLEARANCE
FROM CONDUCTOR (feet)
4
6
10
15
2,400-72,000
72,001-110,000
110,001-300,000
300,001 or more
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Exception: The code official is authorized to establish minimum clearances
different than those specified by Table 4717.2.4.3.2 when evidence
substantiating such other clearances is submitted to and approved by the code
official.
4717.2.4.3.3 Minimum Clearance To Be Maintained. Clearances not less than
those established by Table 4717.2.4.3.3 shall be maintained during such periods of
071001 cis 8260586 30
***NOT YET APPROVED***
time as designated by the code official. The site-specific clearance achieved, at time
of pruning, shall vary based on species ~owth rates, the utility company-specific trim
cycle, the potential line sway due to wind, line sag due to electrical loading and
ambient temperature and the tree’s location in proximity to the high voltage lines.
Exception: The code official is authorized to establish minimum clearances
different than those specified by 4717.2.4.3.3.3 when evidence substantiating
such other clearances is submitted to and approved by the code official.
Table 4717.2.4.3.3 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
TABLE 4717.2.4.3.3
MINIMUM CLEARANCES BETWEEN VEGETATION AND
ELECTRICAL LINES TO BE MAINTAINED
LINE VOLTAGE
750-35,000
35,00!-60,000
60,001-115,000
115,001-230,000
230,001-500,000
For SI: 1 inch = ~5.4 mm.
MINIMUM CLEARANCE (inches)
6
12
19
30.5
115
4717.2.4.3.4 Electrical Power Line Emergencies. During emergencies, the utility
shall perform the required work to the extent necessary to clear the hazard. An
emergency can include situations such as trees falling into power lines, or trees in
violation of Table 4717.2.3.3.3.
4717.2.5 Correction Of Condition. The fire code official is authorized to give
notice to the owner of the property on which conditions regulated by Section 4717.2
exist to correct such conditions. If the owner fails to correct such conditions, the
legislative body of the jurisdiction is authorized to cause the same to be done and
make the expense of such correction a lien on the property where such condition
exists.
4717.3 ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
4717.3.1 Restricted Entry To Public Lands. The fire code official is authorized to
determine and publicly announce when wildland-urban interface areas shall be closed
to entry and when such areas shall again be opened to entry. Entry on and occupation
of wildland-urban interface areas, except public roadways, inhabited areas or
established trails and campsites that have not been closed during such time when the
wildland-urban interface area is closed to entry, is prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Residents and owners of private property within wildland-urban interface
areas and their invitees and guests going to or being on their lands.
071001 cis 8260586 3 1
***NOT YET APPROVED***
2. Entry, in the course of duty, by peace or police officers, and other duly
authorized public officers, members of a fire department and members of the
Wildland Firefighting Service.
4717.3.2 Trespassing On Posted Private Property.
4717.3.2.1 General. When the fire code official determines that a specific area
within an wildland-urban interface area presents an exceptional and continuing fire
danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to
structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be restricted or closed until
changed conditions warrant termination of such restriction or closure. Such areas
shall be posted in accordance with Section 4717.3.2.2.
4717.3.2.2 Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and
referring to this code shall be placed on every closed area.
4717.3.2.3 Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is
prohibited. Exception: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within
closed and posted areas; their guests or invitees; authorized persons engaged in the
operation and maintenance of necessary utilities such as electrical power, gas,
telephone, water and sewer; and local, state and federal public officers and their
authorized agents acting in the course of duty.
4717.3.3 Use Of Fire Roads And Defensible Space. Motorcycles, motor scooters
and motor vehicles shall not be driven or parked on, and trespassing is prohibited on,
fire roads or defensible space beyond the point where travel is restricted by a cable,
gate or sign, without the permission of the property owners. Vehicles sha!l not be
parked in a manner that obstructs the entrance to a fire road or defensible space.
Exception: Public officers acting within their scope of duty. Radio and
television aerials, guy wires thereto, and other obstructions shall not be
installed or maintained on fire roads or defensible spaces, unless located 16
feet (4877 mm) or more above such fire road or defensible space.
4717.3.4 Use Of Motorcycles, Motor Scooters, Ultra light Aircraft And Motor
Vehicles. Motorcycles, motor scooters, ultra light aircraft and motor vehicles shall
not be operated within wildland-urban interface areas, without a permit by the code
official, except on clearly established public or private roads. Permission from the
property owner sha!l be presented when requesting a permit.
4717.3.5 Tampering With Locks, Barricades, Signs And Address Markers.
Locks, barricades, seals, canes, signs and address markers installed within wildland-
urban interface areas, by or under the control of the code official, shatl not be
tampered with, mutilated, destroyed or removed.
Gates, doors, barriers and locks installed by or under the control of the code official
shall not be unlocked.
071001 cis 8260586 32
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.04.584 Sections 4717.4 through 471%4.10 added-Ignition source control requirements
for wildland-urban interface fire areas.
