RES-10233 Modifications and Changes to California Fire CodeRESOLUTION NO. 10233
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ORANGE SETTING FORTH FINDINGS
WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
WITHIN THE CITY OF ORANGE WHICH MAKE
CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES TO
THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE NECESSARY FOR
VARIOUS OCCUPANCIES.
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code Section 17958 mandates that the City of Orange
shall adopt ordinances or regulations imposing the same requirements as are contained in the
regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 17922; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is mandated by Health & Safety Code Section
17922 to impose the same requirements as are contained in the 2007 California Fire Code
based on the 2006 International Fire Code of the International Code Council, hereinafter
referred to collectively as the Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code Section 17958.7 permits the City to make such
changes or modifications to the Codes as are reasonably necessary because of local conditions;
and
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City Council
before making any changes or modifications pursuant to Section 17958.5 make express
findings that such changes or modifications are needed due to climatic geographic, or
topographic conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has recommended that amendments to the 2007 California
Codes and the 2006 International Fire Codes are reasonably necessary due to the following
local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Orange
as follows:
Section 1. Changes and modifications to the 2007 Edition of the California Fire Code
are recommended by the Fire Chief and are hereby found to be reasonably necessary due to the
following local conditions.
CFC Adoption.
There is hereby adopted by the City of Orange, for the purpose of prescribing
regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion,
that certain code known as the California Fire Code, 2007 edition, as published by the
International Fire Code Council, including Appendices: Appendix Chapter 1,
Appendix Chapter 4, A, B, C, E, F, G, H save and except such portions as are
hereinafter added, deleted, modified, or amended of such code and Standards, one copy
of which is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the City of Orange, and the same
are adopted and incorporated as full as if set forth at length herein, and the provisions
thereby shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Orange. (Ord. 17-
02)CFC SECTION 101.1 - Title.
These regulations shall be known as the City of Orange Fire Code, hereafter referred to
as the code.
CFC SECTION 101.6 - Conflicting provisions.Where
there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall apply.CFC
Section 102.7 - Subjects not regulated by this code.Where no
applicable standards or requirements are set forth in this code, or are contained within
other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or bylaws adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance
with the California Fire Code, 2001 edition as adopted by City of Orange
Resolution 9692 shall be deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent
of this code; additionally, applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or
other nationally recognized fire safety standards, as approved, shall be deemed as
prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this code. Nothing herein shall
derogate from the authority of the fire code official to determine compliance with
codes or standards for those activities or installations within the fire code official'
s jurisdiction or responsibility.CFC SECTION
102.8 - Supplemental rules, regulations and standards.The fire code
official is authorized to render interpretations of this code and to make and enforce rules
and supplemental regulations and to develop fire protection standards to carry out
the application and intent of its provisions. Requirements that are essential for the public
safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the
occupants thereof, which are not specifically provided for by this code shall be determined
by the fire code official.CFC SECTION 104.
9- Alternative materials and methods.The fire code
official is authorized to approve an alternative material or method of construction where the
fire code official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory desirable and complies
with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or
work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in
this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.2
CFC SECTION 105.3.3- Occupancy and use prohibited before approval.
The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the fire code official issuing a
permit that indicates that applicable provisions of this code have been met. No
appliance, device, equipment, or system shall be operated or used until the installation
has been approved and permitted by the fire code official and all applicable provisions
of this code have been met.
CFC SECTION 105.4.1- Submittals.
