HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 661Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
Chapter 7
FIRE CODE
Sections:
4-7.101 Title.
4-7.102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7.103 Local Modifications to the California Fire Code.
4-7.104 Modifications to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
4-7.101 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the City of Atascadero Fire Code.
4-7.102 Adoption of Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Two (2) documents, two (2) of which are on file in City offices, identified by the Seal of the City of
Atascadero, marked and designated as:
2022 Edition of the California Fire Code, including all appendices except Appendix J
2021 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and only appendices A and F
published by the International Code Council are hereby adopted, including chapters and sections not
adopted by agencies of the State of California, and including appendices thereto, as the Fire
Prevention Regulations of the City of Atascadero. The provisions of such are hereby referred to,
adopted, and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter except as modified hereinafter
(2022).
4-7.103 Local Modifications to the California Fire Code.
(a) Amend Chapter I, Division II, Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Atascadero, referred
to as “this code.”
(b) Amend Chapter I, Division II, Section 111.1 to read as follows:
111.1 Board of appeals established. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretations of this
code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals, consistent with Section 8-2.113 of
the Atascadero Municipal Code.
(c) Amend Section 311.2.2 by deletion of Exception 1, 2, and 3.
(d) Amend Section 503.1.1 to read as follows:
503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for
every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the
jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section
and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the
exterior of the building or facility.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720
mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property,
topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved
alternative means of fire protection is provided.
3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
(e) Adding 503.2.1.1:
503.2.1.1 Driveways: All driveways shall comply with Atascadero Fire and Emergency
Services diagram F-4, Fire Access Residential Driveways.
(f) Delete Section 505.1.
(g) Amend Section 507.2.2 to read as follows:
507.2.2 Water Tanks. Water tanks are not permitted for private fire protection.
(h) Amend Section 606.2 to read as follows and remove all exceptions:
606.2 Where Required. A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial cooking
appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes that produce grease laden
vapors. Hood systems shall be tied into existing fire alarm systems.
(i) Amend Section 901.7 to read as follows:
SERVING UP TO 5 DWELLINGS SERVING UP TO 5 DWELLINGS
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
901.7 Systems Out of Service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire
department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire
code official, the building shall be either evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all
occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to
service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for notification
of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises
and keep watch for fires. The person assigned to fire watch shall maintain a written log of their
activities during their assigned shift and the log shall be provided to the fire code official upon request.
(j) Amend Section 903.2 to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be
provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and
Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.24.
(k) Amend 903.2.1.5 to read as follows:
903.2.1.5 Group A-5 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the
following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes and other accessory use areas in excess of 1,000
square feet (93 m2).
(l) Amend 903.2.7 to read as follows:
903.2.7 Group M An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing
a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds
24,000 square feet (2230 m2).
5. [SFM] The structure exceeds 24,000 square feet (465 m2), contains more than one fire
area containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire
walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
6. In Group M where floor area is greater than or equal to 500 square feet (46.45 m²) and located
less than or equal to 10 feet from adjacent buildings on the same property and less than or equal
to 5 feet from adjacent property lines.
(m) Amend 903.2.18 to read as follows:
903.2.18 Group U Private Garages and Carports Accessory to Group R-3 Occupancies Carports
with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, shall be protected
by residential fire sprinklers in accordance with this section. Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected
to, and installed in accordance with, an automatic residential fire sprinkler system that complies with
Section R313 of the California Residential Code or with NFPA 13D. Fire sprinklers shall be residential
sprinklers or quick-response sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 (2.04
mm/min) over the area of the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic
calculation purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler placement.
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
When additions are made to an R-3 Occupancy or Group U Occupancy when accessory to a Group R-3,
sprinklers are required where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Additions exceed ten (10) percent and total combined floor area will exceed 3,000 square feet
(278.7 m²); or
2. The total combined floor area will exceed 5,000 square feet (464 m²).
(n) Add section 903.2.22 to read as follows:
903.2.22 GROUP B An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing
a Group B occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. In Group B where floor area is greater than or equal to 500 square feet (46.45 m²) and located
less than or equal to 10 feet from adjacent buildings on the same property and less than or
equal to 5 feet from adjacent property lines.
