Chapter 15.24 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

California Fire Code, Section 101.1 is amended to read as follows:

[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of South San Francisco, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

California Fire Code, Section 101.6 is added to read as follows:

101.6 Policy manual. The South San Francisco Fire Department Fire Prevention Policy Manual shall serve as a supplemental instruction and interpretation manual for this code and is hereby adopted by reference. The fire code official is responsible for amending this manual as necessary to maintain current instruction and interpretations. The information contained in the policy manual shall not be construed to make new code requirements not authorized by this ordinance.

California Fire Code, Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows:

[A] 103.1 Creation of agency. The South San Francisco Fire Department Fire Prevention Division 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.

California Fire Code, Section 105.5 is amended to read as follows:

105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for operations set forth in Sections 105.5.1 through 105.5.60.

(5)

California Fire Code, Section 105.5.35 is amended to read as follows:

105.5.35 Motor fuel dispensing. An operational permit is required for the operation for the fueling of motor vehicles including automotive, marine, and fleets at fixed facilities and through mobile operations.

(6)

California Fire Code, Section 105.5.60 is added to read as follows:

105.5.60 Local permits. In addition to the permits required by Section 105.5, the following operational permits shall be obtained from the Fire Prevention Division prior to engaging in the following activities, operations, practices, or functions:

1.	Emergency responder communication enhancement system (ERCES).

Where required by the fire code official, an operational permit shall be issued for the operation of an in-building emergency responder communication enhancement system.

(7)

California Fire Code, Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows:

[A] 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 certification used under provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than 1,000 dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six months or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

(b)

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS.

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.

California Fire Code, Section 202, General Definitions is amended to add or amend the following:

ALL-WEATHER, HARD-SURFACE.

A surface designed to carry the imposed weight loads of fire apparatus (Minimum 80,000 pounds) and a minimum surface finish of one layer of asphalt, concrete, or engineered concrete pavers.

[BG] HIGH-RISE BUILDING.

In other than Group I-2 occupancies, "high-rise buildings" as used in this code:

Existing high-rise structure.

A high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced or completed prior to July 1, 1974 (see California Building Code Section 403).

High-rise structure.

Every building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used for humane occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access (see California Building Code Section 403), except buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1250.

New high-rise building.

A high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced on or after July 1, 1974 (see California Building Code Section 403). For the purpose of this section, construction shall be deemed to have commenced when plans and specifications are more than 50 percent complete and have been presented to the local jurisdiction prior to July 1, 1974. Unless all provisions of this section have been met, the construction of such buildings shall commence on or before January 1, 1976.

New high-rise structure.

A high-rise structure, the construction of which is commenced on or after July 1, 1974 (see California Building Code Section 403).

Newly constructed residential buildings as defined shall include a construction project where an alteration includes "renovations" to residential buildings where either: (1) replacement of over 50% of the existing foundation for purposes other than a repair or reinforcement as defined in California Existing Building Code Section 202; or (2) when over 50% of the existing framing above the sill plate is removed or replaced for purposes other than repair. If either of these criteria are met within a 3-year period, measured from the date of the most recent previously obtained permit final date, that structure is considered new construction.

NUISANCE ALARM.

An unwarranted or preventable alarm caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper maintenance, system servicing testing, construction activities, ordinary household activities, false alarm, other causes when no such danger exists, or an alarm activated by a cause that cannot be determined.

SUPERVISING STATION.

An approved UL certified, Type A, Full Service Central Station Service facility that receives signals and at which personnel are in attendance at all times to respond to these signals.

(c)

Chapter 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

California Fire Code, Section 401.3.2.1 is added to read as follows:

401.3.2.1 Nuisance alarm notification. Notification of emergency responders based on a nuisance alarm may be punishable by a fine in accordance with the adopted fee schedule or ordinance. In addition, the responsible party may be liable for the operational and administrative costs, incurred from the emergency response or mitigation procedures resulting from a nuisance alarm notification.

California Fire Code, Section 401.3.2.2 is added to read as follows:

401.3.2.2 Multiple nuisance alarm activations. Any occupancy that has more than three nuisance alarms, causing emergency response within a 12-month fiscal calendar year period (July 1 through June 30) may be required to modify, repair, upgrade or replace their system and/or monitoring station as determined by the fire code official

California Fire Code, Section 402.1 is amended to add the following:

NUISANCE ALARM

(d)

Chapter 5 Fire Service Features.