Construction documents shall be submitted in one or more sets and in such form and
detail as required by the fire code official. The construction documents shall be
prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the
jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Except as otherwise determined by the fire code official, plans for the construction,
alteration, repair, or conversion of buildings or portions thereof which are classified as
high-rise buildings, Use Groups A, E, H, I, Land R occupancies, except Group
R-3 occupancies, shall be submitted for review prior to obtaining a building
permit. The fire code official shall review such plans for compliance with regulations
adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal that relate to fire and
life safety.Plans shall be submitted in both paper and electronic formats as detailed in the
City of Orange Fire Department Plan
Submittal Guidelines.CFC Subsection 105.6.15 Deleted
without replacement CFC Subsection 105.6.29 - Miscellaneous combustible
storage.An operational permit is required to store in any building or upon any premise in
excess of 2500 cubic feet (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases,
boxes,barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork, compo sting, green
waste,firewood, tree trimmings or similar combustible
material.CFC SECTION 105.6.48-
Daycare.An operational permit is required to provide day care
center.CFC SECTION 105.6.49 Added - Day-care, large
family.An operational permit is required to operate a large family day-
care
CFC SECTION 105.6.50- High-rise
buildings.An operational permit is required to occupy a high-
rise building.CFC SECTION 107.6 -
Overcrowding.Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a
building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, upon finding
any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or their means
of egress, or upon finding any condition which constitutes a life safety hazard, shall
be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction
is
corrected.Exception: The approved capacity of a building or portion thereof shall be
permitted to be increased in accordance with Section 1004.2 when approved by the fire
code
official.CFC SECTION 109.1- Unlawful
acts.The acts described in Section 109.1 shall be
unlawful.CFC SECTION 109.1.1- Unlawful acts related to buildings, occupancies, premises
and
systems.It shall be unlawful for a person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter,
repair,remove, demolish or utilize a building, occupancy, premises or system regulated by
this code, or cause same to be done in conflict with or in violation of any of the
provisions of this
code.CFC SECTION 109.1.2- Transmission of false
alarms.False alarms of emergencies shall not be transmitted in any
form.CFC SECTION 109.2- Notice of
violation.When the fire code official verifies a violation of this code, the fire code official
is authorized to issue a verbal order, sign, tag, seal and a written notice of
violation describing the conditions deemed unsafe and, when compliance is not
immediate,specifying a time for reinspection. Any verbal order, sign, tag, or seal shall
be accompanied by a written notice or, if the immediate issuance of a written notice is
not reasonable, followed by a written notice as soon as
practical.CFC SECTION 109.2.2- Compliance with orders and
notices.A notice of violation, verbal order, sign, tag, or seal issued or served as provided by
this code shall be complied with by the owner, operator, occupant or other
person
responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation, verbal order,
sign, tag, or seal pertains.
CFC SECTION 109.3 - Violation penalties.Persons
who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements
thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the
approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or
certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of either a misdemeanor,
infraction or both as prescribed in Section 109.3.2 and 109.3.3. Penalties shall
be as prescribed in Chapter 1 of the Orange Municipal Code. Each day that a violation
continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.CFC
SECTION 109.3.2- Infractions.Except
as provided in Section 109.3.3, persons operating or maintammg any occupancy,
premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety
hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction.CFC
SECTION 109.3.3 - Misdemeanors.Persons who
violate the following sections of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor:103.
4.
3Compliance with orders and notices.107.6
Overcrowding.104.11
Authority at fires and other emergencies.104.11.
2Obstructing operations.104.11.
3Systems and devices.109.1.
1 Transmission of false alarms.109.2.
2 Compliance with orders and notices.109.2.
4 Unauthorizedtampering with signs, tags or seals.111.4
Failure to comply.305.4
Deliberateor negligent burning.308.2.
1 Throwing or placing sources of ignition.305.4
Burningobjects.508.5.
4 Obstruction [of fire suppression equipment].901.8
Removal of or tampering with equipment.901.8.
1 Removal of or tampering with appurtenances.2404.7
Sources of ignition.3302 Explosives
prohibited.CFC SECTION
111.4 - Immediate compliance required.Persons shall take
immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard or correct any violation of this
code when ordered or notified to do so by the fire code official. A 5
person shall discontinue any and all work after having been served with a stop work
order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or
fire hazard.
CFC SECTION 202 (Definitions)-FIRE
HAZARD.Any
thing or act which increases or could increase the potential of fire to a degree greater
than that deemed acceptable by persons regularly employed by the fire authority having
jurisdiction, whose duties include either the suppression or prevention of fires,or
both; any thing or act that increases or could increase the risk of an unauthorized release
of hazardous materials; or any thing or act which does or could obstruct, delay,hinder
or interfere with either the evacuation of occupants of a building or the response or
operations of the fire department when dispatched to render aid.HIGH-
RISE BUILDING.
1. "Existing high-rise structure" means a high-rise
structure, the construction of which is commenced or completed prior to July
1, 1974.2. "High-rise structure" means every building of any
type of construction or occupancy having floors sued for human
occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest floor level having
building access (see California Building Code, Section 403.1.2), except
buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety
Code Section 1250.New high-rise structure" means a
high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced on
or after July 1, 1974.Section 202 is added to the California Fire
Code to read as follows:These requirements apply to Buildings approved
for construction subsequent to January 1, 1983, and having floors used for human occupancy located 55
feet or more above the level of Fire Department vehicle access. Said
buildings shall conform to requirements of the Building Code, "High-Rise Buildings", in its entirety
and/or as amended by the State and other applicable requirements of
the Orange Municipal Code,
Building Code and applicable State Codes."Addition to Section 202 is reasonably
necessary because
of the following conditions:Climatic Conditions:The City of Orange is located in a
semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high
temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot,dry Foehn (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of70
M.
common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and
common building materials and predispose the area to large destructive fires
conflagration).
The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding
conditions. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity
supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the
already-taxed water supply7 does
not.These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even
small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread
very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection
of fire sprinkler systems will supplement normal fire department response
by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and
controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use
of water for fire fighting by as much as 50 to
75 percent.
