Chapter 16.26
FIRE CODE

Sections:

16.26.010    Adoption of the International Fire Code.

16.26.020    Enforcement.

16.26.030    Definitions.

16.26.040    Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground tanks is to be prohibited.

16.26.050    Establishment of limits in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is to be restricted.

16.26.060    Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is to be prohibited.

16.26.070    Amendments to the International Fire Code.

16.26.080    Fees.

16.26.090    Appeals.

16.26.100    New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.

16.26.110    Repealed.

16.26.120    Conflicts with existing codes and ordinances.

16.26.130    Fire department features.

16.26.010 Adoption of the International Fire Code.

Pursuant to RCW 35.21.180, that certain code of technical regulations known as the most current adopted edition of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council and as adopted and amended in Chapter 51-54A WAC, is hereby adopted by this reference as if fully set forth, subject to the modifications and amendments set forth in this chapter. This adoption includes Appendices B, C and D, except Section D-107 is not adopted. One copy of said fire code shall be maintained on file in the office of the city clerk for public use and inspection. (Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.020 Enforcement.

A. The International Fire Code shall be enforced by the fire marshal.

B. There shall be a fire marshal in charge of fire prevention who shall be appointed by the city council. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.030 Definitions.

A. Wherever the word “jurisdiction” is used in the International Fire Code, it means the area within the city limits of the city of Enumclaw, Washington.

B. Wherever the words “fire code official” are used in the International Fire Code, they mean the fire marshal in charge of fire prevention. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.040 Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground tanks is to be prohibited.

The storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground storage tanks is prohibited within the city, except as conditioned below:

A. Aboveground storage tanks shall meet the requirements of Chapter 34 of the International Fire Code.

B. Tanks containing Class I, II or III-A liquids shall not exceed 12,000 gallons individual or 24,000 gallons aggregate.

C. Installation of aboveground tanks shall be subject to berming and screening as required by the public works, planning, and fire departments, respectively.

D. Installation of aboveground tanks shall be limited to HCB or LI zones. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.050 Establishment of limits in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is to be restricted.

The limits referred to in Chapter 38 of the International Fire Code, in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, shall apply throughout the city. NFPA 58 shall be used as the installation guide for all propane systems. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.060 Establishment of limits of districts in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is to be prohibited.

The limits referred to in Chapter 33 of the International Fire Code, in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited, shall apply throughout the city. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.070 Amendments to the International Fire Code.

A. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all occupancies. No exceptions will be allowed.

B. Chapter 5 of the International Fire Code adopted by this chapter is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 503.2.

1. General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section.

2. Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this section:

a. “Fire apparatus access road(s)” means that area within any public right of way, easement, or private property designated for the purpose of permitting fire trucks and other firefighting or emergency equipment to use, travel upon and park.

b. “Park,” “Parking,” “Stop,” “Stand,” or “Standing,” means the halting of a vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or fire official or traffic signal or sign.

c. “Vehicle” means a machine propelled by power, other than human power, designed to travel along the ground or rail, by the use of wheels, treads, runners or slides, and shall include, without limitation, truck, automobile, trailer, motorcycle, tractor, buggy, wagon and locomotive.

3. Requirements – Standards.

a. When required by the Fire Department, hard-surfaced fire apparatus access road(s) shall be provided around facilities which, by their size, location, design or contents warrant access which exceeds that normally provided by the proximity of city streets.

b. Fire apparatus access road(s) shall be required when any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 150 feet from Fire Department vehicle access.

4. Surface. Fire apparatus access road(s) shall be either asphalt or reinforced concrete, a minimum two inches thick, or when specifically authorized by the Fire Department, compacted crushed rock or other alternate surfaces may be used. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus.

5. Width. The minimum unobstructed width of a fire apparatus access road shall be not less than 20 feet.

6. Aerial apparatus access roads shall not be less than 26 feet in width.

7. Vertical clearance. All fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.

Exceptions:

a. When conditions prevent the installation of an approved fire apparatus access road, the Fire Marshal may permit the installation of a fire protection system or systems in lieu of a road.

b. When there are not more than two Group R Division 3 or Group U occupancies, the requirements of this section may be modified, provided, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, firefighting or rescue operations would not be impaired.

c. Clearances or widths required by this section may be increased when, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, clearances or widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.