California Fire Code, Section 505.1 is amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved illuminated or other approved means of address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetic letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way or when determined by the fire code official, a monument, pole, or other approved illuminated sign or other approved means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

California Fire Code, Section 507.5.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

507.5.1.1 Hydrant for fire department connections. Buildings equipped with a water-based fire protection system installed in accordance with Section 903 through 905 shall have a fire hydrant within 100 feet along an approved path of the fire department connections, or as approved by the fire code official. (Also see Section 912.2).

Exception: The distance shall be permitted to exceed 100 feet where approved by the fire code official.

California Fire Code, Section 508.1 is amended to read as follows:

508.1 General. When required by other sections of this code and in all buildings four or more stories in height, and all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, and buildings with a fire pump, and in all F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building foot print greater than 500,000 square feet, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7.

California Fire Code, Section 508.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

508.1.1 Location and access. The location and access to the fire command center shall be located directly adjacent to an approved fire apparatus access road and be accessible directly from the exterior of the building, or as approved by the fire code official.

(5)

California Fire Code, Section 508.1.3 is amended to read as follows:

508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall not be less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet, whichever is greater.

Where a fire command center is required for buildings with a fire pump or buildings of four or more stories in height, but not classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located not more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, and Group F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet, the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet with a minimum dimension of 8 feet where approved by the fire code official.

(6)

California Fire Code, Section 510.1 exception #1 is deleted.

(7)

California Fire Code, Section 510.4.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into the building. The minimum inbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The inbound signal level shall be a minimum of -95dBm throughout the coverage area and sufficient to provide not less than a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.4 or an equivalent Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.

(8)

California Fire Code, Section 510.4.1.2 is amended to read as follows:

510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building. The minimum outbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The outbound signal level shall be sufficient to provide not less than a DAQ of 3.4 or an equivalent SINR applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.

(9)

California Fire Code, Section 510.4.2 is amended to read as follows:

510.4.2 System Design. The in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 510.4.2.1 through 510.4.2.8, NFPA 1225, NFPA 72 and San Mateo County ERCCS (P-500).

(10)

California Fire Code, Section 510.5 is amended to read as follows:

510.5 Installation requirements. The installation of the in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system shall be in accordance with NFPA 1225, NFPA 72, San Mateo County ERCCS (P-500), and Sections 510.5.2 through 510.5.5.

(e)

CHAPTER 6 BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

California Fire Code, Section 606.5 is added to read as follows:

606.5 System activation notification. Commercial cooking fire protection systems, located in buildings equipped with a fire alarm control unit, shall be connected to the alarm control panel so that actuation of the extinguishing system will automatically send a signal to the central station service.

(f)

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

California Fire Code, Section 901.6.3.2 is amended to add the following:

901.6.3.2 Records Reporting. Fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Non-required fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested, and maintained or removed. All inspection, testing and maintenance reports shall be forwarded to the Fire Department using electronic media to the designated third-party as assigned in the Policy Manual. Paper (hard copy) reports are not permitted.

California Fire Code, Section 903.1.1 is deleted.

California Fire Code, Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided throughout new buildings and structures greater than 1,000 square feet gross floor area and in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, whichever is more restrictive. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in existing buildings and structures shall be provided in locations described in Section 903.6.

For the purposes of this section, firewalls and fire barriers used to separate building areas shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code and shall be without openings or penetrations.

Exceptions:
1.	Detached Group U occupancies not greater than 1,000 square feet.
2.	Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies.
3.	Agricultural buildings as approved by the fire code official.
4.	Accessory Dwelling Unit, provided that all of the following are met:
4.1.	The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
4.2.	The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
4.3.	The accessory detached dwelling unit does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.
4.4.	The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.

California Fire Code, Section 903.2.10.3 is added to read as follows:

903.2.10.3 Special hazards - Lithium, Lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles. In new buildings an approved, specifically engineered automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout Group S-2 occupancies allowing storage of lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles

(5)

California Fire Code, Section 903.2.10.3.1 is added to read as follows:

903.2.10.3.1 Where required in existing buildings and structures. In existing buildings an approved, specifically engineered automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group S-2 occupancy areas where EV Charging stations, EV Ready and EV Capable parking are designated. The remainder Group S-2 occupancy areas in the building shall comply with design requirements under NFPA 13 and in accordance with Section 903.2.11.6.

(6)

California Fire Code, Section 903.4.3 is amended to read as follows:

903.4.3 Alarms. One exterior approved audible and visual device, located on the exterior of the building as approved by the fire code official, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

(7)

California Fire Code, Section 903.6 is amended to read as follows:

903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11, undergo any change of use or occupancy in accordance with Section 102.3, undergo any addition of floor area that results in a structure that exceeds 3,600 square feet gross floor area, or meets the definition and timeframe of "newly constructed residential building".

