Chapter 15.08
FIRE PREVENTION
Sections:
15.08.020 Applicability – Application.
15.08.030 Adoption of referenced codes.
15.08.040 Administrative responsibility.
15.08.070 Amendments and changes to IFC.
15.08.090 Violations and penalties.
15.08.010 Purpose.
This chapter is enacted as an exercise of the police power of the city for the benefit and protection of the public at large. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum fire prevention standards that address building construction for the purposes of safeguarding life or limb, health or property and public welfare. It is not the intent or purpose of this chapter to impose liability on the city for failure to perform any discretionary act. Rather, it is the intent and purpose of this chapter to place the obligation of compliance with its requirements upon the party or parties involved with building construction and related work thereto, including the owner and/or the contractor. (Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 1, 2004)
15.08.020 Applicability – Application.
All construction, alteration, demolition and related activities in accordance with the International Fire Code must comply with the provisions of this chapter. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to relieve from or to lessen the responsibility or liability of any person or persons for injury or damage to persons or property caused by or resulting from any defect of any nature in any construction work performed by said person or any construction equipment owned, controlled, operated or used by the contractor; nor shall the city of Blaine or any officer, agent or employee thereof incur or be held as assuming responsibility or liability by reason or in consequence of any permission, certificate of inspection, inspection or approval authorized herein, or issued or given as herein provided or by reasons or consequence of any things done or acts performed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2938 § 1 (Att. A), 2019; Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 1, 2004)
15.08.030 Adoption of referenced codes.
A. The city of Blaine hereby adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to RCW 19.27.031 and the following IFC appendices as published by the International Code Council:
1. Appendix A, Board of Appeals;
2. Appendix B, Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;
3. Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution.
4. Appendix F, Hazard Ranking.
5. Appendix H, Hazardous Materials Management Plan and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement Instructions.
B. The city of Blaine hereby adopts Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, with new language that replaces the original language. The new language contained in Appendix D shall include the following provisions:
1. Section D101.1 Scope. Fire apparatus access roads (as defined in the International Fire Code) shall be in accordance with this chapter and all other applicable requirements of the International Fire Code.
2. Section D102.1 Required Access. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building, or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction when the facility is in excess of one hundred fifty (150) feet from fire apparatus access.
3. Section D103 Minimum Road Specifications:
a. Driveways serving one (1) or two (2) residential lots where access is less than one hundred fifty (150) feet in length. Driveways where buildings are less than one hundred fifty (150) feet from an approved access road have no specific requirements.
b. Driveways over one hundred fifty (150) feet long or driveways serving three or more residential single-family lots:
1. Width - For access to an individual single-family lot, a twelve (12) foot driving surface with a turnout every six hundred (600) feet when required by the Fire Marshal shall be provided.
For access to two residential single-family lots, a sixteen (16) foot driving surface with a turnout every six hundred (600) feet when required by the Fire Marshal shall be provided.
For access to three or more residential single-family lots, regardless of driveway length, a twenty (20) foot driving surface with a turnout every six hundred (600) feet when required by the Fire Marshal shall be provided.
To create a turnout the road shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet wide in the direction of travel for a distance of one hundred (100) feet to allow vehicles to pull over and allow emergency vehicles to proceed. Turnouts shall be located approximately at the midpoint of driveways over six hundred (600) feet but less than one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet.
2. Vertical Clearance - thirteen (13) foot six (6) inch unobstructed head clearance.
3. Surface - City of Blaine Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards.
4. Turning Radius - thirty-five (35) foot radius.
5. Turnarounds - twenty (20) feet wide, sixty (60) feet deep or City of Blaine Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards.
6. Bridges - designed to HS20 load, posted at both ends.
7. Grade - per City of Blaine Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards.
c. Emergency Vehicle Access Roads - serving more than two (2) residential units shall meet the following:
1. City of Blaine Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards.
2. The Fire Marshal may make modifications to these standards if the road is not buildable due to topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades, or similar conditions. These modifications are based on:
a. The structure being protected to NFPA 13D, Automatic Sprinkler System.
b. Additional fire protections features as required by the Fire Marshal.
c. Exceptions may be made for minor additions or small accessory buildings to existing dwellings when in the opinion of the Fire Marshal the addition or accessory building will not create a significantly more dangerous situation.
d. Emergency vehicle access roads or driveways shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Width and clearance requirements of these standards shall be maintained at all times.