8. Turning Radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.

9. Turnarounds. All dead end apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus.

10. Bridges. When a bridge is required to be used as access under this section, it shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable sections of the International Building Code or other regulations adopted by the City and shall use designed live loading sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus.

11. Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 15 percent with a cross slope no greater than 5%.

12. Obstruction. The required width of any fire apparatus access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this section shall be maintained at all times.

13. Signs.

a. When required, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof or both.

b. Fire apparatus access roads shall be identified by painting the curb red and a 4-inch wide line and block letters 18 inches high, painted in the lane, at 50-foot intervals, stating, “FIRE LANE NO PARKING,” color to be bright red, or by the posting of signs stating, “FIRE LANE NO PARKING,” and painting the curb. Signs shall be posted on or immediately next to the curb line or on the building. Signs shall be 12 inches by 18 inches and shall have letters and background of contrasting color, readily readable from at least a 50-foot distance. Signs shall be spaced not further than 50 feet apart nor shall they be more than four feet from the ground.

c. Residential fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with signs described in “B” above, no striping or painting shall be required.

14. Parking Prohibited. Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with the direction of a police or fire official or traffic control sign, signal or device, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not at any place where official fire lane signs are posted, except:

a. Momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers, or

b. Temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading property.

15. Fire Apparatus Road(s) as part of Driveways and/or Parking Areas. The Fire Department may require that areas specified for use as driveways or private thoroughfares shall not be used for parking. These areas, when specified, shall be marked or identified by one of the two means detailed in EMC 16.26.070(B)(13)(b) or EMC 16.26.070(B)(13)(c).

16. Existing Buildings. When the Fire Department determines that a hazard, due to inaccessibility of fire apparatus, exists around existing buildings, they may require fire apparatus access road(s) to be constructed and maintained.

17. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the Enumclaw Fire Marshal and/or the authorized designee(s) to enforce subsection 503.2.

18. Violation – Penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 503.2 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08 EMC.

19. False alarm violations. False alarms shall not be given, signaled or transmitted or caused or permitted to be given, signaled or transmitted in any manner. False alarms, in excess of two per year, shall be fined under the following schedule:

a. First false alarm: no fine, warning.

b. Second false alarm: no fine, warning.

c. Third false alarm: $135.00.

d. Fourth and subsequent false alarms    $270.00.

20. The number of false alarms shall be calculated by calendar year beginning January 1 and ending December 31.

21. Hydrant spacing may be reduced to 300 feet when approved the Fire Marshal.

C. Emergency Responder Communication Coverage. Section 510 of the International Fire Code, entitled “Emergency Responder Communication Coverage,” is amended by substituting Section 510 with the following:

Sec. 510.1. Emergency responder communication coverage in new buildings. Approved in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage for emergency responders shall be provided within all new buildings.

The radio coverage system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 510.4 through 510.5.5 of this code and with the provisions of NFPA 1221 (2019). This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.

Point of Information

When determining if the minimum signal strength referenced 510.4.1.1 exists at a subject building, the signal strength shall be measured at any point on the exterior of the building up to the highest point on the roof.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings and areas of buildings that have minimum radio coverage signal strength levels of the King County Regional 800 MHz Radio System within the building in accordance with Section 510.4.1 without the use of a radio coverage system.

2. In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of that facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder radio coverage system.

3. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

Sec. 510.2. Emergency responder communication coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio coverage for emergency responders as required in Chapter 11.

Sec. 510.3. Permit required. A construction permit for the installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage systems and related equipment is required as specified in Section 105.6.4. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Point of Information

Prior coordination and approval from the Public Safety Radio System Operator is required before installation of an Emergency Responder Radio System. Until PSERN becomes the single operator of the county wide system, such approval is required from EPSCA, King County, Seattle or ValleyCom depending on the location of the installation.

In order to be forward compatible, designers and contractors should be aware of PSERN’s requirements for Distributed Antenna Systems which can be found via https://psern.org/requirements/.

Sec. 510.4. Technical requirements. Equipment required to provide in-building, two-way emergency responder communication shall be listed in accordance with UL 2524. Systems, components and equipment required to provide the emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.2.8.

