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City of Palo Alto
City Manager's Report ------
TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: FIRE
AGENDA DATE: NDvember 20,1995 CMR:478:9S
SUB.JECJ: Adoptlo. of tile 1994 Ulliform Yin Code "'"" k>eaI amendments
BEQUEST
The pmpose olthis report is !O request that Council approvcthe attached orcfmar.ee and findings
olfact to adopt !he 1994 edition ollbe Unifonn rltt Code by reference with local amendments,
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recoounends !hat the Council:
I. Approvelhe attached ordinance which ameodsCbapter 15.04 ollhe Palo AltO Municipal
Code and adopts the 1994 Edition ol the Unifurm Fire Code with Palo Alto local
amendments.
2. Approve the Findings olFad.
POUCV IMPLICATIONS
This approval represents changes to existing policies or the continuation of unique existing
policies as fo!Jows: '
I. Council approval will cftrect staff 10 more aggressively p= the rehabilitation ol
properties that have removed underground storage tanb or thaI are conducting
soiVgroundwater remediation. This policy will be unique withIn the County and may
result in increased Iitigatioo due to enforcement olthis provisioo.
2. Councilapp!'Oval will direct staff to pursue tho removal of weeds. which present I fire
hazard, from properties wh<re the Coun.ty weed abatement contractor WO'Jld ha,'e an
extended time lag befOre removal coold occur. Fire Deparlment staff would contract fJr
the weeds to be removed in • timely manner, and would then bill L'>e property OIWC! f<lr
tho recovery of all associated costs.
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J, CoomcilIlJll'l'O""l will au1hcrize staff to require elements of design drawings for certain
bwldings, althe time of coostruction, in a hmot which is compatible "ilb lIle City'.
Geographical Informatioo Systems.
4. Council approval will dlrect stafflo continue 10 require, allhe time of t<J<ISIrU<;tion an
elevator car which is siud to accommodate IIJIJbu/an<:e gurneys. when oIhelWise
required by Ihe building cOde, This is ~ Ii'o!n wllat is required by !he model codes
and does add to !he cost of construction.
Th. Uniform Fire Cede (UFC) iB revised and publishe<l every three year.;. State law requires
jurlsdicUoos, who &dopt \ocaI amendments to &dopt those amendments, related to housing
within 180 days Ii'om adoption ollheStaIe codes. The State of CalilOrnia adopted those codes
on July I, 1995, Therefore, if the City's adoptioo. 00es not occur by 1anuary I, 1996,1ocal
amendments related to housing W!1I not be enforceable.
Stafflh<lrougbly reviewed Ihe model codes after they were adopted and published by Ihe State,
This repa1 recommends Council's adoption of Ihe most cwrent UFC with the JocaI
amendments pertaining 10 Ihe City of Palo Alto. Sud! amendments include, but are not runlted
to. addilional tire protection features for build"lIIgs in !he foothills hazardous fire area;
corulominiwn complexes; commen:ial occupancies; and facilities using. storing or handling
hazardous materials,
The purpose of !he Uniform Fire Cede and JocaI amendments is 10 presonDe regulations
coosisteoI ",ilb natiooaDy recognized standards and good prac1kes, This is accomplished to •
reasonable degree, by safeguarding life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion
arising from !he storage, handling and use ofhazardous rna~ as well as from hazardous
conditions associated with Ihe use or occupancy ofbtnlmngs or premises.
The Unibm Fire Cede is a coosensus document. which is developed after Dumerous pu bIK
bearings with testimony from interested !IleIllbets ollhe fire servia, private industry and other
coocemcd individuals Ihrc~ghou! Ihe twenIy.six western United Stales. Fire Department staff
attended 3eVeraI of !hose bearings and provided input and Iflreclion into the process.
Representatives oCthe Santa Clara Counly Fire Chie!i; Ass9ciotioo endeavored 10 streamline and
standardiu local amendments where possible. Streamlining and unifunn code inteIpCetation
is • CODCClll of business and industry throog11out tbe State, This group bas addressed those
<:OD«mS. The objective has been 10 provide unifonn language and inlCIpretation of codes and
a:dinaDces, while addressing each communily"J unique characteristics. The attached ordinance
h:t 2.14
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rellect.s a Dwnber of deletions 10 achieve 1hls objective, ,,;Ihout com~ 10 publ;c safety.
Stafl's reoommenc!aIion include the deletion of I 09 local amendments !hat are now included
in the 1994 edition oflhe Uniform Fin: Code or are no Iooi,er applicable. This Countywl<le
fOcus will minimize confusion as'" bow the rodeo ore in~ applied. and enforced. TIds
will be cspeciaIIy !rue when applicants with sinular projects etOOi jurisdictioaal boundsrie<.
W>th 1hls adoption of the Unirorm Fire Code !here are eight amendments whicb make it
consistent with \be City's HazanIous M&!criIh Slora~ OnIinance (p AMC, TrtIe 11); eleven
amendments were added 10 comply with stale laws; one amendment related 10 reporting
requlrem<nts was added' fOr clarification; and five amendments were added 10 clBrify Fire
I'revcmioD Bureau standards and guidelines.
A provision has bees added ",hlcb would authorize !be Fin: alieflO requllc floor plans, oo-site
bydrant locatioos, hazardous mat..w locations, and other significant design elements 10 be
prov'.ded in a f<Jrmat compatible will! the City's GIs. at the time of coostruction. This
requirement would apply 10 newly COIIStructed buildings over two stories in height ()( over
15,000. square feet in floor area for single ()( agsregate btnlding;. The Fin: Department
<:=lIy con1ntcts 1hls work 10 be dooe fOr pn:-fire planning purposes CD builomgs whicb
presetIl property or life safely hazards.
A provision has been added wltich would authorize the Fire alieflo pursue Ihe removal of
weeds. which present a fire hazard, !rom properties where the counIy weed abatement
cootracto.-would be delayed in the reID<M!I ofweeds. Fire Departm<:nt <taff would contract for
Ihe weeds 10 be removed in • timely manner. and would !hen bill the property owner for
recovery of associated costs.
A provision has been carried over from the previous code adoption whicb would authorize the
Fire aliefta C<lIltinue 10 require. at the time of coostruction, an elevator car whicb is sized 10
accommodale ambulance gurneys. This is unique from what is required by the model codes and
does add 10 the cost of C<JilSIruction. Since Palo Aho is the ooIy City within Ihe County which
provides ambulance Iransport service, 1hls proviSion is unique 10 Palo Alto. Sev=l other
jurisdictions are cwrentJy considering the addition of this provision. When bui10mgs do not
bave adequately sized elevator cars, paramedics and firefighters must physically carry
emergency medical patients Mthin the elevato< ()( down s.."Vera! flights of stairs. This results
in cer1ain Iifesavin, p<ocedures, such as cardiopulmooary resuscitatioo (CPR) and artificial
resuscitation, having'" be stopped during movement of the patient 10 the ambulance.
PAMC Title IS, Article 90, Regulatino Of Facilities W>th Toxic Gases, was renumbered to
Article 91. This was done to eliminate cooIIict wilh the numbering system of the 1994 Unirorm
Fire Code, whicb bas added a new Article 90. A local amendment bas been added \0 te\llrn
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~ from v.hlch undaground tanks have been removed, 10 their pre-relllOVld cooditi<x>
The proposed;:hang<: would provide staffwith the enfon:cmenl autbority 10 minimize the time
a property owner would be allowed 10 stockpile """laminated soil
Many of the olumges are I!Je result of. different numbering format. This was c!ooe 10 aclJiev.
COIIIpIItibiIit with the Uni1brm BuIlding Code and other National Codes. In addition, changes
incoIporllle existing regulaOOos into more speoiIic sections and consoIidllle duplic:atc language.
Existing Ioc:aI omcndmeoll! were reviewed Ie ddermine awlicMAlity and were catried over from
previous code adoptions, when appropriate. Moot of the newer amendments ...., minor changes
and clarification in language. The intent of the code remains 10 red""" loss of life and properly
clue 10 fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materiaIs. This is aocomplished by
ideotifying hazards from fire history and lessoos learned. and by proactively inoorponrlng
c:ngiDcering controls or best practices into the new buildings within the cooununily. Nothing
within the code is in!CDded 10 be applied retroactively, Uilless it is expressly implied by !be code
or is detcnnined by.the Fin: Cbiefthal an existing ooncfrtioo p«seIlts a distinct hazard 10 life or
property-
fJSCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscaI impa<:t II this time.
POOSQNMr.NJAL ASSESSMENt
This projcc:l is exempt from CEQA ucder seotioo 1530 oftbe CEQA guidelines.
,41TACHMfNIS
Proposed Ordinance (Chapter IS P AMC)
PREPARED BY, PInup Coristantino, Fire Marshal
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• ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CiTY OF PALO ALTV
AMBNDING CHAPTEl< 15.04 OF THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE AOOPl'tN:; THE 1994 EDITION OF THE
THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE WITH LOCAL AMEmJMEFrS
The Council of th" City Of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as
follows:
SfCTION 1. Olapter 15.04 of the Falo Alto Municipal Code
is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 1.5. 04
WIFOD PIRB COOK
15a04a010 t1qptiop 9f the QAlfopa Fire Cod@.
The 'Uniform .Fire Code .. 1994 Edition Volume II of the
International Fire Code Institute, 9300 ~ollyville Road. Suite 105 ..
Austin~ Texas 78759 and Western Fire Chiefs' A£sociation, 26924
Front Street, Suite 101. Teme~la, California. 92590 is adopted.
including Appendix I-:S as aDlended .. and appendices I-C .. II-A as
amended. II-B. II-C, 11-0 ... II-F. II-I. III-A as amended. III-B as
amended. lZ!-C~ III-D. IV-A. rv-B. V·A. Vi-A. VI-B. VI-C. VL-D. VI
B ... VI-!' and carpanioo. standards ·Uniform Fire Code Volume II _ On:e
copy of the Oniform 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 tbe uniform Eire C~~ and the
amendments set forth in this Chapt.er, are on file and Open to
public inspection in the Fire Depar~ment Administrative Office.
Whenever the phrase -Uniform Fire Code-appears in this
Code or io any ordinance of tbe City~ such phrase shall be deemed
and constr~ed to refer to and apply to the -Uniform Fire Code~ 1994
Edition-as adopted and amended by this chapter.
15.04.012 Violationa and Pep-ltiea.
Any person, fi~ or co~ration violating CL~y prov~s~OD of
this fire Code shall :t.e deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
convict.ioo thereo·f sl".al1 be punished as provided in subsection (aJ
of sect.ion 1.{I-S.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code. EaCh separate
day or any portion thereof during which any violation of the Fire
Code occurs or continues shall be d~emed to constitute a separate
offense, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein
provided.
1S.04.01l Seotion 103.4.4.1 Added -Enforcement/Cit.tio~
Authority ...
Sftotiog 103,4.4.1 is a~ed eo the Oniform Pire COde to read
as follows:
1
The following designated errployee positions may enforce the
provisions of this chapt,er by th.e issuance of citations. Persons
employed in such positions are authori~ed to exercise the authority
provided in P~l Code Section 836.5 and are authorized to issue
citations for violations of this chapter. The designated employee
positions are: Fire Chief, Deput.y Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Fire
Inspectors. Hazardous ~terials Specialist and Hazardous Materials
Investigator.
15.04 .. 0l0 a.etlon 10),2,1.1 Ul and «10] Mde4
SaCety 'IAR leyi ...
Life
Sections 103.2.1.1 ('I &D4 101 are added to the Uniform
Fire Code to read as follows:
·H~) (h) Fire and life-safety plan review of all nev-
construction, all remodels 8 and all additions.
(10) The Fire Chief may require fleer p] ans.. on-site
hydrant l~ations_ hazardous materials locations. and other
significant Gestgn elements to be provided in a format compatible
wit.h the City's GIS at time of constru-ctiOD.. This requirement would
apply to newly coastructed buildings over two stories in height or
over 1;.0.0-0 square feet In floor area for single or aggregate
buildings .•
15.04.05Q Section ~03.1.4 4.leted -Appeal •.
Section 103.1.4 of the Uniform Fire Code •• Appeals,· is
celeted.
15.04.070 Subsection 105.2.4 added to Sectlon lOS -
Per.m1ts -Per.ait Pees~
Subsectioo 105.2.4 is added to Section 105 -Permits -of
the Uniform Fire Code to rea~ as follows:
-105.2.4 All permit fees shall be established ky the City
Council as set forth in the municipal tee scbedule.-
15~04.083 Subsections d.3 8 f~4, f.5 8 f~', f.', f.8. and f.' added to Section 105.8 -Pe~t 2equlred.
Subsections d.3, f.4, f.5. f.E" ... f.7. f.e, and f.9 are
added to section 105.8 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
-Per.mits shall be required in accordance with s~tion 1CS.B
and this section:
2
CUll
Code
l11'C
10S.6·1I.1.
105.8 f.t
105.8 f.S
10S.8 f.5
lOS.8 [,7
105.8 Le
105.8 f.9
Day care Permits. To operate a day care facility for
more than six people.
Automatic fire
ModificatiOQ
sprinklers
Ot"her automatic fire
InstallatiOQ/MOdification
system Installation/
ext ingu i ehi ng systems
Pire ~arm Systems. Installation/Moditication
Standpipe systems ~t~ dry or combination installation
Hydranta private on-site. installation/modification
Underground fire
modification
sez:vice lines. installation!
15.04.120
f9r Blevator ...
UFC '02.5 ,§=-'ie4 .. Qurncv Acces, Requirement.
Section l..Q.a........5 is added t.o the Oni form Fire COOe -to read as
follows :
... ~ When elevat.ors are provided in buildings two
stories in height or mo,e, constru~ted after January 4~ 1990. at
least one elevat.or shall be of a size t.o accommodat~ a fire
department gurney and a mininrum of two {2) emergenq response
personnel.. Por engineering purposes .. sizing shall be based on
gurney dimensions of 24· x 8:2·. (see dia.gram for prevention standard
guidelines for a typical elevator cab design and dimensions)~ It
is n~ the intent of tbis amendment to require elevato~s~ but to
regulate the minimum size when an elevator is installed in order
to expedite emergency medical transport tor critical care ~tients.
15.0t.140 Subaection8 'Ol.4.2.1 ",,4 90l.4.2.2 addell to
SeotiOD '03 -Water Supplies anll Pire Hydrant ••
Subsections 903.4.2.1 and 903.".2.2 are add~d to the
Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
-'03.4.2.1 Fire hydrant spaoing.