C. The city of Blaine hereby adopts the following amendment to the International Fire Code:
1. Section 105.2.2.1 Inspection required.
An inspection is required for boathouses and covered moorages prior to initial operational permit issuance and shall occur annually before the operational permit may be renewed.
2. Section 105.50 Boathouse and covered boat moorage.
An operational permit is required for the operation of a boathouse and covered moorage structure.
3. Section 3601.3 Existing conditions.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to boathouses, covered moorage and fire suppression systems serving boathouses, covered moorage and fire suppression systems serving marinas existing prior to the adoption of this Code, except as may be specifically noted in this Code.
4. Section 3601.3.1 Compliance.
The owner of a boathouse, covered moorage or fire suppression system associated with same or part thereof with an identified deficiency pursuant to any of the following sections shall submit to the City of Blaine and the fire code official, within 120 days of receiving a Notice of Violation, a written concept design and firm schedule for complying with the requirements of this chapter.
a. Standpipes, 3604.2.
b. Smoke and heat vents, 3604.7.
c. Automatic fire sprinklers, 3604.9.
5. Section 3601.3.2 Time limits.
The time schedule for compliance shall be measured from the date of the fire code official’s approval of the concept design and schedule for each boathouse or covered moorage or part thereof. The time schedule must not exceed the following, except as extensions may be approved by the fire code official:
a. Standpipes, 2 years.
b. Smoke and heat vents, 2 years.
c. Automatic fire sprinklers, 5 years.
6. Section 3601.2 Plans and approvals.
Plans for marina fire protection facilities, including boathouse and covered moorage facilities, shall be approved prior to installation. The work shall be subject to final inspection and approval after installation.
7. Section 202 General Definitions shall be revised to add the following to the definitions of “Float,” “Marina,” “Pier,” “Vessel,” and “Wharf”:
BERTH. The water space to be occupied by a boat or other vessel alongside or between bulkheads, piers, piles, fixed and floating docks, or similar access structure. (See also the definition of Slip.)
MULTI-PARTY BOATHOUSE. An independently floating structure which encloses more than one vessel and is connected to float system pilings. A multi-party boathouse is considered to be covered boat moorage.
COVERED BOAT MOORAGE is a pier or system of floating or fixed access ways to which vessels on water may be secured and any portion of which are covered by a roof.
FINGER FLOAT. A system of floats extending from the lateral walkway to provide access to moored vessels. Finger floats are typically narrower than a lateral walkway.
GRAVITY-OPERATED-DROP-OUT-VENTS are automatically smoke and heat vents containing heat-sensitive glazing designed to shrink and drop out of the vent openings when exposed to fire.
INDIVIDUAL BOATHOUSE. An independently floating structure designed to be moored to a main float system to enclose and protect a vessel. An individual boathouse is capable of being moved on water, but is typically moored to a float system for long periods of time.
LATERAL WALKWAY. A system of floats extending from the main walkway to provide access to vessel moorage and/or finger floats. Lateral walkways are typically narrower than a main walkway.
MAIN WALKWAY. A system of floats extending from the shore to provide vessel moorage and/or access to the lateral walkway and finger floats.
SLIP. A berthing space between or adjacent to piers, wharves, or docks; the water areas associated with boat moorage. (See also the definition of Berth.)
8. Section 3603.2 Sources of ignition within boathouses and covered moorage.
Open-flame devices used for lighting, cooking or decoration on a vessel, float, pier or wharf, under covered boat moorage or within a boathouse shall be prohibited.
9. Section 3603.1 Smoking restrictions.
Smoking is prohibited in all areas where fuels and other flammable and combustible liquids and gases are stored or dispensed, under covered boat moorage, within boat houses, and in other such locations as marina rules, regulations and procedures or the fire code official designate.
Smoking signs shall be consistent with Section 310, IFC.
10. Section 3603.8 Fuel dispensing.
Fuel dispensing from portable containers to vessels shall be prohibited within boathouses and covered moorages.
11. Section 3603.9 Fuel storage.
The maximum allowable quantity of fuel which may be stored within an individual boathouse or covered boat moorage shall be in accordance with Sections 3603.9.1, and 3603.9.2, below.
