A. 
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "City of Oroville Fire Code" (hereinafter referred to as "code").
B. 
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide safety and assistance to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(Ord. 1800 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1872 § 1, 2023)
The 2025 California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 9, with amendments is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference.
(Ord. 1800 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1871 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1891, 11/18/2025)
A. 
Amend Section 105.3.3 as follows:
Section 105.3.3. Occupancy Prohibited Before Approval. The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the fire code official issuing a permit and conduction associated inspections indicating the applicable provisions of this code have been met. No final inspection by the building official as to all or any portion of a development shall be deemed complete, and no certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless and until the installation of the prescribed fire protection facilities and access ways have been completed and approved by the Fire Chief, or the Chief's designee.
B. 
Section 108.1 is added to read as follows.
Section 108.1 Fees. A permit shall not be issued until the fees have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fees, if any, has been paid. Fees and Special Requirements. The fees for the permits and other services shall be as established by resolution of the Oroville City Council. The fee shall be set to cover the cost of the Fire Department to review and inspect the intended activities, operations or functions. The fees must be paid to the City of Oroville prior to engaging in the listed activities, operations or functions.
C. 
Section 202 is amended by adding the following definition:
Fireworks. Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, detonation or any fireworks including "safe and sane" as defined by Section 12529 of the State of California Health and Safety Code.
D. 
Section 315.1 is amended by adding the following exception to read as follows:
Section 315.1 General. Storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 through 315.6. Outdoor pallet storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 and 315.7.
Exception: Wood and wood composite pallet stored outdoors at pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities and complying with Section 2810.
Storage, use, and handling of miscellaneous combustible materials shall be in accordance with this section. A permit shall be obtained in accordance with Section 105.6.
Exception: Storage of combustible materials other than motorized vehicles or vessels shall not be permitted in a public parking garage or in a garage or carport serving a Group R, I Occupancy, unless the method of storage is approved by the Fire Code Official.
E. 
Sections 324.1 through 324.7 are added to read as follows:
Section 324.1 General. The manufacture of all fireworks, as defined in Section 202, is prohibited.
Section 324.2 Safe & Sane Fireworks, Permit to Sell. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell safe & sane fireworks within the City without having first applied for and received a permit to sell safe and sane fireworks issued by the City Fire Department.
Section 324.2.1 Prerequisites to issuance of Permit. No permit to sell safe & sane fireworks shall be issued to any applicant unless:
1.
He/She has first obtained a permit from the state fire marshal, and
2.
He/She has first obtained a business license from the City.
Section 324.2.2 Permit and Clean-Up Fee. The permit fee for the sale of safe & sane fireworks within the City shall be established by resolution of the City Council, payable to the City at the Office of the City Clerk. In addition to the permit fee, each location shall pay a clean-up fee established by resolution of the City Council, which shall be used to defray the cost of cleaning up and disposing of expended safe & sane fireworks in the City.
Section 324.2.3 Application for Permit. Application for a permit to sell safe & sane fireworks shall be made in writing to the Fire Department on or prior to the second Tuesday in March of each year, setting forth the proposed location, and accompanied by a statement that if a permit is issued to the applicant, the applicant shall at the time of receipt of such permit deliver to the City Clerk a Certificate of Insurance showing the existence of a $1 million public liability insurance policy naming the City as an additional insured.
Section 324.2.3.1 Qualifications. No permit to sell safe & sane fireworks shall be issued except as follows:
1.
To a holder of a regular business license whose principal place of business is located within the City.
2.
To a nonprofit association or corporation primarily for veteran, patriotic, welfare, civic betterment, charitable youth purposes, and each such organization must have its principal and permanent meeting place within the City and must have been organized and established in the City for a minimum of one year continuously preceding the filing of the application for permit and must have a bona fide membership of at least 20 members.
3.
Applicants returning from the previous year may have first priority in the application process.
Section 324.2.3.2 Notification. Applicants for any such permit shall be notified by the Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief's designee, as to the granting or rejection of application for permit on or prior to the first Monday in May of each calendar year.
Section 324.3 Operators of Safe & Sane Fireworks Stands. Operators of safe & sane fireworks stands shall be subject to the following provisions:
1.
No person other than the permittee organization shall operate the stand for which the permit is issued, or share or otherwise participate in the profits of the operation of such stand.
2.
No person other than the individuals, who are members of the permittee organization, or the wives or husbands or adult children of such members, shall sell or otherwise participate in the sale of safe & sane fireworks at such stand.
Section 324.4 Temporary Safe & Sane Fireworks Stands. Temporary safe & sane fireworks stands shall be subject to the following provisions:
1.
