Ordinance No. 9901
ORDINANCE NO. 990
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CYPRESS
AMENDING SECTIONS 5 -3 AND 5 -4 OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE
CYPRESS CITY CODE, AND THEREBY ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE FOLLOWING CODES WITH CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS THERETO: THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM
FIRE CODE AND THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE
CODE STANDARDS AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 946.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 5 -3. ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND
UNIFORM FIRE CODE WITH THE AMENDMENTS LISTED HEREIN.
SECTION 5 -3
FIRE CODE
SECTIONS
5 -3.010 Documents adopted.
5 -3.020 Enforcement - Inspections.
5 -3.030 Article 1 amended — Administration.
5 -3.040 Article 2 amended — Definitions and Abbreviations.
5 -3.050 Article 9 amended — Fire Department Access and Water Supply.
5 -3.060 Article 10 amended — Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.
5 -3.070 Article 11 amended — General Safety Precautions.
5 -3.080 Article 12 amended — Maintenance of Means of Egress and Emergency
Escapes
5 -3.090 Article 13 amended — Emergency Procedures.
5 -3.100 Article 25 amended — Places of Assembly.
5 -3.110 Article 32 amended — Tents, Canopies, and Temporary Membrane
Structures.
5 -3.120 Article 47 amended. — Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging
5 -3.130 Article 52 amended — Flammable and Combustible Liquid Motor Vehicle
Fuel - Dispensing Stations.
5 -3.140 Article 63 amended — Refrigeration.
5 -3.150 Article 64 added — Stationary Lead -acid Battery Systems.
5 -3.160 Article 74 amended — Compressed Gases
5 -3.170 Article 77 amended — Explosive Materials.
5 -3.180 Article 78 amended — Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Special Effects Materials
5 -3.190 Article 79 amended — Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
5 -3.200 Article 80 amended — Hazardous Materials.
5 -3.210 Article 87 amended — Fire Safety During Construction, Alteration &
Demolition of a Building.
5 -3.220 Article 90 amended — Standards.
5 -3.230 Appendix I -B Section 1 amended — Life Safety Requirements for Existing
High -Rise Buildings.
5 -3.240 Appendix II -A -1 — Special Hazards.
5 -3.250 Appendix II -D amended — Rifle Ranges.
5 -3.260 Appendix II -E amended — Hazardous Materials Management Plans and
Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements.
5 -3.270 Appendix II -F amended — Protective Aboveground Tanks for Motor
Vehicle Fuel - dispensing Stations Outside Buildings.
5 -3.280 Appendix III -A amended — Fire -flow Requirements for Buildings.
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5 -3.290
5 -3.300
5 -3.310
5 -3.320
5 -3.330
Appendix III -B amended —
Appendix III -C amended
Systems.
Appendix V -A amended
Practice.
Appendix VI -A amended —
Appendix VI -F amended
Materials.
Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution.
— Testing Automatic Sprinkler and Standpipe
— Nationally Recognized Standards of Good
Sec. 5- 3.010. Fire Code Adopted
Hazardous Materials Classification.
— Required Separation Distances for Explosive
Except as hereinafter provided, the California Fire Code, 1998 Edition (Part 9, Title 14,
California Code of Regulations), which incorporates and amends the Fire Code, 1997
Edition, published by the International Fire Code Institute, including Appendices I -B
through VI -I, excluding Appendix II -H, VI -D and VI -G, and the 1997 Uniform Fire Code
Standards including Appendix A -II -F, is hereby adopted reference as the Fire Code of by
the City for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to the
life and property from fire or explosion, save and except as hereinafter amended. One
copy of the Fire Code is now on file in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection
and are adopted with the same force and effect as though set out herein in full.
Sec. 5- 3.020. Enforcement and Inspections
The Fire Code with amendments shall be enforced by the Orange County Fire Authority
which shall be operated under the Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. The Fire
Chief of the Fire Authority may detail such members of the Fire Authority as Inspectors as
shall be necessary from time to time.
Sec 5- 3.030. ARTICLE 1— ADMINISTRATION is hereby amended as follows:
Section 101.6 Conflicting Provisions: Where there is a conflict between a general
requirement and a specific requirement, the Chief shall decide which requirement
meets the general intent of this code.
This amendment (on administration) is necessary to document the procedures for the
resolution of code conflicts. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) recognizes that the
most restrictive code requirement is not always practical and /or possible.
Section 103.2.1.1 General is hereby amended by adding a final paragraph as follows:
Section 103.2.1.1 General. The building official and fire official shall work in
cooperation to enforce the following sections:
Section 103.1.2
Section 901.4.4
Section 1003
Section 1004
Section 1007.2.4.2
Section 1007.2.7.1.2
Section 1007.2.9.1.5
Section 1007.2.9.1.6
Section 1008
Section 1109.7
Section 2501.16
Alternate materials and methods
Premises Identification
Fire - extinguishing Systems
Standpipes
Smoke Detectors
Patient room smoke detectors
Visual Signaling Devices
Single- station Smoke Detectors
Emergency Access and Evacuation
Sparks from Chimneys
Maximum Occupant Load
This amendment (on authority to enforce) is necessary to correlate efforts between the
building department and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). The individual items
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listed in the code requirement are required by the building code but are plan reviewed,
inspected, and tested (if applicable) by the OCFA.
Section 103.3.2 New construction and alterations is hereby amended by adding new
Sections 103.3.2.4 and 103.3.2.5 as follows:
Section 103.3.2.4 Reconstruction. Any building undergoing construction within any 2 -year
period, in which the floor area of reconstruction is 75 percent or more prior to the
submittal of a building permit application, shall comply with the code provision for
new construction.
This amendment (on requirements for reconstruction) is necessary to a) eliminate existing
non - conforming situations (that may be hazardous) without causing undo financial burden
on the owner of the property and b) clarify the use of the automatic sprinkler ordinance.
Section 103.3.2.5 Fire Protection Information on plans. A vicinity plan, scale no smaller
than 1 inch (25 mm) equals 100 feet (30 480 mm), shall be submitted for new
construction. The plan shall show the following:
1. All existing and proposed private and public streets on the proposed
development property and within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of the property line of
the proposed development, and so identified, with street width dimensions as
per Section 902.2.2.1 of this code.
2. The location and identification of all existing and proposed fire hydrants
within 300 feet (91 440 mm) of the property line of the proposed development.
3. The location, occupancy classification, and use of structures and buildings on
properties abutting the proposed development.
EXCEPTION: The chief, with concurrence of the building official, may waive the
vicinity plan submittal requirements of this section.
This amendment (on information on plans) is necessary to evaluate the fire department
access.
Section 103.4.4 Citations is hereby deleted and the following substituted:
Section 103.4.4. Penalty for Violation
Section 103.4.4.1. Infraction. Except as provided in Section 103.4.4.2, persons operating
or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code who shall
permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be
guilty of an infraction.
Section 103.4.4.2. Misdemeanor. Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire
or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly
authorized representative, or who violate the following sections of this code, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor:
Section 103.4.3.
Section 104.1.2.
Section 1001.6.
Devices, Signs
Section 1109.5
Section 1302.3
Section 2501.1
Section 3215.
Section 7701.7
Compliance with Orders, Notices and Tags
Interference
Tampering with Fire - protection Equipment, Barriers, Security
and Seals
▪ Burning Objects
▪ False Alarms
6. Maximum Occupant Load
Sources of Ignition
Prohibited and Limited Acts
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Section 103.4.4.3. Separate Offense. Each violation will be deemed a separate offense for
each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the
provisions of this chapter or of the code adopted hereby is committed, continued or
permitted by such person, firm, partnership or corporation and shall be deemed
punishable therefor as provided in this code.
This amendment (on penalties for violations) is necessary because the Fire Code (UFC) is
not specific. The amendment states the terms in which the penalties /fines are assessed and
allows the fire department to (for example) ticket people parking in fire lanes on private
streets.
Section 105.8 Permit Required is hereby amended by adding new and deleting permit
categories as follows:
f. 1. Subsection f. 1. Fire hydrants and water - control valves is deleted without
substitution.
f.5. Subsection f.5. Fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging is hereby deleted
without substitution.
g. 1. A new Subsection g. 1. General use permit is added as follows:
g. 1. General use permit. To conduct an activity or operation that is not specifically
addressed by other permits, but which is likely to produce conditions
hazardous to life or property.
o.1. Subsection o.1 Open burning is amended by adding the following sentence:
Open burning permits shall include:
1. Bonfires /rubbish fires, including construction sites.
2. Recreational fires /burning in a public place.
o.4. New Subsection o.4 Open flame device in marinas is added as follows:
o.4 Open flame devices in marinas. To use any open flame device for repair or
maintenance in marinas, or for lighting or decoration on the exterior of any
boat, slip, or wharf.
o.5. New Subsection o.5 Oil and natural gas wells is added as follows:
o.5. Oil and natural gas wells. To drill, own, operate, or maintain an oil or natural
gas well.
r.4. New Subsection r.4 Rifle range is added as follows:
r.4. Rifle range. To establish, maintain, or operate a rifle range.
This amendment (on permits required) is necessary for the reasons listed below. Each
amendment to the list of required permits includes the letter designation of the permit and
the corresponding finding.
fl Fire hydrant and water supply valve permits were deleted because the water supply
system is under the jurisdiction of the water purveyor.
f.5 Fumigation was deleted because it is under the jurisdiction of the Code of California
Regulations.
g.1 General use permits were added to address issues regarding hazards unforeseen by
current codes especially those related to the use of temporary facilities. Such hazards
include the hazardous combination of small amounts of chemicals and the like. Such small
amounts of chemicals may have been exempt under current code. Temporary facilities
include Christmas tree lots, carnivals, haunted houses and the like.
0.1 The open burning permit is clarified to include common applications of this permit.
0.4 The requirement for a permit for having an open flame in a marina is necessary to
ensure firesafety in marinas. Boats have restricted access with regard to fire hydrants and
fire trucks.
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o.5 The requirement for a permit for drilling an oil and gas is required to provide
correlation between Article 79 and the section requiring permits. Section 7901.3.1 already
requires a permit to operate, drill etc.
r.4 The requirement for a rifle range permit was added to regulate the impact of rifle
ranges in the community. Rifles ranges in close proximity to residences may provide a
noise nuisance whereas rifle ranges in wilderness areas may cause a wild fire due to hot
cartridges igniting nearby dry brush.
Table 105 -C is hereby modified by raising the thresholds on permit requirements for
carcinogens as follows:
Table 105 -C
Material
Amount
Carcinogens
55 gallons (liquid) or 500 lbs. (solid)
This amendment (on permit thresholds) is to increase the permitting level to be the same as
that for sensitizers. As written in the current code, many small businesses would be unduly
burdened with the carcinogen permit requirement.
Sec 5 -3 -040 ARTICLE 2— DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS is hereby amended
by adding the following new definitions:
SECTION 207 —F
FLOWLINE is the lowest continuous elevation on a rolled street curb defined by the path
traced by a particle in a moving body of water at the bottom of the rolled curb.