Exception: Fuel stored within the vessel’s fuel tank.
12. Section 3603.9.1 Flammable and combustible liquids.
The maximum allowable quantity of flammable or combustible fluids within a boathouse or covered moorage is limited to five gallons for each berth.
Exception: Fuel stored within the vessel’s fuel tank.
13. Section 3603.9.2 Flammable Gases.
The maximum allowable quantity of flammable gases within a boathouse or covered moorage is limited to 20 pounds for each berth.
14. Section 3603.10 Means of egress.
The means of egress system for individual boathouses and covered boat moorage shall be in accordance with Section 3603.10.1, through 3603.10.6, below.
15. Section 3603.10.1 General means of egress.
The requirements of Section 1003.2, IFC through 1003.6, IFC shall apply to all elements of the means of egress system.
16. Section 3603.10.2 Minimum required egress width.
The means of egress width shall not be less than 36 inches.
17. Section 3603.10.3 Doors.
Means of egress doors shall meet the requirements of this section. Doors serving a means of egress system shall meet the requirements of this section. Doors provided for egress purposes in numbers greater than required by this code shall meet the requirements of this section. Means of egress doors shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations or similar materials.
18. Section 3603.10.3.1 Size of doors.
The minimum width of each door opening shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (813 mm). Clear openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). Where this section requires a minimum clear width of 32 inches (813 mm) and a door opening includes two door leaves without a mullion, one leaf shall provide a clear opening width of 32 inches (813 mm). The maximum width of a swinging door leaf shall be 48 inches (1,219 mm) nominal. The height of door openings shall not be less than 80 inches (2,032 mm).
19. Section 3603.10.3.2 Projections into clear width.
There shall not be projections into the required clear width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2,032 mm) above the floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).
Exception: Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1,980 mm) minimum above the floor.
20. Section 3603.10.3.3 Door swing.
Egress doors shall be of the pivoted or side-hinged swinging type.
21. Section 3603.10.3.4 Door opening force.
The force for pushing of pulling open interior swinging doors, other than fire doors, shall not exceed 5 pounds. The door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound force.
The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound force.
22. Section 3603.10.3.5 Location of applied forces.
Forces shall be applied to the latch side of the door.
23. Section 3603.10.3.6 Floor elevation.
There shall be a floor landing on each side of a door. Such floor or landing shall be at the same elevation on each side of the door. Landings shall be level except for exterior landings, which are permitted to have slope not to exceed 0.25 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope).
24. Section 3603.10.3.7 Door Operations.
Except as specifically permitted by this section egress doors shall be readily operable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
25. Section 3603.10.3.7.1 Hardware.
Door handles shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.
26. Section 3603.10.3.7.2 Hardware height.
Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches (864 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1,219 mm) maximum above the finished floor. Locks Used only for security purposes and not used for normal operation are permitted at any height.
27. Section 3603.10.3.7.3 Bolt locks.
Single-cylinder keyed deadbolts are allowed.
28. Section 3603.10.3.8 Number of exit doors required.
A minimum of one exit door shall be provided in each 50 lineal feet (15,240 mm), or fraction thereof, of the longest exterior wall or as approved. The required exit doors shall be distributed such that the lineal distance between adjacent exit doors does not exceed 50 feet (15,240 mm) and shall not be directly across the pier, float system or access way from another boathouse or covered boat moorage exit door.
29. Section 3603.10.4 Exit signs.
Exit doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel.
30. Section 3603.10.5 Identification.
An approved sign shall be provided on the exterior of the boathouse and covered boat moorage which identifies the slip or slips within.
31. Section 3603.10.6 Key safe.
An approved key safe shall be installed in an approved location on all multi-party boathouses. The safe shall contain the key or keys to all exterior and interior doors.
32. Section 3603.10.7 Maintenance.
The means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with Section 1030, IFC.
Section 3604.2.2 Standpipes within boathouses and covered moorages.
Boathouses and covered moorages shall be equipped throughout with Class 1 manual, dry standpipe systems in accordance with Chapter 3, System Requirements per NFPA 14.
Exception: Existing standpipe systems approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
33. Section 3604.2.3 Outlet location.
Standpipe systems shall be provided with outlets located such that no point on the pier, float system, or fixed access way serving a boathouse or covered moorage exceeds 150 feet from a standpipe outlet.