Geological Conditions:The City of Orange is located in an area of high seismic activity. To the north
of the city is the Whittier Fault. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located south
of the city,poses the greatest hazard to life and property. It is believed that this fault
is capable of generating a maximum credible 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Because of
the degree of the city's urbanization and close proximity to a major fault, the
risk of structural damage and loss of life due to ground
shaking is considerable.Major earthquakes are always accompanied by disruption of traffic
flow and fires.During a major earthquake, fire department resources would be
extremely taxed, and the ability to respond to fires would be complicated and in some
cases impossible. On-site fire-extinguishing systems would provide a degree of protection
from fires even if water mains
are damaged
or destroyed.Topographical Conditions:The City of Orange has an urban atmosphere, which is
reflected in building and building complex design features. Landscaping and
other building features often preclude or greatly limit approach or operational access
by fire department vehicles.The UBC high-rise provisions were developed to
provide for fire department laddering capabilities and response time in a downtown setting such
as Los Angeles. Older cities typically have high-rise buildings, which are constructed close
to the street, but in the city of Orange and Orange County, high-
rise
buildings
CFC SECTION 305.5 - Disposal and burning of refuse.Permanent
barbecues, portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces or grills shall not be used for
the disposal or burning of rubbish, trash or combustible waste material.CFC
SECTION 316 - Parade floats.Decorative materials
shall meet flame retardant requirements as set forth in California Code of
Regulations, Title 19. A 2AI0B:C minimum rated fire extinguisher shall be mounted within
easy reach of drivers of floats containing decorative material.CFC SECTION
317 - Abatement of brush and vegetative growth.Abatement of brush
and vegetative growth shall be in accordance with Section 317.CFC SECTION 317.
1 - Unusual Circumstances.The fire code official
may require alternate materials and methods to comply with the intent of Section 318
if he or she determines that any of the following conditions exist:1. Difficult terrain;2.
Danger of Erosion;
3. Presence of plants
regulated by any of the following:a. state and federal
resources agencies;b. the California Native
Plant Society; and c. county approved list
of wildlife, plants, or rare, endangered and/or threatened species.4. Stands
or groves
of trees or heritage trees, or other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with
the clearance of vegetation provisions of Section 317 undesirable or impractical.
CFC SECTION 317.2 -
Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from roadway.The fire code official is
authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of highways
and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic
to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth in accordance with
City of Orange Weed Abatement Guidelines.The fire code official is
authorized to enter upon private property to do so.8
Exception: Single specimen of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover
such as green grass, ivy, succulents and similar plants used as ground covers shall not
be subject to clearance, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting
fire in the opinion of the fire code official.
CFC SECTION 317.3- Clearance of brush and vegetative growth from structures.
Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining buildings or structures
in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and persons owning, leasing or controlling
land adjacent to such buildings or structures, shall provide and maintain the following
clearances at all times:
1. 30 feet (9144 mm) between both brush and vegetative growth, and buildings or
structures,
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants
used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly
transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.
2. Greater than 30 feet, and up to 100 feet (9144 mm to 30,480 mm) from
buildings or structures when, in the opinion of the fire code official, 30 feet
9144 mm) is insufficient to provide reasonable fire safety,
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm)
from buildings or structures and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above
the ground need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion.
3. 10 feet (3048 mm) between portions of trees and the outlets ofa chimneys.
The following brush and vegetative growth shall be removed and maintained clear of
the following areas of buildings and structures:
1. Deadwood in trees adjacent to or overhanging a building, and
2. Leaves, needles or other dead vegetative growth collected on the roof of a
structure.
CFC SECTION 318 - Fuel modification.Fuel
modification shall be required in accordance with Section 318.9
CFC SECTION 318.1- Unusual Circumstances.
The fire code official may require alternate materials and methods to comply with the
intent of Section 318 if he determines that any of the following conditions exist:
I. Difficult terrain.
2. Danger of Erosion.
3. Presence of plants regulated by any of the following:
a. state and federal resources agencies,
b. the California Native Plant Society and
c. county approved list of wildlife, plants, or rare, endangered and/or
threatened species.
4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees, or other unusual circumstances that
make strict compliance with the fuel modification provisions of Section 318
undesirable or impractical.
CFC SECTION 318.2 - Where required.Development
occurring within or adjacent to any climate or topographic Very High Fire
Hazard or High Fire Hazard Zone in the City of Orange shall require modification of
vegetation at the urban interface. The delineation of the urban interface shall be determined
by the fire code official.CFC
SECTION 318.3 - Components.Fuel modification
shall consist of the following components:Zones of
increasing fire resistance shall be provided between the wildland and improved property
containing buildings or structures to slow the advance of fire. These zones are
fully described in the City of Orange Fuel Modification Guidelines, and are briefly described
below:1. A
generally horizontal area, known as the "A Zone," located between the graded pad containing
the building or structure and the B Zone. The A Zone shall be free of
any combustible materials, except fire resistant plants approved by the fire code
official and other similar approved fire resistant items. The width of the A
Zone shall be a minimum of 20-feet in width measured horizontally, or greater
as required as required by the fire code official.2.
