Chapter 1 Scope and Administration is adopted in its entirety, except that sections 104.7, 105.5.19 through 105.5.21, and 105.5.34 are deleted; Section 105.6.1.1 is added; and Sections 101.1, 101.3, 105.5.18(10), 105.5.18(11), and 112.4 are amended as follows:
Section 101.1 Title is hereby amended as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Costa Mesa, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
Section 103.1 Creation of agency is hereby amended as follows:
103.1 Creation of agency. The Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Department (CMFR) is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
Section 105.5.18 Flammable and combustible liquids is hereby amended as follows:
105.5.18 Flammable and combustible liquids. An operational permit is required:
10. | To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental, or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4. |
11. | To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, marine craft and other special equipment at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4. |
Section 105.6.1.1 Private Fire Underground System is hereby added as follows:
105.6.1.1 Private Fire Underground System. A separate construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire underground system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
Section 106.1 Submittals is hereby amended as follows:
106.1 Submittals. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted with each application for a permit and in such form and detail as required by the fire code official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Section 106.4 Retention of construction documents is hereby amended as follows:
106.4 Retention of construction documents. One set of construction documents shall be retained by the fire code official for a period of not less than 180 days from date of completion of the permitted work, or as required by state or local laws. An approved digital set of construction documents shall be made available to the applicant, and a printed copy of said set shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.
Section 113.4 Violation penalties is hereby amended as follows:
113.4 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 misdemeanor as provided in Section
1-33 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 3 General Requirements is adopted in its entirety, except that Sections 311.5 through 311.5.5 and 318 are deleted; Sections 305.6, 305.7, and 307.6 through 307.6.2 are added; and Sections 307 and 308.1.7 are amended as follows:
Section 305.6 Hazardous Conditions is hereby added as follows:
305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies:
1. | When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made. |
2. | No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official. |
Section 305.7 Disposal of rubbish is hereby added as follows:
305.7 Disposal of rubbish. Rubbish, trash, or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1.
Section 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces is hereby amended as follows:
307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Section 307.6 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies is hereby added as follows:
307.6 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices used at Group R occupancies shall comply with this section.
Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking.
Section 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices is hereby added as follows:
307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction and vegetation shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. At other R occupancies, the minimum distance shall be ten feet. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester as defined in Section 202.
Section 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas is hereby added as follows:
307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks.
The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace, Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure or to vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in devices burning wood or solid fuel shall be in accordance with Sections 305, 307, and 308.
Exceptions:
1. | Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3' from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies, |
2. | Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies. |
Section 308.1.7 Sky lanterns is hereby amended as follows:
308.1.7 Sky lanterns. A person shall not ignite, release, or cause to be released a sky lantern.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features is adopted in its entirety, except that Section 510.2 is deleted, and Sections 503.2 and 510.1 are amended as follows:
Section 503.2 Specifications is hereby amended as follows:
503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8 and the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department Plan Submittal Checklist Specifications.
Section 510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings is hereby amended as follows:
510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement systems in new buildings. Approved in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems (ERCES) providing two-way radio coverage for emergency responders shall be provided in all new buildings. In-building ERCES shall be based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communications systems utilized by the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the building. The ERCES, where required, shall be of a type determined by the fire code official and the frequency license holder(s). The ERCES shall comply with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Communications and Technology Division guidelines and specifications and, where the functionality or performance requirements in the California Fire Code are more stringent, this code. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communications systems.
Exceptions:
1. | Where approved by the building official and the fire code official, a wired communications system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 shall be permitted to be installed or maintained instead of an approved ERCES. |
2. | Where it is determined by the fire code official that an ERCES is not needed. |
3. | In facilities where emergency responder communications coverage is required and such systems, components, or equipment could have a negative impact on normal operations, the fire code official is authorized to accept an automatically activated ERCES. |
4. | One-story buildings not exceeding 12,000 square feet (1115 m2) with no below-ground area(s). |
Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems is adopted in its entirety, except that Section 901.11 is added, and Section 912.2 is amended as follows:
Section 901.11 False Alarms is hereby added as follows:
901.11 False Alarms. False alarms shall not be given, signaled or transmitted or caused or permitted to be given, signaled or transmitted in any manner.
