Item 6D
DPS
EPARTMENT OF UBLIC AFETY
M E M O R A N D U M
March 4, 2008
TO:
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM:
Robert Finn, Fire Chief
SUBJECT
: Ordinance No. 931, 2nd Reading, adopt the 2006 International Fire Code.
Purpose:
The purpose of Ordinance No. 931 is to update the Fire Codes of the City
to the 2006 Edition.
This code establishes codes and safeguards related to fire safety for
Applicability:
life and property protection for structures, processes and premises.
Methodology:
Since 1967, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has actively
promoted the standardization of model construction codes in an effort to
simplify the construction process, advance the safety of building systems,
promote common code interpretation, facilitate the mobility of contractors,
and reduce training and construction costs.
The Regional Codes Coordinating Committee (RCCC) and its four
Advisory Boards comprised of local public and private code professionals
continually review the latest editions of the model construction codes and
recommend uniform amendments for the North Central Texas region.
The City of Southlake has representatives sitting on the various
committees participating in the regional recommendation process.
BBA
On January 24, 2008 the Building Board of Appeals met to consider the
proposed ordinances adopting the 2006 I Codes. Charles Bloomberg,
Plans Examiner and David Barnes, Fire Marshal explained the changes in
the I Codes from 2003 to 2006. Mr. Bloomberg explained the most
significant changes; 1) Residential sprinkling to include non-living space
equaling 6,000 square feet or greater (garages and unfinished bonus
rooms). 2) Hundred block numbers on street signs: Board members and
Staff discussed general code compliance.
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
A motion was made to recommend adoption of 2006 I Codes with local
amendments. Motion Passed unanimously.
SPIN:
On January 28, 2008, staff held a citywide SPIN meeting in Southlake
Town Hall to present the 8 ordinances in the current 2006 code package.
Explanation was given of the impact, focusing primarily on residential
construction. Questions were asked about specific applications, but no
specific objections were aired.
Action Requested
: Conduct a public hearing and make a recommendation on Ordinance No.
931, adopting the 2006 International Fire Code and certain local
amendments.
Attachments:
Attachment A- International Codes Update Memo.
Attachment B- Proposed Ordinance 931, 2006 International Fire Code.
Attachment B
Page 2 of 31
2006 International Fire Code
M E M O R A N D U M
Date: January 29, 2008
TO: Paul Ward, Chief Building Official
FROM: Chuck Bloomberg, Plans Examiner
SUBJECT: International Codes Update
The City of Southlake has adopted the International Code Council’s construction codes as
our local building codes with regional and local amendments. The codes are continually
updated on the national level and are published every three years. The current codes, the
2006 edition have been reviewed by the Regional Code Coordinating Committee and
Executive Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments and recommended
for adoption by area cities.
2006 International Building Code. This code regulates all buildings not covered by
the IRC. The administrative chapter includes our permits for grading or “earth disturbance.”
The fee section is similar to the IRC ordinance. Again the NCTCOG recommendations are
followed except for some items that are more clarification than actual code changes. We
follow the NCTCOG choice for group B cities as far as fire sprinkler options, protecting
buildings greater than 6000 square feet as we have since 1994 with some modifications.
2006 International Fire Code. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating
to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding: (1.) The hazard of fire and
explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; (2.)
Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or
premises; (3.) Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation;
(4.) Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire
suppression or alarm systems. Amendments include NCTCOG recommendations and Fire
Services recommendations.
2006 International Energy Conservation Code. This is the code mandated by
state law with specific language that we may not amend it in any way less restrictive than
the original code adopted in 2001. The law established the Energy Systems Laboratory at
Texas A & M University as the judge as to what is or is not less restrictive. ESL worked
closely with NCTCOG in making recommendations for this edition of the code.
Attachment A
International Codes Update Memo
2006 ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions. This code adopts the 2008
National Electrical Code by reference as written without amendments and also gives the
administrative provisions consistent with the other
International Codes.
Attachment B
Page 3 of 31
2006 International Fire Code
• 2006 International Plumbing Code. This code regulates plumbing systems including
water and sewage and storm sewer piping systems and their fixtures. The Plumbing
ordinance limits amendments to those recommended by NCTCOG.
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code. This code regulates gas piping, fuel burning
appliances and their vents. Again amendments are limited to the NCTCOG
recommendations.
• 2006 International Mechanical Code. This code regulates Heating, Air Conditioning and
mechanical ventilation systems. The NCTCOG amendments have been recommended for
the IMC.
• 2006 International Residential Code. This code regulates one and two-family dwellings
and townhouses not over three stories high and their accessory structures. The IRC is
unique in that one book covers all construction for dwellings including building, electrical,
plumbing, energy conservation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and fuel gas piping.
Other than in the administrative chapter and appendix chapters the amendments are as
recommended by NCTCOG. In section 108.8 an unauthorized cover up fee was added to
help get final inspections on swimming pools prior to filling them. The energy code
provisions were revised by ICC and therefore had to be amended to remain in compliance
with state law. The residential sprinkler requirements were changed as recommended by
Fire Services.
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
Attachment A
International Codes Update Memo
ORDINANCE NO. 931
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, AMENDING
CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE III, “FIRE CODE” OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS BY ADOPTING
THE 2006 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE;
REPEALING ORDINANCE NUMBER 817 AND REPEALING ALL
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PRESCRIBING
REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE
AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE AND EXPLOSION; PROVIDING FOR
THE ADOPTION OF LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO; PROVIDING
A PENALTY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A CUMULATIVE CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS
, the City of Southlake, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter
9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS
, the City wishes to adopt the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code to
provide for the safety of the citizens of Southlake; and
WHEREAS
, the Director of Public Safety has recommended certain amendments to the
International Fire Code, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
Section 1.
That Article III of Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Southlake,
Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE III. FIRE CODE
Sec. 15-126. Adoption of 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code,
The City of Southlake hereby adopts the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code,
including Appendix Chapters A, B, C, D, E, F and G, published by the International Code
Council, Inc, save and except such portions as are deleted or amended by this ordinance, and the
same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein.
Attachment B
Page 5 of 31
2006 International Fire Code
Sec. 15-127. Amendments.
That the 2006 International Fire Code, as adopted herein, is hereby amended as provided
in Exhibit "B" incorporated herein and attached hereto for all purposes of this ordinance. The
City of Southlake, Texas may from time to time determine that additional local modifications to
the Fire Code are necessary and appropriate to meet the unique needs of the City of Southlake,
Texas. To effectuate these local modifications, the City Council shall enact individual
ordinances amending this Ordinance, fully setting forth the change to be made in the Fire Code.
