An automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in all new structures less than 10,000 square feet total floor area. Exceptions are noted in EMC § 16.28.140.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
The following references shall be used in the design, installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems within the city of Enumclaw; if there is a conflict between the codes, the code that provides the greatest degree of fire protection shall apply. References are to the current editions, unless otherwise noted:
A.
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
B.
NFPA 72, Protective Signaling Systems.
C.
NFPA 88A, Parking Structures.
D.
IFC, International Fire Code.
E.
IBC, International Building Code.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A. "Addressable device"
means a fire alarm system component with discreet identification that can have its status individually identified or that is used to individually control other functions.
B. "Alarm indicating device"
is any listed bell, buzzer, visual or audible device that produces an alarm signal for fire.
C. "Alarm initiating device"
is any listed device which, when activated, initiates an alarm by manual or automatic operation of an electrical contact through an alarm indicating device.
D. "Alarm signal"
is any listed audible or visual signal, or both, indicating the existence of an emergency fire condition.
E. "Analog initiating device"
(sensor) is an initiating device that transmits a signal indicating varying degrees of condition, as contrasted with a conventional initiating device which can only indicate an on/off condition.
F. "Annunciator"
is any listed equipment that indicates the zone or area of the building from which an alarm has been initiated, the location of an alarm actuating device, or the operation condition of alarm circuits or the system.
G. "Approved"
refers to the approval of the fire marshal.
H. "Authority having jurisdiction"
refers to the fire marshal.
I. "Automatic fire alarm system"
is a combination of listed compatible devices, control panels, audible and visual devices and other equipment, together with the necessary electrical energy, designed and wired to produce an alarm in the event of fire or special system activation.
J. "Alarm/control panel"
is comprised of the controls, relays, switches and associated circuits necessary to furnish power to a fire alarm system, receive signals from fire alarm devices and transmit them to indicating devices and accessory equipment.
K. "Compatibility listed"
means a specific listing process that applies only to two-wire devices (such as smoke detectors) designed to operate with certain control equipment.
L. "Compatible"
means equipment that interfaces mechanically or electrically together as manufactured, without field modification.
M. "Fire alarm control panel"
is a system component that receives input from automatic and manual fire alarm devices and may supply power to detection devices and transponder(s) or off-premises transmitter(s). The control unit may also provide transfer of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices connected to the control unit. The fire alarm control unit can be a local fire alarm control unit or master control unit.
N. "Listed"
means equipment or materials indicated in a list published by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials, and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
O. "Line-type detector"
is a device in which detection is continuous along a path. Typical examples are rate-of-rise pneumatic tubing detectors, projected beam smoke detectors, and heat-sensitive detectors.
P. "Maintenance"
refers to repair service, including periodic recurrent inspections and tests per manufacturer's specifications and NFPA 72, required to keep the protective signaling system (automatic fire alarm system) and its component parts in an operative condition at all times, together with the replacement of the system or its components when, for any reason, they become undependable or inoperative.
S. "Spacing"
means a horizontally measured dimension relating to the allowable coverage of fire detectors.
T. "Transmitter"
refers to any listed transmitter able to transmit and/or receive status changes automatically or manually from a listed alarm panel to an approved central station via leased telephone lines.
U. "UL central station"
refers to a UL-listed central station approved to monitor automatic fire alarm systems within the city of Enumclaw.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
Digital blueprint drawings with information regarding the fire alarm system, including detailed specifications, wiring, diagrams, elevation diagram (showing false ceiling areas), and floor plans, shall be submitted to the fire marshal for approval prior to installation of any equipment or wiring (one set of approved plans shall be located at the construction site).
B.
Drawings submitted for approval must include the following:
1.
Floor layout showing all rooms and spaces, including a cross-section of the space being protected, with accurate measurements drawn to a one-eighth-inch scale.
2.
Identification of each room or space, i.e., guest rooms, mechanical room, attic, etc.
3.
Location of each system component using the appropriate symbol.
4.
Explanatory notes and legend to lend clarity to the plan and identify the manufacturer and model number of each alarm component used.
5.
A wiring schematic clarifying type and size of wiring (must comply with NFPA 70), and a point-to-point wiring diagram.
6.
Zoning, if applicable.
7.
A copy of the technical specifications for each component used in the makeup of the automatic fire alarm system. If the components are not all from the same manufacturer, UL cross listing compatibility cards are required.
8.
The current used by each of the initiating and indication devices and current rating of the power supply.
9.
Battery calculations for compatibility.
10.
Building permit number.
11.
Total number of devices being installed.
C.
All new fire alarm systems and all modifications to fire alarm systems involving 50 or more devices shall have the written approval of a fire protection engineer licensed by the state of Washington and approved by the fire marshal.
D.
After the fire alarm plans have been approved by the fire marshal, a job number will be issued to begin work. The plan review fees shall be charged at the rate shown in the fee code established by the jurisdiction.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
A.
