Application and Adoption of the California Fire Code. Except as stated in this section or as amended below in Sections 8.36.020—8.36.060, all of the provisions and appendices of the 2022 California Fire Code, inclusive of all of the inclusions and exclusions set forth in each chapter's matrix, are hereby adopted and shall apply to the city of Moreno Valley. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2022 California Fire Code are hereby adopted - Chapter 1, Division II of the California Fire Code is hereby adopted, except that Sections 103.2 and 111.3 are not adopted, and Chapters 3, 25, and Sections 403.11, 503, 510.2, and 1103.2 are adopted.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022)
A. 
Section 101.4 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
101.4 Severability. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
B. 
Section 102.5 is hereby amended as follows:
102.5 Application of residential code. Where structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code, the provisions of this code shall apply as follows:
1. 
Construction and design provisions of this code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access and water supplies. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are installed, construction permits required by Section 105.7 of this code shall apply.
2. 
Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply.
3. 
Automatic fire sprinkler system requirements of this code shall apply to detached accessory buildings 3,600 square feet or greater in accordance with Section 903.2. The provisions contained in Section 903.2.18 of the California Fire Code or Section R309.6 of the California Residential Code may be used for the design of the automatic fire sprinkler system for detached private garages.
C. 
Section 104.1.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief.
(1) 
The Fire Chief and his or her designees are authorized and directed to enforce all applicable State fire laws and the provisions of this code and he or she shall perform such related duties as may be fixed by the City Council, and for such purposes, he or she shall have the power of a peace officer.
(2) 
The Fire Chief is authorized to administer, interpret and enforce this code. Under the Fire Chief's direction, the fire department is authorized to enforce all ordinances of the jurisdiction pertaining to:
a. 
The prevention of fires,
b. 
The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires,
c. 
The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials,
d. 
The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment,
e. 
The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes,
f. 
The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction,
g. 
The maintenance of means of egress.
h. 
The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstance of fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.
(3) 
The following persons are hereby authorized to interpret and enforce the provisions of this Code (except as provided in Section 101.4) and to make arrests and issue citations as authorized by law:
a. 
The Unit Chief and peace officers and public officers of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
b. 
The Fire Chief, Peace Officers and Public Officers of the Riverside County Fire Department.
c. 
The City Fire Marshal and members of the Moreno Valley Fire Prevention Bureau.
d. 
The Riverside County Sheriff and any Deputy Sheriff.
e. 
The Police Chief and any Police Officer of any city served by the County Fire Department.
f. 
Officers of the California Highway Patrol.
g. 
Code Officers of the Riverside County Code Enforcement Department
h. 
Peace Officers of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
i. 
The law enforcement officers of the Federal Bureau of Land Management.
D. 
Sections 104.7 and 104.7.1 of the California Fire Code are deleted in their entirety and replaced with the following:
104.7 Liability. Any liability against Riverside County or any officer or employee for damages resulting from the discharge of their duties shall be as provided by law.
E. 
A new section 104.13 is added to Section 104 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.13 Authority of the Fire Chief to close hazardous fire areas. Except upon National Forest Land, the Fire Chief is authorized to determine and announce the closure of any hazardous fire area or portion thereof. Any closure by the Fire Chief for a period of more than 15 calendar days must be approved by the City Council within 15 calendar days of the Fire Chief's original order of closure. Upon such closure, no person shall go in or be upon any hazardous fire area, except upon the public roadways and inhabited areas. During such closure, the Fire Chief shall erect and maintain at all entrances to the closed area sufficient signs giving notice of closure. This section shall not prohibit residents or owners of private property within any closed area, or their invitees, from going in or being upon their lands. This section shall not apply to any entry, in the course of duty, by a peace officer, duly authorized public officer or fire department personnel. For the purpose of this section, "hazardous fire area" shall mean public or private land that is covered with grass, grain, brush or forest and situated in a location that makes suppression difficult resulting in great damage. Such areas are designated on Hazardous Fire Area maps filed with the office of the Fire Chief.
F. 
Section 107.2 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
107.2 Schedule of permit fees. Fees for services and permits shall be as set forth in the City of Moreno Valley fee schedule.
