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ORDINANCE NO. 1319
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY CO~CIL OF
THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE ARCADIA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING CHAPTER I
THEREOF CONTAINING PARTS 1 THROUGH 4
AND SECTIONS 3111 THROUGH 3146.2 AND
BY ADDING THERETO A NEW CHAPTER I
CONTAINING PARTS 1 THROUGH 5, AND
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 1965 EDITION
OF THE FIRE PREVENTION CODE RECOMMENDED
BY THE AMERICAN INSURANCE ASSOCIATION,
WITH DELETIONS, AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 1 of Article III of the Arcadia Muni-
cipal Code containing Parts 1 through 4 and Sections 3111 through 3146.2
is hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. That Article III of the Arcadia Municipal Code is
hereby amended by adding thereto a new Chapter 1 containing Parts 1
through 5, the same to read as follows:
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 1.
DIVISION 1.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION CODE
ADOPTION
3111. FIRE PREVENTION CODE. ADOPTION. With the exception
of the deletions hereinafter set forth and subject to the amendments
hereinafter specified, there is hereby adopted by reference for the
City of Arcadia the 1965 Edition of the Fire Prevention Code recommended
by the American Insurance Association, 85 John Street, New York, New
York, 10038; 222 West Adams street, Chicago, Illinois, 60606; and 465
California Street, San Francisco, California, 94104.
3111.1. SAME. REFERENCE. It shall be sufficient in any
prosecution for the violation of any provisions of said Fire Prevention
Code to refer thereto as the Fire Prevention Code, or to refer to any
Article, Division, or Section thereof. The term "Code" whenever used
1n this Part shall refer to the Fire Prevention Code as adopted and
amended by this Part.
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ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 1.
DIVISION 2.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION CODE
PURPOSE
3112. PURPOSE. It is the intent and purpose of the Code to
prescribe regulations consistent with nationally recognized standard
practice for the safeguarding of life and property to a reasonable de-
gree from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage,
handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and
from conditions hazardous to life or property in the use or occupancy
of buildings or premises.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART l.
DIVISION 3.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION CODE
DEFINITIONS
3113. DEFINITIONS. The words used in the Code shall have
the meaning ascribed to them by the Code, and in addition thereto the
following words shall be understood and defined to have the meanings
set forth in the following subsections.
3113.1. AGENCY. Whenever the term "Agency" is used it shall
mean the City of Arcadia or the appropriate agency of said City as the
context may reasonably require.. )
3113.2. MUNICIPALITY. Whenever the term "Municipality" is
used, it shall refer to the City of Arcadia.
3113.3. LEGISLATIVE BODY. Whenever the' term "Legislative
Body" is used, it shall mean the City Council of the City of Arcadia.
3113.4. CHIEF ENFORCING OFFICER OR ENFORCING OFFICER. When-
ever the term "Enforcing Officer" or "Chief Enforcing Officer" or "Chief"
is used, the said term shall refer to the Chief of the City of Arcadia
Fire Department, unless the City Council shall designate some other
officer in place thereof.
3113.5. CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION. Whenever
the term "Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention" is used, it shall mean
Chief of the City of Arcadia Fire Department unless the City Council
shall designate some other officer in place thereof.
3113.6. OTHER OFFICERS. If any term used in the Code shall
refer to an officer, agency, board or body not set up by or within the
City of Arcadia, the term shall be deemed to refer to such officer, body
or agency as shall in fact be charged with the responsibility of per-
forming the duty intended to be performed by said officer, agency, board
or body.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1 .
PART l.
DIVISION 4.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION CODE
DELETIONS, AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS
3114. DE:LETIONS, AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS. The following
Sections and provisions of the Code are hereby deleted, amended or added
as set forth in the following subsections.
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3114.1.
are hereby deleted
DELETIONS. The following portions
and repealed, to wit:
Section 3.4 of Article 3.
Article 9 in its entirety.
Article 13 in its entirety.
Paragraph (0) of Section 16.12
of Article 16.
Section 16.65 of Article 16.
Section 27.11 of Article 27.
Section 28.1 of Article 28.
Section 28.11 of Article 28.
Appendix A in its entirety.
Appendix B in its entirety.
Appendix D in its entirety.
3114.2. AMENDMENT. Paragraph (k) of Section 12.2 of Arti-
cle 12 of the Code is amended to read as follows:
(k) Pyrotechnic shall mean any fireworks or pyro-
technics as defined in Sections 12502 and
12503 of the California Health and Safety Code.
of the said Code
3114.2.1. AMENDMENT. Paragraph (a) of Section 21.3 of
Article 21 of the Code is amended to read as follows:
(a) Permits and Reports of Installations. A permit
shall be obtained for each installation of liqui-
fied petroleum gas employing a container or an
aggregate of interconnected containers of over
500 gallons water capacity, and for each installa-
tion, irrespective of size of containers, made at
buildings in which people congregate for civic,
political, or recreational purposes, or educational,
religious, or social purposes. Such buildings shall
include schools, churches, hospitals, institutions,
hotels, and restaurants, each having a capacity of
20 or more persons.
3114.3. ADDITION. Section 12.1.1 is hereby added to Article
12 of the Code, to read as follows:
Section l:? .1.1. Sale or Use of Fireworks. The sale or use
of fireworks shall be limited to those fireworks defined as "Safe and
Sane Fireworks" by the State Fire Marshal with the advice of the State
Fire Advisory Board.