All companies installing automatic fire alarm systems shall have a state electrical contractor's license.
C.
An electrical permit shall be posted at all automatic fire alarm system installations per Chapter 16.12 EMC, Electrical Code.
D.
All equipment, devices, and wiring shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual and shall be approved for the purpose which they are intended. No one shall perform any type of modification to any device that would void its UL/FM listing.
E.
If determined necessary by the authority having jurisdiction, control panels shall have sufficient auxiliary power outlets for automatic door closures, relay boards for elevator control, HVAC detectors, air pressurization, and all other auxiliary devices. They shall also have sufficient power for four-wire smoke detectors, remote LED indicating lights and duct detectors with relays.
F.
Remote alarm annunciation/indication is required at the main entrance if the control panel is not visible from the main entrance.
G.
When the control panel is located inside a room, the outside of the door shall have a sign in one-inch letters that reads "Fire Alarm" or "Fire Alarm Control."
H.
A rechargeable battery backup is required on any automatic fire alarm system installation. There shall be enough battery capacity at all times to run the alarm system in standby for 24 hours and after that time, sound all alerting devices for at least five minutes. At the end of the battery life cycle, batteries shall be replaced.
I.
Audible devices shall be placed in buildings and be so located that, with all intervening doors closed, the alarm device shall be heard at not less than 15 decibels above the ambient noise levels; sleeping areas shall be a minimum of 75 decibels. Visible alarms shall be placed throughout the building in all assembly areas; common use areas, including toilet rooms and bathing facilities; hallways and lobbies; and hotel guest rooms. Individual offices, mechanical rooms, and small storage rooms are not included.
J.
Whenever possible, the control panel shall be located in a heated main corridor or a heated main lobby. When the control panel is located inside a room, the room shall be heated, and kept at an ambient temperature between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The outside of the door shall have a sign in one-inch letters which reads "Fire Alarm" or "Fire Alarm Control." At no time shall the control panel be located in an exterior location.
K.
All new alarm systems shall be addressable. Each device shall have its own address and shall annunciate individual addresses at a UL central station.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
A light shall indicate that the system is receiving normal power. A failure of normal power shall cause the light to go out and an audible signal to sound.
B.
All batteries shall have an automatic rate charger to maintain standby batteries in a fully charged condition.
C.
A power transfer circuit shall be installed that will switch to standby power automatically and instantaneously if normal power fails.
D.
All alarm signals shall be automatically locked in at the alarm panel until their operated devices are returned to normal condition, and the alarm panel is manually reset.
E.
The fire alarm panel shall be reset only by authorized personnel of the fire marshal.
F.
The reset code for the fire alarm panel or keypad shall be 1-2-3-4-5. The reset code shall not be changed without the approval of the fire marshal. The reset code should be permanently posted at the keypad.
G.
The supervised relay boards that control elevator recall, air pressurization and all other auxiliary functions shall stay locked in, even though the audible signaling circuits have been silenced, until the panel has been reset and returned to normal.
H.
For systems employing water flow detection devices, manual pull stations shall be distributed throughout the building. Audible and visible alarms shall be placed in all common-use areas.
I.
All trouble and supervisory indication for post indicating valves, wall indicating valves, and outside stem and yoke valves shall be on a zone isolated from water flow indication, for trouble only.
J.
All fire alarm panels/keypads shall have alarm silence capability.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
All detectors shall be installed and spaced according to the manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 72. The fire marshal may require additional detectors or decreased spacing.
B.
At least one of the following types of detectors shall be placed in all rooms, halls, storage areas, basements, attics, lofts, spaces above suspended ceilings, storage lockers, closets, electrical rooms, machine equipment rooms, shafts, crawl spaces and stairwells: smoke, rate-of-rise, fixed-temperature, photobeam, flame, rate-compensation, or line-type. Access shall be provided to the attics and crawl spaces for maintenance of the detectors.
C.
All detectors placed above the ceiling shall have remote indicating lights in the ceiling directly below the device or other means of indication as approved by the fire marshal.
D.
All rate-of-rise and fixed-temperature heat detectors shall have replacement links or be self-restoring for testing purposes.
E.
Smoke detectors shall be the preferred detector type in all areas. When conditions are such that smoke detectors are not practical, other type(s) of detectors shall be installed as approved by the fire marshal.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 §§ 1 (Exh. A), 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
Upon completion of a system installation, a satisfactory test of the entire installation shall be made by the contractor's representative in the presence of the fire marshal and shall comply with the procedures contained in NFPA 72 and the manufacturer's specifications. The use of a decibel meter will be employed to determine minimum sound levels during acceptance testing. Final approval is contingent upon a successful performance test.
B.