34. Section 3604.2.4 Appurtenances.
Hose racks, hoses, and standpipe cabinets shall not be required on the pier or float system.
35. Section 3604.2.5 Flow rate.
Supply piping for standpipes within boathouses or covered moorages shall be sized for the minimum flow rate for Class I horizontal systems.
Exception: When approved by the fire code official, supply piping for standpipes may be sized for the minimum flow rate for Class II systems.
36. Section 3604.2.6 Pressure.
Minimum hose outlet pressure shall be 130 psi while delivering the flow rate identified in Section 3604.2.4.
Exception: Existing standpipe systems approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
37. Section 3604.2.7 Material.
On a wharf, dock or float system including within a boathouse or covered moorage, approved plastic pipe may be used if installed underwater or other approved method of protection from fire is provided.
Exception: Existing standpipe systems approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
38. Section 3604.2.8 Flexible connections.
Flexible connections shall be permitted on floating piers where approved.
Exception: Existing standpipe systems approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
39. Section 3604.2.9 Sectional valves.
The system shall be equipped with sectional valves in approved locations.
Exception: Existing standpipe systems approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
40. Section 3604.3 Access and water supply.
Piers and wharves, including those serving boathouses or covered moorages, shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads and water-supply systems with on-site fire hydrants when required by the fire code official. At least one fire hydrant capable of providing 1,500 gpm shall be provided within an approved distance of standpipe supply connections.
41. Section 3604.4 Portable fire extinguishers – boathouses and covered moorages.
One 4A:40B:C: fire extinguisher shall be provided at each required standpipe outlet within boathouse and covered moorages. Additional portable fire extinguishers, suitable for the hazards involved, shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Section 906, IFC.
42. Section 3604.6 Emergency operations staging areas.
Space shall be provided on all float systems for the staging of emergency equipment. Emergency operation staging areas shall provide a minimum of 4 feet wide by 10 feet long (1,219 mm by 3,048 mm) clear area exclusive of walkways and shall be located at each standpipe hose connection. Emergency operation staging areas shall be provided with a curb or barrier having a minimum height of 4 inches (102 mm) and maximum space between the bottom edge and the staging area of 2 inches (51 mm) on the outboard sides of the staging area.
An approved sign reading FIRE EQUIPMENT STAGING AREA – KEEP CLEAR shall be provided at each staging area.
Exception: Staging areas may include walkways where clearly marked and kept free of obstructions to the satisfaction of the fire official.
43. Section 3604.7 Smoke and heat vents.
Approved automatic smoke and heat vents shall be provided in all covered boat moorage areas and boathouse structure areas exceeding 2,500 square feet in area, excluding roof overhangs.
Exception: Smoke and heat vents are not required in areas protected by automatic sprinklers.
44. Section 3604.9 Automatic sprinkler systems.
Automatic sprinklers shall be provided throughout new and existing multi-party covered boat moorage and multi-owner boathouse structures in accordance with Chapter 9, IFC.
Exception: Multi-party condominium covered boat moorage or boathouse structures not exceeding 2,500 sq. ft. (743 m2) in area and separated by at least 16 feet from another multi-owner covered boat moorage or multi-party boathouse structure.
45. Section 3604.9.1 Density.
The sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903, IFC and NFPA Standard 13 for Extra Hazard Group 2 occupancy. Extra Hazard Group 1 occupancy systems may be approved at the discretion of the fire code official when significant factors hamper the installation of a Group 2 system.
Exception: Existing sprinkler systems, regardless of class, approved by the fire code official prior to the adoption of this ordinance.
46. Section 3604.9.2 Monitoring.
Sprinkler system shall be monitored in accordance with Section 903, IFC.
47. Section 3604.9.3 Notification.
Notification appliances shall be installed throughout the structure in accordance with Section 907.6.2, IFC.
48. Section 3604.10 Fire department connections.
Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with Section 912, IFC.
D. Any state amendments save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out in this chapter, and from the date on which the ordinance codified in this chapter shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city of Blaine. (Ord. 2938 § 1 (Att. A), 2019; Ord. 2863 § 3, 2015; Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 1, 2004)
15.08.040 Administrative responsibility.
A. Enforcement of the International Fire Code, as adopted under this code, shall be the responsibility of the fire code official as defined in this chapter.