G. 
A new section 107.7 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
107.7 Cost recovery. Fire suppression, investigation, rescue or emergency medical costs are recoverable in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1, as may be amended from time to time. Additionally, any person who negligently, intentionally or in violation of law causes an emergency response, including, but not limited to, a traffic accident, spill of toxic or flammable fluids or chemicals is liable for the costs of securing such emergency, including those costs pursuant to Government Code Section 53150, et seq., as may be amended from time to time. Any expense incurred by the City of Moreno Valley or Riverside County Fire Department for securing such emergency shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectable by Riverside County in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract, express or implied.
H. 
Section 111.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
111.1 Board of appeals established. The Board of Appeals shall be the City Council. If the Council determines an outside board is needed, the Council shall designate an outside hearing officer to hear the appeal. The Fire Chief shall be notified of any appeal and the Fire Chief or designee shall be in attendance at the appeal hearing. Depending on the subject of the appeal, specialized expertise may be solicited, at the expense of the applicant, for the purpose of providing input to the Appeals Board.
I. 
Section 112.4 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
[A] 112.4 Violation penalties; It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association of persons to violate any provision of this ordinance, or to violate the provisions of any permit granted pursuant to this code. Punishments and penalties for violations shall be in accordance with the City of Moreno Valley ordinances, fee schedule, and Health and Safety Code Sections 17995 through 17995.5.
J. 
The following definition of Section 202 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
"FIRE CHIEF." The Fire Chief of Riverside County or the Fire Chief's designee.
K. 
Open Flames. Section 308.1.6.3 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
308.1.6.3 Sky lanterns or similar devices. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern or similar device.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022)
A. 
Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet (7,315 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm). For additional requirements or alternatives, see Riverside County Fire Department Standards and Policies, as may be amended from time to time.
B. 
Section 503.2.2 is hereby amended as follows:
503.2.2 Authority. The Fire Code Official shall be the only authority authorized to designate fire apparatus access roads and fire lanes and to modify the minimum fire lane access widths for fire or rescue operations.
C. 
Section 503.6.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.6.1 Automatic opener. New motorized gates shall be provided with means to be automatically opened remotely by emergency vehicle in accordance with Riverside County Fire Department standards and Policies, as may be amended from time to time.
Exception: Gates serving individual one- and two-family dwelling parcels.
D. 
Section 503.7 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
503.7 Loading areas and passenger drop-off areas. On private properties, where fire apparatus access roads are utilized for loading or unloading or utilized for passenger drop-off or pick-up, an additional eight feet of width shall be added to the minimum required width for the fire apparatus access road.
E. 
Section 505.1 is hereby amended as follows:
505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Where required by the Fire Code Official, address numbers shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) for R-3 occupancies, for all other occupancies the numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained.
F. 
Section 507.5.7 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
507.5.7 Fire hydrant size and outlets. As determined by the Fire Code Official, fire hydrant sizes and outlets shall be based on the following:
1. 
Residential Standard – one four inch outlet, and one two and one-half (2 ½) inch outlet.
2. 
Super Hydrant Standard – one four inch outlet, and two and one-half (2 ½) inch outlet.
3. 
Super Hydrant Enhanced – two four inch outlet, and one two and one-half (2 ½) inch outlet.
G. 
Section 507.5.8 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
507.5.8 Fire hydrant street marker. Fire hydrant locations shall be visually indicated in accordance with Riverside County Fire Department Technical Policy 06-11, as may be amended from time to time. Any hydrant marker damaged or removed during the course of street construction or repair shall be immediately replaced by the contractor, developer or person responsible for removal or damage.
H. 
Section 508.1 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
508.1 General. Where required by other sections of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code and buildings greater than 300,000 square feet in area, and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.8.
I. 
Section 508.1.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety hereby and replaced with the following:
508.1.1 Location and access. The fire command center shall be located adjacent to the main lobby and shall be accessible from fire department vehicular access or as approved by the Fire Code Official. The room shall have direct access from the building exterior at the lowest level of fire department access.
J. 
Exception 508.1.3 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to add the following:
When solely required due to a building greater than 300,000 square feet, the fire command center shall be a minimum of 96 square feet (9m2) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2,438 mm).
