Cross References — Fire department, ch. 205; buildings and building regulations, chs. 500510; emergency alarm systems, ch. 625; false alarms generally, §220.130; following fire apparatus, §340.010; crossing fire hose, §340.020.
[1]
Editor's Note — Ord. no. 2009-1608 §1, adopted September 23, 2009, repealed sections 210.010 — 210.060 dealing with the BOCA national fire prevention code. Former sections 210.010 — 210.060 derived from CC 1991 §§12-44 — 12-49; ord. no. 535 §§1--3, 6-10-1975; ord. no. 855 §1, 6-26-1990; ord. no. 94-1006 §§3, 5 — 7, 7-19-1994; ord. no. 2000-1154 §§1, 3 — 5, 1-25-2000.
[Ord. No. 2009-1608 §§1 — 2, 9-23-2009; Ord. No. 2016-1790 § 1, 6-21-2016; Ord. No. 2022-1999, 12-20-2022]
A certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Frontenac, being marked and designated as “The International Fire Code 2021 Edition” as published by the International Code Council be and is hereby adopted as the Fire Prevention Code of the City of Frontenac in the State of Missouri for the regulation and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards to life and property in occupancy of buildings and properties herein provided, and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said International Fire Code are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this Article with additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 210.020 of this Article.
[Ord. No. 2009-1608 §§1 — 2, 9-23-2009; Ord. No. 2016-1790 § 1, 6-21-2016; Ord. No. 2022-1999, 12-20-2022]
A. 
The International Fire Code, 2021 is amended by additions, deletions and changes including the changing of Chapters, Sections, Subsections and the addition of new Subsections and so that such amendments read as follows:
1. 
Section 101.1 TITLE.
The regulations contained herein shall be known as the Fire Protection Code of the City of Frontenac, Missouri, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
2. 
105.6.25 Helicopter landing/lift-off, hoisting and lowering operations. An operational permit is required for helicopter landing/lift-off, hoisting, and lowering operations in accordance with the following. Proof of financial responsibility must be submitted to the Code Official before a permit is issued. The helicopter service or the contractor in charge of a helicopter landing/lift-off, hoisting or lowering operations shall demonstrate financial responsibility of liability for damages arising from the landing/lift-off, hoisting, or lowering operation by providing the Code Official with proof of insurance or other appropriate financial responsibility. The amount of financial liability shall be adequate for the payment of all damages which may be caused either to a person or persons, or to property by reasons of the permitted operation, and arising from any actions, or in-actions, of the permit holder, or the permit holder's, employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors. Permit applications must include a description of the landing/lift-off operation or work to be performed and the safety precautions to be used. Forty-eight-hour notice shall be provided before the landing/lift-off, hoisting or lowering operation is to begin. Notification shall be made to other jurisdictional agencies as listed below:
Fire and Police Department. Written notification must be given within seven (7) days prior to date of operation.
Building Department. If mechanical equipment, machinery or building materials are being removed or installed on a building or structure, a permit must be obtained from the Frontenac Building Department. When the hours for operation for the landing/lift-off or erection, demolition, alteration or repair of any building or structure is to occur other than between the hours of 7:00 o'clock A.M. and 6:00 o'clock P.M. on weekdays a written request will be submitted to the Building Official and approved by the Mayor or their designee.
Exceptions:
1. Emergency or precautionary landings.
2. Law enforcement or medical evacuation operations.
3. Other operations approved by the Code Official.
3. 
105.6.25.1 Safety precautions. During all helicopter landing/lift-off, lifting or lowering operations, the following applicable safety precautions shall be followed: The fire and police departments shall approve landing sites if landings are necessary.