(a) | The owner and any person in possession of any building shall be assessed a fee to be set by resolution whenever the Fire Department is required to respond to more than two false alarms during a one-year period consisting of January 1-December 31 of any given year. Continued false alarms generated from the same location within the same one-year period shall also be assessed a fee set by resolution for each successive false alarm. |
(b) | Notwithstanding Subsection (a), whenever the Fire Department is required to respond to a false alarm while the system is being repaired or otherwise modified, and the person performing the work has failed to notify the Fire Department in advance that such work was being done, the persons performing the work shall also be assessed a fee set by resolution for each such occurrence. |
(c) | For purposes of this Section, "false alarm" shall mean the activation of any local or central station alarm because of malfunction, including, but not limited to, mechanical or electrical defects, water surges, or because of improper installation, operation testing or maintenance of such system. Whenever the Fire Department responds to the location of a false alarm and finds that there is no evidence of a fire or of external causes beyond the control of the owner or person in possession that may have caused the alarm, the activation shall be presumed to be a false alarm. Not included as a false alarm will be those activations caused by earthquakes or other phenomena beyond the control of the owner or person in possession. |
(d) | Whenever an owner, person in possession or alarm system workman is notified of such assessment and believes that he should be excused from paying because any occurrences did not constitute a false alarm, as defined above, he or she shall have the right to appeal said assessment to the Fire Chief within ten (10) calendar days of his receipt of the notice of assessment. The Fire Chief is authorized to excuse the assessment if he determines that a false alarm as defined, did not occur. |
(e) | Any person, firm or corporation who receives notification of penalties due and fails to pay such penalties within the specified amount of time, no less than 30 days, a 10 percent per month late fee will be assessed until penalties have been paid. |
Section 912.2 Location is amended as follows:
912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2 1/2" inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings. Adopt only those sections and subsections that are listed below:
1103.3.3 |
1103.7 |
1103.7.3 |
1103.7.3.1 |
1103.7.8 - 1103.7.8.2 |
1103.7.9 - 1103.7.9.10 |
1103.8 - 1103.8.5.3 |
1103.9 |
1103.9.1 |
1105.12 |
1105.12.1 |
1107 |
1108 |
1113 |
1114 |
1115 |
1116 |
Chapter 12 Energy Systems is adopted in its entirety, with Section 1207.11.5.1 added and Section 1207.4.1 amended as follows:
Section 1207.4.1 Electrical disconnects is amended as follows:
1207.4.1 Electrical disconnects. The ESS disconnecting means shall be within 72-inches of, and readily visible from, the main electrical service disconnecting means. The ESS disconnecting means shall be labeled "ESS Emergency Stop".
Exception: Electrical disconnects for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be permitted to have electrical disconnects signage in accordance with NFPA 76.
Section 1207.11.5.1 ESS Electrical disconnect in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies is hereby added as follows:
1207.11.5.1 ESS Electrical disconnect in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies. The ESS disconnecting means shall be provided within 72-inches of, and readily visible from, the main electrical service disconnecting means. The ESS disconnecting means shall be labeled "ESS Emergency Stop".
Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 22 Combustible Dust-Producing Operations is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 23 Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 24 Flammable Finishes is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 25 Fruit and Crop Ripening is deleted in its entirety.
Chapter 26 Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging is deleted in its entirety.
Chapter 27 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 28 Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 29 Manufacture of Organic Coatings is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 30 Industrial Ovens is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 31 Temporary Special Event Structures and Other Membrane Structures is adopted in its entirety, except that Section 3103.8.1 is deleted, and Sections 3103.8 and 3103.8.1.1 are amended as follows:
Section 3103.8 Structural stability and anchorage required is hereby amended as follows:
3103.8 Structural stability and anchorage required. Tents or membrane structures and their appurtenances shall be designed and installed to withstand the elements of weather and prevent collapsing. Documentation of structural stability shall be furnished to the fire code official. Anchorage shall be installed to meet or exceed the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Tent Guideline.
