Article VII International Fire Code Amendments

IFC Section 101.1 is amended as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Kitsap County Fire Code hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

IFC Section 102.3 is amended as follows:

102.3 Changes of use or occupancy. A change of use or occupancy within an existing building, structure or premises shall comply with the provisions of this code, Kitsap County Code Sections 14.04.230(B) and 14.04.250. A change of use or occupancy shall only be made when an existing building satisfies the provisions of the Kitsap County Building and Fire Code, and codes as adopted in Kitsap County Code Section 14.04.040, for the new use of occupancy classification.

IFC Section 102.4 is amended as follows:

102.4 Application of Building Code. The design and construction of new structures and premises, as well as the repairs, alterations, or additions to existing structures shall comply with the Codes as adopted by Kitsap County Code Section 14.04.040.

IFC Section 102.7 is amended by adding an additional subsection 102.7.3 as follows:

102.7.3 Washington State Referenced Codes. Wherever the adopted codes state the International Plumbing Code, it shall mean the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the State of Washington. Wherever the adopted codes state the International Electrical Code, ICC Electrical Code, or the Electrical Code, it shall mean the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as adopted by the State of Washington in accordance with RCW 19.28 and WAC 296-46B.

Corrections. Publishing and typographical error corrections as identified in Errata published by the International Code Council shall become part of this code as if contained herein.

Definitions. Section 202 of the IFC is amended by the addition of the following definitions:

FESTIVAL. An outdoor assemblage of persons gathered primarily for entertainment or celebration including those that occur wholly or in part on waterways where the predicted attendance is 500 or more and where the duration of the event is five hours or longer.

Puzzle Room. A puzzle room is a type of special amusement building/area in which occupants are encouraged to solve a challenge or series of challenges to escape from a room or series of rooms.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.1, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 77, 2004; Ord. 464 (2010) § 21, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 17, 2018; Ord. 592 § 19, 2021)

§ 14.04.705 Operational permits.

IFC Section 105.5.17 is deleted and not adopted.

IFC Section 105.5 is amended by adding an additional subsection, 105.5.53, as follows:

105.5.53 Bed & Breakfast/Boarding House. An operational permit is required to operate a residential building, or portion thereof, where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, as a Bed and Breakfast House, Bed and Breakfast Boarding house, or a Boarding House as defined in Kitsap County Code 14.04.100.

IFC Section 105.5.5 is amended as follows:

105.5.5 Carnivals, fairs and festivals. An operational permit is required to conduct a carnival, fair or festival.
Exception: Outdoor music entertainment regulated by Kitsap County Code Chapter 6.20.
Upon receipt of an application for a fair or festival the fire marshal is authorized to:
1.	Notify other county departments of the application.
2.	Require that event promoters notify affected and surrounding property owners.
3.	Require that event promoters hold or attend public outreach or application review meetings.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.5, 1998. Formerly 14.04.710; Ord. 323 (2004) § 81, 2004; Ord. 391 (2007) § 26, 2007; Ord. 464 (2010) § 22, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 18, 2018; Ord. 592 (2021) § 21, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 15, 2025)

§ 14.04.710 Construction permits.

(See IFC Section 105.6 for required construction permits.)

(Ord. 323 (2004) § 82, 2004. Formerly 14.04.720; Ord. 638 (2025) § 16, 2025)

§ 14.04.720 Appeals and violations.

IFC Section 111.1 is amended as follows:

111.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of the technical provisions of this code, there shall be a consolidated board of appeals in accordance with Article 15, Kitsap County Code Sections 14.04.950 through 14.04.990. Appeals of administrative provisions shall be in accordance with Kitsap County Code Chapter 21.04.

IFC Section 111.3 is deleted and not adopted.

IFC Section 113.4 is amended 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, is in violation of this code and subject to enforcement in accordance with Section 14.04.065 Kitsap County Code. The work done may also be subject to the provisions of Kitsap County Code Article 9, the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.2, 1998. Formerly 14.04.705; Ord. 323 (2004) § 78, 2004; Ord. 391 (2007) § 25, 2007; Ord. 592 (2021) § 20, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 14, 2025)

§ 14.04.725 Sky lanterns – Sale and use prohibited.

IFC Section 308.1.6.3 is amended as follows:

308.1.6.3 Sky Lanterns. Sky Lanterns are any unmanned device with a fuel source that incorporates an open flame in order to make the device airborne. The sale, use or distribution of Sky Lanterns is prohibited.