All materials or equipment to be lifted shall be brought as close as possible to the building or structure site by road vehicles. The helicopter shall not carry equipment or materials lifted to or lowered from a building or structure over pedestrians, spectators, other buildings, or vehicles. When the operation involves setting or removing equipment or materials from or on an occupied building, the top two (2) floors of the building shall not be occupied by anyone, other than individuals directly involved with the operation while the hoisting or lifting operation is in progress. All flammable or combustible liquids brought to the site for refueling helicopters shall be stored, used and dispensed in accordance with Chapters 11 and 34 of this code. A Fire Department safety officer, or Fire Department safety team, must be present on the site during all helicopter landing/lift-off, lifting or lowering operations. The safety officer, or safety team, shall terminate the landing/lift-off or lift if weather conditions or other variables make the operation unsafe. The safety officer, or safety team, shall be provided radio communications with the helicopter pilot in the event safety conditions mandate evasive action.
Exceptions:
1. Emergency or precautionary landings.
2. Law enforcement or medical evacuation operations.
3. Other operations approved by the Code Official.
4. 
[A] 107.2 Schedule of permit fees. See Chapter 114 of the City of Frontenac Ordinance, Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Escrows, Bonds.
5. 
[A] 111.1.2 Application for appeal. Any owner or holder of a permit issued subject to this code shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Aldermen.
Appeals from a decision of the Fire Code Official in connection with such permit or from any notice issued in connection with this enforcement of this code. Appeals shall be based solely upon and shall state a claim: either (a) that the true intent of this code or the rules or regulations adopted pursuant to this code have been incorrectly interpreted, or (b) that the provisions of this code do not apply, or (c) that an equivalent form of construction can be used. Any appeal under this Section shall be in writing, shall contain a statement of the grounds for the appeal and shall be filed in the office of the Fire Code Official within twenty (20) calendar days after the rendering of the decision or from the date of service of the notice from which the appeal is taken. To the fullest extent permitted by law, said appeal procedure shall be exhausted before an action may be filed in any court against the City or its officers, employees, boards, officials, or commissions.
6. 
[A] 111.1.3 Hearing on appeal. The Board shall meet to hear an appeal upon notice from the chair within sixty (60) calendar days of the filing of the appeal.
7. 
[A] 112.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a violation of the City Code of Ordinances, punishable in accordance with Section 100.140. In addition to any penalty herein, the Fire Code Official may order the removal of any structure or portion constructed in violation of this code or an issued building permit.
8. 
[A] 113.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a violation of the City Code of Ordinances, punishable in accordance with Section 100.140.
9. 
Section 112 VIOLATIONS.
112.4 Violations Penalties.
Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as provided in Section 100.140 of the Municipal Code of the City of Frontenac. In addition to any penalty herein, the Fire Code Official may order the removal of any structure or portion constructed in violation of this code or an issued building permit.
Section 109.4.1 shall remain unchanged from the code text.
10. 
Section 113 STOP WORK ORDER.
Section 113.4 Failure to Comply.
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) dollars or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) dollars for each day in violation of the stop work order.
11. 
Section 408 - Firefighter Assist Plans. An approved pictographic display (sign, drawing or wall marking) shall be posted within all enclosed stairways at each floor landing in all new and existing high-rise buildings. Individual displays, or signs shall show the floor level number where the graphic is displayed, the configuration of exit access corridors including all door openings, exit stairways, elevators, exterior building walls, fire alarm pull stations, fire hoses and sprinkler valves. The sign shall be located five (5) feet (1,524 mm) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open or closed positions.
12. 
Section 503 - Fire Apparatus Access Roads.
Marking. Where required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility with a minimum vertical clearance of thirteen and one-half (13 1/2) feet. The pavement in front of the curb and the top and face of the curb itself shall be so marked to designate that it is a fire lane by the following:
• The color of designating the fire lane shall be different than the color used for the parking spaces.
• Lettering on the pavement shall be at least 12-inch letters.
• Lettering on the pavement shall state NO PARKING FIRE LANE.
• Lettering on the pavement shall be at fifty (50) feet intervals. Pole signs will also be needed and shall include:
• At fifty (50) feet intervals for the entire length of the fire lane.
• Top of sign shall be five (5) feet above grade.
• Signs may be mounted on columns or building if the fire lane is directly in front designated fire lanes shall be maintained free of obstructions and vehicles.
13. 
Section 506 - Key Boxes.
506.1 Where Required. Where access to or within a structure or area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or fire-fighting purposes, the Fire Code Official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be an approved and appropriately sized Knox Box and shall contain a full set of master keys, labeled keys, key card, fire alarm control panel key, elevator control key or similar device to gain necessary access as required by the Fire Code Official. An approved Knox Box shall be required for all new and existing construction permits that meet the criteria listed below; mechanical and plumbing permits:
When a commercial or residential building in the City of Frontenac is protected by an automatic fire suppression system or standpipe system it shall be equipped with a Knox Box.
When a commercial building in the City of Frontenac is protected by an automatic alarm system.
Any facility, firm or corporation that handles, uses, or stores hazardous materials.
Any building that is deemed unduly difficult to gain access because of secured openings and where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or fire-fighting purposes.
Any special circumstances deemed necessary by the Fire Code Official.
The Knox Box shall be installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
14. 
506.1.1 Knox Boxes, locks and electronic openers. An approved Knox Box shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the Fire Code Official.
Any newly installed subdivision, commercial or private residential electric gates shall have an approved Knox key switch. See additional in Appendix D amendment regarding electronic gate openers.
15. 
506.1.1.1 Knox Box locations. Knox Box shall be located on either the right or left side of the recognized public entrance on the exterior of the structure and shall be immediately visible to fire personnel. The location shall be approved by the Fire Code Official.
1. The Knox Box shall be located at a height not less than four (4) foot or no more than six (6) feet above ground.
2. The Knox Box shall be located not more than eight (8) feet to either side of the door.
3. An alternate location shall be approved by the Fire Code Official if construction features do not allow for placement of the Knox Box near the front entrance.
4. Additional Knox Boxes may be required by the Fire Code Official for large structures with multiple entrances.
5. Additional Knox Boxes may be required for commercial structures that contain a fire sprinkler control room that can only be accessed from a separate exterior entrance.
6. For key or touch pad operated electric gates, the Knox Key Switch shall be located on one (1) of the upright posts in a position approved by the Fire Code Official.
16. 
Section 507 Fire Protection Water Supplies.
507.5.1.1 Hydrant for Fire Department sprinkler or standpipe systems. Buildings equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler or standpipe system in accordance with Section 903 and 905 shall have a fire hydrant not less than forty (40) feet and not greater than one hundred (100) feet of the fire department connections.
Exceptions:
1. The distance shall be permitted to be less than forty (40) feet where approved by the Fire Code Official.
2. The distance shall be permitted to exceed one hundred (100) feet where approved by the Fire Code Official.
Inspection, testing and maintenance.
• Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the Fire Code Official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired were defective. Additions, repairs, alterations, and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Records of tests and required maintenance shall be maintained.
• Private fire hydrants shall be inspected and flow-tested annually and after each operation by a third party. Flow test and inspection records shall be forwarded to the Fire Code Official annually.
17. 
507.6 Public water supply. The Fire Code Official shall recommend to the Chief Administrative Official of the municipality the location or relocation of new or existing fire hydrants and the placement or replacement of inadequate water mains located upon public property and deemed necessary to provide an adequate fire-flow and distribution pattern. A fire hydrant shall not be placed into or removed from service until approved by the Fire Code Official.
Color coding of public fire hydrants. All public fire hydrant barrels are to be painted yellow. All fire hydrant bonnets are to be painted as follows:
Color
Water Main Size
Green
Twelve (12)
Orange
Eight (8) and ten (10)
Red
Six (6) inch and smaller
18. 
507.6.2 Color coding of private fire hydrants. All private fire hydrants shall be painted a solid yellow or red including the bonnet to match.
Exceptions:
1. Unless approved by the Fire Code Official.
19. 
Section 604 - Elevator Operation, Maintenance, And Fire Service Keys.
604.4.1 Information signs. An approved graphic display of evacuation routes and written information concerning basic evacuation procedures, including the location of the exit stairs, shall be posted in an approved location in all common hallways, in or near elevator lobbies, on all floor levels of all new and existing high-rise buildings.
20. 
604.8 Elevator emergency operations testing. All elevators that are equipped with emergency elevator operations in accordance with Rule 211.3 of ASME A17.1 listed in Chapter 80 of the most recent Edition, shall be tested at least once each year in all phases of emergency functions. An approved elevator service company shall conduct tests.