(8)

California Fire Code, Section 905.3.11 is added to read as follows:

905.3.11 Special hazard - Lithium, Lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles. Group S-2 public parking garages, open or closed occupancy buildings, having lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles shall be equipped with Class I standpipe systems installed in accordance with NFPA 14, with hose connections located within 150 feet of lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicle parking.

(9)

California Fire Code, Section 907.1.6 is added to read as follows:

907.1.6 Certification. New and upgraded fire alarm systems shall be UL Certified. A certificate of Completion and other documentation as listed in NFPA 72 shall be provided for all new fire alarm system installation. It is the responsibility of the building owner or owner's representative to obtain and maintain a current and valid Certificate. The protected premise shall be issued a UUFX type certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

(10)

California Fire Code, Section 907.1.6.1 is added to read as follows:

907.1.6.1 Posting of certification. The UL certificate required in Section 907.1.6 shall be posted in a durable transparent cover within three (3) feet of the fire alarm control panel within 45 days of the final acceptance test/inspection.

(11)

California Fire Code, Section 907.6.6 is amended to read as follows:

907.6.6 Monitoring. New and upgraded fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the California Building Code shall be monitored by an approved UL Certified Central Station Service in accordance with NFPA 72 and this section.

Exception: Monitoring by central station is not required for:

1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.

2. Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.

3. Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

(12)

California Fire Code, Section 910.2.3 is added to read as follows:

910.2.3 Lithium, Lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles. Enclosed Group S-2 public parking garages occupancy buildings having lithium, lithium-ion and other batteries containing combustible electrolyte in vehicles shall be provided with a mechanical smoke removal system in accordance with Section 910.4.

(13)

California Fire Code, Section 912.2 is amended to read 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 of the fire department connections shall be within 100 feet of a fire hydrant or as approved by the fire code official (Also see Section 507.5.1.1).

(g)

CHAPTER 12 ENERGY SYSTEMS.

California Fire Code, Section 1203.1.3.2 is added to read as follows:

Section 1203.1.3.2 Emergency and standby power systems. All buildings, other than one- and two-family dwelling units, and agricultural buildings not used for commercial purposes, with stand-by power, shall have an approved shunt trip device that disconnects all power sources to the building, when required by the fire code official.

(h)

CHAPTER 56 EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS.

California Fire Code, Section 5601.2.4 is amended to read as follows:

5601.2.4 Financial responsibility. Before a permit is issued pursuant to Section 5601.2, the applicant shall file with the jurisdiction a corporate surety bond in the principal sum of $2 million or a public liability insurance policy for the same amount, for the purpose of the payment of all damages to persons or property which arise from, or are caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by permit upon which any judicial judgment results. The fire code official is authorized to specify a greater or lesser amount when, in his or her opinion, conditions at the location of use indicate a greater or lesser amount is required. Government entities shall be exempt from this bond requirement.

Exception: Fireworks in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division I, Chapter 6, see Section 5608.

California Fire Code, Section 5601.9 is added to read as follows:

5601.9 Prohibited and limited acts. The storage of explosive materials is prohibited in all zoning districts except district zone for industrial or agricultural uses. In districts where the storage of explosive materials is permitted, the quantities of explosives and distances shall be in accordance with Section 5601.8.

California Fire Code, Section 5608.2 is added to read as follows:

5608.2 Limitations. Possession, storage, offer or expose for sale, sell at retail, gift or give away, use, explode, discharge, or in any manner dispose of fireworks is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of the districts in which such possession, storage, offer or exposure for sale, retail sale, gifting, use, explosion, discharge, or disposal of fireworks is prohibited in any area as established by applicable land-use and zoning standards.

Exception: Firework displays authorized pursuant to Section 5608.1 for which a permit has been issued.

(i)

CHAPTER 57 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

California Fire Code, Section 5704.2.9.6.1 is amended to read as follows:

5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as set forth in the fire code adoption ordinance or other regulation adopted by the jurisdiction. Such storage is prohibited in all zoning districts except districts zoned for commercial, industrial, or agricultural use as established by applicable land-use and zoning standards.

California Fire Code, Section 5706.2.4.4 is amended to read as follows:

5706.2.4.4 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited within the limits established by law as set forth in the fire code adoption ordinance or other regulation adopted by the jurisdiction. Such storage is prohibited in all zoning districts except districts zoned for commercial, industrial, or agricultural use/any area as established by applicable land-use and zoning standards.