Sec. 510.4.1. Emergency responder communication coverage system signal strength. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder communications enhancement system coverage when signal strength measurements in 95 percent of all areas on each floor of the building meet the signal strength requirements in Sections 510.4.1.1 through 510.4.1.3.

Exception: Critical areas, such as the fire command center(s), the fire pump room(s), interior exit stairways, exit passageways, elevator lobbies, standpipe cabinets, sprinkler sectional valve locations, and other areas required by the fire code official, shall be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage.

Sec. 510.4.1.1. Minimum signal strength into the building. The minimum inbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The inbound signal level shall be a minimum of 95dBm in 95% of the coverage area and 99% in critical areas and sufficient to provide not less than a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.0 or an equivalent Signal-to-InterferencePlus-Noise Ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.

Sec. 510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building. The minimum outbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The outbound signal level shall be sufficient to provide not less than a DAQ of 3.0 or an equivalent SINR applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals. A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be received by the King County Regional 800 MHz Radio System when transmitted from within the building.

Sec. 510.4.1.3. System performance. Signal strength shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of the applications being utilized by public safety for emergency operations through the coverage area as specified by the radio system manager in Section 510.4.2.2.

Sec. 510.4.2. System design. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 510.4.2.1 through 510.4.2.8 and NFPA 1221 (2019).

Sec. 510.4.2.1. Amplification systems and components. Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with systems and components to enhance the public safety radio signals and achieve the required level of radio coverage specified in Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.1.3. Public safety communications enhancement systems utilizing radio-frequency-emitting devices and cabling shall be allowed by the Public Safety Radio System Operator. Prior to installation, all RF-emitting devices shall have the certification of the radio licensing authority and be suitable for public safety use.

Sec. 510.4.2.2. Technical criteria. The Public Safety Radio System Operator shall provide the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites, the effective radiated power of radio sites, the maximum propagation delay in microseconds, the applications being used and other supporting technical information necessary for system design upon request by the building owner or owner’s representative.

Sec. 510.4.2.3. Standby Power. Emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be provided with dedicated standby batteries or provided with 2-hour standby batteries and connected to the facility generator power system in accordance with Section 1203. The standby power supply shall be capable of operating the emergency responder radio coverage system at 100-percent system capacity for a duration of not less than 12 hours.

Sec. 510.4.2.4. Signal booster requirements. If used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:

1. All signal booster components shall be contained in a National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) 4, IP66-type waterproof cabinet or equivalent.

Exception: Listed battery systems that are contained in integrated battery cabinets.

2. Battery systems used for the emergency power source shall be contained in a NEMA 3R or higher-rated cabinet, IP65-type waterproof cabinet or equivalent.

3. Equipment shall have FCC or other radio licensing authority certification and be suitable for public safety use prior to installation.

4. Where a donor antenna exists, isolation shall be maintained between the donor antenna and all inside antennas to not less than 20dB greater than the system gain under all operating conditions.

5. Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) used in emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be fitted with anti-oscillation circuitry and per-channel AGC.

6. The installation of amplification systems or systems that operate on or provide the means to cause interference on any emergency responder radio coverage networks shall be coordinated and approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

7. Unless otherwise approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator, only channelized signal boosters shall be permitted.

Exception: Broadband BDAs may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

Point of Information

BDAs must also comply with PSERN’s (www.psern.org/requirements) detailed requirements, which include channelized, minimum of 28 channels, supporting analog, P25 Phase I (FDMA), and P25 Phase II (TDMA).

Sec. 510.4.2.5. System monitoring. The emergency responder radio enhancement system shall include automatic supervisory and trouble signals that are monitored by a supervisory service and are annunciated by the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72. The following conditions shall be separately annunciated by the fire alarm system, or, if the status of each of the following conditions is individually displayed on a dedicated panel on the radio enhancement system, a single automatic supervisory signal may be annunciated on the fire alarm system indicating deficiencies of the radio enhancement system:

1. Loss of normal AC power supply.

2. System battery charger(s) failure.

3. Malfunction of the donor antenna(s).

4. Failure of active RF-emitting device(s).

5. Low-battery capacity at 70-percent reduction of operating capacity.

6. Active system component malfunction.

7. Malfunction of the communications link between the fire alarm system and the in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system.