SECTION 219 —R
RIFLE RANGE is any indoor or outdoor firing, shooting or target range established,
maintained or operated for the discharge of a rifle, pistol, revolver, shotgun or
firearm.
This amendment (a list of definitions) is necessary to provide clarification for subsequent
amendments.
Sec 5 -3.050 ARTICLE 9 —FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS AND WATER SUPPLY is
hereby amended as follows:
Section 901.4.1 General is hereby amended by the addition of the following at the end of the
paragraph.
Section 901.4.1 General: All street signs shall be designed and maintained to be either
internally or externally illuminated in a manner meeting the approval of the Fire
Chief.
This amendment (on street sign illumination) is necessary to aid in reducing fire department
response times. Many areas, particularly in the canyons and new developments, are difficult
to locate as current maps are constantly changing.
Section 901.4.2 Fire Apparatus Access Roads is hereby deleted and the following
substituted:
Section 901.4.2 Fire Apparatus Access Roads. All fire department access roads less than
36 feet (10 972 mm) in width shall be posted as a fire lane in accordance with the
Orange County Fire Authority Fire Lane Guidelines.
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Parking on one side is permitted on 28 -foot (8534 mm) wide streets. Parking on two
sides is permitted on 36 -foot (10 972 mm) wide streets. No parking is permitted on
streets narrower than 28 feet (8534 mm) in width.
Street widths are to be measured from top face of the curb to top face of the curb, on
streets with curb and gutter, and from flowline to flowline, on streets with rolled
curbs.
This amendment (on access roads) is necessary to a) clarify the criteria for signage for
access roads, b) clarify the required width of the road when on- street parking is permitted
and c) demonstrate the method by which the access road is measured.
Section 901.4.4 Premises Identification is hereby deleted and the following substituted:
Section 901.4.4 Premises Identification. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on
all new and existing buildings in such a position that is plainly visible and legible from
the street or road fronting the property. Said numbers contrast with their background.
Said numbers for new buildings shall be either internally or externally illuminated to
be visible at night. All multi -unit residential and commercial buildings shall have
numbers or addresses placed above or immediately adjacent to all doors that would
allow fire depaituient access in an emergency situation. In no case shall the numbers
be less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height for residential and 6 inches (152 mm) in
height for commercial with a 1 inch (25 mm) stroke or as required by local ordinance,
whichever is more restrictive.
Multiple residential and commercial units having entrance doors not visible from the
street or road shall, in addition, have approved numbers grouped for all units within
each structure and positioned to be plainly visible from the street or road. Said
numbers may be grouped on the wall of the structure or on a substantial mounting
post independent of the structure.
This amendment (on premises identification) is necessary to provide a detailed requirements
for acceptable means of premises identification. This will eliminate arbitrary requirements
for premises identification.
Section 902.2.1 Required access is hereby amended by adding: A minimum of two fire
apparatus access roads shall be provided in residential developments containing 150 or
more dwelling units.
This amendment (on number of access roads) is necessary because of the wildfires and
traffic considerations. Wildfire are likely to develop and spread rapidly due to the presence
of landscaping surrounding the homes and the close proximity of the homes. A wildfire
may result in the blockage of the primary means of access. Traffic considerations stem
from residents fleeing wild fires. Experience has shown that residents wait until the last
moments before leaving. Two access roads will provide the capacity for fire fighting
operations and for escaping residents.
Section 902.2.2 Specifications is hereby amended by deleting Sections 902.2.2.3 and
902.2.2.6 and replacing them with two new sections as follows:
Section 902.2.2.3 Turning Radius. The turning radius for fire apparatus access roads shall
be not less than 17 feet (5182 mm) inside radius and 38 feet (11 582 mm) outside
radius.
EXCEPTION: Cul -de -sacs with center obstructions will require larger
turning radii as approved by the chief.
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This amendment (on turning radius) is necessary to codify the minimum requirements for
fire department apparati and eliminate any arbitrary requirements in the design of the
access roads.
Section 902.2.2.6 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 10
percent.
EXCEPTION: Gradient may be increased to a maximum of 15 percent when all
structures served by the access road are protected by an approved automatic fire
sprinkler system.
This amendment (on maximum grade) is necessary to codify the maximum grade allowable
for the fire apparati and to eliminate any arbitrary requirements. The grade listed is the
maximum grade allowed per the specifications of the vehicles.
Section 902.2.4 Obstruction and control of fire department access is hereby amended by
adding Sections 902.2.4.3 and 902.2.4.4:
Section 902.2.4.3 Vehicle Access Gates. Vehicle access gates or barriers installed
across streets shall be in accordance with the Orange County Fire Authority
Guidelines for Emergency Access.
This amendment (on vehicle access gates) is necessary to ensure adequate fire department
response times. Average response times for the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
must be under five minutes per Orange County regulations. Since gates will adverse affect
response times, gates must be approved by the OCFA.
Section 902.2.4.4 Speed Bumps. Any obstructions in required fire access roadways,
including speed bumps and speed humps, shall be approved prior to installation.
This amendment (on speed bumps) is necessary to ensure adequate fire department
response times. Average response times for the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
must be under five minutes per Orange County regulations. Since speed bumps will
adverse affect response times, speed bumps must be approved by the OCFA.
SECTION 903 —WATER SUPPLIES AND FIRE HYDRANTS is hereby amended by
adding an ending paragraph to Sections 903.2 and 903.4.1.2 as follows:
Section 903.2 Required Water Supply for Fire Protection. Private dwellings exceeding
3,600 square feet (335 m2) in total area shall be evaluated for fire flow requirements
by the chief.
This amendment (on fire flow for residences over 3600 sqft) is necessary to enforce the
existing requirements for fire flow (found in Appendix III -A). Local experience has shown
that contractors and developers attempt to build homes larger than 3600 sqft without
determining fire flow. This amendment reminds contractors and developers that Section 5
of Appendix III -A requires that fire flows for residences over 3600 sqft be based on Table
A- III -A -1.
Section 903.4.1.2 Testing, Marking, and Maintenance of Private Hydrants. Testing and
maintenance requirements for private fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Section
4.1 of UFC Appendix Standaard /A- III -C -1 as adopted in Appendix III -C of this
code.
This amendment (on testing and maintenance of private hydrants) is necessary to ensure
that private fire hydrants are maintained and available to fire department use. If this
amendment was not present, then owners of private fire hydrants would be required to
follow the much more restrictive, extensive and expensive guidelines in NFPA 25.
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Sec 5 -3.060 ARTICLE 10— FIRE - PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT is
hereby amended as follows:
Section 1001.1 Scope. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal apply to the testing,
service, maintenance and licensing of service personnel for automatic fire
extinguishing systems, portable fire extinguishers and standpipes (19 CCR Chapters 3
and 5).
This amendment (on testing, servicing, maintaining and licensing of service personnel) is
necessary to provide information that the California State Fire Marshal is the authority
which governs the testing, servicing maintaining and licensing of service personnel. See 19
CCR Chapters 3 and 5.
Section 1001.5 Maintenance is hereby amended by adding Section 1001.5.6 Smoke
Detection Systems as follows:
Section 1001.5.6. Smoke Detection Systems. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of
an occupancy to maintain all. required smoke detectors. The owner shall be
responsible for the annual testing of all required smoke detectors.
This amendment (on maintaining fire alarm equipment) is necessary to resolve any
discrepancy between the Orange County Fire Code and the State Fire Marshal Regulations.
California State Fire Marshal is the authority which governs the maintaining of fire alarm
equipment. See 19 CCR Chapters 3 and 5.
SECTION 1003 —FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS is hereby amended as follows:
Section 1003.1.2 Standards is hereby deleted and the following substituted:
Section 1003.1.2 Standards. Automatic fire - extinguishing systems shall be installed in
accordance with the NFPA standards as adopted in Appendix V -A of this code. An
approved automatic sprinkler system required by Section 1003 and installed as per
NFPA 13 as adopted in Appendix V -A this code, may be used for fire- resistive
substitution as specified in the provisions of Section 508 of the Building Code.
This amendment (on fire resistive substitution) is necessary to allow the use of sprinklers in
lieu of rated construction for certain buildings.
Section 1003.2.2 Required Installations. All Occupancies except Group R, Division 3,
and Group U is amended by deleting the words "Division 3, and Group U," deleting
item 5 and adding an item 6 to the section as follows:
Section 1003.2.2 Required Installation of Automatic Fire - extinguishing Systems, All
Occupancies except Group R.
6. In all new buildings or structures when the gross square footage thereof exceeds
6,000 square feet (588 m2) or more than 2 stories in height.
For the purposes of this section, area separation walls shall not define separate
buildings.
Section 1003.2.8 Group M Occupancies is hereby deleted without substitution and the
section number left open.
Section 1003.2.9 Group R Occupancies is hereby deleted and the following substituted:
Section 1003.2.9 Group R Occupancies.
Section 1003.2.9.1 Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. All new Group R, Division 1
Occupancies, shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Residential or quick- response standard sprinkler heads shall be used in the dwelling
unit and guest room portions of the building.
For the purposes of this section, area or occupancy separation walls shall not define
separate buildings.
Section 1003.2.9.2 Group R, Division 3, One and Two - family Dwellings. All new Group
R, Division 3, detached one and two - family dwellings 3.600 square feet (334 m2) or
larger in area shall be equipped with an approved automatic residential sprinkler
system. Residential or quick - response standard sprinkler heads shall be used in the
dwelling portion of the building.
For the purposes of this section, area or occupancy separation walls shall not define
separate buildings.
EXCEPTION: In reconstruction or remodeling of existing Group R, Division 3,
detached one- and two - family dwellings where the cost of installing an approved
automatic residential sprinkler system exceeds 5 percent of the reconstruction or
remodeling cost, with the approval of the chief, the required sprinlder system may be
omitted.
This amendment (on use of sprinklers) is necessary due to building concentration,
topographical and logistical considerations.
1. Building concentrations: Several areas within the county consist of dense housing
developments making the possibility of fire spread significant.
2. Topographical: Several housing developments are located in canyons or restricted
access areas. Uncontrolled fires in such areas may block or limit access to areas and may
prevent fire fighters from attacking fires from uphill, upstream, and upwind.
3. Logistical: Orange County is prone to wild fires which consume valuable firefighting
resources. Fire fighting resources may be delayed in arriving at structure fires. This delay
will result in larger fires and require additional fire fighting resources to extinguish.
4. Climatic: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are extremely susceptible
to fire due to the semi -arid Mediterranean type climate. Extended periods of high
temperatures, low humidity, and little or no precipitation cause drying of vegetation and
common building materials. Vegetation and building materials become extremely
susceptible to ignition.
