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Home My WebLink About01A. 2010 Fire Code AGENDA MEMO DATE: November 22, 2011 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Office of the City Manager By: Lonnie Croom, Fire Chief SUBJECT: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE RECOMMEDATION That the City Council conduct a public hearing to receive comments and adopt the Ordinance for the 2010 California Fire Code. A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY AMENDING CHAPTER 3, 4, 5, AND 6 OF ARTICLE III OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE, THROUGH ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9), BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, 2009 EDITION, WITH ERRATA, AND THOSE PORTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, 2009 EDITION, INCLUDING APPENDICES A THROUGH J INCLUSIVE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS, DELETIONS AND CHANGES THERETO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESCRIBING REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO THE LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE OR EXPLOSION; AND ADOPTING CHAPTER 6.95 OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESCRIBING REGULATIONS GOVERNING CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM THE HANDLING, USE, STORAGE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR HAZARDOUS WASTE BACKGROUND Building standards adopted by the State of California, including the California Fire Code (CFC), become effective automatically in all areas of the state, six months after the state’s approval, unless a local jurisdiction adopts modifications or changes to the CFC. The State of California explicitly authorizes local jurisdictions, when reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, to make modifications and changes to the CFC. Local jurisdictions are also authorized to adopt and/or amend the administrative provisions of the CFC. DISCUSSION The proposed action will adopt all sections of the most recent and active version of the CFC and also sets forth several Downey-specific local amendments to the CFC. The Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau has requested several amendments to the CFC to assist with the permit and inspection processes. Additionally, the Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau has proposed local amendments to the technical provisions of the CFC based upon local climatic, geological, and/or topographical CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE PAGE 2 conditions. These changes provide additional safety measures and clarify several provisions of the CFC. The proposed amendments to the administrative provisions of the CFC are to remain consistent with the Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Green Building, Energy, and Residential Codes. The local amendments to the technical provisions of the CFC proposed for adoption are summarized and briefly discussed below. SECTIONS 3300-3313 The primary amendments to these sections are related to administrative procedures, establishment of jurisdictional authority, permitting issues and provisions for appeal(s). A requirement for digital plans of new construction projects for use by public safety agencies and policies for television/motion picture production in the City of Downey are also in these sections. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3314-3319 Local amendments in the above sections define the method of determining the value of proposed improvement(s) to an existing building and the requirement(s) for the installation of Automatic Fire Alarm and Extinguishing Systems in various occupancy classifications. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3320-3321 The above amendments establish fire life-safety system requirements for highrise buildings and large multi-building complexes with unique emergency service delivery challenges. These requirements are intended to enhance the operational capability of the cities emergency responders. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3322-3325 Local amendments in these sections address specific hazards recognized by the Fire Chief that other codes fail to restrict with sufficient clarity to enable reasonable enforcement practices. They are intended to reduce both “causative” and “contributive” factors to community fire loss. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3326-3328 These amendments are intended to remedy service delivery difficulties directly attributable to design and construction short-falls. Adequate emergency vehicle access, elevators sized for emergency transportation and effective fire protection features in buildings under construction are cost effective strategies to reduce risk. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE PAGE 3 SECTION 3329 This amendment relates measurable performance specifications for “in-building emergency radio communications” required in the 2010 California Fire Code. No fundamental changes are proposed to this section since its last adoption. SECTION 3331-3332 These amendments restrict the locations where flammable liquids and compressed gases can be stored. They are intended to reduce both “causative” and “contributive” factors to life safety and community fire loss. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3400-3403 These sections identify hazardous materials. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3404-3410 These sections refer to the regulation of fixed facilities in relation to the disclosure of hazardous materials on site. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3411 This section refers to the implementation of Risk Management Plans (RMP) at identified facilities. No fundamental changes are proposed to this section since its last adoption. SECTIONS 3500-3506 These sections refer to the regulation of fireworks in our city. Amendments require the issuance of a permit for public fireworks displays. State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are exempted from permits. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTION 3508-3510 These sections refer to firework retail sales permit process. This permit will regulate the public display of fireworks and ensure those impacted by the displays are aware of it. A change to Section 3510 more clearly communicates the lottery selection process for permitees. SECTIONS 3511-3515 These sections refer to firework sales stand requirements within city limits. No fundamental changes are proposed to these sections since its last adoption. SECTION 3600 This section references the placement of water mains and fire hydrants. No fundamental changes are proposed to this section since its last adoption. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY FOR THE 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE PAGE 4 SECTION 3610 This section references specific hydrant spacing, and placement and protection of all fire protection systems. No fundamental changes are proposed to this section since its last adoption. The specifics of the proposed local amendments to the CFC are contained in the draft ordinance attached to this Agenda Memo. Upon adoption of this ordinance, this text will be included in the Downey Municipal Code. FISCAL IMPACT Approval of this action will not have an impact on the City’s budget. H:\FIRE\Bodine\Agenda Items\2010 Fire Code.doc