(j)

CHAPTER 58 FLAMMABLE GASES AND FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

California Fire Code, Section 5806.2 is amended to read as follows:

5806.2 Limitations. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as set forth in the fire code adoption ordinance or other regulation adopted by the jurisdiction, storage is prohibited in all zoning districts except districts zoned for industrial use as established by applicable land-use and zoning standards.

(k)

CHAPTER 61 LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GASES.

California Fire Code, Section 6104.2 is amended to read as follows:

6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. For the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, storage of liquid petroleum gas shall not exceed an aggregate capacity in any one installation of 2,000 gallons within the limits established by law as set forth in the fire code adoption ordinance or other regulation adopted by the jurisdiction. Such storage in all zoning districts except districts zoned for commercial, industrial, rural, or agricultural uses as established by applicable land-use and zoning standards.

Exception: In particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the fire code official, after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department.

(l)

CHAPTER 80 REFERENCED STANDARDS. California Fire Code, Chapter 80 is amended as follows:

NFPA 13-25: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, as amended**

**NFPA 13, additional amended sections as follows:

Revise Section 16.11.2.1 as follows:

16.11.2.1 A local audible and visual waterflow alarm shall be provided on every sprinkler system having more than 20 sprinklers, located on the exterior of the building within 10 feet of the riser location, or as approved by the fire code official.

(B)

Revise Section 29.4.1 as follows:

29.4.1 The installing contractor shall identify a hydraulically designed sprinkler system with a permanently raised, stamped, or etched marked weatherproof metal or rigid plastic sign secured with corrosion resistant wire, chain or other approved means. Such signs shall be placed at the alarm valve, dry pipe valve, preaction valve or deluge valve supplying the corresponding hydraulically designed area. Pipe schedule systems shall be provided with a sign indicating that the system was designed and installed as a pipe schedule system and the hazard classification(s) included in the design.

13D-25 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, as amended**

**NFPA 13D, additional amended sections as follows:

Revise Section 7.6 as follows:

7.6 A local audible and visual waterflow alarm shall be provided on all sprinkler systems on the exterior of the home within 10 feet of the riser location, or as approved by the fire code official.

13R-25 - Standard for the installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in Height, as amended**

**NFPA 13R, additional amended sections as follows:

Revise Section 6.16.1 as follows:

6.16.1 A local audible and visual waterflow alarm shall be provided on all sprinkler systems on the exterior of the home within 10 feet of the riser location, or as approved by the fire code official.

72-25 — National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, as amended**

**NFPA 72, additional amended sections as follows:

Revise Section 7.5.6.1 as follows:

7.5.6.1 The record of completion shall be documented in accordance with 7.5.6 using the record of completion forms, Figure 7.8.2(a) through Figure 7.8.2(f).

(B)

Revise Section 7.6.6 as follows:

7.6.6 The record of all inspection, testing and maintenance as required by Section 14.6.2.4 shall be documented using the record of inspection and testing forms, Figure 7.8.2(g) through Figure 7.8.2(1).

(C)

Add Section 14.7 as follows:

14.7 Labels and Tags.
14.7.1 Labels or tags shall be used on fire alarm systems and shall be placed on the outside of the fire alarm control unit.
14.7.2 Tags shall be of the hanging or self-adhesive type used on fire alarm systems.
14.7.3 The following information shall be printed on the labels and tags approved by the fire code official:
(1)	The words "DO NOT REMOVE BY ORDER OF THE FIRE CODE OFFICIAL"
(2)	Concern Name/Company Name
(3)	Concern Physical Address
(4)	Concern Phone Number
(5)	License Number (State of California Contractor State License Board License)
(6)	Date of service or testing and maintenance
(7)	Space or line for signature of person performing or supervising the servicing shall be placed on the tag or label
14.7.4 When service or testing and maintenance is performed, the initial date of service or testing and maintenance, the printed name and signature of the person performing or supervising the service shall be placed on the tag or label.
14.7.5 No person shall remove a tag or label from or place a tag or label on a fire alarm system except when servicing or testing and maintenance is performed.
14.7.6 No person shall deface, modify, or alter any tag or label attached to or required to be attached to any fire alarm system.
14.7.7 The Label or tag conforming to this section shall be securely attached to each fire alarm system at the time of servicing or testing and maintenance.
14.7.8 The label or tag approved by the fire code official shall be affixed to a system only after all deficiencies have been corrected.
14.7.9 Adhesive labels and tags shall be manufactured in accordance with ANSI/UL 969, Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems, 4th edition, 1995, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(m)

APPENDIX B FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS.