Chapter 15.24
FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.24.010 Adoption of California Fire Code.
15.24.040 General precautions against fire.
15.24.050 Fire service features.
15.24.060 Building services and systems.
15.24.070 Fire sprinkler systems.
15.24.080 Construction requirements for existing buildings.
15.24.090 Fire safety during construction.
15.24.100 Wildland-urban interface fire area.
15.24.120 Chapter 80 Referenced Standards.
15.24.130 Appendix B, fire-flow requirements for buildings.
15.24.010 Adoption of California Fire Code.
The City of Poway adopts by reference the 2022 California Fire Code, including Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, E, F, H, I and O, as published by the International Code Council, except those portions that are deleted, modified, or amended by this chapter. One copy of the above-mentioned code has been and is now filed in the office of the City Clerk or the fire code official, City of Poway, and the same is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein. From the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Poway. (Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.020 Administration.
Section 102.13 is added to read:
102.13 Repeal of conflicting ordinances, resolutions or motions. All former ordinances, resolutions, motions, or parts thereof that are conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or of the Code or standards hereby adopted are repealed.
Section 104.9 is modified to read:
104.9 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire code official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impracticable, and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The applicant’s request for a modification shall state the specific section(s) for which a modification is requested, material facts supporting the contention of the applicant, the details of the modification or mitigating measure proposed and, if applicable, a map showing the proposed location and citing of the modification or mitigation measure. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department of fire prevention.
Section 104.13 is added to read:
104.13 Cost recovery. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expenses of any emergency response and/or enforcement action by the City of Poway to protect the public from criminal or negligent activities, and from fire or hazardous substances.
Section 104.13.1 is added to read:
104.13.1 Reimbursement. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13000 et seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law and thereby requires the jurisdiction to provide an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the agency for the costs incurred In accordance with Government Code Sections 53150 through 53158, any individual who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, or any drug, or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or civil aircraft caused by that influence, proximately causes any incident and thereby requires the agency to provide an emergency response, shall reimburse the agency for the cost incurred.
Section 105.3.9 is added to read:
105.3.9 Expense recovery. The fire code official may impose a fee for recovery of expenses incurred to enforce the fire prevention provisions of this code. Such expense recovery fees shall be established by a resolution of the City Council.
Section 105.6.53 is added to read:
105.6.53 Christmas tree lots. An operational permit is required to operate a Christmas tree lot with or without flameproofing services.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.025 Appeals.
Section 111.1 is modified to read:
111.1 Appeals procedure established. Whenever the fire code official has denied a permit or other entitlement, or when it is alleged that a mistake has been made in the interpretation or application of the code, the applicant may appeal the decision of the fire code official to the City Manager by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the decision. If the appeal is denied by the City Manager, the City Manager’s decision may be appealed to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the City Manager’s decision and paying of the appeal fee set forth in the City’s Master Fee Schedule for administrative appeals.
Section 112.4 is modified to read:
112.4 Violation penalties. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Code or standards hereby adopted by reference as a part of this Code, or to fail to comply with any lawful order issued pursuant to this Code, or to violate any permit or condition of approval issued pursuant to this Code. It is further unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any lawful order issued pursuant to this Code by the City Attorney or by a court of competent jurisdiction. A violation of any provision of this Code, or failure to comply with orders or conditions issued pursuant to this Code, shall constitute a misdemeanor or (in the discretion of the prosecuting attorney) an infraction, in any event as set forth in Chapter 1.08 PMC. In addition to any criminal penalties any violation may also be enforced by civil action, and shall be subject to civil and administrative penalties, as set forth in Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 PMC.
Section 113.4 is modified to read:
113.4 Failure to comply. It is unlawful for any person to continue any work after having been served with a stop-work order, except such work expressly identified in the stop-work order as necessary to correct a violation or unsafe condition.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.030 Definitions.
The following definitions are added or modified to Section 202:
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same property as a single-family dwelling in a residential zone. The unit shall meet the definition of an ADU in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
Defensible Space. An area either natural or man-made, where material capable of allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated, cleared or modified to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire and to create an area for fire suppression operations to occur. Distance measurements for defensible space shall be measured on a horizontal plane and in accordance with Section Four of the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Fire Access Road or Fire Access Roadway. A road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, public street, private street, parking lot lane, access roadway, and driveway.
Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ). The designated entity providing enforcement of fire regulations as they relate to planning, construction, and development. This entity for the City of Poway also provides fire suppression and other emergency services.
Fire Department. Any regularly organized fire department regularly charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection to the jurisdiction.
Fire Hazard. Anything that increases or could cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire; or anything or act, which could obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department; or egress of occupants in the event of fire.
Fire Protection Plan (FPP). The FPP is a document prepared for a specific project or development proposed in the wildland-urban interface fire area that describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential loss from wildfire exposure, with the purpose of reducing impact on the community’s fire protection delivery system.
Fuel Break. An area, strategically located for fighting anticipated fires, where the native vegetation has been permanently modified or replaced so that fires burning into it can be more easily controlled. Fuel breaks divide fire-prone areas into smaller areas for easier fire control and to provide access for fire-fighting.
Fuel Modification Zone. A strip of land where combustible vegetation has been thinned or modified or both and partially or totally replaced with approved fire-resistant and/or irrigated plants to provide an acceptable level of risk from vegetation fires. Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat on a structure and provides valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an approaching fire front.
Hazardous Fire Area. Any geographic area mapped by the State or designated by a local jurisdiction as a moderate, high or very high fire hazard area or which the FAHJ has determined is a hazardous fire area, because the type and condition of vegetation, topography, weather and structure density increase the probability that the area will be susceptible to a wildfire.
Open Space Easement. Any right or interest in perpetuity or for a term for years in open-space land, as that term is defined in Government Code section 51051, acquired by the County, a city or a nonprofit organization where the instrument granting the right or interest imposes restriction on use of the land, to preserve the land for public use or enjoyment of the natural or scenic character of the land.
Response Time. The elapsed time from the fire department’s receipt of the first alarm to when the first fire unit arrives at the scene.
Travel Time. The estimated time it would take for a responding agency to travel from the fire station to the furthest structure in a proposed development project, determined by measuring the safest, most direct, appropriate, and reliable route with consideration given to safe operation speeds for heavy fire apparatus.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.040 General precautions against fire.
Section 304.1.4 is added to read:
304.1.4 Outdoor carnivals and fairs. Outdoor carnivals and fairs shall only be conducted on grounds free of combustible vegetation or trimmed to the satisfaction of the FAHJ.
Section 305.6 is added to read:
305.6 Rockets, model aircraft and similar devices. Rockets, model airplanes, gliders, balloons, sky lanterns, floating luminaries or similar devices-powered with an engine, propellant, open flame, or other feature liable to start or cause a fire shall not be projected into or across hazardous fire areas without prior approval of the fire code official.
Section 307.5 is modified to read:
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Section 324 is added to read:
SECTION 324
STORAGE OF FIREWOOD
324.1 General. Firewood shall not be stored in unenclosed space beneath a building or structure, on a deck or under eaves, a canopy or other projection or overhang. Firewood stored in the defensible space surrounding a structure shall be located at least 30 feet from any structure and separated from the crown of any trees by a minimum of 15 feet, measured horizontally. Firewood not for use on the premises shall be stored so as to not pose a fire hazard.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.050 Fire service features.
Section 503.2.1 is modified to read:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire access roads shall have an unobstructed, improved width of not less than 20 feet, except single-family residential driveways serving no more than two improved parcels containing dwelling units shall have a minimum of 16 feet of unobstructed improved width. In most cases, the City of Poway construction standards for streets (Chapter 12.20 PMC) will be more restrictive. The more restrictive standard shall apply. Vertical overhead clearance shall be a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches.
Exceptions:
1. Upon approval by the fire code official, vertical clearances or width may be reduced provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance.
2. Fire access roadways, gated entrances with card readers, guard stations, or center medians, which have separated lanes of one-way traffic shall be not less than 12 feet wide per lane.
Section 503.2.3 is modified to read:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus not less than 75,000 pounds per a geotechnical report unless authorized by the FAHJ and shall be provided with an approved paved surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. A paved surface shall mean asphalt, concrete, or a permeable paver system, except that decomposed granite is permissible for residential driveways.