3114.3.1. ADDITION. Section 16.13.1 is hereby added to
Article 16 of the Code to read as follows:
sectiona~6.l3.1. Permits. A permit shall be obtained for the
installation of/taHR, piping, valves, fittings, or other equipment for
the storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids.
3114.3.2. ADDITION. Section 21.12 is hereby added to Article
21 of the Code to read as follows:
section 21.12. Prohibited Use of Liquified Petroleum Gas.
(a) Liquified petroleum gas shall not be used for the purpose of operating
any device or equipment unless such equ:l.pment or device is approved for
use with a liquified petroleum gas. (b) Liquified petroleum gas shall
not be released to the atmosphere, except through an approved liquid
level gauge or other approved device.
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3114.3.3. ADDITION. Section 21.13 is hereby added to Article
21 of the Code to read as follows:
Section 21.13. Overfilling Liquid Petroleum Gas Containers.
No 'person shall fill or maintain a liquified petroleum gas container with
liquified petroleum gas in excess of the fixed outage gauge installed by
the manufacturer or the weight stamped on the tank.
3114.3.4. ADDITION. Section 21.14 is hereby added to Article
21 of the Code to read as follows:
Section 21.14. Safety Devices. No person shall tamper with
or make ineffective the safety devices of any liquified petroleum gas
container.
3114.3.5. ADDITION. Section 21.15 is hereby added to Ar-
ticle 21 of the Code to read as follows:
Section 21.15. Smoking and Open Flame Devices Prohibited.
(a) Conspicuous signs bearing the words "No Smoking or Open Flames
Within 25 Feet" shall be posted at each permanent liquified petroleum
gas installation. (b) No person shall smoke or maintain any open flame
device within 25 feet of any permanent liquified petroleum gas installa-
tion or container of more than 500 gallons water capacity. (c) No per-
son shall place or maintain any liquified petroleum gas container of
less than 1200 gallon water capacity within 25 feet of any open flame
device nor place or maintain any liquified petroleum gas container of
1200 gallons or more water capacity within 50 feet of any open flame
device.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 1.
DIVISION 5.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION CODE
MODIFICATIONS AND APPEALS.
3115.1. MODIFICATIONS. The Chief of the Fire Department shall
have power to modify any provisions of the Fire Prevention Code upon
application in writing by the owner or lessee or his duly authorized
agent, where there are practical difficulties in carrying out the strict
letter of the Code, provided that the spirit of the Code shall be ob-
served, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. The
particulars of such modifications when granted or allowed and the deci-
sion of the Chief thereon shall be entered upon the records of the Fire
Department and a signed copy shall be furnished the applicant.
3115.2. APPEALS. Whenever the Chief of the Fire Department
shall disapprove an application or refuse to grant a license or permit
applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the Code do
not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the Code have been
misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the
decision of the Chief of the Fire Department to the City Council within
thirty (30) days from the date of the decision.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 2.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE ZONES
3120. CREATION. There is hereby created
District consisting of all real property located in
same presently is or hereafter may be constituted.
in the City a Fire
the City as the
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3121. ~)UNDARIES. Said Fire District shall comprise and be
divided into four zones designated as Fire Zone No.1, Fire Zone No.2,
Fire Zone No.3, and Fire Zone No.4.
3121.1. FIRE ZONE NO.1. Fire Zone No.1 shall include all
real property in the City which has been or may hereafter be classified,
reclassified as, changed to or placed in Zones C-l, C-2, C-3, C-M or
C-C under, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter
2 of Article IX.
3121.2. . FIRE ZONE NO.2. Fire Zone No.2 shall include all
real property in the City which has been or may hereafter be classi-
fied, reclassified as, changed to or placed in Zon~s C-O, M-l or M-2
under, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2
of Article IX.
3121.3. FIRE ZONE NO.3. Fire Zone No.3 shall include all
real property in the City not otherwise included in either Fire Zone
No.1, Fire Zone No.2 or Fire Zone No.4.
3121.4. FIRE ZONE NO.4. Fire Zone No.4 shall include all
real property in the City which the Council by resolution 'determines,
upon the report and recommendation of the Fire Chief, to be a hazardous
fire area.
3122. FIRE DISTRICT MAP. The map attached to the latest
resolution- of the Council adopted pursuant to Section 3121.4 shall
constitute the Fire District Map of the City with respect to Fire Zone
No.4. That certain map in the office of the Director of Public Works
commonly referred to as the Zoning Map of the City, except that portion
thereof designated to be in Fire Zone No.4 pursuant to Section 3121.4,
is hereby designated as the Fire District Map of the City with respect
to Fire Zones No.1, No.2 and No.3.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 3.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
3131. CREATION. There is hereby established a Bureau of
Fire Prevention in the Fire Department of the City of Arcadia. Said
Bureau shall operate under the direction and supervision of the Fire
Chief.
3132. DUTIES. The Fire Prevention Code shall be enforced
by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. In addition to the Inspectors
authorized by the City Council the Fire Chief may detail such members
of the Fire Department to act in the capacity of Inspectors as shall
from time to time be necessary to enforce this Chapter.
3133. FIRE HAZARDS PROHIBITED. No person shall maintain or
use or cause to be maintained or used any device, appliance, apparatus,
equipment, tank, tank vehicle, business, process, structure or other
place or thing which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter,
or which is not specifically covered under the provisions of this
Chapter and which, due to improper use, maintenance~rdefective condi-
tion, constitutes or contributes to or creates a fire hazard. When-
ever such condition is found it shall be the duty of the Fire Chief
to order the condition to be abated, removed, or remedied in such manner
as he may specify.