~ere fire hydrants are required by this Code~ th~ standard
spacings listed herein shall be maintained~ unless in th~ judgment
of the Fire Chief~ conditions warrant a reasonable devia~ion froo
these standards:
-30~ feet for commercial/industrial and high d~~sity
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residential districts;
50~ feet for ocher districts4
903.4.2.2 On-site hydrant.,
Painting of all oc.-sit:.e fire-hydrants shall be dooe in
visibility-yellow to identify the hydrant.
15.04.170 ~8ecUon. 1003.2.9 and 1003.2.10 added to
Sect1= 1003 -AutOlllaUC Fire l!b:tingubhl.ng Syn ........
SUbsections 10;03.2.9 and IIJ03, 2 .10 are added to Section
10~3 of the Unlfonn Fire Code to read as follows:
-1003.2.9 An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
in any building or group of buildings wbere, in the judgment of
the Fire _Chief .. SI,l·ch building or group of buildings .. due to size#
height~ type Of construction, location on property, contents, or
occupancy classification would exceed or severely tax the
capabilities Qf the local fire department to perform a reasonable
level of rescue and fire suppression opErations~ Su~h buildings
shall in~lude~ bUt ~ be limited to:
1.. All new buildings requiring 1 ~ 00,0. gpm or more
fire flow. Required fire floW' sl-.all be determined by using
the for.mula and procedures established in the F.P.B. fire
flow worksheet~ PPB-23.. rSee :15.04.370 for fire flev
worksheet .. )
The area used in the fire fl-ow formula shall be the
gross buildiLg area regardless of area or occupancy separa
t.ion walls.
2. All new buildings more than five stories or 50
ft. in height.
3. ~l new buildings construc~ed
fire a.rea '-hazardous fire area-is
in~ludes, all property located west of
See UFC Appeooix II-A. NFPA 13-D shaH
standard for residential installation ..
subsection (S) below.
in t.he hazardous
defined as, and
Interstate 280).
be t.he reference
For reIrlOdels :see
4_ Existing buildings Which have occupiablE square
footage added to the gross square toctage or .... l".ich have the
prinCipal occupancy classification changed to a more
hazardous classification~ shall have an autcmat ic fire
sprinkler system installed throughou~ the entirE building.
Hazards related to occupancy classifications shall be
determined by the Fire Chief using the Palo Alto Fire
Depart.ment Listing of OCcupancies According to R.elative
Hazards guideline FPB 24 {Sec. 15.Q4~31S}.
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50 When additions. alterations, or repairs within
any twelve (121-month period exceed fifty percent (Sot) of
the value of an existing building or structure ol su-eh
building sball be ~a6e to conform to the requirements of
SUl:>ee<:tioo 10. S07 (b) 5 (aa) fer new buildinss or structures.
Value shall be "Hermined from the cost per square foot
table in the most current Building Standard, MagAzine.
pclllished by the International Conference of Building
" Officials.
If t.be building addition requires sprink1ers under
Sectioo 1. (listed above] • the entire buildins shall be
sprinkleredo
,.. If an automatic fire sprinkler system is not
required for purposes oCher than this section. the area.
height or st.ory increases or the fire resistive
subetitutions vllich may have been permitted by the oniform
Building Code lIBCI shall apply.
7. The Fire Chief may waive the 100·0-gpcn fire flow
proviSion when applied to buildings housing only R-3 OCCU
pan<:iea and opec. par'"King structures not lcca.ted in t.he
hazardous fire area.
S.. Sprinkler systems shall be equipped with a
~n~ two-way siamese Fire Department concectiooo
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 ~th an approved straigbtway cbeck
valve. Locatf.OJlS shall be subject to approval by t.he Fire
Chief prior to any installationr
EXCEPTION: Automatic sprinkler systems installed in
. accordance with the !."FPA standards 13-D. and 13 -R.. ma.y have
a single :2 ~-in(:h c.onnection with approved straigbtway
cbeck valve.
9_ AJly person, ti:rnl~ company. or corporation
performing servicing as required. by Title 19 of -the
California State Fire Marshal's Rules and Regulations. on
any fire protection applian-ce. shall affix a pennanent
label to tbe riser of tbe Fire Depart.ment connection
directly below the two-way sia~ese. This sticker or label
shall meet the requirements of the California State Fire
Mar$hal's Office.
1CH1).2.10 Life Safe~ Systems in R-l ~d a-1 ~cupaneiea.
The Fire Chipf may approve a life safety designed
automatic fire sprinkler systems for installation in ~-3
and R-l occupan~ies not more than three (ll stories or 35
feet in height_
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1. Materials: Lite safety autc:cnatlc fire sprinkler
systems tray be installed using any mat€rials listed for
such uee by UL or other nationally recognized testing
laboratory inel~in9 materi~ls made of plastic.
2. oe~isn standards:. Life Safety automatic fire
sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accor
dance with NFPA 13-R. or lJ!ay be designed and installed under
the supervision o-f a licensed fire protect-ion engineer 'Who
viii cE',rtify that the design criteria will provide life
safety from fire eqlliyo.lent to NFPA 13 ... R. sta.ndards as
modified below •
1. Additional requirements for :R.-l occupancies: If
13R design criteria is approved by the Fire Chief. the de
signer shall U'eet t.he requirements listed below in addition
tc> NFPA ll·R. standarde_ In buildings containing more than
four a-l units the following additional requirements shall
apply.
3.1. A 2 ~-i.och fire department ~"'"lper con
nection shall be p!'ovided~
3.2. A local vater flow alarm bell sball be
provided.
3.3~ If a local fire alarm is required sprinkler
water flow detection shall be ioter
conz::!ected.
3.4. Systems cootaining IrOre t.han 10,0 6prinklers
~hall comply vith the provisions of Article
10 -Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
of this Code.
3.5. Cammon. attics and usable under-floor spaces
~hall be proeected.
3:.6_ Water supply demand for the system shall be
calculated to the most r~e unie or attic
space.
,. Mixed occupancy conditions:. Buildings containing
mixed uses shall be protected in accordan.ce with the
hazardous classification of each use;: reference for
decerMinlng hazard classes NFPA Standard 13.
EXCEPTION: :i.-I occupancies within mixed occupancy
buildings meeting all ~her criteria of this 6UbE~ction may
be protected to lite safety standards on the interior of
individualliving.unltB.
5. Automatic fire sp.rinkler trade-otts: Fire-resistive
substitution or area and height ,increases which might
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otherwise be permi~ted shall not apply to buildings
protected by life safety fire spria~ler systems.
6. Installation: All required life safety fire
sprinkler Systetl'lS shall be installed by coc.tractors
licensed by the State of California for inE:allation of
automatic fire sprinkler sy-stems ..
EXCEP'l"ION: An individual homeowner acting as his/her own
contractor may install a life safety Ure sprinl<ler system,
provided that tbe system design has been reviewed and
approved by a licensed engineer or a C-lEi lic:ensed
CODtractor~
,.. Licensed contractors installing plastic pipe shall
be certified by the manufacturer of the listed pipe, in
addition to State of california con·tractors· licensing re
quiremeDts~ This certificate shall be in the possession of
the installer on the job site at all times l and shall be
presented upon request of the Fire Chief.
S.. Installers -using listed plastic pipe shall use
insulated pipe clamps or other clamps as approved by the
Fire Chief.
9 ~ All NFPA 13·D.. .or 13R systems shall be
bydrostaticall~~ested.at 200 psi fer two (2) hours.
15.04.172 Seetion 1003.5 added • Sp~tnkler CODtrol Valves.
section 1OO3.S of the uniform Fire Code is added to read
as follows:
-1003.5 Floor Coatrol Valv~s. Automatic sprinkler systems
serving buildings t'Wo-(2) or mere stories in height shall have
,,-alves installed so as t.o Co:J,·trol the system indepeooently on each
floor including Casements. .
EXCEPTION: Buildings no< over three (31 stories in height
containing only ~·3 occupancies.
Floor control valves shall ~ protected from tampering by
installation in lockabl~ enclosures and by valve supervision in
accordance with section 1.0'03.3.1 of th€ Uniform Fire Code
15.04.175 SUbsect{~ 1003.4 &mended and subsection. , and
5 deleted from Section 1003.4 --Per..issible Sprinkle~ Omissions.
Subsection 10'03. '" is and subsections '" and 5 deleted
from Section 1003.4 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
-10.03.4. Subject to the awrova1 of t.he Fire Chief ...
. sprinklers ~ay be omitted in roow~ or areas as follows:
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1_ When sprinklers are considered undesirable
because of ~he nature ~f ~he contents or in r~ or areas
which are of noncombustible construc~lon with wholly
noocombUstible cooeeots and which are not exposed by other
areas~ Sprinklers shall not be omitted from. any room
~rely because it is damp, of fire-resistive congtruction
or contains electrical equip~ent.
2. Sprinklers shall ~ be installed when the
application of water or flame and water to ~he contents may
constitut.e a serious life or fire bazard.. as in the
manufactu~ or storage of quantities Of aluminum powder,
calciUM earbide~ calcium phosphide. metallic sodium and
potassium, quicklime, :magnesium powder and sodium perooride ..
3.. In accordan-ce with National Fire ProtectIon
~sociation Standards 13 .. 13-D or 13~.
". Deleted .
• 5tO.~1a2 §A9tloD 1103,2,4,1 &~ed -Wced Removal,
Section 1103,2~4,i of the Uniform Fire Code is added to
read as follows:
1103.2.4.1 Weed removal .. The tire ch.ief may cause the
remova.l of weeds on properties in which further delay of weed
removal would promote a hazard. The 'Chief may also at his optioo.
bill subject properties for any and all expenses related to the
removal or as outlined in Cha~er 8.0B of the Palo AJto MUniCipal
Code.
1$, Of .187 suh,cet:ioD 1302,4 Added to Section 130L....:.
l.uYMt.U1e Palle Pire Al~.
SUbsection 1302,. is added to Section 1302 of the Unifor.m
Fire Code to read as follows:
11302 .. 4 PreVAAt.able Pal •• Fire MAma. More than three
falSE alarms received within a 30-day period and each consecutive
alarm thereafter .. fram a private alanm connection to the MuniCipal
alar.m system or to the Communications Center which are determined
after investigation by the Fire Chief to be preventable (as defined
in th~ Palo ~to Fire Department General Orders} are subject to a
fine# as established by the MUniCipal Fee Scbedule. that shall be
~ivalent to the direct cost of all responding units. Cost shall
be computed in increments ~ fifteen (15} minutes. Cancellation of
respons€s(s} enroute shall be deemed as a preventable talse ala~.·
1S.04.1B9 Subsections 1~07.3.3.3.S and 1007.3.3 .•. 6 added
to Ssction 10'07,3 .. 3.3. Graphic Annunciation.
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Subsections l001_3.3.3.~ and lC01.3.3.3.6 added to Section
1007.3 of the Unifor.m Fire Code to read as follows:
-1o-0"'J.3 .. 3.1.5 Graphic Annunciator Panels. Graphic
annunciator panels shall be provided at such locations as are
required by the Fire Chief.
1007.3.3.3.6 Existing Buildings. The provisions of this
section shall apply to existing oooditi~~ as well as to cooditions
arising after the adoption ther.eof .. except. that the conditions
lega.l1y in existence at t.he adoption of this section and not ic.
strict coapliance therewith shall be permitted to con,tinue only if"
in the opinion of the Fire <hief. they do not constitute a distinc~
hazard to life or prqperty.-
lS.0f..1H Sullo.ctlon. tSO~.U.4. tSQl.16.S. 2S~1.15.6
aMed to Section 2501.16 -Xa>ti2Nla occupant Lead.
Stibseceions 2501416.4, 2501.16.5 .. 2501.16.6 are add~d to
Section 2501.16 of the Cniform Fire Code to read as follows:
'2501.16.4 OCcupant load &igns. Occupant load signs,
when required p shall meet th~ requirerr~nts of the Palo Alto Fire
Department occupant load sign requirements.
250L 16 .. 5 Maxifl".um room capacity sign shall be
<:onspicuously posted by the owner of the building by means of
durable signs placed in each assembly room. auditorium~ or room
used for a similar purpose were fixed seats are DOt. installed. It.
sball be unlawful to remove or deface sueh 9ign or to ~~~t mere
than the legal number of persons wi thiil SI,l,ch space 4
25,01.16.' Sample s;i9'04 The following sign meets th~
requirements of subsection 2501.16.4 :
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SEATING CAPACITY
NOT TO EXCEEO$ 'v. <v
ASSEM~Y% 10 0 r
C:>~
DINING ±
<!:Y OROE.R OF FIRe a BLDG, DEPTS"
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15.0',201 Seetipp 29'·8 amen40d -Addit~9U of definition
of Iazar4ou4 MlterIal. Ju_ina •• Plan.
Sect loa 209-H of the Uniform Fire Code is amended with an
additional definition to read as follovs:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BUS INESS PLAN is a wr i t ten plan
containing General Informatloa~ Emergency Response Plan.. Training
Plan. Invent.ory Statanent, and Sit.e PIUl~ Each section shall be in
such detail as requirecl by the chief and shall contain at a minimum
the information required pursuant to section 2550~ et.seq~ Of the
Health and Safety Code.
15.D4.205 SgetiOO 220-$ em e pAI4
of Storage r.gllity,
Addition of definition
Section 220-S of the Unifor.m Fire Code Is amended with au
additional definitioo to read as follows:
STORA{;S FACILITY is anyone or combina.t i on. of tanks, SUIl'pS ~
wet floors.. waste treatment facilit.ies. pipes,. vaults or other
portal:>le or fixed: containers,. used, or designed to be used, for the
storage of hazardous materials.
15,O.t207 SectlOQ 14Q1.'.4 .mepde4
gas POPtltacrAr cylinders ADd t.nkst
SeCuring compressed
Section 7401. 6 .. 4. of t.he Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
7401~6 .. 4 Securing compressed gas coot~iners~ cylinders and
tanks. Compressed gas containers,. cylinders and tanks sball be
individually secured to pr~vent falling due to contact~ vibration
or seismic activity.. Securing of compressed gas containers~
cylinders and tanks shall be by one of the following methods:
1. Securing cocnpressed gas coc.tainers. cylinders a!'ld
tanks to a fixed object with one or more noncombustible restraints.
