Chapter 16.02
FIRE CODE
Sections:
16.02.100 Adoption of fire codes.
16.02.200 Amendment of 2022 California Fire Code.
16.02.100 Adoption of fire codes.
Those certain codes and standards known as the 2022 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 (hereinafter the “California Fire Code” or “CFC”), and by reference the 2021 International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, Inc., in its entirety, including Appendices B, BB, C, CC, D, E, F, G, H, I, and excluding nonadopted sections by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office in Chapters 3 and 8, are hereby adopted by reference save and except such portions as are deleted, modified or amended by DMC 16.02.200. Not less than one (1) copy of the CFC has been and is now filed at the Dixon Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division Office, 205 Ford Way, Dixon, CA 95620. Said code is adopted by reference pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 50022 et seq. [Ord. 22-008 § 4.]
16.02.200 Amendments of 2022 California Fire Code.
The 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) is amended as follows:
A. Chapter 1 Scope and Administration:
101.1, Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Dixon, hereinafter referred to as “this code”.
102.1(3), Construction and design provisions. 3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when identified in specific sections of this code and Chapter 11 as amended.
102.1(5), Construction and design provisions. 5. Where not otherwise limited by law, the provisions of this code shall apply to vehicles, ships, boats, and mobile vehicles when fixed in a specific location within the boundaries of this jurisdiction.
103.1 Creation of agency. The Prevention Division is hereby created and the official in charge shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
107.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences work, activity or operation regulated by this code before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an investigation fee equal to three times the fire permit fee, which shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
112.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or 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 directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 dollars or by imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
B. Chapter 2, Definitions:
All-weather surface. A finished surface with hard packed road base (AB), asphalt, concrete, or road pavers capable of supporting an imposed vehicle load of 75,000 lbs.
Firebreak. A continuous strip of land upon and from which all rubbish, weeds, grass or other growth that could be expected to burn has been abated or otherwise removed in order to prevent extension of fire from one area to another.
Fire Control Room. A room (typically 5' x 5') directly accessible from the outside of the building to house risers, fire alarm panels, etc.
Ready Access. Access from exterior door directly into a fire control room.
Substantial Remodel. Substantial remodel shall mean the alteration of any structure which combined with any additions to the structure, performed within any three (3) year period, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of the structure. When any changes are made in the building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included in computing floor areas for purposes of applying this definition. This definition does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings or exterior wall finishes.
C. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features:
503.2.4 Minimum turning radius. A fire access road shall have a minimum standard turning radius of 28 feet inside and a 52-foot outside diameter.
D. Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems:
901.4.7.2 Marking on access doors. Access doors for automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and fire pump rooms shall be labeled with an approved sign. The lettering shall be in contrasting color to the background. Letters shall have a minimum height of six (6) inches with a minimum stroke of 3/8".
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in new buildings and structures as set forth in Section 903.2 as amended, on the basis of occupancy classification, type of construction and square footage. For the provisions of this section, portions of buildings separated by fire walls shall not be considered separate buildings. The building area shall be considered the fire area for this section.
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-1 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A1 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 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 multiple-theater complex.
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-2 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-2 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 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.
4. The structure exceeds 3,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area containing a Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 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 structure exceeds 3,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area containing exhibition and display rooms, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating without openings.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-4 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-4 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 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.
903.2.2.1 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where any care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
4. In rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other such areas where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.
5. Throughout any Group E structure greater than 3,000 square feet in area, which contains more than one fire area, and which is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire resistance rating without openings.
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors exceeds 3,000 square feet.
903.2.4.4 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing Group F-2 occupancy where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
903.2.7 Mercantile Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 3,000 square feet.
5. [SFM] The structure exceeds 3,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire resistance rating without openings.
903.2.7.2 Is removed.
903.2.8.1.1 Group R-3, single occupancies, the floor area of an attached garage shall be included in the square footage calculation for determination of the total floor area of the occupancy. Attached garages are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system when installed in the structure.
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 Fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the California Building Code, as shown:
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,000 square feet.
2. Buildings no more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,000 square feet.
3. Building with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet or in any building where an enclosed parking garage is located below other groups.
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
903.2.11.3 Buildings three stories or more than 35 feet in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all occupancies regardless of type of construction, floor area, or occupant load if the building is three or more stories, or more than 35 feet in height measured in accordance with California Building Code.