21. 
604.9 Prohibited lockout systems, key-ways and devices. Elevator service shall be provided for fire department emergency access to all floors in all high-rise buildings. The use of security lockout systems, key operated floor selection buttons or other key-ways or other devices which are not automatically rendered inoperative by the fire sensing devices or the key-operated fire service master switch is prohibited. Walls, security bars, equipment or storage may not obstruct access to any building level from any elevator.
22. 
Section 901 - General.
Annual inspection reporting. This Section shall be added and read as follows: Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained. All fire protection systems, which require an annual or semi-annual inspection under the respective NFPA Code shall submit such reports within thirty (30) calendar days of the inspection. An electronic copy of the inspection report shall be sent via email in an Adobe PDF format to the current City of Frontenac Fire Department Fire Marshal (khalloran@cityoffrontenac.org). The type of fire protection system and the address of inspection shall be included in the "Subject" of the email.
If preferred, a hard-copy of the inspection report may be mailed to:
City of Frontenac Fire Department, 10555 Clayton Road, Saint Louis, MO 63131
High-rise standpipe tests. This Section shall be added and read as follows: In addition to the standards listed in Table 901.6.1, standpipe flow tests approved by the Code Official shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 25 listed in Chapter 80 on standpipe systems in all high-rise buildings every two (2) years. The flow shall not be less than the flow demands required at the time of installation, or not less than two hundred (200) GPM at the topmost hose outlet while maintaining a residual pressure of fifty (50) psi, whichever is the higher demand. At the time of the test, all control valves, including those inside hose cabinets, shall also be operated and tested to insure proper operation of the valves. The results of the tests must be submitted to the Code Official.
23. 
Section 903 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
903.3.5.3 Water flow safety factor. A safety factor shall be applied to all flow tests for automatic sprinkler systems. A parallel curve shall be drawn to the actual flow test curve that has been reduced by ten percent (10%) of the static pressure. A sprinkler system design shall not exceed the ten percent (10%) curve.
24. 
903.7 Post indicator valves. All NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler systems, except NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D and limited area sprinkler systems, shall be provided with a post indicator valve that shall control the water supply to all automatic sprinkler systems in that building.
25. 
Section 907 - Fire Alarm and Detection Systems.
907.7.4 Detector indicators. Smoke detectors or duct detectors located above a ceiling or behind a wall must be provided with a remote indicating device in an approved location at the ceiling or wall to indicate the location of the device.
Exception: where approved by the Fire Code Official.
26. 
Section 909 - Smoke Control Systems.
909.22.7 Stairway pressurization systems. Stairway pressurization systems that supply air to interior exit stairways to provide a positive pressure in stairways shall be tested annually. Stairways shall be pressurized to a minimum of 0.15 inches of water column and a maximum of 0.35 inches of water column in the stairway relative to the pressure in the building with all stairway doors closed under the maximum anticipated stack pressure.
27. 
Section 912 - Fire Department Connections.
912.2.3 Fire Department connection signage. The Fire Department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted above its location. Such sign shall have FDC in red letters on a white background. Letters shall not be less than six (6) inches in height.
28. 
Section 1025 - Luminous Egress Path Markings.
1025.6 Exterior floor identification dots. All new high-rise buildings shall be marked on their exterior with floor level identification dots. These dots shall be not less than eight (8) inches in diameter and be of an approved illumination reflective material.
Dots shall identify every fifth-floor level of the building in relationship to the floor level indicators on the elevator cars. Dots shall be visible on all faces or sides of the building. Specific dot locations must be approved by the Fire Department.
29. 
Section 1103.5.3 Group I-2 Condition 2.
In addition to the requirements of Section 1103.5.2 existing buildings of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancy shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.1.1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be installed within two (2) years of the adopting ordinance.
30. 
Section 1203 - Emergency and Standby Power Systems.
1203.1.3 Installation. Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the International Building Code, NFPA 70, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111.
l. A permit must be obtained from the City of Frontenac prior to installation.
