HomeMy WebLinkAbout2343 ORDINANCE NO. 2343
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE
ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIRE
REGULATIONS AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2016
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE IN ITS
ENTIRETY, INCLUDING APPENDIX CHAPTER 4 AND
APPENDICES B, C, D, K, AND N BASED ON THE 2015
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 2016 Edition of the California Fire Code, including Appendix
Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, D, K, and N based on the 2015 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 105.6.28 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due
to local climatic, geographical, and topographical conditions:
105.6.28 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 202 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows due to
local climatic, geographical, and topological conditions:
Business Group B
Training and skill development not in a school or academic program (this shall
include, but not be limited to, martial arts studios, gymnastics and similar uses
regardless of the ages served, and where not classified as a Group A occupancy).
2
3124.3. AMENDMENT.
Section 903.2 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. In existing buildings with new occupancies as required by other sections of
the Fire Code.
3124.4. 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 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
3
1 occupancy with a design area of two (2) heads. Quick-response intermediate
temperature commercial type heads shall be used.
Section 3124.4. is hereby deleted in its entirety to read as follows:
3124.4. [RESERVED].
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 5,000 square feet in total area shall be designed
for two (2) heads flowing in the residential area. Residential structures over 5000
4
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.
G) A representative sample of spare heads 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
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:
5
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.
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.
6
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.
EXCEPTIONS:
1) Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers such as
closets or bathrooms.
2) Additions that occur without increasing the number of stories or
increasing the horizontal projection of the first story roof.
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.
EXCEPTIONS:
1) Additions of areas that would not require sprinklers such as
closets or bathrooms.
2) Additions that occur without increasing the number of stories or
increasing the horizontal projection of the first story roof.
6. In existing buildings for new occupancies as required by other sections of
the Fire Code.
3124.9. AMENDMENT.
Section N101.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
N101.2 Permits. An operational permit shall be required for haunted houses, ghost
walks, or similar amusement uses in accordance with Appendix N101.2.
EXCEPTION: Haunted houses, ghost walks, or similar amusement uses in
Group R-3 occupancies.
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 and 3124.12 to read in
their entirety as follows:
3124.10. ADDITION.
Section 5608.2 is added to Chapter 56 of the California Fire Code to read as
follows due to local climatic conditions:
7
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.
3124.11. ADDITION.
Section 6112 is hereby added to the California 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.
8
3124.12. ADDITION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 105.1.7 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.
3124.4 ADDITION [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 104.12 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.12. COST RECOVERY. Where an emergency situation is caused or
exacerbated by a willful act, a negligent act, or a violation of the Fire Code, Building
Code, or any other applicable law, ordinance or regulation, the cost of mitigating and
securing any emergency that is within the responsibility of the Fire Chief is a charge
against the person who caused the emergency or who caused the circumstances
leading to the creation of the emergency. Damages and expenses incurred by any
public agency providing mutual aid shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be
collectible by the Fire Chief for proper distribution in the same manner as in the case of
an obligation under contract expressed or implied. Expenses as stated above shall
include, but not be limited to, equipment and personnel committed and any payments
required by the public agency to outside business firms requested by the public agency
to mitigate or secure the emergency, monitor remediation, and clean up.
9
3125. AMENDMENT [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 108 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Appeals. Whenever the Chief disapproves an application or refuses to grant a
permit, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the Chief to the City of Arcadia
Building/Fire Code Appeals Board within thirty (30) days from the date of the decision
being appealed.
3125.1 AMENDMENT [ADMINISTRATIVE].
Section 108 of the California Fire Code is amended by adding the following
paragraph:
Appeals Procedure. The City of Arcadia Building/Fire Code Appeals Board shall
not consider any such appeal unless the matter has come to the attention of the Chief
and he has rendered a decision in writing. Any appeal to the board shall be made by the
affected person or his agent in writing in the form and manner as prescribed by the
Chief and as specified in Arcadia Municipal Code section 8130.2.
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
10
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 thirty-first
(31st) day after its adoption.
SECTION 7. Upon the effective date of this Ordinance, all former ordinances or
parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or the
codes herein adopted by reference in conflict herewith are hereby repealed and
declared to be of no further force and effect.
Passed, approved and adopted this 6th day of December , 2016.
Mayor of the City Arcadia
ATTEST:
Clerk-.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stephen P. Deitsch
City Attorney
11
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS:
CITY OF ARCADIA )
I, GENE GLASCO, City Clerk of the City of Arcadia, hereby certifies that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 2343 was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of
Arcadia, signed by the Mayor and attested to by the City Clerk at a regular meeting of said
Council held on the 6th day of December, 2016 and that said Ordinance was adopted by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Amundson, Chandler, Tay, Verlato, and Beck
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City lerk of the r ity of Arcadia
12
ti, oFF -4
041
EXHIBIT "A"
@pajtY ofti�� FINDINGS OF FACT
Jii-v of Pursuant to the 2016 Edition of the California Fire Code Preface, the
report contained herein shall be submitted as the Findings of Fact
Arcadia document with regard to Article Ill of the City of Arcadia Municipal Code,
Ordinance No. 2343, 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
Department The amendments to the California Fire Code, 2016 Edition have been
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
Michael E. Lang its citizens and guests.
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 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.
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
710 S Santa Anita Ave
Arcadia,CA 91006
(626)574-5100
(626)446-7410
V
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. 2343 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