These regulations shall be known as the "Livermore Fire Code," hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(Ord. 1985 § 4, 2013; Ord. 2044 § 2 (Exh. C), 2016; Ord. 2090 § 2 (Exh. C), 2019; Ord. 2138 § 2 (Exh. C), 2022; Ord. 2181, 10/13/2025)
The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department 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. |
Type of Gas | Amount (cubic feet at NTP) |
|---|---|
Carbon dioxide used in carbon dioxide enrichment systems | 875 (100 lb.) |
Carbon dioxide used in insulated carbon dioxide beverage dispensing applications | 875 (100 lb.) |
Corrosive | 200 |
Flammable (except cryogenic fluids and LPG) | 200 |
Highly Toxic | Any amount |
Inert, carbon dioxide (not otherwise permitted above), simple asphyxiant and other gases with a 1,000 cubic foot threshold for the HMBP program | 1,000 |
Moderately Toxic | Any amount |
Oxidizing (including oxygen) | 200 |
Pyrophoric | Any amount |
Toxic | Any amount |
All other gases not otherwise permitted above subject to HMBP reporting (per material) | 200 |
Type of Cryogenic Fluid | Cubic feet at NTP |
|---|---|
Corrosive | Any Amount |
Flammable | Any Amount |
Inert, simple asphyxiant, and other gases with a 1,000 cubic foot threshold for the HMBP program | 1,000 |
Oxidizing (including oxygen) | 200 |
Physical or health hazard not indicated above | Any amount |
All other materials not otherwise permitted above subject to HMBP requirements (per material) | 200 |
3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons except for fuel oil in the fuel tanks of portable equipment. |
12. Storage of flammable and combustible liquids and flammable gases at Group R occupancies are limited as follows: |
12.1. Outside storage of flammable liquids (including gasoline) is limited to 30 gallons. |
12.2. Outside storage of combustible liquids (including diesel and kerosene) is limited to 55 gallons. |
Exception: Emergency generators used for life safety purposes. |
12.3. Outside storage of compressed and liquefied flammable gas is limited to 15 gallons or 540 cubic feet. |
Exceptions: |
a. Emergency generators used for life safety purposes. |
b. Fixed gas supply for occupancies not provided with natural gases services. Amounts over 1,000 gallons must be approved by the fire official. |
12.4. Manufacture of Biodiesel and Methanol at Residential Occupancies. The manufacture of biodiesel and methanol is prohibited in Residential Occupancies and in U Occupancies associated with Residential Occupancies both inside and outside buildings. |
Moderately toxic gas | 20 cubic Feet |
Irritants and Sensitizers | 550 gallons (liquids) 5000 pounds (solids) |
Other materials) subject to HMBP requirements | 55 gallons (liquids) 500 pounds (solids) |
4. Radioactive Materials. To store or handle more than one micro curie (37,000 Becquerel) of radioactive material not contained in a sealed source or more than 1 mill curie (37,000,000 Becquerel) of radioactive material in a sealed source or sources, or any amount of radioactive material for which a specific license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required. |
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 punished in accordance with the fines and penalties established by the Livermore Municipal Code and/or, as specified by California Government Code Section 36900. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. |
Unauthorized Discharges. The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department may charge fees to recover the cost of response to incidents involving the discharge or the threatened discharge of a hazardous (or suspected hazardous) material. |
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Those chemicals or substances which are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this chapter and/or are compressed gases, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition. |
HEALTH HAZARD. A classification of chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed persons. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals that are moderately toxic, toxic, highly toxic, or corrosive. |
Maximum Threshold Quantity. The following formula shall be used to calculate the maximum threshold quantity for toxic, highly toxic, and moderately toxic gases: |
Max TQ (lbs.) = LC50 (ppm) x 2 lb. |
For gas mixtures containing one or more toxic, highly toxic or moderately toxic components, the LC50 shall be calculated using CGA Standards P-20 and P-23. |
Moderately Toxic Gas. A chemical or substance that has a medial lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 2,000 parts per million but not more than 5,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, when administered by continuous inhalation for an hour, or less if death occurs within one hour, to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. |
603.10 Multiple Sources of Non-Utility Electricity. When a facility has more than one source of non-utility-based electrical utility power, including emergency and standby power systems, a written shutdown plan shall be provided. A copy of the plan will be posted at or near the main electrical panel in a location approved by the Fire Department. A copy of the plan will be provided in a format acceptable to the Fire Department. |
611 Immersion Heaters. All electrical immersion heaters used in dip tanks, sinks, vats, and similar operations shall be provided with approved over-temperature controls and low liquid level electrical disconnects. Manual reset of required protection devices shall be provided. |
901.6.4 Prevention of False Alarms. |
1. It is unlawful for any property owner or licensed contractor to fail to notify the police/fire department dispatch center prior to any test, installation, repair, modification, addition, or maintenance of any fire alarm or fire extinguishing system which could result in the transmission of an unwanted alarm. |
2. The fire department may charge fees that reasonably constitute the cost of response to unwanted alarms when it is determined that the report is malicious or resulting from the failure to maintain a fire protection alarm system. |