8. Oscillation of active RF-emitting device(s).

Sec. 510.4.2.6. Additional frequencies and change of frequencies. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be capable of modification or expansion in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority.

Sec. 510.4.2.7. Design documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require “as-built” design documents and specifications for emergency responder communications coverage systems. The documents shall be in a format acceptable to the fire code official.

Sec. 510.4.2.8. Radio communication antenna density. Systems shall be engineered to minimize the near-far effect. Radio enhancement system designs shall include sufficient antenna density to address reduced gain conditions.

Exception: Systems where all portable devices within the same band use active power control.

Sec. 510.5. Installation requirements. The installation of the public safety radio coverage system shall be in accordance with NFPA 1221 and Sections 510.5.1 through 510.5.8.

Sec. 510.5.1. Mounting of the donor antenna(s). To maintain proper alignment with the system designed donor site, donor antennas shall be permanently affixed on the highest possible position on the building or where approved by the fire code official. A clearly visible sign shall be placed near the antenna stating, “movement or repositioning of this antenna is prohibited without approval from the fire code official.” The antenna installation shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements in the International Building Code for weather protection of the building envelope.

Sec. 510.5.2. Approval prior to installation. Amplification systems capable of operating on frequencies licensed to any public safety agency by the FCC or other radio licensing authority shall not be installed without prior coordination and approval of the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

Sec. 510.5.3. Minimum qualifications of personnel. The minimum qualifications of the system designer and lead installation personnel shall include both of the following:

1. A valid FCC-issued general radio telephone operators license.

2. Certification of in-building system training issued by an approved organization or approved school, or a certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.

Sec. 510.5.4. Acceptance test procedure. Where an emergency responder radio coverage system is required, and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system tested to verify that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is in accordance with Section 510.4.1. The test procedure shall be conducted as follows:

1. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas, with a maximum test area size of 6,400 square feet. Where the floor area exceeds 128,000 square feet, the floor shall be divided into as many approximately equal test areas as needed, such that no test area exceeds the maximum square footage allowed for a test area.

2. Coverage testing of signal strength shall be conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer for each of the test grids. A diagram of this testing shall be created for each floor where coverage is provided, indicating the testing grid used for the test in Section 510.5.3(1), and including signal strengths and frequencies for each test area. Indicate all critical areas.

3. Functional talk-back testing shall be conducted using two calibrated portable radios of the latest brand and model used by the agency’s radio communications system or other equipment approved by the fire code official. Testing shall use Digital Audible Quality (DAQ) metrics, where a passing result is a DAQ of 3 or higher. Communications between handsets shall be tested and recorded in the grid square diagram required by section 510.5.3(2): each grid square on each floor; between each critical area and a radio outside the building; between each critical area and the fire command center or fire alarm control panel; between each landing in each stairwell and the fire command center or fire alarm control panel.

4. Failure of more than 5% of the test areas on any floor shall result in failure of the test.

Exception: Critical areas shall be provided with 99 percent floor area coverage.

5. In the event that two of the test areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor shall be permitted to be divided into 40 equal test areas. Failure of not more than two nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test. If the system fails the 40-area test, the system shall be altered to meet the 95-percent coverage requirement.

6. A test location approximately in the center of each test area shall be selected for the test, with the radio enabled to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the public agency’s radio communications system. Once the test location has been selected, that location shall represent the entire test area. Failure in the selected test location shall be considered to be a failure of that test area. Additional test locations shall not be permitted.

7. The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured, and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified during annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner shall be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.

8. As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject signal booster. This test shall be conducted at the time of installation and at subsequent annual inspections.

9. Systems shall be tested using two portable radios simultaneously conducting subjective voice quality checks. One portable radio shall be positioned not greater than 10 feet (3,048 mm) from the indoor antenna. The second portable radio shall be positioned at a distance that represents the farthest distance from any indoor antenna. With both portable radios simultaneously keyed up on different frequencies within the same band, subjective audio testing shall be conducted and comply with DAQ levels as specified in Sections 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2.

