[Amended 10-10-2016]
Prior to any modification to, or installation of, a new sprinkler
system, or the alteration of an existing sprinkler system (to include
one- and two-family dwellings), plans shall be submitted to the District
or its designee for review as a Department of Safety and Professional
Services certified municipality.
A. Standards. All sprinkler systems must meet the standards of NFPA
13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and
Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, NFPA 13R, Standard for
the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up
to and Including Four Stories in Height, NFPA 25, Standard for the
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection
Systems, and any other standards adopted by reference in this chapter.
B. Fire pumps and water tanks. If water supply is limited or static
pressure drop provides inadequate water supply or pressure to any
sprinkler system, a fire pump and/or a water tank may be required.
The Fire Inspector(s) may require the installation of such at a cost
to the owner. Installation shall be according to NFPA 20 and 22 with
plans submitted for approval.
C. Signaling. Each sprinkler riser shall have both an internal alarm
bell located at the riser and an external alarm bell located on the
nearest outside wall to signal the flow of water. For any system which
uses a fire pump as a part of the sprinkler system, a red strobe light
shall be mounted on the outside wall of the pump house to signal pump
operation. Location is to be approved by the Fire Inspector(s).
[Amended 10-10-2016]
Prior to any modification to, or installation of, any new fire
suppression system, or the alteration of any existing system, plans
shall be submitted to the District for review and approval.
A. Standards. All fire suppression systems, other than water-based sprinkler
systems, shall comply with this chapter and all other NFPA standards
adopted by reference in this chapter.
[Amended 10-10-2016]
Prior to any modification to, or installation of, a new fire
alarm or detection system, or the alteration of an existing system
(to include one- and two-family dwellings), plans shall be submitted
to the District for review.
A. Standards. All fire alarm or detection systems shall comply with
this chapter and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code,
as well as all other standards adopted by reference in this chapter.
B. Submittals. One copy of the plan and specifications shall be submitted
to this District for review. The Fire Inspector(s) shall keep one
copy on file. Full responsibility for the accuracy of any plans and
specifications is the sole responsibility of the contractor.
C. Additional requirements. The additional requirements listed below
are for fire alarm and smoke detection systems:
(1) In buildings where duct-type smoke detectors are required, they shall
be tied into the main fire alarm control panel as either an alarm
or trouble signal.
(2) Temporary smoke detectors installed during construction shall be
replaced with new smoke detectors prior to occupancy.
(3) Smoke detectors located in hallways and basement areas shall be placed
at 30 feet on center.
(4) Control panels or display pads shall be located in accessible areas
for rapid District access.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be required in all public
buildings and places of employment, to include any building or structure
located on such properties.
A. Standards. All portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the
provisions of this chapter and those of NFPA 1, Fire Code, NFPA 10,
Portable Fire Extinguishers, and any other standards adopted by reference
in this chapter.
B. Occupancy certificates. Prior to the granting of an occupancy certificate
for new construction, or a change in occupancy certificate for existing
structures, the Fire Inspector(s) shall approve the type, number and
location of all portable fire extinguishers.
C. Fees. No fee shall be charged by the District for the installation
inspection of any portable fire extinguisher.
[Amended 10-10-2016]
[Amended 10-10-2016]
All penetrations through fire walls or smoke barriers shall
be protected from by fire doors or fire windows.
A. Standards. All exits, fire doors and fire windows shall comply with
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, NFPA
221, Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire
Barrier Walls, and NFPA 1, Fire Code, as well as all other standards
adopted by reference in this chapter.
B. Testing. Whether required by this chapter or any other standard adopted
by this chapter, all horizontal and vertical sliding and rolling doors
or windows shall be tested annually to check for proper operation
and full closure. Resetting of the release mechanism shall be done
in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
C. Records. A written record of all tests, inspections and maintenance
shall be kept on site for five years and made available for review
by the Fire Inspector(s).
Only approved fire hydrants and post indicator valves (PIVs)
shall be allowed for use on private property for the sole purpose
of fire protection.
A. Inspection, testing, maintenance and repair.
(1) Annual flow tests are required on all approved fire hydrants. Manual
operation of all PIVs to the closed position shall also be required
annually. Written records shall be kept on site and available for
inspection for a period of no less than seven years.
(2) Approved fire hydrants and PIVs shall be maintained in proper operating
condition at all times. Upon the request of the District, the owner
shall perform such tests (to include flow tests) in order to demonstrate
proper operating conditions. Written records shall be maintained showing
test results, dates, duration of tests, locations and who performed
the tests. Records shall be kept on site and available for inspection
for a period of no less than seven years.
[Amended 10-10-2016]
(3) At no time shall any fire hydrant or PIV be obstructed under any
circumstance. Obstructions may include, but are not limited to, snow
accumulation, vegetation, refuse, parked vehicles, and material or
equipment storage.
(4) Property owners shall immediately notify the District and Water Department
whenever a fire hydrant or PIV has been damaged or has become inoperable.
Repairs to damaged or inoperable equipment shall be completed by the
owner as soon as possible and tested before putting them back into
service.
[Amended 10-10-2016]
(5) Any time an owner is found not properly testing or maintaining his
fire hydrants and/or PIVs, the District and Water Department shall
perform such tests at the expense of the owner.
[Amended 10-10-2016]
(6) Private water mains serving private fire hydrants shall be the same
size as the public mains supplying the private water system. In any
case, mains do not have to exceed 10 inches but shall be at least
six inches in diameter.
Any fire prevention, detection or protection system already
installed shall be considered an existing system and shall comply
with the provisions of this chapter as previously set forth.
A. Smoke detection systems. Whether battery-operated or electrically
interconnected, all smoke detectors shall be tested at least once
every six months. Written records shall be maintained showing test
results, dates, duration of tests, locations and who performed the
tests. Records shall be kept on site and available for inspection
for a period of no less than seven years. At such time when records
are found to be missing or outdated for a period of more than one
year, and the smoke detectors have been found to be missing or inoperable,
the Fire Inspector(s) may order the installation or replacement of
the existing system with new electrically interconnected smoke detectors
to include the fire alarm control panel at a cost to the owner.
B. Manual fire alarm systems. Manual pull alarms shall be tested monthly
by physically activating the device. Only one pull station need be
tested each month if there are fewer than 12 locations in the protected
building. Should there be more than 12 locations, additional stations
must be tested at the same time with the intent of completing the
entire system within one calendar year. Records shall be kept on site
and available for inspection for a period of no less than seven years.
At such time when records are found to be missing or outdated for
a period of more than one year, and the pull alarm stations have been
found to be missing or inoperable, the Fire Inspector(s) may order
the installation or replacement of the existing system or device with
a new system or device to include the fire alarm control panel at
a cost to the owner. Manual fire alarms shall be tested in the presence
of the Fire Inspector(s) annually.
C. Contracted service providers. Whenever inspection, testing and maintenance
services are contracted by the owner or agent with an outside vendor,
the vendor shall provide a written report of all work performed. This
report shall be the same as provided in the appropriate NFPA section,
describing all work performed and listing any deficiencies or needed
repairs. This report shall be left with the owner or agent and a copy
shall be sent to the Fire Inspector(s) by the service provider.