Section 503.2.4 is modified to read:
503.2.4 Turning Radius. The turning radius of a fire access road shall be a minimum of 28 feet as measured to the inside edge of the improvement width or as approved by the fire code official.
Section 503.2.5 is modified to read:
503.2.5 Dead Ends. All dead-end fire access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions that allow emergency apparatus to turn around. A cul-de-sac shall be provided in residential areas where the access roadway serves more than two improved parcels. The minimum, unobstructed paved radius width for a cul-de-sac shall be 38 feet in residential areas. The fire code official shall establish a policy identifying acceptable turnarounds for various project types.
Section 503.2.7 is modified to read:
503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire access roadway shall not exceed 20 percent. Grades exceeding 15 percent (incline or decline) shall be constructed of Portland cement concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the direction of travel, or equivalent, to enhance traction. Grades exceeding 10 percent shall be constructed of asphalt or PCC. Permeable paver systems shall not be used for grades exceeding 10 percent.
Section 503.2.8 is modified to read:
503.2.8 Angles of Approach and Departure. The angle of departure and the angle of approach of a fire access roadway shall not exceed seven degrees (12 percent) or as approved by the fire code official.
Section 503.3.1 is added to read:
503.3.1 Marking of Fire Access Roads. When required, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for fire access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof or both. All new public roads, all private roads within major subdivisions, and all private road easements serving four or more parcels shall be named. Road name signs shall comply with City of Poway Supplemental Engineering Standards, Street Sign Specifications. The fire code official may require the posting of a fire access roadway where parking has obstructed or could obstruct the required width.
Section 503.6.1 is added to read:
503.6.1 Security Gates. All automatic gates across fire access roadways and driveways shall be equipped with approved, emergency, key-operated switches overriding all command functions and opening the gate(s). Gates accessing more than four residences or residential lots, or gates accessing hazardous institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group structures shall also be equipped with approved emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor(s), or other devices approved by the fire code official, which will activate the gate on the approach of emergency apparatus with a battery backup or manual-mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.
Section 505.1 is modified to read:
505.1 Address Numbers. Approved numbers and/or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings and at appropriate additional locations as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property from either direction of approach. Address numbers shall contrast with their background and meet the City of Poway standards. Additional address numbers may be required where deemed necessary by the fire code official. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall require separate addresses. When required by the fire code official, roof numbers shall be installed meeting current fire department standards.
Section 505.3 is added to read:
505.3 Easement Address Signs. All easements which are not named differently from the roadway from which they originate, shall have an address sign installed and maintained, listing all street numbers occurring on that easement located where the easement intersects the named roadway. The minimum size of the numbers on that sign shall be four inches in height with a minimum stroke of 3/8 inch and shall contrast with the background.
Section 505.4 is added to read:
505.4 Map/Directory. A lighted directory map, meeting current fire department standards, shall be installed at each driveway entrance to multiple unit residential projects and mobile home parks, where the number of units in such project exceeds 15.
Section 506.1 is modified to read:
506.1 Key Boxes. When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult 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 accessible location. The key box shall be a type approved by the fire code official and shall contain keys to gain necessary access.
Section 506.2.1 is added to read:
506.2.1 Emergency Key Access. All central station-monitored fire detection systems and fire sprinkler systems shall have an approved emergency key access box on site in an approved location. The owner or occupant shall provide and maintain current keys for the structure(s) for fire department placement in the box and shall notify the fire department in writing when the building is re-keyed.
Section 507.2.2 is modified to read:
507.2.2 Water Storage Tanks. Water storage tanks, when permitted by the fire code official, shall comply with Table No. 507.2.2 and installed in accordance with NFPA 22.
|
Building Square Feet |
Gallons Per Minute Water Flow |
Capacity Gallons |
Duration Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Up to 3,600 |
250 |
10,000 |
40 |
|
3,601 to 7,700 |
15,000 |
60 |
|
|
7,701 and above |
333 |
20,000 |
60 |
|
When the exposure distance is 100 feet or less from an adjacent property or the severity of the potential fire risk has been determined to exist, an increase in water storage may be required by the fire code official. |
|||
1. Tank elevation shall be equal to or higher than the fire department connection on the premises. Regardless of domestic use, all tanks shall be equipped with a device that will ensure that the tank contains the designated amount of water for fire flow duration as determined by the Fire Department. Tank size may be increased to serve multiple structures on a single parcel.