(Ord. 523 (2015) § 2, 2015; Ord. 552 (2018) § 19, 2018)

§ 14.04.730 Fire apparatus access roads.

IFC Section 503, including those provisions that are not adopted by the Washington State Building Code in WAC 51-54A-0503, is hereby adopted in its entirety by Kitsap County as IFC Section 503 as set forth in the 2021 International Fire Code and as amended in subsections (A) through (E) of this section.

IFC Section 503.1.1 is amended by the addition of an additional exception 1.4, as follows:

503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every building, facility or portion of building or facility hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the buildings as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
1.	The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45720 mm) where:
1.1	The building or facility is equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
1.2	Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed in conformance with these Standards due to topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades, critical areas or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
1.3	There are not more than two (2) Group R-3 (single-family dwellings) occupancies.
1.4	Fire apparatus access roads serve only residential accessory building/occupancies (private garages, carports, sheds, agricultural buildings), as defined by the International Building Code.
2.	The fire code official may modify or exempt requirements for fire apparatus access roads serving ground mounted solar voltaic power generation facilities, or communication or power transmission towers and support facilities.

IFC Section 503.2.4 is amended as follows:

503.2.4 Turning radius. Fire apparatus access roads serving single-family residential buildings shall have a minimum 25 feet inside radius. Access roads serving commercial buildings and facilities shall have a minimum 35 feet inside radius. All turning radius dimensions shall be made to the edge of the roadway surface.

IFC Section 503.2.6 is amended as follows:

503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Bridges or elevated surfaces constructed as part of a private fire apparatus access road shall be constructed to support the live loads imposed by fire apparatus access. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to such bridges and surfaces as required by the fire marshal. Where elevated surfaces serving as fire apparatus access are adjacent to other elevated surfaces not intended for such use, barricades and or signs shall be provided as required by the fire marshal.

IFC Section 503.2.7 is amended as follows:

503.2.7 Grade. The grade (slope) of fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 12%.

Exception: The grade of the fire apparatus access road may be increased if buildings or facilities are equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system when approved by the fire district chief and Fire Code Official.

IFC Section 503.4 is amended as follows:

503.4 Obstructions. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. The fire code official is authorized to remove or cause the removal of any obstruction or vehicle parked in areas marked in accordance with section 503.3. Vehicles parked or otherwise obstructing fire apparatus access roads shall be in violation of this code. Owners and operators of such vehicles are subject to enforcement pursuant to section 14.04.065. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to assist the Fire Code Official with enforcement of this section.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.7, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 84, 2004; Ord. 323(A) (2005) (part), 2005; Ord. 464 (2010) § 23, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 20, 2018; Ord. 592 (2021) § 22, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 17, 2025)

§ 14.04.735 (Repealed) [1]

[1]

Editor’s Note: Former Section 14.04.735, “Fire protection water supplies,” was repealed by § 25 of Ord. 464 (2010). Ord. 323(A) (2005) was formerly codified herein.

§ 14.04.740 Fire hydrant requirements.

IFC Section 507.5 is amended as follows:

507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Section 507.5.1 through 507.5.13.

IFC Section 507.5.1 is amended as follows:

507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the Fire code official.
Exceptions:
1.	For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
2.	For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
3.	Where geographically or otherwise physically possible, the spacing intervals for hydrants shall commence at street intersections.
4.	Where hydrants supply commercial or multi-family fire flows, a hydrant shall be placed not more than one hundred fifty feet (150’) nor less than fifty feet (50’) from the protected building and fire department connection.

IFC Section 507.5 is further amended by adding additional Sections 507.5.7 through 507.13, as follows:

507.5.7 Outlets. Fire hydrants shall have a minimum five inch (5”) main valve opening, two (2) two and one half-inch (2 1/2”) outlets and a four and one-half inch (4 1/2”) steamer/pumper port with a five inch (5”), one-quarter turn quick connect Storz adapter; such outlets and port shall have National Standard Threads or other connection devices consistent with local fire protection authority requirements.
507.5.8 Installation. Fire hydrants shall stand plumb and be set to finished grade; the center of the lowest outlet shall be no less than eighteen inches (18”) nor more than twenty-eight (28”) above grade; there shall not be less than thirty-six inches (36”) radius of clear area surrounding the outlets and control valve to permit the operation of a hydrant wrench; the steamer/pumper port shall face the street or, if there is no street, the most likely route of emergency approach.
507.5.9 Hydrant painting. Fire hydrants shall be painted as follows:
A.	Barrel: Any bright, highly visible color.
B.	Tops: The required color for the tops of hydrants are as follows:

