Chapter 51-54A WAC (2021 International Fire Code), and Appendices B, E, F and G to said International Fire Code, together with all future amendments thereof and additions thereto, one copy of which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the city of Longview, shall be and is hereby adopted as the fire code of the city of Longview for regulating, governing and safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said fire code on file in the office of the city clerk of the city of Longview are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in this chapter. As used in this chapter the term "fire code" shall mean the International Fire Code hereby adopted by this chapter.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
(1) 
Whenever the word "jurisdiction" is used in this chapter (fire code), or in Appendices B, E, F, and G, it shall mean the city of Longview.
(2) 
Whenever the words "department of fire prevention" are used in this chapter (fire code), or in Appendices B, E, F, and G, they shall mean the fire prevention division of the Longview fire department.
(3) 
Whenever the words "fire code official" are used in this chapter (fire code), or in Appendices B, E, F, and G, they shall mean the fire marshal of the Longview fire department.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
RCW 43.44.110 is adopted by reference. A copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the city clerk/director of finance for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3054 § 1, 2008; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
The purpose of this section is to provide minimum standards of safety for family child day care homes.
(1) 
Family Child Day Care Home Defined. A "family child day care home" is a child day care facility, licensed by the state, located in the dwelling of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of 12 or fewer children, including children who reside at the home.
(2) 
Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire department prior to operating any family child day care home operation within the city limits.
(3) 
Approval Under Building Code. Family child day care home operations shall be conducted only in structures approved for habitation under the building code.
(4) 
Exiting. All rooms used for day care purposes shall be provided with at least two exits, one of which may be an openable escape and rescue window meeting the requirements of the building code.
(5) 
Fire Protection. Family child day care homes shall be provided with at least one 2-A, 10-BC portable fire extinguisher installed and maintained in accordance with the fire code.
(6) 
Automatic Smoke Alarm. Every sleeping area shall be protected by an operational automatic smoke alarm installed in accordance with its listing.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
When plans are submitted to the building department of the city for a permit to construct a building of other than single-family or duplex residence use, the plans will also be submitted to the fire marshal for approval of fire and life safety requirements set forth in the International Building Code, the International Fire Code and any other such provisions of the Longview Municipal Code.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
(1) 
For installation or alteration of any of the required construction permits as listed in the fire code, Section 105.6, a permit fee will be assessed based on value as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule.
(2) 
Plan review fees for required construction permits shall be 70 percent of the permit fee.
(3) 
A fee as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule shall be collected for all operational permits required by the fire code, Section 105.5. Where more than one operational permit is required at the same premises, the fee for each additional permit shall be one-half of the original fee.
(4) 
A fee as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule shall be collected for all special event reviews and inspections for the purpose of reviewing fire department access routes, general fire protection requirements, life safety requirements or other reviews conducted pursuant to the international codes, standards and ordinances adopted by the city.
(5) 
A fee as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule shall be collected annually for the inspection of certificate of occupancy permits required under International Building Code Chapter 1, Section 111.
(6) 
Building plan review fees as required by LMC § 18.10.050 for calculation of required fire flows, review of fire department access routes, general fire protection requirements, life safety requirements or other reviews conducted pursuant to the international codes, standards and ordinances adopted by the city shall be as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule except for group R-3 and U occupancies.
(7) 
Reinspections, preliminary inspections and other special inspections required or requested shall be calculated at a rate established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2908 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2946 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2971 § 1, 2006; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3027 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3069 § 1, 2008; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3156 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3190 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3234 § 1, 2012; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; Ord. 3311 § 1, 2015; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
(1) 
The limits referred to in Section 5704.2.9.6.1 of the fire code in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside above-ground tanks is prohibited are established as follows:
(a) 
In all of the classified use districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for light industrial-A, light industrial-B, heavy industrial, mixed use commercial/industrial, regional commercial, general commercial, and country club;
(b) 
Provided, however, that class II combustible liquids in quantities not exceeding 660 gallons may be stored for the purpose of providing electrical generation power for emergency systems in all of the classified districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 in aboveground tanks;
(c) 
And provided further, that quantities of class II combustible liquids exceeding 660 gallons and up to 2,000 gallons may be stored for the purpose of providing electrical generation power for emergency systems in all of the classified districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 in aboveground tanks which are listed as both "protected" and "fire-resistant" in accordance with UL Standard 2085;
Exceptions: Light industrial-A, light industrial-B, and heavy industrial districts.