3103.8.1.1 Water-filled vessels is hereby amended as follows:
3103.8.1.1 Water-filled vessels. Water-filled vessels shall not be used to anchor a tent or membrane structure unless approved in writing by the Fire Code Official and in accordance with the tent or membrane structure manufacturer's instructions.
Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 33 Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 34 Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 35 Welding and Other Hot Work is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 36 Marinas is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 37 Combustible Fibers is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 39 Processing and Extraction Facilities is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 40 Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 41 Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 48 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials – General Provisions is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 51 Aerosols is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 53 Compressed Gases is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 54 Corrosive materials is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 55 Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks is adopted in its entirety, with Sections 5608.2, 5608.3, and 5609.2 through 5609.17 added, and Section 5609.1 amended as follows:
Section 5608.2 Firing is hereby added as follows:
5608.2 Firing. All fireworks displays, regardless of mortar, device, or shell size, shall be electrically fired.
Section 5608.3 Application for Permit is hereby added as follows:
5608.3 Application for Permit. A diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the fallout area based on 100 feet per inch of shell size, the location of all buildings, roads, and other means of transportation, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained, the location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone line, or other overhead obstructions shall be provided to CMFR.
Section 5609.1 General is amended as follows:
5609.1 General. Where the temporary storage of consumer fireworks, 1.4G is allowed by Section 5601.1.3, Exception 4, such storage shall comply with the applicable requirements of NFPA 1124. In addition to the requirements of NFPA 1124, all temporary stands for the display and sale of fireworks shall be located, maintained and operated subject to the following provisions:
5609.2. No fireworks display or stand shall be erected within one hundred (100) feet of any gasoline dispensing device or room in which vehicles containing gasoline are repaired or within thirty-five (35) feet of any other structure. Minimum setback from a public sidewalk shall be five (5) feet; setback from street curbing shall be not less than ten (10) feet where no sidewalk exists.
5609.3. There shall be maintained in each premises or stand within which fireworks are sold or offered for sale, a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A, 10BC located adjacent to each exit.
5609.4. No person shall light or cause or permit to be lighted any open flame, match, lighter, or any other article or material within any such stand or within fifty (50) feet thereof.
5609.5. No smoking shall be allowed in any structure used for the sale and display of fireworks or within fifty (50) feet of said structure. "No smoking" signs shall be displayed prominently and in a number prescribed by the fire chief.
5609.6. All such temporary stands shall be constructed to existing city requirements and specifications.
5609.7. All such temporary stands for the display and sale of fireworks shall obtain an electrical permit from the City of Costa Mesa prior to performance of any electrical work. An electrical permit shall be required for the use of a portable generator or other temporary power source.
5609.8. All power and lighting shall be GFCI protected. Battery-powered equipment, electrical equipment, and electrical cords that are used in conjunction with a CFRS facility area shall be listed and shall be used in accordance with their listing.
5609.9. Where temporary electrical conductors are placed on top of an outdoor surface to connect the permanent power source to the temporary CFRS facility's temporary electrical system, the conductors shall be provided with physical protection against damage caused by pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
5609.10. Reserved.
5609.11. The permittee shall strictly comply with all of the provisions of the State Fireworks Law, Sections
12500 et seq. of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.
5609.12. Fireworks shall be stored and kept only in the permittee's sale booth. It shall be unlawful to store any fireworks intended for sale in any building, residence, garage, home or automobile within the City of Costa Mesa.
5609.13. There shall be at least one (1) adult in attendance during any open or sale hours of the fireworks stand. No person under the age of eighteen (18) years, and no person who is physically or mentally unable to move himself shall be permitted within a fireworks stand.
5609.14. The permittee shall provide an adult night watchman to act and serve during the hours of storage. Under no circumstances shall any night watchman sleep within any fireworks stand.