903.2 Where required. |
1. Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be provided in all new buildings and structures, including any detached or attached structure added to a parcel of land already containing automatic extinguishing system protected buildings. |
Exception: |
a. Detached U Occupancies, other than trash enclosures, that do not exceed 400 square feet of floor area. |
b. Trash enclosures that have been exempted by the fire code official or that meet the following conditions: |
i. The enclosure, including the cover and door, are constructed of non-combustible materials. |
ii. The enclosure does not exceed 180 square feet in size. |
iii. The enclosure is stand-alone structure, be a minimum of 20 feet from adjacent buildings and a minimum of 10 feet from property line(s). |
iv. The enclosure is used exclusively for waste garbage contained within approved trash containers. No outdoor storage is permitted within the trash enclosure, |
c. Photo Voltaic Arrays covering parking stalls only. |
2. Existing commercial or industrial buildings not currently provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system as follows: |
a) When modification to the building results in a 50% or greater increase of the total floor area of the building or brings the over total of floor area of the building to more than 8,000 square feet, the entire building shall be provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system. |
Exception: |
Additions providing accessory storage space not greater than 500 square feet in area to an existing non-fire sprinklered building or solely for the purpose of providing accessibility shall not result in a requirement that the building be provided with an automatic extinguishing system. |
b) When a change in occupancy classification results in an increased fire hazard or-risk to business operations, or increased life safety hazard of the occupants, the new occupancy and all fire areas that the new occupancy exits through shall be provided with an automatic extinguishing system. |
Exception: |
Public assembly occupancies not exceeding an occupant load of 150, whether occupying an entire building or a portion of a building that located in single story buildings. |
3. Existing residential buildings not currently provided with automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system as follows: |
a. When a modification or modifications to the building results in a 50% or greater increase of the total original approved floor area of the building. |
b. In the garage when a new attached or detached garage is added, and the modification does not otherwise require the addition of an automatic fire protection system throughout the building. |
903.3.1.2.3 Attics. Automatic fire sprinklers shall be provided in all attic areas. |
903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R-3; Group R-4, Condition 1; and townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D as amended in Chapter 80. |
In addition to the provisions of NFPA 13D, the automatic fire sprinkler system shall be designed, and sprinklers shall be installed in the following additional locations: |
1. Attic shall be provided intermediate temperature-rated residential fire sprinklers for detection coverage and located at a spacing equivalent to 30 feet by 30 feet centers and maximum of 15 feet from outside walls. |
2. Fire sprinklers shall be provided in garages. Fire sprinklers shall be intermediate rated, quick response, with a maximum coverage of 130 square feet per sprinkler. |
3. Any bathroom located under a stairway, regardless of the bathroom's size. |
4. Any closet located under a stairway regardless of the closet's size or surfacing materials. |
3208.3.1 Flue space protection. Flue spaces required by Table 3208.3 above the first tier of storage in single-, double- or multiple-row rack storage installation shall be equipped with approved protection devices. Such devices shall not be removed or modified. Such devices must be repaired or replaced if damaged. |
In addition to the reporting requirements of California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4, regulated facilities are required to report any amount of highly toxic, toxic, and moderately toxic gases, oxidizing materials Class 4, oxidizing materials Class 3, unstable (reactive) Class 4, unstable (reactive) Class 3, pyrophoric materials, water reactive Class 3. |
5003.2.10 Biodiesel and methanol equipment. Biodiesel and methanol manufacturing/processing equipment shall be listed or approved. Such equipment shall at a minimum adequately address electrical system, materials of construction, ventilation, seismic and process control and shut-down safety issues. |
5003.5.2 Ventilation ducting. Product conveying ducts for venting hazardous materials operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the material being vented and the direction of flow. |
5003.5.3 H Occupancies. In "H" occupancies, all piping and tubing may be required to be identified when there is any possibility of confusion with hazardous materials transport tubing or piping. The identification label must include the product/waste name and flow direction indicator. Labels to be placed no less than once every 20 feet of piping and at changes of direction. |
5003.14 Automatic Filling of Tanks. Systems that automatically fill flammable or combustible liquid tanks shall be equipped with approved overfill protection that sends an alarm signal to a location that is normally occupied during normal business hours and immediately stops the filling of the tank. The alarm signal and automatic shutoff shall be tested in a manner acceptable to the fire code official on an annual basis and records of such testing shall be maintained on-site for a period of five (5) years. |
Exception: Emergency generator tanks |
5005.5 Emergency alarms, supervision and monitoring. Emergency alarms, supervision and monitoring shall be provided in accordance with Sections 5004.9 and 5004.10. |
