Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history: Ords. 85-21, 86-112, 92-346U, 95-455U and 99-547U. Prior code §§ 3100 – 3103.
a. 
Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter and in Chapter 14.08, Title 32, Fire Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on March 2, 2023, which constitutes an amended version of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including current and future errata and supplements, published by the California Building Standards Commission; the following chapters of the 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code, each in their entirety, as published with the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code, specifically for sections that were not adopted as part of the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code, Chapters 1-7, 9-10, 12, 20-37, 39-40, 50-51, 53-56, 59-67, and 80; the following chapters and appendices, each in their entirety, as added by the County of Los Angeles, Chapters 81-83 and Appendices O, PP, QQ, and RR, is hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute and may be cited as the Fire Code of the City of West Hollywood.
b. 
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition, International Fire Code 2021 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the West Hollywood Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
c. 
A copy of Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, along with a copy of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edition, and the International Fire Code 2021 Edition has been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of West Hollywood and shall be at all times maintained by the Clerk for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 02-641U § 5, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 5, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 7, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 7, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 1, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 1, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 1, 2023)
Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code as incorporated into Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required.
A.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be required for all occupancies, except detached storage sheds that are less than 500 square feet which do not store motor vehicles.
B.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be required in any existing building subject to alteration or expansion if (1) the expansion exceeds 50 percent of the existing gross floor area; or (2) the cost of remodeling, expansion or improvement exceeds 50 percent of the value of the existing structure as determined by the Building Official.
Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.10 of the California Fire Code as incorporated into Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code (and the subsections therein) are hereby deleted in their entirety.
(Ord. 20-1115 § 1, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 1, 2023)
a. 
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of the Fire Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of the Fire Code is committed, continued or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
b. 
Every violation determined to be an infraction hereunder is punishable in such manner and to such extent as is provided by Section 1.08.010 of this code.
c. 
For the purposes of this section, a forfeiture of bail shall be equivalent to a conviction.
(Ord. 02-641U § 6, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 6, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 8, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 8, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 2, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 1, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 1, 2023)
Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with the Fire Code or with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the Fire Chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and the amendments thereto shall be liable for the expense of fighting the fire, or for all costs associated with the control and mitigation of a hazardous materials incident, or for the expenses incurred while obtaining compliance with the written order of the Fire Chief, or for the expenses incurred in obtaining compliance with the continuing violation of the Fire Code. Such expenses shall be a charge against that person and shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expenses in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied.
(Ord. 02-641U § 7, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 7, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 9, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 9, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 3, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 1, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 1, 2023)
In accordance with Section 14.04.030 of this chapter, the violation of the following sections or subsections of the California Fire Code (24 CFR, Part 9) and/or Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances* shall be infractions:
Section
Offense
303.1 - 303.9
Asphalt kettles
304.1.1
Waste material
304.1.2
Vegetation
304.2
Combustible waste rubbish – storage
305.2
Hot ashes and spontaneous ignition source
310.4
Removal "No Smoking" sign
315.3.2
Stairway - storage under
503.4
Obstructing access roadway
505.1
Address identification
507.5.4 - 507.5.5
Obstruction of fire hydrants
507.5.6
Physical protection - fire hydrants
507.5.7
Firefighting water source markers
507.5.8
Identification - private fire hydrant
507.5.9
Private fire hydrant caps or plugs
604.5
Electrical extension cords
901.7
Failure to notify Fire Department
901.6.4.1
Signs - aboveground water-control valves
901.6.4.2
Locks - aboveground water-control valves
901.6.4.3
Identification – above ground water-control valves
906.1 - 906.10
Fire extinguishers
912.8
Identification - Fire Department connection
912.9
Breakable caps or plugs - Fire Department connection
1009.9
Exit doors identification
1010.1.9.1
Door-operating devices
2108.4
Fire extinguisher - dry cleaning plant
2108.5
"No smoking" signs - dry cleaning plant
2311.2.2
Waste oil storage
2403.2.7
Welding warning signs
2403.4
Operations and maintenance
2403.4.3
Metal waste cans for rags and waste
2404.7.8.5
Filter disposal
2405.3.4
Dip tank covers
2405.4.2
Portable fire protection equipment
2406.5
Maintenance - powder coating
2407.5.1
Maintenance - electrostatic apparatus
2407.5.2
Signs - "Danger"
2407.5.2
Signs - "Danger"
2408.5
Sources of ignition (organic peroxides)
2803.3.3
Combustible waste
3103.12.6.1
Exit sign illumination
3107.18
Vegetation removal
4811.9
Fire Department access - motion picture production locations
4811.12
Blocked or obstructed fire hydrants and appliances
5003.5
Hazardous materials signage
5003.7.1
No smoking signs - hazardous materials
5004.11
Combustible materials clearance - hazardous materials storage
5005.3.8
Combustible materials clearance - hazardous materials use
5303.4
Markings - compressed gases
5303.5
Security - compressed gases
5701.6
Maintenance and operating practices - flammable and combustible liquids
5704.2.3.1
"No smoking" sign
5704.3.3.4
Empty containers
6107.2
"No smoking" signs - LPG container
6107.3
Combustible material clearance LPG container
(Ord. 02-641U § 8, 2002; Ord. 20-1115 § 1, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 1, 2023)
The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the City of West Hollywood dated March 26, 2025, as identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Office of the State Fire Marshal, is hereby adopted by the City of West Hollywood and incorporated herein for all purposes. This map is available for inspection in the City Clerk's office at the West Hollywood City Hall, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard.
(Ord. 25-22, 10/6/2025)
Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history: Ord. 87-157. Prior code §§ 3104—3106.