These amendments shall be consolidated as Exhibit "B" to this Ordinance.
Section 2. Penalty.
Any person, firm, or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits,
neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this
ordinance shall be fined not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations
involving zoning, fire safety or public health and sanitation, including dumping or refuse, and
shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for all other violations of this ordinance.
Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 3. Cumulative Clause.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of
ordinances of the City of Southlake, Texas, except where provisions of this ordinance are in
direct conflict with the provisions of another ordinance, in which event the conflicting provisions
of the other ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 4. Severability Clause.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City
Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections are severable, and if any
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared
unconstitutional by the valid judgement or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs,
and sections of this ordinance, since they would have been enacted by the City Council without
the incorporation in this ordinance of the unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or
section.
Section 5. Savings Clause.
All rights and remedies of theCity of Southlake are
expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisionsof Article III, Chapter 15 “Fire
Code” of the Code of Ordinances, City of Southlake, Texas, as amended, or any other ordinances
affecting such code which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance; and, as
to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in
court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be
prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
Section 6. Publication.
The CitySecretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed
to publish in the official newspaper of the City of Southlake, the caption, penalty clause,
publication clause and effective date of this ordinance one time within ten days after passage of
this ordinance, as required by Section 3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
Attachment B
Page 6 of 31
2006 International Fire Code
Section 7. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and publication as required by law but not before September 30, 2004, and it is so
ordained.
APPROVED ON FIRST READING THIS _____ DAY OF ________________, 2008.
___________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED ON SECOND READING THIS ____ DAY OF _______________, 2008.
___________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
CITY SECRETARY
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
_____________________________________
CITY ATTORNEY
EFFECTIVE:
Attachment B
Page 7 of 31
2006 International Fire Code
EXHIBIT "B"
LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE 2006 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
The following sections, paragraphs, and sentences of the 2003 International Fire Code
are hereby amended as follows:
(Standard type is text from the IFC. Underlined type is text inserted. Lined through type
is deleted text from IFC.) After each code amendment a reason is given in parentheses.
The reason is not a part of the code, but is given to aid in understanding the code.
Note: Fire sprinkler code provisions for single-family dwellings and duplexes may be found in the
International Residential Code.
Section 101.1; Change to read as follows:
101.1Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Southlake, Texas
hereinafter referred to as "this code."
***Section 102.1; add #5 as follows:
102.1 Construction and design provisions.
.
5 The provisions of this code apply to buildings built under the IRC and IBC.
(Reason: To clarify that the fire safety provisions of the fire code do apply to all construction.)
**Section 102.4; change to read as follows:
102.4 Application of building other codes.
The design and construction of new structures
shall comply with this code, and other codes as applicable the International Building Code, and
any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which
are within the scope of the International Building Code, shall be made in accordance therewith.
(Reason: Clarification of requirements and that the IFC also applies to new residential construction.)
**Section 102.6; change to read as follows:
102.6 Referenced codes and standards.
The codes and standards referenced in this code
shall be those that are listed in Chapter 45 and such codes, when specifically adopted, and
standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of
each such reference. Where differences occur between the provisions of this code and the
referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Whenever amendments have
been adopted to the referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard
shall be considered to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC
Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
(Reason: To be consistent with the State of Texas, other referenced codes must be specifically adopted.)
Section 103.1, 103.2 and 103.3 Change to read as follows:
Section 103.1General.
The Fire Code shall be enforced by the Division of Fire Prevention.
The Division of Fire Prevention is hereby established as a division of the Department of Public
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
Safety of the City of Southlake and shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the
Fire Department.
Section 103.2Appointment
. The Code Official in charge of the Division of Fire Prevention
shall be appointed by the Director of Public Safety on the basis of proper qualification as
required by the City of Southlake.
Section 103.3Deputies.
In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction
and the concurrence of the Fire Chief, the code official shall have the authority to appoint a
deputy code official, other related technical officers, inspectors and other employees.
Section 105.6 Change as follows:
Section 105.6.0Required operational permits.
The code official is authorized to issue
operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.34
Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.47 is hereby rescinded and Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.34
is adopted as follows:
Section 105.6.1
Underground Storage Tanks (UST)
Section 105.6.2
Aboveground Storage Tanks (AGST)
Section 105.6.3
UST and AGST removal or Temporary out of service
Section 105.6.4
Changing UST contents
Section 105.6.5
Trench Burning – Clearing Land/Rubbish
Section 105.6.6
Fireworks (certified events only)
Section 105.6.7
Dry Cleaning Operations, non-flammable liquids
Section 105.6.8
Dry Cleaning Operations, flammable/combustible liquids
Section 105.6.9
Explosives or Blasting Agents, use of
Section 105.6.10
Hazardous Materials (Storage, dispense, use of)
Section 105.6.11
Highly Toxic Pesticides (storage, use of)
Section 105.6.12
High-Piled Combustible Storage
Section 105.6.13
Tire Storage
Section 105.6.14
LPG, 25-119 WGC
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
Section 105.6.15
LPG, 120 – 1,999 WGC
Section 105.6.16
LPG, 2,000 < WGC
Section 105.6.17
LPG fueled vehicles/equipment in assemblies
Section 105.6.18
Spraying and Dipping Operations
Section 105.6.19
Battery Systems
Section 105.6.20
Private Agency License Inspection/Certification
Section 105.6.21
Asbestos Removal
Section 105.6.22
Malls, covered
Section 105.6.23
Motor Vehicle Fuel Dispensing Stations
Section 105.6.24
Pyrotechnic material
Section 105.6.25
Cut Tree in Public Building
Section 105.6.26
Controlled Access Gates
Section 105.6.27
Circus, Carnivals, Fairs
Section 105.6.28
Pipeline Operations Maintenance or Excavation
Section 105.6.29
Candles- Open Flame, Use in Assembly Areas
Section 105.6.30
Parade Floats
Section 105.6.31
Refrigeration Equipment, us of special type
Section 105.6.32
Speed Bumps/Humps in Fire Lane
Section 105.6.33
Garages-Auto Equipment Maintenance/Repairs
Section 105.6.34
Compressed Gases, Use of
***Section 106.2; add Sections 106.2.1 and 106.2.2 as follows:
106.2.1 Inspection requests.
It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their duly authorized
agent to notify the fire code official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the
permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by
this code.
106.2.2 Approval required.
Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each
successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the fire code official. The fire code
official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the
portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or his or
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall
be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the fire
code official.