S. Wind: Extreme foehn (Santa Ana) wind conditions a) further contribute to the drying of
vegetation and building materials, b) can cause extremely rapid spread of any fire and c)
can aid flame spread across natural and man -made obstacles. Fires have been know to
spread across 200 ft wide concrete roads.
6. Ignition sources: These climactic and wind conditions occur during the winter months
where fireplaces and heating appliances are used. These appliances can provide the
ignition sources for the fires.
Section 1003.3.1 is amended by the addition of a sentence at the end of the Section.
Where required. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler
systems and water -flow switches on all sprinklers systems shall be electrically
monitored where the number of sprinklers are:
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1. Twenty or more in Group I, Division 1.1 and 1.2 Occupancies.
2. One hundred or more in all other occupancies.
Valves monitoring, water -flow alarm and trouble signals shall be distinctly different
and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved central station, remote station or
proprietary monitoring stations as defined by UFC Standard 10 -2 or, when approved
by the building official with the concurrence of the chief, shall sound an audible signal
at a constantly attended location. Signal for remote station monitoring as defined in
NFPA 72 shall be transmitted to received and retransmitted by a continuously
attended supervising station facility that is either U.L. listed (UUFX) or meets
equivalent criteria established by another nationally recognized standard as approved
by the chief.
This amendment (on central station monitoring) is necessary to eliminate the confusion
regarding the application central station monitoring and ensure that the fire alarm systems
are listed. Local facilities would monitor their fire protection systems using remote station
monitoring or proprietary monitoring stations. Unfortunately, these monitoring stations
would not meet the requirements in NFPA 72 for either remote station monitoring or
proprietary monitoring stations. As such, the fire alarms system would no longer be listed
which is required by the California State Fire Marshal.
Section 1004 — STANDPIPES is hereby amended by deleting Section 1004.2 Required
Installation and substituted with the following:
Section 1004.2 Required Installations. Standpipe systems shall be provided as set forth in
Table No. 1004 -A and the provisions of this section. Every new building with any
horizontal dimension greater than 300 feet (91 440 mm)shall be provided with either
access doors or hose outlets located so that all portions of the building can be reached
with 150 feet (45 720 mm) of hose from an access door or hose outlet. Required
access doors shall be located in the exterior of the building and shall be accessible
without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall be not less than 3 feet (914
mm) in width nor 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height.
The hose outlets shall be 2 -1/2 inches (63 mm) in size with an approved valve. The
water supply for the hose outlets shall be provided:
1. By a separate main supplied from the system side of the check valve at the fire
department connection, or
2. From an adjacent section of the sprinkler system arranged to allow the hose outlets
to deliver the water when the sprinkler system, or a portion of the system that
protects the area served by the hose outlet, is shut off.
This amendment (on location of standpipes) is necessary to ensure adequate fire fighting
capability. The Orange County Fire Authority's equipment, response to fire alarms, and
standard operating procedures is based on having a standpipe or access door within 150 ft
of all portions of the building.
SECTION 1006 — PROTECTION OF COMMERCIAL COOKING OPERATIONS is
hereby amended by the addition of the following exception to Section
1006.2.7:
Section 1006.2.7: Exception: Approved extinguishers utilizing other extinguishing agents
that are compatible for use in the control of cooking grease fires.
This amendment (on commercial cooking operations) is necessary to incorporate new
technology. This amendment also appears in the 1998 UFC Supplement.
SECTION 1007 —FIRE ALARMS is hereby amended by adding the sections as follows:
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Section 1007.1.3 Other Requirements. Fire alarm equipment shall comply with the
regulations of the State Fire Marshal (19 CCR Chapter 4, and 24 CCR, Title
9)
This amendment (on testing of fire alarms) is necessary to resolve discrepancies between
the Orange County Fire Code and the California State Fire Marshal's Regulations.
SECTION 1007.2.12.2 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR HIGH -RISE BUILDINGS is
hereby amended by amending Section 1007.2.12.2.1, adding an item to Section
1007.2.12.2.2 and adding a new Section 1007.2.12.2.5 as follows:
Section 1007.2.12.2.1 General: Group B office buildings and Group R Division 1
Occupancies, each having floors used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet
above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, shall be provided with an
automatic fire alarm system and a communication system in accordance with Section
1007.2.12.2.
Exceptions: The following structures, while classified as high -rise buildings, shall not
be subject to the provisions of this section but shall conform to all other applicable
provisions of these regulations:
1. Buildings used exclusively as open parking garages.
2. Buildings where all floors above the 55 -foot (16 764 mm) level are used
exclusively as open parking garages.
3. Floors of buildings used exclusively as open parking garages and located above all
other floors used for human occupancy.
4. Buildings such as power plants, lookout towers, steeples, grain houses and similar
structures with noncontinuous human occupancy, when approved by the chief.
Section 1007.2.12.2.2 Smoke Detection. Add an item 5 as follows:
All smoke detectors connected to the alarm system shall have a light that indicates the
status of the detector. When a detector is located in a space above a drop ceiling, the
indicating light shall be located on or below the ceiling grid.
Section 1007.2.12.2.5 Central Control Station. A central control station for fire
department operations shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.
The central control station shall be separated from the remainder of the building by
not less than one -hour fire- resistive construction with all openings protected by
assemblies having a fire- resistive rating of not less than 45 minutes. It shall have a
minimum of one door which is accessible directly from the exterior portion of the
building and shall be able to be opened with a fire department master key. The
central control station shall have a minimum of 96 square feet (9.3 m2) with a
minimum dimension of 8 feet (2438 mm). It shall contain the following as a
minimum:
1 The voice alarm and public address system panels.
2 The fire department communications panel, a cabinet containing 8 portable
firefighter phones and 1 headset with sufficient cord to reach all portions of the room.
3 Fire detection and fire alarm system annunciator panels.
4 Annunciator visually indicating the location of the elevators and their
operational status.
5 Status indicators and controls for air - handling systems.
6 Controls for unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously.
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7 Sprinkler valve and water -flow detector display panels.
8 Emergency and standby power controls and status indicators.
9 A wall- mounted telephone, with sufficient cord to reach all portions of
the room and with an outside dedicated private line, installed in the fire control room
for exclusive fire department use.
10 Elevator control switches for switching to emergency power.
11 Fire pump status panel and controls.
12 Other fire- protection equipment and systems' controls as required by
the fire department.
13 Schematic building plans in clearly labeled approved containers,
indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, fire resistive
separations, exit facilities, on -site water supply, fire- protection systems, firefighting
equipment, and fire department access.
14 One 3 foot (914 mm) by 5 foot (1524 mm) table and 2 chairs.
15 An approved locked and labeled cabinet containing labeled keys for
emergency access and elevator control.
16 All control panels in the central control station shall be permanently
identified as to function.
17 Alarms, supervisory and trouble signals as required by Items 3 and 7
above shall be annunciated in compliance with this code in the central control station
by means of an audible and visual indicator. For purposes of annunciation, zoning
shall be in accordance with the following:
When the system serves more than one building, each building shall be
considered separately.
Each floor shall be considered a separate zone. When one or more sprinkler
risers serve the same floor, each riser shall be considered a separate zone.
EXCEPTION: When more than one riser serves the same system on the
floor.
Each section of floor separated by area separation walls or by horizontal exits
shall be considered as a separate zone.
Central control stations shall not be used for the housing of any boiler, heating
unit, generator or similar hazardous equipment. No storage shall be permitted in the
central control station room.
This amendment (on threshold for determining a high rise) is necessary due to the
fire department logistical limitations and landscaping in the high -rise building's
side yards. Fire department logistical limitations are based on the fact that much of
the rescue equipment used for high rise fires serves a wide area. Response times for
this equipment (especially during wild fire season) may be delayed. Landscaping
and other building features located in the side yards means that fire apparati must
operate farther from the building and thus the equipment is no longer able to serve
the higher levels of the building. The original Uniform Building Code high -rise
provisions were developed for older dense cities such as Los Angeles and New York
which have buildings constructed close to the street and limited exterior
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landscaping.
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ARTICLE 10 —FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPEMENT is hereby
amended by adding a new SECTION 1008 -- EMERGENCY ACCESS AND
EVACUATION:
SECTION 1008 — EMERGENCY ACCESS AND EVACUATION
Section 1008.1 Emergency Access and Evacuation. This section shall apply to
every new building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used for
human occupancy located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest floor level
having building access.
Exceptions:
1. Hospitals as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.
2. Buildings used exclusively as open parking garages.
3. Buildings where all floors above the 75 -foot (22 860 mm) level are used
for open parking garages.
4. Floors of buildings used exclusively as open parking garages and located
above all other floors used for human occupancy.
5. Buildings such as power plants, lookout towers, steeples, grain houses and
similar structures with noncontinuous human occupancy when so determined by the
enforcing agency.
6. Buildings used exclusively as jails and prisons.
Such structures shall be equipped with a fire department- approved emergency
helicopter landing pad for use by police, fire, and emergency medical helicopters
only.
Section 1008.2 Helicopter landing pad. The roof area shall include an emergency
access and evacuation facility for helicopters of not less than 15,000 pounds (6803.8
Kg) gross weight. This facility shall have a touchdown pad of at least 50 feet (15 240
mm) by 50 feet (15 240 mm) and a clear unobstructed landing and takeoff area with a
minimum dimension of 100 feet (30 480 mm) by 100 feet (30 480 mm).
Section 1008.3 Construction. The landing pad shall be designed per Section 1611.10
of the Building Code. Helicopter landing areas and supports shall be of
noncombustible construction.
Section 1008.4 Approach - departure Paths. The emergency evacuation facility shall
have 2 approach - departure paths at a slope of no greater than 8 to 1.
Section 1008.5 Restricted Use. Any use of this emergency access and evacuation
facility for purposes other than emergency access and evacuation shall require prior
approval by the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as by the building official
and the chief.
Section 1008.6 Wind Direction Device. A wind indicating device shall be provided.
Section 1008.7 Special Markings. The roof top shall be marked by an emergency
marker as required by the chief.
Section 1008.8 Communications. The building emergency communication system
shall extend to the roof.
This amendment (on requirements for helipads) is necessary for evacuation
purposes. Fire history indicates that many people evacuate to the roof area
especially if they are above the fire floor. In addition, the roof may be used by
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firefighters as an additional means of egress. Utilization of helicopters is very
common in these types of fires.
Sec 5 -3.070 ARTICLE 11— GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS is hereby
amended as follows:
SECTION 1109 — CONTROL OF SOURCES OF IGNITION is hereby amended
by deleting Section 1109.7 Sparks from Chimneys and substituting a new Section
1109.7 as follows:
Section 1109.7 Chimney Spark Arrester. All new structures having any chimney,
flue or stovepipe attached to any fireplace, stove, barbecue or other solid or liquid
fuel burning equipment and devices, shall have such chimney, flue or stovepipe
equipped with an approved spark arrester as per Section 3102.3.8 of the Building
Code.
All incinerator chimneys shall terminate in a substantially constructed spark
arrester having an iron, heavy wire mesh not exceeding 1/2 inch (12.5 mm).