2. The supply outlet shall be at least four inches in diameter from the base of the tank to the point of outlet at the fire department connection. The fire department connection shall be at least one 4-inch National Standard Thread (male), reduced to one 2 1/2-inch National Standard Thread (male). Additional outlets may be required.
3. Tanks that are supplied by municipal water, when permitted by the fire code official, shall have a capacity of 10,000 gallons provided that the sole use of these tanks is for fire protection purposes.
4. Location of fire department outlet shall be determined on the plot plan when submitted to the fire department. Consideration will be given to factors such as topography, elevations, and distance from structures, driveway access, and prevailing winds.
5. The outlet shall be located along an access roadway and shall not be closer than 50 feet or further than 150 feet from the structure.
6. All exposed tank supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other material listed for above-ground use. Adequate support shall be provided.
7. Water storage tanks shall be constructed from materials approved by the fire code official and installed per manufacturer recommendations.
8. The fire code official may require any necessary information be submitted on a plot plan for approval.
9. Vessels previously used for products other than water shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.060 Building services and systems.
Section 605.8.1 is modified to read:
605.8.1 Residential Incinerators. Residential incinerators shall be prohibited.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.070 Fire sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3 is modified to read:
903.3 Installation Requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8. The system shall be designed 10% below (“off the top”) available water source pressure during peak usage.
Section 903.3.1.1.4 is added to read:
903.3.1.1.4 System Design. Occupancies referred to as “spec buildings” wherein no specific end use is identified at the time of plan check, the sprinkler system shall provide a density of 0.45 gallons per minute per square-foot for a 3,000-square-foot design area.
Section 903.3.1.3.1 is added to read:
903.3.1.3.1 Water Supply Design. New structures shall be equipped with a minimum one-inch water service line and one-inch water meter.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016)
15.24.080 Construction requirements for existing buildings.
Section 1103.5 Sprinkler systems is modified to read:
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through 1103.5.5, and all existing buildings and structures with an existing fire sprinkler system(s) undergoing improvements and/or additions shall be provided with approved fire sprinkler protection in accordance with the appropriate NFPA design.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023)
15.24.090 Fire safety during construction.
Section 3318 is added to read:
Section 3318
Fuel Modification Zones
3318.1 General. Any person doing construction of any kind which requires a building permit and includes installation of a fuel modification zone, shall remove all flammable vegetation within the approved fuel modification zone prior to the arrival of combustible material on the site and shall maintain during the duration of the project until all elements of approved fuel modification zones are installed and approved.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.080)
15.24.100 Wildland-urban interface fire area.
Section 4903 is added to read:
SECTION 4903
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
4903.1 When required. The Development Services Department or the FAHJ may require an applicant for a parcel map, subdivision map, minor development review application, development review, specific plan or major use permit for any property located in a wildland-urban interface fire area to submit a Fire Protection Plan (FPP) as part of the approval process.
4903.2 Contents. The FPP shall consider location, topography, geography, aspect, combustible vegetation (fuel types), climatic conditions and fire history. The plan shall address the following in terms of compliance with applicable codes and regulations, including, but not limited to, water supply, vehicular and emergency apparatus access, travel time to nearest serving fire station, structural ignitability, structure set back, ignition-resistive building features, fire protection systems and equipment, impacts to existing emergency services, defensible space, and vegetation management. The plan shall recommend measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area being addressed.
Section 4907.4 is added to read:
4907.4 General Fire Setbacks. Within Rural Residential Zones, except for noncombustible buildings and structures, buildings and structures located within a wildland-urban interface fire area shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet from property lines and biological open space easements unless the Poway Municipal Code requires a greater minimum or if existing legally permitted buildings and structures are located within 30 feet of the property line (legal nonconforming), then the existing distance from the property lot line established by the nonconforming portion of the building shall be used as the required setback distance for any detached accessory structures or additions to that building. When the property line abuts a roadway, the setback shall be measured from the farthest roadway edge.
Exception:
When the fire code official determines the hazard from a wildland fire is not significant or when the terrain, parcel size or other constraints on the parcel make the required setback infeasible, this setback may be reduced to less than 30 feet when additional measures are employed to the satisfaction of the fire code official. No other exceptions to the General Fire Setback is permissible except for the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units as defined in PMC Title 17.