903.2.18 Group U Miscellaneous. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group U occupancy where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet. Carports with habitable space above and attached garages, accessory to Group R-3 occupancies, shall be protected by residential fire sprinklers in accordance with this section. Residential fire sprinklers shall be connected to, and installed in accordance with, an automatic residential fire sprinkler system that complies with Section R313 of the California Residential Code or with NFPA 13D with California Amendments. Fire Sprinklers shall be residential sprinklers or quick-response sprinklers, designed to provide a minimum density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 over the area of the garage and/or carport, but not to exceed two sprinklers for hydraulic calculation purposes. Garage doors shall not be considered obstructions with respect to sprinkler placement.
E. Chapter 10, Means of Egress:
1028.5.1 Exit discharge surface. Exterior exit pathway surfaces shall be suitable for pedestrian use in inclement weather.
F. Chapter 11, Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings:
1103.5.6 Additions, alterations, or remodels: In existing buildings any addition, alteration, or remodel which causes the total square footage to exceed 3,000 square feet or by more than fifty (50%), shall require the entire building be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.
Exception: Group R-3 Occupancy (See Subsection 1103.5.8.)
1103.5.7 Change in use, character or occupancy classification: Existing buildings which undergo a change in use, character, or occupancy classification shall require the entire building be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 when the area of the building exceeds 3,000 square feet.
1103.5.8 Additions, alterations, or remodels of Group R-3 occupancies: For Group R-3 occupancies, additions, alterations, or remodels that increase the existing floor area by more than 50 percent shall require the entire building be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
1103.5.8.1 Maximum accumulative area increases: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in existing Group R-3 occupancies throughout the building where due to additions, alterations or remodels the accumulative total square footage exceeds three thousand (3,000) square feet, or when the total square footage of the increases exceed fifty percent (50%) of the original building.
H. Chapter 33, Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition.
3311.1.2 Temporary fire access roads. The use of a temporary roadway in lieu of permanent roadways is limited from May 15th through October 1st. Timelines may be modified by the fire code official depending on weather conditions. A temporary fire department access road shall be established and maintained as follows:
1. Prior to the start of combustible construction the applicant shall call for inspection to verify the roadway has been installed, meets City of Dixon Fire Department standards and is in service.
2. Roadway construction shall be laid and compacted to withstand the imposed weight loads of fire apparatus to a minimum 75,000 lbs.
3. Turn-a-round provisions shall be provided for roadways that exceed 150 feet in length. Turn-a- round provisions should primarily be those designed as part of the project however, in certain circumstances, alternatives may be submitted for approval by the fire code official. Turning radius is to be a minimum of 30 feet inside minimum diameter and fifty-two (52) feet outside diameter.
4. Roadways are required to provide emergency vehicle access to the construction site. The parking of worker vehicles must be monitored to assure a minimum unobstructed roadway width of twenty (20) feet is maintained. Roadway grade shall not exceed twelve percent (12%).
5. Conditions of permit are to be complied with throughout the duration of the permit timeline. Attention to maintenance of roadway conditions at all times is required. If at any time violations of the conditions of permit are observed, a “Stop Work Order” will be issued at which time all combustible construction will be halted until such time the conditions of the permit are re-established. For significant or repeated violations of the permit a permanent “Stop Work Order” will be issued and remain in effect until such time permanent roadways are installed.
6. Timelines may be modified depending on weather conditions with the approval of the fire code official.
Exception: A temporary fire department access road for construction of one (1) residential (Group R-3) unit is not required.
3311.3 Obstructions to access roads. Staging of building materials, placement of equipment or parking of worker’s vehicles shall not take place within the required width of a fire department access road.
3311.3.1 Access to structures. Staging of building materials, placement of equipment or parking of worker’s vehicles shall not obstruct frontal access to structures or fire hydrants.
3311.3.2 Construction site locks. Site security gates shall be provided with a Knox access system.
3312.2 Temporary water supply for subdivisions. For construction of residential projects or subdivisions, temporary water supplies are permitted only for construction of model units. Temporary water supplies shall meet the following requirements:
1. Prior to the start of combustible construction the applicant shall call for inspection to verify temporary water supplies have been provided, meet City of Dixon Fire Department standards, and are in service.
2. Temporary water storage for firefighting shall be provided in 20,000-gallon above ground containers. Minimum tank size is to be 20,000-gallon capacity. Water total aggregate shall meet the fire flow requirements found in Appendix B, Table B105.1.
