[1]
Editor’s note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
The city hereby adopts the International Fire Code, herein known as the fire code, published by the International Code Council, 2015 edition, save and except such portions as are hereinafter amended. The same is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out in length herein, and from and after the passage of the ordinance adopting this section the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city. The adoption of the International Fire Code extends to appendices B through J, (excluding appendices A, K and L), and a copy of said code shall be maintained in the office of the fire marshal, all such copies to be open to public inspection during the business hours of the offices where they are maintained, along with amendments thereto provided by ordinance.
(1959 Code, sec. 12-82; Ordinance 7550, sec. 2, adopted 10/27/1977; 1983 Code, sec. 11-71; Ordinance 8380, sec. 2, adopted 12/9/1982; Ordinance 8974, sec. 1, adopted 10/7/1986; Ordinance 9272, sec. 1, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 9578, sec. 1, adopted 1/14/1993; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 22, 23, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
The provisions of the International Fire Code, 2015 edition, are hereby specifically amended as follows:
(1) 
Marking.
Section 503.3 is hereby amended by the addition of subsections 503.3.1, 503.3.2, 503.3.3, and 503.3.4, to read as follows:
503.3.1. Maintenance. The owner or person in control of any building for which fire lanes have been designated shall mark and maintain said fire lanes by painting stripes on the surface of said roadways to designate the fire lane for fire apparatus in accordance with the specifications of section 503.3 and in such a manner so as to be visible to a reasonably observant person.
503.3.2. Specifications for marking. All required fire lanes shall be provided and maintained with fire lane striping which consists of a six (6) inch wide red background stripe with four (4) inch high white letters stating “FIRE LANE NO PARKING” or “NO PARKING FIRE LANE” to be painted upon the red stripe every forty (40) feet along the entire length of the fire lane, showing the exact boundary of the fire lane. The words “FIRE LANE NO PARKING” or “NO PARKING FIRE LANE” must be grouped together as a phrase. Separating the words “NO PARKING” and “FIRE LANE” spacing them forty (40) feet apart does not meet the intention of this section. Fire lane markings shall be upon the vertical surface of the curb unless otherwise approved by the chief.
503.3.3. Alternate markings. When, due to a building’s particular use, the chief determines that fire lane markings are impractical, the words “LOADING ZONE/NO PARKING,” painted black, may be substituted for the words “FIRE LANE/NO PARKING,” and the six-inch (6") red stripe must be painted yellow, but all other provisions of chapter 5 shall apply.
503.3.4. Alternate signs allowed or required. If the chief or authorized representative determines that other means of notice are ineffective to designate a fire lane, signs may be required by written notice to the property owner. These signs shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic-Control Devices. When required, these signs shall be erected and maintained bearing a red legend stating “No Parking Fire Lane” with letters of at least two inches (2") in height on a white reflective background at least twelve inches (12") wide by eighteen inches (18") tall. Signs shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches (6' 6") above the finished grade. Signs shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50') apart. Signs may be installed on permanent buildings or walls as approved by the chief or authorized representative. Additional signs may also be required by written notice from the chief.
(2) 
Key boxes.
Section 506 is hereby amended by the addition of subsection 506.1.1.1, to read as follows:
506.1.1.1 Approved. When required by the fire department, a KNOX lock box, KNOX padlock, and/or KNOX key switch must be installed on any structure or gate at a location approved by the fire department. The key box shall contain keys as required by the code authority or his designee.
(3) 
Two-way communication.
Section 1009.8 is hereby amended by the addition of subsection 1009.8.1, to read as follows:
1009.8.1 Exceptions.
1.) 
Two-way communication systems are to remain inactive until activated by fire alarm or sprinkler system. If a fire alarm or sprinkler system are not provided in the building, then smoke detection at the ceiling above the two-way system is required to activate the system.
2.) 
Two-way communication systems are not required in ‘Group I’ occupancies.
3.) 
Two-way communication systems are not required in buildings that are half the allowable building area and 3 or fewer stories.
4.) 
Two-way communication systems are only required on floors in apartments, hotels, or dormitories where there are public areas or accessible units. Exit discharge floors do not require two-way communication systems.
(4) 
Access-controlled egress doors.
1010.1.9.8 Access-controlled egress doors.
1. 
Loss of power to the lock or locking system shall automatically unlock the doors.
2. 
The doors shall be arranged to unlock from a manual unlocking device located 40 inches to 48 inches (1016mm to 1219 mm) vertically above the floor, in sight and within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the secured doors. Ready access shall be provided to the manual unlocking device and the device shall be clearly identified by a sign that reads “PUSH TO EXIT”. When operated, the manual unlocking device shall result in direct mechanical interruption of power to the lock - independent of other electronics- and the doors shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds.
3. 