An irrigated area, known as the "B Zone," located between the A Zone and the C
Zone. The B Zone shall be planted with those approved plants listed in the 10
plant palette as contained in the City of Orange Fuel Modification Guidelines.
The type and design of the irrigation system shall be approved by the fire code
official. The B Zone shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width measured
horizontally, or greater as required by the fire code official.
3. An area of thinned vegetation, known as the "C Zone," located between the B
Zone and the D Zone. The C Zone shall consist of native vegetation as
approved. The vegetation shall be thinned to 50% density, with a maximum
height of 3 feet. The C Zone shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width measured
horizontally, or greater as required by the fire code official.
4. An area of thinned vegetation, known as the "D Zone," located between the C
Zone and the wildland interface. The D Zone shall consist of native vegetation
as approved. The vegetation shall be thinned to 70% density, with a maximum
height of 3 feet. The C Zone shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width measured
horizontally, or greater as required by the fire code official.
Emergency personnel and fuel modification maintenance workers shall be provided
access to fuel modification zones by "Fire Department Passageways" that shall meet the
following requirements:
I. Established and identified as a non-construction (lettered)
lot,2. Minimum 12 foot
width,3. Maximum distance of 500 feet from each other, as measured along the
fire access lane or public street,
and 4. Delineated from private property by an approved mow strip or other
approved
separation.CFC SECTION 318.4- Required fuel modification progression prior to and
during
construction.The following fuel modification planning and installation progress shall be required
at the following stages of
construction:A conceptual fuel modification plan shall be approved by the fire code official prior
to the issuance of grading permits and shall consist of the
following:1. Delineation of
zones,2. Locations and dimensions of fire department
passageways,3. A description of methods used to remove and thin
vegetation,
4. A statement of maintenance responsibility,
5. A letter of permission and any required easements for any off-site
requirements for the development and maintenance of the fuel modification,
and 6. A copy of deed restriction for each lot prohibiting combustible construction
in the fuel modification
area.A precise fuel modification plan shall be approved by the fire code official prior to
the issuance of building permits and shall consist of the
following:I. A list of proposed fire resistant plants selected from the Fire Department
Plant Palette as contained in the City of Orange Fuel Modification Guidelines,
or other plants as approved by the fire code
official,2. The irrigation plan,
and 3. The precise delineation of each fuel modification
zone.Brush shall be cleared per the precise delineation of each fuel modification zone
prior to the issuance of building
permits.The completed fuel modification installation shall be approved by the fire code
official prior to the release of land use and building
occupancy.The installed fuel modification shall be maintained at all times in accordance with
the approved plan. A letter certifying all fuel modification maintenance has
been performed according to the approved fuel modification plan shall be submitted by
the responsible party to the fire code official during the months of March and September
of each
year.CFC SECTION 318.5 - Building construction requirements.
New construction which takes place within the fuel modification boundaries established
by the City of Orange shall comply with Chapter 7 A of the California Building Code,
as amended, in addition to all other applicable requirements of the California Fire and
California Building Codes as adopted by the City of Orange.
Amendment to 318.5 is reasonably necessary because of the following conditions:
Climatic Conditions:
The City of Orange is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It
annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation.
Hot,dry Foehn (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70 M.P.H. or greater are
also
common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and
common building materials and predispose the area to large destructive fires
conflagration).
The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding
conditions. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity
supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the
already-taxed water supply does
not.These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even
small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread
very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection
of fire sprinkler systems will supplement normal fire department response
by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and
controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use
of water for fire fighting by as much as 50 to
75 percent.
Geological Conditions:The City of Orange is located in an area of high seismic activity. To the north
of the city is the Whittier Fault. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located south
of the city,poses the greatest hazard to life and property. It is believed that this fault
is capable of generating a maximum credible 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Because of
the degree of the city's urbanization and close proximity to a major fault, the
risk of structural damage and loss of life due to ground
shaking is considerable.Major earthquakes are always accompanied by disruption of traffic
flow and fires.During a major earthquake, fire department resources would be
extremely taxed, and the ability to respond to fires would be complicated and in some
cases impossible. On-site fire-extinguishing systems would provide a degree of protection
from fires even if water mains
are damaged
or destroyed.Topographical Conditions:The City of Orange has an urban atmosphere, which is
reflected in building and building complex design features. Landscaping and
other building features often preclude or greatly limit approach or operational access
by fire department vehicles.CFC SECTION
319- Hazardous fire areas.Activities and equipment located in hazardous fire areas shall
comply with Section 319.CFC
SECTION 319.1- Locations,Hazardous fire areas shall be located as determined by
the
CFC SECTION 319.2- Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to this section in addition to all other applicable
general definitions contained in this code:
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA - A hazardous fire area is an area that is determined by the
fire code official to contain brush or vegetative growth with an increased potential for
ignition or rate of spread.SPARK
ARRESTER - 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.
