Chapter 9.04 FIRE CODE

Certain documents, copies of which are on file in the office of the clerk of the city of Marysville, entitled “International Fire Code, 2021 Edition” (IFC), published by the International Code Council, with amendments as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council, are adopted as the fire code of the city of Marysville (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “fire code”) for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion. Except as otherwise specifically amended herein, or by later ordinance, each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said code and standards are incorporated and made part of this chapter as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 3310 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.020 Establishment and duties of bureau of fire prevention.

(1) The International Fire Code shall be enforced by the bureau of fire prevention in the fire department of Marysville which is established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the chief of the fire department.

(2) The fire marshal in charge of the bureau of fire prevention shall be the chief of the fire department of Marysville, or any qualified person designated by the chief.

(3) The chief of the fire department may detail such members of the fire department as inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary. (Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.030 Definitions.

(1) Wherever the word “jurisdiction” is used in the International Fire Code, it means the city of Marysville.

(2) “Commercial occupancy” means groups A, B, E, H, F, I (except adult family homes as defined in Chapter 70.128 RCW), M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupancies as defined in Section 202 – Occupancy Classifications of the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition. (Ord. 3310 § 2 (Exh. B), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 2 (Exh. 2), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.040 Flammable or combustible liquid storage limits.

The storage of Class I, II and III-A liquids in aboveground tanks exceeding 26,000 gallons individual or 78,000 gallons aggregate capacity is prohibited within the corporate limits of the city of Marysville. Storage shall be limited to horizontal tanks only. This language shall replace the language of International Fire Code Sections 5704.2.9.6.1 and 5706.2.4.4. (Ord. 3253 § 3 (Exh. 3), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.070 Additional amendments to the International Fire Code.

The additional amendments to the fire code in MMC 9.04.101 through 9.04.903.2.9 are enacted. (Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.101 International Fire Code Appendices adopted.

These appendices of the International Fire Code are hereby adopted: B, D, F, H, I, and L. (Ord. 3253 § 4 (Exh. 4), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.109.3 Violation penalties – Amended International Fire Code Section 109.3.

(1) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this code as adopted or fails to comply therewith, or who violates or fails to comply with any order made under this code, or who builds in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder, or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who fails to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the chief or by a court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed in this chapter, severally, for each and every such violation and noncompliance respectively, shall be punished as set forth in MMC 4.02.040(3)(g). The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time; and when not otherwise specified, each 10 days that prohibited conditions are maintained constitutes a separate offense.

(2) The application of the penalties herein described shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions. (Ord. 2951 § 8, 2014; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.109.4 Section 109.4 – Excessive false alarms, penalty imposed.

No more than three false alarms from any location shall be permitted within any calendar year. The owner or operator of any location from which more than three false alarms are sent within any calendar year shall be punished as set forth in MMC 4.02.040(3)(g). (Ord. 2951 § 9, 2014; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503 Additional sections of International Fire Code Section 503 adopted – Fire apparatus access roads.

Section 503.1 shall be adopted as written, Sections 503.1.1, 503.1.2, 503.1.3, 503.2, 503.3, and 503.4, being sections of the International Fire Code (2021 Edition) not adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council, are hereby adopted and enacted in the city of Marysville. (Ord. 3310 § 3 (Exh. C), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 6 (Exh. 6), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.1.5 Section 503.1.5 added – One- or two-family dwelling residential developments.

503.1.5 Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with separate and approved, unobstructed fire apparatus access roads and shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

Exceptions:

1. Where there are more than 30 dwelling units on a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3 access from two directions shall not be required.

2. The number of dwelling units on a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.2.4 International Fire Code Section 503.2.4 amended – Access – Turning radius.

Section 503.2.4 adopted by MMC 9.04.503 is further amended to add an additional sentence reading as follows:

A turning radius will be approved only if it is in accordance with the Engineering Design and Development Standards for the City of Marysville.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.2.5 International Fire Code Section 503.2.5 amended – Access – Turnarounds.