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacturing, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks are prohibited. |
Exceptions: |
1. Exception 1 is deleted. |
2. Exception 2 is deleted. |
3. No amendment. |
4. Exception 4 is deleted. |
5. Snap caps and party poppers classified by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) as pyrotechnic devices. |
Exception: Outside aboveground tanks with a capacity of 100 gallons (378 L) or less. |
CHAPTER 60 |
HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS AND MODERATELY TOXIC GASES INCLUDING THOSE USED AS REFRIGERANTS |
6004.1 General. Materials that are stored and used as a gas whether or not the material meets the definition of a compressed gas, and that meet the definition of a highly toxic, toxic or moderately toxic gas shall comply with Section 6004. |
Performance based design alternatives may be used for refrigeration systems. |
Moderately toxic gases with an LC50 less than or equal to 3,000 parts per million shall comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 6004.2.2.1 through 6004.2.2.10.4. |
Moderately toxic gases with an LC50 more than 3,000 parts per million but not greater than 5000 parts per million and exceeding the maximum threshold quantity, as determined by Section 6004.1.6, shall comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 6004.2.2.1 through 6004.2.2.7. |
The minimum threshold quantity for highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases, vapors and mists for indoor and exterior storage and use are set forth in Table 6004.1. |
Table 6004.1 Minimum Threshold Quantities for Highly Toxic, Toxic and Moderately Toxic Gases | |
|---|---|
Highly Toxic | 0 |
Toxic | 10 cubic feet |
Moderately Toxic | 20 cubic feet |
6004.1.2 Gas cabinets. Gas cabinets containing highly toxic, toxic or moderately toxic gases shall comply with Section 5003.8.6 and the following requirements: |
[balance to remain the same] |
6004.1.3 Exhausted enclosures. Exhausted enclosures containing highly toxic, toxic or moderately toxic gases shall comply with Section 5003.8.5 and the following requirements: |
[balance to remain the same] |
6004.1.4 Automatic shut-off valve. An automatic shut-off valve, which is of a fail-safe to close design, shall be provided to shut off the supply of highly toxic gases as close as possible to the supply container for any of the following: |
1. Activation of a manual fire alarm system. |
2. Activation of the gas detection system. |
3. Failure of emergency power. |
4. Failure of primary containment. |
5. Seismic activity. |
6. Failure of required ventilation. |
7. Manual activation at an approved remote location. |
6004.1.5 Annual Maintenance. All safety control systems at a facility shall be maintained in good working condition and tested not less frequently than annually. Maintenance and testing shall be performed by persons qualified to perform the maintenance and tests. Maintenance records and certifications shall be kept for a minimum of three years and shall be made available to any representative of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department for inspection upon request. |
6004.1.6 Maximum threshold quantity. Toxic gases stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum threshold quantity in a single vessel per control area or outdoor control area or H-Occupancy shall comply with the additional requirements for highly toxic gases of Section 6004 of this code. |
Moderately toxic gases stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum threshold quantity in a single vessel per control area or outdoor control area or H-Occupancy shall comply with the additional requirements for toxic gases of Section 6004 of this code. |
6004.1.7 Reduced flow valve. All containers of materials other than lecture bottles containing highly toxic material and having a vapor pressure exceeding 29 psi shall be equipped with a reduced flow valve when available. If a reduced flow valve is not available, the container shall be used with a flow-limiting device. All flow limiting devices shall be part of the valve assembly and visible to the eye when possible; otherwise, they shall be installed as close as possible to the cylinder source. |
Exception: When the process use rate is approximately equal to the maximum flow rate of the cylinder/tank valve. |
6004.1.8 Fire extinguishing systems. Buildings and covered exterior areas for storage and use areas of materials regulated by this Chapter shall be protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13. The design of the sprinkler system for any room or area where highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases are stored, handled or used shall be in accordance with Section 5004.5. |
6004.1.9 Local gas shut off. Manual activation controls shall be provided at locations near the point of use and near the source, as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official may require additional controls at other places, including, but not limited to, the entry to the building, storage or use areas, and emergency control stations. Manual activated shut-off valves shall be of a fail-safe-to-close design. |
6004.1.10 Exhaust ventilation monitoring. For highly toxic gases, toxic and moderately toxic gases exceeding minimum threshold quantities, a continuous monitoring system shall be provided to assure that the required exhaust ventilation rate is maintained. The system shall monitor actual air flow in the exhaust system. The monitoring system shall initiate a local alarm. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall be designed to provide warning both inside and outside of the interior storage, use, or handling area. |
6004.1.11 Emergency response plan. If the preparation of an emergency response plan for the facility is not required by any other law, responsible persons shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and filed with the fire code official, a written emergency response plan. If the preparation of an emergency response plan is required by other law, a responsible person shall file a copy of the plan with the fire code official. |