CFC SECTION
319.3- Use of equipment.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 either equipped with an approved spark arrester
as defined in this section and maintained in an effective working order, or the engine
is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire pursuant to this
section.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.Engines used
to provide motor power for trucks, tractors, buses and passenger vehicles other than
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. 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.CFC SECTION
319.4 - Restricted entry.The fire code
official shall determine and publicly announce when hazardous fire areas shall be closed
to entry and when such areas shall again be opened to entry. Entry on and occupation of
hazardous fire areas, except public roadways, inhabited areas or established trails and
camp sites which have not been closed during such time when the hazardous fire area
is closed to entry, is prohibited.14
Exceptions:
1. Residents and owners of private property within hazardous fire areas and their
invited guests.
2. Entry, in the course of duty, by peace or police officers and other duly
authorized public officers, members of a fire department and members of the
United States Forest Service.
CFC SECTION 319.5 - Trespassing on Posted Property.When
the fire code official determines that a specific area within a hazardous fire
area presents an exceptional and continuing fire danger because of the density of natural
growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to structures, or accessibility to the public
such areas shall be closed until conditions warrant termination of closure. Such areas
shall be posted with approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and
which refer to applicable fire code chapters. The approved signage shall be placed on
the border of every closed area providing access to the area.Entering
and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.Exception:
Owners and occupants of private or public property within closed and posted
areas, their invited guests, and local, state and federal public officers and their authorized
agents acting in the course of their duty.CFC
SECTION 319.6 - Outdoor Fires.Outdoor fires
shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon hazardous fire areas,except by
permit from the chief.Exception: Outdoor
fires within habited premises or designated campsites where such fires are
built in a permanent barbecues, portable barbecues, outdoor fireplace,incinerator or
grill and are a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from a grass-, grain-,brush-, or
forest-covered area.Permits
shall incorporate such terms and conditions, which will reasonably safeguard public
safety and property. Permits shall not be issued under the following conditions:1.
When high winds are blowing,2.
When a person age 17 or over is not present at all times to watch and tend
such a fire,3.
When a public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited, or 4.
Any other condition which creates a fire hazard.15
CFC CHAPTER 4 Deleted without Replacement.
CFC SECTION 502.1- Definitions.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used
elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD. A road that provides fire apparatus access
from a fire station to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term
inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, private street, parking lot lane and access
roadway. (remainder of section not amended)
CFC SECTION 503.1.2.1 - Dead ends.Dead
end streets shall not exceed 600 feet in length.CFC
SECTION 503.2.1 - Dimensions.Fire apparatus
access roads shall be in accordance with Section 503.2.1.Fire apparatus
roads shall have a unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), and
shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches 4115 mm).
Exceptions:I.
Security
gates shall be in accordance with Section 503.6.2. Fire
apparatus roads serving buildings over 2 stories in height shall be m accordance with
Section 503.2.1.1.3. Divided
fire access roads shall be in accordance with Section 503.2.1.2.CFC SECTION
503.2.1.1 - Buildings over 2 stories in height.Fire apparatus access
roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet 7315 mm) when
within laddering distance of buildings exceeding two stories in height.The access road
shall be set back from buildings exceeding two stories in height such that the centerline
of the fire access road shall be equal to 'l4 the difference in elevation from the fire
access road to the roof. The building curbside of access roads serving buildings over two
stories in height but less than 44 feet in height shall be permitted to be up to
10 feet away from the building.16
CFC SECTION 503.2.1.2 - Divided fire access roads.Divided
fire access roads shall be subject to review and approval by the fire code official.
Each lane shall be a minimum width of 14 feet.CFC
SECTION 503.4 - Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads.Fire apparatus
access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles.
The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained
at all times. Speed bumps, speed humps and all other traffic calming measures shall
be reviewed and approved by the fire code official prior to installation.CFC SECTION
503.6- Security gates.The installation
of security gates across fire apparatus access roads shall be approved by the
fire chief. Where security gates are installed, each gate shall meet requirements as contained
in City of Orange access guidelines, and shall be a minimum clear width of 14
feet. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at
all times. All electrically operated vehicle access gates shall be equipped with an
approved automatic opening device in addition to a key operated switch.CFC SECTION
505.1- Address identification.New and
existing buildings shall have approved address numbers in accordance with Section 501.