A condition of final acceptance of the fire alarm system shall be the receipt of a completed contractor's material and test certificate – fire alarm and automatic detection systems, to the effect that the system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and appropriate NFPA requirements. The completed installation certificate shall be returned to the fire marshal prior to the acceptance test.
C.
As-builts shall be provided prior to system acceptance and final approval if any modifications not shown on the original plans have been done to the system.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
A satisfactory contract covering the maintenance, operation and efficiency of the system shall be provided by the property owner or his agent. The contract shall provide for inspections, tests and maintenance as specified in NFPA 72 and manufacturer's instructions. The property owner or his agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the automatic fire alarm system with the following provisions:
1.
The renter or lessee shall notify the property owner or his agent of the need of any suspected maintenance or malfunction of the system.
2.
The property owner or his agent shall assume no liability in the event any unauthorized person, renter or lessee tampers with, attempts to repair or damages any part of the automatic fire alarm system so as to render it inoperative; provided, however, the property owner and his agent shall be liable in the event either of them become aware of tampering or efforts to repair or damage the system, and they thereafter fail to restore the system within a reasonable period of time so that it functions in accordance with the standards provided for in this chapter.
B.
A copy of inspection, test, and maintenance records shall be forwarded to the fire marshal.
C.
The automatic fire alarm system shall be maintained in operative condition at all times.
D.
Battery-powered detectors in existing buildings shall have new batteries installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, and shall be tested at least annually by the building owner or the building owner's representative. Documentation of the testing and applicable repairs shall be sent to the fire department.
E.
Inspections, maintenance and testing of fire alarm systems shall be performed by personnel with qualifications acceptable to the fire marshal.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
Automatic fire alarm systems shall be installed in the following occupancies:
1.
Hotels.
2.
Motels.
3.
Multifamily dwellings (with more than four units): See EMC § 16.28.120(B), special requirements.
4.
All other new commercial/industrial buildings under 10,000 square feet, unless fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
5.
Any building or portion of a building which, due to the nature of its occupancy, is required by the International Fire Code or other nationally recognized standard to have an automatic fire alarm system.
6.
Any building or portion of a building which, due to the nature of its occupancy, is determined by the fire marshal to be a special hazard or have a high life safety need.
7.
A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in all new sprinklered buildings. Visual and audible devices shall be installed per EMC § 16.28.050(I).
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
The following fire alarm systems are required to be monitored by a city of Enumclaw-approved UL central station:
A.
All new automatic and manual systems as required by EMC § 16.28.100, or required by any other code or standard.
B.
All existing fire alarm systems.
C.
All fire alarm systems installed by the occupant/owner that are optional in commercial, industrial and multifamily occupancies.
D.
Smoke detectors that are installed in lieu of a one-hour corridor requirement.
E.
HVAC units that are required to have duct detectors and that serve more than one occupancy or serve an area open to the public.
F.
City of Enumclaw-approved UL central stations that fail to maintain their UL listing shall be prohibited from monitoring fire alarm systems within the city of Enumclaw.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
A.
The guest room detectors of hotel/motel occupancies shall annunciate at a panel located at or near the front desk. These detectors will not transmit an alarm to the UL central station. The alarm panel, located at or near the front desk, shall be monitored 24 hours a day by the hotel/motel staff.
B.
Multifamily dwellings and lodging houses fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system shall have detectors installed in accordance with the International Building Code. Common areas and exit corridors shall be protected by detectors and manual pull stations, monitored by a UL central station.
C.
When monitoring of an existing system is lost for any reason, a fire watch must be initiated. Current adopted fire watch procedures will be followed.
D.
Duct detectors shall send a supervisory signal only and shall not cause an alarm.
E.
Fire department approved lock boxes shall be provided for an access to alarm panels and sprinkler risers.
F.
An exterior horn or bell/strobe shall be installed outside all buildings/tenant spaces that have a fire alarm system.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
A reinspection fee in the city of Enumclaw's fee schedule will be assessed when an inspection is requested for new construction, tenant improvements or spot inspections, and upon arrival, the fire inspector finds that the work is not complete, not ready for inspection, or does not comply with fire code requirements. Under these conditions, a follow-up inspection will be required.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
Any exception to the items covered by this chapter shall be made by the fire marshal. Request for exception must be made in writing; exceptions granted or denied shall be in writing.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter, the International Fire Code or appendices adopted by this chapter, or who shall fail to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder or any certificate or permit issued thereunder and from which no appeal has been taken, or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the fire marshal or by a court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed therein, shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08 EMC.
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)
Whenever the fire marshal disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, the applicant may appeal the decision to the hearing examiner established in Chapter 15.13 EMC. Section 108 of the International Fire Code shall be amended to read:
Disputes regarding interpretation of code provisions shall be settled by the International Fire Code Institute. When deemed appropriate, the fire marshal will request a formal, written interpretation from the Institute. |
(Ord. 2401, 2008; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021)