Sections 4717.4 through 4717.4.10 are added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4717.4 IGNITION SOURCE CONTROL
4717.4.1 General. Ignition sources shall be in accordance with Section 4717.4.
4717.4.20bj ective. Regulations in this section are intended to provide the minimum
requirements to prevent the occurrence of wildfires.
4717.4.3 Clearance From Ignition Sources. Clearance between ignition sources and
grass, brush or other combustible materials shall be maintained a minimum of 30 feet
(9144 ram).
4717.4.4 Smoking. When required by the fire code official, signs shall be posted
stating NO SMOK1NG. No person shall smoke within 15 feet (4572 mm) of
combustible materials or non-fire-resistive vegetation.
Exception: Places of habitation or in the boundaries of established smoking
areas or campsites as designated by the fire code official.
4717.4.5 Equipment And Devices Generating Heat, Sparks Or Open Flames.
Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames capable of igniting
nearby combustibles shall not be used in wildland-urban interface areas without a
permit from the code official.
Exception: Use of approved equipment in habitated premises or designated
campsites that are a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from grass-, grain-,
brush- or forest-covered areas.
4717.4.6 Fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used or possessed in wildland-urban
interface areas.
4717.4.7 Outdoor Fires.
4717.4.7.1 General. No person shall build, ignite or maintain any outdoor fire of any
kind for any purpose in or on any wildland-urban interface area, except by the
authority of a written permit from the code official.
Exception: Outdoor fires within inhabited premises or designated campsites
where such fires are in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor
fireplace or grill and are a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from any
combustible material or nonfire-resistive vegetation.
4717.4.7.2 Permits. Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions that will
reasonably safeguard public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built,
ignited or maintained in or on hazardous fire areas under the following conditions:
071001 cis 8260586 33
***NOT YET APPROVED***
1.When high winds are blowing,
2.When a person 17 years old or over is not present at all times to watch
and tend such fire, or
3. When a public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited.
4717.4.7.3 Restrictions. No person shall use a permanent barbecue, portable
barbecue, outdoor fireplace or grill for the disposal of rubbish, trash or combustible
waste material.
4717.4.8 Outdoor Fireplaces, Permanent Barbecues And Grills. Outdoor
fireplaces, permanent barbecues and grills shall not be built, installed or maintained
in wildland-urban interface areas without approval of the fire code official.
Outdoor fireplaces, permanent barbecues and grills shall be maintained in good repair
and in a safe condition at all times. Openings in such appliances shall be provided
with an approved spark arrestor, screen or door.
Exception: When approved by the fire code official, unprotected openings in
barbecues and grills necessary for proper functioning.
4717.4.9 Reckless Behavior. The fire code official is authorized to stop any actions
of a person or persons if the official determines that the action is reckless and could
result in an ignition of fire or spread of fire.
4717.4.10 Planting Vegetation Under Or Adjacent To Energized Electrical
Lines. No vegetation shall be planted under or adjacent to energized power lines that,
at maturity, shall grow within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the energized conductors.
15.04.585 Section 4717.5 added- Storage control requirements for wildland-urban interface
fire areas.
Section 4717.5 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows: .
4717.5 CONTROL OF STORAGE
4717.5.1 General. In addition to the requirements of the California Fire Code,
storage and use of the materials shall be in accordance with Section 4717.5.
4717.5.2 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in excess of 10 gallons (37.8 L)
of liquid, 200 cubic feet (5.66 m 3) of gas, or 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of solids require a
permit and shall comply with nationally recognized standards for storage and use.
4717.5.2.1 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations
4717.5.2.1.1 General. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) and the
installation and maintenance of pertinent equipment shall be in accordance with the
California Fire Code and recognized standards.
071001 cis 8260586 34
***NOT YET APPROVED***
4717.5.2.1.2 Location of containers. LP-gas containers shall be located within the
defensible space in accordance with the California Fire Code.
4717.5.3 Explosives. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered
for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within wildland-
urban interface areas.
4717.5.4 Combustible Materials.
4717.5.4.1 General. Outside storage of combustible materials such as, but not
limited to, wood, rubber tires, building materials or paper products shall comply with
the other applicable sections of this code and this section.
4717.5.4.2 Individual Piles. Individual piles shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465
2)m of contiguous area. Piles shall not exceed 50,000 cubic feet (1416 m 3) in
volume or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height.
4717.5.4.3 Separation. A clear space of at least 40 feet (12 192 mm) shall be
provided between piles. The clear space shall not contain combustible material or
nonfire-resistive vegetation.
4717.5.4.4 Storage Of Firewood And Combustible Materials
4717.5.4.4.1 General. Firewood and combustible material shall not be stored in
unenclosed spaces beneath buildings or structures, or on decks or under eaves,
canopies or other projections or overhangs. When required by the code official,
storage of firewood and combustible material stored in the defensible space shall be
located a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) from structures and separated from the
crown of trees by a minimum horizontal distance of 15 feet (4572 mm).