1.CFC SECTION
505.1.1 - Address identification.All new and
existing buildings shall display approved address identification numbers or letters on the
street side of the building in such a position that the number is easily visible to approaching
emergency vehicles from the public way.Exception: Buildings located
on the same lot with residential buildings, when approved by the
fire code official or other authorized city official.Address identification on
residential buildings shall be no less than four (4) inches in height with a
minimum stroke of one-half (0.5) inch. Non-residential identification shall
be a minimum of six (6) inches in height with a minimum stroke of 3/4 (.75) inch.Address
identification shall contrast with the background, and shall be illuminated by an
approved internal or external source during hours of darkness.CFC
Section 505.1.2 - Multi-unit buildings.When
a non-residential building contains multiple units, address numbers complying
with Section 505.1.1 shall be placed immediately adjacent to the non-hinged side
of
exterior doors or above all exterior doors serving each individual unit. Interior door
address identification shall be approved.
CFC Section 505.1.3- Building Complexes.
Approved diagrammatic representations shall be positioned at all entrances to building
complexes. The diagrammatic representations shall show the overall site, location of
the viewer, buildings and units and the addresses or unit designations within the
complex, and shall be internally or externally illuminated as approved during hours of
darkness. Buildings and multi-unit buildings within complexes shall be addressed
as required by Sections 505.1 and 505.1.
1.CFC SECTION 506.1 - Where required.
Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured
openings, or where hazardous materials are used or stored in amounts requiring
disclosure to the fire department, or where immediate access is necessary for life-
saving or fire-fighting purposes, or where fire detection or suppression systems
are installed,the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed
in accordance with access guidelines and standards as developed by the City of
Orange Fire Department. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys
to gain necessary access as required by the fire
code official.CFC SECTION 606.8 - Refrigerant
detector.Machinery rooms containing any refrigerant or HV AC ductwork or equipment
shall contain a refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm. the detector, or
a sampling tube that draws air to the detector, shall be located in an area
where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate. The alarm shall be actuated at a value
not greater than the corresponding TL V - TWA values shown in the California Mechanical
Code for the refrigerant classification. Detectors and alarms shall be placed in
approved locations. An automatic emergency shutoff shall be provided which shall
shut off the supply of refrigerant when the refrigerant vapor concentration exceeds 25
percent of the lower flammability limit of the vapor.
CFC SECTION 606.10.1.2 - Manual operation.When
required by the fire code official, automatic crossover valves shall be capable of manual
operation. The manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately
outside of the mechanical room in a secure box made of approved materials.
The box shall be plainly marked as the emergency refrigerant crossover valve,
and shall be provided with approved fire department access.18
CFC SECTION 902.1 - Definitions.The
following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere
in this code, have the meanings shown herein.TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BUILDING.A
building wholly or partially containing telecommunications equipment such that, in the
opinion of the fire code official, the telecommunications equipment defines the use of
the building. (Remainder of Section 902.1 not amended.15.
32.580 SECTION 903.2 Amended - Where required.Approved automatic
sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in
the locations described in this section.Exceptions:1.
When
approved by the fire code official, spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used
exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power
distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces
or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and
are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of
not less than I-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-
hour fire-resistance-rated
floor/ceiling assemblies.2. Automatic fire sprinkler protection for fixed guideway transit
systems shall be as per Section
903.2.17.3. Group R occupancies shall be provided with
approved automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section
903.2.7 In addition to the requirementsof Sections 903.2.1 through 903.
2.13, approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided throughout
in new buildings under
the following conditions:Any building of any construction type exceeding 5,000
square feet, or buildings of type V construction exceeding 3,
000
square feet.Exceptions:1. Buildings may reduce floor areas to less than that
requiring automatic fire sprinklers using 3-hour minimum rated fire
walls constructed in accordance with the International
Building Code Chapter 7.2. Buildings housing Group R occupancies shall comply with
Section
3. Open parking garages, fences, retaining walls, towers classified as Group U
occupancies, and tanks are not regulated by this code section.
4. Basements exceeding 1,500 square feet in buildings otherwise not required to be
provided with automatic sprinklers.
Exception: Basements of any size shall be provided with approved automatic
sprinklers when housing occupancies required to be protected regardless of area.
Approved automatic sprinklers shall be installed in any existing building that
meets the conditions for required sprinkler protection for new buildings and
meets one or more of the following conditions:
1. An increase in area is made to a building.
2. A change is made to the use or occupancy of the building that
changes the level of hazard or increases the occupant load.
3. A significant modification is made to the building or a
modification impacts the structural system of the building as determined
by the fire code official.
CFC SECTION 903.2.7- Group R.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be
provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
Exceptions:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-
family dwellings town houses) less than 5,000 square feet in area and not more than
three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress,
unless specifically required by other sections ofthis code or classified as
Group R-4.2. Group R-3.1 occupancies less than 5,000 square
feet not housing bedridden clients, not housing nonambulatory clients above the first
floor, and not housing clients
above the second floor.3. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code
Section 13113, occupancies housing ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally
ill or mentally retarded,and the buildings or portions thereof in which such children
are housed are not more than two stories in height, and buildings or
portions thereof housing such children have an automatic fire alarm system
activated
by
4. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.6, occupancies licensed for
protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a
child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over).
An automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3
shall not be utilized in Group R-
4.CFC SECTION 903.3.1.1.1- Exempt
locations.In other than Group 1-2, 1-2.1, or 1-3 occupancies, automatic
sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas when approved by the
fire code official where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic
fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible
or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely
because it is damp,of fire-resistance rated
construction or contains electrical equipment.1. Any room where the application of water, or
flame and water, constitutes a
serious life or fire hazard.2. Any room or space where sprinklers are
considered undesirable because of
the nature of the contents.3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from
the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/
ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating
of not less than 2 hours.4. In rooms or areas that
are of
noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.Amendments to Sections 903.2, and 903.
2.7 are reasonably
necessary because
of the following conditions:Climatic conditions:The City of Orange is located in a
semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high
temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot,dry, foehn (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of
70 M.P.H. or greater are common to the area. These climatic
conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials and
predispose
the area to large destructive fires conflagration).The climate alternates between
extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions. Water demand in this
densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and
although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does
not.
by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth
centered in Southern California.
These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small
fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very
quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of
fire sprinkler systems will supplement normal fire department response by
providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling
the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of
water for fire fighting by as much as 50 to 75
percent.Topigraphical
conditions:Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive
topographical condition, which is common in the City of Orange and throughout Orange
County.These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which places
fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to
provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems to protect
occupants and
property.Geological conditions:The City of Orange is located in an area of high seismic activity. To the
north of the city is the Whittier Fault. The Newport-Inglewood Fault, located
south of the city,poses the greatest hazard to life and property. It is believed that this
fault is capable of generating a maximum credible 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Because
of the degree of the city's urbanization and close proximity to a major fault,
the risk of structural damage and loss of life due to
ground shaking is considerable.Major earthquakes are always accompanied by disruption of
traffic flow and fires.During a major earthquake, fire department resources would
be extremely taxed, and the ability to respond to fires would be complicated and in
some cases impossible. On-site fire-extinguishing systems would provide a degree of
protection from fires even if water
mains are damaged or destroyed.CFC SECTION 903.4-
Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms.All valves controlling the water supply for
automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks,water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures,
and water-flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised and sealed
or locked
in
the position of normal operation.Exceptions:1. Automatic sprinkler
systems
2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinkler heads when approved by the
fire code official.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a
common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic
sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is
not provided.
4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked the open position.
5. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks when
located in buildings or tenant spaces that do not contain monitored fire protection
systems.
6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines.
7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems.
CFC SECTION 910.3.2.2 - Sprinklered buildings.Where
installed in buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system,smoke
and heat vents shall be designed to operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive
device rated at least 1000 F greater than the operating temperature of the sprinkler.
CFC
SECTION 1004.2 - Increased occupant load.The occupant
load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from
that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.1.1 when approved by
the fire code official, provided that all other requirements of the code are also met
based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per
7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the fire code
official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment diagram substantiating any increase
in occupant load shall be submitted. Where required by the fire code official, such
diagram shall be posted.CFC SECTION
1410.1- Required access.Approved vehicle
access for fire fighting shall be provided to all construction or demolition sites.
Vehicle access shall be provided by permanent fire apparatus access roads except
where approved by the fire code official.CFC SECTION
1412.1- When required.An approved
water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available
prior to combustible material arrival on the site.23
CFC SECTION 1908.3 - Size of piles.Piles
shall not exceed 25 15 feet (7620 4,572 mm) in height, 50 feet (15,240 mm) in width
and 100 feet (30,480 mm) in length.Exception:
The fire code official is authorized to allow the pile size to be increased when additional
fire protection is provided in accordance with Chapter 9. The increase shall be based
upon the capabilities of the system installed.CFC
SECTION 2206.2.3 - Above-ground tanks located outside, above grade.Above-
ground tanks shall not be permitted for the storage of Class I, II, or IlIA liquid
motor vehicle fuels except as provided by this section:
1. M-l or M-2 zones as established by the City of
Orange Community Development Department, Planning
Division, and 2. As approved by the fire
code official.CFC SECTION 2206.2.5 - Portable
Tanks.Section 2206.2.5 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Where approved by the fire code official, portable tanks are allowed to be temporarily used
in conjunction with the dispensing of Class I, II, and IlIA liquids into the tanks of
motor vehicles or motorized equipment on premises not normally accessible to the
public.Plans shall be submitted and approved prior to installation, and include a definite
time limit. Tanks shall be constructed and installed in accordance with Chapter 22 and 34
of this
code.CFC SECTION 2308.3.1 - Longitudinal flue spaces.
