For the purposes of this article, the following terms, words, and the derivations thereof shall have the meanings given herein:
Accessory structures.
A building, such as a garage, where the use of which is incidental to that of the main building and which is located on the same lot. For the purposes of this article, attics are included in accessory structures.
Applicant.
A property owner or person authorized by a property owner seeking a construction or development approval from the city.
Fire flow.
The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 pounds per square inch (psi) (138 kPa) residual pressure, that is available for firefighting, as defined by appendix B of the 2012 International Fire Code (“IFC”). The city has properly adopted the IFC and appendix B of the IFC.
Structure.
A walled and roofed building that is principally above ground.
(Ordinance 285 adopted 1/22/14)
(a) 
The minimum fire flow for all structures in the city limits shall be at a rate of 500 gallons per minute, notwithstanding any standard in the IFC to the contrary.
(b) 
Applicants shall meet or exceed the minimum fire flow required by this article. All testing associated with this fire flow demonstration shall be performed by county emergency services district No. 9 (“ESD 9”). For compliance with this section, all fire hydrant tests conducted by ESD 9 shall be valid for a 270-day period.
(Ordinance 285 adopted 1/22/14)
(a) 
All fire flow and building construction shall meet the standards set forth in this article and in the IFC. An applicant may claim a reduction in the required fire flow by fifty percent (50%) when the structure is equipped with an approved National Fire Protection Association 13D sprinkler system (“13D”), or an approved automatic sprinkler system rated higher than the 13D sprinkler system in accordance with appendix B of the 2012 IFC.
(b) 
An applicant may claim the following additional reductions in the minimum required fire flow by:
(1) 
Demonstrating and maintaining compliance with the fuel mitigation measures provided in division 9 [sic] of this Code of Ordinances;
(2) 
Proposing to implement the following methods; and
(3) 
Providing documentation to the city administrator of a certified architect’s approval and a recommendation by ESD 9 of the following methods.
(A) 
A reduction in the required fire flow by an additional nine percent (9%) above the reduction provided in this article when an approved 13D sprinkler system is installed, without exemptions, throughout the entire structure (including in accessory structures and covered outdoor areas attached to the main structure). For the purposes of this article, and in accordance with section B104 of the 2012 IFC, outdoor areas covered by a roof projection attached to the main structure shall be included in square footage of the structure for determination of fire flow.
(B) 
A reduction in the required fire flow by six percent (6%) when the exterior of the structure is constructed with “class 1” ignition-resistant construction materials and methods in accordance with Section 504 of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2012 edition, as amended.
(c) 
No applicant shall be considered for reductions in fire flow requirements greater than sixty-five percent (65%) unless the applicant implements all fire suppression methods in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) of this section and requests a variance to exceed the reductions provided herein. Upon adequate demonstration of fire safety, the Board of Adjustment may consider a variance for additional reductions not contemplated by this section for measures that the board of adjustment finds provide additional fire protection.
(d) 
An applicant shall maintain the methods implemented and defensible space created to claim fire flow reductions in accordance with this article.
(e) 
Where any conflict exists between the adopted IFC and this article, this article shall control. Additionally, all construction shall comply with the building regulations under chapter 22 of this Code of Ordinances, as amended.
(Ordinance 285 adopted 1/22/14)
(a) 
An application for a variance for mandatory minimum fire flow must be submitted to the city detailing in writing how the project is eligible for a variance, including written descriptions of the proposed alternative fire safety measures and a demonstration of undue hardship, above and beyond a financial hardship. The board of adjustment may grant a variance upon finding of compelling evidence of:
(1) 
Undue hardship; and
(2) 
Sufficiency of the proposed additional fire protection measures.
In granting a variance, the board of adjustment may prescribe reasonable, related terms and conditions.
(b) 
Completed applications for variance will be placed on the agenda for the next available board of adjustment meeting. Applications must be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.
(c) 
The notice required for a variance shall be conducted in accordance with section 20.03.014 of this Code of Ordinances.
(Ordinance 285 adopted 1/22/14)
(a) 
Generally, the city shall have the power to administer and enforce the provisions of this article as may be required by governing law.
(b) 
A violation under this article shall be violation of a fire safety regulation and punished as provided in section 1.01.013 of this Code of Ordinances.
(Ordinance 285 adopted 1/22/14)