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° --Aq°n;ty°t ° ee � STAFF REPORT
Fire Department
DATE: November 5, 2013
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kurt Norwood, Acting Fire Chief
By: Mark Krikorian, Fire Marshal
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 2313 AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE ARCADIA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIRE REGULATIONS AND
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2013 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY, INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 AND
APPENDICES CHAPTER 4, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, AND K BASED ON THE 2012
EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE PUBLISHED BY THE
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
Recommendation: Introduce Ordinance No. 2313 and schedule a
public hearing for December 3, 2013
SUMMARY
The Fire Department is proposing amendments to the Arcadia Municipal Code relating
to fire code regulations in order to comply with current State requirements and update
administrative and technical standards. The last amendment to the City's Fire Code
was made in November 2010 through Ordinance No. 2280.
It is recommended that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 2313 to amend Article
III of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to fire regulations and schedule a public
hearing for December 3, 2013.
BACKGROUND
Every three years, the State of California adopts new model codes to establish uniform
standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings, plumbing systems,
mechanical systems, electrical systems, and fire or life safety systems. Pursuant to
California Health and Safety Code section 18941.5, local jurisdictions are mandated to
adopt such State codes within 180 days after publication of the code by the California
Building Standards Commission. Prior to adoption, amendments to the State codes
may be incorporated by the local jurisdiction based on local climatic, geologic, and /or
Ordinance No. 2313 - California Fire Code
November 5, 2013
Page 2 of 3
topographic conditions per section 17958.7 of California's Health and Safety Code. Due
to the State's requirements, staff has reviewed all of the City's proposed technical code
amendments to verify that they meet the intent of the California Health and Safety
Code. In addition, staff has prepared the requisite Findings of Fact, which are attached
to, and incorporated as, part of the proposed Ordinance No. 2313.
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department is proposing to adopt the 2013 California Fire Code (CFC) in its
entirety with amendments and additions. These amendments and additions are
deemed necessary to maintain the current level of protection throughout the City
provided with the current Fire Code. They will also address new issues, such as the
use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for emergency power generation in Group R -3
occupancies (single - family dwellings). Another section of the Arcadia Municipal Code
will also be revised to maintain consistency with the proposed LPG amendment.
Finally, a previous amendment made for the 2010 code — photovoltaic system (solar
panels) installation requirements —has been eliminated due to its inclusion in the 2012
model code.
While most of the remaining amendments and additions are identical to those made for
the 2010 code cycle, there are some proposed changes. The following summarizes the
proposed new administrative and technical amendments and additions.
2013 California Fire Code Amendments and Additions
1. CFC 105.6.27 - This new amendment will allow all Group R -3 occupancies not
located in the Wildland -Urban Interface (WUI) to store up to 500 gallons of
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for the sole purpose of emergency power
generation without requiring a permit from the Fire Department. Arcadia
Municipal Code section 3141.2 presently restricts Group R -3 occupancies to a
maximum of ten (10) gallons of LPG outdoors regardless of use. Group R -3
occupancies located in the WUI may still store up to 500 gallons of LPG for
emergency power generation, but they must first obtain a permit from the Fire
Department.
2. CFC 6112 - This new addition specifies permit requirements for LPG storage for
the purposes of emergency power generation in Group R -3 occupancies located
in the WUI. These requirements, such as vegetation clearances and provision of
fire extinguishers, will mitigate the hazard of brush fire exposure to the LPG tank.
3. CFC K101.2 - This new amendment allows an exemption from permit
requirements for Group R -3 occupancies conducting haunted houses, ghost
walks, or similar amusements.
Ordinance No. 2313 - California Fire Code
November 5, 2013
Page 3 of 3
Arcadia Municipal Code Amendment
1. AMC 3141.3 - This amendment will allow an exception to AMC section 3141.2 for
the storage of up to 500 gallons of LPG gas in Group R -3 occupancies for the
purpose of emergency power generation. The present verbiage of section
3141.2 allows only ten (10) gallons of LPG gas storage outdoors for Group R -3
occupancies.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed amendments to the Arcadia Municipal Code will not have the potential for
causing a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, this effort is not a project
pursuant to CEQA Title 14 sections 15061 (b)(3) and 15378 (b)(2).