5609.15. No alcoholic beverages shall be allowed on the premises.
5609.16. All fireworks fuses shall be taped.
5609.17. All permits must be posted in a conspicuous place.
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids is adopted in its entirety, except that Section 5707 is deleted and Section 5701.1.1 is added as follows:
Section 5701.1.1 On-Demand Mobile fueling is added as follows:
5701.1.1 On-Demand Mobile fueling. On-demand mobile fueling of Class I, II, and III liquids into the fuel tanks of vehicles is prohibited.
Chapter 58 Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety, except that Section 5809 is deleted and Section 5801.1 is amended as follows:
Section 5801.1 Scope is amended as follows:
5801.1 Scope. The storage and use of flammable gases and flammable cryogenic fluids shall be in accordance with this chapter, NFPA 2 and NFPA 55. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53 and cryogenic fluids shall also comply with Chapter 55. Flammable cryogenic fluids shall comply with Section 5806. Hydrogen motor fuel-dispensing stations and repair garages and their associated above-ground hydrogen storage systems shall also be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with Chapter 23. Mobile fueling of gaseous and liquid hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the fuel tanks of vehicles is prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. | Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 605). |
2. | Liquefied petroleum gases and natural gases regulated by Chapter 61. |
3. | Fuel-gas systems and appliances regulated under the California Mechanical Code and the California Plumbing Code other than gaseous hydrogen systems and appliances. |
4. | Pyrophoric gases in accordance with Chapter 64. |
Chapter 59 Flammable Solids is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 60 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 62 Organic Peroxides is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 63 Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases, and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 64 Pyrophoric Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 65 Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 66 Unstable (Reactive) Materials is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 67 Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids is adopted in its entirety without amendment.
Chapter 80 Referenced Standards is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:
NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 9.2.1.7 is hereby amended as follows:
9.2.3.3(1) Combustible concealed spaces filled entirely with non-combustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official.
9.2.1.7 Concealed spaces filled with noncombustible insulation shall not require sprinkler protection when approved by the fire code official.
Section 9.4.3.1 is hereby amended as follows:
9.4.3.1 When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use (Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick-response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the fire sprinkler plan is submitted. Sprinklers in light hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:
(1) | Quick-response type as defined in 3.3.215.4.16 |
(2) | Residential sprinklers in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12 |
(3) | Quick response CMSA sprinklers |
(4) | ESFR sprinklers |
(5) | Standard-response sprinklers used for modifications or additions to existing light hazard systems equipped with standard-response sprinklers |
(6) | Standard-response sprinklers used where individual standard-response sprinklers are replaced in existing light hazard systems |
Section 16.11.2.1 is hereby amended as follows:
16.11.2.1 Local Waterflow Alarms. A local wateflow alarm shall be provided for all sprinkler systems and shall connected to the building fire alarm or water flow monitoring system where provided. Group R occupancies not requiring a fire alarm system by the California Fire Code shall be provided with at least one approved interior alarm device in each unit, or interconnection to the unit smoke alarm system. Sound levels in all sleeping areas shall be a minimum of 15 DBA above the average ambient sound or a minimum of 75 DBA with all intervening doors closed. Alarms shall be audible within all other living areas within each dwelling unit. When not connected to a fire alarm or water-flow monitoring system, audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over current protection (GFI), serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
Section 16.12.3.3 is hereby amended as follows:
16.12.3.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the fire code official. The size of piping and the number of 2 1/2" inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red or as approved. When the fire sprinkler density design requires more than 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand), or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided.
Section 16.12.5.7 is hereby amended as follows:
16.12.5.7 Fire Department Connections. Fire department connections shall be located at the nearest point of fire department apparatus accessibility or at a location approved by the authority having jurisdiction. They shall be installed immediately adjacent to the approved fire department access road and such that hose lines can be readily and conveniently attached to the inlets without interference from nearby objects including buildings, fence posts, or other fire department connections.