(d) 
And provided further, that tanks storing flammable and combustible liquids for the purpose of fueling small equipment and portable containers exceeding 660 gallons and up to 2,000 gallons shall be "protected" and "fire-resistant" in accordance with UL Standard 2085.
Exceptions: Light industrial-A, light industrial-B, and heavy industrial districts.
(2) 
The limits referred to in Section 5706.2.4.4 of the fire code, where flammable or combustible liquids are prohibited, are established as follows: all of the classified use districts as listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for industrial districts light industrial-A district, light industrial-B district and heavy industrial district.
(3) 
The installation of all aboveground tanks shall be approved by the fire prevention division and subject to the applicable provisions of the International Fire Code.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 2959 § 1, 2006; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3175 § 4, 2011; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; amended during 9/15 supplement; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3491 § 1, 2023; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
(1) 
The limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the fire code, in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are as follows: all of the classified use districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for industrial districts light industrial-A district, light industrial-B district and heavy industrial district.
(2) 
Retail sales of liquefied petroleum gas shall be restricted in all classified use districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for industrial districts light industrial-A district, light industrial-B district, heavy industrial district and commercial/industrial district, and commercial districts NC, CBD, GC, RC and O/C. The maximum capacity for storage containers in NC, CBD, GC, RC and O/C districts shall be 1,200 gallons water capacity.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3175 § 4, 2011; Ord. 3202 § 8, 2012; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; amended during 9/15 supplement; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
The limits referred to in Section 5806.2 of the fire code, in which storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited, are established as follows: all of the classified use districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for industrial districts light industrial-A district, light industrial-B district and heavy industrial district.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3175 § 4, 2011; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; amended during 9/15 supplement; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)
(1) 
Section 101.1 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Longview, hereinafter sometimes referred to in this chapter as "this code."
(2) 
Section 105.6 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
105.6 Required construction permits.
The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.27.
(3) 
Section 105.6.26 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
105.6.26 Refrigeration systems.
A construction permit is required for installation or modification to a mechanical refrigeration system having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (14 kg) of any other group refrigerant.
(4) 
Section 105.6.27 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
105.6.27 Technical assistance.
A construction permit is required for the technical assistance provisions of the Fire Code in accordance with Section 104.8.2.
(5) 
Section 111.1 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
111.1 Appeal Board of Adjustment.
The Appeal Board of Adjustment, as created and established in LMC § 19.12.010, is hereby empowered to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of this Fire Code.
(6) 
Section 112.4 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
112.4 Violation penalties.
Persons who shall violate a provision of this Fire Code or who 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 directives of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this Fire Code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
(7) 
Section 113.4 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Failure to comply.
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(8) 
Section 503 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
The provisions of WAC 51-54A-0503 that restates Section 503.1 and deletes Sections 503.1.1, 503.1.2, 503.1.3, 503.2, 503.3, 503.4, and 503.4.1 is deleted and retained by the city.
(9) 
Section 503.2.3 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface.
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of 20 feet, and provided with an all-weather driving surface a minimum of 16 feet in width designed and engineered to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, an all-weather surface shall mean well maintained and paved or otherwise hard-surfaced with asphaltic or Portland cement concrete.
(10) 
Section 503.2.5 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.5 Dead-ends.
Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet length shall be provided with a turnaround. The turning radius of access roadway turnarounds shall be not less than 40 feet or 80 feet in diameter.