PUBLIC NOTICE /COMMENTS
It is recommended that a public hearing be scheduled at the December 3, 2013, City
Council meeting. Notice regarding the public hearing will be published in the Arcadia
Weekly on November 21, 2013, and November 28, 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the codes and amendments will have no fiscal impact on the City.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council find that this Ordinance is exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Act; and
1. Introduce Ordinance No. 2313 amending Article III of the Arcadia Municipal Code
relating to fire regulations and adopting by reference the 2013 edition of the
California Fire Code in its entirety, including Chapter 1 and appendices Chapter
4, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, and K based on the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code
published by the International Code Council, and
2. Schedule the public hearing for December 3, 2013.
Approved:
D7tt�o�
City Manager
Attachments: Ordinance No. 2313
Exhibit "A" - Findings of Fact
ORDINANCE NO. 2313
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE Ili OF THE
ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIRE
REGULATIONS AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2013
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE IN ITS
ENTIRETY, INCLUDING CHAPTER 1 AND APPENDICES
CHAPTER 4, B, C, D, E, F, G, I AND K BASED ON THE 2012
EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE PUBLISHED
BY THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the amendments and additions to the
California Fire Code herein are supported by Findings of Fact which are attached as
Exhibit "A" and incorporated as part of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Section 3121 of Division 1, Part 2, Chapter 1, Article III of the
Arcadia Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
3121. CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTION.
Subject to the exception of the deletions or additions hereinafter set forth, and
further subject to the amendments hereinafter specified, there is adopted by reference
for the City of Arcadia the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code, including Chapter 1
and Appendices Chapter 4, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, and K based on the 2012 Edition of the
International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, and the foregoing
shall constitute the Fire Code of the City of Arcadia.
One (1) copy of said code is on file in the office of the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public.
1
SECTION 3. Sections 3124.1, 3124.2, 3124.3, 3124.4, 3124.5, 3124.6, 3124.7,
3124.8 and 3124.9 of Division 4, Part 2, Chapter 1, of Article III are hereby amended in
their entirety to read as follows:
3124.1. AMENDMENT.
Section 105.6.27 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
105.6.27 LP -gas. An operational permit is required for:
1. Storage and use of LP -gas.
Exception: A permit is not required for individual containers with a 500 - gallon
water capacity or less or multiple container systems having an aggregate
quantity not exceeding 500 gallons, used exclusively for emergency power
generation and serving occupancies in Group R -3 not located in the Wildland-
Urban Interface Area.
2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP -gas.
3124.2 AMENDMENT.
Section of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to local
climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic extinguishing systems shall be installed:
1. In all new buildings regardless of the type of construction or occupancy.
EXCEPTIONS:
A) Detached Group U occupancies, providing the floor area does not exceed
1000 square feet.
B) Pool houses, recreation rooms, and similar accessory R -3 occupancies
providing no portion of the exterior wall of the building is more than 150 feet from a
public street.
C) Other minor buildings and/or occupancies as approved by the Fire Chief.
2
2. In existing buildings with new occupancies as required by other sections of the
Fire Code.
3124.3. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.2.18 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.2.18 Group U private garages and carports accessory to Group R -3
occupancies. Carports with habitable space above, detached private garages over 1000
square feet in area, and attached private garages shall be protected by fire sprinklers in
accordance with this section. These areas shall have a design density of an Ordinary
Hazard Group 1 occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick - response
intermediate temperature commercial type heads shall be used.
3124.4. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.3.1.2. NFPA 13R SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. Where allowed in buildings of
Group R, up to and including buildings four stories in height, automatic sprinkler
systems shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R with the following
additions:
A) Attics shall be fully sprinklered with quick- response intermediate temperature
heads.
B) Private garages shall be sprinklered and shall have a design density of an
Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick -
response intermediate temperature commercial type heads shall be used for the
garage area.
3
3124.5. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.3.1.3. NFPA 13D SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. Where allowed, automatic
sprinkler systems installed in one -and two - family dwellings shall be installed throughout
in accordance with NFPA 13D with the following additions:
A) Attics containing forced air units shall have one or more quick- response
intermediate temperature sprinkler heads adjacent to each unit.
B) Attached private garages shall be sprinklered and shall have a design
density of an Ordinary Hazard Group 1 occupancy with a design area of two (2)
heads. Quick- response intermediate temperature commercial type heads shall
be used for the garage area.
C) Detached private garages over 1000 square feet in total area shall be
sprinklered and shall have a design density of an Ordinary Hazard Group 1
occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick - response intermediate
temperature commercial type heads shall be used for the garage area.
D) Residential structures under 5000 square feet in total area shall be designed
for two (2) heads flowing in the residential area. Residential structures over 5000
square feet in total area shall be designed for four (4) heads flowing in the
residential area.