Section 19.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
19.1.1.1 When fire sprinkler systems are required in buildings of undetermined use other than warehouses, they shall be designed and installed to have a fire sprinkler density of not less than that required for an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 use, with no reduction(s) in density or design area. Warehouse fire sprinkler systems shall be designed to Figure 21.4.1.2.2.1(d) curve "C." Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the sprinkler plan is submitted. Where a subsequent use or occupancy requires a system with greater capability, it shall be the responsibility of the occupant to upgrade the system to the required density for the new use or occupancy.
Section 19.2.3.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
19.2.3.1.1.1 The available water supply for fire sprinkler system design shall be determined by one of the following methods, as approved by the fire code official:
(1) | Subtract the project site elevation from the low water level for the appropriate pressure zone and multiply the result by 0.433; |
(2) | Use a maximum of 40 psi, if available; |
(3) | Utilize the CMFR water-flow test form/directions to document a flow test conducted by the local water agency or an approved third party licensed in the State of California. |
Section 28.4.5.2(19)(g) Summary Sheet is hereby added as follows:
28.4.5.2(19)(g) Water supply certification shall be not more than six months prior to the plan submittal to the authority having jurisdiction.
NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows:
Section 4.6 Stock of Spare Sprinklers is hereby added as follows:
4.6.1 A supply of at least two sprinklers for each type shall be maintained on the premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be promptly replaced.
4.6.2 The sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers in the property.
4.6.3 The sprinklers shall be kept in a cabinet located where the temperature to which they are subjected will at no time exceed 100°F (38°C).
4.6.4 A special sprinkler wrench shall be provided and kept in the cabinet to be used in the removal and installation of sprinklers. One sprinkler wrench shall be provided for each type of sprinkler installed.
Section 7.1.2 is hereby amended as follows:
7.1.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have a separate control valve installed unless supervised by one of the following methods:
(1) | Central station, proprietary or remote station alarm service. |
(2) | Reserved. |
(3) | Reserved. |
Section 7.3 Pressure Gauges is hereby amended as follows:
7.3.1. At least one water pressure gauge shall be installed on the riser assembly.
Section 7.6 Alarms is hereby amended as follows:
7.6 Alarms. Exterior water flow alarm indicating devices shall be listed for outside service and audible from the street from which the house is addressed. Exterior audible devices shall be placed on the front or side of the structure and the location subject to final approval by the fire code official. Additional interior alarm devices shall be required to provide audibility throughout the structure. Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a minimum of 15 dba above the average ambient sound level but not less than 75 dba. Audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over-current protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
Exception:
(1) | When an approved water flow monitoring system is installed, interior audible devices may be powered through the fire alarm control panel. |
(2) | When smoke detectors specified by the CBC or CRC are used to sound an interior alarm upon water flow switch activation. |
Section 8.3.5 is hereby amended as follows:
8.3.5 Sprinklers shall not be required in attics without storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated for exclusively to and containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, crawl spaces, and other concealed spaces that are not intended for living purposes.
Section 8.3.5.1.1 is hereby amended as follows:
8.3.5.1.1 Where fuel-fired equipment is located other than beneath an occupied area of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate-temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space.
Section 8.3.5.1.3 is hereby added as follows:
8.3.5.1.3 At a minimum, attics with storage access shall be protected with an intermediate temperature quick response sprinklers, which shall be located to protect attic penetrations created by the access scuttles or mechanical equipment.
NFPA 13R 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.6.6 is hereby amended as follows:
6.6.6 Sprinklers shall not be required in attics without storage, penthouse equipment rooms, elevator machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated exclusively to and containing only dwelling unit ventilation equipment, crawl spaces, floor/ceiling spaces, vertical chases, elevator shafts where the elevator installation complies with ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and other concealed spaces that are not intended for living purposes or storage and do not contain fuel-fired equipment.
Section 6.6.6.3 is hereby amended as follows:
6.6.6.3 Where the fuel-fired equipment is above all occupied areas, at least one quick-response intermediate-temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment or at the wall separating the space with the fuel-fired equipment from the occupied space.