B. The city may contract for fire prevention services under this chapter and delegate such responsibilities to the appointed fire code official.
C. In the event that the city contracts with a fire district, the fire chief (or his/her designee) shall be designated the fire code official. (Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 2, 2004. Formerly 15.08.020)
15.08.050 Definitions.
Unless otherwise defined below, the definition of terms shall be as defined in the International Fire Code:
A. Wherever the word “fire code official” is used in the BMC or the International Fire Code, it shall be construed as the fire code official as may be appointed by the city manager, or any other person, entity or organization with which the city has contracted for fire prevention services.
B. Wherever the term “jurisdiction” is used in the International Fire Code, it shall be construed as the city of Blaine. (Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 3, 2004. Formerly 15.08.030)
15.08.060 Limitations.
The limits referred to in certain sections of the International Fire Code are hereby established as follows:
A. Storage of Flammable Cryogenic Fluids. The limits referred to in Section 5504.2.2 of the International Fire Code, in which the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited, are hereby established for all zones except “Manufacturing.”
B. Storage of Class I and II Flammable Liquids. The limits referred to in Section 5704.2 of the International Fire Code, in which the storage of Class I and II flammable liquids in aboveground tanks is prohibited, are hereby established for in all zones except “Manufacturing.”
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to permit the installation of outside aboveground storage and dispensing tank(s) of motor vehicle fluid in prohibited zones where the tank(s) comply with the following:
Tank design, construction and location are in accordance with nationally recognized engineering standards for the materials, construction and location, and comply with Sections 5704 and 5706 of the International Fire Code.
Aboveground dispensing tanks shall be screened as necessary from public view, and from residential neighborhoods.
C. Storage of Explosives and Blasting Agents. The storage of explosives and blasting agents, except for temporary storage and use as specifically defined in Section 5604 of the International Fire Code, shall be prohibited in all zones of the city, except in areas zoned as “Manufacturing.”
D. Storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gases. The limits referred to in Section 6104.2 of the International Fire Code restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gases are established as follows: The aggregate capacity for liquefied petroleum gases of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 L) within the limits of the city of Blaine, except in areas zoned as “Manufacturing.”
E. Storage of Compressed Natural Gas. Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of CNG for the protection of heavily populated or congested commercial areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed 183,000 cubic feet (5,181,974 L). Such installations shall be prohibited within the limits of the city of Blaine, except in areas zoned as “Manufacturing.” (Ord. 2938 § 1 (Att. A), 2019; Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 5, 2004. Formerly 15.08.040)
15.08.070 Amendments and changes to IFC.
The following sections of the International Fire Code are hereby amended and changed as follows:
A. Section 101.1. Insert: “City of Blaine.”
B. Section 105.1.1, Permits required. Add:
Section 105.1.1.1 Fees. Fees for permits, plan reviews, inspection services, and other related work shall be accessed pursuant to the City of Blaine Fee Schedule and collected by the City of Blaine Finance Department.
Exception: Operational permits required by the International Fire Code shall be accessed pursuant to the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue published fee schedule and collected by the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Administrative Staff.
C. Section 105.2. Replace with:
Application for permits shall be made to the Community Development Services Department in such form and detail as prescribed by the City. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such plans as required by the fire code official.
Exception: Applications for operational permits required by the International Fire Code shall be made to the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue in such form and detail as prescribed by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue. Applications for such permits shall be accompanied by such plans as required by the fire code official.
D. Section 109.3. Insert: “misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or imprisonment for up to one year.” (Ord. 2938 § 1 (Att. A), 2019; Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2728 § 2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 4, 2004. Formerly 15.08.100)
15.08.080 Appeals.
Appeals of any fire code official decision, order or determination relative to the application and interpretation of this chapter shall be made pursuant to BMC 17.06.180. (Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 6, 2004. Formerly 15.08.110)
15.08.090 Violations and penalties.
A. Any person who violates any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 2.54 BMC, Unified Code Enforcement.
B. Where conflicts in requirements exist between this and other codes, the more stringent requirement shall be applicable. (Ord. 2938 § 1 (Att. A), 2019; Ord. 2859 § 3 (Exh. C), 2014; Ord. 2672 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2579 § 8, 2004. Formerly 15.08.130)