2. An electrical permit must be obtained from St. Louis County prior to the installation.
3. Proposed location on the lot must be provided.
4. A copy of the survey of the property is needed so that it can be determined that the proposed location complies with the following:
a) The local Zoning Ordinance.
b) The local Building and Fire Code; and
c) The manufacturers installation instructions.
5. A copy of the manufacturers installation instructions must be submitted with the permit application.
6. The generator location is very important to minimize fire and exhaust gas hazards:
a) All generators shall be at least five (5) feet from combustibles to all sides including overhead.
b) The generator must be located so that exhaust gases will not collect adjacent to, enter into or be drawn into an occupied building. Minimum clearance of ten (10) feet is required from the generator's exhaust point to any of the home's windows or doors.
c) The unit must be installed level and not where any water may . accumulate.
d) The unit must not be located where water could flood or spray the unit. Sump pump discharge area, downspout discharge or similar issues must be considered.
e) The unit must not be located over buried utility services.
f) The unit must not block access to other utility equipment such as electric service, telephone equipment, gas meters, etc.
31. 
Section 5704 Storage.
5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where above ground tanks are prohibited.
Storage of Class I or II liquids in above ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law of the City of Frontenac, Missouri.
32. 
5706.2.4 Permanent and temporary tanks.
Storage of Class I or II liquids in above ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law of the City of Frontenac, Missouri.
33. 
Section 5806 Flammable Cryogenic Fluids.
5806.2 Limitations. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law of the City of Frontenac, Missouri.
34. 
Section 6104 Location of LP Gas Containers.
6104.2 Maximum capacity with established limits. Within the limits established by law, the City of Frontenac restricts the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one (1) installation shall not exceed a water capacity of two thousand (2,000) gallons.
Exception: In particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the Fire Code Official, after consideration of special features such as topographic conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local Fire Department.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
This Article shall be for the benefit of the City of St. Louis and any municipality or fire protection district within St. Louis County upon the enactment of a similar ordinance or legislation by the appropriate political subdivision thereof.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
This contract shall take effect and be in force from and after the passage and approval of a similar ordinance in the City of St. Louis or any of the municipalities and fire protection districts designated in Section 210.070 hereof, and to last for a period of not exceeding five (5) years from the date of the effective ordinances of the contracting Cities, municipalities or districts set forth in Section 210.070. The provisions of this Article hereof shall be automatically renewed upon the expiration of each five (5) year period unless the Board of Aldermen shall affirmatively elect not to renew such contract.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
This contract may be terminated at any time during its term on the passage of an ordinance so providing by the legislative body of any of those Cities, municipalities or fire protection districts designated in Section 210.070 hereof. Such termination shall take effect sixty (60) days from the date of service of a certified copy thereof.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
The consideration for this mutual fire protection agreement shall be the mutual agreement and service of the Fire Department of each of the Cities, municipalities and fire protection districts to each other for the protection of lives and property, and no compensation shall accrue or be paid by any municipality or fire protection district for the service of the fire department of another.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
The City of Frontenac Fire Department shall respond to fire alarms on call to the City of St. Louis or any of the municipalities and fire protection districts designated in Section 210.070, and the fire departments of the City of St. Louis and those municipalities and fire protection districts shall respond to fire alarms on call in any part of the City of Frontenac's jurisdiction.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
No City, municipality or fire protection district designated in Section 210.070, shall be liable by reason of its conduct to any firefighter, official, or employee of the other, nor shall any firefighter, official, or employee of any other City, municipality or fire protection district hereto be considered for any purpose a firefighter, official or employee of any City, municipality or fire protection district other than the one by which he or she is regularly employed.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
In case of loss or damage to the equipment of any City, municipality or fire protection district while responding to fire alarms, such a loss or damage shall be borne by the City, municipality or fire protection district owning such equipment or property.
[Ord. No. 768 §1, 1-12-1988]
No City, municipality or fire protection district shall be liable to the other for failure to respond to any call by the other of such City, municipalities or fire protection districts, or for the delay or negligence or mistake in receiving or responding to any call, nor shall the agreement be interpreted as being an agreement for the benefit of any third (3rd) person.