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SAME.
3133.1.1 ABATEMENT. Unless immediate action is taken or can
be taken to comply with his order, the Fire Chief shall have the power
to cause any act, performance, activity, operation, or other condition
contributing to or creating such condition, to cease until proper
correction or compliance is made. The Fire Chief may affix a condemna-
tion tag prohibiting the use thereof until such conformance is estab-
lished. When affixed such tag shall be removed only by order of the
Fire Chief. No person shall remove or cause to be removed any tag
affixed as specified in this Section without the permission of the Fire
Chief. No person shall use or cause to be used any structure, device,
apparatus, equipment, or thing to which a tag has been affixed as
specified in this Section.
SAME.
3133.2.1 NOTICE. When a fire hazard is created by any struc-
ture or appurtenance thereto, the Fire Chief shall notify the Building
Official who shall investigate such hazard and shall cause such hazard
to be abated so as to provide reasonable safety to persons and property.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1 .
PART 4.
DIVISION 1.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
FIREWORKS
3141. FIREWORKS. REGULATION. Except as hereinafter specified,
no person shall light, fire, discharge, explode or set off any fireworks
or blank cartridges or small fire arms or anything containing any pro-
portion of any substance of an explosive nature.
3141.1. SAME. PROHIBITED AREAS. No person shall use or
discharge any type of fireworks north of Elkins Avenue or north of
Foothill Boulevard east of the westerly bank of the Santa Anita Wash,
nor within any area which in accordance with Section 3145 has been de-
clared by the Fire Chief as a hazardous fire area and so posted.
3141. 2 . SAME. PERMITTED AREAS. Except as othe rwise pro-
vided in Section 3141, the public may, with the consent of the owner
or occupant thereof} on private property improved with a dwelling and
inhabited by human beings, use and discharge such fireworks as are per-
mitted by the laws of the State on the 4th of July of each year and
upon the 5th of Jul1r of each year in which the 4th day of July falls on
Sunday.
3141.3. SAME. USE BY MINORS. No parent, guardian, or other
person having the legal care and custody of any child under the age of
fourteen (14) years, shall allow such child to light, fire, discharge,
explode or set off ~lnY fireworks or blank cartridges or small arms or
anything contrary to the provisions of this Part.
ARTICLE In.
CHAPTER J. .
PART 4.
DIVISION 2.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS.
3142. STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS IN OUTSIDE ABOVE-GROUND
TANKS PROHIBITED. 'l'he limits in which storage of flammable liquids in
outside above-ground tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the
boundaries of the City of Arcadia as the same now exist or as the same
may at any time hereafter exist.
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3142.1. NEW BULK PLANTS PROHIBITED. The limits in which new
bulk plants for flammable liquids are prohibited are hereby established
as the boundaries of the City of Arcadia as the same now exist or as
the same may at an~' time hereafter exist.
3142.2. BULK STORAGE OF LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS RESTRICTED. The
limits in which bulk storage of liquified petroleum gas is restricted,
are herebY established as the boundaries of the City of Arcadia as the
same now exist or as the same may at any time hereafter exist.
3142.3. STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTED.
The limits in which the storage of explosives and ammunition are re-
stricted are hereby established as the boundaries of the City of Arcadia
as the same now exist or as the same may at any time hereafter exist.
3142.3.1. SAME. EXCEPTION. The City Council may, upon
written application, and after receipt of the report and recommendation
of the Fire Chief, after finding upon the evidence received that the
public health, safety, and welfare will not be jeopardized, alter the
limits fixed by any of the preceding four Sections. Such alteration
of limits shall require the affirmative vote of at least three of the
members of the Council entered upon the Council minutes.
3142.4. SALE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS RESTRICTED. No person
shall sell or offer for sale any Class I flammable liquid as defined
in the Fire Prevention Code adopted by this Chapter for the express
purpose of domestic cleaning. No person shall sell, offer for sale,
or dispense any flammable liquid for the express purpose of producing
a fire bomb as defined by Section 653 (1) of the California Penal Code.
3142.5. ABANDONMENT OR REMOVAL OF UNDERGROUND TANKS. No
person shall abandon or remove any underground tank which may contain
or has contained flammable or combustible liquids without a permit from
the Fire Chief, which permit shall prescribe the method of abandonment
to be used. When tanks are rendered temporarily out of serv:l.ce or are
abandoned in place, the application for the permit specified herein
shall include a description of tank size, location, date of abandonment
and the method to be used for placing the tank or tanks in a safe
condition.
3142.5.1. SAME. METHOD. Underground tanks taken out of
service shall be safeguarded or disposed of by anyone of the follow-
ing methods: (a) if placed temporarily out of service for a period
not to exceed ninety days, the fill line, gauge opening and pump suction
shall be capped and secured against tampering and the vent line shall
be left open; (b) If abandoned in place, all flammable or combustible
liquid shall first be removed from tank and from all connecting lines,
then the suction, inlet, gauge and vent lines shall be disconnected.
The tank and any relnaining stubs shall thereupon be filled completely
with a non-shrinking inert solid material; and lastly all tank inlets
and outlets shall be capped; (c) If removed, all flammable or combus-
tible liquids in the tank or connecting lines shall first be removed,
then the suction, inlet, gauge and vent lines shall be disconnected.