This amendment (on chimney spark arrestors) is necessary to prevent the production
of flaming /glowing brands. These brands have been the source of ignition in
several wild land and building fires. Fire history has shown that wild land
vegetation and building materials are often extremely susceptible to ignition due to
their moisture content.
ARTICLE 11 GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS is hereby amended by adding
a new SECTION 1114 — CHANGES IN USE OR OCCUPANCY OF BUILDINGS
OR STRUCTURES:
SECTION 1114 — CHANGES IN USE OR OCCUPANCY OF BUILDINGS OR
STRUCTURES
Section 1114 Declaration of Intended Use
Section 1114.1 When Required. When required by the chief with the concurrence
of the building official, any or all owners of any occupancy may be required to record
with the county recorder of the County of Orange a legal instrument of intended use.
This legal instrument shall be called a Declaration of Intended Use. The Declaration
of Intended Use shall be in accordance with the requirements of this section. It
shall specifically state, by occupancy classification, all intended uses of all portions of
the occupancy and may not be modified or withdrawn without the approval of the
chief with the concurrence of the building official. Unapproved changes of occupancy
or use can be cause for an immediate hearing before the building official and the
chief or their designees. Such hearing shall be conducted to rule on the revocation of
the Certificate of Occupancy and the revocation of all permits issued to all owners,
tenants, operators and occupants of all portions of the occupancy. The Declaration of
Intended Use shall be binding on all present and future owners, tenants, operators and
occupants.
Section 1114.2 Certified Copies. A certified copy of the recorded Declaration of
Intended Use may be required to be filed with the building official and the chief
before any Certificate of Occupancy and /or any permits are issued to any or all
owners, tenants, operators or occupants of the occupancy.
This amendment (on declaration of intended use) is necessary to protect the rights of
the purchaser of a property. Without this amendment, a building may be built as a
certain occupancy with a minimal life safety system (I.e. sprinkler system). A new
owner of the building may change either a) the use (or occupancy) of the building
and or b) the commodity stored in the building. If these changes are made, the new
owner may be required to upgrade the life safety systems.
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ARTICLE 11— GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS is hereby amended by
adding new SECTION 1115— DEVELOPMENT ON OR NEAR LAND
CONTAINING OR EMITTING TOXIC, COMBUSTIBLE OR FLAMMABLE
LIQUIDS, GASES OR VAPORS as follows:
SECTION 1115 — DEVELOPMENT ON OR NEAR LAND CONTAINING OR
EMITTING TOXIC, COMBUSTIBLE OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, GASES
OR VAPORS
The chief may require the submittal for approval of geological studies,
evaluations, reports, remedial recommendations and /or similar documentation from a
state- licensed and department approved individual or firm, on any parcel of land to be
developed which:
1. Has, or is adjacent to, or within 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of a parcel
of land that has an active, inactive, or abandoned oil or gas well operation, petroleum
or chemical refining facility, petroleum or chemical storage, or
2. May contain or give off toxic, combustible or flammable liquids, gases or
vapors.
This amendment (on development of gas emitting land) is necessary because of the
inherent dangers of operating on gas emitting land which include improper
abandonment for oil fields, collection of flammable /hazardous gas pockets under
building foundations, releases of flammable liquids /vapors and low level releases of
buried hazardous materials.
Sec 5 -3.080 ARTICLE 12— MAINTENANCE OF EXITS AND EMERGENCY
ESCAPES is hereby amended by the following:
Section 1212.6 Floor -level Exit Signs is hereby amended by adding a beginning
paragraph as follows:
Section 1212.6 Floor -level Exit Signs. The regulations and bulletins of the State
Fire Marshal for floor -level exit sign requirements shall also apply.
This amendment (on floor level exit signs) is necessary to make the Orange County
Fire Authority Regulations consistent with the Regulations of the California State
Fire Marshal.
Sec 5 -3.090 ARTICLE 13— EMERGENCY PROCEDURES is hereby deleted and
the following substituted:
ARTICLE 13 -- EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. The regulations of the State Fire
Marshal for emergency procedures shall apply (19 CCR Chapter 1, Subchapter 1,
Article 3, Sections 3.09, 3.10 , 3.11, 3.12 and 3.13).
This amendment (on emergency procedures) is necessary to make the Orange
County Fire Authority Regulations consistent with the Regulations of the California
State Fire Marshal.
Sec 5 -3.100 ARTICLE 25— PLACES OF ASSEMBLY is hereby amended by the
following:
Section 2501.5 Decorative Materials. Records of fire- retardant treatment, as per
the requirements of CCR Title 19, shall be maintained on the premises by the owner,
agent, proprietor or occupant.
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This amendment (on decorative materials) is necessary to ensure that all decorative
materials that are required to be fire- retardant treated are fire- retardant treated.
This will alleviate unnecessary reapplication of fire retardant chemicals in the event
of a change of ownership of the facility.
Section 2501.16.4 Occupant Count. The supervisor of each place of assembly shall
have an effective system to keep count of the number of occupants present in the
assembly area. If the chief determines at any time that an accurate count of occupants
is not being maintained, the occupancy shall be cleared until an accurate count can be
made.
This amendment (on occupant count) is necessary to provide control over occupant
loading in assembly occupancies and protect the public well - being. Control over
occupant loading is necessary because fire history shows that many of the largest
loss of life fire events occur at assembly occupancies. A significant factor
contributing to the deaths in all large loss of life fire events is overcrowding or
inadequate exit width. Several facilities, particularly nightclubs, within Orange
County violate the posted maximum occupant load, e.g. overcrowding. This
amendment will allow the Orange County Fire Authority to better administer the
provisions of the code regarding maximum occupant load.
Section 2501.19 Temporary and /or Portable Heaters. No person shall place or
operate or permit to be operated any temporary and /or portable heater within a
structure that uses any flammable or combustible solids, liquids, or gases without a
fire department permit.
This amendment (on use of temporary heaters) is necessary to prevent the heater
from being used in a manner that asphyxiates the facility occupants.
Sec 5 -3.110 ARTICLE 32— TENTS, CANOPIES AND TEMPORARY
MEMBRANE STRUCTURES is hereby amended as follows:
Section 3201 —Scope is hereby amended by adding a paragraph as follows:
The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for large and small tents, awnings
and other fabric enclosures also apply (19 CCR Chapter 2, Article 4)
Section 3205.2 is amended by deleting the section and replacing it with:
Section 3205.2 Location and Parking. Temporary membrane structures, tents and
canopies shall not be located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of property lines, buildings,
temporary membrane structures, other tents, canopies or internal combustion engines.
Vehicles necessary to the operation of a tent establishment shall be parked at least 20
feet from any tent. All other vehicles shall be parked at least 100 feet (30 480 mm)
from any tent except vehicles parked on a public street, which shall park at least 20
feet (6096 mm) from any tent, per the regulation of the State Fire Marshal (19 CCR
312)
Section 3207 —Flame Resistance is hereby amended by adding a paragraph as
follows:
The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for large and small tents, awnings
and other fabric enclosures also apply (19 CCR Chapter 2, Article 4)
Section 3220 — Standby Personnel is hereby amended by adding a paragraph to read
as follows:
The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for standby personnel in tents with
an occupant load of 500 or more also apply (19 CCR 320)
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Section 3221 — Housekeeping is hereby amended by deleting "30 feet (9144 mm)"
and substituting "50 feet (15240 mm)" in its place at each occurrence (19 CCR 326).
This amendment (on tents) is necessary to eliminate any discrepancies between the
California Code of Regulations and the Orange County Fire Code.
Sec 5 -3.120 ARTICLE 47— FUMIGATION AND THERMAL INSECTICIDAL
FOGGING is hereby deleted and substituted as follows:
ARTICLE 47— FUMIGATION AND THERMAL INSECTICIDAL FOGGING
Section 4701 — Scope. Fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging operations shall
be in accordance with Divisions 6 and 7 of the Food and Agriculture Code of the State
of California.
Section 4702 — Notification of Fumigation. The chief shall be notified in writing at
least 24 hours before any building, structure or ship is to be closed in connection with
the use of toxic or flammable fumigants.
This amendment (on fumigation) is necessary because fumigation is under the
jurisdiction of the State of California.
Sec 5 -3.130 SECTION 5202 — FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL- DISPENSING STATIONS is hereby amended by
adding a sentence to the end of Section 5202.3.1, deleting Section 5202.3.6 Special
enclosures and substituting with a new Section 5202.3.6 as follows:
Section 5202.3.1: For locations where aboveground tanks are prohibited, see Section
7902.2.2.1
Section. 5202.3.6 Special enclosures. When installation of tanks in accordance with
Section 7902.6 is impractical, or because of property or building limitations, tanks for
Class I, II, or III -A liquids may be approved by the chief for installation aboveground
in buildings in special enclosures. The capacity of permanent or temporary
aboveground tanks containing Class I, II, or III -A liquids shall not exceed 2,000
gallons (7570 L) aggregate, and shall conform to the requirements of Appendix II -F
as amended in this code.
This amendment (on motor vehicle fuel dispensing) is based on research and fire
hazard modeling performed by Orange County Fire personnel.
Sec 5 -3.140 ARTICLE 63— REFRIGERATION is hereby amended by replacing
"UFC Standard 79 -3" with "the Orange County Fire Authority Signage Guidelines" at
each occurrence.
This amendment (on signage of refrigeration piping) is necessary for consistency.
All signs for flammable, combustible and hazardous materials regardless of code
section must comply with the OCFA guidelines. Since OCFA personnel are trained
and experienced in using these guideline, adherence to this policy will minimize the
confusion during an emergency situation.
Sec 5 -3.150 ARTICLE 64 STATIONARY LEAD ACID BATTERY SYSTEMS is
hereby amended by the deletion of Section 6401 and the replacement by the
following:
Section 6401 Scope: Stationary lead -acid battery systems having an electrolyte
capacity of more than 100 gallons (278.5 L) in sprinklered buildings or 50 gallons
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(189.3 L) in unsprinklered buildings used for facility standby power, emergency
power or uninterrupted power supplies shall be in accordance with Article 64.
This amendment (on lead -acid batteries) is necessary to eliminate an omission in the
1997 UFC. This correction also appears in the 1998 UFC Supplement.
Sec 5 -3.160 ARTICLE 74— COMPRESSED GASES is hereby amended by
deleting Section 7401.5.2 Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks
and replacing the section with the following:
Section 7401.5.2 Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks.
Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be marked in
accordance with Orange County Fire Authority Guidelines. Markings shall be visible
from any direction of approach.
This amendment (on signage of compressed gas piping) is necessary for consistency.
All signs for flammable, combustible and hazardous materials regardless of code
section must comply with the OCFA guidelines. Since OCFA personnel are trained
and experienced in using these guideline, adherence to this policy will minimize the
confusion during an emergency situation.
