Chapter 15.20
FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.20.010 Section 503 amended – Access standards.
15.20.015 Fire code amendments.
15.20.020 Section 1101.1 amended – Outdoor fires.
15.20.030 Section 1102.3.4 amended – Burning periods.
15.20.040 Definition of chief.
15.20.010 Section 503 amended – Access standards.
Section 503 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the Hunts Point Municipal Code. Road structure shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus.
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved 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. The fire apparatus road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. The fire code official is authorized to increase this distance up to 200 feet where:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3 of the International Fire Code;
2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, or other similar conditions, and an alternate means of fire protection and building or structure access is provided as approved by the fire code official or the building official; or
3. There are not more than two Group R-3 occupancies served by the fire apparatus access road.
503.1.2 The fire code official or the Hunts Point building official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access.
503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 23, International Fire Code.
5.3.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with this Section, and in accordance within the Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code.
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet, exclusive of shoulders. The minimum vertical clearance shall be not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
Exceptions:
1. New access roads serving not more than two Group R-3 or U occupancies shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 16 feet.
2. Public streets shall be designed in accordance with the Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code.
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official or the Town of Hunts Point building official is authorized to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.
The fire code official or the Town of Hunts Point building official is authorized to allow a decrease in the minimum access widths where due to technical circumstances they are determined adequate for fire rescue operations.
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus roads shall be surfaced and maintained to provide all weather and non-slip driving capabilities. Surface materials shall be asphalt, concrete, or other material approved by the fire code official and Town of Hunts Point Engineer.
503.2.4 Turning radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be 28 feet minimum inside curb and 48 feet minimum outside curb.
503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an area for turning around fire apparatus as approved by the fire code official and building official, and shall be in accordance with Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code Title 16.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the length up to 300 feet for driveways serving only one Group R-3 Occupancy.
503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code and the State of Washington Building Code. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits are to be posted at all entrances to bridges when required by the fire code official. Posted signs are to be in accordance with Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs, or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.
503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road, including private and public roads and driveways shall be in accordance with the Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code and the following:
1. The grade of access for non-automatic sprinklered properties shall not exceed 12 percent longitudinally, and 5 percent laterally.
2. The grade of access for automatic sprinklered properties shall not exceed 15 percent longitudinally, and 5 percent laterally.
3. All grades of access in excess of 15 percent longitudinally require fire code official approval. Grades in excess of 5 percent laterally are not permitted.
4. Grades of fire apparatus access roads for all properties which are in excess of 15 percent longitudinally shall have additional fire department access improvements installed and maintained as approved by the fire code official or building official including all-weather walking surfaces, lighting, and handrails constructed in accordance with the International Building Code as adopted by the State of Washington.
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with the Town of Hunts Point Municipal Code, and within the limits established by the fire code official based upon the fire department’s apparatus.
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official fire apparatus access roads shall be marked as follows:
1. FIRE LANE – NO PARKING Signs shall be mounted a minimum of 60 inches above grade (80 inches if adjacent to a pedestrian pathway). Signs must be type “R8-31” or equivalent reflective sign no less than 12 inches x 18 inches in size, with a white background and the wording “No Parking Fire Lane” in red letters. When in a straight line of sight, these signs shall be no further than 150 feet apart. This distance may be reduced when curves, corners, or other adverse sighting conditions restrict the line of sight.
2. Designated fire department access roads (“Fire Lanes”) shall be painted red. This shall include both vertical and horizontal portions of the curb. Minimum 3 inch white lettering which shall read: NO PARKING – FIRE LANE, shall be placed every 50 feet or portion thereof on the vertical portion of the curb. The entire curb length shall be painted. If there are rolled curbs or no curbs, stenciling shall be placed on pavement.
Exception: Variations to Fire Lane markings may be approved when in the opinion of the fire code official the proposed signage and markings achieve the same outcome. The fire chief retains the right to revoke variations for cause.
3. Fire apparatus access road markings shall be maintained by the entity or person(s) owning the road.
International Fire Code Section 503.4 amended – Entrances.
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. The minimum width and clearances shall be maintained.
503.5 Required gates or barricades. The fire code official and building official are authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails, or other accessways, not including public streets, alleys, or highways. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200.
503.5.1 Security gates and barricades. When required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.
Exception. The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be reviewed and approved by the fire code official and must comply with Appendix D103.5, and must be in accordance with the Hunts Point Municipal Code. The use of directional-limiting devices (tire spikes) is prohibited. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200 and shall be equipped with Click 2 Enter or other approved equipment that allows operation of the gate by emergency services personnel from their vehicle. Gates shall be at a minimum as wide as the required access road width. Gates on all properties shall be set back a minimum distance of 20 feet from the roadway edge of pavement, or as required the Town of Hunts Point Zoning Code, except the Town of Hunts Point Engineer may increase or decrease this distance based upon safety and feasibility considerations.
[Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.015 Fire code amendments.
Section 903.3.1 of the International Fire Code, as currently in effect and as may hereafter be amended, is hereby adopted, and further amended as follows:
903.3.1 Standards. Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. In addition sprinkler systems shall be designed with a buffer to account for water system fluctuations to include a low reservoir condition. Such buffer shall be 5% p.s.i. for static pressures less than 50 p.s.i., and 10% p.s.i. for static pressures above 50 p.s.i.
Exception: Buffers are not required for systems designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 (NFPA 13 D)
Permit applicants shall independently verify site specific static pressure:
• Prior to initiating sprinkler system.
• Prior to installing any sprinkler piping, including the underground supply.
• Prior to requesting any cover inspections.
[Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.020 Section 1101.1 amended – Outdoor fires.
Section 1101.1 of the International Fire Code is amended to add the following:
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO OPEN OUTDOOR FIRES:
Outdoor burning is permitted as may be allowed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Bellevue Fire Chief, and the Town of Hunts Point including:
1. Small fires for cooking or campfire purposes when contained in a stove, pot, receptacle, or other burner designed and used for such purposes.
2. Flares, torches, pots, or burners for emergency signaling, the destruction or control of insects, incense burners, and discharge of fireworks authorized by State Law.
3. Fires for firefighting training or testing when under the supervision of a public fire department.
4. Permitted fires under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Natural Resources regulations.
(a) Permits: For permits to kindle or maintain any open outdoor fire, see Section 1101.3. The Fire Chief or any official of the Town may revoke or suspend any permit for open burning without a hearing as provided in Section 105.7 in the event any of the following exist:
1. Any of the requirements of Section 105.7 have been violated.
2. Burning presents a fire hazard due to atmospheric or other conditions.
3. Burning is not in compliance with regulations of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
4. Burning causes visible smoke or odors to pass over occupied properties.
(b) Prohibitions: Burning of garbage, rubbish, tires, plastics, or waste petroleum products is prohibited. Burning of bulky waste or natural vegetation from land clearing operations is prohibited. Burning of uncut vegetation is prohibited unless authorized by the chief.
(c) Restrictions: No material to be burned in the open shall cover any ground area of more than sixteen (16) square feet nor be piled more than four (4) feet high, unless authorized by the chief. No more than one open burning fire may be conducted at the same time on any single property. No person shall kindle or maintain any open fire where the location is less than twenty (20) feet from any structure. A clear distance of ten (10) feet shall be provided between any open fire and any combustible material.
(d) Attendance of Open Fires: All open burning shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. The person shall have a garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire extinguishing equipment available.
(e) Fire Extinguishment Authorized: The chief or any official of the Town may order immediate extinguishment of any fire in violation of this chapter.
[Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.030 Section 1102.3.4 amended – Burning periods.
Section 1102.3.4 of the International Fire Code is amended to add the following:
Burning Periods shall be as allowed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Fire Chief. All allowed fires shall not be started before the time of sunrise and must be extinguished by the time of sunset.
[Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.040 Definition of chief.
All references to “chief” within this chapter and within the International Fire Code refer to the chief of the Bellevue fire department or to such members of the Bellevue fire department to whom the chief may designate the functions or responsibilities described in this chapter or in the International Fire Code. [Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.050 Appendices adopted.
All references to the adoption of the State Building Code and the International Fire Code shall be deemed to have included, and shall include in the future, the following appendices of the International Fire Code as currently in effect and as may hereafter be amended:
Appendix B, Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings, and Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, are hereby adopted and incorporated into the body of the International Fire Code as though they were included therein outright. All administrative and enforcement provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to these appendices in the same way that they apply to other elements of the code. Also adopted by reference are all future amendments and revisions to Appendices A and B. [Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]
15.20.060 Building plans to be submitted to chief for review under the International Fire Code and city of Bellevue standards for fire protection.
(1) Prior to submittal of a building permit application to the building official for a new residence, a new accessory structure, or an improvement to an existing structure which improvement constitutes reconstruction under the ordinances of the town, the applicant shall submit plans and data to the chief for review and determination of compliance with the International Fire Code. The submittal shall contain sufficient data as the chief requires to make such determination.
(2) When the chief has determined the proposed project meets the requirements of the International Fire Code or finds that the proposed project is acceptable under the code subject to stipulated conditions, he shall mark two sets of the plans as appropriate. The approved set shall be included in the building permit application documents at the time of submittal by the applicant to the building official and shall be incorporated into the approved set of building permit documents together with all conditions and inspection requirements noted or required by code.
(3) Costs for review and inspections by the fire department shall be charged to the project on the basis of the cost incurred by the town for such service by the fire department. [Ord. 522 § 1(Att. A), 2016]