4717.5.4.4.2 Storage For Off-Site Use. Firewood and combustible materials not for
consumption on the premises shall be stored so as to not pose a hazard.
15.04.586 Section 4717.6 added -Dumping in wildland-urban interface areas.
Section 4717.6 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4717.6 DUMPING
4717.6.1 Waste Material. Waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped
in wildland-urban interface areas, or in, on or along trails, roadways or highways or
against structures in wildland-urban interface areas.
Exception: Approved public and approved private dumping areas.
4717.6.2 Ashes And Coals. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or
dumped in or on wildland-urban interface areas.
Exeeptions:
071001 cis 8260586 35
***NOT YET APPROVED***
1.In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace.
2.In a noncombustible container with a tight fitting lid, which is kept or
maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from nonfire-
resistive vegetation or structures.
3. Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot (305
mm) of mineral earth not less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from nonfire-resistive
vegetation or structures.
15.04.587 Section 4717.7 added - Protection Of Pumps And Water Storage Facilities.
Section 4717.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4717.7 PROTECTION OF PUMPS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
4717.7.1 General. The reliability of the water supply shall be in accordance with
Section 4717.7.
4717.7.2 Objective. The intent of this section is to increase the reliability of water
storage and pumping facilities and to protect such systems against loss from intrusion
by fire.
4717.7.3 Fuel Modification Area. Water storage and pumping facilities shall be
provided with a defensible space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) clear of non-fire-
resistive vegetation or ~owth around and adjacent to such facilities.
Persons owning, controlling, operating or maintaining water storage and pumping
systems requiring this defensible space are responsible for clearing and removing
nonfire-resistive vegetation and maintaining the defensible space on the property
owned, leased or controlled by said person.
4717.7.4 Trees. Portions of trees that extend to within 30 feet (9144 mm) of
combustible portions of water storage and pumping facilities shall be removed.
4717.7.5 Protection of Electrical Power Supplies. When electrical pumps are used
to provide the required water supply, such pumps shall be connected to a standby
power source to automatically maintain electrical power in the event of power loss.
The standby power source shall be capable of providing power for a minimum of two
hours in accordance with the Electrical Code.
Exception: A standby power source is not required where the primary power
service to pumps are undergound as approved by the code official.
15.04.588 Section 4717.8 added- Land use limitations in wildland-urban interface fire areas.
Section 4717.8 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
4717.8 LAND USE LIMITATIONS
4717.8.1 General. Temporary fairs, carnivals, public exhibitions and similar uses
071001 cis 8260586 36
***NOT YET APPROVED***
must comply with all other provisions of this code in addition to enhanced ingess
and egess requirements.
4717.8.2 Objective. The increased public use of land or structures in wildland-urban
interface areas also increases the potential threat to life safety. The provisions of this
section are intended to reduce that threat.
4717.8.3 Permits. Temporary fairs, carnivals, public exhibitions or similar uses shall
not be allowed in a designated wildland-urban interface area, except by permit from
the code official.
Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions that will reasonably safeguard
public safety and property.
15.04.590 Addition of Chapter 48 - Life safety requirements
buildings.
Chapter 48 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
for existing high rise
CHAPTER 48
LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
SECTION 4801 GENERAL
4801.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide a reasonable de~ee of
safety to persons occupying existing high-rise buildings by requiring minimum
standards for exit corridors, exit stairways and elevator shafts, monitored alarm
systems and emergency plans.
4801.2 Scope. The requirements shall apply to all high-rise buildings constructed
prior to January 1, 1994 which have floors used for human occupancy located more
than 75 feet above the lowest level of approved fire department vehicle access or
other physical configuration that qualifies a building as high rise by local ordinance.
4801.3 Permits Required.
1. Building permits shall be obtained as required by the Building Code.
2. Not less than 30 days prior to submitting plans for a building permit, a preplan
review meeting shall be held, including the owner’s design team, building official
and the chief, to determine the adequacy of the life-safety emergency systems concept
for the building. The life-safety emergency systems shall be reflected on the plans for
the building and become a permanent part of the building department’s records. The
building official and the chief may require sufficient documentation, based upon
engineering analysis, that the concept meets the intent of nationally recognized good
practices and such ~o~uidelines as the building official and chief have published.
071001 cis 8260586 37
***NOT YET APPROVED***
4801.4 Enforcement. The provisions of this appendix shall be enforced by the chief.
4801.5 Compliance. All buildings shall be made to conform with the requirements of
Section 4802 within the following time periods:
1. Subsections 4802.11, 4802.12 and 4802.13 shall be completed within six months
of the adoption date of this Chapter.
2. The owners of buildings affected by this appendix or their representatives shall
submit plans to the building official showing intended methods of compliance with
subsections 4802.1 through 4802.10 on or before June 30, 1990.