E) Attics and basements used for storage purposes shall be fully sprinklered with
residential type heads.
F) A single exterior bell activated by the waterflow switch shall be provided at an
approved location.
3124.6. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.4.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
903.4.2. ALARMS. Approved audible devices shall be connected to every
automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water -flow alarm devices shall be activated
H
by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size
installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in
an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic
fire sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Approved audible
notification appliances shall be provided in the interior of the building at locations
required by the Fire Chief.
3124.7. AMENDMENT.
Section 1103.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
1103.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing
buildings that do not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within
the building based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety
communications systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building, shall be
equipped with such coverage according to one of the following-
1 . Wherever an existing wired communication system cannot be repaired or
is being replaced, or where not approved in accordance with Section
510.1, Exception 1.
2. Whenever total additions result in an increase of more than 5000 square
feet in the total floor area, including mezzanines or additional stories,
regardless of ownership. Additions shall be cumulative with each
application for building permit from January 1, 2011.
3. Whenever the value of alterations requiring permits exceed $500,000 in
valuation. Alteration values shall be cumulative with each application for a
building permit from January 1, 2011.
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3124.8. AMENDMENT.
Section 1103.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topographic conditions:
1103.5 EXISTING BUILDINGS. An approved automatic fire sprinkler
system shall be installed in existing buildings, including any additions thereto, in the
occupancies and buildings as set forth in this section.
1. In all commercial and industrial buildings greater than 5000 square feet in
area when enlarged by an addition to the existing structure or as required
by the Fire Chief.
2. In all commercial and industrial buildings equal to or less than 5000
square feet in area, when enlarged by an addition to the existing structure,
exceeds 5000 square feet or as required by the Fire Chief.
3. In all Group R -1 or R -2 Occupancies when an addition results in additional
guestrooms or dwelling units.
4. In all Group R -3 Occupancies greater than 2500 square feet in living area
when enlarged by an addition to the living area of the existing structure.
EXCEPTION: Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers
such as closets or bathrooms.
5. In all Group R -3 Occupancies equal to or less than 2500 square feet in
living area, when enlarged by an addition to the living area of the existing
structure, exceeds 2500 square feet in residential area.
EXCEPTION: Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers
such as closets or bathrooms.
6. In existing buildings for new occupancies as required by other sections of
the Fire Code.
3124.9. ADDITION.
Section 5608.2 is added to Chapter 56 of the California Fire Code to read as
follows due to local climatic conditions:
C.
5608.2. FIREWORKS PROHIBITED. No person shall sell, display for sale,
possess, store, or manufacture, use, light, fire, discharge, explode or set off any fire-
works, including "Safe and Sane" fireworks anywhere within the City, except as allowed
by the Fire Chief.
SECTION 4. Division 4, Part 2, Chapter 1 of Article III of the Arcadia Municipal
Code is hereby amended by adding Sections 3124.10, 3124.11, 3124.12 and 3124.13
to read in their entirety as follows:
3124.10. ADDITION.
Section 6112 is hereby added to the Fire Code to read as follows: The use of
liquefied petroleum gas for emergency power generation for Group R -3 occupancies
located in the Wildland -Urban Interface area shall comply with the following:
1. All individual containers shall be a maximum size of 500 - gallon (1893 L) water
capacity. Multiple container systems shall not exceed 500 - gallons (1893 L) in
aggregate quantity.
2. A minimum 10 foot setback shall be maintained between the tank and all
buildings in perpetuity. All future developments on the property shall be
subject to this requirement.
3. Signage shall be provided on the tank indicating its contents and also warning
of "NO SMOKING WITHIN 25 FEET ".
4. Weeds, grass, brush, trash, and other combustible materials shall be kept a
minimum of 10 feet from the tank.
5. A minimum 6A:80BC fire extinguisher shall be provided within 50 feet of the
tank. It shall be the applicant's responsibility to have the fire extinguisher
serviced by a qualified contractor on an annual basis.
6. During refueling, the LP tank vehicle shall not be left unattended at any time.
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3124.11. AMENDMENT,
Section K101.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
K101.2 Permits. An operational permit shall be required for haunted houses, ghost
walks, or similar amusement uses in accordance with Appendix K101.2.
EXCEPTION: Haunted houses, ghost walks, or similar amusement uses in
Group R -3 occupancies.