Compressed gas containers. cylinders and tanks. 26-inches (660 rom}
in height or greater shall be secured by not less than two
restraints poSitioned as close as practical to one-third aDd two
thirds of the height of the contain~r.
2.. Securing compressed gas containers.
tanks on a cart or other mobile device designed for
compressed gas containers. cylinders and tanks~
-cylinders and
the lI'OVement of
3. Nesting of compressed gas containers. cylinders and
tanT..S at container filling or servicing facilities or in sellers
war~houses n~ accessible to the public, nesting shall be allowed
provided the nested cODtainers. cylinders or tanks~ if dislodged,
do not obstruct the required means of egress.
10
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4. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylind~rs or
tanks to or within an appro,.-ed rack, framework, cabinet or similar
assembly 6~s1gned for such use.
15.0.,210 Se;t1op 7901,l,I.1 added -Qpautbor1,ed rele.ae.
Section ')901,1..1..'1. is a6ded to the Uniform Fire Cooe t.o
read as follows:
7901.1.1.1 unauthorized release. Tbe storage, dispensing.
1II1xing. handllng and use of flaomoble and c<XOO\lstible liquids shall
be done in a manner so as not c.o in-crease the risk of an
unauthorized release.
Section 7901,9,1 of the Unifor.m Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
7901..8.1 General. Buildings .. rooms and areas shall be
provided with a means to coot-rol spillage and contain or drain
spillage a.nd fire protection water as set forth in 7:5101. e. See
also Section eO~1.14.5,
15.0f-21S Section 7'O~,11,1,) added -SpIll control
Section 7901.11.1.3 is added to the UnifO~1m Fire Code to
read as follows:
7901.11.1.3 Spill contrOl. Spill caotrol shall be provided·
for piping tor flammable aDd Combustible liquids. Spill ~ontrol
in~lude8 bUt is ~ limited to double walled piping~
15.04.21' Seetlog 7902.1.1,2 ,mepd§4 -Underground t.nks.
Section 1902.~.1,2 o( the Uniform Fire Code is ~ended to
read as follows:
7902.1,7.2 Uooerground tanks. Underground sto!'age tanks
for flammable and c~stible liquids shall be installed ..
mai:c.-taineCS .. operated and closed in accordance with Article 79 and
Title 23, Division 3 1 Chapter lEi of the California Code of
:Regulations. Where prOVisions 'Couflict, the more r~$trictive
requirement shall apply.
15.04.2~2 Sub1ect1op "02.1.7,2.1
TP!Mr,rlly Out of SerTie!!!
amended Tanks
Section 7902.1.7.2,1 of the Uniform Fire Code is atnended to
read as follo~s:
7902.1,7,2.1 ~anks Temporarily Out of Service.
Underground tanks temporarily out of service shall hav~ the fill
line. gage opening ~ vapor return and pump con!'lect ion secured
against tampering. Vent lines shall remain open and be rraintained
11
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in aCQO~e with Sections 7902.1~10 and 7902.2.64 rnvironmental
moc!toring required by this article or other laws shall continue.-
15.0f.225 Section 7902.1.7.2.' &44A4 -Pl.~inq Safeguarded
TaM' hs;k in lery's; •.
Section 7902.1~7.2.6 of the unifo~ Fire Code is added to
read as follows:
'902.1.7.246 21acing safeguarded tanks back in service4
Tanks 'Which are to be placed back in service shall be tested in a
manner approved by the chief. Environmental samples .,hall be taken
from approved locatioas and the analytical repores provided to the
Fire Chief.
15,04,2+2 St;tiQA 7,Q2.S.'.5 'd4e4 -Lilte4 Refriqc;a-
section 7902.5.945 is added to the UDifo~ Fire Code to
read as follows:
7302.5.9.5 Listed Refrigeration; Refrigeration of flamma~
ble li.quids shall be within applian<:es listed or approv-ed by a
nacionally recognized 1abor~tory. If refrigeration is needed to
prevent a hazardous condition the Fire Chief may require standby
poYer or an equivalent safe~~ard.
1$.0.,244 S.et.ten "1'Q2,2~241 amended -W,tion' whl:xa
Nboveqr0up4 tenk-are Pt9bShlte4~
Section 7902.~.2~1 of the ~uifo~ Fire Code is amended to
read as fol.lows:
7902.2.2.1 Locations where
prohibited.. The storage of Class I,
aboveground tanks outside of buildings
City of Palo ~to.
EXCEPTIONS:
aboveground tanks are
II and III liquids in
is prohibited within th€
1.. Class II and III liquids protected by an approved fire
extinguishing system and all otber provisions of this Code
are met ..
2. Class II and ill liquids for emergency and standby power
systems, in unprotected tanks with a capacity of 60,0
gallons or less, or in protected t.a:nks. as d-:fined in
Appendix II"F~ witn a capacity of 2~OOO gallons or less.
vhen all other provisions of this Code are met ..
3.. The Chief rreay approve the storage of Class 1 liquids in
aggregate quan,tities of 2,00-0 gallons or less. or Class II
and III liquids in aggregate quantities of 6,0,00 aallons or
less, in agricultural land use zones and tempc"'rarily at
co-nstnlct.ion sites~ at earth moving projects .. and other
12
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approved areas" provi,jed all other provisions of tbis Code
are met.
~.2t. Soqtion 7902,',' amended -LOaktno Teck"
Section 7902.6.8 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows!
7902.6.8 Leaking Tanks. Leaking tanks shall be prCX!1ptly
reported, en-pt.ie6.. and removed from. the ground or abandoned in
accordance ~th Section 7902~1~7.4 or 7902.1.'.2~4, respectively.
The Fire Chief may permit a double contained tank to be repaired by
an approved method and may require recoomendations fran a qualified
engineer.
15.04.259 SeetiQA 7903.4 aMed -l.esyqle Iqu1nmAAt·
Section 7903.4 is added to t~ Unifcr.m Eire Code to read as
follows:
7903a4 ~ecycle Equi~~nt. E~iprnent to be utilized for
p'.1rificat.ioD, separatioo.. or recycling fla.mnahle or corribt:.stible
materials and utilizing a heat source shall be reported to the Fire
Chief and reviewed for adequate safeguards,
~Ot!2'1 S.e~lOQ IOQ1.1.1 am'nded -Genera1.
Sect.ion 80(11.1.1 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
80~1.1.1 General. prevention, control and mitiqation of
dangerous conditions related to storage .. dispensing,. use .. and
.handling of hazardous materials .. regardless of quantity ... and
information needed by emergency response personnel shall be in
accordance with Article SO.
This article snall include those parts of Chapter E. 95
(corrmencing with Sec. ~5500} and Chapter 6.7 (commencing with SEC~
25280J and Cha~er 5.75 (commencing with Sec. 25299) of the Health
aDd Safety Code which ~se additional requirements ~r are more
restrictive.
15.0'.2£5 Sec;~lon 1.00.1.1.1.1 added -General Safety.
Section 8001.1.1.1 is add~d to the Uniform Fir~ Code to
read as follows:
80·01.1.1.1 General Safety. The dispensing, m~x~ng.
handling. use or storing of haz.arOOus materials shall be done in a
manner so as not to increase the risk of an unauthorizEd release~
In ehe absence of direct regulation by this code. other appropriate
regulations. standards.. laws crdinances~ or other nationally
recognized and accepted methods of good practice may be applied to
define acceptable practices. In the "event of conflicting
authorities. the most restrictive shall apply.
13
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~2" Sectiop 8001,3.2 amepded
Fln-gn't. pip ..
Hazardous materials
Seotion 8001.3.2 of the uniform Fire Code i. amended to
read as follows:
.8001.3.2 Hazardous materials zr.anagernent plan~ The
Hazardous Materia1s Management Plan (HMMP) shall mean Hazardous
Materi~ls Business Plan (HMBP).
15104.2" 'astioD 8001 ••• 1 fmopdt4 -General.
Section 8001.4,1 of the Uniform Fire Code is amend.ed to
read as follows:
SOOl.C.l General. Containers~ cylinders and tanks
utilized for storage .. dispensing, use or handling cf hazardous
materials shall be in aoco~e with Section 8001, ••
Underground storage tanks for hazardous materials shall be
installed. maintained. operat.ed and closed in accordance with
Section 8001.' and Title .2l, Division 3, Chapt.er 16 of the
California Code of Regulations. Where prOVisions conflict.. the
more restrictive req~irement ahall apply_
15.04.271
c9n,truc tlon.
Design and
Section 8001.4.3.2 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
80()1.4.3.2
valves~ fittings
~terials shall be
Design aOO
and related
:i a acco rdance
construction. Piping. tubing~
components used for hazardous
yitb the following;
1. PipiDg. tubing,. valves~ fittings and related components
shall be designed and fabricated frOffi materials compatible
with the materials to be contained and shall be of adequate
strength and durability to withstand pressure~ structural
and seismic stress~ and exposure to which they are subject~
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with
natiooally recognized standards (see Article 90 Standard
a.2.1} to indicate the material conveyed~
3. Emergency shutoff valves shall be identified and tbe
location shall be clearly visible and indicated by means of
a sign ... and
4. Backflow-prevention or check. valves shall be provided when
the backflov of hazardous ma~erials could create a
hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized discharge of
hazardous materials~
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5. Spill control shall be provided for liquid Ilazardous
materials~ Spill control include a but is not liD',ited to
double walled piping .
• t:atw. of t'nk'.
Section SOOl.4.'.2 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
80<ll.4.1.2 1t.ba..ndon."'nent and status of tanks. Any
statiooary tank taken out of service shall be properly safeguarded
or removed in acoordance witb Section 7902.1.7.
15.04.271 Seeti09 1001,4,7,2,1 added -pivpoRa1.
Section eO'01.4.7.2.1 is added to read as follows:
80<11.4.7.2,1 Disposal. Tanks shall be disposed of in
accordance with federal,. state and local regulations. R.emoved
soils shall not. be stockpiled on site for a period exceeding 30
days unless approval from the Chief has been obtained for a longer
period of time.
15.04.275 See~ion Sppl.S.2,2 ,menAe4 t .otlfleatiR~,
Section eaOl.S.2.2 of the Unifonn Fire Code is a~ended to
read as follows:
·eO\Jl.S.2.2 Notification. The chief shall be notified
immediately wben a threat.ened release or unauthorized discharge
es.capes secondary contairunent. or is contained but presents a
threat to health or property. or becomes reportable under state.
federal or local regulatIons.
15.04,271 See\Ipn IOP1,' amended -14eptlfleation signs.
Section SOOl,' of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to read
as follows:
eO~1.7 Identification signs. Visible hazard
identification signs as specified in U.F.C~ Standard 79,) shall be
placed at entrances to locations where hazardous materials are
stored.. dispensed. used or "handled in quantities requiring a
permit. Signs shall be provided at specific entran~es designated
by the chief.
Individual containers.. cartons. packages.. pipiDg. gas
cabinets c equipment. or rooms shall be conspicuOlJ.sly marked or
labeled in accordance ~th the departments labeling guideline or in
accordance with nationally recognized standards. See also Section
S0-03. 1.2.
15
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Product conveying ducts for venting hazardous materials
operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the ~terial
being vented and the directioc of flow,
lS·04,279 Seetioq 'pOl d '.' NPended
'P£9MP,tib1e pateriala,
SepAratiAA of
Section B001.9.B of the uniform Fire Code is amended to
read as follows:
8001.9.8 Sepa.ration of incompatible. Incompatible
hazardclus materials sball be separated. Separation by hazard class
is appropriate unless otherwise approved by the chief o-r in
following. nationally recogni%eO standards~
Separation shall be accomplished by:
1, Segregating i~~tible hazardous materials by a distance
of not less t.han 20 feet (60.96 mm} ~nd an independent.
contaimr.ent. system. or secondary containment.
2. Isolating incompatible hazardous ~4terials b}~ a non
combustible partition extending not less than 18 in<:hes
'4S7.2 rom} above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing liquid and solid materials in hazardous materials
storage cabinets. {See S~ction !003~1.10). or
,,~ Storing compressed gases in gas cabinets or exl"..austed
eo<:losures in accordance with Sect. ions 80-03.3.1.3.2' and
9003.3.1.3.3.
Materials vhicb are incompatible shall n~ be within the
same cabinet or exhausted ecclosure.
15,04.281 SeetlOQ 1001.1D.l.l added -Faoility trAn€DQrt.
Section SDOl.10~1.1 1m added to the Unifor.m Fire Code to
read as follows:
8001,10.1.1 Facility transport. Wben hazardous materials
are in transport in or about a facility. they shall remain in the
travel path only fez· tbe time rea.sonably necessary to effect the
tra.T1sfe:r.
15,Q4.283 SectIop 8001,10.1.2 added -Transport .a~~
Sect.ion 60,01.10,1.2 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follows:
80,01.10.1.2 Transport safety. Movement of hazardous
materials in or about a facility shall be done in a marrn~r ~hich
will not substantially increase the risk of unauthorized release.
Hazardous ~terials sha11 be accompanied by a trained fpursuant to
16
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See. S~~1.149.1) rerson when in transit to their use or storage
point.
15.04,285 Sogtiop 1001.12.',' amended -~lqht.
Section 8001.1',3.3 of the llniform Fire Code is amen<led to
rea6 as follows:
8001.12.3.3 Height. Display height shall not exceed 6
teet t1829 lml).. Stc.-rage !!!Ihall not exceed six (S} feet in areas
open to the public unless such storage ie seismically secure to
prevent any unsafe movement in the event of a major earthquake.
1,.04,25' Stctiop BQDle~4,5 added Spill £21?trol.
4raipaQ9 £?AWl pM •• cand'ry gontallllllMt.
Section 8001.14.5 is added co the UDiform Fire Code to read
as follows:
BO'OL 14.5 Spill control .. drainage control and secondary
containmen~. Spill control sball be required for all hazardous
materials ~hich are liquids or solids at normal temperature and
pressure fNTP} in accordance with Section e~03.1.7.a. Secondary
contaiW'leIlt shall be provided. for all outdoor storage of hazardous
materials wbicb are liquids or solids at Donral t.emperature and
pressure, {NTP~ in accordance wit.h Section eO'03.1. 7 ..
15. P4 .300 EASt-lOll soq] ,1. 5 '!""Pde4.. M,Ximum 9u.antlty em
Section 80,03.1.5 of the Uniform Fire Code is ame.n49d to
read as follows:
S()03.1.S Maximum QUantity OD Site. The storage of
hazardous materials shall conform to all applicable provisions of
the Palo Alto MUniCipal Code~
1$,01,305 Section 8003.1,',2.1 added .. Capacity.