No safe & sane fireworks stand shall be located within 75 feet of any existing building or within 100 feet of any gas station.
2.
Safe & sane fireworks stands need not comply with the provisions of the building code of the City, provided, however, that all stands be erected under the supervision of the building inspector who shall require that stands be constructed in a manner which will reasonably insure the safety of attendants and patrons.
3.
No stand shall have a floor area in excess of 200 square feet.
4.
Each stand in excess of 20 feet in length must have at least two exits, and each stand in excess of 40 feet in length must have at least three exits spaced approximately equidistant apart, provided, however, that in no case shall the distance between exits exceed 24 feet.
Section 324.5 General Requirements for Permittees. Permittees shall meet the following general requirements:
1.
Each stand shall be provided with two water-type fire extinguishers, each having a two and one-half gallon capacity, being in good working order and easily accessible for use in case of fire.
2.
All weeds and combustible material shall be cleared from the location of the stand, including a distance of at least 20 feet surrounding the stand.
3.
"No Smoking" signs shall be prominently displayed on the safe & sane fireworks stand or wherever safe & sane fireworks are for sale.
4.
Each stand must have an adult in attendance and in charge thereof when the stand is being used for the sale or dispensing of safe & sane fireworks.
5.
The storage location of the safe and sane fireworks must be disclosed to city staff and the Oroville Fire Department during the permit process by submitting a written notification via letter to the Fire Department or by email.
6.
The sale of safe & sane fireworks shall not begin before 12:00 noon on the 28th day of June and shall not continue after 12:00 midnight on the 4th day of July.
7.
The use of safe & sane fireworks shall be limited to the day:
a.
June 28 to Noon on July 5;
b.
Veterans day; and
c.
New Years Eve and New Years day.
Any use of safe & sane fireworks outside of these holidays would require a special use permit.
8.
The use of safe & sane fireworks shall be temporarily prohibited if any of the following conditions exist:
a.
Red Flag Warning:
i.
A Red Flag Warning or a Fire Danger Warnings, as issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) indicating conditions that support extreme fire danger, including excessively hot temperatures, low humidity, high winds, or other factors that significantly increase the risk of fire in the region. This includes but is not limited to the following:
•
Air temperature exceeding certain thresholds (as defined by local or state guidelines).
•
Wind speeds of 20 mph or greater, with gusts exceeding 30 mph.
•
Relative humidity levels 15% or lower.
ii.
Other similar conditions that could create a substantial fire hazard.
b.
Public safety resources strained by emergencies:
i.
The prohibition will also be enacted when public safety resources, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel, are significantly strained due to ongoing or emerging emergencies. This includes, but is not limited to:
•
A declared local, regional, or State emergency that draws resources away from routine public safety duties.
•
Fires, natural disasters, or other large-scale emergencies within the City of Oroville, Butte County, surrounding counties, or in the state of California, which impact the availability of emergency response crews and resources.
•
A situation where personnel and equipment are at risk of being depleted due to high demand in the face of simultaneous emergencies, such as multiple fires or other large-scale crises.
ii.
When the conditions outlined are believed to exist, the City Administrator, Fire and Police Chiefs shall meet to affirm. If conditions are affirmed, notice will go out to the community and all vendors. The temporary prohibition shall remain in effect until conditions improve, and public safety risks are reduced to an acceptable level.
9.
Penalties associated with violations of this and the Health and Safety Code, are outlined in Section 12700 of said code.
10.
In addition to any criminal proceedings, each person who is found to be in possession of, use, store or intent to sell illegal fireworks, shall be subject to civil penalties including administrative fines. Said fines issued shall be due and payable in accordance to Chapter 2.28 of the Oroville Municipal Code. Payment of the fines shall not excuse the citee from the duty to immediately correct the violation of the code.
Administrative fines
a.
First offense: $1,000 per device.
b.
Second offense: $2,000 per device.
c.
Third offense: $4,000 per device.
**
Additional offenses shall result in a fine double of the fine of which they have previously been assessed.
11.
All unsold stock and accompanying litter shall be removed from the City by 12:00 noon on the 10th of July. Proof of removal must be furnished to the City's Fire Department.
12.
The safe & sane fireworks stand shall be removed from the temporary location by 12:00 noon on the 10th day of July, and all accompanying litter shall be cleared from such location by such time and date.
Section 324.6 Number of Permits. The maximum number of permits issued pursuant to this chapter during any one calendar year shall not exceed one license for each 1,500 residents of the City, unless otherwise prescribed by resolution of the Council. In determining the City population for the purposes of this section, the most recent census calculations shall be used.