10. At the conclusion of the testing, and prior to issuance of the building Certificate of Occupancy, the building owner or owner’s representative shall place a copy of the following records in the DAS enclosure or the building engineer’s office. The records shall be available to the fire code official and maintained by the building owner for the life of the system:

a. A certification letter stating that the emergency responder radio coverage system has been installed and tested in accordance with this code, and that the system is complete and fully functional.

b. The grid square diagram created as part of testing in Sections 510.5.3(2) and 510.5.3(3).

c. Data sheets and/or manufacturer specifications for the emergency responder radio coverage system equipment; back up battery; and charging system (if utilized).

d. A diagram showing device locations and wiring schematic.

e. A copy of the electrical permit.

11. At the conclusion of the testing, and prior to issuance of the building Certificate of Occupancy, the building owner or owner’s representative shall submit copies of the acceptance test in a form and manner determined by the fire code official.

Sec. 510.5.5. FCC compliance. The emergency responder radio coverage system installation and components shall comply with all applicable federal regulations including, but not limited to, FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219.

Sec. 510.5.6. Wiring. The backbone, antenna distribution, radiating, or any fiber-optic cables shall be rated as plenum cables. The backbone cables shall be connected to the antenna distribution, radiating, or copper cables using hybrid coupler devices of a value determined by the overall design. Backbone cables shall be routed through an enclosure that matches the building’s required fire-resistance rating for shafts or interior exit stairways. The connection between the backbone cable and the antenna cables shall be made within an enclosure that matches the building’s fire-resistance rating for shafts or interior exit stairways, and passage of the antenna distribution cable in and out of the enclosure shall be protected as a penetration per the International Building Code.

Sec. 510.5.7. Identification Signs. Emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be identified by an approved sign located on or near the Fire Alarm Control Panel or other approved location stating “This building is equipped with an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System. Control Equipment located in room.”

A sign stating “Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Equipment” shall be placed on or adjacent to the door of the room containing the main system components.

Sec. 510.6. Maintenance. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be maintained operational at all times in accordance with Sections 510.6.1 through 510.6.7.

Sec. 510.6.1. Testing and proof of compliance. The owner of the building or owner’s authorized agent shall have the emergency responder radio coverage system inspected and tested annually or where structural changes occur including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field performance tests. Testing shall consist of the following items (1) through (7):

1. In-building coverage test as required by the fire code official as described in Sections 510.5.3 (“Acceptance test procedure”) or 510.6.1.1 (“Alternative in-building coverage test”).

Exception: Group R Occupancy annual testing is not required within dwelling units.

2. Signal boosters shall be tested to verify that the gain/output level is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance or set to optimize the performance of the system.

3. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of 1 hours to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the 1-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional 1-hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined.

4. If a fire alarm system is present in the building, a test shall be conducted to verify that the fire alarm system is properly supervising the emergency responder communication system as required in Section 510.4.2.5. The test is performed by simulating alarms to the fire alarm control panel. The certifications in Section 510.5.2 are sufficient for the personnel performing this testing.

5. All active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer’s specifications.

6. At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.6.1, shall be submitted to the fire code official by way of the department’s third-party vendor thecomplianceengine.com.

7. At the conclusion of testing, a record of the inspection and maintenance along with an updated grid diagram of each floor showing tested strengths in each grid square and each critical area shall be added to the documentation maintained on the premises in accordance with Section 510.5.3.

Sec. 510.6.1.1. Alternative In-building coverage test. When the comprehensive test documentation required by Section 510.5.3 is available, or the most recent full five-year test results are available if the system is older than six years, the in-building coverage test required by the fire code official in Section 510.6.1(1), may be conducted as follows:

1. Functional talk-back testing shall be conducted using two calibrated portable radios of the latest brand and model used by the agency’s radio communications system or other equipment approved by the fire code official. Testing shall use Digital Audible Quality (DAQ) metrics, where a passing result is a DAQ of 3 or higher. Communications between handsets in the following locations shall be tested: between the fire command center or fire alarm control panel and a location outside the building; between the fire alarm control panel and each landing in each stairwell.

2. Coverage testing of signal strength shall be conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer for:

a. Three grid areas per floor. The three grid areas to be tested on each floor are the three grid areas with poorest performance in the acceptance test or the most recent annual test, whichever is more recent; and

b. Each of the critical areas identified in acceptance test documentation required by Section 510.5.3, or as modified by the fire code official, and

c. One grid square per serving antenna.