3124.12. ADDITION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 105.1.4 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
When the application for a permit under this section is filed, a non - refundable fee
as adopted by City Council Resolution shall be paid for the purpose of recovering the
cost of services provided.
3124.13 DELETION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 103.2 is hereby deleted from the California Fire Code without
replacement.
SECTION 5. Section 3141.3 of Division 1, Part 4, Chapter 1, Article III of the
Arcadia Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
3141.3. SAME. EXCEPTIONS.
1) Individual containers with a 500 - gallon water capacity or less or multiple
container systems having an aggregate quantity not exceeding 500 gallons, used
exclusively for emergency power generation and serving occupancies in Group R -3.
2) The City Council may, upon written application, and after receipt of the report
and recommendation of the 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 section.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of the Ordinance and
shall cause a copy of same to be published in the official newspaper of said City within
fifteen (15) days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall take effect on the later of
January 1, 2014, or the thirty -first (31 st) day after its adoption.
SECTION 7. The City Council finds that it can be seen with certainty that
adoption of this Ordinance will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment
and is therefore exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section
15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. City staff is directed to file a notice of exemption
within five (5) days of the adoption of this Ordinance
Passed, approved and adopted this , day of
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stephen P. Deitsch
City Attorney
tr]
2013.
Mayor of the City of Arcadia
FINDINGS OF FACT
c i of Pursuant to the 2013 edition of the California Fire Code Preface, the report
contained herein shall be submitted as the Findings of Fact document with
regard to Article III of the City of Arcadia Municipal Code, Ordinance No.
Arcadia 2313, as adopted by the City of Arcadia. Under this adopting Ordinance,
specific amendments have been established, which are more restrictive in nature
than those sections adopted by the California Building Standards Code.
Fire The amendments to the California Fire Code, 2013 edition, have been
Department recognized by the City of Arcadia to address the fire problem(s), concern(s),
and future direction(s) by which this City can establish and maintain an
environment, which will afford a level of fire and life safety to its citizens and
guests.
Tony L. Trabbie
Fire Chief Under the provisions of California Fire Code Preface, local amendments shall
be based on climatic, geographical, or topographical conditions. The Findings of
Facts contained herein shall address each of these situations and shall present
the local situation, which singularly or in combination cause the established
amendments to Sections 903.2, 903.2.18, 903.3.1.2, 903.3.1.3, 903.4.2, 1103.2,
1103.5, 5608.2, 6112 and K101.2 of the California Fire Code, 2013 edition, to
be adopted.
Climatic: The City of Arcadia is located in the County of Los Angeles, and is
subject to long periods of dry, hot, and windy climates, which increase the
chance of a fire occurring and predispose the City to large destructive fires.
These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even
small fires originating in moderate density housing or vegetation. These fires
spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels for fire prevention
and protection.
Geographical: The geographic layout and contours of the City of Arcadia
create barriers for accessibility for fire suppression forces. Due to the City's
close proximity to major fault lines, there is a significant possibility for multiple
fires spreading out of control due to ruptured gas lines and multiple structural
collapses. Because of the major earthquake hazard, and due to some older
nonconforming buildings, it is necessary during the new construction or
building renovation to use the City ordinance to control and minimize
conditions hazardous to life and property, which may result from fire, hazardous
materials or an explosion.
Exhibit "A"
710 S Santa Anita Ave
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 574 -5100
(626) 446 -7410
Topographical: The water supply (domestic and fire flow) system within the City is directly
affected by the topographical layout of Arcadia. The distribution system consists of high -low
pressure and gravity systems zones, which carry the water from various reservoirs and storage
tanks to different zones via water pipes. These street mains consist of high - pressure lines and
low pressure lines where the pressure and flows are adequate in most of the areas of the city.
There are certain areas in the southern portion of the City with static pressures of 40 psi., and in
the northern portion as low as 20 psi. This variation of pressure causes major problems to
development, as well as fire suppression forces.
As a result of the Findings of Fact, which identified the various climatic, geographical, and
topographical elements, the requirements established by the City of Arcadia Fire Department
within the adopted Ordinance No. 2313 are considered reasonable and necessary modifications
to the California Fire Code based upon local conditions.
While it is clearly understood that the adoption of such regulations may not prevent the incidents
of fire, it is further noted that with the implementation of these various regulations and /or
requirements it may serve to reduce the severity and potential loss of life and property.
The City of Arcadia Fire Department submits these Findings of Fact and request acceptance of
these as defined in the California Fire Code Preface.
Prepared and submitted by: Mark Krikorian, Fire Marshal