Sections of connect:lng lines which are not to be used shall be removed.
Inlets, outlets and leaks, if any, shall be capped or plugged. The
tank shall then be gas freed and the tank shall be removed to a safe
location.
In no case shall a cutting. torch or other flame or spark
producing equipment be used.
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3142.5.2, SAME. DISPOSAL. Tanks which are to be junked
shall be tested and, if necessary, rendered gas free and shall then
be opened in a manner which will render them unfit for further use.
Tanks which are to be reused for flammable or combustible liquids
shall meet all of the provisions of the Code.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 4.
DIVISION 3.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
OUTDOOR FIRES AND OPEN FLAME DEVICES
3143. A.P,C.D. COMPLIANCE. All burning of combustible
waste material permitted under this Section is subject to the re-
strictions of the Air Pollution Control District, County of Los Angeles,
as the same now exist~ or are hereafter amended.
3143.1. FIRES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. No person, except an
officer or employee of the City within the scope of his duties, shall
set fire to, ignite, or burn any combustible material or substance
upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park, parkway, or other public
property within the City. This Section shall not prohibit a person
from utilizing cooking and campfire facilities provided in the City
Parks if required permits are first obtained.
3143.2. INCINERATORS AND OPEN FIRES. No person shall dis-
pose of any combustible waste material by burning, or kindle or main-
tain any bonfire or rubbish fire, or ignite, set fire to, or burn any
grass, weeds, brush slash, or stubble, or authorize any such fire to
be kindled or maintained on any lot or parcel of land within the City
except as follows: (a) All outdoor burning done outside of an incinera-
tor shall require a written permit from the Fire Chief containing all
provisions deemed necessary for fire safety. (b) All other burning
shall be done in an approved type incinerator. (c) An approved type
inc:l.nerator shall mean an incinerator which has complied with all the
regulations of the Air Pollution Control District, County of Los
Angeles, and the City Fire and Building Departments. The location of
said incinerator shall be approved by the Fire Chief.
3143.3. ASPHALT KETTLES AND TAR POTS. No person shall
transport or permit to be transported any asphalt kettle or tar pot
upon which is maintained any open fire, heated coals, or ashes over
any highway, road, or street. No asphalt kettle or tar pot shall
be operated within a structure or upon the roof of a structure without
a permit from the Fire Chief. Except when located outside of established
curb lines,no asphalt kettle or tar pot shall be operated within 10
feet, measured horizontally, from any combustible structure, any combustible
materials, or any unprotected opening of a structure.
3143.4. OPEN FLAME DEVICES IN PUBLIC PLACES. No person shall
use or allow to be used any candle or open flame device in any public
place unless such use complies with the requirements of the Chief of the
Fire Department. For the purposes of this Section, public place shall
mean any Church, school, lodge, eating establishment, cocktail lounge,
cabaret or any place where the public congregates for the purposes of
deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction, education,
recreation, or similar purpose. The Fire Chief may prepare such minimum
requirements regulating the use of candles and open flame devices as
necessary to provide safety to persons and property.
3143.5. HEATING DEVICES. No person shall maintain any heating
device in any occupancy the combustion chamber of which is not adequately
guarded to prevent ignition of any adjacent material. Flame in any such
heating device shall be so permanently regulated, or guards shall be so
maintained, as to prevent injury to persons or ignition of adjacent
materials.
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ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 4.
DIVISION 4.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
REFUSE AND WASTE MATERIALS
3144. S~~ORAGE AREAS. Every occupancy, except single family
dwelling occupancies, shall be provided with an area reserved for
storage of the accumulation of combustible refuse and waste materials
pending removal of such materials from the premises. For the purposes
of this Sectionl'Refuse and Waste Accumulation Area"shall mean that
area where such materials are stored while awaiting removal or disposal
and shall not mean any receptacles or containers which may be distributed
throughout the premises for the purposes of collecting refuse and waste
from particular operations or locations. Such storage area shall be
located more than 10 feet from non-fire resistive portions of any struc-
ture and more than 10 feet, measured horizontally, from any opening
into a s~fi~Rture which is not protected with an approved fire assembly
of not 1~ss\3/4 hour fire resistive rating.
3144.1. STORAGE. Every property owner, occupant or tenant
shall cause combustible refuse and waste materials to be stored within
an approved refuse and waste accumulation area in one of the following
methods: (a) By baling such materials as specified in the Code. (b)
By placing such material in approved non-combustible containers. A
sufficient number of such containers. shall be provided to store all
of the refuse and waste accumulated at the premises between times of
removal.
Waste accumulation areas, baling operations, and all refuse
and waste containers shall be of a type approved by the Fire Chief and
shall incorporate features which provide a complete confinement of
refuse and waste.
3144.2. DUMPING ON VACANT LOTS. No person shall deposit any
grass, weeds, brush, debris, trash, or other waste material upon any
vacant lot or parcel of ground within the City, except with the written
consent of the owner thereof.
3144.3. VACANT BUILDINGS. Every person owning or in charge
or control of any vacant building shall remove therefrom all accumula-
tions of flammable or combustible waste and rubbish and shall securely
lock, barricade or otherwise secure all windows, doors and other open-
ings thereof, so as to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access
thereto.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 4.