Exception: Alternate methods of creating access roadway turnarounds may be approved by the fire code official. Approved turnarounds may include such designs as a hammerhead arrangement, a graveled circle 80 feet in diameter, or an intersecting road.
(11) 
Section 503.2.7 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.7 Grade.
The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 15 percent. Exceptions:
(a) Access roads leading to buildings fully protected by automatic sprinkler systems may exceed 15 percent grade.
(b) When there are not more than two Group R, Division 3, or Group U Occupancies, the requirements of this section may be modified.
(12) 
Section 505.1 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
505.1 Address numbers.
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 and at the rear of the property if there is an improved alley. Additionally, structures not fronting a public street or an alley shall also have approved numbers placed at the front and back of the building so as to be plainly visible from points as determined by the city fire marshal. These numbers shall contrast with their background.
Numbers shall be a minimum of 5 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch and shall not be sight obscured.
(13) 
Section 507.5 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
507.5 Fire hydrant systems.
Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.5.1 through 507.5.10.
(14) 
Section 507.5.2 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire hydrants.
Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the fire code official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Hydrants shall be flow tested a minimum of every five years in a manner approved by the fire code official. Flow tests results shall be maintained by the city water department and made available upon request of the fire department. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards.
(15) 
Section 507.5.3 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks.
Private fire service mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25 at the following intervals:
1. Private fire hydrants (all types): Inspection annually and after each operation; flow test and maintenance annually.
2. Fire service main piping: Inspection of exposed, annually; flow test every 5 years.
3. Fire service main piping strainers: Inspection and maintenance after each use.
Inspection, testing and maintenance of private fire service systems located on private property shall be the responsibility of the owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the premises.
Records of required inspections, testing and maintenance shall be forwarded to the city water department not less than annually.
(16) 
Section 507.5.7 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
507.5.7 Number and distribution of fire hydrants.
At least one hydrant shall be provided for each 1,500 gallons of required fire flow. Required hydrants shall be so located that a minimum of one hydrant is provided within 400 feet of all portions of exterior walls where openings are permitted by the building code. Unless determined by the fire code official to be impractical, all required fire hydrants shall be equally spaced not to exceed 500 feet and placed a minimum distance of 40 feet from the structure or facility being protected as measured along fronting streets and fire apparatus access roadways.
Exceptions:
(a) Additional fire hydrants may be required when special hazards exist as described in Section 901.4.4 of the Fire Code.
(b) Hydrants located on the opposite side of arterial streets, streets of four or more lanes, or streets provided with median dividers, which would prevent fire department access will not be considered as meeting fire flow requirements.
(c) When a fixed water supply system is not available, an approved fire department mobile water supply may be considered as meeting minimum hydrant requirements for structures or facilities requiring less than 1,500 gpm fire flow.
(d) Dead-end streets shall have at least one hydrant located within 250 feet of the street end.
(e) When fire department connections are required, one hydrant shall be located within 100 feet of the fire department connection unless otherwise approved by the fire code official due to impractical conditions.
(17) 
Section 507.5.8 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
507.5.8 Water main size.
Water mains serving fire hydrants shall be a minimum of six inches in diameter. Water mains installed to meet fire flow requirements shall be engineered to supply the required flow at a minimum of 20 psi.
(18) 
Section 507.5.9 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
507.5.9 Fire hydrant visibility.
Hydrants shall not be visibly obstructed or have hydrant visibility impaired within a distance of 50 feet along fronting streets or access roads where fire department vehicles may be responding. In areas where required hydrant visibility cannot be effectively maintained, approved signs or street markers may be installed.
(19) 
Section 507.5.10 of the fire code is added to read as follows:
507.5.10 Fire hydrant marking.
Fire hydrants located on public or private property where vehicles could be parked shall have all curbs painted yellow or otherwise appropriately marked by the owner, lessee or other person in charge of premises to prohibit parking or other uses within 15 feet of a hydrant. In cases where curbs do not exist, approved signs or street markers may be installed. All hydrants shall be painted yellow.