3. Subsections 4802.5, 4802.8, and 4802.9 shall be completed On or before January 1, 1991.
4. Subsections 4802.1, 4802.2, 4802.3, 4802.4, 4802.5, 4802.6 and 4802.8 shall be
completed on or before April 1, 1994.
Note: Regardless of any specific compliance date stipulated above, a building shall
not be deemed in violation of this Chapter until such date has expired.
4801.6 Exceptions. The Fire Chief may grant certain exceptions to the requirements
of this Chapter, under the following circumstances:
1. The Fire Chief may allow the use of alternate materials or methods of compliance
upon a finding that the use of such alternate materials or methods of compliance will
provide levels of fire and life safety equal to or greater than those otherwise required
in this Chapter.
2. The Fire Chief may waive individual requirements of this Chapter or grant
reasonable extensions of time in which to comply with said requirements upon a
finding that such requirements are not practical or possible, or pose an unreasonable
hardship. The determination of whether compliance is not practical or possible, or an
unreasonable hardship, shall be based upon an overall evaluation of the following
factors:
(i) The amount of fire and life safety that would be lost if the requirements were
waived or deferred;
(ii) The cost of complying with the requirements;
(iii) The financi!l hardship and disruption to occupants and users of the building in
question;
(iv) The type and nature of the use of the building in question; and
071001 cis 8260586 38
***NOT YET APPROVED***
(v) Such other factors as in the judgment of Fire Chief will result in providing a
reasonable degree of safety as required by this Uniform Fire Code, to persons
occupying or using the building.
3. The Fire Chief may grant reasonable extensions of time, up to two additional
years, within which to comply with the requirements of subsections 4802.1,4802.2,
4802.3, 4802.4, 4802.6, 4802.7 and 4802.9 of this Chapter, upon making a finding of
hardship based upon the factors set forth in subsection (2) of this subsection
4801.6(f), or upon the agreement of the building owner that within said time, the
building will be 100% sprinklered, in accordance with NFPA ! 3.
4. The Fire Chief shall prepare written notice of determination to grant or not to grant
exceptions pursuant to this paragraph. The Fire Chief shall distribute the notice of
determination in the next available council packet; shall mail notice, postage prepaid,
to the affected building owner; and shall publish such notice once in a newspaper of
general circulation not later than five (5) days after the distribution of the notice on
the city council packet. The notice shall state the address and general description of
the subject property and the nature of the determination. The notice shal! also state
that the details regarding the decision will be available in the Fire Chiet" s office, and
that an appeal may be taken within ten (10) days after the date of publication of the
notice.
4801.7 Appeals.
1. Any person aggrieved or affected by any determination made by the Fire Chief
pursuant to subsection 4801.6 of this Chapter may appeal that determination in
accordance with this subsection 4801.7.
2. An appeal from the decision of the Fire Chief shall be initiated within ten (! 0) days
after the publication of notice, as provided in Paragraph 4801.6, by the.filing at the
office of the City Manager of a written, dated appeal, signed by all parties named as
appellants, stating the names and official mailing addresses of all appellant(s)
participating in the appeal and their relationship to the matter being appealed.
3. The appeal shall contain a statement of all facts supporting the contention of the
appellant(s) and all reasons why the decision of the Fire Chief should be reversed,
modified or set aside.
4. The appeal shall be accompanied by a fee, as set forth in the Municipal Fee
Schedule for Fire Department appeals.
5. Upon receipt of any appeal, the City Manager or designee shall set a date for a
hearing. Such hearing shall be held within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the appeal. A
notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the appellant(s) by the
City Manager or designee in writing. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid,
addressed to the appellant(s) at the address(es) listed on the appeal, or it shall be
071001 cis 8260586 39
***NOT YET APPROVED***
delivered to the appellant(s) personally, at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing
date. If the appellant is other than the building owner, the building owner shall also
be notified of the hearing.
6. The City Manager or designee (other than any personnel from the Fire
Department), shall hear the appea!. At the time and place set for the hearing, the City
Manager or designee shall receive all testimonial, documentary and tangible evidence
bearing on the issues. The City Manager or designee may continue the hearing from
time to time. The City Manager or designee may approve, modify or disapprove the
determination of the Fire Chief. Within three (3) working days of the close of the
hearing, the City Manager or designee shall render a decision in writing. The decision
shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the appellant(s) at the address(es) listed on the
appeal or delivered to the appellant(s) personally. If the appellant is other than the
building owner, the building owner shall also be notified of the decision.
7. The decision of the City Manager or designee shall be fin!l.
4801.8 Penalty. Failure to comply with subsection (e) above is unlawful and any
person, firm or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise,
violating any provisions of the above requirements shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Such person, firm or corporation is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day
during any portion of which any violation of these requirements is committed,
continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation.