Top of Hydrant Color
Gallons per minute of flow (gpm)	Color of top
1,500 or more gpm	Blue
1000 – 1499 gpm	Green
500 – 999 gpm	Orange
499 or less gpm	Red

507.5.10 Type. Flush-type hydrants are not allowed except under unusual circumstances and then only with the specific approval of the Fire Code Official.

507.5.11 Roadway markers. Reflectorized standard blue hydrant identification markers shall be placed on the access roadway to identify each hydrant. Markers shall be placed on the side nearest the hydrant six inches (6”) from the center line of the access roadway.

507.5.12 Parking. No person shall park any vehicle within fifteen feet (15’) of a fire hydrant.

507.5.13 Water mains. New or replacement water mains which do or are intended to serve fire hydrants shall be not less than six inches (6”) nominal diameter; except, dead-end water mains over fifty feet (50’) in length shall be not less than eight inches (8”) nominal diameter.

On new or replacement water distribution mains and water transmission mains within the water purveyor’s service area where fire flow and fire storage are available, fire hydrants shall be provided at not less than 1200 foot (1200’) intervals to provide for transportation hazards.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.8, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 85, 2004; Ord. 323(A) (2005) (part), 2005; Ord. 464 (2010) § 25, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 21, 2018)

§ 14.04.750 Installation requirements.

The following sections of the International Fire Code relating to fire protection and life safety systems are amended as follows:

IFC Section 901.4.7.1 is amended as follows:

901.4.7.1 Access. Rooms containing automatic sprinkler system risers, fire pumps and controllers shall be provided with a door opening to the building’s exterior. Exterior doors or other doors opening into fire sprinkler riser or fire pump rooms may be locked provided that the keys for such locks are clearly labeled and maintained in a locked key box on the building exterior or other approved location.

Exception: Where building or site conditions prevent rooms from opening directly to the outside, the fire marshal may approve alternate locations provided that such locations have direct access to the building exterior.

IFC Section 901.6.3 is amended as follows:

901.6.3 Records. Records of all systems inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on site and shall be submitted to and in such form as established by the fire code authority. Such records shall be submitted within fourteen (14) days of the work being accomplished and include the printed name, signature, and licensing and/or certification number(s) of the technician performing the work.

IFC Section 903.1 is amended as follows:

903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section. Fire areas shall be defined as the total floor areas of all floor levels within the exterior walls, including mezzanines, as well as all areas under the horizontal projections of the roof of a building that are not enclosed by walls. For the purpose of this section, for determining fire extinguishing system requirements, fire walls shall not define separate buildings.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.12, 1998. Formerly 14.04.770; Ord. 224-A (1998) § 5, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 89, 2004; Ord. 464 (2010) § 27, 2010; Ord. 592 (2021) § 25, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 20, 2025)

§ 14.04.760 Fire extinguishing systems.

In order to provide clarity and to maintain consistency between the building code and the fire code, the following subsections modify language in both the International Building Code as well as the International Fire Code as set forth below:

IBC Section 903.2.1 and IFC Section 903.2.1 are amended as follows:

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the entire building. For Group A-5 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the spaces indicated in 903.2.1.5.

IBC Section 903.2.1.1 and IFC Section 903.2.1.1 are amended as follows:

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	The gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet.
2.	The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3.	The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
4.	The fire area contains a multi-theater complex.

IBC Section 903.2.1.2 and IFC Section 903.2.1.2 are amended as follows:

903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	The gross floor area of the building exceeds 5,000 square feet.
2.	The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
3.	The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

IBC Section 903.2.1.3 and IFC Section 903.2.1.3 are amended as follows:

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	The gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet.
2.	The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3.	The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

IBC Section 903.2.1.4 and IFC Section 903.2.1.4 are amended as follows:

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	The gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet.
2.	The fire area has an occupancy load of 300 or more.
3.	The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

IBC Section 903.2.1 and IFC Section 903.2.1 are amended by adding an additional Section 903.2.1.8 as follows:

903.2.1.8 Nightclub. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided throughout an occupancy with a nightclub.

IBC Section 903.2.4 and IFC Section 903.2.4 are amended as follows:

903.2.4 Group F. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	Where the gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet; or
2.	Where a Group F fire area is located more than three stories above grade; or
3.	A group F occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet.