6004.1.12 Emergency Response Liaisons. Responsible persons shall be designated and trained to be liaison personnel for the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. There persons shall aid the Fire Department in preplanning emergency responses and understanding the materials and operations utilizing the gases. |
6004.1.13 Emergency Drills. Emergency drills of the on-site emergency response personnel and liaisons shall be conducted on a regular basis but not less than every six months. Records of drills conducted shall be maintained for three years. |
6004.1.14 Cylinder leak testing. Cylinders shall be tested for leaks immediately upon delivery and again immediately prior to departure. Testing shall be approved by the fire code official in accordance with appropriate nationally recognized industry standards and practices, if any. Appropriate remedial action shall be immediately undertaken when leaks are detected. |
6004.1.15 Inert gas purge system. Gas systems shall be provided with dedicated inert gas purge systems. A dedicated inert gas purge system may be used to purge more than one gas, provided the gases are compatible. Purge gas systems inside buildings shall be located in an approved gas cabinet unless the system operates by vacuum demand. |
Exception: Refrigeration systems. |
6004.1.16 Seismic shutoff valve. An automatic seismic shut-off valve, which is of a fail-safe to close design, shall be provided to shutoff the supply of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases with an LC50 less than 3,000 parts per million upon a seismic event within 5 seconds of a horizontal sinusoidal oscillation having a peak acceleration of 0.3G (1.47m/sec2) and a period of 0.4 seconds. |
6004.1.17 Fittings and connections. Fittings and connections shall be located in a gas cabinet, exhausted enclosure, gas room or exhausted valve manifold box. |
Exception: Welded connections. |
The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.1 through 6004.2.2.10.4. |
6004.2.1 Applicability. The applicability of regulations governing the indoor storage and use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.1.1 through 6004.2.1.5. |
6004.2.1.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6001, 6004.1, 6004.2.1.4 and 6004.2.1.5. |
6004.2.1.4 Quantities not exceeding minimum threshold quantity per control area. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases in amounts not exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 6004.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 6001, and 6004.1 and Chapter 50. |
6004.2.1.5 Quantities exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases in amounts exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 6004.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 6001, 6004.1, 6004.2 and Chapter 50. |
6004.2.2 General indoor requirements. The general requirements applicable to the indoor storage and use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.1 through 6004.2.2.10.3. |
Moderately toxic gases shall not be considered as toxic gases for maximum allowable quantities determinations under Table 5003.1.1(2). |
CFC Section 6004.2.2.5 Piping and controls – stationary tanks |
1. Pressure relief devices shall be vented to a treatment system designed in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.7. |
Delete exception. |
6004.2.2.7 Treatment systems. |
Delete Exception 2. |
6004.2.2.10.1 Alarms. |
Delete Exception. |
6004.3 Outdoor storage and use. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.3.1 through 6004.3.4. The minimum threshold quantity for highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases for outdoor storage and use are set forth in Table 6004.1. |
6004.3.1 Applicability. The applicability of regulations governing the outdoor storage and use of highly toxic, toxic, and moderately toxic gases shall be as set forth in Sections 6004.3.1.1 through 6004.3.1.5. |
6004.3.1.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts exceeding the threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6001, 6004.1, and 6004.3.1.4 and 6004.3.1.5. |
6004.3.1.4 Quantities not exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases in amounts not exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 6004.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 6001, 6004.1 and Chapter 50. |
6004.3.1.5 Quantities exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area. The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases in amounts exceeding the minimum threshold quantity per control area set forth in Table 6004.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 6001, 6004.1, 6004.3 and Chapter 50. |
6004.3.2 General outdoor requirements. The general requirements applicable to the outdoor storage and use of highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.3.2.1 through 6004.3.2.4. |
Moderately toxic gases with an LC50 equal to or less than 3000 parts per million shall comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 5001, 5003, 6001, 6004.1 and 6004.3. |
Moderately toxic gases with an LC50 more than 3000 parts per million but not greater than 5000 parts per million and exceeding the maximum threshold quantity, as determined by 6004.1.6, shall comply with the requirements for toxic gases in Sections 5001, 5003, 6001, 6004.1 and 6004.3.2.1 through 6004.3.2.4. |
Moderately toxic gases shall not be considered as toxic gases for maximum allowable quantities determinations under Table 5003.1.1(2). |
6004.3.3 Outdoor storage weather protection for portable tanks and cylinders. Weather protection in accordance with Section 5004.13 shall be provided for portable tanks and cylinders located outdoors and not within gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures. The storage area shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 5004.5. |
Delete Exceptions. |