Sec 5 -3.170 ARTICLE 77— EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS is hereby amended as
follows:
Section 7701 — General is hereby amended by adding a new section as follows:
Section 7701.9 Other Regulations. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for
explosives also apply (19 CCR Chapter 10 and 24 CCR Part 2).
Appendix VI -F of the Fire Code is adopted and shall be used for determining
the location of magazines. Whenever the words "See Appendix VI -F" appear, it shall
mean "Apply Appendix VI-F."
Section 7702.1.1 Magazines required is hereby amended by adding a sentence as
follows:
Section 7702.1.1 Magazines required. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal
for magazine quantity limitations also apply (19 CCR 1566.4).
Section 7702.1.9 Storage with other materials is hereby amended by adding a
sentence as follows:
Section 7702.1.9 Storage with other materials. Blasting caps, electric blasting
caps, detonating primers and primed cartridges shall not be stored in the same
magazine with other explosives (19 CCR 1566.1).
Section 7702.1.15 Yard maintenance is hereby amended by deleting "25 feet"
(7620 mm) and substituting "50 feet" (15 240 mm) in its place (19 CCR 1566.2).
Section 7702.2 Retail Sales is hereby amended by adding a second paragraph to
Section 7702.2.1 General as follows:
Section 7702.2.1 General. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for magazines
within buildings also apply (19 CCR 1566.6).
Section 7702.3 Storage Magazines is hereby amended by adding the following
paragraphs to Sections 7702.3.1 General and 7702.3.10 Indoor magazines:
Section 7702.3.1 General. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for magazine
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classification, quantity limitations and construction also apply. The provisions of this
section may be used in place of the State Fire Marshal regulations for classification
and construction of magazines, if determined to provide an acceptable alternative
protection by the chief (19 CCR Chapter 10, Subchapters 3 and 5).
Section 7702.3.10 Indoor magazines. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for
magazines within buildings also apply (19 CCR 1566.6).
Section 7703.1 Use and Handling is hereby amended by adding the following
paragraphs to Sections 7703.1.7 Other regulations and 7703.1.9 Premature detonation
safeguards:
Section 7703.1.7 Other regulations. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for
use and handling of explosives also apply (19 CCR Chapter 10, Subchapter 4).
Section 7703.1.9 Premature Detonation Safeguards. The regulations of the State
Fire Marshal for precautions against accidental discharge also apply (19 CCR
1568.8).
Section 7703.2.1 Public Conveyance is hereby amended by adding a paragraph as
follows:
Section 7703.2.1 Public Conveyance. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for
transportation of explosives, including transportation in private passenger vehicles,
also apply (19 CCR Chapter 10, Subchapter 4, Article 12).
Section 7703.3.5 Explosive materials terminals is hereby amended by adding a
paragraph as follows:
Section 7703.3.5 Explosive materials terminals. The regulations of the State Fire
Marshal for explosives at terminals also apply (19 CCR Chapter 10, Subchapter 4,
Article 9).
Section 7703.5 Safety Precautions for Blasting Agents is hereby amended by
adding the following paragraphs to Sections 7703.5.3 Construction and 7703.5.4
Compounding and mixing, and by adding a new Section 7703.5.7 Requirements:
Section 7703.5.3 Construction. Buildings or other facilities used for the mixing of
blasting agents shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Building
Code and regulations of the State Fire Marshal (19 CCR Chapter 10 and 24 CCR Part
2).
Section 7703.5.4 Compounding and mixing. The regulations of the State Fire
Marshal for mixer design and blasting agent composition also apply (19 CCR 1572.2
and 1572.3).
Section 7703.5.7 Requirements. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for blast
hole loading, explosive initiation, and water gels, or slurry explosives also apply (19
CCR Chapter 10, Subchapter 4, Articles 7, 8, 10 and 11; and Subchapter 5, Article
17).
Section 7704.6.1 Construction is hereby deleted and the following substituted:
Section 7704.6.1 Construction. Operating buildings or rooms shall be constructed
in accordance with the regulations of the State Fire Marshal (19 CCR Chapter 10 and
24 CCR Part 2) when quantities of explosives exceed the exempt amounts as specified
in the Building and Fire Codes.
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Section 7704.7 Operations is hereby amended by adding a beginning paragraph as
follows:
Section 7704.7 Operations. The regulations of the State Fire Marshal for on -site or
remote processing and storage of explosives, including electrical regulations, also
apply (19 CCR Chapter 10, Subchapter 4).
This amendment (on explosives) is necessary because explosives are under the
jurisdiction of the California State Fire Marshal (See 19 CCR Chapter 10 and 24
CCR part 2).
Sec 5 -3.180 ARTICLE 78 FIREWORKS AND PYROTECHNIC SPECIAL
EFFECTS MATERIALS is hereby amended by the following:
Section 7802 — Fireworks is hereby amended by deleting TABLE 7802.3A—
MINIMUM MORTAR SEPARATION DISTANCES without substitution, amending
the first sentence of Section 7802.3 Prohibition, deleting Section 7802.4 Display and
replacing with a new Section 7802.4 Displays, and adding a new Section 7802.5
Model Rocketry as follows:
Section 7802.3 Prohibition. The storage, use, handling, possession, sale, or
discharge of fireworks is prohibited.
This amendment (on prohibition of fireworks) is necessary to correlate the fire code
with laws of the local jurisdiction.
Section 7802.4 Displays. Fireworks displays shall be in accordance with the Orange
County Fire Authority Guidelines for Public Fireworks Displays, with the regulations
of the State Fire Marshal, and the conditions of the permit as approved by the chief
(19 CCR 982).
This amendment (on fireworks displays) is necessary because the jurisdiction and
control of fireworks is the California State Fire Marshal.
Section 7802.5 Model Rocketry. All model rocket activities shall comply with the
Orange County Fire Authority Guidelines for Model Rocketry and requires a permit
from the chief.
This amendment (on Model Rocketry) is necessary because of jurisdiction and
control of ignition sources. California State Fire Marshal shares jurisdiction with
the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) with respect to Public Fireworks
Displays.
Sec 5 -3.190 ARTICLE 79— FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS is
hereby amended as follows:
ARTICLE 79— FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS is hereby
amended by replacing "UFC Standard 79 -3" with "the Orange County Fire Authority
Signage Guidelines" at every occurrence.
Section 7902.2.6.3.4 Reductions in required venting for stable liquids is hereby
amended by deleting items 2 and 4.S
Section 7903.1.3. Liquids transfer is hereby amended by adding the following
section:
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Section 7903.1.3.6 Underground tanks. No person shall extract or cause to be
extracted any flammable or combustible liquids from underground tanks by any
method other than the use of a permanently installed approved dispenser unless such
person first obtains a permit for such extraction from the chief.
This amendments (on flammable and combustible liquids) is necessary to for
clarity. All signs for flammable, combustible and hazardous materials regardless of
code section must comply with the OCFA guidelines. Since OCFA personnel are
trained and experienced in using these guideline, adherence to this policy will
minimize the confusion during an emergency situation.
Sec 5 -3.200 ARTICLE 80 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS is hereby amended as
follows:
Section 8001.3.3 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement is hereby amended by
adding the following paragraph:
Section 8001.3.3 Chemical Classification Packet. When required by the chief, an
Orange County Fire Authority Chemical Classification Packet shall be completed and
approved prior to approval of structural and system plans, and /or the storage, use or
handling of chemicals on the premises.
This amendment (on chemical classification packets) is necessary to provide
guidance and consistency for the format for the Hazardous Material Inventory
Statement (HMIS).
Sections 8001.7 and 8001.8 and Identification Signs is hereby amended by deleting
the words "UFC Standard 79 -3" and replacing with the words "Orange County Fire
Authority Signage Guidelines."
This amendments (on flammable and combustible liquids) is necessary to for
clarity. All signs for flammable, combustible and hazardous materials regardless of
code section must comply with the OCFA guidelines. Since OCFA personnel are
trained and experienced in using these guideline, adherence to this policy will
minimize the confusion during an emergency situation.
Section 8001.15 Exempt Amounts is hereby amended by amending Table 8001.15 -A
and Section 8001.15.4.2 Exterior Storage as follows:
Table 8001.15 -A: Footnote 16 is hereby deleted.
This amendment (on exemption for oxidizers) is necessary because recent fire test
data has shown that oxidizers stored above the exempt amounts are an extremely
hazardous fire.
Section 8001.15.4.2: The following item is hereby added to the list:
5. Outdoor control areas shall be protected against tampering or trespassers by
fencing or other control measures.
This amendment (on outdoor control areas) is necessary to correct an omission in the
printing of the fire code.
Section 8003.1 General is hereby amended by adding an ending paragraph to Section
8003.1.16 Maximum quantity on site, and adding a paragraph between the first and
second sentence in Section 8003.1.8 Standby power as follows:
8003.1.16 Maximum quantity on site. No person shall use or store any amount of
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extremely hazardous substances (EHS) in excess of the disclosable amounts (see
Section 25115 of the Health and Safety Code) in a residential zoned or any
residentially developed property.
This amendment (on acutely hazardous materials) is necessary to prevent residents
from operating businesses (using hazardous materials) from within their homes.
Section 8003.1.8 Standby power. An emergency power system shall be provided in
Group H, Division 6 and Division 7 Occupancies.
This amendment (standby power) is necessary to correlate the building and fire codes
Language of old Section 8004.1.8 no longer exists.
This amendments (on flammable and combustible liquids) is necessary to for
clarity. All signs for flammable, combustible and hazardous materials regardless of
code section must comply with the OCFA guidelines. Since OCFA personnel are
trained and experienced in using these guideline, adherence to this policy will
minimize the confusion during an emergency situation.
Sec 5 -3.210 ARTICLE 87 FIRESAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION,
ALTERATION, AND DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING is hereby amended as
follows:
Section 8704 —Fire safety during Construction is hereby amended by deleting the
existing exception in Section 8704.2 Access Roads and replacing it with the
following:
Section 8704.2 Access Roads.
Exception: Temporary access and water supplies for construction of
residential model and commercial occupancies may be approved in accordance with
Orange County Fire Authority Guidelines for the Design and Installation of
Temporary Access and Fire Hydrants.
This amendment (on firesafety during construction) is necessary to provide guidance
on temporary access and water supply requirements by referencing specific written
requirements. This will eliminate arbitrariness in the application of issues requiring
approval by the chief.
Sec 5 -3.220 ARTICLE 90— STANDARDS is hereby amended as follows:
SECTION 9002 —UFC STANDARDS
1. Standards are hereby amended as follows:
9- 1Whenever UBC Standard 9 -1 is referenced in this code or the UFC Standards,
it shall mean UBC Standard 9 -1 as adopted in the California Building Code, and
further amended and adopted as NFPA 13, 1996 Edition in Appendix V -A.
9 -2 Whenever UBC Standard 9 -2 is referenced in this code or the UFC
Standards, it shall mean NFPA 14, 1996 Edition, as amended and adopted in
Appendix V -A.