DIVISION 5.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIAL REGULATIONS
HAZARDOUS FIRE AREAS
3145. DESIGNATION. The Fire Chief is hereby authorized to
declare any portion of the City which is sparsely settled and which is
substantially covered with brush, grass or other inflammable material
as a hazardous fire area. Such declaration shall be made in writing
over the signature of the Fire Chief and shall specify the dates during
which such declaration shall be effective. A copy of such declaration,
together with a map delineating the area thus designated, shall be
filed with the City Clerk.
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3145.1. ENTRY RESTRICTED. Except as hereinafter provided,
no person shall ent.er upon, be at or remain in any hazardous fire area
so designated by the Fire Chief during the effective period of any
such declaration, when signs giving notice that the area is a hazardous
fire area are posted at such locations within or immediately adjacent
to such area as will in the opinion of the Fire Chief give reasonable
notice to the public that the area has been designated as a hazardous
fire area.
3145.2. SAME. PROPERTY EXEMPT.
any hazardous fire area are exempt from the
section, to wit: public roads; properties
ings and occupied by the owners or tenants
sites designated by the Fire Chief.
3145.3. SAME. PERSONS EXEMPT. City, county, state and
federal public officers and their respective authorized agents, while
acting within the course of their official duty, are exempt from the
provisions of Section 3145.1. The owners or tenants of private prop-
erty located within any designated hazardous fire area, as well as
the guests or invitees of such owners or tenants, are exempt from the
provisions of Section 3145.1 but only with respect to the property of
such owners or occupants included within a hazardous fire area.
The following places within
provisions of the prece~ing
improved with family dwe~l-
ther.eof; improved camp
3145.4. FIRES AND SMOKING PROHIBITED. No person shall light,
ignite or otherwise set fire .to any combustible material or smoke any
cigarette, cigar, pipe or tobacco in any form within any hazardous
fire area designated as provided in Section 3145.
3145.5. SAME. EXCEPTION. The provisions of the preceding
Section shall not apply to any occupied dwelling nor to any smoking
area, camp site, or public park designated by the Fire Chief.
3145.6. OUTDOOR FIRES. No person shall build, ignite or
maintain any outdoor fire of any kind or character, or for any purpose
whatsoever, in or upon any hazardous fire area, except by the authority
of a written permit from the Fire Chief. No permit will be required
for outdoor fires within habited premises or designated camp sites where
such fires are built in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor
fireplace, incinerator or grill, and are a minimum of thirty (30) feet
from any grass, grain, brush or forest covered areas. Such a permit
shall incorporate such terms and conditions which will reasonably safe-
guard public safety and property. Regardless of permit, however, no
person shall build, ignite or maintain any outdoor fire in or upon any
hazardous fire area, under the following conditions:
1. When any high wind is blowing; or
2. When there is no person aged seventeen (17) or over
present at all times to watch and capable of tending such fire; or
3. Such times as public announcement is made that there
shall be no open burning.
No person shall use any permanent barbecue, portable barbecue,
outdoor fireplace, or grill for the disposal of rubbish, trash or com-
bustible waste material.
3145.7. ,OPEN FLAME DEVICES. No person shall operate or use
any device, machine or process such as a welding torch, tar pot, decora-
tive torch, or any other device liable to start or cause fire in or
upon any hazardous fire area, except by the authority of a written
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permit from the Fire Chief; provided, however, that no permit will be
required if such use is within habited premises or designated camp
sites and such uses are a minimum of thirty (30) feet from any grass,
grain, brush or forest covered areas. No person shall operate or use
any flame employing device such as a lantern or kerosene road flare
as a signal or marker in or upon any hazardous fire area. This Section
shall not apply to or restrict the proper use of fusees at the scenes
of emergencies or as required by standard railroad operating procedures.
3145.8. INCINERATORS AND FIREPLACES. No person shall build,
install or main~ain any incinerator, outdoor fireplace, permanent
barbecue, or grill in any hazardous fire area without first securing
written approval of the Fire Chief. Every incinerator, outdoor fire-
place, permanent barbecue or grill shall be maintained in good repair
and in a safe condition at all times. .All openings in any such appliance
shall be provided with an approved spark arrester, screen or door. If
required for their proper functioning barbecues and grills may be ap-
proved with certain openings left unprotected.
3145.9.. FIREWORKS. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 3141.2 no persons shall use or possess fireworks within a
hazardous fire area. Fireworks shall mean and include any article or
substance or combination thereof which produces a visible or audible
effect upon combustion, explosion, detonation or deflagration. Fire-
works shall include but not be limited to firecrackers, sparklers,
torpedoes, sky rockets, roman candles, blank cartridges, caps, tracers,
tracer bullets, tracer charges or any similar item or anything con-
taining any proportion of any substance of an explosive nature.
3145.10. SAME. EXCEPTION. The preceding Section shall not
prohibit the possession of any item therein described, when otherwise
lawful, at a location and in a manner otherwise lawful, within an occu-
pied dwelling, or the transportation thereof to or from an occupied
dwelling by vehicle upon public streets when otherwise lawful.
3145.11. EXPLOSIVES AND BLASTING. No person shall possess,
keep, store, sell, offer for sale, give away, use, discharge, transport
or dispose of in any manner any explosives within any hazardous fire
area except by the authority of a written permit from the Fire Chief.
3145.12. TRACER BULLETS. No person shall fire or cause to
be fired any tracer bullet or tracer charge into or across any hazard-
ous fire area, nor shall he have in his possession any tracer bullet
or tracer charge on such area.