Activation of the building fire alarm system, where provided, shall automatically unlock the doors, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has been reset.
4. 
Activation of the building automatic sprinkler system or fire detection system, where provided, shall automatically unlock the doors. The doors shall remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has been reset.
5. 
The door locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.
6. 
Entrance doors in buildings with an occupancy in Group A, E or M shall not be secured from the egress side during periods that the building is open to the general public. A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch (25mm) high on a contrasting background. For the purposes of this section, “entrance doors” refer to building or tenant space perimeter doors.
(1983 Code, secs. 11-83, 11-84, 11-85; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 40, 41, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2011-O0036, sec. 15, adopted 4/14/2011; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
The fire marshal is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of the fire code and city ordinance and shall have the authority to render interpretations of the fire code, and to adopt policies, procedures, rules and regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures, rules and regulations shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in the code.
(1959 Code, sec. 12-83; Ordinance 7550, sec. 2, adopted 10/27/1977; 1983 Code, sec. 11-73; Ordinance 8380, sec. 2, adopted 12/9/1982; Ordinance 8974, sec. 1, adopted 10/7/1986; Ordinance 9272, sec. 3, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 26, 27, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
The city building board of appeals, established under section 2.03.491 of this Code of Ordinances, shall serve as the appellate body for purposes of issues arising under the fire code adopted by this article. For this purpose, the board shall proceed with business in the same manner as that prescribed for issues arising under the technical construction as outlined in article 2.03, division 14 of this Code of Ordinances.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-74; Ordinance 8974, sec. 1, adopted 10/7/1986; Ordinance 9272, sec. 4, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 28, 29, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
Conflicts between any provisions of this article, the fire code or building code shall be governed by the administration chapters of the adopted codes.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-78; Ordinance 9272, sec. 8, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 32, 33, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
The fire marshal may examine plans for evidence of compliance with this code. The officially approved plans bearing the fire marshal’s review comments shall be kept on site and accessible at all times to facilitate proper inspection. The fire marshal may require tests or other investigations to be conducted by an agency satisfactory to the jurisdiction when an appliance, device, equipment or system intended for installation does not specifically meet the requirement of this code, but meets the intent of this code. Such tests or investigations shall be based on proper test standards or principles.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-76; Ordinance 8974, sec. 1, adopted 10/7/1986; Ordinance 9272, sec. 6, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 2011-O0036, sec. 16, adopted 4/14/2011; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
The fire marshal or building official may require a building to be inspected for compliance with the fire code, as adopted by this article, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. When, in the opinion of the fire marshal or building official, a building must be so inspected by the fire marshal or his designated representative prior to issuance of an occupancy certificate, such building shall not be occupied prior to such final inspection as the fire marshal or building official may deem necessary.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-77; Ordinance 8974, sec. 1, adopted 10/7/1986; Ordinance 9272, sec. 7, adopted 6/22/1989; Ordinance 2005-O0141, secs. 30, 31, adopted 12/15/2005; Ordinance 2012-O0061, sec. 1, adopted 7/12/2012; Ordinance 2016-O0157 adopted 11/3/2016; Ordinance 2020-O0044, sec. 2, adopted 3/24/2020)
Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved occupant load or capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The owner, manager or occupant in charge of the premises shall be responsible for the accurate count of the number of people in the building, area or any portion thereof. Selling or distributing tickets, in any form or fashion, beyond the approved occupant load of an area where the event will be held, shall not be permitted.
Editor’s note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-79; Ordinance 2005-O0141, sec. 35, adopted 12/15/2005)
Whenever a condition exists where either there are more people in a building, structure or portion thereof than have been authorized by the fire marshal or persons are sitting and/or standing in locations that may obstruct or impede the use of aisles, passages, corridors, stairways, exits or other components of the means of egress, and the fire marshal determines that a threat exists to the safety of the occupants thereby creating a violation of overcrowding, the occupant, owner or manager in charge of the occupancy shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined an amount not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).
Editor’s note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-80; Ordinance 2005-O0141, sec. 37, adopted 12/15/2005)
Any occupant, owner or manager that has been found to allow admittance in any room, building or space beyond the approved occupant load or capacity as determined by the fire marshal and the fire code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined an amount not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). Each of the following will be considered to be separate violations of the fire code in addition to the violation of overcrowding:
(1) 
Admittance beyond the approved occupant load by 1 thru 50 occupants;
(2) 
Admittance beyond the approved occupant load by 51 thru 100 occupants;
(3) 
Admittance beyond the approved occupant load by 101 thru 250 occupants; or
(4) 
Admittance beyond the approved occupant load by 251 or more occupants.
(1983 Code, sec. 11-81; Ordinance 2005-O0141, sec. 38, adopted 12/15/2005)