Section B~3.1 .. 7.2.1 is added to the Uniform Fire Code t.o
read ae follows;
B003.1.7.2.1 Capacity. In the case of an installation
with one primary COntainer .. t:.he spill coc.trol syst-em shall be large
enougb to con~ain not less than 100 percent of the volume of the
prilnary container or tank. In the case of multiple primary tanks ..
the 'Spill cont.rol system shall be large enough to contain not less
than l~O percent ot tbe vol~e of the largest primary coctainer or
tank placed in it. or ~o percent of the volume of the aggregate
internal volume ot all primary cootainers and tacks, ~hichever is
greater.
17
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15,0 •• )07 Soetioa 800].1,'.4.1 .44.4 ~ Capacity,
Section B003.1.'.~,1 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to
read as follows:
!003.1.1.4.1 Capacity. For installations not covered by
fire sprinklers or exposed to rainfa11. secondary coctainment shall
be sized in accordance 'W'ith Section 8003.1.7. C .1. In t.he case ot
an installation with one primary contalner# the containment shall
be large enough to contain not less than 100 percent of the volume
of tbe primary ~ank. In tbe case of multiple primary t.ankS, the
containment shall be large enough to contain not less than 150
percent of the volume of the largest primary tank placed in it# or
~O percent of the volume of the aggregate internal volume of all
primary tanKs# whicbever is greater,
15,01,31' Section 8001.11.1.1 ame.Me4 .. Limit Cont~ol •.
1f9Ippera tur e •
Sec~iOD 8~l.1.14.3 of the uniform Fire C~ i9 amended to
reac!l as follows:
80-03.1.14.3 Temperature. Process tanks and equipment
which involve temperature cootrol of the material shall be provided
with 11l11.it con'trc~s t.o mai.ctain the temperature within a safe
range. Redundant temperature control equipment wbich ~ill operate
upon failure of the primary temperature control shall be provided
if the system is within canbustible construction or if the ventila
tion system is of combustible const:r:uctiOtl. Manually act.ivated
reset may be required.
1,5.04.342 SKttcn 1204.2 Mended -J5aximum. CApaCity
wi thin Bst&hll.he4 Limi t •.
Section 8204_2 of the Unifor.m Fire Code is arr~nded to read:
9204.2 Storage and use of liquefied petro2e~~ gas iLPG) is
pr~;ibited within the City limits of P3lo Alto where natural gas
mains exist.
EXCEptION: The Fi~e Chief may permit the use of LPG for
the following purposes and in th~ follOwing manner:
(1) A single tank of DO more than ~OO'gallon t 1892 L)
vater capacity in connection with portable equipment or
devices which are approved for use with LPG_
(21 As an emergency standby fuel supply for critical
industrial, medical or ~esearch equipment.
13)
L) water
installed
A single tank of no more than 2000-gallon '7570
capacity used in vehicle servicing operations
in accordance with applicable safety standards~
19
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The storage of LPG s!-..all COllfo['1l'! to the provisions of
applicable state and local Codes and ordinance •.
lS ~ D4. 343 .l.rtie1.'1 ,<d.. -R.aulatioD. of l'a;iliti.1
!M1'. Kater!.l. Which Art or Kay "1?"8 ToxiC! Ga •• 1 Are Found..
Article
follows:
9190 is added to the uniform Fire COde to read as
'UTICLE n
aegulatioo of Facilities Where Materials Which
Are or May Become Toxic Gases are Found
DIVJ:SION I. APPLICATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
H .101 Applicatioo~
fa) This article applies to all new and existing
facilities where regulated mat~rials subject to this article are
presen,t in concentrations which exceed the Level of Concern as
deter.mined in accorda~e with this article.
{b} It is intended tbat this article supplement~ and be
used in"conjunction with i other sections of this chapter and with
the Uniform Building Code i 19S! edition.
tel In the event of conflicting or overlapping regulatory
provisions within the Palo Alto Municipal Code~ the Fire Code and
this article~ the more stringent requirement shall prevail.
(d} In the event of oooflicting or overlapping regulatory
provisions with a federal law or state law or regulation, unless
the application of this article is expressly pre~ed by an Act of
Congress or enactment of the state legislature. the more stringent
requirem-ent shall be deemed to apply.
91.102 Definitions.
<a) ~neral. Unless che ~ontext ~herwise requires, the
words and phrases in this article shall have the meanings set forth
in this section aDd shall govern the construction of this article.
FOr ~rds ~ phrases ~ defined in this cha~er. the definitions
set forth in otber articles of the Fire Code snail control.
(b) L~~ted Applications. For the purpose of this article~
certain terms and words are defined as follows!
1. 'Controls' are a means to regulate mat~rials so
as to prevent unauthorized discharges.
2. -Control Area-means a space vi thin a ~ilding
where regulated materials may be st<lr==d~ han
dled~ dispensed or used", A cont.rol area is an
area formed by one or more of tne fol1~wiog:
19
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til An occupancy .... paration with .. minim\ll1\ "",,,.
hour fire resistive rating, or
(i.l) The exterior wall .. root or foundatioc. c·t
the building. A maximum of four control
areas shall be permitted within a building
except buildings or porticos of buildings
used for retail sales, ~hich shall have a
maximum of two control areas •
.3. 'EqUilibrium Vapor cooeentratiOil-("EVe·} means
the state of a regulated material at which vapor
pressure bas stabilized and Is DO longer rising
or taIling. EVe value of a regulated material
is determined by mal tiplying vapor pressure
(,VP'I by 10'. and dividing by atmospheric
pressure; as shown in"tbe following equation:
EVe (ppm) ~ Vapgr Pressure x lP!
Atmospheric Pressure {76Q mmHg]
Note: vapor pressure for mat.erials rita a
boiling point equal to or less than 25 C
sha~l.be '60 lrPllHs'; materials wit.h a boiling point
greater than 25 C shall 1.,lse
the actual vaporpressure for that
material at :25 C. At.mospheric
pressure is assumed to be 76G mm
at sea level.
4. -Facility-JneaDS any building, stru·cture ..
installation, equipmen.t" pipe .. container .. site ..
area" appurtenan,t struct.ure" or s"lJrrounding land
area Where regulated materials are stored .. used ..
dispensed" handled.. placed or otberwise have
come to be ~ocated.
S. -Fire Cede· means the Uniform Fire Code (-tJFC-),
as adopted or modified by ~he Palo Alto M~nici
pal COde.
6. -Gas· means an aeriform. fluid which is
saseous state at normal. t.emperature
pressure.
in a
and
7. -Inert. Construction Materials-means materials
which uDder reasonab1y foreseeable conditions
will ~ degrade or react upon contact with the
regulated materials to be contained.
B. -Level of Concern -, • LOC -} means thr: maximum
concentration o·f a substan-ce in air that will
not cause serious health effects in the majority
of the population when e~ed to tbe substance
for a relatively short period of time. For
20
purposes of this article, tbe LOC is equ.al to
0.1 of the lOLa value~ as d~fined in Article eo
of the Fire Code, if the particular substance
bas an established :IDLH~ or if no IDLE: value has
been est.ablisbed, t.he LOC shall be cc>osidered to
be If.e} LCso. 0.1 LCLo. 0.Q.():4 tD,.,. or 0.01 WI..<>.
9. lLethal COD,centratioo l (.~.) means the median
lethal coa~entration level, at which sa percent
of appropriate test animals die "hen exposed by
inhalation for a scien~ifically appropriate
specified time period.
11). -lRtbal Concentration Lowl (SLCLo") means the
lowest c~centratiOQ of a chemical at which same
teat animals died following inhalation exposure.
11. "Lethal Dose Median' ('~-) means the dose at
which SO percent of t~st animals die following
exposure. The lethal dose is given in
milligrams per kilogram of body weight of the
t.est animall!l.
12r -Lethal Dose Low' "LDLo·) means th~ lowest dose
of a chemical at whicb some test animals died
following exposure~
13. -Material Hazard Index· "MHI') means a numeric
value used for ranking of chemical substan-ces
(materials) in order to dete~iDe the level of
cont.rols necessary for regulated materials. MHI
is determined by dividing the EVe of a material
at 25'\: by the LOC for-t.he material,. as shown in
the following equation:
MHI _ rYe (ppm} • 4lS ClC
we (wrn)
1C~ 'K:i.ximum Threshold Quantity' (IMax. T.Q.') means
the maxLmum quantity of a Class II.or Class III
regulated material "'hi~h may be stored in a
single vessel before a stricter category of
regulation is required by this article. Max.
T.Q. is determined by the following equation:
Max. T.Q. (lbsl ~ 2,5 x lQ'
MHI
15. ·MinL~ Threshold Quantity· (·~n. T~Q.·) means
the aggregate quantity in a control area whicb l due to tha minimal aggregate quantities present.
need only comply with specific cootrol
requirements established in sUbsection 91~~Ol(e1
of this article. and not'with the requirements
for Class I, II, or III reg-ollated materials.
21
Ki%i~ T.O. for mixtures shall be based on· the
aggregate ",,!ght (in pounds) of the regulated
C«I1pO<>enos.
For D~O~T. Poison A (those materials character·
ioed by the United States oepar~nt of Traos
portation {·D.O~T.') as Poison A): Min. T.Q. -
1. lb. or less.
For ~h~~ regulated materials: Min. T.O .• 2
Ibs_ or less.
Minimum threshold quCl..:l·tity controls are set
forth in subsection 91.401(e) of this article.
1.6. 'Person' means an individual., trust, firm, join·t
stock company,. corporation... partnership,
aSBociatioo or other business ent1ty. city.
county, district... the state. any department or
agency thereof, or t.he: United States. to the
extent authorized by lava
11~ 'Regulated Materials-means all materials.
regardless of tc~ (i.e .... liquid, solid or gasJ
which ~et the criteria established by subsec
tion 91.20Hb). below.
18. 'Responsible Persons' or 'pe~sons responsible
means perr:dt.tees under t.his art.icle..-owners.
managers and persons respoasible for the day-to
day operation of any facility subject t.o this
article.
19. ·Unauthorized Discbarge' msans releasing.
spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting.
emp<ying. ~njecting. escaping, leaching; dumping
or disposing a resulated material into the
environment, including any sewer. storm drain,
ditch, drainage canal, lake, river or tidal
waterway. surface vater ... ground wate~~ land sur·
face". sidewalk ... street or bighway, subsurface
strata~ or ambient air, except:
{il A -.federally Permitted Release-. as that
term is defin-ed in Section 101 of the
Comprebensive Enviroro..mental Response.
Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9602(10}, or pursuant to a permit
of the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District, or ~aste oischarge req~irements
of the San Fran.cisco Bay Regioc.al Water
Quality Control Board or local wastewater
pretreatment. requirements for publicly
o~~ed treatment works~ or
-.
,. :
.-::-. )""'f.~.-:
Iii) The normal applicatioo of materials ~sed in
weed abatement~ erosion control, soil
~ndment or similar application when used
in accordance with manufacturers' instruc·
tions or nationally recognized standards.
DIVISION It. GENERAL PROVISIONS
91.201. (a) General. This article governs t.he storage"
dispensing, use and handling of regulated materials.
To t.he extent t.ha.t. t.he aw1icat.ion of this article t.o
the registration and use of pesticides is preempted by
an express provision of an Act of Congress or a
statute a6opt~ by the state legislature, this article
does not apply.
tbl Regulated Materials~ -Regulated H4teria)s·, including
but ~ limdted to~ gases, are those materials which
meet the following criteria:
{el
1. The material has an e~tablished Level of Con-cern
(-LOCI) as defined in this article; and
2~ The material meets either of the following
criteria:
fil It is shipped in compressed gas cylinders,
end the material is or becomes or acts as a
gas upon release at ·~rmal temperature anQ
pressure# (70 F and 760 mmHg1 or;
(ii) The material is used or bandIed as a gas.
whether or no< the material ~ets the
definition-of a compressed gas as set forth
in article 9 of the Fire Code~
Materials which ~eet the foregoing criteria are
subject to the prOVisions of this article.
General Obligation.
permit the storage,
materials regulated
No person shall cause. suffer
handling. use, or dispensing
by t.his article:
or
of
1. In a manner which is contrary to a prov~s10~ of
t.his article or any other federal., state or
local statute. code, ordina~e, rule. r~gulation
or standard o,f performance relating to materials
subject to this article; or
2. In a manner 'Wbich causes an unaut.horized
discharge or 'Which poses a significa~: risk of
such unauthorized discharge~
23
A persOQ responsible for a. facility shall, a.3
soon as he or sbe has knowledge of an unautho
rized discharge from or at such facility, imme
diately notify the File Chief of su~h discharge.
(d) Per.nits.
1. Ge~eral. No person shall Btore l dispense l use
or handle any regula.ted material in excess of an
exempt amount at a facility unless a compliance
plan has been submitted to the Fire Chief and a
permit for the facility has been issued pursuant
to this article. The specific requirements for
obtaining a permit shaH be established by the
Fire Chief in accordance vith the provisions of
Article. of the Fire Code. The Fire Chief may
cha.rge a tee C'lr fees in connect.ion "With the
filing of a ~ompliance plan and the issuance of
a Per.mit l in accordan~e with the MUnicipal Fee
Schedule.
2. MHl calculations for each regulated material to
be stcroo l dispensed, used or handled at the
facility shall be suhmdtted to the Fire Chief as
part o-f the canpliance plan. The Fire Chief lI'ay
require the submission of .any additional
available acute toxiCity data to support the MHI
value proposed tor each material.
(e) Compliance.
1. Notwithstanding section l~ 1153 6! tbe Fire Code ..
persons responsible for any fac~lity lawfully in
existence oc. April 16 1 19-90 which is not in
compliance with the provisions of this article
sl".a11 submi.t a compliance plan to the Fire Chief
no later than April 16, 1991. For purposes of
this sectiOD 1 the term -lawfully"io existence
iociodes l but is not limited to, tbose
facilities for which a building permit h3s been
issued and cons t ru·c t ion has begtln ~ The
compliance plan sball set forth the time and
manner in which the facility is proposed to be
brought into complian~e.
2.. Persons responsible for facilities larlully in
existeIl~e on April 1.6, 19.90 shall cause their
facilities to be in full compliance with this
article ~ late, t~ April 16 1 19.93. The Fire
Chief may extend t.his time period at th-e request
of a responsible person for a maximum of two (21
additional years if the Fire Chief makes a
written deter.mication that hardship, unique
circumstances or other ..good cause E:zists for
such extension. The Fire Chief may charge a fee
'. :'~.
. " .. -. . .... ;" .. '.""
. ;-'-. -
for processing a request for extension~ in
accordance with the MUnlcipal Fee Sche~ule.
3. Persons respons"ible tor il facility not lawfully
in existence or operating on April 16,. 1990
shall submit a complian<:e plan and obtain a
permit prior t.o storing, dispensing,. using or
handling any regulated ~aterial.
tfl nosure.
l. General. It shall be unlawful fer any person to
abandon ... remove, or close a facility or other
area regulated by t.his article until a closure
plan has been submitt.ed to and approved by the
Fire Chief. The Fire Chief ~y charge a fee or
fees for reviewing ar.d processing a closure plan
in accordance with the MUni~ipal Fee Schedule.
2. Clos~re Plan. A closure plan 6h311 be subrndtted
by a responsible person to the Fire Chief at
least 30 days prior to facility 'Closure. The
closure plan shall demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the Fire Chief that regulated
materials which are or have been stored.
dispensed. har~ed or used in the facility will
be transported. disposed of or reused in a
manner consistent with public bealth and
safety~ The Fir_e Chief may waive all or part of
the _30 day period upon a finding of good cause.
(g} Seismic Protection. Persons responsible for a
facility vit.b. one or .more stationary tanks 0..00 piping
systems used! for regulated materials shall cause su·ch
tanks and piping syst~~ to be seismically b=aced in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15.04 (the
Uniform Building Code) of the Palo Alto Y.unicipal
Code.
(h} Security. Responsible persons shall cause facilities
where materials subject to this artic1e ar: stored,
handled,. dispensed or used to be securE:~ against
unauthori~ed entry.
{il Breathing Apparatus.
1.. In order to provide for itmlediate ir.:.:t ial on
scene response in the event of an unc.'.Jthorized
discharge and to provide on-scene aS5~stance to
tire fighters and ocher emergency response
personnel. persons responsible for aC1 facility~
where Class I or corrosive regulated ~terials
are present shall provide a minimum of ~vo self~
contained breathing apparatus. W~en self
contained breathing apparatus w~uld be
25
------.-.-----~---"
j:~. ..to., .
(jl
():}
III
,
. -.-
.. -., :-:.: ~ .. -.~.~-"-' .. -,', ".(,
'-, _. -. --:-,
inadequa~e protection due to the nature of the
gases present~ other appropriate protective
equipment shall be provided.
2. The breathi:cg apparat-us or other protective
equipment shall be suit.able for use with the
material pr-esen·t and shall be in a conspicuously
marked place immediately near the area where the
materials are present in a locati~D that
provides safety for those expected to don the
apparatus.
J~ A -location,that provides safety· is one which
is not likely to be immediately affected by the
release of a regulated material.
Iocanpatible Materi.als. R.esponsible persons shall
cause incompatible classes of regulated materials to
be separated, and shall cause regulated ~~terials to
be separated from other incompatible hazardous
material:e as listed in Table Sl-110-A of the Fire
Code~ Separation shall be maintained by:xreans of one
hour fire resistive construction~ or by the use of
separate gas cabinets. For purposes of this section,
the term ·in~~tible· shall mean those materials
listed in the above mentioned 'I'able Sl-llO-A.
Leak Testing. Responsible persons shall cause
containers of regulated materials to be tested for
leaks immediately upon delivery. and again immediately
prior to departure of such containers fram facilities.
Testing shall be approved by the Fire Chief in
ac~ordance with appropriate nationally recogniz~d
industry sta.nda.rds and practices .. if any_ Appropriate
remedial actions shall be immediately undertaken when
leaks are detected.
Protective Plu-gs/Caps. Responsible persons shall
cause the protective plugs and caps of regulated
materials to be in place at all times ~eSs and until
the material, are properly placed into use.
Emergency .Response Plans.
1. If the preparation of an emergeo~y response plan
for ~he facility is not required by any other
law, responsible persons shall prepare, or cause
to be prepared i and filed with the Fir€ Chief, a
wri~ten emergen~y response plan.
2. If the preparation of an emergency res~nse plan
is required by any other la'W'~ a rsspotlsible
person shall file a copy of the plan with the
Fire Chief~
26
{n) Emergency ~esponse Team.
1. If not required to do so by another law .. a
person responsible tor a facility subject t,~
this article shall designate. or cause to be
designated.. an OQ~site emergency response t~am
whIch shall be CQ!p>Sed of an adequate nwN>er of
t.ralned.. responsible persons, and wh.!cb shall
serve as liaison to tbe fire department.
2. Emergency response team members shall ascertain
all on-site locations where regulated ~terials
are stored., bandIed and used... shall become
rami lIar with the emergency response plan, and
the cbemical nature of such regulated material,
shall act as facility liaison to the ~ire De
partment and shall be prepared to respond in an
emergency ..
{oj Emersency Dri11s.
1. Responsible persons shall cause emergency drills
of each on-site emergency response team to be
conOucted not less frequently than once every
three months.
2.. Records of drillS cond'.Jct.ed shall be maintained
at the facility for three years and shall be
made available for inspection upon request by
t:he Fire Chief ~
fp) Annual Maintenance.
1 ~ .Responsible persoo..s shall cause all safety
control systems at a facility to be tested ~
less frequ~Dtly than annually and maintained in
good working CODd1tion~
2. Maintenance and testing shall be perfortned by
persons qualified to perform the maintenance and
t.ests.
3. Mainte~anee reQOrds and c~rtifications shall be
available to the Fire Chief upon inspection or
request.
{q1 Flow Limiting Orifices and Devices for D.O.T. Poison
A. Containers for those materials classified as
D.O.T. Poison A~ regardless of the amount of D.O.T.
Poison A. shall be equipped with a flow restricting
orifice,. when available from the supplier of the
D.O.T. Poison A. If a flev restricting orifice is ~
available.. the container shall be used vith a flow
limiting device.
27
•
51. 301
...•.
(r! Fire Extinguishing Systems.
fa)
1. Except as hereinafter provided, responsible
persons shall cause all intErior and exterior
use areas and int~rior storage areas an~ storage
buildings to be protected t>y automatic sprinltler
systems.
2. The design of the sprinltler systems shall be cot
less than t.hat required under uniform Building
Code Sundard No. 38·1 for Ordinary Hazard Group
3 with a minimum design area of "3, oeo square
feet. Where the materials or storage
arrangement require a higher level of sprinkler
system protection in accordanee with nationally
reeogni%ed standards~ the higher level of
sprinkler system protection shall be provide<L
3. If the chemical properties of the reg-ulated
materials are such that the materials rill be
iIlCCll!pCltible with t.he use of a sprinkler system,
the Fire Chiet may require alternative forms of
fire protection~
DIVISION III. CLASSIFICATION OF )!ATERIAI,s
General ..
according
value.
Regulated materials shall be Classified
to their Material Baz.arc Index ('MHI-)
{b) Cla.ss I Regulated M3.terials:.. Of the materials
regula.'Ced by t.his article, Class I materia.ls pose t.he
greatest potential hazard. A regulated IIl&terial 'Which
hae an MH! value equal to or greater than five hundred
thousand r50'0,.0000) or which is classified as D.O.T ..
Poison A~ shall be classified as a Class I regulated
material ..
ic} Class II Regulated Materials. A regulated material
which has an MHI equal to or greater than ten t~ft)Usand
110,000) but less than five hundred thousand (SOO, COO)
shall be classified as a Class II regulated material.
(dl Class III Regulated Materials. A r~Jlated material
which has an MHI equal to or greater tnan four
thousand nine hundred (4.,.900) but less than ten
thousand no. 0,0,0) shall be classified as a Class III
regulated material.
(e) Maximum Threshold Quantity {'Max. T.Q.'}. Regulated
materials which exceed their Max. T.Q. shall be
Classified one level higher than otherwise c2termiDed
by the MHI {i.e.~ Class III to Class II~ or Class II
to Class IJ.
28
-' .. '
.•..
(fl Materials no: EXceeding Minimum Threshold Quantity
{'Min. T.Q. 'I. Regulated materials "hieh do n<>t
exceed the Min. T.Q. shall satisfy only the specific
requirements established in section 91.401, and shall
not. -ot.hexvise be requir~ t.o meet the requirements
appli~ble to materials classified as Class I. II or
111 regulated materials.
(91 Exempt: Amounts.
1. Except as provided in subsection (2l of this
section. material which would otherYise be
regulated is exenpt: from regulation under this
article if:
(i) The material has an MHI less than 4~900; or
(ii) The aggregate quantity of the material in a
control area does not exceed the Min. T.O .•
and the quantity of the zr.aterial in a
single vessel does n~ exceed the amounts
specified as follows;
D~O~T~ Poison A
~her Regulated Materials
1/4 lb.
1 lb.
2. Not.withstanding the exempt.ion in subsection (1).
above. no Class 1 material. regardless of the
amount thereof. is exempt .from the provisions
relating to -flow limiting devices'. set forth
in subsection 91.201 (q) nor from the provisions
relating to -fire extinguishiog systems-.. set
fort.h in subsection 91.01 {r}_
OrvrSION IV_ SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
9 1~401 (a) General.
1_ The specific provisions required by U'lis
arti~le shall be in addition to those
requirements ~ified in otber articles of
the Fire Code. The requirements for the
use or indoor storage of regulated
materials shall be ~~lative as the hazard
class of regulated material in-creases. in
accordance with the following table:
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS AND CONTROLS
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION FAZAJID CO~Qr.s
Class I Includes Class I, Class 11. Class
III. Mini~um Threshold Quantity
and Exe~Ft Amount Contrcls
29
,:.:.,
..
<:las. II
Class III
" ,
"
;.'
. ',>.'
Incluces Class II~ Class III,
Minimum Threshold Quantity and
Exempt Amoun~ Centrols
Includes Class III,
Threshold Quantity and
Amount Controls
Minimum Threshold Includes
Quantity
COD~rols
MiniI!1UCl Threshold
and Exempe Amount
Qeher Applicable Statutes~ Codes~
Ordinances
Exterior storage of regulated materials is
covered by subsection (fl of this section~
3. ~l control ~ipmeD~ for materials regulated by
this article ehall meet appropriate nationally
recognized standards, if any~ approved by the
Fire Chief.
tbl Class I Controls. Fer-sons responsible for any
facility where Class I materials are present shilll
comply witb all of the requirements of tbis subsection
(I») and with subsections (e). Cd). (el. aoo tfl of
t.his section.
1. Piping.
(i) Piping for Class I materials shall be
designed and fabricated from materials
compatible with the material to be
contained. Piping sball be of streogth and
durability sufficient to withstand the
pressure, structural~ and seis!'ll:'c stress
and exposure to 'Which it may be Eubjected l
as required by Chapter 16.~2 (U~iform
euilding Code) of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code.
(iit Secondary containment shall be provided for
piping for Class I ~aterials. The se:ond
ary containment; shall be capable of
directing a sudden release into an approved
discharge treatlf.ent system l and shall be
monitored continually with a continuous gas
monitoring system approved by the Fire
Chief. Secondary containment. includes, but
is not li~ated to. double valled piping.
2. Automatic ShUt·o-fL An automatic shut-off valve
whicb is of a ·fail·safe to close-design shall
30
, --
-~' .. , . .
,~, -..
be provided. Each of the following s~ll
activate automatic shut·off:
(il cas detection.
(ii) Manually, trom remote locations.
(iii) Failure of emergency power.
iiv) Seismdc activity. upon a seismic Event
within 5 seconds of horizontal semisoidal
oscillation havipg a peak acceleration of
.39" {-2.94m/sec'J and .. period of . C sec·
onds.
(v) Failure of pr~ry ooDtainrnent~
(vi' Activat.ion of manual fire alarm.
3. Emergency Coc.trol Station. Signals from
emergency equIpment shall be transmitted to an
emergency control station ~hich is contin~ally
staffed by trained personnel.
(el Class II Controls. Respoosible persons shall cause
materials which are classified as Class II materials
to be provlded with t.he controls specified in tbis
subsection (e) and in subsections (d), (e) and (f) of
this section.
951 U12.s:yft 0042~1.1
(1.1 Piping and tubing shall be installed in
accordance with appropriate nationally
recognized standards. if any_ approved by
the F.ire Chief, and shall have welded
-connections compatible with the regulated
mat&rial througbout unless an exhausted
~nclosure is provided.
{ii, Material which is no< compatible witb
ferrous piping may be installed in non·
ferrous piping approved by the Fire Chief.
(iii) Where .connections other than welded
connections meet appropriate nationally
recognized industry standa.rds, if a...,.y, a
person responsible for a facility may seek
an exce~iOQ from the Fire Chief, by filing
a request for exception with tbe Fire
Cbief~ which shall document the standards
and reaeon for the exception~
2. Local Gas Shut-off.
31
.
3.
IiI Manual activation controls shall
provided at locations near the point of
a!ld Ii.ear the source,. as a.pproved by
Fire Chief.
'-.:)~ --,.~'
, ~,
be
us.
the
Iii) The Fire Chief may require additional
controls at ot.her places,. including,. but
not; 11ml.ted to, the entry to the bUilding,
the area in the buIlding -where reg-loll2.ted
materials are stored or used,. and emergency
control stations.
(iiil Manually activated shut-off valves sMU be
of -fail safe to close-design.
Emergency Powerr
provided tor:
Emergency power shall be
(i) Exhaust ventilation, in-cludiog the power
supply for treatment syst~~.
Iii) Gas-detection systems.
(iii) Emergen~y alarm systems.
{iv) Temperature-control sYEltems which comply
with ~he Fire Code.
•• Excess Flow Control.
Ii I Portable tanks and cylinders shall be
provided with excess flow control.
(ii) Valves shall be permanently marked to
indicate the max~ deSign flew rate.
5. Gas Detectioa. A continuous gas-detection
system in accordance with Section SO.303(a' 9~
shall be provided to detect the presence of gas
at or below the permiesible exposure 1 imi t _ The
detection system 8bal} initiate a local alarm
and transmit a signal to a continually staffed
remote location to provide an ~ediate response
to an alarm. The alarm shall be both visual and
audible and sl'lall be deSigned to provide .... arnil'lg
~h inside and outside of the storage, use or
handling area. The audible alarm shall be
distinct fram all other on-site ala~~_
6. R.educed Flow Valves. Redu-ced flow valves may be
utilized to redu~e the maximum flow rate from
cylinders and tanks under full flew conditions_
Valve flow rates may be considered in
determining the size ·~f treatment systems
required for a worst case release.
32
7. Seismic Shutoff Va1ves. A seismically activated
valve meeting standards approved by the Fire
Chief shall be provided for automatic shut off
of regulated materials upon a seismic event
within S seconds Of horizontal semisoidal
oscillation having a pea~ acceleration of .39 (-
2.94m/sec'l and a period of .4 seconds.
8~ Class II Corrosives. Inert construC'tion
materials shall be used for the primary con
tainment of Class JI Regulated Materials which
are corrosives. Alternatively, secODdary
containment shall be provided for Class II
materials which are corrosives.
9. Emergency Alarms. When materials regulated Ily
this article are transported through exit corri
dors or exit enclO£ures.. there shall be an
emergency ~elepbone system cr a local tnacual
alarm station or a signaling device approved by
the Fire Chief at ~ more than lSO-f~
intervals and at eacb exit doorway througbout
the transport. .rout-e. The signal shall be
relayed t.o an apprC1\'~d central. proprietary or'
r~e station service or a constantly attended
on-site location aod shall also initiate a local
audible alarm.
(d) Class II~ Controls. Persons responsible for a
facility shall cause materials which are classified as
Class III materials to be provided with the CODtrols
specif.ted in this subsection (d) and in subsections
(e) and If I of this section.
1. Piping~ valves~ and fittings.
~i} Piping, valves.. fittings and re:lated
coap:ments shall be designed and fa.brica~f:d
from eaterials compatible with the matErial
to be contained. They shall have strength
and durability sufficient to withstand the
pressure .. structural and seiSmic. and any
other stress and exposure to wi co. tbey may
be subj ected.
I iil EXpansion chamllers shall be provided
between valves whenever the reg,ulated gas
may be subj ected to thermal expansion.
ChaIt'bet:s shall be sized to prOVide
protection for piping~ valves and
instrumentation and to accommodate tbe
expansion of regulated ~aterials.
2. Signage.
.-
Ii)
(HI
--' .. -r.
"~'-".{'-
-.".
Stationary above grooll<S tanl<s .ball be
placarded with hazard identification signs
as specified in Fire Code Standard No. 79-
3, for the specific material contained.
Signs prohibiting smoking shall be pcsted
in indoor storage. use and handling areas
and within 2S feet of outdoor storage. use
all<S hall<Sltng areas.
(iii) Signs shall n« be obsCllred or ren-eved_
(iv) Signs shall be in English and such <>ther
languages may be appropriate, as determin"!'d
by the Fire Chief.
(v) Signs shall be (lurable_
'viJ The size, color and lettering sball be in
conformance with nationally recognized
standards determined by tbe Fire Chief to
be applicable to the regulated material.
3. Inert Gas Purge System. Gas systems for
regulated materials shall be provided with
individually dedicated iner~ sas purge systems
{e.g., nitrogen, belium. argon and neon).
{e} Minimum Threshold Qu.antity Controls.. Respoosible
persons shall cause materials which do not. exceed tbe
Minimum Threshold Quantity to be provided with the
controls specified in this subsection (e} a.nd in
subsection (f) of this section.
1~ ~~ust Ventilatioo.
Ei) Storage of cylinders shall be within
ventilated gas cabinets~ exhausted
enclosures or within a ventilated separate
gas storagE room as defined: in tbe Fire
Code.
iii. Storage of portable and stationary tanks
sha1} be within a separate ventilated room
vi thout other occupancy or use.
(iii) It gas cabinets are provided, the room or
area in which they are located shall have
independent e~~ust ventilation.
(iv) Exhaust syst~s for gas cabinets. eXhausted
enclosures and separate gas Etorage rooms
shall be designed to handle the a~cidental
release of gas. Such ~y~~ust systems shall
be capable of diluting. adsorbing.
34
absorbing. neut~ali:z.ing, burning or
~herwise processing the entire coctents Of
the single tank or cylinder of gas which
presents the highest potential ha:ard.
(v} Systems utilized for such processing ohall
be designed as a treatment system, as de
scribed in subsection {e} 3 of this
section. If a toeal coctainment system is
~ti11zed, the system shall be designed to
handle the maximum anticipated pressure of
release to the system when the system
reaches equilibrium.
2. Gas cabinets. When gas cabinets are provided
they shall be,
Il} Operated at negative pressure in relation
to tbe surrounding area.
(ii) Provided with self-closing limited access
port.s cr fire-rated windows to give access
to equipmen,t controls. The average velocity
of ventilation at the face of acc~es ports
or ~ndows shall be ~ less than 200 feet
par mInute 'fpm) with a D'doimum of 1St) fpm
at any other point of the access port or
window~
'iii) Coonected to a treatment system.
(iv) Provided vith self-closing doors.
(v) Cocstr~cted of steel with a thickness not
less than 12-gauge.
3. Treatment systems.
H) Treatment systems shall be utilized to
process all exhaust ventilation to be
discharged from gas cabinets, exhausted
en~losures or separate storage rooms.
Tx:eatment systems shall be designed: to
reduce the ~Lmum allo~le discharge
concentration of the gas co one-half IDLH
at the point ·of discharge to the atmosphere
as specified in subsections te) 5 and 6
below~
Iii) When more than ODe gas may be emi ttec! to
the treatment system z the treatm~nt system
shall be designed to handle the worst case
release based on the release rate. the
quantity and the IDLH for all the gases
sto-red or used.
35
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c. Tr~atment systea. sIzing. Treatment systems
shall be sized to process the worst case release
of each gas based oo.tbe max~ flow rate of
release from the cylinder or tank utilized which
presents the highest potential hazarc1. The
entire contents of tanks and cylinders shall be
considered.
5. Stationary tanks.
Iii S~atiocary tanks shall be labeled with the
maxiplm rate of release for the gas
contained based 00 any valves or fittings
~bat are inserted directly into the tanka
(ii) If multiple valves or fittings are provid·
ed, the ma.ximum flow rate of release for
the valve or fitting with the highest flow
rate shall be indicatecl. If liquefied
gases are in contact with any valve or
fitting .. t.he li<z!.Jid flO",", rate shall be uti
lized for purposes of computation of the
maximum flow rate of release.. All flow
rates indicated on the label shall be
converted to cubic feet per min,ut.e of gas
at normal temperature and pressure~
6. Portabl e tanks and cylinders.
(I) For portable tanks and cylinder9~ ~he
max~ flow rate of release snall be
calculated based on assuming tbe total
release from the cylinder or tank v:ithin
the ~Lme specified in the Table below:
Non-liquefied Liquefied
(Minutes) Container (Minutes)
Cylinders 5 30
Portable Tanks 40 240
{iiI When portable tanks or cyli~ders are
equipped with approved reduced flow valves~
the vorst case release will be determined
by the maximum achievable flow from the
valve as determined by th5 valve
manufacturer or the gas supplier. ~educed
flow and excess flow valves shall b-s: perma
nen,tly marked to indicate the !rk~.:l[imum
design flow rate. Such markincs shall
indicate the flow-rate for ai= under
standard conditions~
36
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1. Gas De~ec~ion for D.O.T Poisoo A. A portable or
fixed gas detection system capable of monitoring
at PEL for each regulated ~terial classified as
a D.04T. poison A. stored or used within the
facility shall be p,'ovided.
If I Exterior Storage.
1.. General. Persons responsible for a facility
where there is exterior storage of any regulated
material shall C<lCIi'ly with the prOVisions of
this subsection If I and of Chapter 16.02 (the
Building Code) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
2. Distance Lilnitat.ioo to Exposures. Exterior
storage of regulated materials shall not tie
within 75 feet of a bu11diog p stru~ture~
property line~ street, al1~y~ public way or exit
to a public way unless the storage is shielded
by a structure 'Which has a minimum fire
resistive rating of two hours and which
intErrupts tbe line Of sight between the storage
and the exposure. The shielding structure ~hall
be at least five (5) feet from any exposure.
The shielding structure shall bave DOC more than
two 'sides which shall be at awroximately 90-
degree directions.
3 • ~nings in Buildings Subject to Exposure. When
an exterior storage area is located within 7S
feet of a building~ openings in~o the building
other t.han piping shall ~ be alxNe t.be heigbt
of the top of the shielding st~cture referred
to in subsection (f) 2 of this section or within
SO feet horizontally from the storage area.,
whether or not prot:ected by a shielding
structure ..
4. Air IDtakes. No exterior storage area for
regulated materials ~hall be within 75 feet of
any air intake.
s. Canopies. Portable tanks and cylinders stored
outside of buildings shall be stored under a
canopy constru~ted of DOOcombustible materials.
Such exterior storage shall not: be considered
indoor storage. An autocratic fire·sprinkler
system, or alternative syst~~~ as determined by
the Fire Chief for ~terials in~ompatible with
water~ shall be provided for canopies installed
for the storage of regulated materials~
6 _ Stationary Tank Controls. Controls on sta
tionary tanks shall be in accordance with the
following:
31
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(i) fressure-relief devices shall be vent~ to
& treatment system designed in accorda~e
vith·the provisions of subsection ee) 3 of
this section,
liil Where filling or dispensing connections are
provided. they shall be provided witll a
means of local exhaust. S1Jch exhaust shall
be 4esigned to capture fumes and vapors,
The exIlaust "hall be directed to a
treatment system designed in accordance
with the provisions of this subsection {e)
3 of tllis section.
{iiil Stationary tanks shall be providedwitll a
means of excess flow control on a .. l tank
inlet or outlet connections. " Inlet
connections that are designed to preclud€
backflov and pressure-relief devices are
exU'pt frCK!l t.his reqllirement ~
7. Gas cabinets for leaking cylinders.
(1) At least one gas cabinet or exhausted
enclosure shall be provided for the han
dli.ng: of leaking cylinders. The cabinet or
enclosure shall be within or adjacent to
the exterior storage area and connected to
a treatment system as specified in
subsection eel 3 of tbis section.
'ill A gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure need
DOt be provided for leaking cylinders it
all cylinders are stored within gas
cabinets or exhausted enclosures.
B. Local exha,jst for leaking portable tanks.
(it A means of local exhaust shall be provided
to capture regulated material leaking from
portable t;anks. 'The local exhaust may
consist of portable ducts or collection
systems designed t.o be appl ted to tbe site
of a leak in a valve .or fittlng on the
ta.nk, The local exha\lst systiem shall be
connected to a treatm~nt system as
specified in subsection fe) 3 of this
section.
(ii I A loca 1 exhaus t aye tom shall be provided
within or ilI'lnediately adjacent to every
exterior storage area; and within separate
gas storage rooms used for portable or
stationary -tanks.
38
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Ig) Tack Care and piping.
1. The provisions of t~~s article shall not apply
to tank cars which meee all requir~cts of the
U.S .. Department: of Transportation .. while slJcb
tank cars are used for tbe eransportatlon and
unloading of regulated material, as such terms
are used in tbe p.az.:ardous Materials
TraIlsportati= Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801 et
seq. 'th11oading' does not in-clude the use of
tank cars to s~ore regulated materials.
2. The provisions of this article shall apply to
piping and control systems. automatic shut off
valves.. emergency control stations.. gas
detection systems.. treatment systems and alarm
systems us~d with piping which connects tank
cars to facilities for the Quloading and deliv
ery of regulated material, and t.o tank cars used
to store regulat.ed materials.
DIVISION V. PROVISIONS SEVERABLE
91.401 Provisions Severable ..
The provisions of t.his article are severable.. If any
provision of this article or its appli.cation to any person or
circumstance is beld invalid l the invalidity shall ~ affect other
provisions or applications of this article which can be given
effect vit~t the invalid provision or application.
DIVISION VI. CIVIL PENALTIES
91.601 (a) Any person .. proPerty owner. firm or corporation who
inten·tionally Ctr negligently violat.es any prO:vision of
t.his Article 91 of the Uniform Fire Code or who tails
to comply with any order issued thereunder. s~all be
liable tor a civil p~alty which shall ~ not less
than five hundred dollars nor more than six ~housand
dollars per day tor each violation .. lIIbic'l: snaIl be
assessed and recovered in a civil action t.:-O"..i.9ht. in
the name of the people by the City Attorney.
(bl In any civil action brought to seek s:...:::: civil
penalties l and/ar to obtain injunctive r.;l ief for
violation of any provision of said Article ;~ of the
Uniform Pire Code in yhich action the City ~~~vails.
the court shall deter.mine and impose r.;~sooable
expenses I in~luding attorneys· fees. incur~~j by the
City in the investigation and prosecut.ic!: of t.he
action.
39
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SU-::h r:emiedies are in addition to and do not supersed.e
or 1imit any and &11 other remedies. civil or
cri.mlnal~
15.0.~3.S ipg-pAia I-I 'y'pda4--Lif, Safety Ieguir'M1Tt.
Cpr 55'-tlDq Rlah-Ri •• Juilding ••
2.1 GENERAL
"APPENDIX 1-8
LIFE SAPBTY R&QOIREMEN'I'S FOR EXISTING
HIGH·~ISB BUILDINGS
{a} Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to "r""ide
a reasonable degree of safety to persons occupying
existing bigh-rise buildings by requiring rrd.llimum
standards tor exit corridors.. exit stairways and
elevator shafts, monitored alarm systems and emergency
plans.
(b) SCOpe. The requirements shall apply to all high-rise
buildings CODstructed prior to the adoption date of
t.his appendix which have flocr-s used for human
occupancy located mor-e than 75 feet above the lowest
level of approved fire deparLment vehicle access or
other phySical configtlratioD that qualifies. a bJilding
as high rise by local ordinance.
Ie) Pe~ts Required.
1. Building pennit.s shall be ot>t.ained as required
by ~he Building Code.
2. Not less t.ban 30 6ays prior to submitting pl.ans
tor a buildi»g permit. a preplan review mee:ing
shall be ~eld.. in<::luding t.be owner's design
team.. building official and the chief l to
determine tbe 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 t.be CODcept meets the
intent of nationally recognized good praccices
and such guidelines as t.he building official and
chief have published~
!d) Enforcement. The provisions of this appendix shall be
enforced by the chief.
(e) Complian<:e. All buildings
with the requirements of
following time periods:
40
shall be made to conform
Se-ction 2.2 within t.he
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1. $ubsectiocs (x), (1) and 1m) shall be completed
within six ~ths of the a~iOD date otc this
appendix.
2. The OI<Ilers of buildings affected by this
appendix or their representatives shall sUbmit
plans to the building official s h 0 ,. i n 9
intended methods of compliance with Subsections
(a) through (j) within six months of adoptioc
date of this appendix.
3. Subsections (e), (h), and (il shall be completed
within one year of the adoption date of this
appendix .
•• Subsections (al, (b), Ccl, 1(1), (fl. (g) and (jl
shall be completed on or before April 1, 1994.
Note: Regardless of any specific compliance date
stipulated above l a building shall not be deemed in
violation of this appendix until su-cn date has
expired.
~f} Exceptions~ The Fire Chief may grant certain
excepeions to the requirements of this Appendix I-B,
under the following circumstan~es;
~ 11 0211"!1 004J4QJ
1. The fire Chief may allow the use of alt~r.nate
rate rials 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 Appendix I-B.
2. The fire Chief may waive individual requirements
of this Appendix I·B or grant reasonable
extensions of time in which to comply with said
requitements upon a finding that such
requirements are ~ practical or possible~ or
pose an unreasonable hardship. The
dete~nation of whether compliancE is ~
practical cr possible, or an unreasonable
hardship, shall be based upon an overall
evaluation of the following factors:
IiI The amount of fire and life safety tr.at
would be lost if the requirements were
waived or deferred:
Iii) The cost. of c<:xlylying with the requirements;
(iii} The financial hardship and disruDtioa to
occupants and users of the buiiding in
question;
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(iv) The t.ype and nature of the use of the
building in question: and
(v) Such ~ber factors as in the judgment of
Fire Chief vill result in providing a
reasonable degree of safety a.s required by
t.his Uniform Fire Code .. to persons cx:cupy
ing or using the building.
3.. The Fire Chief may grant reasonable Extensions
of tilne. up to two additional years, withio
which to comply with the requirements of
SUbsections 2.2 (a), (b). (c). Cd), (fl. (g) and
(j) of this Appendix I-B, upon making a finding
of hardship based upon the factors set forth in
s1J..beectioo l2} of this subsection 2.1(f). or
upon the agreement of the bullding ~.ner that
within eaid time, the building will be lOot
sprlnklered, as defined in the applicable NFPA
standa.rds.
4. The Fire Chief s~~11 prepare written notice of
det.ermination to grant or not to grant
exceptions pursuant to this paragraph4 The Fire
Chief shall distribute the ~ice of
determination in the next available council
packe~; shall mail notice p postage prepoid i to
the affected building owner; and shall publish
su-ch notice once in a newspaper of general
circulation ~ later than five (57 days after
the distribution of the ~ice on tbe city
council packet a The notice shall state the
address and gen~ral deacri~iOQ of the subject
property and t.he nature of the determination.
The notice shall also state t.hat the details
regarding t;he dec"ision will be available in the
Fire Chief"s office" and that an appeal may be
taken within ten (101 days after the date of
publication of the notice.
(gl Appeals.
1. Any person aggrieved or affected by any
determination made by the Fire Chief pursuant to
Paragraph 2.1lf) of Appendix I·B may appeal that
determination in accordance with this Paragraph
2.1(gl.
2. An appeal from the decision of the Fire Chief
shall be initiated within ten ilO) days aft~r
the publication of ~ice, as provided in
Paragraph 2.1(f) .. by the filing at the office of
the City Manager of a written.. dated appeal.
signed by all parties named as appellantS i
stating the names and official mailing addresses
•
of all appella~t(81 participating
and their relationship to the
appealed.
in tbe appeal
matter being
3. '!'he aweal shall contain " statement of all
facts supporting the contention of t.he
appellant(s) and all reasoos why the decision of
the Fire Chief should be reversed, modified or
set aside.
.... The appeal shall be accompanied by a. fee, as set
forth in the Municipal Fee Schedule for Fire
Depar~nt appeals.
So. Upon receipt: of any appeal, the City Mar:.ager or
designee shall set a date for a hearing_ Such
hearing shall be held within fifteen (15) days
ot receipt: of the appeal. A notice of -the time
and plaCE of the hearing shall be given to the
appellantCsl by the City Manager or designee in
vriting. The notice shall be mailed. postage
prepaid.. addressed t.o t.he appellant (s) at the
addressfes) listed on the appeal, or it shall ~
d.elivered to the !9PPella:lt (5) personally, at
least ten flO] days prior to the hearing date.
If the appellant Is ~ other than the building
owner. the building ~er shall also be notified
of the hearing.
6. Th-e City Manager or designee (Qot.her than any
~rsoonel from the Fire Department), shall hear
the appeal. At the time and place set for the
bearing. 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 [rom ~~~ to time. The City ~anager or
desigcee ~dy approve. modify or disapprove the
determination of the Fire Chief. Within three
(3) workicg days of the close of the bearing.
t.he City Manager or designee s1:.al~ re.nder a
decision in writing. 'l'he decision snaIl be
mailed, postage prepaid, to the appellant{s) at
the address (es) listed on the appeal or
delivered to the appellant(s) perso..,ally. If
the appellant is other than the building owner~
the building owner sball also be n~ified of the
decision~
1. The decision of the City Manager or deSignee
shall be final.
{b) Penalty. Failure to comply with Subsection eel above
is unlawful and. any person~· firm or corporatio;a~
wbether as principal, agent~ employee or otherwise,
....
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violating any provisions: of the above requirements
shall be guilty of a misdemeanOl:. Such person, firm
or corporation is guilty_of a separate offense for
each and every day during any portion of which any
violatiOIl of these requirements is COIm\ltte6 ..
con.t in\led or perm!. tte-d by such person.. f i I'm or
corporation.
(ll 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 Qf th~se requirements.
2.2 REQUIREMENTS
fa) Alltomat.ic Sprinklers. All req . .lired exit corridors.,
stairwells. elevator l~biee. public ass~bly areas
occupied by 10~ or more persoDs and commercial
kitchens shall be protected by an approved automatic
sprinkler system meeting the design criteria of a.8.C.
Standard No.3! ·1. ODe sprinkler head shall be
provided on the rOOC1 side of every corr--idor opening.
E.'(CBPTION: Sprinkler heads may be omitted in
stairwells of noncombustible constr~ction.
(b} Corridor Doors~ All doors opening into required exit
corridors shall be in conformance with the Building
Code.
EXCEnION: Existing 1-3/a inch bonded .. solid-core
wood doors. it equipped with self-elosures~ need not
be replaced_
eel Corridor OpEnings. All openings into required exit
corridor. other than doors .. sr~11 be in conformance
with the Buil~ing Code.
(d) Exit Stairwa~. All high· rise buildings shall have a
minimum of tv,:> approved exit stairways. The Fire
Chief may alloW' a minimum of one approved stain.-ay
upon a finding that additional autOtratic sprinkler
protection is provided that meets the spirit of this
Appendix and provides at least the equivalent
protection of t~~t prescribed in this Appendix.
(e) Exit Stairwell Doors. ~l stairwell doors which are
to be locked from tbe stairwell side shall
automatically unlock.. without unlatching. when the
alarm system activates_
ttl Elevator Lobby Separation. All elevators on all
floors shall open into elevator lobbies which are
separated from the remainder of the building as is
q -r --------:-
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(g)
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required for corr1oor conetnlctioo in the BUil.ding
Code~ The Fire Chief may waive t.his requirement upon
a finding that additional autOO"lat.!c sprinkler
pr~ection is provided that meeCs the spirit of this
Appendix and provides at least tbe equivalent
protection ot that prescribed in this Appendix.
Blevator Recall. All autar.a.tic elevators shall be
equipped for· emergency operation in coofor.mance with
the Suildin3 Code.
(h) Fire Alarm Systems. All high· rise buildings shall
have an alarm. system. meeting the reQ'.lirements of this
section~ All required fire alarm syst.ems shall be
designed to be heard clearly by all occupants within
the ~'ilding but in no case shall it be less than EO
db~ or 1S db above ambient noise levels. as measured
in the A 8C'a.le~ within all ha..l:>ita.lJle areas of the
building~ ~l required alarm systems shall operate
autO!1'.ati!:ally by smoke or products of combustion
detectors and by manual pull stations as a~~roved by
the chief~
(i) Fire Alarm Supervision. All fire alarm systems shall
be connected to an approved central station or the
local fire department dispatch cffice in coaforman~e
with the Fire COde ss approved by the chief.
Ij) Exit Xlluminatioc. Exits shall be illuminated at any
time the building is occupied with lights having an
in·tensity of not less than 1. footcandle at. flocr
level. Such lighting shall have an independent
al t.ernate sou.rce of supply such as an emer-g-en<:.y
battery pack.
{k} Emergency Plan.· The manageC'lent for all buildings
shall e~tablish 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.
III Posting of Emergency Plan and Exit Plans. Copies of
the emergency plan and exiting plans (including eleva
tor and stairway placarding) shall be posted in
locations approved by the ~hief.
Cm) Fire Drills~ The management of all buildings shall
conduct fire drills for their staff and employees at
least every 120 days. 'I1le fire department must be
advised of su-ch drills a.t l€.ast 24. hours in advance.
A written record o·f each drill shall be maintained in
the building management office and made available to
the fire department for review.
45
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15.04.355 Seotion
Protection aequirement ••
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25 of Appendlz II-A aM.., Fire
Section 25 of Appendix II-A of the Uniform Fire eoee is
added to read:
'SBCTION 25_ Fire protectIon Requirements. All builders of
buildings construct.ed after the effective date of the ordinance
adoptIng this section within ~he boundaries of the hazardous fire
area {bazardous fire area.-is defined as., and includes.. all
property located west of Interstate 280} of the City of Palo Alto
shall provide tire protection as follows:
1. Access and adequate water supply for e~ergency Pire
OeparbmeDt operations as required in Article 10 of the
Uniform Fire Code; and
2~ For residential buildings .. an automatic fire sprinkler
system designed in accordaace with the National Fire
Pr~ection Association (NF?A pamphlet l~-Dl Standard
for the installation of sprinkler systems in one and
tvo~family dwellings .. and 1n mobile homes; for this
section.. the use of approved plastic piping 'With
insula~ed bang~r5 or others as approved by the Fire
Chief .. shall be perFitted.
3. When additions,. alterations., or repairs 'Within any
twelve (1.2] -month period. exceed fifty percent {Sotl of
the value of an existing building or stru~ture .. such
building shall be made to conform to the requirement.s
of sections 1003.2.1 aDd 1001.2.10 for new buildings
or structures. Value shall be det.e.nn.i.ned froro. t.he
cost per square foot table in the most current
Building Standards Ydgazine .. published periodically by
the International Conference of Building Officials~
... For buildings other than residential t:ouildings. an
auto%r.atic fire sprinkler system designed for the
applicable hazard class as defined in t.he NFPA
(Pamphlet 13) Standard for the installation of
a~tcmatic sprinkler systems.
15.04.360 DutIes are 4ia~retionary.
~withstanding any other provision of this chapt~~ and ~be
pr~Jisions of the Uniform Fire Code .. ~henever the words ·shall· or
-must-are used in establishing responsibility or duty of ~be City.
its elect.ed or appoiD·ted o·fficers .. employees, or ager..t$~ it is the
legislative intent that such words establish a disc~eticnary
responsibility or d·uty requiring the exercise of judg:nent and
discretioo~
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15.04.3(5 Section 5 of ~i" In'A _ended· Fire Pl_
.equ.ir_t.
Section 5 of Appeodix III-A of the Uniform Fire Code is
amended to read as follows:
5.1 Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings. The minimum
fire-flow requirements for buildings shall be
determined by Palo Alto Fire Department Flow Work
Sheet, F.P.B. 23 (see 13.04.370 for fire flow work
sheet •. I
15.04.367 Section. 3 ~ 5 of ~ IIt'B "mended' Fire
IIydrant Loc:aU""" and DiotribuUoc.
Sectlcxu: ]. .and 5 of Appendix III-I! of the OD.1foDi. :fire Code
are amended to read •• follow.:
:;. »'umber ot :fire Hydrants. The n~r of fire hydrants
shall be determined in accordance ~th section 901.4.2
of this Code.
s. Dlatrlbutlon of 71ra Hydrants. The distribution cf
fire hydrants shall be in accordance with sections
903.4. and )03;4.2.1 of this Code.
15.~4.1'O. Palo Alto Fire Department lira Plow Work Sheet.
F.P.B. 2) Is added to read as follows:
47
<-.
·,~}><X). . , .--.<
>, "c,',
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15.04.3?O
F ... Flow Wed< _
M4:oss -:--:--:-:,--__________ BI4 No. '" LD .. ____ _
P!oj«:l Of B_ Name
~u4e _ Use )!.IrJ<3I1loors of
____ T»pe (0< n FR cor~
ff. fire flow
) I. COnstaAl
t: II: Coc.ff"JCic:m of ce:r.s~lio.D
A • Orour-._
~I flRE fLOW: FF = 1 sc • VA"-
TJP& 1 Type • T)'pe m Type IV n n. l'hr. N lllf. N.. Kr
12 EXPOSURE HAZARD: Disun<e '" property line whkll might be buill upon 0< oth<r
buildings on same "",peny. Comple .. lour (4) bosk 'ides using !he ",hie ~_ ToW
'it of c!istance 10 ex""""n:.rJ sides and add """ ~ of fl Ie f2.
S~ ~ ~
<11 • '" """ .2<1. "" .... .... ... ~,: L-l~.'''p!''.5''r.. __ ~ 30' L-
)0". Ull pas l~ !or ed foot 1'-L-
" 1Ir. ~ &l rood CODdiDcm. Cr.l P.4. • K L-
'3 ROOF COYERlNG HAZARD: If onflll3!Y roofing is used where it would eoot:ibu ..
,ignlli<antly 10 lin: sprea4. add SOO GPM 10 f3.
FF AcljUSlcd fa< roof "",ering =
NCYre: If !he lOW FF afl<r su:p t4 ;,. 1.000 GPA Of more.
"""""'tic lin: 5prinl<k!s will be required _GI'M
TOTI>J..
f4. AtrlOMATIC ARE ~ Ubuilding is type lorn C:OnsttUCtlon. FFma1 be ~t.lced by
15~ of il2. If bui!amg is cype FIt tv or V coostnJction FF may be reduced by SCo;t of_2.