3145.13. ROCKETS AND MODELS. No person shall use, fire or
project into or across any hazardous fire area any rocket, model plane,
glider or balloon powered with an engine, propellent, or other features
liable to start or cause fire in said area.
3145.14. DISPOSAL OF ASHES. No person shall place, deposit
or dump any ashes or coals in or upon any hazardous fire area except
in the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace; or
in a noncombustible container with a tight fitting lid which is kept or
maintained in a safe location not less than ten (10) feet from any com-
bustible vegetation or structure; or where such ashes or coals are
buried-and covered with one (1) foot of mineral earth not less than
twenty-five (25) feet from any combustible vegetation or structure.
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3145.15. SPARK ARRESTERS. EQUIPMENT. No person shall use
or operate in, upon, or within two hundred (200) feet of any hazardous
fire area, any tractor, construction equipment, engine, machinery or
any steam, oil or gasoline operated stationary or mobile equipment,
from which a spark or fire may originate unless such equipment is pro-
vided with a qualified device or spark arrester installed in or
attached to the exhaust pipe which will prevent the escape of fire or
sparks. Said qualified device or spark arrester shall meet the United
States Forest Service Interim Standards for spark arresters for In-
ternal Combustion Engines Number 1, dated April 7, 1959. For the pur-
pose of this Section, any registered motor vehicle operated on a road
or highway and which is equipped with a muffler in good condition as
required by the Vehicle Code, shall be deemed to be in compliance with
this Section.
3145.16. SAME. Each chimney used in conjunction with any
fireplace, barbecue, incinerator or any heating appliance in which
solid or liquid fuel is used, upon any building, structure, or premises
located within two hundred (200) feet of any hazardous fire area, shall
be maintained with a spark arrester constructed with heavy wire mesh
or other non-combustible material with openings not to exceed one-half
(1/2) inch.
3145.17. CLEARANCE OF GROWTH FROM ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION
LINES. Any person owning, controlling, operating or maintaining any
electrical transmission line upon any hazardous fire area shall, at
all times, maintain around and adjacent to any pole supporting a switch,
fuse, transformer, lightning arrester, line junction, dead end, corner
pole, towers or other poles or towers at which power company employees
are likely to work most frequently, an effective firebreak consisting
of a clearing of not less than ten (10) feet in each direction from the
outer circumference of such pole or tower; provided, however, that this
provision shall not be deemed to apply to lines used exclusively as
telephone, telegraph, telephone or telegraph messenger call, fire or
alarm lines, or other lines classed as communication (Class C) circuits
by General Order 64-A of the Public Utilities Commission of the State
of California.
Any person owning, controlling, operating or maintaining any
electrical transmission line upon any hazardous fire area shall main-
tain a clearance of the respective distances as specified in this
Section in all directions between all vegetation and all conductors
carrying electrical current:
1. For llnes operating at 2,400 volts and less than 68,000
volts, four (4) feet.
2. For 11nes operating at 68,000 volts and less than 110,000
volts, six (6) feet.
3. For llnes operating at 110,000 volts and over, ten (10) feet.
In any case, such distance shall be suff:l.ciently great to
furnish the required clearance from the particular wire or conductor, at
any position of such wire or conductor at any temperature of 120 degrees
Fahrenheit or less. Forked trees, dead trees, old decadent or rotten
trees, those weakened by cat faces, decay or disease, and trees leaning
toward the line, whlch may contact the line from the side or may fall
on the line, shall be felled, cut or trimmed so as to remove the hazard.
No clearil1g to obtain line clearance is required when self-
supporting aerial cable is used except that forked trees, leaning trees,
and other growth whlch may fall across the cable and break it shall be
removed.
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Nothing contained in this Section shall be construed to re-
quire any person to maintain any clearing on land where such person
does not have the legal right to maintain such clearing, nor shall
any provision of this Part be construed to require any person to enter
upon or to damage' property of another without consent of the owner
thereof.
3145.18. CLEARANCE OF GROWTH FROM STRUCTURES. Any person
owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining any building
or structure in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area, and any
person owning, leasing or controlling any land adjacent to such build-
ings or structures, shall at all times keep such land clear and free
of hazardous brush conditions. Buildings and structures with roof
covering of "fire-retardant" materials, as specified in Section 3203(a)
of the Uniform Building Code, 1964 Edition, shall at all times:
1. Maintain around and adjacent to such building or struc-
ture an effective firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for
a distance therefrom of not less than thirty (30) feet on each side
thereof, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. This
Section shall not a.pply to 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. Maintain around and adjacent to any such building or
structure additional fire protection or firebreak made by removing all
brush, flammable vegetation or combustible growth located from thirty
(30) feet to one hundred (100) feet from such building or structures
as may be required by the Fire Chief when he finds that because of
extra hazardous conditions a firebreak of only thirty (30) feet around
such structures is not sufficient to provide reasonable fire safety.
Grass and other vegetation located more than thirty (30) feet from
such building or structure and less than eighteen (18) inches in height
above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the
soil and prevent erosion.
BUildings and structures with roof coverings other than
"fire-retardant" materials shall at all times:
1. Maintain' around and adjacent to such building or struc-
ture an effective firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for a
distance therefrom of not less than th+rtY(30) feet on each side
thereof, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. This
Section shall not apply to 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. Maintain around and adjacent to any such building or
structure additional fire protection or firebreaks made by removing
brush, flammable vegetation or combustible growth located from thirty
(30) feet to one hundred (100) feet, such brush, flammable vegetation
and combustible growth to be reduced in height to less than eighteen
(18) inches above the ground where necessary to stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion. Where the percentage of grade on slopes is such that
required clearance distances between flammable vegetation and structures
does not offer the protection intended, such clearance distances will
be measured from the structures on a horizontal plane to the vertical.