9 -3 Whenever UBC Standard 9 -3 is referenced in this code or the UFC
Standards, it shall mean UBC Standard 9 -3 as adopted in the California Building
Code, and further amended and adopted as NFPA 13R, 1996 Edition in Appendix V-
A.
10 -2 UFC Standard 10 -2 is deleted and whenever it is referenced in this
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code or the UFC Standards, it shall mean NFPA 72, 1996 Edition, as adopted by the
State Building Standards Commission.
74 -1 UFC Standard 74 -1 Part I is adopted as specified in Appendix V -A;
Part II is deleted and whenever it is referenced in this code or the UFC Standards, it
shall mean NFPA 50, 1996 Edition, as adopted in Appendix V -A.
81 -1 UFC Standard 81 -1 Part I is adopted as specified in Appendix V -A;
Part II is deleted and whenever it is referenced in this code or the UFC Standards, it
shall mean NFPA 231, 1995 Edition, as adopted in Appendix V -A.
81 -2 UFC Standard 81 -2 Part I is adopted as specified in Appendix V -A;
Part II is deleted and whenever it is referenced in this code or the UFC Standards, it
shall mean NFPA 231C, 1995 Edition, as adopted in Appendix V -A.
SECTION 9003 is hereby amended by identifying existing SECTION 9003
RECOGNIZED STANDARDS as 9003.1, and adding a new Section 9003.2 Adopted
NFPA Standards as follows:
Section 9003.2 Adopted NFPA Standards. See Appendix V -A of this code for a list
of National Fire Protection Association Standards and amendments thereto, which are
adopted as a part of this code.
This amendment (on which standards are adopted) is necessary to ensure that the
design standards for fire protection life safety systems are the most current
published standards and that the standards are consistent with the requirements of
the California State Fire Marshal.
Sec 5 -3.230 APPENDIX I -B LIFE - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING HIGH -RISE BUILDINGS, SECTION 1 —SCOPE and Section 6.1,
item 2 Special Provisions and Alternatives, Automatic Sprinklers are hereby deleted
and the following substituted:
SECTION 1— SCOPE. These provisions apply to all existing high -rise buildings
constructed prior to the adoption of this appendix, each having floors used for human
occupancy located 75 feet (22 860 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access.
SECTION 6.1, item 2 Automatic Sprinters. An approved automatic fire -
extinguishing system shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 13 as adopted in Appendix V -A of this code. In addition to
the main water supply, a secondary on -site supply of water equal to the hydraulically
calculated sprinkler design demand plus 100 gallons (378.5 L) per minute additional
for the total standpipe system shall be provided. This supply shall be automatically
available if the principal supply fails and shall have a duration of 30 minutes.
Sprinkler control valves and waterflow detecting devices shall be provided at
the lateral connection to the riser on each floor.
This amendment (on existing high- rises) is necessary to bring life safety in existing
high -rises up to an acceptable level.
Sec 5 -3.240 APPENDIX II -A SPECIAL HAZARDS is hereby amended by
changing the title to APPENDIX II -A -1 SPECIAL HAZARDS:
APPENDIX II -A -1 SPECIAL HAZARDS is hereby amended by deleting
SECTION 18— UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES and the following substituted:
SECTION 18— UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES
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The chief may suspend enforcement and require reasonable alternative
measures designed to advance the purposes of this article if he determines in any
specific case that any of the following conditions exist:
18.1. Difficult terrain.
18.2. Danger of erosion.
18.3. Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies,
California Native Plant Society and county- approved list of wildlife, plants, rare,
endangered and /or threatened species.
18.4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.
18.5. Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the
clearance of vegetation provisions of Sections 15, 16 or 17 of this appendix
undesirable or impractical.
This amendment (on unusual circumstances) is necessary to allow additional
latitude where proscriptive adherence to the code is impractical /illegal (i. e. fuel
modification would destroy a federally protected creature's habitat).
APPENDIX II -A -1 SPECIAL HAZARDS is hereby amended by adding a new
SECTION 25 —USE OF EQUIPMENT as follows:
SECTION 25 —USE OF EQUIPMENT
25.1 Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use,
operate, or cause to be operated, in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any
internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is
equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 25.3 maintained in effective
working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the
prevention of fire pursuant to Section 25.3.
25.2 Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles
subject to this section shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow
flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
25.3 A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable material
specifically for the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable
particles over 0.0232 of an inch (0.58 mm) in size from the exhaust flow of an
internal combustion engine that uses hydrocarbon fuels or which is qualified and rated
by the United States Forest Service.
25.4 Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses,
and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the
exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State
of California.
25.5 Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted
gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the
atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in effective mechanical condition.
This amendment (on use of equipment) is necessary to reduce the ignition sources
causing wild fires.
APPENDIX II -A -1 SPECIAL HAZARDS is hereby amended by adding a new
SECTION 26— NOTICE OF SPARK ARRESTER REQUIREMENT as follows:
SECTION 26 NOTICE OF SPARK ARRESTER REQUIREMENT:
No person shall sell, offer for sale, lease, or rent to any person any internal
combustion engine subject to the provisions of Section 25 and not subject to the
provisions of Section 13005 of the Health and Safety Code, unless he provides a
written notice to the purchaser or bailee, at the time of sale or at the time of
entering into the lease or rental contract, stating that it is a violation of the Fire
Code to use or operate the engine in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area,
unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 25.3,
maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and
maintained for the prevention of fire pursuant to Section 25.3
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This amendment (on use of equipment) is necessary to reduce the ignition sources
causing wild fires.
APPENDIX II -A -1 SPECIAL HAZARDS is hereby amended by adding a new
SECTION 27 —FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTION as follows:
SECTION 27 —FUEL MODIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW
CONSTRUCTION: All new buildings to be built or installed in areas containing
combustible vegetation shall comply with the following:
27.1 Preliminary fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved
by the chief concurrent with the submittal for approval of any tentative map.
27.2 Final fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the
chief prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
27.3 The fuel modification plans shall meet the criteria set forth in the
Orange County Fire Authority Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines for High Fire
Hazard Areas.
27.4 The fuel modification plan may be altered if conditions change. Any
alterations to the fuel modification shall be approved by the chief.
27.5 All elements of the fuel modification plan shall be maintained in
accordance with the approved plan.
This amendment (on fuel modification) is necessary to limit the extent of damage
from wild fires. Wild fires occur yearly in Orange County and burn thousands of
acres. Fuel Modification requirements represent the latest approach to
preventing /limiting uncontrollable wild fires from devastating residential
communities and disrupting the highway system.
Sec 5 -3.250 APPENDIX II -D RIFLE RANGES is hereby amended by adding a
second paragraph to SECTION 1— PERMITS as follows:
The requirement for a permit shall apply to indoor or outdoor firing, shooting
or target ranges established, maintained or operated for the discharging of a rifle,
pistol, revolver, shotgun or firearm.
This amendment (on rifle ranges) is necessary to limit possible wild fire ignition
sources. Wild fires occur yearly in Orange County and can be started by ignition
from a spent cartridge or misfired shell. The intent of this amendment is to ensure
that operators of rifle ranges follow similar guidelines to those who build in wild
fire areas.
Sec 5 -3.260 APPENDIX II -E HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLANS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY STATEMENTS is
hereby deleted and the following is substituted:
APPENDIX II -E CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION PACKET. Hazardous
materials inventories shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the Orange
County Fire Authority Chemical Classification Packet.
This amendment (on chemical classification packets) is necessary to dictate the
proper form for the Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements.
Sec 5 -3.270 APPENDIX II -F PROTECTED ABOVEGROUND TANKS FOR
MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL- DISPENSING STATIONS OUTSIDE BUILDINGS is
hereby deleted and the following is substituted:
APPENDIX II -F PROTECTED ABOVEGROUND TANKS FOR MOTOR
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VEHICLE FUEL- DISPENSING STATIONS OUTSIDE BUILDINGS. Storage
and dispensing of motor fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles from protected
aboveground tanks located outside buildings shall be in accordance with Orange
County Fire Authority Guidelines for Protected Aboveground Tanks for Motor
Vehicle Fuel- Dispensing Stations Outside Buildings.
This amendment (on motor vehicle fuel dispensing) is based on research and fire
hazard modeling performed by Orange County Fire personnel.
Sec 5 -3.280 APPENDIX III -A FIRE -FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR
BUILDINGS is hereby amended by deleting the exception in 5.2 Buildings Other
than One- and Two - Family Dwellings and substituting the following:
Exception: A reduction in required fire flow of up to 50 percent, as approved
by the chief, may be allowed when the building is provided with an approved
automatic sprinkler system. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500
gallons per minute (5677.5 L /min.).
This amendment (on fire flow) is necessary to provide additional resources in the
event of a wild fire. Without the amendment, a 75% reduction is permitted.
Sec 5 -3.290 APPENDIX III -B FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND
DISTRIBUTION is hereby amended by the following:
TABLE NO. A- IIIB -1 REQUIRED NUMBER OF FIRE HYDRANTS
FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS (GPM) MINIMUM NUMBER OF HYDRANTS AVERAGE SPACING BETWEEN
HYDRANTS (FEET)1'2,3,7 MAXIMUM DISTANCE FROM ANY POINT ON STREET OR FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACCESS ROADWAY TO A HYDRANT4'6'7 1750 or less 1 500 250 1751 - 2250 2 450 225 2251 -
2500 3 450 225 2501 - 3000 3 400 225 3001 - 4000 4 350 210 4001 - 5000 5 300 180 5001 -
5500 6 300 180 5501 - 6000 6 250 150 6001 - 7000 7 250 150 7001 or more 8 or more 200 120
1. Spacing shall be reduced by 100 feet (30 480 mm) for dead -end streets or roads.
2. Where streets are provided with median dividers which cannot be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines, or arterial
streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes and having a traffic count of more than 30,000 vehicles per day, hydrant
spacing shall average 500 feet (152 200 mm) on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternate basis up to a fire -flow
requirement of 7,000 gallons per minute (26 495 L /min) and 400 feet (122 000 mm) for higher fire flow requirements.
3. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for the protection of structures or
similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at a spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet (305 000 mm) to provide for
transportation hazards.
4. Reduce by 50 feet (15 240 mm) for dead -end streets or roads.
5. One hydrant for each 1,000 gallons per minute (3785 L /min) or fraction thereof.
6. Fire hydrants shall be a minimum of 40 feet (12 192 mm) from any building
with the exception of detached one- and two - family dwellings.
7. In residential subdivisions, maximum hydrant spacing is 300 feet. This spacing may be increased to 600 feet (182 880
mm) if all homes and attached garages are protected with automatic fire sprinkler systems (13, 13D, or 13R).
This amendment (on hydrant locations) is necessary to eliminate gaps in the UFC
table and to provide construction trade -offs for the use of sprinklers.
Sec 5 -3.300 APPENDIX III -C TESTING AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER AND
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS is hereby amended by adding a new SECTION 4 to UFC
Appendix Standard A- III -C -1 as follows:
SECTION 4— PRIVATE HYDRANT SYSTEMS
Section 4.1 Inspection and Testing. Private hydrant systems shall be inspected
and serviced annually, and the owner shall correct any deficiencies immediately.
Hydrants shall be flushed and the system shall be flow tested to insure that the
required water supply is available. All valves shall be tested and operated. All
gaskets and caps shall be inspected and the hydrant paint shall be maintained in good
condition. Hydrant blue - reflective street markers and protective barriers shall be
installed and maintained in good - order.
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This amendment (on testing of water based fire protection) is necessary because
testing is under the jurisdiction of the State of California.
Sec 5 -3.310 APPENDIX V -A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STANDARDS OF
GOOD PRACTICE is hereby deleted and the following is substituted:
APPENDIX V -A: ADOPTED STANDARDS
1. (a) ADOPTION BY REFERENCE
NFPA Standards. The NFPA Standards as listed in this section by name and
edition, and as published by the National Fire Protection Association, save and except
such portions as are hereinafter added, deleted, modified or amended, are hereby
adopted and incorporated as fully as if set forth at length herein; and the provisions
thereby shall be controlling within the limits of the incorporated area of the County.
One copy of each adopted Standard is on file at the Orange County Fire Authority,
Fire Prevention Division headquarters.
1. NFPA 11A Standard for Medium- and High - Expansion Foam Systems,
1994 Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
2. NFPA 12 Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 1993
Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
3. NFPA 12A Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 1997
Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
4. NFPA 12B Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 1990
Edition, as amended by subsection (b).
5. NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 1996
Edition, as amended in subsection (b) and Section 2.
6. NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One-
and Two - Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes, 1996 edition, as amended in
subsection (b) and section 3.
7. NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
Residential Occupancies up to Four Stories in Height, 1996 Edition, as amended in
subsection (b) and Section 4.
8. NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems,
1996 Edition, as amended in subsection (b) and Section 5.
9. NFPA 15 Standard for Water Spray Fixed System, 1996 Edition, as
amended in subsection (b).
10. NFPA 16 Standard on Deluge Foam -Water Sprinkler and Foam -Water
Spray System, 1995 Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
11. NFPA 16A Recommended Practice for the Installation of Closed -Head
Foam -Water Sprinkler Systems, 1994 Edition, as amended in subsection (b) and
Section 6.
12. NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 1994
Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
13. NFPA 17A Standard on Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems, 1994
Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
14. NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps, 1996
Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
15. NFPA 24 Standard for the Installation of Privvate Fire Service Mains
and Their Appurtenances, 1995 Edition, as amended in subsection (b) and Section 7.
16. NFPA 37 Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary
Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines, 1994 Edition, as amended in subsection (b)
and Section 8.
17. NFPA 50 Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, 1996
Edition, as amended in subsection (b) and Section 9.
18. NFPA 231 Standard for General Storage, 1995 Edition, as amended in
subsection (b) and Section 10.
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19. NFPA 231C Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, 1995 Edition, as
amended in subsection (b) and Section 11.
20. NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems,
1996 Edition, as amended in subsection (b).
(b) General Amendments. The amendments listed below apply to all of
the NFPA Standards adopted in subsection (a) above.
1. NFPA Purpose. These NFPA Standards are adopted for the purpose
of establishing design, installation, testing and maintenance criteria for the subjects
covered therein. This purpose takes priority over the purpose as stated in the NFPA
Standards.
2. NFPA Explanatory Material. Explanatory material included in the
form of fine print notes, in footnotes or in an appendix of the NFPA Standards are for
informational purposes and are not adopted.
3. NFPA Alternative Material and Methods. The provisions of Section
103.1.2 of the Fire Code, as adopted in this Municipal Code, shall be applied to all
requests to use alternative material and methods to meet the requirements of this
standard.
4. NFPA Definitions. The following definitions shall be applied to the
NFPA Standards and take priority over any similar definitions:
A. "Authority Having Jurisdiction" is the official responsible for the
enforcement of the NFPA Standard.
B. "Approved" shall be defined as specified in Section 202 of the Fire
Code.
C. "Labeled" and "Listed" shall be defined as specified in Section 213 of
the Fire Code.
5. NFPA Referenced Publications. The publications referenced in the
text, the referenced publication chapter and reference publication appendix of the
NFPA Standards are hereby deleted and whenever a publication is referenced, it shall
mean the following as appropriate:
A. The NFPA Standards as adopted in Appendix V -A or Section 9003 of the
Fire Code.
B. The applicable article of the Fire Code.
C. The applicable local ordinance such as the Building Code, Uniform
Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, or the Electrical Code.
D. Whenever none of the documents listed above apply, nationally recognized
standards or nationally recognized engineering practices as approved by the chief shall
apply.
6. Conflicts between NFPA and UFC or Other Adopted Codes or
standards. Whenever an NFPA Standard contains a provision which duplicates or
conflicts with a requirement of the Fire Code, Uniform Fire Code Standards,
applicable state regulations, or other codes and standards as adopted by local
ordinance, the provisions of the latter will take precedence.
7. NFPA Appendices. All NFPA appendices are for informational
purposes and are not adopted.
This amendment (on NFPA Standards) is necessary to ensure that fire protection
systems are designed according to the latest published design standards.
2. NFPA 13 AMENDED (as adopted in UBC Standard 9 -1)
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b) and
UBC Standard 9 -1, NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 1996
Edition, is further amended as follows:
Table 1- 4.7.4.2.a Storage of Class I -IV Commodities 12 ft or less in height is
modified as follows:
Storage of Class I -IV Commodities 12 ft or less in height shall be per Table 1-
4.7.4.2 of the 1994 Edition of NFPA 13.
Section 4- 14.1.1 Valves Controlling Sprinlder Systems is hereby amended by
deleting Section 4- 14.1.1.4 and substituting with the following:
4- 14.1.1.4: Control valves shall be installed and positioned so that they are
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operable from the floor below. The center line of the valve shall be no more than 7
feet (2134 mm) above fmished floor.
Section 4- 14.4.3.5.6 is hereby amended by adding the following to the end of
the paragraph:
Earthquake bracing shall not be attached to light structural members without a
registered professional engineer's detail and wet -stamp certifying compliance with
NFPA 13 or through approval by the specific truss manufacturer
Section 5 -1 General is hereby amended by the addition of the following text as
follows:
When fire sprinkler systems are required in buildings of undetermined use
other than warehouses, they shall be designed and installed to have a sprinkler density
of not less than that required for an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 use, with a minimum
design area of 3,000 square feet (279 m2). Warehouses sprinklers systems shall be
designed to protect Class IV Commodities (as defined in Article 81 of the Fire Code )
to the maximum storage height of the building.
Use is considered undetermined if not specified at the time the permit is
issued. Where a subsequent occupancy requires a system with greater capability, it
shall be the responsibility of the occupant to upgrade the system to the required
density for the new occupancy.
This amendment (on NFPA 13) is necessary for the reasons listed below. The
reasons are listed in conjunction with each individual change within NFPA 13.
1. Table 1- 4.7.4.2. a This amendment corrects a misprint in the 1996 edition of
NFPA 13. This section of the table appears in the 1994 edition of NFPA 13 but not
in the 1996 edition. No justification was given for the change and the 1996 edition
does not indicate that the table was changed. In addition, the scope of 1996 edition
of NFPA 13 specifically states that the 1996 edition of NFPA 13 governs this type of
storage arrangement but gives no criteria. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
believes that this is a misprint within the standard.
2. Section 1 -6.1.1 This section was added to protect the building owner and ensure
adequate sprinkler protection. Local experience has indicated that building
developers will design sprinkler systems to minimum requirements. Owners may
use /store more hazardous materials within the building. The sprinkler system then
becomes inadequate and must be upgraded because research by Factory Mutual
Research Corporation has shown that inadequate sprinkler systems are as effective
as not having a sprinkler system at all.
3. Section 4- 14.4.3.5.6 This section was amended to prevent local contractors
from misusing the seismic bracing requirements within NFPA 13 . Seismic bracing
is required to ensure that sprinkler piping sways with the building during an
earthquake. If the beam, truss, etc. cannot support the weight of the building and
the force from the sprinkler pipe, the seismic brace should not be attached to that
structural member.
3. NFPA 13D AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 13D Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two -
Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes, 1996 Edition, is further amended as follows:
Section 3 -1.1 Valves and Drains is amended by deleting Exception No. 1 and
Exception No. 2 without substitution.
Section 3 -2 Pressure Gages is deleted and the following substituted:
3 -2 Pressure Gage. At least one water pressure gage shall be installed on the
riser assembly.
Section 5 -3 Piping is amended by adding the following at the end of Section 5-
3.1, deleting Section 5 -3.4, adding the following at the end of Section 5 -3.5,
modifying Tables 5 -3.1 and 5 -3.5 and as follows:
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Section 5 -3.1: All ferrous metal pipe or tube shown in Table 5 -3.1 are
deleted. All ferrous metal pipe not shown in Table 5 -3.1 with a special listing per
Section 5 -3.2 are not approved in systems designed and installed per this standard.
Section 5 -3.5: All ferrous metal fittings not shown in Table 5 -3.5 with a
special listing per Section 5 -3.7 are not approved for use in systems designed per this
standard.
Table 5 -3.1. Welded and seamless steel pipe, wrought -steel pipe, and
electric - resistance welded steel pipe are deleted.
Table 5 -3.5. All listings under cast iron, malleable iron, and steel are
deleted.
Section 3 -6 Alarms is amended by adding the following ending paragraph and
deleting the exception without substitution:
Section 3 -6 Alarms. The alarm indicating device shall be listed for outside
service and audible from the street that the house is addressed on. Alarms shall be of
sufficient intensity to be clearly audible in all rooms with intervening doors closed.
Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a
maximum of 15 dBA above the ambient sound level or a minimum of 70 dBA. See
A -3 -6 of this Standard.
Section 4 -2.3 is amended by the addition of the following at the end of the
paragraph:
In rooms or areas with multiple beams or construction features creating
conditions where sprinklers are obstructed or the sprinkler placement exceeds the
maximum allowable deflector distance specified in the products listing, the design
shall bear the wet -stamp of a registered professional engineer certifying equal or
greater protection than that prescribed in the 1996 edition of NFPA 13D. In
developing the design criteria for sloped, beamed and pitched ceilings, the engineer
shall consider special design approaches such as larger flow, design for 3 or more
sprinklers to operate in the compartment or both.
Section 4 -6 Location of Sprinklers is amended by deleting the exceptions and
substituting the following three exceptions and final paragraph:
Exception No. 1: Sprinklers are not required in bathrooms not exceeding 55
square feet (5.1 m2).