(20) 
Section 901.6.3 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:
901.6.3 Fire protection system maintenance records.
Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 3 years and made available to the fire code official upon request. Records of required annual system inspections, tests, and maintenance shall be forwarded to the fire department annually.
(21) 
Chapter 56 of the fire code is amended by the addition of the following sections:
5601.1 Scope.
The possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives and explosive materials shall be governed by chapter 296-52 WAC and this chapter. The manufacture or storage of explosives or explosive materials shall be prohibited in all of the classified use districts listed in LMC § 19.06.070 except for heavy industrial district and for temporary storage at construction job sites for periods not to exceed one year. The manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of fireworks shall be governed by chapter 212-17 WAC and this chapter.
5601.1.6 Consumer fireworks permitted.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in Section 5601.1 of the Fire Code, "consumer" fireworks, as permitted by WAC 212-17, shall be permitted within the City of Longview.
5601.1.7 Adoption of State law by reference.
As authorized by RCW 35A.13.180 and 35A.12.140, the city council hereby adopts by reference Chapter 70.77 of the Revised Code of Washington, entitled "State Fireworks Law," together with amendments thereof and additions thereto. One copy of said RCW chapter 70.77 with amendments and additions thereto shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk/Director of Finance of said City for use and examination by the public.
5601.1.8 Retail sales permit requirements.
The number of retail sales permits which the city may issue for the sale of consumer fireworks in any one calendar year shall not exceed ten (10). No retail sales permit shall entitle the holder thereof to more than one location. All retail sales permits shall be nontransferable. The fire marshal or designee shall make inspections and approvals of all retail sales locations to verify compliance with WAC 212-17 and the Fire Code prior to the conduct of sales from such locations. All retail sales locations shall be inspected between June 23 and June 28, and such other times determined appropriate by the fire marshal. It is the responsibility of the applicant to meet all legal requirements and to request inspection at least 24 hours in advance of starting the retail sale of fireworks. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of WAC 212-17 or the Fire Code shall be grounds for revocation of a permit.
5601.1.9 Retail sales permit fee.
The annual retail sales permit fee for each retail sales permit issued hereunder shall as established in the community and economic development department master fee schedule, which shall be paid at the time such license is issued. All retail sales permits shall expire at the end of the calendar year in which they are issued. Said fee shall be paid in full regardless of the month during any calendar year that said permit is issued and shall not be refunded.
5601.1.10 Application for retail sales permit.
All applications for retail sales permit to sell fireworks in the City:
1. Shall be made on or prior to the second Tuesday in May of each year. Applicants for each such permit shall be notified by the fire code official of the fire department or designee of the granting or rejection of their application for license on or before the first Monday in June of each calendar year.
2. Shall set forth the proposed location of the fireworks stand from which such sales shall be made.
3. Shall be accompanied by proof of insurance as specified in RCW 70.77.270, and shall include an endorsement of such insurance naming the City as an insured thereunder.
4. Shall be in writing; show the corporate name of the applicant, if any; be signed by duly authorized officer of the applicant; and contain the address to which the notice is to be sent by the fire code official of the fire department or designee of the granting or rejecting of the application.
5601.1.11 Preference.
In granting retail sales permits hereunder, preference may be given to applicants who held permits for such sales issued by the City during the previous calendar year and to applicants that had a firework stand for the retail sale of fireworks for three (3) or more years in an area to be annexed by the city.
5601.1.12 Copy of State license to be filed.
Before a retail sales permit to sell fireworks or conduct a public display of fireworks shall be issued, the applicant for such permit shall file with the City Clerk of the City a copy of the license issued to such applicant by the State of Washington in accordance with RCW Chapter 70.77.
(Ord. 2896 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3000 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3088 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3109 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3136 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3246 § 1, 2013; amended during 9/15 supplement; Ord. 3322 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3438 § 1, 2020; Ord. 3512 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3555 § 1 (Exh. O), 2025)