3. Remove that portion of any tree which extends within ten
(10) feet of the outlet of any chimney.
4. Maintain any tree adjacent to or overhanging any building
free of dead wood.
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5. Maintain the roof of any structure free of leaves, needles
or other dead vegetative growth.
In the event any of the conditions prohibited by this Section
exist, the City Council may instruct the Fire Chief to give notice to
the owner of the property upon which such condition exists, to correct
such prohibited condition, and if the owner fails to correct such
condition the City Council may cause the same to be done and make the
expense of such correction a lien upon the property upon which such
condition exists.
3145.19. CLEARANCE OF GROWTH FROM ROADWAYS. The Fire Chief
may remove and clear within ten (10) feet on each side of every road-
way all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth, and may
enter upon private property to do so. This Section shall not apply to
single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground
cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as
ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily
transmitting fire. As used in this Section, "roadway" shall mean that
portion of a highway or private street improved, designed or ordinarily
used for vehicular travel.
If the Fire Chief determines in any specific case that diffi-
cult terrain, danger of erosion or other unusual circumstances make
strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions with
Sections 3145.17, 3145.18 and 3145.2 of this Part undesirable or im-
practical, he may suspend enforcement thereof and require reasonable
alternative measures designed to advance the purposes of this Part.
3145.20. FIRE ROADS AND FIREBREAKS. No person, except public
officers acting within the scope of their duties, shall travel upon,
or drive or park any motorcycle, motor scooter or motor vehicle upon
any fire road or firebreak beyond the point where travel is restricted
by a cable, gate or sign without the permission of the property owner
or owners involved. No person shall park any vehicle so as to obstruct
the entrance to any fire road or firebreak. No person shall install
or maintain a radio or television aerial, or guy wires thereto, or any
other obstruction on any fire road or firebreak, which is less than
sixteen (16) feet above such fire road or firebreak.
3145.21. MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR SCOOTERS AND MOTOR VEHICLES. No
person shall operate any motorcycle, motor scooter or motor vehicle,
except upon Clearly established public or private roads within any
hazardous fire area without first having secured a permit to do so
from the Fire Chief'. No such permit shall be issued unless written
permission from the property owner is first presented.
3145.22. TAMPERING WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT LOCKS, BARRICADES
AND SIGNS. No person shall tamper with, mutilate, destroy or remove
any lock, barricade, seal, cable, sign or marker installed within any
hazardous fire area by or under the control of the Fire Chief, or other
duly constituted authority. No unauthorized person shall unlock any
gate, door, barrier or lock installed by or under the control of the
Fire Chief or other duly constituted authority.
3145.23. ENFORCEMENT. The Fire Chief and his deputieR
hereby are authorized to enforce the provisions of this Division. Said
deputies shall consist of the following persons:
1. Officers and members of the Fire Department.
2. Officers and members of the Police Department.
3. United States Forest Service Officers.
4. Such other officers or employees of the City Council as
may be recommended by the Fire Chief and approved by the City Council.
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The Fire Chief and his authorized representatives, to include
deputized personnel, may enter any premises, structure or building at
any reasonable hour to enforce this Division. The owner, tenant, lessee,
occupant, manager or operator of any such premises, structure or build-
ing shall permit the Fire Chief or his authorized representative to
enter and inspect at the time and for the purpose stated in this Section;
provided that the authority conferred by this Section shall not apply
to the entry of a private residence unless written notice is served
on the occupant thereof. Such written notice shall contain a state-
ment of the time and the purpose of such inspection.
3145.24. AUTHORITY TO STIPULATE PERMIT CONDITIONS. The
Fire Chief shall have the authority to stipulate such conditions as
he deems necessary in all permits. If in his judgment public safety
would be better served, he may refuse to issue any such permit.
3145.25. LIABILITY FOR FIRE DAMAGE. The expenses of fighting
any fires which are the result of a violation of this Division are a
charge against the person whose violation of this Division caused the
fire. Damages caused by such fires shall constitute a debt of such
person and are collectible by the Fire Chief in the same manner as in
the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
ARTICLE III.
CHAPTER 1.
PART 5.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE PREVENTION
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
3155. PEACE OFFICER AUTHORITY, To carry out the purposes
of this Chapter the Fire Chief and his authorized representatives
hereby are made and given the powers of Peace Officers and are em-
powered to inspect and abate any condition that constitutes a fire
hazard. The Chief of Police and his representatives shall have the
power, and hereby are directed upon the request of the Fire Chief
or his authorized representatives, to assist in the enforcement of
the provisions of this Chapter.
3155.1. FIRE DEPARTMENT BADGE. No person shall wear,
display, or have in his possession any badge or shield of the. same
design as adopted as the official badge or shield of the City of
Arcadia Fire Department, unless such person shall be a duly appointed
acting member of said Fire Department. The provisions of this Section
shall not apply to any member of said Fire Department who has been
honorably retired on a pension and who may have in his possession a
facsimile of the official badge or shield presented to him by the
City, provided that the same shall plainly indicate the fact that
such former member is no longer in the active service of the Fire
Department.