Approved pallet or commodity stops shall be provided along the longitudinal flue space
at each rack level. Stops shall be fabricated of 'i4" minimum thickness steel or other
approved material, and shall extend a minimum of 4 inches above the shelves or cross
members when in the mounted position.
CFC SECTION 2701.5.1 - Business Emergency Plan.Any
person using or handling equal to or greater than 55 gallons of a liquid, 500 pounds
of a solid, or 200 cubic feet of a compressed gas per year, must submit a completed
Business Emergency Plan to the City of Orange Fire Department tri-annually.
The fire code official may require additional submissions as needed.The
BEP shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections j25500 through
25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 3.24
CFC SECTION 2701.5.2 - Hazardous materials disclosure.The
hazardous materials disclosure forms shall comply with Health and Safety Code,Chapter
6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.CFC
SECTION 2703 -General Requirements.The
storage, use and handling of all hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this
section, H&SC Ch. 6.7, and CCR 23 Div. 3 Ch. 16.CFC
SECTION 2704.12- Flooring.Floor
surfaces shall be designed and fabricated from materials that are compatible with the
hazardous materials to be stored, and shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand
the pressure and exposure to which they are subject. Except for surfacing,floors
of storage areas shall be of noncombustible construction.CFC
SECTION 2705.1.2- Flooring.Floor
surfaces shall be designed and fabricated from materials that are compatible with the
hazardous materials to be used, dispensed or handled, and shall be of adequate strength
and durability to withstand the pressure and exposure to which they are subject.
Except for surfacing, floors of storage areas shall be of noncombustible construction.
CFC
SECTION 3302- Explosives prohibited.The
manufacture, sale, possession, storage, handling and use of explosives as defined in the
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 10, Section 1553 is prohibited.Exceptions:
1.
Explosives used as permitted by Orange Municipal Code Chapter 15.34, "Blasting Permits."
2.
Hand-loading of small arms ammunition performed in accordance with Orange
Municipal Code Chapter 15.32 for personal use.
CFC SECTION 3403.6.9.1- Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic
Piping.Fiberglass- reinforced plastic piping shall be provided with flexible joints in
accordance with subsection 3403.6.
9
CFC SECTION 3404.1 - General.The
storage of flammable and combustible liquids in containers and tanks shall be in accordance
with this section, the applicable sections of Chapter 27, Orange Fire Department
Underground Storage Tank Installation and Closure Guidelines, H&SC Ch.6.
7, and CCR 23 Div. 3 Ch. 16.CFC
SECTION 3404.2.9.5.1 and 3406.2.4.4 - Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited.
The
storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside above ground tanks is permitted
in M-l or M-2 zones as established by the City of Orange
Community Development Department, Planning Division, or as approved by the Fire
Chief.CFC SECTION 3406.2.4.3 - Amended- Location.
Additional distance shall be provided when necessary to ensure that vehicles,
equipment and containers being filled directly from such tanks will not be less than 50
feet from structures, haystacks, or other combustible storage.
CFC SECTION 3406.4.5 - Storage Section
3406.4.5 of the International Fire Code is amended to read as follows: Storage of
Class I, II, IlIA liquids in bulk plants shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions
of Sections 3404, 3406.2.4.3 and 3406.2.4.4CFC
SECTION 3804.2- Maximum Capacity Within Established Limits.Within
the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for
the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one
installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2000 gallons (7570 L)(see Section 3
of the Sample Ordinance for Adoption of the California Fire Code on page vii). The limits
referred to in Section 3804.2 of the International Fire Code, in which bulk storage of
liquefied petroleum is restricted, are established as follows: In all zones established by
the City of Orange Community Development Department, Planning Division, except in
the M-l, M-2, C-l, C-2
and C-3 zones.CFC SECTION BI05.2 - Buildings other than one-
and two-family dwellings.The minimum fire-flow and flow duration for buildings
other than one- and two-family dwellings shall be as specified
in Table B I 05.1.Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of up
to 75 50 percent, as approved by the fire code official, is allowed when
the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinklersystem installed in accordance with Section 903.3.
1.
CFC SECTION CI05.1- Hydrant Spacing.
The location and spacing of fire hydrants shall not exceed that determined by the fire
code official in consultation with the water department.
Regardless of the average spacing, fire hydrants shall be located such that all required
fire hydrants on streets and access roads adjacent to a building are within the distances
listed in Table CI05.1.
ADOPTED this 13th day of November, 2007
ATTEST:
I, MARY E. MURPHY, City Clerk of the City of Orange, California, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of
Orange at a regular meeting thereof held on the 13th day of November, 2007, by the following
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCILMEMBERS: SMITH, MURPHY, CA VECCHE, DUMITRU, BILODEAU
COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
27