All high-rise building occupants shall be instructed annually on the procedures to be followed in the event of fire, earthquake, or other emergency. Documentation of occupant instruction shall be maintained by the fire safety director of each high-rise building and shall be available for inspection by the Fire Marshal. Instructions for all new occupants shall occur within fourteen days of their assuming occupancy of the building.
In addition to the above general instruction, the owner(s) of each high-rise structure in the City of West Hollywood shall be responsible for having all building staff personnel, including at least one representative from each independent tenant, receive the following topical training of the duration designated herein:
Topic
Duration of Training
Usage of Portable Extinguishers
2 hours
High-Rise Fire Survival
2 hours
Earthquake Preparedness
2 hours
The initial training to comply with this section shall be completed by July 1, 1988, for existing high-rise structures and within sixty days after occupancy permit approval for all high-rise structures receiving such permits after July 1, 1988. Newly hired staff personnel shall receive high-rise training within thirty days of their hiring date.
(Ord. 02-641U § 9, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 8, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 10, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 10, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 4, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 2, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 2, 2023)
The owner(s) of the high-rise property required to train all staff under Section 14.08.010 of this chapter shall pay to the City of West Hollywood a fee for each person for such training if such training is received from a member of the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District. The owner(s) may contract for such training with a certified high-rise life/safety service organization, certified by the Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire District or the City of West Hollywood. The amount of such fee shall be established by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 02-641U § 9, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 8, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 10, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 10, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 4, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 2, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 2, 2023)
a. 
Requirement. No person shall, without a valid certificate of qualification as required by this section, perform as a high-rise life/safety service trainer for the training required under Section 14.08.010.
Exception: A fire safety director representing building management in the building in which such director is employed may provide this training to persons other than staff personnel.
b. 
Applications. All applications for certificates of qualification shall be filed in the offices of the City of West Hollywood upon forms provided by the Fire Marshal.
c. 
Validity. A certificate of qualification shall be valid only for the person designated on the certificate.
d. 
Information Required. Applicants for a certificate of qualification to perform as a highrise life/safety service trainer shall furnish such information as may be required by the Fire Marshal to establish qualifications to instruct and possession of a thorough knowledge of the Fire Code of the City of West Hollywood and other applicable regulations with regard to developing and/or conducting training in emergency planning, evacuation procedures, and the use of portable fire equipment in high-rise buildings in the City of West Hollywood.
e. 
Investigation and Examination. The Fire Marshal shall examine each applicant for competence to perform the duties required for the particular certificate of qualification for which they have applied. The applicant shall:
1. 
Submit a written resume stating experience and training qualifications;
2. 
When required, appear before the Fire Marshal's appointed representative for a personal interview;
3. 
When required, satisfactorily complete a written and/or practical test pertaining to the certificate of qualification.
The Fire Marshal may require additional information as necessary to process any application for a certificate of qualification.
f. 
Term. Every certificate of qualification issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and shall be renewed annually at the discretion of the Fire Marshal as set forth below.
g. 
Renewal. Applications for renewal of a certificate of qualification shall be filed in the same manner as for an original certificate of qualification.
Applications shall be accompanied by a renewal fee. Whenever the application for renewal is filed prior to the expiration date of the certificate, the renewal fee shall be fifty percent of the fee for a new certificate. Whenever the application for renewal is filed after the expiration date of the certificate, the renewal fee shall be the same as for a new certificate.
The granting of a renewal of a certificate shall be processed in the same manner as for an original certificate.
h. 
Revocation or Suspension. The Fire Marshal shall have the power to suspend or revoke any certificate of qualification for cause.
i. 
Change of Address. Each person holding a certificate of qualification shall notify the City of West Hollywood in writing of any change of his business, residential or notification address within ten days after such change. Failure on the part of said person to give such notification shall constitute grounds for revocation of the certificate.
j. 
Form. The certificate of qualification issued by the Fire Marshall shall be in the form of an identification card which shall:
1. 
State the purpose for which it has been issued;
2. 
State the date it is issued and the date of expiration;
3. 
Contain such information as may be necessary to identify the person to whom it is issued;
4. 
Have affixed one print of a photograph of the person to whom it is issued;
5. 
Have the signature of the person to whom it is issued;
6. 
Have the signature of the Fire Marshal;
7. 
Have printed thereon in bold type the following: "This Certificate Identifies but Does Not Recommend the Bearer"; and
8. 
Contain additional information which the Fire Marshal considers necessary and proper to affect the purpose of this chapter.
k. 
Display. Any person having been certified as required by this chapter shall, upon request, display the identification and certificate of qualification to any person to whom they may seek to render service or to the Fire Marshal.
l. 
Failure of the Examination. Any applicant who takes the examination and fails may not reapply within thirty days, and in no event shall the examination be given to the same person more than twice in any one-year period.
m. 
Fees. At the time of filing an application for a certificate of qualification required by this chapter, the applicant shall pay a fee as established by resolution of the City Council.
Whenever an applicant fails an examination and takes a second examination within ninety days of such failure, the fee for the second examination shall be established by resolution of the City Council.
n. 
Fee Exempt Certificates of Qualification. Certificates of qualification, without payment of fees, shall be issued to qualified employees of any government agency and the American Red Cross.
(Ord. 02-641U § 9, 2002; Ord. 07-779U § 8, 2007; Ord. 10-862U § 10, 2010; Ord. 13-929U § 10, 2013; Ord. 17-1001 § 4, 2017; Ord. 20-1115 § 2, 2020; Ord. 23-12 § 2, 2023)