(Reason: Clarifies that it is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the fire code official when the
installation is ready for appropriate inspection and before covering up any work.)
Sec. 109.3 is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 109.3
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions or terms of this
Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction in the Municipal Court, shall
be subject to a fine not exceed TWO THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($2,000.00) DOLLARS for each
offense, and each and every day any such violation shall continue shall be deemed to constitute
a separate offense.
Sec. 111.4 is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 111.4
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work
order except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe
condition, shall be liable to a fine not to exceed TWO THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($2,000.00)
DOLLARS for each offense, and each and every day any such violation shall continue shall be
deemed to constitute a separate offense.
**Section 202; amend definition of Fire Watch as follows:
FIRE WATCH.
A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic
surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals or standby
personnel when required by the fire code official, for the purposes of identifying and controlling
fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of fire and notifying the fire
department.
(Reason: Clearly defines options to the fire department for providing a fire watch.)
***Section 202; add definitions as follows:
ADDRESSABLE FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM.
Any system capable of providing identification
of each individual alarm-initiating device. The identification shall be in plain English and as
descriptive as possible to specifically identify the location of the device in alarm. The system
shall have the capability of alarm verification.
ANALOG INTELLIGENT ADDRESSABLE FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM.
Any system capable
of calculating a change in value by directly measurable quantities (voltage, resistance, etc.) at
the sensing point. The physical analog may be conducted at the sensing point or at the main
control panel. The system shall be capable of compensating for long-term changes in sensor
response while maintaining a constant sensitivity. The compensation shall have a preset point
at which a detector maintenance signal shall be transmitted to the control panel. The sensor
shall remain capable of detecting and transmitting an alarm while in maintenance alert.
CITY
shall mean the City of Southlake, Texas
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
CODE OFFICIAL
The Fire Marshal is the designated authority charged by the Director of
Public Safety with the duties of administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized
representative.
FIRE CHIEF
shall mean the City of Southlake Chief of Fire Services.
FIRE LANE
shall mean fire apparatus access road
FIRE MARSHAL
See Code Official
HIGH-RISE BUILDING
A building having any floors used for human occupancy located more
than 55 feet (16 764 mm) or three stories above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access.
(Reason: To provide a definition that does not exist in the code.)
TM
MECHANICALCODE
is the International Mechanical Code as adopted by this jurisdiction.
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY
Real property designed and used for the purpose of
renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storing and
removing personal property on a self-service basis.
STANDBY PERSONNEL
Qualified fire service personnel, approved by the Fire Chief. When
utilized, the number required shall be as directed by the Fire Chief. Charges for utilization shall
be as normally calculated by the jurisdiction.
(Reason: To provide definitions for terms used elsewhere in the code.)
**Section 307.2; change to read as follows:
307.2 Permit required.
A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with
Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management
practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or open burning a bonfire. Application for
such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon
which the fire is to be kindled.
Examples of state or local law, or regulations referenced elsewhere in this section may include
but not be limited to the following:
1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality guidelines and/or restrictions.
2. State, County or Local temporary or permanent bans on open burning.
3. Local written policies as established by the Code Official.
**Section 307.4; change to read as follows:
307.4 Location.
The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 300 feet (15 240 91
440 mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to
within 50 300 feet (15 240 91 440 mm) of any structure.
(exceptions unchanged)
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
**Add Section 307.4.3 to read as follows:
307.4.3 Trench Burns.
Trench burns shall be conducted in air curtain trenches and in
accordance with Section 307.2.
**Section 307.5; change to read as follows:
307.5 Attendance.
Open burning, trench burns, bonfires or recreational fires shall be
constantly attended until the . . . {remainder of section unchanged}.
(Reason: Amendments to 307.2, 307.4, 307.4.3 and 307.5 better explain current requirements and
recognize that jurisdictions have local established policies that best fit their environments.)
***Section 308.3.1; change to read as follows:
308.3.1 Open-flame cooking and heating devices.
Charcoal burners and other oOpen-flame
cooking devices, charcoal grills, outdoor fireplaces and other similar devices used for cooking,
heating or any other purpose shall not be operated located or used on combustible balconies,
decks, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. One- and two-family dwellings.
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an approved
automatic sprinkler system.
(Reason: Decrease fire risk in multi-family dwellings and minimizes ignition sources.)
***Section 308.3.1.1; Amended to add the following exceptions:
Exceptions:
1. One- and two-family dwellings may have containers with a water capacity not
greater than 20 pounds (9.08 kg) [nominal 8 pound (3.632 kg) LP-gas capacity] with
an aggregate capacity not to exceed 100 lbs (5 containers).
2. Other residential occupancies where buildings, balconies and decks are protected
by an approved automatic sprinkler system, may have containers with a water
capacity not greater than 20 pounds (9.08 kg) [nominal 8 pound (3.632 kg) LP-gas
capacity], with an aggregate capacity not to exceed 40 lbs (2 containers).
(Reason: To clarify allowable limits for 1 & 2 family dwellings, and allow an expansion for sprinklered
multi-family uses. Clarification and defines container size residences are allowed.)
***Section 401.3; add Section 401.3.4 as follows:
401.3.4 Fire Alarms and Nuisance Alarms.
False alarms and nuisance alarms shall not be
given, signaled or transmitted or caused or permitted to be given, signaled or transmitted in any
manner.
(Reason: Places the responsibility of the business or property owner to maintain their fire alarm systems
in approved condition. Allows the enforcement of “prohibition of false alarms”. Replaces language lost
from the 1997 Code)
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
**Section 503.1.1; add the following sentence to the first paragraph:
Except for single- or two-family residences, the path of measurement shall be along a minimum
of a ten feet (10’) wide unobstructed pathway around the external walls of the structure.
(Reason: Recognizes that the hose lay provision can only be measured along a pathway that is wide
enough for fire fighter access.)
**Section 503.2.1; change to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions.
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less
than 20 24 feet (6096 mm 7315mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with
Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115
mm.) 14 feet (4267 mm).
Exception:
Vertical clearance may be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair
access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the
established vertical clearance when approved.
Exception:
Fire Apparatus Access Roads may be reduced in width with approval of the
Fire Code Official.
**Section 503.2.2; change to read as follows:
503.2.2 Authority.
The fire code official shall have the authority to require an increase in the
minimum access widths and vertical clearances where they are inadequate for fire or rescue
operations.
** Section 503.2.3 is changed and 503.2.3.1 is added to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface.
All weather surface shall be asphalt or concrete. Fire lanes shall be designed
Subgrade
to support a minimum 75,000 lb. GVW load. shall be stabilized per engineers report.
Concrete
fire lanes shall be a minimum five (5) inches inch thick 3600 psi concrete 5 ½ sack
Asphalt
concrete reinforced with #4 rebar on 18 inch centers. fire lane shall be minimum six (6)
Drive approaches
inches thick. shall be minimum six (6) inches 3600 PSI 5 ½ sack concrete
with # 4 rebar on 18 inch centers both ways on chairs.
Section 503.2.3.1
Private Access Easements shall be built to city street standards.
(Reason: Amendments to 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 recognize that the equipment now used in fire
fighting is increasing in size. The code already recognizes that larger dimensions may be
required under Section 503.2.2. The amendments are to standardize the dimensions for this
area. With the increase in fire apparatus size, this will allow for the passage of two fire
apparatus during a fire or EMS emergency. Amendments to 503.2.3.1 to provide a standard for
private access easements.
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
**Section 503.3; change to read as follows:
503.3 Marking.
Striping, signs, or other markings, when approved by the code official, shall be
provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction
thereof. Striping, signs and other markings shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition
at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
(1) Striping
– Fire apparatus access roads shall be continuously marked by painted
lines of red traffic paint six inches (6”) in width to show the boundaries of the lane. The
words “NO PARKING FIRE LANE” or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING” shall appear in four
inch (4”) white letters at 25 feet intervals on the red border markings along both sides of
the fire lanes. Where a curb is available, the striping shall be on the vertical face of the
curb.
(2) Signs
– Signs shall read “NO PARKING FIRE LANE” or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING”
and shall be 12” wide and 18” high. Signs shall be painted on a white background with
letters and borders in red, using not less than 2” lettering. Signs shall be permanently
affixed to a stationary post and the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches (6’6”)
above finished grade. Signs shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50’) apart. Signs
may be installed on permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the Fire Chief.
(Reason: Establishes a standard method of marking.)
**Section 503.4; change to read as follows:
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads.
Fire apparatus access roads shall not be
obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and
clearances established in Section 503.2.1 and any area marked as a fire lane as described in
Section 503.3 shall be maintained at all times.
(Reason: As originally worded, it implied that vehicles could be parked in the marked fire lane
and not be in violation if the minimum width is still maintained. Current accepted enforcement
practice is to require all of the marked fire lane to be maintained clear and unobstructed.)
***Sections 505.1and 505.2; amend to read as follows:
505.1 Address numbers.
New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers,
identification placed in a position that is plainly
building numbers or approved building
legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall
contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet
letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke
width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). See Ordinance # 441 for specific addressing requirements.
505.2 Street or Road Signs.
Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs.
Temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new
roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an approved size, weather resistant and
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code
be maintained until replaced by permanent signs.All public and private street signs shall
indicate hundred blocks.
(Reason: To identify hundred blocks for Emergency Responders.
**Section 508; shall be amended by adding the following section:
508.5.7 Required Installations
. This section provides the minimum hydrant requirements.
Whenever the fire flow requirements of Appendix C require additional hydrants they are
also required. The location, number and type of fire hydrants connected to a water
supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on the public street
or on the site of the premises, or both, to be protected as required and approved by the
Fire Code Official. A fire hydrant shall be located within 100 feet of a fire department
connection.
Maximum spacing of Fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the following distances:
Occupancy Unsprinklered Sprinklered
R-3 and U Occupancies 400 feet 600 feet
All Others 300 feet 600 feet
Hydrants shall be provided at all intersecting streets and at intermediate locations
between intersections as prescribed above, measured as the hose would be laid. Fire hydrants
shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by roads which meet the requirements of
Section 503.2.
***Add Section 511 Emergency Radio Communications to read as follows:
SECTION 511
EMERGENCY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
511.1 Signal strength in buildings.
In all new and existing buildings in which the type of
construction or distance from an operational emergency services antenna or dispatch site does
not provide adequate frequency or signal strength as determined by the code official, the
building owner shall be responsible for providing the equipment, installation and maintenance of
said equipment in a manner to strengthen the radio signal. The radio signal shall meet the
minimum input / output strengths according to the emergency radio system’s provider and
system manager.
(Reason: Ensure proper communication inside the building during emergency operations.)
**Section 704.1; change to read as follows:
704.1 Enclosure.
Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator
hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall be
enclosed or protected in accordance with the codes in effect at the time of construction but,
regardless of when constructed, not less than as specified in Table 704.1.
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(Reason: Provides standard minimum protection retroactively, but clarifies that this section is
not to be used to reduce higher protection levels that were required when originally
constructed.)
*** Section 807.4.3.2 and Section 807.4.4.2; add an exception to read as follows:
Exception:
Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
(Reason: This change allows an increase in wall coverage due to the presence of sprinklers.)
***Section 901.6.1; add section to read as follows:
901.6.1.1 Standpipe Testing.
Building owners/managers must utilize a licensed fire protection
contractor to test and certify standpipe systems. In addition to the testing and maintenance
requirements of NFPA 25 applying to standpipe systems, the following additional requirements
shall be applied to the testing that is required every 5 years:
1. The piping between the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and the standpipe shall be
hydrostatically tested for all FDC’s on any type of standpipe system. Hydrostatic testing
shall also be conducted in accordance with NFPA 25 requirements for the different types
of standpipe systems.
2. For any manual (dry or wet) standpipe system not having an automatic water supply
capable of flowing water through the standpipe, the contractor shall connect hose from a
fire hydrant or portable pumping system (as approved by the fire code official) to each
FDC, and flow water through the standpipe system to the roof outlet to verify that each
inlet connection functions properly. There is no required pressure criteria at the outlet.
Verify that check valves function properly and that there are no closed control valves on
the system.
3. Any pressure relief, reducing, or control valves shall be tested in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 25.
4. If the FDC is not already provided with approved caps, the contractor shall install such
caps for all FDC’s. Contact the Fire Marshal for additional information.
5. Upon successful completion of standpipe test, the contractor shall place a blue tag (as per
“Texas Administrative Code, Title 28. Insurance, Part I. Texas Department of Insurance,
Chapter 34. State Fire Marshal, Subchapter G. Fire Sprinkler Rules, 28 TAC § 34.720.
Inspection, Test and Maintenance Service (ITM) Tag”) at the bottom of each standpipe
riser in the building. An example of this tag is located at the end of this SOP. The tag
shall be check-marked as “Fifth Year” for Type of ITM, and the note on the back of the tag
shall read “5 Year Standpipe Test” at a minimum.
6. The contractor shall follow the procedures as required by “Texas Administrative Code,
Title 28. Insurance, Part I. Texas Department of Insurance, Chapter 34. State Fire
Marshal, Subchapter G. Fire Sprinkler Rules, 28 TAC” with regard to Yellow Tags and
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Red Tags or any deficiencies noted during the testing, including the required notification
of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (Fire Marshal).
7. Additionally, records of the testing shall be maintained by the owner and contractor, as
required by the State Rules mentioned above and NFPA 25.
8. Standpipe system tests where water will be flowed external to the building shall not be
conducted during freezing conditions or during the day prior to expected night time
freezing conditions.
9. Contact the Fire Marshal for requests to remove existing fire hose from Class II and III
standpipe systems where employees are not trained in the utilization of this fire fighting
equipment. All standpipe hose valves must remain in place and be provided with an
approved cap and chain when approval is given to remove hose by the fire code official.
(Reason: Increases the reliability of the fire protection system and re-emphasizes the
requirements of NFPA 25.)
**Section 901.7; amend to read as follows:
901.7 Systems out of service.
Where a required fire protection system is out of service or in
the event of an excessive number of activations, the fire department and the code official shall
be notified immediately and, where required by the code official, the building shall either be
evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the
shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
(Reason: Gives Fire Chief more discretion. Requires adoption of definition amendment in
Section 202.)
**Section 903.2; delete the exception.
(Reason: These areas pose a fire risk to the structural integrity of the building.)
***Amend section 903.2.7 to read as follows:
903.2.7 Group R.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3
shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area. See IRC ordinance for
sprinkler requirements for dwellings constructed under that code.
(Reason: To make code user aware there are other requirements in the IRC.)
**Add Section 903.2.8.3 to read as follows:
903.2.8.3 Self-service storage facility.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout all self-service storage facilities.
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Exception:
One-story self-service storage facilities that have no interior corridors, with a
one-hour fire barrier separation wall installed between every storage compartment.
(Reason: Fire departments are unable to inspect these commercial occupancies and are
unaware of the contents being stored.)
**Section 903.2.10; amend title and 903.2.10.3 and add 903.2.10.4 thru 903.2.10.6 as
follows:
903.2.10 Windowless stories in all All occupancies except groups R-3 and U.
An
automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.10.1
through 903.2.10.1.3.
Exception:
Group R-3 and Group U.
(Reason: Current title of windowless stories in all occupancies does not currently cover all the
subsections listed and referenced.)
903.2.10.3 Buildings over 55 35 feet in height.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be
installed throughout buildings with a floor level, other than penthouses in compliance with
Section 1509, having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 35 feet (16 764 10
668mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exceptions:
1. Airport control towers.
2. Open parking structures in compliance with Section 406.3.
3. Occupancies in Group F-2.
(Reason: Lower height threshold for sprinklers reduces demands on fire fighters.)
903.2.10.4 High-Piled Combustible Storage.
For any building with a clear height exceeding
12 feet (4572 mm), see Chapter 23 of the International Fire Code to determine if those
provisions apply.
(Reason: Reference to Fire Code for special conditions.)
903.2.10.5Spray Booths and Rooms.
New and existing spray booths and spraying rooms
shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.
(Reason: Reflects local practices. Consistent with regional amendments to IFC 903.2.10 and
903.2.10.5)
903.2.10.6Buildings Over 6,000 sq. ft.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout all buildings over 6,000 sq. ft. For the purpose of this provision, fire walls shall not
define separate buildings. For this section only, area measurement shall be based on outside
dimensions of exterior walls, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deduction for corridors,
stairways, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or other features. The floor area of a
building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area
under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. For upper level attic type rooms, areas
where the ceiling height is less than five feet (5’ 0”) shall not be considered. Unfinished space
framed to permit future expansion of floor area shall be considered as part of the area. Joists
designed to support floor loads shall be assumed to be for future area.
Exceptions:
1.Open parking garages in compliance with Section 406.3.
2. Building regulated under the International Residential Code as amended.
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(Reason: Lower area threshold for sprinklers reduces demand on fire fighters. Detail added to
explain more precisely how areas are to be figured.)
**Section 903.3.1.1.1; change to read as follows:
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations.
When approved by the code official, automatic Automatic
sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such . . . {bulk of section
unchanged} . . . because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical
equipment.
1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or
fire hazard.
2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature
of the contents, when approved by the code official.
3. Generator and transformer rooms, under the direct control of a public utility, separated
from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
4. In rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible
contents.
(Reason: Gives more discretion to code official. Protects locations where fire risks are poorly
addressed.)
**Section 903.3.5; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Water supply as required for such systems shall be provided in conformance with the
supply requirements of the respective standards; however, every fire protection system shall be
designed with a 10 psi safety factor.
(Reason: To define uniform safety factor.)
Section 903.3.8; addthe following:
903.3.8 Fire Department Connection Lock.
All fire department connections shall be
secured with a Knox Locking Fire Department Cap.
**Section 903.4; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap
to the sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more than 45
seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for fire department
hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a supervisory signal at the
central station upon tampering.
(Reason: To avoid significant water losses. Consistent with amendment to IFC 905.9.)
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***Section 903.4.2; add second paragraph to read as follows:
The alarm device required on the exterior of the building shall be a weatherproof
horn/strobe notification appliance with a minimum 75 candela strobe rating, installed as close as
practicable to the fire department connection.
(Reason: Fire department connections are not always located at the riser, this allows the fire
department faster access.)
**Add Section 903.6.2 to read as follows:
903.6.2 Spray booths and rooms.
New and existing spray booths and spray rooms shall be
protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 1504.
(Reason: Consistent with amendment to IFC 1504.)
**Section 905.2; change to read as follows:
905.2 Installation standards.
Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this
section and NFPA 14. Manual dry standpipe systems shall be supervised with a minimum of 10
psig and a maximum of 40 psig air pressure with a high/low alarm.
(Reason: To define manual dry standpipe supervision requirements.)
***Add Section 905.3.8 and exception to read as follows:
905.3.8 Building Area.
In buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet in area per story, Class I
automatic wet or manual wet standpipes shall be provided where any portion of the building’s
interior area is more than 200 feet (60960 mm) of travel, vertically and horizontally, from the
nearest point of fire department vehicle access.
Exception:
Automatic dry and semi-automatic dry standpipes are allowed as provided
for in NFPA 14.
(Reason: Allows for the rapid deployment of hoselines to the body of the fire.)
**Section 905.4, item #5; change to read as follows:
5. Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent
slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a two-way hose connection located either . . .
{remainder of paragraph unchanged} . . .
(Reason: Reduced the amount of pressure required to facilitate testing, and provides backup
protection for fire fighter safety.)
**Section 905.9; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap to the
sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more than 45
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seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for fire department
hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a supervisory signal at the
central station upon tampering.
(Reason: To avoid significant water losses. Consistent with amendment to IFC 903.4.)
**Add Section 907.1.3 to read as follows:
907.1.3 Design Standards.
All alarm systems new or replacement serving 20 or more alarm
actuating devices shall be addressable fire detection systems. Alarm systems serving more
than 40 smoke detectors or more than 75 total alarm activating devices shall be analog
intelligent addressable fire detection systems.
Exception:
Existing systems need not comply unless the total building remodel or
expansion initiated after the effective date of this code, as adopted, exceeds 30% of the
building. When cumulative building remodel or expansion exceeds 50% of the building
must comply within 18 months of permit application.
(Reason: Consistent with local practice.)
***Section 907.2.1; change to read as follows:
907.2.1 Group A.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group A occupancies having
an occupant load of 300 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest
level of exit discharge. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall
be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.
(Reason: Increases the requirement is changed to be consistent with Group B requirement.)
**Section 907.2.3; change to read as follows:
907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E educational
occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such
systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. An approved smoke
detection system shall be installed in Group E day care occupancies. Unless separated by a
minimum of 100' open space, all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, will
be considered one building for alarm occupant load consideration and interconnection of alarm
systems.
(Reason: To distinguish educational from day care occupancy minimum protection
requirements. Further, to define threshold at which portable buildings are considered a
separate building for the purposes of alarm systems.)
**Section 907.2.3; change exception #1 and add exception #1.1 to read as follows:
Group E
1. educational and day care occupancies with an occupant load of less than
50 when provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
1.1. Residential In-Home day care with not more than 12 children may use
interconnected single station detectors in all habitable rooms. (For care of more
than five children 2 1/2 or less years of age, see Section 907.2.6.)
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(Reason: Consistent with Texas State laws concerning day care facility requirements.)
**Section 907.2.12; change to read as follows:
907.2.12 High-rise buildings.
Buildings having any floors used for human occupancy located
more than 75 55 feet (22 860 16 764 mm) or three stories above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and an
emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
(Reason: To correct per definition of high-rise. Consistent with regional amendment to IBC
907.2.12.)
**Section 907.2.12, exception #3; change to read as follows:
3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1 of the
International Building Code, when used for open air seating; however, this exception
does not apply to accessory uses including but not limited to sky boxes, restaurants and
similarly enclosed areas.
(Reason: To indicate that enclosed areas within open air seating type occupancies are not
excepted from automatic fire alarm system requirements.)
**Section 907.4; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double action type.
(Reason: Consistent with local requirements.)
*** Add Section 907.6.1 to read as follows:
907.6.1 Installation.
All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner that a failure of
any single initiating device or single open in an initiating circuit conductor will not interfere with
the normal operation of other such devices. All initiating circuit conductors shall be Class “A”
wired with a minimum of six feet separation between supply and return circuit conductors. IDC
– Class “A” Style D; SLC - Class “A” Style 6; NAC - Class “B” Style Y. The IDC from an
addressable device used to monitor the status of a suppression system may be wired Class B,
Style B provided the distance from the addressable device is within 10-feet of the suppression
system device.
(Reason: To provide uniformity in system specifications and guidance to design engineers.)
**Section 907.9.2; change to read as follows:
907.9.2 High-rise buildings.
In buildings that have floors located more than 75 55 feet (22 860
16 764 mm) or three stories above the . . . {remainder of section unchanged}.
(Reason: Consistent with high rise definition as amended.)
(Reason: Correct definition of high-rise for Option B jurisdictions.)
***Section 910.1; Amend exception 2 to read as follows:
Attachment B
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4. Where areas of buildings are equipped with early suppression fast-response
(ESFR) sprinklers, automatic only manual smoke and heat vents shall not be
required within these areas.
(Reason: Allows the fire department to control the smoke and heat during and after a fire event.)
***Section 910.2; Add subsection 910.2.4 and exceptions to read as follows:
910.2.4 Group H.
Buildings and portions thereof used as a Group H occupancy as follows:
1. In occupancies classified as Group H-2 or H-3, any of which are more than 15,000 square
feet (1394 m2) in single floor area.
Exception:
Buildings of noncombustible construction containing only noncombustible
materials.
2. In areas of buildings in Group H used for storing Class 2, 3 and 4 liquid and solid oxidizers,
Class 1 and unclassified detonable organic peroxides, Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive)
materials, or Class 2 or 3 water-reactive materials as required for a high-hazard commodity
classification.
Exception:
Buildings of noncombustible construction containing only noncombustible
materials.
(Reason: Maintain the current level of protection as outlined in the 2003 Code.)
***Table 910.3; Change the title of the first row of the table from “Group F-1 and S-1” to
include “Group H” and to read as follows:
[F] TABLE 910.3
ª
REQUIREMENTS FOR DRAFT CURTAINS AND SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS
OCCUPANCY DESIGNATED MINIMUM MAXIMUM VENT-MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
GROUP AND STORAGE DRAFT AREA AREATO- SPACING DISTANCE
COMMODITY HEIGHT CURTAIN FORMED BY FLOOR-OF TO
CLASSIFICATION (feet) DEPTH DRAFT AREA VENT VENTS
(feet) CURTAINS RATIOc CENTERS FROM
(square feet) (feet) WALL OR
DRAFT
CURTAINSb
(feet)
Group F-1, H — 0.2 × H d 50,000 1:100 120 60
and S-1 but ≥ 4
(Balance of
table remains
unchanged)
{footnotes remain unchanged}
(Reason: Consistency with the amendment 910.2.4 to include Group H)
***Section 910.3.2.2;
Add second paragraph to read as follows:
Attachment B
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The automatic operating mechanism of the smoke and heat vents shall operate at a
temperature rating at least 100 degrees (F) (approximately 38 degrees Celsius) greater than the
temperature rating of the sprinklers installed.
(Reason: Specifies a temperature range at which smoke and heat vents should activate in
sprinklered buildings to ensure that the sprinkler system has an opportunity to activate and
control the fire prior to vent operation.)
_____________________________________________________________________
**Section 912.2; add a sentence to the end of the paragraph to read as follows:
Section 912.2 Location. (Paragraph unchanged) . . . The Fire Department Connection shall be
located within100 feet of a fire hydrant.