K. 
Section 508.1.6 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to add the following:
Exception: A fire command center solely required because a building is greater than 300,000 square feet in area shall comply with NFPA 72 and contain the features set forth in Section 508.1.6 subsections 5, 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14. The features set forth in Section 508.1.6 subsections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 shall be required when such building contains systems or functions related to these features.
L. 
Section 508.1.7 is hereby amended to the California Fire Code:
508.1.7 Fire command center identification. The fire command center shall be identified by permanent easily visible sign stating "Fire Dept. Command Center," located on the door to the fire command center.
M. 
A new Section 509.2.1 is added to Section 509 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
509.2.1 Minimum clearances. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of exterior fire protection system control valves, or any other exterior fire protection system component that may require immediate access, except as otherwise required or approved.
N. 
Section 608.11.1.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
608.11.1.2 Manual operation. When required by the Fire Code Official, automatic crossover valves shall be capable of manual operation. The manual valves shall be located in an approved location immediately outside of the machinery room, in a secure metal box or equivalent and marked as Emergency Controls.
O. 
Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
903.2 Where required.
1. 
New Buildings. In all new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided regardless of occupancy classification. Where the California Fire Code is requiring more restrictive requirements in Sections 903.2.1 – 903.2.21, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.
2. 
Existing Buildings. Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and when one of the following conditions exists:
a. 
When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202; or
b. 
When an addition exceeds 1,500 square feet (186 m2) and the resulting building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (465 m2) as defined in Section 202.
Exception: Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:
1.
Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural purposes constructed in accordance with the California Building Code.
2.
Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.
3.
Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles and dining areas with no cooking.
4.
Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.
One- and two-family dwellings shall have an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in mobile homes, manufactured homes and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.
The following exceptions in the California Fire Code shall not be allowed:
a.
Exception in Section 903.2.3
b.
Exception 2 in Section 903.2.11.3
P. 
A new section 903.3.5.3 of the California Fire Code is hereby added as follows:
903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022)
A. 
Section 3204.2.1 is hereby added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3204.2.1 Minimum requirements for client leased or occupant owned warehouses. Designs of an automatic sprinkler system for client leased or occupant owned buildings containing high pile storage shall be based on the requirements of NFPA 13. The responsible fire protection engineer shall perform a survey of the building to determine commodity classification, storage configuration, building height and other information related to the development of an appropriate sprinkler system design. The fire protection engineer shall also make reasonable efforts to meet with the building owner or operator to understand seasonal or customer related fluctuations to the stored commodities, storage height, and configuration. The sprinkler design shall be based on the most demanding requirements determined through the onsite survey and discussions with the building owner or operator. The technical report shall describe the basis for determining the commodity and sprinkler design selection, how the commodities will be isolated or separated, and include references to the design document(s). If a specific fire test is used as the basis of design, a copy of the fire test report shall be provided at the time of plan review.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022)
In accordance with Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, the Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as shown on the Fire Hazard Severity Zones map dated March 24, 2025, and retained on file at the office of the fire chief, are hereby adopted by reference. This map supersedes any previously adopted Fire Hazard Severity Zones or related maps within the jurisdiction of the city of Moreno Valley.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022; Ord. 1024, 6/17/2025)
A. 
Table B105.2 of the California Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:
TABLE B105.2
REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM (Design Standard)
MINIMUM FIRE-FLOW (gallons per minute)
FLOW DURATION (hours)
No automatic sprinkler system
Value in Table B105.1(2)
Duration in Table B105.1(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table B105.1(2)a
Duration in Table B105.1(2) at the reduced flow rate
Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table B105.1(2)b
Duration in Table B105.1(2) at the reduced flow rate
Notes:
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
a.
The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,000 gallons per minute.
b.
The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute.
B. 
Section C103.1 of the California Fire Code is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 of the International Fire Code shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Where more than one fire hydrant is required, the distance between required fire hydrants shall be in accordance with Sections C103.2 and C103.3. Fire hydrants shall also be provided at street intersections.
(Ord. 962 § 5.10, 2019; Ord. 991 § 5.10, 2022)