3155.2. TAMPERING WITH FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED.
No person except a person authorized by the Fire Chief, or any em-
ployee of the City, acting within the scope of his public duties,
shall in any manner tamper with any lock, gate, door, barrier, en-
closure, fire hydrant, fire alarm circuit, fire alarm box or auxiliary
fire fighting apparatus or other equipment which is installed by,
under the control of, or for the use of the Fire Department of the
City. This Section shall not prohibit necessary repairs to, or main-
tenance of, privately owned fire protection equipment by individuals,
firms or corporations owning such systems, or their agents.
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3155.3. FIRE HYDRANT OBSTRUCTION. No person shall place or
keep near any fire hydrant any box, fence, trash, vegetation or other
material which will in any manner obscure the fire hydrant or hinder
the Fire Department from gaining immediate access thereto.
3155.3.1. SAME. MARKING. Whenever the Fire Chief determines
that the visibility of any fire hydrant is wholly or partially obscured
to the view of members of the Fire Department answering emergency
fire calls by light or sign standards, utility poles or similar in-
stallations on or in the sidewalk, street or parkway, he may cause to
be painted on each such obstruction a stripe, the top of which shall
be not more than six feet above the surface of the sidewalk, street,
or parkway in which such obstruction is located. The stripe shall not
be over twelve inches in width, and shall be the same color as that of
the fire hydrant so obstructed.
3155.4. INTERFERENCE WITH FIREMAN. No person shall inter-
fere with any officer or member of the Fire Department or refuse or
neglect to obey any lawful order or requirement of any officer or
member of the Fire Department, while such officer or member is engaged
in the lawful performance of his duties.
3155.5. FIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES. The Fire Chief and his
authorized representatives at the scene of a fire or other emergency
involving the protection of life and property or any part thereof,
shall have the power and authority to direct such operation as may be
necessary to extinguish or control'any fire, perform any rescue opera-
tion, investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas
leaks or other hazardous conditions or situations, and to take any
other action necessary in the reasonable performance of their duty.
In the exercise of such power the Fire Chief and his authorized repre-
sentatives may prohibit any person, vehicle or thing from approaching
the scene and may remove or cause to be removed or kept away from the
scene any person, vehicle or thing which may impede or interfere with
the operations of the Fire Department.
3155.6. NOTICE OF BLOCKING STREETS. Any person excavating
or working upon any street, alley or public thoroughfare and who by
reason thereof or for any other reason causes the same to be blocked
or made impassable shall notify the Fire Department at the time such
work is started and upon the completion thereof.
3155.7. REPORTING OF FIRES. In the event that a fire occurs
on any property, eijhe~=ijhaa=a=p~epe~ij~=eee~pied=b~=a=8iag~e=~ami~~
Qwe111ag=~a1tp the owner or occupant thereof shall immediately report
such fire to the Fire Department. A fire shall mean any fire not used
for cooking, heating, industrial or recreational purposes or one not
incidental to normal operations of the property.
3155.8. FALSE ALARM PROHIBITED. No person shall send in an
alarm from any fire alarm box or telephone system or any verbal alarm
except for the purpose of giving an alarm of a fire or emergency which
such person has good reason to believe endangers life or property.
3155.9. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. Electrical wiring, appliances
and equipment shall be maintained so as to be reasonably safe to persons
and property. It shall be the duty of the Fire Chief to order the
elimination of any electrical wiring, appliances or equipment which
constitutes a fire hazard. When electric wiring, appliances or equip-
ment must be repaired or replaced in order to abate a fire hazard, the
Fire Chief shall notify the Building Official who shall investigate
and shall cause the hazard to be abated so as to provide reasonable
safety to persons and property.
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3155.9.1. SAME. TAMPERING PROHIBITED.
with or in any manner reduce the effectiveness of
:l.nstalled in any electrical circuit or system.
No person shall tamper
any overcurrent device
3155.10. HELIPORTS, HELISTOPS, AND HELICOPTER CRANE OPERATIONS.
No person shall establish or maintain any heliport or helistop, nor
make any helicopter landings or takeoffs on an occasional basis, nor
engage in any helicopter crane operation without first comply1.ng with
the provisions of Article III, Chapter 6, Parts 1 and 2 of this Code.
In considering the issuance of a permit or authorization pursuant to
Sections 3626 or 3626.1 of this Code, the City Councilor City Manager
shall obtain a written recommendation from the Fire Chief who may, in
preparing such report, require the applicant to provide information in
such detail as he may specify. The Fire Chief is hereby empowered to
adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations to provide safety
to persons and property during the performance of any operation described
in this Section; such regulations shall be deemed to be included within
those falling under the provisions of Section 3627 of this Code.
3155.11. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE. This Chapter shall not be
construed to hold the public entity or any officer or employee re-
sponsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of the in-
spection or reinspection as herein provided, by the failure to so in-
spect or reinspect, or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any
equipment or process authorized herein, or for any action in connection
with the control or extinguishment of any fire or in connection with
any other official duties.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of
this Ordinance.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was adopted at
a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcadia held on
the 15th
day of
March
, 1966, by the affirmative vote of
at least three Councilmen, to wit:
AYES:
Councilmen Forman, Turner and Reibold
NOES:
None
ABSENT: Councilmen
and Considine
City
of Arcadia
SIGNED AND APPROVED
, 1966.
AT;~i'?// /)
.f;$ud},;J /~A~
City Clerk
( SEAL)
b
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