Section 324.7 Seizure. The Fire Chief, the Fire Chiefs designee or any law enforcement officer shall seize, remove, or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all stocks of illegal fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, discharged or held in violation of this Code.
F. 
Section 503.2.1 is deleted and replaced to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approval security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and in unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4,115 mm).
Section 503.2.I Dimensions. Fire apparatus access drives shall have an unobstructed width of not less than the following dimensions (including two-foot (2') shoulders):
Residential Width
One-way access drive:
1—2 Units
16 feet (12 feet paved)
Two-way access drives:
3—10 Units
20 feet (16 feet paved)
11—60 Units
25 feet (21 feet paved)
Over 60 Units
30 feet (26 feet paved)
Nonresidential Width
One-way access drive:
16 feet (fully paved)
Two-way access drive:
25 feet (fully paved)
The minimum unobstructed vertical clearance shall be 14 feet at all points across the required width of the access drive. Vertical clearance may be increased as determined necessary by the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee.
G. 
Section 503.2.7 is deleted and replaced to read as follows:
Section 503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed a grade of 16%, except that one run of the one hundred (100) feet or less in length may be at 18% grade upon approval of the Fire Chief.
H. 
Section 503.3 is amended by adding Section 503.3.1 to read as follows:
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official approved signs or other approval notices or markings that include the word "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
Section 503.3.1 Fire Lane Designation. Designation of fire lanes shall be by one of the following means:
1. 
By a white sign measuring at least 12 inches by 18 inches (12" x 18") posted immediately adjacent thereto and clearly visible. It should clearly state, in red letters not less than one inch (1") in height, that the space is a fire lane and parking is prohibited.
2. 
By outlining and hash marking the area in contrasting colors clearly marking it with the words "Fire Lane - No Parking."
3. 
By identifying the space with a red curb upon which the words "Fire Lane - No Parking" are stenciled every 15 feet.
a. 
Both sides of fire lanes shall be red curbed when the fire lane is twenty (20) to twenty-eight (28) feet in width.
b. 
At least one side of a fire lane shall be red curbed and stenciled when the fire lane is over twenty-eight (28) and up to thirty-six (36) feet in width.
c. 
Curbs need not be painted red nor stenciled when the fire lane is more than thirty-six (36) feet in width.
I. 
Section 505.1 is deleted and replaced to read as follows:
505.1 Address Identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be in Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelt out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilities emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained Section 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. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals construction. Numbers shall be as follows:
1. 
Minimum of one-half-inch (1/2") stroke by two and one-half inches (2-1/2") high.
2. 
When the structure is thirty-six (36) to fifty (50) feet from the street or fire department access, a minimum of one-half inch (1/2") stroke by six inches (6") high is required.
3. 
When the structure is more than fifty (50) feet from the street or fire apparatus access, a minimum of one-half inch (1/2") stroke by nine inches (9") high is required.
4. 
Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, they shall be mounted on a single post, and additional signs shall be located at locations where driveways divide.
5. 
Where a roadway provides access to solely a single commercial or industrial business, the address sign shall be placed at the nearest road intersection providing access to that site.
J. 
Sections 505.1.1 and 505.1.2 are added to read as follows:
Section 505.1.1 Multi-Tenant Buildings. Numbers or letters shall be designated on all occupancies within a building. Size shall be one-quarter-inch (1/4") stroke by two inches (2") high and on a contrasting background. Directional address numbers or letters shall be provided. Said addresses or numbers shall be posted at a height no greater than 5 feet, 6 inches (5' 6") above the finished floor and shall be either internally or externally illuminated in all new construction.
Section 505.1.2 Rear Addressing. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the fire apparatus road at the back of a property or where rear parking lots or alleys provide an acceptable vehicular access. Number stroke and size shall comply with Section 505.1.
K. 
Section 506.1 is deleted and replaced to read as follows:
Section 506.1 Where Required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain contents as established in Section 506.1.1.1.
L. 
Sections 506.1.1.1 and 506.1.1.2 are added to read as follows:
Section 506.1.1.1 Key Box Contents Requirements. The key provided shall be a master key to all spaces including multi-tenant spaces. Additional keys shall be included for elevator control, fire alarm control panels, and fire sprinkler control valve access. In addition, when required by the Chief, a current copy of the Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) shall be kept within the key box. Exception: Multi-tenant spaces which provide a key box for each tenant and installed per Section 506.1. Electronic card keys and codes may not be utilized as a substitute for manual keys.
Exception: When electronic locks release upon loss of electrical power, a manual key need not be provided.