IBC Section 903.2.7 and IFC Section 903.2.7 are amended as follows:

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	Where the gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet; or
2.	Where a Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade; or
3.	Where a Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet.

IBC Section 903.2.9 and IFC Section 903.2.9 are amended as follows:

903.2.9 Group S. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	Where the gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet; or
2.	Where a Group S fire area is located more than three stories above grade; or
3.	Where a fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles exceeds 5,000 square feet; or
4.	Where a Group S occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,500 square feet.
Exception: Self-service storage facilities no greater than one story above grade plane where all storage spaces have direct access to the building exterior.

IBC Section 903.2.9.1 and IFC Section 903.2.9.1 are amended as follows:

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing or used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the International Building Code where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	Where the gross floor area of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet; or
2.	Buildings with a repair garage servicing vehicles parked in the basement; or
3.	A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

IBC Section 903.2 and IFC Section 903.2 are further amended by adding additional subsection 903.2.13 as follows:

903.2.13 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1.	Where the gross floor of the building exceeds 10,000 square feet; or
2.	Where a Group B fire area is located more than three stories above grade.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.13, 1998. Formerly 14.04.780; Ord. 224-A (1998) § 6, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 90, 2004; Ord. 391 (2007) § 29, 2007; Ord. 464 (2010) § 28, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 24, 2018; Ord. 592 (2021) § 26, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 21, 2025)

§ 14.04.770 Fire alarm and detection systems.

IBC Section 907.2 and IFC Section 907.2 are amended as follows:

907.2 Where required – new buildings, structures and occupancies. An approved, addressable fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings, structures and occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.24 and provide occupancy notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location on each floor to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or water-flow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow the elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed on each floor.
Exceptions:
1.	The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
2.	The manual fire alarm box is not required for Group R-2 occupancies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during sprinkler system impairment. When provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area accessible to the public.
3.	Fire alarm systems that consist of ten or fewer initiating devices need not be addressable.

IBC Section 907.2 and IFC Section 907.2 are further amended by the addition of a new subsection 907.2.24 as follows:

907.2.24 New occupancies in excess of 4,000 square feet of gross floor area. All new buildings and new occupancies in new or existing buildings where the gross floor area exceeds 4,000 square feet shall be provided throughout with an approved manual and automatic fire alarm system. The automatic fire detection shall be smoke detectors. Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, other automatic fire detection shall be allowed. New occupancies shall include new tenants; changes in tenant space or occupancy; and changes in the of use or classification of an occupancy or tenant space.
Exceptions:
1.	Group R Division 3 and U occupancies.
2.	Where automatic sprinkler protection installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 is provided and connected to the fire alarm system, automatic heat or smoke detection requirements of this section may be modified upon specific approval by the Fire Code Official.

IBC Section 907.6.6 and IFC Section 907.6.6 are amended as follows:

IBC 907.6.6, IFC 907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the International Building Code or International Fire Code, shall be monitored by a U.L. (Underwriters Laboratory) - listed central station in accordance with NFPA 72.
Exception: Monitoring by a supervising station is not required for:
1.	Single and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
2.	Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
3.	Automatic sprinkler systems in one and two-family dwellings.

A new Section 907.8.5, Accidental alarm activations, together with new subsections 907.8.5.1 through 907.8.5.6, is added to the IFC as follows:

907.8.5 Accidental alarm activations.

907.8.5.1 Accidental alarm activations. All installed fire alarm systems regardless of whether or not the installation was or was not required by this or any other code shall be maintained and operated in a manner as to assure to the greatest extent possible that accidental alarm activations will be avoided.

907.8.5.2 Accidental alarm activations – definition. For the purpose of this section, accidental fire alarm activation shall be defined as the accidental creation and/or transmission of an alarm signal, or system trouble signal when an emergency or trouble condition does not exist.

907.8.5.3 Accidental alarm activations – penalties. The fire marshal may assess a civil penalty of $200 plus the cost incurred by the responding fire district against the owner or lessee of a property for each subsequent accidental fire alarm activation beyond four (4) in any six-month period when such alarm is received by Kitsap 911 for any single location.

