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.
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Editor’s note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
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(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).
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Editor’s note–See corresponding note located in Appendix A of this code.
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(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)