Exception No. 2: Sprinklers are not required in small clothes closets, linen
closets and pantries where the least dimension does not exceed 3 feet (914 mm), the
area does not exceed 24 square feet (2.2 m2), and the walls and ceilings are surfaced
with noncombustible or fire- resistive material as defined in the Building Code.
Exception No. 3: Sprinklers may be omitted from open attached porches,
carports and similar open attached structures. Attached garages shall be protected
with listed quick- response sprinklers spaced to protect a maximum area of 130 square
feet (12.1 m2). These heads are not required to be calculated as part of the system if
the lines are supplied by the largest piping in the system.
All attics shall be protected with intermediate temperature quick - response
heads which shall be located to protect attic penetrations created by access scuttles or
mechanical equipment. Crawl spaces that are intended for use as a living or storage
area or that exceed a maximum height dimension of 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be
protected with intermediate temperature quick- response heads.
This amendment (on NFPA 13D) is necessary to protect the public well -being by a)
ensuring that the listing of the sprinkler is maintained and b) ensuring that the
occupants have adequate notification . The listing of the sprinkler means that the
sprinkler was tested under certain conditions. If the installation of the sprinkler is
not within those conditions, the sprinkler is no longer listed and therefore cannot be
used per NFPA 13D. This amendment informs contractors of the conditions
necessary to maintain the listing of a sprinkler and informs contractors of a method
for resolving situations that deviate from the listing of the sprinkler.
4. NFPA 13R AMENDED (as adopted in UBC Standard 9 -3)
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b) and
UBC Standard 9 -3, NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
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Residential Occupancies up to Four Stories in Height, 1996 Edition, is further
amended as follows:
Section 2 -4.5.5 is amended to read as follows:
Section 2 -4.5.5 Standard or quick response sprinklers shall may be used in
areas outside dwelling units.
Section 2 -4.6 is amended as follows:
Section 2 -4.6 Alarms: The alarm indicating device shall be listed for outside
service and audible from the street that the house is addressed on. Alarms shall be of
sufficient intensity to be clearly audible in all rooms with intervening doors closed.
Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a
maximum of 15 dBA above the ambient sound level or a minimum of 70 dBA.
Section 2 -6 Location of Sprinklers Exception No. 4 is deleted and substituted
with the following:
Exception No. 4: Sprinklers may be omitted from penthouse equipment
rooms, crawl spaces, floor /ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, and other concealed spaces
that are not used or intended for living purposes or storage. Sprinklers may also be
omitted from attics which are not located over dwelling units. When attics are
separated by unit, each unit's attic space may be protected per the Orange County Fire
Authority Guidelines for Detached One and Two Family Dwellings. All other attics
shall be protected per NFPA 13, 1996 Edition.
This amendment (on NFPA 13R) is necessary to protect the public well -being by
ensuring that the listing of the sprinkler is maintained. The listing of the sprinkler
means that the sprinkler was tested under certain conditions. If the installation of
the sprinkler is not within those conditions, the sprinkler is no longer listed and
therefore cannot be used per NFPA 13R. This amendment informs contractors of
the conditions necessary to maintain the listing of a sprinkler and informs
contractors of a method for resolving situations that deviate from the listing of the
sprinkler.
3. NFPA 14 AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 1996
Edition, is further amended as follows:
Section 2 -9 Fire Department Connections is amended as follows:
Section 2 -9.2 Each fire department connection shall have at least two 2 -1/2
inch (63.5 -mm) internal threaded swivel fittings, plus additional inlets as required
by the chief to support the demand of the system, having NH standard threads.
This amendment (on NFPA 14) is necessary to allow consistency in the design of
fire department connections.
6. NFPA 16A AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 16A Recommended Practice for the Installation of Closed -Head Foam -
Water Sprinkler Systems, 1994 Edition, is further amended as follows:
Section 1 -1 Scope is amended by adding a beginning paragraph as follows:
Whenever in this standard the word "recommended" is used, it means
"required," and whenever in this standard the word "should" is used, it means
"shall."
This amendment (on NFPA 16) is necessary to make the design standard
prescriptive and not permissive.
7. NFPA 24 AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2 (b), NFPA
24 Standard for Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, 1995
Edition, is further amended as follows:
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Section 1 -5 Installation Work is hereby deleted and substituted with the
following:
Section 1 -5 Installation Work. Installation work shall be done by fully
experienced and responsible contractors licensed in the state to do this work. Work
shall not begin until plans are approved and appropriate permits secured.
Section 2 -2 Public Water Systems is hereby amended by deleting section 2 -2.6
and substituting with the following:
Section 2 -2.6 Connections larger than 2 inches to public water systems shall
be controlled by a post indicator valve of an approved type. Where the water
authority has regulations regarding the connection of private fire service mains, they
shall apply. Where the water authority requires backflow protection the following
methods or assemblies are acceptable:
1. An above ground assembly approved by the water authority, painted OSHA
safety red, and with the valves locked in the open position. Valves controlling more
than 100 sprinkler heads shall be monitored to an approved location.
2. A below ground assembly approved by the water authority and located in an
approved vault. The last valve on the assembly shall be controlled by an approved
post indicator device (see Figure A -2.6). The post indicator device shall be painted
OSHA safety red, be locked in the open position and if controlling more than 100
sprinkler heads monitored to an approved location.
3. The location of control devices shall be approved by the chief and the water
authority.
Section 2 -6 Fire Department Connections is hereby amended by adding the
following to the end of Section 2 -6.2 and Section 2 -6.6:
Section 2 -6.2: "and shall be protected from mechanical injury."
Section 2 -6.6 The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet
from a public hydrant. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be approved
by the chief. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow
assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red.
Section 3 -4 Valves in Pits is hereby amended by adding the following to
Section 3-4.1:
Section 3 -4.1 Where it is impractical to provide a post indicator valve, valves
shall be permitted to be placed in valve rooms accessible from exterior, on exterior
risers or on interior risers with indicating posts arranged for outside operations, or in
pits with permission of the authority having jurisdiction.
Section 3 -5 Sectional Valves is hereby amended by adding the words "post
indicator type" in front of the words "Sectional controlling valves" on line 2 of
Section 3 -5.1.
Section 7 -2 Coating and Lining of Pipe is hereby amended as follows:
Section 7 -2 Coating and Lining of Pipe. All ferrous metal pipe shall be lined,
and steel pipe shall be coated and wrapped, with joints coated and wrapped after
assembly. All ferrous pipe and fittings shall be protected with a loose 8 -mill
polyethylene tube.
Section 8 -5 Pipe Joint Assembly is hereby amended by adding the words
"assembly and prior to poly - tube" before the last word "installation" in the paragraph
in Section 8 -5.2.
Section 8 -6.2 Testing Underground Systems is hereby amended by adding
a sentence at the end of Section 8 -6.2.1 as follows:
Section 8 -6.2.1 The trench shall be excavated for thrust blocks and
inspected prior to pour. Care shall be taken when forming and pouring thrust blocks
that fittings and joints are not buried in concrete.
This amendment (on NFPA 24) is necessary to ensure the design standards for water
piping are not compromised.
8. NFPA 37 AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b), NFPA 37
Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas
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Turbines, 1994 Edition, is further amended as follows:
Section 3- 1.1.2.1 General Locations is amended by deleting the last paragraph
without substitution.
Section 3- 1.1.2.1 General Locations is amended by deleting the last sentence
without substitution.
New Section 3- 1.1.2.4 General Locations is added as follows:
Section 3- 1.1.2.4 Doors, windows and louvered openings shall be located on exterior
walls only. When such openings are located below openings in another story or less
than 10 feet (3048 mm) from doors, windows or louvered openings of the same
building, they shall be protected by a fire assembly having a 3/4 hour rating. Such
fire assemblies shall be fixed, automatic or self - closing.
Combustion engines and gas turbines used for emergency power shall not be
located in a room or area used for any other purpose.
This amendment (on NFPA 37) is necessary to ensure that the fire department can
get access to emergency systems without having to enter the building.
9. NFPA 50 AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 50 Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, 1996 Edition, is
further amended as specified in the Fire Code Standard 74 -1 Part I.
This amendment (on medical gas systems) is necessary to provide cross referencing
between the Fire Code standard 74 -1 and NFPA 50, 1996 edition.
10. NFPA 231 AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 231 Standard for General Storage, 1995 Edition, is further amended as
specified in the adopted Uniform Fire Code Standard 81 -1 Part I.
This amendment (on NFPA 231) is necessary to provide cross referencing between
Uniform Fire Code Standard 81 -1 Part I (adopted in this Municipal Code) and
NFPA 231, 1995 edition.
11. NFPA 231C AMENDED
In addition to the amendments, additions and deletions of Section 2. (b),
NFPA 231C Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, 1995 Edition, is further
amended as specified in the adopted Uniform Fire Code Standard 81 -2 Part I.
This amendment (on NFPA 231C) is necessary to provide cross referencing between
Uniform Fire Code Standard 81 -2 Part I (adopted by this Municipal Code) and
NFPA 231C.
Sec 5 -3.320 APPENDIX VI -A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
CLASSIFICATION is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph to
SECTION 1— SCOPE:
If confusion or conflict occurs with chemical classification, final determination
shall be in accordance with the Orange County Fire Authority's chemical
classification database.
This amendment (on classification of hazardous materials) is necessary to resolve
discrepancies in chemical classification.
Sec 5 -3.330 APPENDIX V -F REQUIRED SEPARATION DISTANCES
FOR EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS is hereby amended as follows:
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(a) A beginning paragraph is added as follows:
Whenever the word "recommended" is used in Appendix V -F, it means "required."
(b) The first sentence of the first paragraph as printed in Appendix V -F is
deleted and the following substituted:
The following information is adopted for use in applying Article 77.
This amendment (on explosives) is necessary because explosives are under the
jurisdiction of the California State Fire Marshal (See 19 CCR Chapter 10 and 24
CCR part 2).
A beginning paragraph is added as follows:
Whenever the word "recommended" is used in Appendix V -F, it means "required."
(b) The first sentence of the first paragraph as printed in Appendix V -F is deleted
and the following substituted:
The following information is adopted for use in applying Article 77.
This amendment (on explosives) is necessary because explosives are under the
jurisdiction of the California State Fire Marshal (See 19 CCR Chapter 10 And 24
CCR part 2).
SECTION 4: If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase, or
portion of this Ordinance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by
the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby
declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section, subsection,
subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, subdivision, sentences, clauses, phrases, or
portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
The City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify as the passage of this
Ordinance and to give notice thereof by causing copies of this Ordnance to be
posted in three public places throughout the City.
FIRST READ at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on the
24th day of May , 1999 and finally adopted and order posted at a regular
meeting held on the 14th day of June
ATTEST:
C Y CLERK
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
OF O THE CITY OF CYPRESS
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS
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I, LILLIAN M. HAINA, City Clerk of the City of Cypress, California DO
HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Cypress, held on the 14th day of
June , 1999, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCoy, McGill, Piercy,
Sondhi and Keenan
NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSTAINED: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS
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