907.8.5.4 Recovery of penalties. The fire marshal is authorized to seek the recovery of penalties in accordance with any method allowed by law. Penalties recovered on behalf of the fire districts shall be paid to the appropriate fire district.

907.8.5.5 Penalty – waiver. The fire marshal may waive all or a portion of the penalty assessed by this section upon application in writing from the affected party if the affected party can provide documentation that a technician qualified to accomplish such work has identified and remedied the cause of the accidental fire alarm activation(s). Rendering a required alarm activation or notification device inoperable shall not be considered a remedy to the cause of the activation.

907.8.5.6 Penalty – appeal. The denial of a penalty waiver in whole or in part may be appealed in writing to the director. The appeal must be submitted within ten (10) work days of receiving the denial and must clearly state why the appellant believes the waiver denial is in error.

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.9, 1998. Formerly 14.04.750; Ord. 323 (2004) § 86, 2004; Ord. 323(A) (2005) (part), 2005; Ord. 391 (2007) § 27, 2007; Ord. 464 (2010) § 26, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 22, 2018; Ord. 592 (2021) § 23, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 18, 2025)

§ 14.04.780 IFC referenced standards.

Referenced standards are as set forth in IFC Chapter 80.

(Ord. 323 (2004) § 91, 2004. Formerly 14.04.785; Ord. 391 (2007) § 30, 2007; Ord. 464 (2010) § 29, 2010; Ord. 552 (2018) § 25, 2018; Ord. 638 (2025) § 22, 2025)

§ 14.04.785 Appendices adopted and amended.

IFC Appendices B, D, F, and G are adopted and amended as follows:

IFC Appendix B, Fireflow Requirements for Buildings, is amended as follows:

Section B103.1 is amended as follows:

B103.1 Decreases. The Fire Code Official is authorized to reduce fire flow requirements for isolated buildings or group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where the development of full fire-flow requirements is impractical. Commercial fire-flow shall not be less than that specified in Table B105.1 for duration of two hours in all cases. Provided, that in Table B105.1 for construction type V-B, the total fire area in square feet is revised by deleting the term 0-3.600. Fire flow requirements may be reduced by installing an automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with this code.

IFC Appendix B, Section B103.2 is amended as follows:

B103.2 Increases. The Fire Code Official is authorized to increase the fire-flow requirements where conditions indicate an unusual susceptibility to group fires or conflagrations. An increase shall not be more than twice that required for the building under consideration.

IFC Appendix B, Section B103.3 is amended as follows:

B103.3 Areas without water supply systems. Development of one-and two-family dwellings with a fire flow calculation area of 5,000 square feet or greater, shall provide water supplies or approved alternative for fire-fighting purposes. In areas where fire flow or water supply is inadequate or not available, developers or property owners may use Fire Protection Credits as listed in Table B103.3 – Approved Fire Protection, provided the total fire protection credits equal or exceed 500 gallons per minute.

IFC Appendix B, Section B103.3, is further amended by the addition of Table 103.3.

TABLE B103.3 PROVISIONS FOR APPROVED FIRE PROTECTION IN AREAS WHERE FIRE FLOW IS INADEQUATE OR NOT AVAILABLE
Scope: The following fire protection development standards may apply to one- and two-family residential dwellings. Any combination of fire protection credits listed in the table can be used in areas where fire flow is inadequate or not available. The total fire protection credits shall equal or exceed 500 gallons per minute.

