Chapter 12.04
Fire Protection Systems
Sections:
Article I. Residential Occupancies
12.04.040 Sprinkler systems required.
12.04.060 Approval by Fire Chief.
12.04.070 New construction design criteria in fully sprinklered developments.
12.04.090 Building codes not affected.
Article II. Nonresidential Occupancies
12.04.110 Sprinklers required.
Article I. Residential Occupancies
12.04.010 Policy and purpose.
(a) The City Council finds that automatic fire sprinkler systems are now technologically and economically viable and can help to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire and are therefore necessary in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare; and
(b) Automatic fire sprinkler systems help to ensure that any fires that occur in residential structures are reasonably within the firefighting capabilities of the DuPont Fire Department; and
(c) Automatic fire sprinkler systems will provide a rational basis for planning public fire protection expenditures by defining the balance between traditional fire protection resources to be supplied by the public and the private sectors while at the same time reducing the costs of traditional fire protection and its related expenditures such as large water mains, fire apparatus turn‑arounds, and fire hydrants in newly developing areas. (Ord. 489 § 1, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.020 General.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in operable condition in all occupancies, structures, and locations as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 489 § 2, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.030 Definitions.
(a) Addition. An “addition” is an extension in floor area or height of a building or structure.
(b) “Automatic fire sprinkler system,” as used herein, is defined as an integrated system of underground and/or overhead piping beginning at the connection to the primary water supply, whether public or private, that conveys water with or without other agents to dispersal openings or devices to extinguish, control, or contain fire or other products of combustion; said system complying in all respects with the requirements for such systems contained in appropriate standards issued by the National Fire Protection Association, one copy of which Standards shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
(c) “Group R, Division 1 occupancies” are hotels and apartment houses (including multi‑family occupancies) and congregate residences (each accommodating more than 10 persons).
(d) “Group R, Division 3 occupancies” are dwellings and lodging houses (including one- and two-family dwellings) and congregate residences (each accommodating 10 persons or less).
(e) “Group R, Division 4 occupancies” are group homes.
(f) “Multi‑family dwellings” are dwellings for 3 or more families.
(g) Remodel. A “remodel” is any alteration to a structure, including repairs, but excluding additions.
(h) “Residential occupancies” are those classified as Group R occupancies as defined in the Uniform Building Code.
(Ord. 489 § 3, Nov. 9th, 1993; Ord. 535 §§ 1, 2, May 28th, 1996).
12.04.040 Sprinkler systems required.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained in all new residential construction and in certain new additions and remodels of residential structures, as follows:
(a) An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13‑D (most current adopted edition) in all Group R, Division 3 occupancies. Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas, except as follows:
(1) Sprinklers are not required in bathrooms 55 square feet and less;
(2) Sprinklers are not required in clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries where the area of the space does not exceed 24 square feet and the least dimension does not exceed 3 feet and the walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited combustible materials as defined in NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction;
(3) Sprinklers may be omitted from open attached porches, carports, and similar structures;
(4) Sprinklers may be omitted from attics, crawl spaces, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes and storage;
(5) Sprinklers may be omitted from entrance foyers that are not the only means of egress.
(b) An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13‑R (most current adopted edition) in all Group R, Division 1 occupancies. Sprinklers shall be installed in all areas, except as follows:
(1) Sprinklers are not required in bathrooms where the area does not exceed 55 square feet and the walls and ceilings, including behind fixtures, are of noncombustible or limited combustible materials providing a fifteen minute thermal barrier;
(2) Sprinklers are not required in clothes closets, linen closets, and pantries within the dwelling units where the area of the space does not exceed 24 square feet and the least dimension does not exceed 3 feet and the walls and ceilings are surfaced with noncombustible or limited combustible materials as defined in NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction;
(3) Sprinklers may be omitted from porches, balconies, corridors, and stairs that are open and attached;
(4) Sprinklers may be omitted from attics, penthouse equipment rooms, crawl spaces, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, and other concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes and storage;
(5) In all multi‑family occupancies with independent exits and independent water meters containing up to six dwelling units, each dwelling unit shall have an independent automatic sprinkler supply separate from the other dwelling units in the building.
(c) In Group R, Division 4 occupancies an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA Standards 13‑D (most current adopted edition), as modified by fire department written standards, shall be installed throughout every building. Sprinklers shall be located as outlined in subsection (b) of this section.
(d) In new additions of any size to sprinklered residential structures, and in new additions of one thousand (1,000) square feet or more of usable floor area to unsprinklered residential structures, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with this section. Sprinklered and unsprinklered parts of a structure shall be separated in accordance with all applicable codes and standards.