4801.9 Severability. Should any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this appendix be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of these requirements.
SECTION 4802 REQUIREMENTS
4802.1 Automatic Sprinklers. All required exit corridors, stairwells, elevator
lobbies, public assembly areas occupied by 100 or more persons and commercial
kitchens shall be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system meeting the
design criteria ofNFPA 13. One sprinkler head shall be provided on the room side of
every corridor opening.
Exception: Sprinkler heads may be omitted in stairwells of noncombustible
construction.
4802.2 Corridor Doors. All doors opening into required exit corridors shall be in
conformance with the Building Code.
Exception: Existing 1-3/8 inch bonded, solid-core wood doors, if equipped
with self-closures, need not be replaced.
4802.3 Corridor Openings. All openings into required exit corridor, other than
doors, shall be in conformance with the Building Code.
071001 cis 8260586 40
***NOT YET APPROVED***
4802.4 Exit Stairways. All high-rise buildings shall have a minimum of
approved exit stairways. The Fire Chief may allow a minimum of one approved
stairway upon a finding that additional automatic sprinkler protection is provided that
meets the spirit of this Appendix and provides at least the equivalent protection of
that prescribed in this Appendix.
4802.5 Exit Stairwell Doors. All stairwell doors which are to be locked from the
stairwell side shall automatically unlock, without unlatching, when the alarm system
activates.
4802.6 Elevator Lobby Separation. All elevators on all floors shall open into
elevator lobbies which are separated from the remainder of the building as is required
for corridor construction in the Building Code. The Fire Chief may waive this
requirement upon a finding that additional automatic sprinkler protection is provided
that meets the spirit of this Appendix and provides at least the equivalent protection
of that prescribed in this Appendix.
4802.7 Elevator Recall. All automatic elevators shall be equipped for emergency
operation in conformance with the Building Code.
4802.8 Fire Alarm Systems. All high-rise buildings shall have an alarm system
meeting the requirements of this section. All required fire alarm systems shall be
designed to be heard clearly by all occupants within the building but in no case shall
it be less than 60 dB, or 15 dB above ambient noise levels, as measured in the A
scale, within all habitable areas of the building. All required alarm systems shall
operate automatically by smoke or products of combustion detectors and by manual
pull stations as approved by the chief.
4802.9 Fire Alarm Supervision. All fire alarm systems shall be connected to an
approved central station or the local fire department dispatch office in conformance
with the Fire Code as approved by the chief.
4802.10 Exit Illumination. Exits shall be illuminated at any time the building is
occupied with lights having an intensity of not less than 1 foot-candle at floor level.
Such lighting shall have an independent alternate source of supply such as an
emergency battery pack.
4802.11 Emergency Plan. The management for at! buildings shall establish and
maintain a written fire and life safety emergency plan which has been approved by
the chief. The chief shall develop written criteria and guidelines upon which all plans
shall be based.
4802.12 Posting of Emergency Plan and Exit Plans. Copies of the emergency plan
and exiting plans (including elevator and stairway placarding) shall be posted in
locations approved by the chief.
071001 cis 8260586 41
***NOT YET APPROVED***
4802.13 Fire Drills. The management of all buildings shall conduct fire drills for
their staff and employees at least every 120 days. The fire department must be
advised of such drills at least 24 hours in advance. A written record of each drill shall
be maintained in the building management office and made available to the fire
department for review.
15.05 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
15.05.010
Fire Code.
Adoption of Chapters 3, 4, 5, 25, and Appendix of Chapter 1 of the International
Chapters 3, 4, 5, 25, and Appendix of Chapter 1 of the International Fire Code, 2006 Edition,
are adopted, as herein amended. One copy of the International Fire Code is on file and open to
public inspection in the office of the city clerk. Three copies of the secondary codes set forth within
the International Fire Code, and the amendments set forth in this chapter, are on file and open to
public inspection in the fire department administrative office.
Whenever the phrase "International Fire Code" appears in this code or in any" ordinance
of the city, such phrase shall be deemed and construed to refer to and apply to the "International Fire
Code, 2006 Edition" and this chapter.
15.05.020 Section 308.3.5 deleted - Religious Ceremonies.
Section 308.3.5 of the International Fire Code is deleted.
15.05.030 Sections 311.5 through 311.5.3 deleted - Vacant premises.
Sections 311.5 through 311.5.3 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.05.040 Section 404.2 amended - Fire safety and evacuation plan required.
Section 404.2 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
404.2 Where Required. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall be
prepared and maintained for the following occupancies and buildings.
1.Group A buildings having an occupant load of 100 or more persons.
2.Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons, or 2 or
more stories in height.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
area.
10.
Group E: See §3.!3 Title 19, CCR for regulations.
Group H.
Group I. See §3.09 Title 19, CCR for regulations.
Group R-1. See §3.09 Title 19, CCR for regulations.
Group R-2 college and university buildings.
Group M buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons.
Covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) in aggregate floor
Underground buildings.
071001 cis 8260586 42
***NOT YET APPROVED
15.05.050 Section 404.3.1 amended - Fire evacuation plans.
Section 404.3.1 of the International Fire Code is alaended to read as follows:
404.3.1 Fire Evacuation Plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
1. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be
complete or, where approved, by selected floors or areas only.
2. Description of what the fire alarm, if required, sounds and looks like (audible
and visual warning devices).
3. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before
evacuating.
4. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been
completed.
5. Identification and assignrnent of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency
medical aid.
6. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or
emergency.
7. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to
the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
8. Identification and assi~o-nment of personnel who can be contacted for further
information or explanation of duties under the plan.
9. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and
preprogammed voice messages, where provided.
15.05.060 Table 405.2 amended - Fire and evacuation drills.
Table 405.2 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 405.2
FIRE AND EVACUATION DRILL
FREQUENCY AND PARTICIPATION
GROUP OR FREQUENCY PARTICIPATIONOCCUPANCY
Group A Quarterly Employees
Group Bb Annually Employees
Group E See §3.13 Title 19, CCR
Group I See §3.13 Title 19, CCR
Group R-1 See §3.13 Title 19, CCR
Group R-2c Four annually All occupants
The frequency shall be allowed to be modified in accordance with Section 408.3.2.
b. Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons.
c.Applicable to Group R-2 college and university buildings in accordance with Section
408.3.
071001 cis 8260586 43
***NOT YET APPROVED***
15.05.070 Sections 408.3.1 through 408.3.4 deleted.
Sections 408.3.1 through 408.3.4 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.05.075 Sections 408.5.1 through 408.5.5 deleted.
Sections 408.5.1 through 408.5.5 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.04.076 Sections 408.6 through 408.6.2 deleted.
Sections 408.6 through 408.6.2 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.04.077 Sections 408.7 through 408.7.4 deleted.
Sections 408.7 through 408.7.4 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15:04.078 Sections 408.8 through 408.8.3 deleted.
Sections 408.8 through 408.8.3 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.05.079 Section 408.9 amended -Group R-2 occupancies.
Section 408.9 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
408.9 Group R-2 Occupancies. Group R-2 occupancies shall comply with the
requirements of Sections 408.9.1 through 408.9.3 and Sections 401 through 406.
Group R-2 college and university buildings shall comply with the requirements of
Sections 408.9.1 through 408.9.6 and Sections 401 through 406.
15.05.080 Sections 408.9.4 through 408.9.5 added - First Emergency Evacuation Drill.
Sections 408.9.4 through 408.9.5 are added to the International Fire Code to read as follows:
408.9.4 First Emergency Evacuation Drill. The first emergency evacuation drill of
each school year shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.
408.9.5 Time of Day. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at different
hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at
assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid
distinction between drills and actual fires.
15.04.090 Sections 408.10 through 408.10.5 deleted.
Sections 408.10 through 408.10.5 of the International Fire Code are deleted.
15.05.100 Section 408.11.1.2 amended -Plan Revisions.
Section 408.11.1.2 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
408.11.1.2 Revisions. The lease plans shall be revised annually or as often as
necessary to keep them current.
15.05.110 Section 507.4 added - Roof guards at interior courts.
Section 507.4 is added to Chapter 5 of the International Fire Code to read as follows:
071001 qis 8260586 44
***NOT YET APPROVED***
507.4 Roof Guards At Interior Courts. Roof openings into interior courts that are
bounded on all sides by building wails shall be protected with roof guards. The top of
the roof guard shall not be less than 42 inches in height above the adjacent roof
surface that can be walked on. Intermediate rails shall be designed and spaced such
that a 12-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through.
Exception: Interior courts with roof opening geater than 600 square feet in area.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the California Fire
Code, 2007 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the amendments
herein adopted will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall become effective on the commencement of the thirty-first
day after the day of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTION S:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager
City Attorney Fire Chief
071001 cis 8260586 45
***NOT YET APPROVED***
EXHIBIT A
Findings for Local Amendments to the
2007 California Fire Code
The following local amendments to the 2007 California Fire Code make modifications as authorized
by the California Health and Safety Code. In accordance with Section 18941.5 of said Code,
Findings are hereby made to show that such modifications or changes are reasonably necessary
because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
PREAMBLE
I.Findings of fact:
A. Pursuant to Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, the report contained
herein is submitted as the "Findings of Fact" document with regard to the adoption of the California
Fire Code, 2007 Edition, and amendments. Under this adopting ordinance, specific amendments
have been established which are more restrictive in nature than those adopted by the State of
California (State Building Code Standards, State Housing and Community Development Codes)
commonly referred to as California Code of Regulations, Titles 19, 24 and 25.