***Section 913.1 – Add second paragraph and exception to read as follows:
When located on the ground level at an exterior wall, the fire pump room shall be provided
with an exterior ire department access door that is not less than 3 ft. in width and 6 ft. – 8 in. in
height, regardless of any interior doors that are provided. A key box shall be provided at this
door, as required by Section 506.1.
Exception:
When it is necessary to locate the fire pump room on other levels or not at an
exterior wall, the corridor leading to the fire pump room access from the exterior of the
building shall be provided with equivalent fire resistance as that required for the pump room,
or as approved by the fire code official. Access keys shall be provided in the key box as
required by Section 506.1.
(Reason:This requirement allows fire fighters safer access to the fire pump room. The
requirement allows access without being required to enter the building and locate the fire pump
room interior access door during a fire event. The exception recognizes that this will not always
be a feasible design scenario for some buildings, and as such, provides an acceptable
alternative to protect the pathway to the fire pump room.)
**Section 913.4; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
The fire-pump system shall also be supervised for “loss of power”, “phase reversal” and
“pump running” conditions by supervisory signal on distinct circuits.
***Section 1004.1.1; Delete exception as follows:
1004.1.1 Areas without fixed seating.
The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate
of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.1. For areas without fixed
seating, the occupant load shall not be less than that number determined by dividing the floor
area under consideration by the occupant per unit of area factor assigned to the occupancy as
set forth in Table 1004.1.1. Where an intended use is not listed in Table 1004.1.1, the building
official shall establish a use based on a listed use that most nearly resembles the intended use.
Exception:
Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for
whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those
determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design
occupant load.
Attachment B
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(Reason: Consistent with local practice.)
1020.1.7 Smokeproof enclosures.
In buildings required to comply with Section 403 or 405,
each of the exits of a building that serves any stories story where the floor surface is located
more than 75 55 feet (22 860 16 764 mm) or three stories above the lowest level of fire . . .
{remainder of section unchanged}.
(Reason: Consistent with high rise definition as amended and clarify only one floor need be
above the threshold.)
***Section 1028.2; change to read as follows:
1028.2 Reliability.
Required exit accesses, exits or exit discharges shall be continuously
maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other
emergency when the areas served by such exits are occupied. Security devices affecting
means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official.
(Reason: Maintain a current level of protection as identified in the 2003 and provide firefighter
safety.)
**Section 1504.4; change to read as follows:
1504.4 Fire Protection.
New and existing spray Spray booths and spray rooms shall be
protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system … [remainder of section
unchanged} …
(Reason: Consistent protection in all spray booths.)
***Section 2204.1; change to read as follows:
2204.1 Supervision of dispensing.
The dispensing of fuel at motor fuel-dispensing facilities
shall be conducted by a qualified attendant or shall be under the supervision of a qualified
attendant at all times or shall be in accordance with Section 2204.3. the following:
1. Conducted by a qualified attendant; and/or,
2. Shall be under the supervision of a qualified attendant; and/or
3. Shall be an unattended self-service facility in accordance with Section 2204.3.
At any time the qualified attendant of item #1 or #2 above is not present, such operations shall
be considered as an Unattended self-service facility and shall also comply with Section 2204.3.
(Reason: Allows a facility to apply the attended and unattended requirements of the code when
both are met.)
**Section 2302; add a second paragraph to the definition of “High Plied Combustible
Storage” to read as follows:
Any building exceeding 6,000 sq.ft. that has a clear height in excess of 12 feet, making it
possible to be used for storage in excess of 12 feet, shall be considered to be high-piled storage
and shall comply with the provisions of this section. When a specific product cannot be
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identified, a fire protection system shall be installed as for Class IV commodities, to the
maximum pile height.
(Reason: To provide protection for worst-case scenario in flexible or unknown situations.)
***Table 2306.2; replace text of “footnote j” to read as follows:
j. Where areas of buildings are equipped with early suppression fast-response (ESFR)
sprinklers, only manual smoke and heat vents shall be required within these areas.
(Reason: Allows the fire department to control the smoke and heat during and after a fire event.)
**Section 3301.1.3; change to read as follows:
3301.1.3 Fireworks. storage
The possession, manufacture, , sale, handling and use of
fireworks are prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Only when approved for fireworks displays, storage and handling of fireworks as
allowed in Section 3304 and 3308.
2. Manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as allowed in Section 3304.
3. The use of fireworks for approved display as allowed in Section 3308.
4. The possession…consumer fireworks.
(Reason: Restricts to approved displays, which is consistent with local practice.)
**Section 3302; change the definition of “fireworks” to read as follows:
FIREWORKS.
Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible
effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and/or activated
by ignition with a match or other heat producing device that meets the definition of 1.4G
fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.
(Reason: Increased safety from fireworks related injuries.)
** Section 3403.2.2; add new section to read as follows:
3403.2.2 Fire Protection.
An approved deluge water foam extinguishing system shall be
installed and maintained on all loading facilities and on all unloading facilities.
**Section 3403.6; add a sentence to read as follows:
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and
piping systems.
**Section 3404.2.11.5; add a sentence to read as follows:
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and
piping systems.
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(Reason: Increased protection in response to underground leak problems and remediation
difficulty in underground applications.)
**Section 3404.2.11.5.2; change to read as follows:
3404.2.11.5.2 Leak detection.
Underground storage tank systems … [bulk of provision
unchanged} … and installed in accordance with NFPA 30 and as specified in Section
3404.2.11.5.3.
(Reason: Reference to Section 3404.2.11.5.3 amendment.)
**Add Section 3404.2.11.5.3 to read as follows:
3404.2.11.5.3 Dry sumps.
Approved sampling tubes of a minimum 6 inches in diameter shall
be installed in the backfill material of each underground flammable or combustible liquid storage
tank. The tubes shall extend from a point 12 inches below the average grade of the excavation
to ground level and shall be provided with suitable surface access caps. Each tank site shall
provide a sampling sump at the corners of the excavation with a minimum of 4 sumps.
Sampling tubes shall be placed in the product line excavation within 10 feet of the tank
excavation and one every 50 feet routed along product lines towards the dispensers, a minimum
of two are required.
(Reason: Provides an economical means of checking potential leaks at each tank site.)