Method	Fire Protection Credit
1.) Automatic fire sprinkler system.	100% or 500 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
2.) An existing fire hydrant within 1,000 feet of structure which is capable of supplying 500 g.p.m. for 30 minutes and on an accessible road.	100% fire protection credit.
3.) NFPA 13D (partial system) residential fire sprinkler system for target hazards (systems may use domestic water supply).	Kitchens = 50% or 250 g.p.m. credit. Garages = 25% or 125 g.p.m. credit. 75% or 375 g.p.m. credit for protection of kitchen and attached garage.
4.) Automatic fire extinguishing system for protection of cooking appliances.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
5.) An approved monitored fire alarm system.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
6.) 5/8 Type X Fire-rated sheetrock installed throughout structure and automatic door closure for attached garage.	50% or 250 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
7.) Class (A) or (B) noncombustible roof covering.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
8.) Create defensible space within 30 feet around the structure. Use of fire-resistant landscaping plants and vegetation.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire protection credit.
9.) Ignition-resistant construction in accordance with the International Wildland Urban Interface Code as published by the International Code Council.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire flow credit.
10.) Modified firewall between an attached garage and the living spaces is installed with: automatic door closure with solid core or 1-hour rated door; latched on all openings in ceiling of garage; ceiling openings to be 22 inches by 36 inches minimum, to allow firefighter access; fire-rated sheetrock, both sides of wall, from roof sheathing in attic to floor; penetrations sealed airtight.	25% or 125 g.p.m. fire flow credit. 25% of the square footage of the garage shall be subtracted from the total residential dwelling size to determine need for fire flow or fire protection credits.

IFC Appendix B, Section B104.1.1 is added as follows:

B104.1.1 One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The fire flow calculation area for one and two-family dwellings shall be the total floor area within the exterior walls and under the horizontal projections of a roof, including mezzanines, and attached garages.

IFC Appendix B, Section B104.2 is amended as follows:

B104.2 Area Separation. Portions of buildings which are separated by no more than two (2) four-hour separation walls constructed in accordance with the International Building Code, without openings and provided with a 30-inch (792mm) parapet, are allowed to be considered separate fire areas. No more than two (2) separate fire areas can be created between the four-hour (4 hour) separations by a two-hour (2 hour) separation wall constructed in accordance with the IBC.

IFC Appendix B, Section B105.1 is amended as follows:

B105.1 One- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow requirements for one- and two-family dwellings in subdivisions shall be 500 gallons per minute for thirty (30) minutes.
B105.1.1 One and two-family dwellings with fire flow calculation areas of 5.000 square feet or greater. One- and two-family dwellings with a fire flow calculation area of 5,000 square feet or greater are also required to provide water for fire protection in the amount of 500 gallons per minute. In areas where fire flow is inadequate or not available developers or property owners may use fire protection credits as listed in Table B103.3 to meet fire flow requirements, provided the total fire protection credits equal or exceed 500 gallons per minute.
Exceptions:
1.	In areas where full fire flow is impractical, a residential sprinkler system may be substituted.
2.	Permits for one – and two – family, manufactured, mobile, and modular dwellings with a fire flow calculation area of less than 5000 square feet on an existing lot.

IFC Appendix B, Table B105.1(2) is amended as follows:

FIRE AREA (Square feet)					FIRE FLOW (gallons per minute)^c	FLOW DURATION (hour)
X 0.0929 for in²					FIRE FLOW (gallons per minute)^c
Type 1-A and i-B^a	Type IIA and IIIA^a	Type IV and V-A^a	Type II-B and III-B^a	Type V-B^a	X 3.785 for L/min.
0-5,000	0-5,000	0-5,000	0-5,000		1,500	2
5,000-30,200	5,001-17,000	5,001-10,900	5,001-7,900	3,601-4,800	1,750
(The remainder of Table B105.1(2) is as printed in the IFC)

Table B105(1), Table B105.2 and Section B105.3 are not adopted.

IFC Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, is adopted and amended as follows:

Section D103 is deleted in its entirety and not adopted.

The exception in subsection D106.1 is deleted and not adopted.

Subsection D106.2 is deleted in its entirety and is not adopted.

Subsection D107.1 is amended to read as follows:

D107.1 One or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 100 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: The number of one or two-family dwellings accessed by a single, approved fire apparatus access road maybe increased to not more than 250 where all dwellings are provided with approved fire sprinkler systems in accordance with Sections 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or

(Ord. 224 (1998) § 6.11, 1998. Formerly 14.04.760; Ord. 224-A (1998) § 4, 1998; Ord. 323 (2004) § 88, 2004; Ord. 323(A) (2005) (part), 2005; Ord. 391 (2007) § 28, 2007; Ord. 552 (2018) § 23, 2018; Ord. 592 (2021) § 24, 2021; Ord. 638 (2025) § 19, 2025)

§ 14.04.790 (Repealed) [1]

[1]

Editor’s Note: Former Section 14.04.790, “Marinas,” was repealed by § 26 of Ord. 552 (2018). Section 92 of Ord. 323 (2004) and § 30 of Ord. 464 (2010) were formerly codified herein.