B. These amendments to the California Fire Code, 2007 Edition, have been recognized by the
City of Palo Alto as tools, for addressing the fire problems, concerns and future direction by which
the authority can establish and maintain an environment which will afford a level of fire and life
safety to all who live and work within the City’s boundaries.
C. Under the provisions of Section 17958.5 of the Health and Safety Code, local amendments
shall be based upon the following: climatic, geological/geographical, and topographical conditions.
The findings of fact contained herein shall address each of these situations and shall present the !ocal
situation which, either singularly or in combination, caused the established amendments to be
adopted.
1.Climactic Conditions:
The district, on an average, experiences an annual rainfall of 16" - 18". This rainfall can be expected
between October and April of each year. However, during the summer months there is little, if any,
measurable precipitation. During this dry period the temperatures are usually between 70-90 degrees
with light to gusty westerly winds. These drying winds, combined with the natural vegetation which
is dominant throughout the area, create a hazardous fuel condition which can cause, andhas caused
in the past, extensive grass and brush land fires. With more and more development encroaching into
these wooded and grass covered areas, wind-driven fires could have severe consequences, as has
been demonstrated on several occasions in Palo Alto and other areas of the state. Fires in structures
can easily spread to the wildland as well as a fire in the wildland into a structure.
071001 cis 8260586 46
***NOT YET APPROVED***
Because of the weather patterns, a normal rainfall cannot always be relied upon. This can result in
water rationing and water allocation systems, as demonstrated by the drought years of 1986-1991.
Water shortages can also be expected in the future due to the current water storage capacities and
increased consumption. The water supply for the Palo Alto fire department makes use of automatic
fire sprinkler systems feasible as a means to reduce our dependency on large volumes of water for
fire suppression.
2.Geological & Geographical Conditions
Geogaphical Location. Palo Alto is located at the northern most part of Santa Clara County. Palo
Alto is a major focus of the "Silicon Valley," the center for an expanding and changing electronics
industry, as well as pharmaceutical, biomedical, and genetic research.
Seismic Location. Palo Alto is situated on alluvial solids between San Francisco Bay and the San
Andreas Fault zone. The City’s location makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and
older structures caused by seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have
created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the city sits between two
active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward!Calaveras), and numerous potentially active
faults. Approximately 55% of the City’s land surface is in the high-to-moderate seismic hazard
zones.
Seismic and Fire Hazards. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss of
life and damage than the earthquake itself.
The majority of the City’s high-rise structures are located in seismic risk zones. Should a significant
seismic event occur, Public Safety resources would have to be prioritized to mitigate the greatest
threat, and may not be available for every structural fire. In such event, individual structures,
including high-rise buildings, should be equipped to help in mitigating the risk of damage.
Other variables may tend to intensify the situation:
a.The extent of damage to the water system;
b.The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c.The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d.Climatical conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds);
e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk to
life during normal business hours;
f.The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance;
g. Many high-rise structures are located near areas of high fire danger necessitating special
precautions.
071001 cis 8260586 47
***NOT YET APPROVED***
Transportation. Palo Alto is dissected by a major state highway (El Camino Real) and two major
freeways (I-280 and U.S. 101), which potentially could negatively affect response times of fire
suppression equipment.
Soil Conditions. Palo Alto lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and is built atop the alluvial
deposits that surround the margins of the Bay. The alluvium was created by the flooding of many
streams emptying into the San Francisco Bay depression, and from intermittent seawater inundation
that has occurred over the last 2 or 3 million years. The areas c!osest to the Bay are overlain by
unconsolidated fine silty clay, known as Bay Mud which varies in thickness from a few feet to as
much as 30 feet. Generally, the older more stable alluvium is to the south and the younger less stable
material is to the north. Bedrock lies beneath the area at depths of generally 300’ or more.
3.Topographical Conditions:
The findings of fact for the topographical element, as would be expected, are closely associated with
the geological/geographical element. With the elevation changes within the district, development is
of course following the path of least resistance, creating a meandering pattern. This then does not
lend itself to a good systematic street and road layout, which would promote easy traffic flow. It has,
in fact, resulted in few major crosstown thoroughfares which tend to be heavily congested, primarily
during commute hours and seasonal periods of the year. This creates barriers which reduce the
response time of fire equipment and other emergency services. The topography of the district is
being burdened by major structures. Employment areas are throughout the district. The people who
work in these complexes have added to the traffic congestion throughout the city, thereby reducing
the fire department’s response time capabilities.
Inherent delays caused by the traffic patterns to many of these types ofproj ects, make it necessary to
mitigate this problem by requiring additional built-in automatic fire protection systems to provide
early detection and initial control until the arrival of the fire department.
The topography of the district in much of the commercial and residential zones lies within or near a
flood plane. Periodically, heavy rains and high tides cause region-wide flooding which not only
delays response but also increases demands on fire personnel. The fire code amendments increase
safeguards and initialize early response to help compensate for these physical delays.