(e) When the value of remodels of residential structures within a twelve-month period exceeds sixty percent (60%) of the assessed value of all structures on the lot (exclusive of land) before the remodeling, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed through the remodeled portion of the structure or building in accordance with this section. The value of the remodel shall be determined by multiplying its square footage by one-third of the current new construction valuation as stated in the latest edition of “Building Standards,” published by the International Conference of Building Officials.
(f) The following accessory structures shall be exempt from fire sprinkler requirements:
(1) Gazebos for residential and public use;
(2) Detached, private garages less than 1,000 square feet;
(3) Independent restroom buildings that are associated with golf courses, parks and similar uses;
(4) Guardhouses for residential and commercial developments (less than 1,000 square feet);
(5) Detached carports;
(6) Barns, horse stalls and agricultural buildings for private, residential, non‑commercial use, not exceeding 1,500 square feet;
(7) Detached storage sheds for private, residential, non‑commercial use, not exceeding 1,000 feet;
(8) Detached 1, 2 and 3 car, private garages (without living quarters) in existing R‑3 developed parcels which contain existing nonsprinklered subdivision requirements (i.e. 700-foot hydrant spacing). (Ord. 489 § 4, Nov. 9th, 1993; Ord. 535 §§ 3--5, May 28th, 1996).
12.04.050 Standards.
(a) Fire‑extinguishing systems shall comply with UBC Standards Nos. 38‑1 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems), 38‑2 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Group R Occupancies), 38‑3 (Standpipe Systems in Buildings 4 Stories or Less), applicable National Fire Protection Association Standards, UFC Section 10.507 and fire department written standards.
(b) R‑1 occupancies may have up to six (6) units supplied by domestic water, provided the domestic water supply is of adequate pressure, capacity and sizing for the combined domestic and sprinkler requirements.
(c) In R‑3 occupancies fire sprinkler piping shall connect to the domestic supply after the meter and after the main shutoff valve. Other than the combined shutoff valve, there shall be no valve for any purpose between the water meter and the fire sprinkler connection.
(d) All sprinkler systems connected to the domestic water supply must use quick response (U.L. listed) sprinkler heads with small orifices for low water discharge. (Ord. 489 § 5, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.060 Approval by Fire Chief.
(a) No automatic fire sprinkler system required or allowed by this chapter shall be installed without prior approval by the Fire Chief or his designee of the plans for installation, testing and maintenance of the system.
(b) All fire sprinkler plans submitted to the fire department for review shall bear a reviewed certification as per State Fire Marshal requirements, WAC 212-80 and in accordance with fire department written standards. The plans shall be accompanied by sufficient necessary documentation to verify compliance with WAC 212-80-130 along with submitted plans.
(c) Building permits shall be issued contingent upon the installation of a sprinkler system in accordance with these standards. A permit for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system shall be obtained prior to the framing inspection.
(d) No residential construction for which an automatic fire sprinkler system is required or allowed by this chapter shall be occupied until testing of the automatic fire sprinkler system has been approved by the Fire Chief or his designee.
(e) The Fire Department shall adopt and publish written standards governing its procedures for the implementation of this chapter. The Fire Department standards shall contain procedures, checklists and other addenda necessary to provide effective management of the conditions of this chapter. The Fire Department standards shall provide for an expeditious and quick process for the approval of all plans submitted in accordance with this chapter.
Such standards shall become effective only after public input and review and approval by the Mayor and upon filing of one copy of such standards in the office of the City Clerk. Additional copies shall be kept in the office of the Fire Department for reference and distribution to the public.
As new technology and procedures become approved by recognized national standards organizations (such as pre‑engineered systems and Express Design Processes and Permitting) the Fire Department shall review and develop changes to its standards as necessary to recognize changes and new technology in the design and installation of sprinkler systems. (Ord. 489 § 6, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.070 New construction design criteria in fully sprinklered developments.
(a) Cul‑de‑sacs one thousand (1,000) feet or less are not required to have a fire hydrant located on the cul‑de‑sac (in nonhillside R‑3 developments).
(b) Water main size in cul‑de‑sacs of one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet or less in length may be reduced from eight (8) inches to six (6) inches, based on minimum pressure and flow necessary (at 20 p.s.i.) to provide proper functioning of domestic and fire protection appliances.
(c) Water Supplies for Fire Protection.
(1) An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the City. When any portion of the facility or building protected is in excess of 300 feet from a water supply on a public street, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on‑site fire hydrants and mains capable of supplying the required fire flow shall be provided.
(2) Multi‑family (R‑1) development hydrant spacing will be a maximum of 700 feet on center.