Section 4907.5 is added to read:
4907.5 Structure Setback from Slope. Single-story structures shall be setback a minimum 15-feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof. A single-story structure shall be less than 12-feet above grade. A two-story structure shall be setback a minimum of 30-feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof. Structures greater than two stories may require a greater setback when the slope is greater than 2 to 1.
Exceptions:
1. Structures constructed with a noncombustible exterior wall adjacent to the slope, no openings adjacent to the slope, no combustible attachments to the exterior wall adjacent to the slope, and no roof eaves adjacent to the slope.
2. There exists no open wildland fuel area directly adjacent or juxtaposed to the structure, and the slope is directly adjacent to developed parcels with fuel management principals in place.
3. The fire code official determines the hazard to be minimal.
Section 4907.6 is added to read:
4907.6 Fuel Modification. A person owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining a building or structure in or adjoining a hazardous fire area, and a person owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to a building or structure in or adjoining a hazardous fire area shall maintain an effective fuel modification zone by removing, clearing or modifying combustible vegetation and other flammable materials from areas within 100-feet from each building or structure, or as determined by the fire code official as further described below. With the approval of the fire code official, the width of the fuel modification zone may be reduced where ignition-resistant construction or other mitigation measures are implemented. The fuel modification zone shall be maintained according to applicable defensible space and vegetation management policies, the Wildfire Defensible Space Program and the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Exceptions:
1. Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground cover, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.
2. With the approval of the fire code official, the width of the fuel modification zone may be reduced where ignition-resistant construction or other mitigation measures are implemented.
Fuel Modification Zones.
Zone 0 “Immediate Zone” from 0 to 5 feet. This zone shall consist of the area under and around buildings or structures and measures from the exterior wall surface or edge, patio, deck, or attachments to, and extending out to 5 feet. This zone shall be constructed of continuous hardscape or non-combustible materials. The use of natural mulch and other combustible materials shall be prohibited.
Zone 1 “Intermediate Zone” from 5 to 30 feet. This zone shall consist of 25 feet of planting of low growth, drought tolerant and fire resistive plant species from 5 to 30 feet or to the property line, whichever is closer. Vegetation in this zone shall be irrigated and planted in accordance with the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Zone 2 “Extended Zone” from 30 to 100 feet. This zone shall consist of 70 feet of maintained vegetation from 30 to 100 feet, or to the property line, whichever is closer. Vegetation in this zone shall be maintained in accordance with the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Figure 4907.6 Measurements of Fuel Modification Distance
Section 4907.6.1 is added to read:
4907.6.1 Fuel Modification of Combustible Vegetation from Sides of Roadways. The FAHJ may require a property owner to modify combustible vegetation in the area within 10 feet from each side of the driveway or a public or private road adjacent to the property to establish a fuel modification zone. The FAHJ has the right to enter private property to ensure the fuel modification zone requirements are met.
Exception:
The FAHJ may reduce the width of the fuel modification zone if it will not impair access.
Section 4907.6.2 is added to read:
4907.6.2 Community Fuel Modification. The FAHJ may require a developer, as a condition of issuing a certificate of occupancy, to establish one or more fuel modification zones to protect a new community by reducing the fuel loads adjacent to a community and structures within it.
Section 4907.7 is added to read:
4907.7 Land Ownership. Once a fuel modification zone has been established under section 4907.6, the land on which the zone is located shall be under the control of an association or other common ownership established in perpetuity, for the benefit of the community to be protected.
Section 4907.8 is added to read:
4907.8 Maintenance of Defensible Space. Any person owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining a building or structure required to establish a fuel modification zone shall maintain the defensible space. The FAHJ may enter the property to determine if the person responsible is complying with this section. The FAHJ may issue an order to the person responsible for maintaining the defensible space directing the person to modify or remove non-fire resistant vegetation from defensible space areas, remove leaves, needles and other dead vegetative material from the roof of a building or structure, maintain trees as required or to take other action the FAHJ determines is necessary to comply.