Section 6.16.1 is hereby amended as follows:
6.16.1 A local water-flow alarm shall be provided on all sprinkler systems and shall be connected to the building fire alarm or water-flow monitoring system where provided. Group R occupancies containing less than the number of stories, dwelling units or occupant load specified in Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code as requiring a fire alarm system shall be provided with a minimum of one approved interior alarm device in each unit. Sound levels in all sleeping areas shall be a minimum of 15 DBA above the average ambient sound or a minimum of 75 DBA with all intervening doors closed. Alarms shall be audible within all other living areas within each dwelling unit. When not connected to a fire alarm, residential smoke detection or water-flow monitoring system, audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over-current protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence. There shall also be a minimum of one exterior alarm indicating device, listed for outside service and audible from the access roadway that serves that building.
NFPA 14, 2024 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 7.3.1.1 is hereby is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
7.3.1.1 Class I and III Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 18 inches or more than 24 inches above the finished floor. Class II Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 3 feet or more than five feet above the finished floor.
NFPA 24, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.2.8.1 is hereby added as follows:
6.2.8.1 All indicating valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red.
Exceptions:
1. | Brass or bronze valves on sprinkler risers mounted to the exterior of the building may be left unpainted. |
2. | Where OS&Y valves on the detector check assembly are the only control valves, at least one OS&Y valve shall be painted red. |
Section 6.2.9 is hereby amended as follows:
6.2.9. All connections to private fire service mains for fire protection systems shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following so that they can be isolated:
(1)* | A post indicator valve installed not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building |
| (a) | For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a post indicator valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the post indicator valve. |
(2) | A wall post indicator valve. |
(3) | An indicating valve in a pit, installed in accordance with Section 6.4 |
(4)* | A backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building |
| (a) | For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a backflow preventer with at least one indicating valve shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the backflow preventer. |
(5)* | When approved by the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department, a nonindicating valve, such as an underground gate valve with an approved roadway box, complete with T-wrench, located not less than 40 ft (12 m) from the building |
| (a) | For buildings less than 40 ft (12 m) in height, a nonindicating valve, such as an underground gate valve with an approved roadway box, complete with T-wrench, shall be permitted to be installed closer than 40 ft (12 m) but at least as far from the building as the height of the wall facing the nonindicating valve. |
| (b) | A nonindicating valve, such as an underground nonrising stem gate valve with an approved roadway box complete with T-wrench shall be allowed to be closer than 40 ft (12 m) to the building when a property line or other physical barriers make it impossible to have the valve 40 ft (12 m) away. |
(6) | Control valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior |
(7) | Control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior as permitted by the AHJ. |
Section 10.1.5 is hereby added as follows:
10.1.5 All ferrous pipe and joints shall be polyethylene encased per AWWA C150, Method A, B, or C. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube or sheet. The ends of the tube or sheet shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2 inch wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Exception: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings
Section 10.4.1.1 is hereby amended as follows:
10.4.1.1 All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt or other corrosion-retarding material after installation.
Exception: Bolted joint accessories made from 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
10.4.1.1.1 All bolts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel.
Appendices |
Appendix Chapter 4 is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix A is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix B is adopted in its entirety with amendments outlined in CMFR Plan Submittal Checklist Specifications. |
Appendix BB is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix C is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix CC is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix D is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix E is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix F is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix G is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix H is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix I is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix J is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix K is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix L is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix M is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix N is adopted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix O is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix P is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
Appendix Q is deleted in its entirety without amendments. |
(Ord. No. 07-18, § 5, 10-16-07; Ord. No. 10-10, § 6, 9-21-10; Ord. No. 13-06, § 5, 11-19-13; Ord. No. 16-14, § 5, 12-6-16; Ord. No. 19-18, § 6, 11-19-19; Ord. No. 22-07, § 1, 11-2-22; Ord. 2025-08, 11/18/2025)