3. The test area boundaries shall not deviate from the areas established at the time of the acceptance test, or as modified by the fire code official. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder radio coverage when the required signal strength requirements in 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2 are located in 95 percent of all areas on each floor of the building and 99 percent in Critical Areas, and any non-functional serving antenna are repaired to function within normal ranges. If the documentation of the acceptance test or most recent previous annual test results are not available or acceptable to the fire code official, the radio coverage verification testing described in 510.5.3 shall be conducted.

Point of Information

The alternative in-building coverage test provides an alternative testing protocol for the in-building coverage test in subsection (1) of section 510.6.1. There is no change or alternative to annual testing requirements enumerated in subsections (2) – (7) of Section 510.6.1, which must be performed at the time of each annual test.

Sec. 510.6.2. Additional frequencies. The building owner shall modify or expand the emergency responder radio coverage system at his or her expense in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority public safety radio system operator or FCC license holder. Prior approval of a public safety radio coverage system on previous frequencies does not exempt this section.

Sec. 510.6.3. Nonpublic safety system. Where other nonpublic safety amplification systems installed in buildings reduce the performance or cause interference with the emergency responder communications coverage system, the nonpublic safety amplification system shall be corrected or removed.

Sec. 510.6.4. Field testing. Agency personnel shall have the right to enter onto the property at any reasonable time to conduct field testing to verify the required level of radio coverage or to disable a system that due to malfunction or poor maintenance has the potential to impact the emergency responder radio system in the region.

(Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.080 Fees.

A. Permit Fees. A fee, in the amount established in the city’s most current fee resolution, shall be charged for each permit required by the International Fire Code.

B. Reinspection Fees. Reinspection fees, in the amounts established in the city’s most current fee resolution, shall be charged as follows:

1. Reinspection Fees for New Construction and Tenant Improvements. A reinspection fee will be assessed when an inspection is requested for new construction, tenant improvements or spot inspections and, upon arrival, the fire inspector finds that the work is not complete, not ready for inspection, or does not comply with fire code requirements. Under these conditions, a follow-up inspection will be required.

2. Reinspection Fees for Company Level Inspections. A reinspection fee will be assessed when, on the follow-up inspection 30 days after the initial company level inspection, the inspectors find that the violations have not been corrected. A reinspection fee will be assessed when, on a second follow-up inspection, the inspectors find that the violations have not been corrected. A reinspection fee will be assessed when, on a third follow-up inspection, the inspectors find that the violations have not been corrected. A reinspection fee will be assessed when, on a fourth and subsequent follow-up inspections, the inspectors find that the violations have not been corrected.

3. Exceptions. Any exception to the items covered by this chapter shall be made by the chief of the department or by the fire marshal. Requests for exceptions must be made in writing; exceptions granted or denied shall be in writing.

4. Special Inspections. The fire marshal reserves the right to require special inspections by an independent third party which may incur additional fees. All costs for this work will be paid by the contractor, building owner or building tenant. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.090 Appeals.

Whenever the fire marshal disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, the applicant may appeal the decision to the hearing examiner as established in EMC Title 15, Administration of Development Regulations. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.100 New materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits.

The building official, community development director and the fire marshal of the fire department shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies for which permits are required, in addition to those now encumbered in said code. The fire marshal of the fire department shall post such list in a conspicuous place in his office, and distribute copies thereof to interested persons. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2529 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.110 Violations – Penalties.

Repealed by Ord. 2575. (Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.120 Conflicts with existing codes and ordinances.

Whenever any provision of the International Fire Code or appendices adopted by this title conflicts with any provision of any other adopted code or ordinance of the city, the provision providing the greater or most effective protection shall govern. (Ord. 2689 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 2457 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 2401, 2008).

16.26.130 Fire department features.

A. Tenant improvements with an estimated project valuation of $20,000 or greater will require placement of a fire department keybox (KNOX) or updated current keybox to e-key lock cylinder.

B. Commercial electric vehicle chargers will be required to have an emergency shut-off switch approved by the fire marshal. The emergency disconnect switch for EV chargers shall be provided with ready access and shall be located within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of, but not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm) from, the chargers.

C. When gates are used within the city/fire district they shall meet the requirements for emergency access. The preferred type of actuator will be “Click-2-Enter.” Approval by fire marshal shall be received prior to installation. (Ord. 2777 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024).