Section 506.1.1.2 Installation Location. When key boxes are required by the Fire Chief, such boxes shall be mounted at 72 inches above finished floor within five feet of the latching side of the main entrance to a structure or facility. In addition, a decal shall be provided and installed adjacent to the key lock/latching device.
M. 
Section 407.5 is added to read as follows:
Section 407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS). The operator of the building shall update and maintain HMIS as required by the Fire Code Official.
N. 
Section 509.1.1 is added to read as follows:
Section 509.1.1 Utility Identification. Where required by the fire code official, gas shutoff valves, electric meters, service switches and other utility equipment shall be clearly and legibly marked to identify the unit or space that it serves. Identification shall be made in an approved manner, readily visible and shall be maintained.
O. 
Section 912.7 is added to read as follows:
Section 912.7 Inspectors Test Valves. Inspector test valves shall be provided for each system and located the furthest point away from the sprinkler riser.
P. 
Section 5003.6.1 is added to read as follows:
Section 5003.6.1 Requirements. Two NFPA 704 diamonds shall be placed on buildings so that they are clearly visible from at least two directions of travel.
1. 
The signs shall be at least fifteen inches by fifteen inches (15" x 15"). The signs shall not be placed on windows.
2. 
When NFPA 704 diamonds are required for the interior doors, the signs shall be applied to the doors at a level no higher than the doorknob. The signs for the interior doors shall be at least six inches by six inches (6" x 6").
3. 
The Fire Code Official may require fewer or more NFPA diamonds if the building configuration or size make it reasonably necessary.
Q. 
Section A111.1 is amended by adding the following:
Section A111.1.1 Application. The application for appeal shall be filed on a form obtained from the City building official within 20 days after the notice was served. A filing fee, as established by resolution of the City Council, shall be submitted at the time filing.
(Ord. 1879, 5/7/2024; Ord. 1885, 3/12/2025; Ord. 1887, 3/18/2025; Ord. 1888, 3/18/2025; Ord. 1891, 11/18/2025)
As required by Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.7, 18941.5(c) and 18942, the city council hereby expressly finds that amendments to the codes adopted by this chapter and as described in this section are necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, due to the local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
A. 
Express Finding Number 1 — Climatic. Climate is one of the greatest impacts to fire behavior and other major emergency events because it cannot be controlled. The drying out of wood shakes and wild land fuels in the summer months allows for easy ignition. The combustible weeds on vacant urban lots coupled with windy conditions are a recipe for disaster. The Greater Oroville region has extreme variations in weather patterns. Summers are arid and warm; winters are cool to freezing but void of significant snowfall. Fall and spring can bring any combination of weather pattern together. The doubling of average rainfall called an "El Nino" event has occurred from time to time and does cause the grass to mature and grow in excess of 6 feet high before it dries out. Ten square feet of this type of fuel is equivalent to the explosive force of one gallon of gasoline. Average yearly rainfall for the city is approximately 27 inches. This rainfall normally occurs from October to April. Low level fog (tulle-fog) is present throughout the winter months, which brings visibility to almost zero feet. The fog delays emergency responders. The fog can also cause freezing and slick roadways. During the summer months there is generally no measurable precipitation. Temperatures for this dry period range from 70 to 112 degrees F and are frequently accompanied by light to gusty Delta winds. The relative humidity during the summer months range from 2 to 30 mm Hg, which is classified as arid.
B. 
Express Finding Number 2 — Geological. The city of Oroville is subject to ground tremors from seismic events as the city is located in Design Category C, which relates to a high risk of earthquakes. Gas appliances located in attics or garages must be adequately braced and protected from damage from moving objects. Large portions of the city have poor soil conditions. Additionally, the very low elevations are subject to a very high-water table.
C. 
Express Finding Number 3 — Topographical. The city features include open space, drainage canals, components of the Oroville Dam and its water handling systems, highways, and railroad tracks. Traffic has to be channeled around several of these topographical features and limitations which create traffic congestion and delays in emergency response. These features are located between the Fire Station located within the city and our Automatic Aid partners CalFire and El Medio. Heavy traffic congestion on the city streets already acts as a barrier to timely response for fire and emergency vehicles. In the event of an accident or other emergency at one of the key points of intersection between a road and freeway, sections of the city could be isolated or response times could be sufficiently slowed so as to increase the risk of injury or damage.
(Ord. 1879, 5/7/2024; Ord. 1887, 3/18/2025; Ord. 1891, 11/18/2025)
The City of Oroville hereby designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. Approved by the city, the map is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled “The City of Oroville Fire Hazard Severity Zones,” dated January 22, 2025.
(Ord. 1889, 6/3/2025)