Section 4907.9 is added to read:
4907.9 Landscape Plans. Landscape plans are required for new residential custom homes, production tract homes, multi-family residential, and commercial buildings. Landscape plans shall be submitted and approved by the Development Services Department and the fire code official prior to the issuance of a building permit. Landscape plan submittals shall follow the submittal requirements found in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual and shall, at a minimum, include a readable scale, the delineation of 100-foot fuel modification zones, the existing vegetation, all irrigated areas, a plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols. The fire code official may expand or reduce the distance of the fuel modification zones based on project location, surrounding vegetation, and topography.
Section 4907.10.1 is added to read:
4907.10.1 Landscape Installation. All landscaping shall be installed prior to final inspection for issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.090)
15.24.110 Fireworks display.
Section 5608.1 is modified to read:
5608.1 General. Outdoor fireworks displays, use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion picture, television, theatrical and group entertainment productions shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 6 and Poway Municipal Code. The Fire Chief is the Issuing Officer for any fireworks permit required by this Chapter. The Fire Chief may delegate the duties of Issuing Officer at his or her discretion.
Section 5608.1.1 is modified to read:
5608.1.1 Scope. The possession, manufacture, sale, storage, use and display of fireworks are prohibited in the City of Poway except as provided in the Poway Municipal Code.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.100)
15.24.120 Chapter 80 Referenced Standards.
The following referenced standard of the California Fire Code is modified to read:
NFPA 13D is modified to read:
Section 7.1.5 is added to read:
7.1.5 Pressure-regulating valve. When available system water pressure exceeds 150 pounds per square inch (psi), a listed/approved pressure-regulating valve shall be installed at the system riser. Such valves shall be adjusted to restrict the outlet pressure to a maximum of 150 psi gauge (psig) at any flow or no flow. When such valves are installed submittal documents must include manufacturer information sheets along with charts showing the dimensions (size) and flow characteristics inlet and outlet pressures at various flows for the type of valve being installed, and the valve shall be included in the design calculations.
Exception: At the discretion of the FAHJ the contractor may install a listed/approved pressure relief valve.
Section 7.2.5 is modified to read:
7.2.5 Inspector Test. Each sprinkler system shall have a 1/2" or larger test connection with a threaded keyless valve. The valve shall be remote to the riser, located on the building exterior about five 5 feet above final grade and shall be remote from the riser. It shall be labeled with a permanent plate with minimum 1/4" lettering, contrasting with background, and stating: “INSPECTOR TEST.” (Pre-assembled riser assemblies with a built-in Drain/Test valve shall not be accepted for inspector test valve unless approved by the FAHJ.)
Exception: Automatic fire sprinkler systems for manufactured homes installed at the factory may have the inspectors test valve located at the location as designed at the factory.
Section 7.3.4 is added to read:
7.3.4 Pressure gauge. A listed 300 psi pressure gauge shall be permanently installed at the riser.
Section 7.6 is modified to read:
7.6 Alarms. A water flow switch shall be provided and located on the sprinkler riser and shall actuate an audible fire alarm bell within 90 seconds. The fire alarm bell shall have a minimum diameter of 8 inches and be mounted on the exterior in the vicinity of the master bedroom.
Section 8.3.4 is modified to read:
8.3.4. Sprinklers shall not be required in garages, open attached porches, and balconies, carports, and similar structures. However, attached and/or detached habitable garages shall be protected with quick response intermediate temperature rated sprinklers.
Section 8.3.5.1.1 is modified to read:
8.3.5.1.1. Where fuel-fired FAU equipment is located above occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment.
Section 11.2.1.1 is modified to read:
11.2.1.1 Hydrostatic Tests. System shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi for 2 hours.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.130)
15.24.130 Appendix B, fire-flow requirements for buildings.
Section B103.3 is modified to read:
B103.3 Areas Without Water Supply Systems. For information regarding water supplies for firefighting purposes in rural areas and suburban areas in which adequate and reliable water supplies do not exist, the fire code official is authorized to utilize provisions in NFPA 1142, or the standard published by the Insurance Services Office document entitled Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow.
(Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.140)
15.24.140 Conflict.
All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Wherever a conflict exists in this chapter, the more restrictive requirement shall apply. (Ord. 859 § 5, 2023; Ord. 835 § 5, 2019; Ord. 804 § 1, 2016. Formerly 15.24.150)