(3) One- and two-family (R‑3) development hydrant spacing will be a maximum of 1,200 feet on center.
(d) Fire Flows.
(1) Multi‑family (R‑1) fire flows shall be a minimum of 1,500 gpm for a minimum of 2 hours.
(2) One- and two-family (R‑3) dwelling fire flows shall be a minimum of 500 gpm for a minimum of 2 hours.
(e) Fire Department Access.
(1) Only one means of access to single-family residential (R‑3) projects is required.
(2) 360-degree access may not be required in multi‑family (R‑1) structures (unless required for a specific occupancy by other sections of the Uniform Fire and Building Codes).
(3) Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided when any portion of the facility or any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 200 feet from fire apparatus access as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building.
(f) Fire Alarm Requirements.
(1) All manual pull stations may be eliminated in multifamily (R‑1) occupancies.
(2) A separate fire alarm system need not be provided in multi‑family (R‑1) buildings having a local alarm to notify all occupants.
(3) In all occupancies audio‑visual devices shall be limited to those necessary for adequate warning, as determined by the Fire Chief.
(g) Group R, Division 4 Occupancies (Group Care Residence).
(1) Interconnected smoke detectors shall be installed in all livable areas in accordance with UBC Chapter 12.
(2) Evacuation map and emergency procedures shall be posted as approved by the Fire Chief.
(3) Portable Fire Extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with U.F.C. Standard 10‑1.
(h) Flame spread classification may be reduced by 1 level in NFPA 13 and 13R systems.
(i) Maximum exit distances in R‑1 occupancies may be 200 feet. (Ord. 489 § 7, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.080 Appeals.
Appeals under this chapter may be granted after payment of a fifty dollars ($50.00) application fee and a hearing by the Fire Chief, Building Official, and member of the building industry appointed by the Mayor. Decisions of this body shall be final and non‑appealable. (Ord. 489 § 8, Nov. 9th, 1993).
12.04.090 Building codes not affected.
The application of this chapter shall not prohibit the exercise of the Substitution Option granted in the Uniform Building Code relating to “Fire Resistive Substitution” and shall not affect or supersede the provisions of the State Building Codes as adopted by the City of DuPont pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW. (Ord. 489 § 9, Nov. 9th, 1993).
Article II. Nonresidential Occupancies
12.04.100 Policy and purpose.
(a) The City Council finds that automatic fire sprinkler systems are now technologically and economically viable and can help to reduce the loss of property and life due to fire and are therefore necessary in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare; and
(b) Automatic fire sprinkler systems help to ensure that any fires that occur in structures are reasonably within the firefighting capabilities of the DuPont Fire Department; and
(c) Automatic fire sprinkler systems will provide a rational basis for planning public fire protection expenditures by defining the balance between traditional fire protection resources to be supplied by the public and the private sectors while at the same time reducing the costs of traditional fire protection and its related expenditures such as large water mains, fire apparatus turn‑arounds, and fire hydrants in newly developing areas. (Ord. 499 § 1, April 12th, 1994).
12.04.110 Sprinklers required.
Buildings within the City of DuPont used for assembly, educational, industrial, institutional, mercantile, storage, and office purposes shall be equipped with fire protection systems which meet the following minimum requirements.
(a) Sprinkler Systems Required. A fully automatic sprinkler system designed, installed and tested per NFPA #13 (current edition) shall be installed in all new buildings in excess of 1,000 square feet total floor area.
(b) A fully automatic sprinkler system per subsection (a) of this section may be required by the Chief of the Fire Department and the Building Official for new buildings under 1,000 square feet total floor area when, in their judgement, any of the following conditions exist: hazardous conditions, hazardous operations, critical exposure problems, limited accessibility to the building, or other items which may contribute to definite fire hazards.
(c) Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed and maintained operable in all buildings which are not fully protected by automatic sprinkler systems.
(d) Where this chapter conflicts with the Uniform Building Code requirements, the more stringent (greatest protection) shall apply.
(e) Any exceptions to items covered by this chapter shall be made by the Chief of the Fire Department and the Building Official. Such exceptions must be in writing.
(f) Existing Buildings.
(1) Existing fully sprinklered buildings when remodeled or added onto shall retain the feature of being sprinklered in the remodeled or added-on portion.
(2) If by adding on to an existing building, the resulting total structure falls within the coverage of subsection (a) or (b) of this section, the entire structure shall be fully sprinklered. (Ord. 499 § 2, April 12th, 1994).
12.04.120 Appeals.
Appeals under this chapter may be granted after payment of an application fee and a hearing by the City Council. Decisions of this body shall be final and non‑appealable. (Ord. 499 § 3, April 12th, 1994).