(o) Add section 903.2.23 top read as follows:
903.2.23 Group U An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing
a Group U occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Buildings containing Group U occupancies where floor area is greater than or equal to 1,000
square feet (92.9 m2) or located less than 10 feet from adjacent buildings on the same property or
less than or equal to 5 feet from adjacent property lines, unless part of a mixed-occupancy
building containing a Group R, Division 3 occupancy.
2. Group U occupancy buildings that are not open on at least three sides and greater than or equal to
3,000 square feet
(q) Add section 903.2.24 to read as follows:
903.2.24 Commercial Occupancies converted to an R Occupancy Any commercial A, B, E, F, M or S
occupancy that is converted to an R Occupancy adjoining other commercial uses are required to have an
automatic sprinkler system throughout.
(r) Amend section 903.6 to read as follows:
903.6 Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 or where one of the following
conditions exists:
1. In Group B and M occupancies whenever single or multiple additions will exceed 1,000
square feet (92.9 m²) beyond the size of the structure or the total combined floor area will
exceed 5,000 square feet (464 m²), or a second story or greater is added.
2. In Group A, B, E, F, M and S occupancies where one of the following conditions exist in
existing buildings when modification or tenant improvements are being considered:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 sq. ft. (464m2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
3. The fire area is located on the floor other than a level of exit discharge serving A, B,
E, F, M and S occupancies.
4. The structure exceeds 5,000 sq. ft. (464m2), contains more than one fire area
containing A, B, E, F, M and S occupancies and is separated into two or more
buildings by firewalls of less than four-hour fire resistance rating without openings.
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
3. Throughout an existing building other than a Group R-3 occupancy or a U occupancy when
accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy whenever additions exceed ten (10) percent of the total
floor area of the existing building and the total combined floor area will exceed 2,000 square
feet (185.8 m2), or a second story or greater is added
(s) Add section 903.7 to read as follows:
903.7 Flow switch. All sprinkler systems including NFPA 13, 13R and 13D shall require a flow
switch that is connected to a local bell and is highly encouraged to have an inspector test valve
at the most hydraulically remote location per Atascadero Fire Department standards.
(t) Add Sections 907.11 through 907.11.2 to read as follows:
907.11 False alarms. The fire code official is authorized to seek cost recovery for a fire
department response to an alarm system activation which is determined to be a false alarm
caused by system malfunction, system misuse or other non-emergency causes.
907.11.1 False alarm frequency. The cost recovery fee will be charged for all
responses after the third false alarm in a calendar year.
907.11.2 False alarm fee. The amount of the cost recovery fee will be as set forth in
the City of Atascadero User Fees Schedule. Additional fees may be charged for
extraordinary circumstances.
(u) Amend Section 1205.2 to read as follows:
1205.2 Access and Pathways. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements shall be
provided in accordance with Sections 1205.2.1 through 1205.3.3. Pathways shall be over areas
capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. No portion of a pathway shall be located
on a portion of a gable roof overhanging the gable rafter or truss. Pathways shall be located in
areas with minimal obstructions, such as vent pipes, conduit or mechanical equipment.
Exceptions:
1. Detached, non-habitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, detached
garages serving Group R-3 buildings, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and
similar structures.
2. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems where the BIPV systems are
approved, integrated into the finished roof surface and are listed in accordance with a
national test standard developed to address Section 690.12(B)(2) of the California
Electrical Code. The removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during fire-
fighting operations shall not expose a fire fighter to electrical shock hazards.
3. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements need not be provided where the fire
code official has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
(v) Delete Section 1205.2.1.3.
(w) Amend Section 1205.2.2 to read as follows:
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
1205.2.2 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings. Panels and modules installed on Group
R-3 buildings shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape and
rescue opening. A pathway of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide shall be provided from the
emergency escape and rescue opening to the eave directly below and a 36-inch-wide (914 mm)
access space shall be provided directly in front of the full length of the wall line containing the
emergency escape and rescue opening(s)
(x) Amend Section 1205.3.2 to read as follows:
1205.3.2 Interior pathways. Interior pathways shall be provided between array sections to meet
the following requirements:
1. Pathways shall be provided at intervals not greater than 150 feet (45,720 mm)
throughout the length and width of the roof.