3. Temporary water storage containers shall be located with regards to fire department emergency vehicle access. Containers shall be a minimum fifty (50) feet from structures.
4. Temporary water storage containers shall be provided with a 4 1/2 inch male NST valve controlled outlet. Outlet shall be so located to provide ready fire department access.
5. Temporary water storage containers are to be maintained full at all times. Water storage containers shall be restricted for fire department use only.
6. Fire department access to temporary water containers shall be maintained at all times. Obstructions including, but not limited to, workers vehicles or the staging of building materials are prohibited.
7. Fire pumps utilized for maintaining hydrant pressure are required.
I. Chapter 50, Hazardous Materials – General Provisions.
5001.1.2 Coordinated enforcement. Where the Solano County Department of Resource Management, Environmental Health Division is enforcing the Health and Safety Code and/or Solano County regulation, the City of Dixon Fire Department will coordinate regulation efforts when and where practical so as to not require duplication of time and resources to comply with hazardous material regulations. Where Solano County Health & Safety regulations and California Fire Code regulations conflict, the more restrictive provisions shall prevail.
Exception: Where state or county regulations specifically limit or preempt local regulations to be more restrictive.
J. Chapter 56, Explosives and Fireworks.
5601.1.3 Fireworks. Possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.
Exceptions:
5. Fireworks as permitted in the Dixon Fireworks Pilot Program Ordinance #11-006 and subsequent amendments.
5601.2.1 Residential uses. Exceptions:
1. The storage of fireworks as permitted in the Dixon Fireworks Ordinance #11-006 and subsequent amendments.
K. The following provisions of the “Referenced Standards,” as adopted, Chapter 80 of the California Fire Code are amended as follows:
NFPA 13, 2022 Edition:
7.1.3 System risers. System risers shall be located in fire control rooms of the protected premises with an exterior door. The door shall be labeled FIRE CONTROL ROOM in six (6) inch high letters.
NFPA 13D, 2022 Edition:
7.6 Alarms. Water flow switches shall be connected to smoke alarms in such a way that flow detection will cause all required smoke alarms to sound.
Exception: When an approved water flow monitoring system is installed, interior audible devices may be powered through the alarm panel.
7.8 Multipurpose and Passive Purge.
7.8.5 A modified passive purge system shall be installed.
7.8.6 The piping configuration shall provide a 1/2 inch outlet connected to all water closets within the home to facilitate water circulation.
8.3.4. Location of Sprinklers. Sprinklers shall not be required in open porches, carports with no habitable space above and similar structures.
8.3.5.1.1. Fuel Fired Equipment. Where fuel fired equipment is located above or beneath an occupied area of the dwelling unit, a pilot head shall be installed above and in the vicinity of the equipment.
8.3.11 Attached Garages. Attached garages, or other structures which are attached in any manner shall be protected with a sprinkler system. They shall have quick response fire sprinklers spaced to provide a maximum of one hundred thirty square feet (130 SF). The diameter of the main or cross-main piping shall be equal to the largest piping used within the whole system.
NFPA 13R, 2022 Edition:
6.11.2 Fire department connections (FDC). FDC’s shall be at least one two and one half (2 1/2) inch connection.
NFPA 14, 2019 Edition:
Subsections 7.3.3 through 7.3.3.2 are hereby deleted and replaced as follows:
7.3.3. Class II standpipes. Class II standpipes are not approved.
NFPA 24, 2019 Edition:
5.9.5.1 Fire Department Connections. FDC’s are to be located within forty (40) feet of a fire hydrant and immediately adjacent to an approved access road.
NFPA 72, 2022 Edition:
10.4.3.1 Fire Alarm Control Unit Locations. Fire alarm control units shall be installed in Fire Control Rooms of the protected premises. Actual location is to be determined by the fire code official.
Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distributions:
C103.4 Fire Hydrant location to FDC. A fire hydrant shall be located within forty (40) feet of fire department connections.
[Ord. 22-008 § 4.]
16.02.130 Peace officers.
Pursuant to Cal. Penal Code § 830.37, the Fire Chief is authorized to designate, in writing, a member or members of the Fire Department as a peace officer who shall enforce the Penal Code and the California Fire Code. These powers include the issuance of citations, powers to arrest and detain, and the authority to carry firearms in the course and scope of his or her employment. [Ord. 22-008 § 4.]