** Section 3404.2.9.5.1 changed to read as follows:
3404.2.9.5.1 Locations where above ground tanks are prohibited.
The storage of Class I
and II liquids in above ground tanks is prohibited on land located in the following zoning districts:
all residential districts, including “SF-1A, SF-1B, SF-30, SF-20A, and SF-20B, Single Family
Residential Districts;” “RE, Single Family Residential Estate District;” “AG,” Agricultural District;
“MF-1, Two Family Residential District;” “MF-2, Multiple Family Residential District;” and “MH,
Manufactured Housing District;” “HC, Hotel District;” “O-1 and O-2, Office Districts;” “C-1,
Neighborhood Commercial District;” “C-2, Local Retail Commercial District;” “C-3, General
Commercial District;” “C-4, Arterial Mall District;” “B-2, Commercial Manufacturing District;”and
any "PUD, Planned Unit Developement District."S-P-1, Detailed Site Plan District,"and P-2,
Generalized Site Plan District” which includes any use permitted in any of the above-referenced
districts
Such storage is permitted on land zoned within the following zoning districts: “B-1, Business
Service Park District;” “I-1, Light Industrial District;” “I-2, Heavy Industrial District;” and “CS,
Community Service District,” or on land zoned for certain S-1-1 or S-P-2 Districts with the
approval of the Fire Chief.
**Delete Section 3406.5.4.5 and replace with the following:
3406.5.4.5 Commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing.
Dispensing of Class II
and III motor vehicle fuel from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles located at
commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments is allowed where
permitted, provided such dispensing operations are conducted in accordance with Sections
3406.5.4.5.1 through 3406.5.4.5.3.
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3406.5.4.5.1 Site requirements.
1. Dispensing may occur at sites that have been permitted to conduct mobile fueling.
2. A detailed site plan shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The site plan must
indicate:
a. all buildings, structures, and appurtenances on site and their use or function;
b. all uses adjacent to the property lines of the site;
c. the locations of all storm drain openings, adjacent waterways or wetlands;
d. information regarding slope, natural drainage, curbing, impounding and how a spill will
be retained upon the site property; and,
e. The scale of the site plan.
3. The Code Official is authorized to impose limits upon: the times and/or days during which
mobile fueling operations are allowed to take place and specific locations on a site where
fueling is permitted.
4. Mobile fueling operations shall be conducted in areas not generally accessible to the public.
5. Mobile fueling shall not take place within 15 feet (4.572 m) of buildings, property lines, or
combustible storage.
3406.5.4.5.2 Refueling Operator Requirements.
1. The owner of a mobile fueling operations shall provide to the jurisdiction a written response
plan which demonstrates readiness to respond to a fuel spill, carry out appropriate mitigation
measures, and to indicate its process to properly dispose of contaminated materials when
circumstances require.
2. The tank vehicle shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local, State and
Federal requirements. The tank vehicle's specific functions shall include that of supplying
fuel to motor vehicle fuel tanks. The vehicle and all its equipment shall be maintained in
good repair.
3. Signs prohibiting smoking or open flames within 25 feet (7.62 m) of the tank vehicle or the
point of fueling shall be prominently posted on 3 sides of the vehicle including the back and
both sides.
4. A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 40:BC shall be provided on the vehicle with
signage clearly indicating its location.
5. The dispensing nozzles and hoses shall be of an approved and listed type.
6. The dispensing hose shall not be extended from the reel more than 100 feet (30.48m) in
length.
7. Absorbent materials, non-water absorbent pads, a 10 foot (3.048 m) long containment
boom, an approved container with lid, and a non-metallic shovel shall be provided to
mitigate a minimum 5-gallon fuel spill.
8. Tanker vehicles shall be equipped with a fuel limit switch such as a count-back switch,
limiting the amount of a single fueling operation to a maximum of 500 gallons (1893 L)
between resettings of the limit switch.
Exception:
Tankers utilizing remote emergency shut-off device capability where the
operator constantly carries the shut-off device which, when activated, immediately
causes flow of fuel from the tanker to cease.
9. Persons responsible for dispensing operations shall be trained in the appropriate mitigating
actions in the event of a fire, leak, or spill. Training records shall be maintained by the
dispensing company and shall be made available to the Code Official upon request.
10. Operators of tank vehicles used for mobile fueling operations shall have in their possession
at all times an emergency communications device to notify the proper authorities in the
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2006 International Fire Code
event of an emergency.
3406.5.4.5.3 Operational Requirements.
1. The tank vehicle dispensing equipment shall be constantly attended and operated only by
designated personnel who are trained to handle and dispense motor fuels.
2. Prior to beginning dispensing operations, precautions shall be taken to assure ignition
sources are not present.
3. The engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during dispensing operations.
4. Night time fueling operations shall only take place in adequately lighted areas.
5. The tank vehicle shall be positioned with respect to vehicles being fueled so as to preclude
traffic from driving over the delivery hose and between the tank vehicle and the motor
vehicle being fueled.
6. During fueling operations, tank vehicle brakes shall be set, chock blocks shall be in place
and warning lights shall be in operation.
7. Motor vehicle fuel tanks shall not be topped off.
8. The dispensing hose shall be properly placed on an approved reel or in an approved
compartment prior to moving the tank vehicle.
9. The Code Official and other appropriate authorities shall be notified when a reportable spill
or unauthorized discharge occurs.
(Reason: Provides clarity and organization of the site, operation and use requirements.)
**Add Section 3803.2.1.8 to read as follows:
3803.2.1.8 Jewelry Repair, Dental Labs and Similar Occupancies.
Where natural gas
service is not available, portable LP-Gas containers are allowed to be used to supply approved
torch assemblies or similar appliances. Such containers shall not exceed 20-pound (9.0 kg)
water capacity. Aggregate capacity shall not exceed 60-pound (27.2 kg) water capacity. Each
device shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than 20 feet.
(Reason: To provide a consistent and reasonable means of regulating the use of portable LP-
Gas containers in these situations.)
**Section 3804.2; add an exception #2 to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. {existing exception unchanged}
2. Except as permitted in 308.3 and 3804.3.2, LP-gas containers are not permitted in residential
areas.
(Reason: To provide a consistent and reasonable means of regulating the use of portable LP-
Gas containers. References regional amendment to IFC 3804.3.2.)
**Add Section 3804.3.2 to read as follows:
3804.3.2 Spas, Pool Heaters and other listed devices.
Where natural gas service is not
available, LP-Gas containers are allowed to be used to supply spa and pool heaters or other
listed devices. Such containers shall not exceed 250-gallon water capacity. See Table 3804.3
for location of containers.
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(Reason: Allows for an alternate fuel source.)
END OF AMENDMENTS
Attachment B
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2006 International Fire Code