2. A pathway of not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide in a straight line to roof standpipes
or ventilation hatches.
3. A pathway not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide around roof access hatches, with not
fewer than one such pathway to a parapet or roof edge.
4. A pathway of not less than 4 feet (1,219 mm) wide to and around each piece of
powered mechanical equipment.
(y) Amend Section 1205.5 to read as follows:
1205.5 Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Panel Systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel
systems shall be installed in accordance with this section. Arrays shall be located a minimum
of 20 feet (6,096mm) from other structures and shall not be located as to impeded access to and
around a structure in any manner. Arrays shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the rear, 5
feet from the sides, and 25 feet from the front of the property lines. Array mounts shall be non-
combustible construction. No storage shall be permitted under the panel arrays. Arrays shall
not be located upon biological conservation easements, riparian or vernal pool area.
(z) Amend definition of Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area in Section 4902.1 to read as follows:
4902.1 General. For purposes of this chapter, certain terms are defined as follows:
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI). A geographical area identified by the City of
Atascadero as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources Code,
Sections 4201 through 4204, and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or other
areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires, as designated
on the map titled Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area, dated January 1, 2021, on file in the
offices of the Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services Department and Community
Development Department.
(aa) Amend 4905.2 to read as follows:
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
4905.2 Construction Methods and Requirements Within Established Limits. Within the
limits established by law, construction methods intended to mitigate wildfire exposure shall
comply with the wildfire protection building construction requirements contained in the
California Building Standards Code, including the following:
1. California Building Code, Chapter 7,
2. California Residential Code, Section R337.
(bb) Adopt Appendix D with the following amendments and without Figure D103.1 and table
D103.4:
D103.3.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus
access road, the minimum road width shall meet the requirements set forth in the latest version
of the City of Atascadero Engineering Standard Specifications and Drawings for Public Works
Construction.
4-7.104 Modifications to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
The following are local modifications to the 2021 Edition of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUI).
Interpretations of the Fire Code shall be made by the City of Atascadero Fire Chief or designee.
(a) Amend Section 101.1 to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City
of Atascadero, hereinafter referred to as “this code.” References throughout this code to the
International Building Code shall mean California Building Code. References throughout this
code to the International Fire Code shall mean California Building Code.
(b) Add Section 101.1.1 to read as follows:
101.1.1 Code official designated. For the purposes of this code, the code official shall be the
fire code official or building official as established in the building construction and fire codes
adopted by the City.
(c) Amend Section 302.1 to read as follows:
302.1 Declaration. Wildland-Urban Interface areas shall be established by the Fire Hazard
Severity Zones designated by the State of California or as declared by the City Council
(d) Amend 402.1.1 to read as follows:
402.1.1 Access. New subdivisions, as determined by this jurisdiction, shall be provided with
fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the California Fire Code and access requirements
with Section 403.
(e) Amend 402.1.1 to read as follows:
Ordinance 661
Exhibit A
402.1.1 Access. Individual structures hereafter constructed or relocated into or within wildland-
urban interface areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with the
California Fire Code and access requirements with Section 403.2. Marking of fire protection
equipment shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.5 and address markers shall be
provided in accordance with Section 403.6.
(f) Amend 403.2.1 to read as follows:
403.2.1 Dimensions. All driveways shall comply with Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services
diagram F-4, Fire Access Driveways.
(g) Amend 403.2.4 to read as follows:
403.2.4 Turnarounds. Driveway turnarounds shall conform to the Atascadero Fire and
Emergency Services standards. Driveways that connect with a road or roads at more than one
point shall be considered having a turnaround if all changes of directions met the radii
requirements for driveway turnarounds.
(h) Amend Chapter 5 to read as follows:
Section 501. Chapter 5 is deleted in its entirety. Ignition Resistant Construction shall be as set
forth in and as amended in Section 8-3.101 of the Atascadero Municipal Code:
1. California Building Code, Chapter 7
2. California Residential Code, Section R337