As a result of the findings of facts which identify the various climatic, geological/geographical and
topographical elements, those additional requirements as specified in the amendments to adopting
ordinance for the California Fire Code 2007 Edition, by the City of Palo Alto area are considered
reasonable and necessary modifications. The experience of several disastrous fires within the city in
addition to Santa Clara, Monterey, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties have
demonstrated the need for other fire protection features, the most significant of which was located in
the Oakland/Berkeley Hills in which over 3,000 homes were destroyed and 25 human lives were lost.
While it is clearly understood that the adoption of such regulations may not prevent the incidence of
fire, the implementation of these various amendments to the Code may reduce the severity and
potential of loss of life and property.
071001 cis 8260586
***NOT YET APPROVED***
II.Specific Findings for Local Amendments
The majority of local amendments (those not specifically listed below) are made strictly to conform
to other parts of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) and for similar administrative purposes.
Based upon the findings of fact described in section I, the City Council also makes the following
specific findings regarding local climatic, geological, and topographic conditions related to local
amendments to the California and International Fire Codes found in Chapters 15.04 and 15.05 of
Title 15 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code ("PAMC"):
1. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.030 through 15.04.070 and
sections 15.04.330 through 15.04.441 relating to general conditions for hazardous materials are
necessary modifications to the California Fire Code flammable and hazardous materials sections
because they maintain consistency with the Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance which has
been adopted county-wide since 1983. Requirements include safeguards such as monitoring,
secondary containment, separation of non compatibles which prevent incidents should a seismic
event, authorized release, or accident occur.
2. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.130- Weed removal- is necessary
to require weeds to be removed from properties when determined to be a hazard at the expense of
the responsible party. Weeds can be a fire hazard that may also contribute to the ancontrolled
spread of fire as a result of the climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions described in
Findings 1, 2, and 3 above.
3. The local amendments contained in PAMC section 15.04.170 through 15.04.190 set forth
measures to limit delays in response time and reduce hazards to firefighters. These measures are
necessary to prevent exacerbation of response delays associated with the Climatic, Geographical
and Topographical conditions listed in Findings 1, 2 and 3 above.
4.The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.210- Immersion Heaters- is
necessary as a fire control measure because it requires additional controls on process heating
devices which are often activated when unattended. See Geological Findings 2.
5. The local amendments contained in PAMC 15.04.230 -Automatic sprinkler systems,
15.04.240 - Garages and attics, 15.04.250 - Attics and usable crawl spaces, and 15.04.260 - Fire
department connections, are necessary for faster control of fires in the dense populated area of
our community to confine a fire to the area of origin rather than spread to neighboring structures.
The modifications contained in these amendments provide additional fire extinguishing systems
in new construction, major remodels, additions, and occupancy classification changes to help
mitigate the problems identified in Findings 1, 2, and 3, above- Climatic, Geographical and
Topographical.
071001 cis 8260586 49
***NOT YET APPROVED***
6.The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.270 - Floor control valves- is
necessary to provide fire extinguishing control devices that allow systems to remain partially in
service while repairs or maintenance are ongoing. See Findings 1 and 2.
7. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.280 through 15.04.295 provide
for additional fire and life safety measures during construction and demolition. See Findings 2
and 3.
8. The local amendments contained in PAMC 15.04.300-Definition of’°continuous gas
detection system" and sections 15.04.450 through 15.04.502 regarding toxic gases incorporate
requirements established by the Model Toxic Gas Ordinance and California Fire Code.
Administrative and restrictive measures include changes in definitions, quantities regulated, and
utilizes County consensus guidelines established by other regional agencies which share similar
climatic, geological/geographical, and topographical conditions. See Findings 1, 2 and 3.
9.The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.310 - Fire Protection Water
Supply System, requires an adequate water supply in areas used for storage of highly combustible
organic waste materials. This requirement mitigates the added Climatic hazards and limited
access due to Topographical conditions.
10. The local amendments contained in PAMC section 15.04.510 - Storage and use of
liquefied petroleum gas- place restrictions on liquid petroleum gas where natural gas is provided.
These restrictions are appropriate given Palo Alto’s seismically active local geological
conditions because they wil! reduce portable container releases in the event of seismic activity
and mitigate the geological risk described in Finding 2.
11. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.520 through 15.04.588 set
forth protections for urban-wildland interface areas that are necessary to mitigate the additional
fire risks in the Palo Alto foothills hazardous fire zone. The modifications contained in these
amendments provide for additional precautions against fire risks and additional fire extinguishing
systems necessitated by the conditions listed in Findings 1, 2, and 3 above- Climatic,
Geographical and Topographical.
12. The local amenchnents contained in PAMC section 15.04.590- Life safety requirements
for existing high rise buildings- are designed to provide additional fire and life safety features in
existing high-rise buildings given the seismically sensitive geological conditions described in
Findings 2 and 3.
071001 cis 8260586 50