S\l~tnct aUlomO}tic fire sprlrJJer Jeduction (rom -t4 for flna! fF requiJ'emem.
ff adjuSU!d for iiutCrn;lbc sprirJder =
48
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BErtON 2. 'I'he City Co\mCil hereby .. c5<lpts the findiDgs for
local ame~ts to the 1;94 Unifo~ lire Code. attached hereto
as Exhibit ·AI and incorporated berein. by reterence~
SECTION 3. The provisions of this ordi.na.nce are severable.
If any provisiOll of thIs on'icanc:e or its application to =7 person
~r circumstance is h~ld invalId. the invalidity shall ~ affect
other provisions or applications of ehis ordinance or tbe
provisions hereby a60pted which can be given effe:;t without the
invalid provIsion or application.
SECTION... This ordinance a.nd the prO'V'isions herein
enacted are to be read in conjunction with any provision of State
or Federal law relating to the handling or storage of materials
herein regulated.. and is intended to supplement such state or
Federal r~~lation in the interest of public safety.
SE{TIOH s. The council finds that this project is ex~
from the proviSions of the california Environmental Quality ~t
("CEQA'"J. because it can be seen 'With cert.aint.y that there is no
possibility that the amendments herein a~ed will have a
significant effect on the environmec.·t.
SECT rON 6:. This ordinance shall be effective on the
thirty-first day after the date of its adoption .. provided .. however ..
the provisions herein enacted shall be operative from and after
July 1. 1995
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City tf:.anager
Senior Asst. City Attorney Fire Chief
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EXllZIIU' A
Findings
The following local amendments to the 1994 UDiform Fire
Code make modifications as authoriz~ by tho California Health aDd
Safety Code. In accordance with Section 18941.5 of said Code.
findings are hereby made to show that such modifications or changes
are reasotiably necessary because of local climatic~ geological or
topographical coDditions.
The majority of local a.:nendments are made strictly to
confoI1!l to other parts of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (FAMe) or
for similar administrative purposes.
The amendments for which findipgs are made are as follows.
For specific findings. see attached narrative (Exhibit A-1J.
1. PAMC 5 15.04.120
finding: Thia modification requires larger elevators, When
~hey are otherwise required. It is necessary for faster
emergency response time due t.o traffic layout. See finding
3. topographical.
2. PAMC 5 15.04.165
Findina: This is-an administrative amendment only t.o
reference the Fire Department as the appropriate permitting
authority for fire extinguishing systems.
3. PAMC S 15.04.170
liMina: This modification requires additional
extinguishing systems in the fooehills. See findings
and 3, climatic, ge~raphical and topographical.
t. PAMC 5 15.04.172
Finding: Same as 15.04.17Q.
5. PAMC J 15.04.345
fire
1, 2
Finding~ This modification requires additional fire and
life safety features in existing high-rise buildings. See
all findings.
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lIDiBIT lI.-1
Findings for Local Amendtr.ents to the
19 94 Fi re Code
PREAMBLE
Findings of fact:
,-..
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Pursuant to section 17958.5 of the California Health and
Safety Code.. t.he report contained herein is submitted as the
-Findings of Fact' document with regard to the adoption of the
Uniform Fire Code.. 1994 Ed-ttioo.. and amendments. Onder this
ac:IoPting ordinance, specific a.mendc-ents 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 Codesl commonly referret1 to as Califon:lia
Code of Regulations .. Titles 19 .. 24 and 25.
These amendments to the Unifo~ Fire Code.. 1994 Edition,
have been recognized by t~e City of Palo Alto as tools for
addressing the fire prOblem. coocerns and future direction by which
the authority.can establish and maintain an environment which vill
afford a level of fire and life safety to all who live and work
within the City·s'-boundaries.
COder the prOVisions of Section 11958.5 of the Health and
Safety Code, local amendments shall be based u·pon the following:
~limaticl geological/geographical. and topograpbical conditions.
The findings of fact contained herein shall address each of these
situations and shall present the local situation which,. either
singularly or in combinatioo l caused the established amendments to
~ ad<>peed.
1. CLIMATIC:
The district,. on an average. experiences an
annual rainfall of 16 1 .18-. This rainfall can be expected between
October and Ap,il of each year. How~ver. during the summer months
there is little, if any_ measurable precipitation. During this dry
period the temperatures are usually between 70 0 ·90 m with light to
-gusty westerly winds. These drying winds,. combined with the
natural vegetation which is &:minant throughout. the area,. create a
hazardous fuel condition which has caused extensive grass and.
brushland fires. With more and ~re development encroaching into
these wooded and grass covered areas. ~nd·driven fires could have
severe consequences. as has been demonstrated on several occasions
in palo Alto and other areas of the state.
Because of the weather patterns, a normal
rainfall cannot always be relied upon. This can res'.llt in water
rat.ioning and "Water allocatioo 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 cons~ioo.
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b. ~porta.tion. Palo Alto is Dissected by
a Jnajor state highway un Camino Real) and two major freeways t I-
280 and O.S. 101), which ~ectially could affect respons~ times of
fire suppression equipment.
i. Soil Conditiqns. Palo Alto lies at tbe
southern end of San Francisco Say and is built atop the alluvial
deposits that surround the margins of the Bay. The alluvium was
created by the flooding Of the many streams ~ying into the san
Francisco Bay depression, and from inte~ittent sea water inunda
tion that has occurred ~er the last 2 or 3 million years. The
areas close~t to the Bay are overlain by unconsolidated fine silty
clay, known as Bay ~ which varies in thickness fram a few feet to
as mu~h as 30 feet. GeDerally~ the older more stable alluvium is
to the south and the y~~er less stable material is to the north.
Bedrock Ites beneath the area at depth generally 300~ or more.
3 • TOPOORAPHlCAL,
The findings ~f tact for the topographical element~ as
vould be expected, are closely associated with the geological/geog
raphical el~t_ with the elevation changes within the district~
development is of course following the path of least resistance,
creating a meandering pattern. This then does n~ lend itself to
a goOd systematic street and road layout, vhich would promote ea,sy
traffic flow. It has, in fact~ resulted in few major crosstown
thoroughfares which tend to be heavily congested .. primarily during
commute hours and seasOllcll periods of t.he year. This creates
barriers vhich reduce the response time of _Lire equipnent and other
emergency eervices. 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 congestioc througbout the City, thereby reducing the fire
department's response time capabilities.
inherent delays caused by the traffic patterns to many
of these types of projects. lM.ke it necessary to mitigate this
problem by requiring additional built-in automatic fire protection
systems, that prCNr~de early detection and initial control until the
arrival of the fire department~
As a result o~ the findings of facts which identifies
the variO'.Js climat.ic. geological/geographical and topographical
elements, those additional requirements as specified in the
amendments to the adopeing ordinance for the Uniform Fire Code 1991
EditiOD i by the City of Palo Alto area ~onsidered reasonable and
necessary modifications~ The experience of several disastrous
fires within the City in addition to Saota Clara, Monterey, San
Meteoi Alameda and Contra Costa couDties'have demonstrated the need
for ~ber fire protection features l the most significant of which
was located in the oakland/Berkeley Hills in which over 3,000 homes
were destroyed and 25 people were killed. While it is clearly
understood that the a~ion of such regulations may not preven~
the inciaence of fire, the implementation of these various
amendmen,ts to the Code may redu-ce the sev~rity and potential of
105s of life and property.
CORRECTION !!
THE PREVIOUS DOCUMENT(S) l\1AY HAVE
BEEN FILMED INCORRECTLy .....
RESHOOT FOLLOWS
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findings for Local Amendment9 to the
1994 Fire Code
PREAMBLE
Findings of fact:
".'
Pursuant to Section 17958.5 of ~he California Health and
Sa.fety Code.. the report contained hereio is submitted as the
-Findings of .Fa,ct-document with regard to the adoption of the
Oniform Fire Code.. 1.9'94 Edition, and amendments.. Under this
adopting ordinance, specific: amendtoon-ts have been established which
are more restrictive in nature than those a~ed by the State of
California {State B\.dlding Cod~ Sti!iUld.a.rds l State Housing and
Community Development Codes) commonly referred to as California
Code of Regulations. Titles 19_ 24 and 25.
These amendments to the Uniform Fire Code, 190;.4 Edition.,.
have been recognized by the City of Palo Alto as tools for
addressing the fire problem, concerns and futu::t'e direction by which
the authority can establish and maintain an e:Dvironn'l.eot whicb will
afford a level of fire and life safety to all who live and work
within tbe City's bou~ries4
onder tbe provisions of Section 17gSB.5 of the Health and
Safety Code# local amendr~nts shall be based upon the follOwing:
climatic~ geological/geographical. and topographical conditions 4
The findings of fact coo·tained nerein shall address each of these
sicuatiOllS and shall present. the loca.l situation ..,hich.. either
siogularly or in c~inatioo~ caused the established amendments ~o
be adopeed.
1. CLIMA'l'IC:
The distl:ict.. on an average.. experiences an
annual rainfall of 16--18-4 This rainfall can be expected between
October and .April of each year. However ... during t.he summer months
t.here is little .. if any .. D1.easurable precipitattOD~ DUring this dry
period the temperatures are usually between 70~-90· with light to
gusty westerly winds. These drying wi:r:..-o.s.. combined with the
natural vegetation which is dominant throughout the area~ create a
hazardous fuel conditicn which has caused extensive grass and
brushland fires. With more and more development encroaching into
these wooded and gra~s ccvered areas .. wind-driven fires could have
severe .coo.sequences, as has been demonstrated on several occasions
in Palo Alto and ~her areas of the state~
Because of the veather patterns.. a nor.mal
rainfall cann~ always be relied upon. This can result in ~ter
rat.ioning and -.rater allocation systems. as demonst.rated by the
drought years of lSS6~1931. Water shortages can also be expected
in the future due to the current lrro"ater storage capacities and
increased con9~ion.
2
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3. GBOLOGrCAL/GBOG~HlCAL:
Geogr2phieal Locatipg. Palo Alto is located at
the northern most part of santa Clara County. Palo AHo is a maj or
focus of the ·Silicon Valley~· the center for an expaO<Sing and
changing electronics indu5try~ as ~ell as pbarmaceutical. biomedi
cal, and genetic research~
Seiepdc Location~ Palo Alto is situated on
&lluvial 80ils between san Francisco Bay and the San Andreas Fault
z,ooe. The City'S location makes it pat'ticularly vulnerable to
damage to taller aDd older structures caused by seismic events.
The relat.ively young geological processes that have created the San
Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically~ the City
lIits betveen t.wo active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the
Hayward/calaverasl~ and numerous ~entially active faults~
Approxima.'t-ely 55' of the City"s land surface is in the hi9h-to~
moderate ee-iame hazard zones ~
S@ismic and Fir:? Hazards. Fire following an
earthquake bas the potential of causing greater loss of life and
damage than the earthquake itself~
The ~jority of tbe City'S high-rise str~ctures
-are located in seismic risk zooes. Should a significant seismic
event occuy~ PUblic Safety resources would have to be prioritized
to mitigate the greatest threat~ and may not be available for every
struetural fire. In such event 6 individual structu~es6 including
'higb-rise buildiDg&6 should be equipped to help in mitigating the
risl< of damage.
situation:
Other variables may t.end to intensify the
a. The extent of damage to tbe water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge
and/or freeway over;pass ~ollapse;
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 influer;ce the amount of
t~affic on roadways and could intensify the
risk to life during normal business hours;
f. The availability of timely fir..ltua! aid or
military assistance;
9. Many high-rise structures are locat~d near
areas of high f ire danger necessitating
special precaution5~
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h. Transportatiop. Palo ~to is Dissected by
a major state highway (EI camino RealI and two major freeways (I·
280 and U.S. 101). which potentially cc~ld affect response times of
fi~e suppression eq~1proent.
i. Soil Copditione. Palo Alto lies at the
.o~thern end of San FIanclsco Say and is built atop the alluvial
:jeposlts that surround the margins of the Bay. The all"Uvium was
created by the flooding of the many streams eIq>1:ying into tt,e San
Francisco Bay depressioo, and from inte~ittent sea water inunda
tion that has occurred over the last 2' or 3 million years. The
areas closest to the Bay are overlain by unconsolidated fine silty
claYr knotm as Bay Mud which varies in thickness fran a fev feet to
as much as 30 feet. Generally~ the older more stable alluvi~~ is
to the south and the younger less stable material is t.o the nort.h.
Bedrock lies beneath the area at de~h generally 300' or mote.
3. TOPOGRAPHICAL:
The findings of fact for the topographical elerrent, as
would be expected~ are closely associated with the geological/geog
raphical element. With the elevation changes within the district,
developme~t is of course follOWing the path of least resistance~
creating a meandering pattern~ This then does not lend itself to
a goOd systematic street ~~ road layout~ ~hich w~Jld promote easy
traffic flow. It has, in fact, resulted in few major crosstcwn
thoroughfares which tend to be heavily congested. primarily during
cOi"IITIUte hours and seasonal periods of the year. This 'Creates
barriers vhich reduce ehe response time of .fire equipment and other
emergency services. The topography of the -district is being
burdened by major strlolCtures. Employtnent areas are t.hroughout the
district. The people ~.o work in these complexes have added to the
traffic congestion throughout the City~ thereby reducing the fire
departl1len,t's response time capabilities.
Inherent delays caused by the traffic patterns to many
of these types of projects, make it necessary to :mitigate this
problem by requiring additional built·in automatic fire pr~ection
systems~ that praride early detection and initial control until the
arrival of the fire department.
As a result of the findings of facts which idEntifies
the various climatic, geological/geograp?lical and topographical
e1ements. those additional requirements as specified io. tbe
amendments to the a~ing ordinance for the unifonn Fire Code 1991
EditiOD~ by the City of Palo Alto area considered reaso~able and
necessary modifications. The experien-ce of several disast.rous
fires vithin the City in addition to Santa Clara~ Monterey, San
Mateo. ~~ and Contra Costa counties'have demonstrated the need
for ~ber fire protection features, the most significant of ~nich
was loca.ted in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills in -which over 3,0'00 homes
were destroyed and 25 people 'ftIere killed. Wb.ile it is clearly
understood that the a~ioo of su~h regulations may not prevent
the in~idence of fire, the imDlementation of these various
amendments to the Code may reduce tr.e sev~rity and potential of
loss of life and property.
, , " <" .. ~,:, " .. ."" -.. < .. '..;:." ><,'c" '"