Section 503.2.5 adopted by MMC 9.04.503 is further amended to add an additional three sentences reading as follows:

Turnarounds shall be a minimum eighty (80) foot diameter cul-de-sac with no obstructions within the cul-de-sac. Planters may be installed in cul-de-sacs when the outside radius of the cul-de-sac is a minimum of fifty (50) feet and inside radius is minimum of 25 (twenty five) feet. An approved hammerhead turnaround may be used if there are no alternatives, and it is approved by the Fire Code Official.

(Ord. 3253 § 10 (Exh. 10), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.2.7 International Fire Code Section 503.2.7 amended – Access – Gradients.

Section 503.2.7 adopted by MMC 9.04.503 is further amended to add an additional sentence reading as follows: “A gradient will be approved only if it is in accordance with the Engineering Design and Development Standards for the City of Marysville.” (Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.5 International Fire Code Section 503.5 amended – Required gates or barricades.

Section 503.5 is amended by adding:

Entrances to roads, trails or other access ways which have been closed with gates and barriers shall not be obstructed by parked vehicles.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.6 International Fire Code Section 503.6 amended – Gates accessing residential developments.

Section 503.6 is amended by adding:

Gates installed in a residential community shall be equipped with a strobe activating device. Minimum gate width opening shall be 20 feet. The gate is required to open automatically with the approach of emergency vehicles. In the event of a loss of power, the gate shall open automatically and remain in the open position until power is restored. The gate shall remain in the open position until such time that the power is restored.

Exemption: 5 or fewer dwelling units.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.503.7 International Fire Code new Section 503.7 added – Split entries.

Section 503.7, Split Entries.

Split entries to plats, short plats, commercial development and other sites requiring emergency vehicle access, shall be allowed where each aisle (lane) is at least 14 (fourteen) feet in width.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.505 International Fire Code Section 505.1, Address identification, amended.

Section 505.1 is amended to add the following:

(1) New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

(2) Address numbers for commercial buildings to be a minimum of six inches (6”) high with a principal stroke of at least one inch (1”).

(3) Address numbers at least six inches (6”) high shall be prominently displayed on rear entrance or access doors when required by the fire code official.

(4) Interior and exterior access doors or individual dwelling, housekeeping, living units, or commercial tenant spaces also shall be clearly marked. Numbers and/or letters of such units shall be at least four inches high (4”).

(5) If address is located twelve feet or more above finish grade; the address characters shall be a minimum of twelve inches in height (12”) with a minimum two inch (2”) stroke in a contrasting color.

Address Numbering Size Table

Distance from Road	Minimum Size
0-50 feet	4" (1 or 2 family residential only)
51-100 feet	6" (minimum for commercial)
101-150 feet	8"
151-200 feet	10"
201-300 feet	12"
301 feet and up	18"

The minimum size figure for commercial occupancies is six inches (6”). The height to width ratio of the figures shall be approximately 2H:1W.

(Ord. 3253 § 11 (Exh. 11), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.507.3 International Fire Code Section 507.3, Fire flow, amended.

(1) Replace “by an approved method” with “per Appendix B of the International Fire Code.”

(2) Exceptions. Section 507.3 is amended to add two exceptions reading as follows:

(a) Subdivisions and short subdivisions in which all lots have a lot area of 43,560 square feet (one acre) or more in size;

(b) Structures where under the International Building Code the occupancy is classified as group U occupancies (agricultural buildings, private garages, carports and sheds) that are restricted to private residential use only. Riding arenas or other agricultural structures used or accessed by the general public shall not fall within this exception.

(3) 507.3.1, Fire flow credit allowed per type of sprinkler system:

(a) The reduction allowed for a NFPA 13 designed system shall be 50 percent. Replacing 25% of the value in Table B105.1(2). The reduced fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute.

(b) The reduction allowed may be increased by the fire code official when the design area or density has been increased over the minimums set forth by the applicable NFPA standard. This provision only applies to light hazard occupancies.

(Ord. 3253 § 12 (Exh. 12), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.507.5 International Fire Code Section 507.5.1, Fire hydrant location, not adopted.

Fire hydrant locations to be installed per MMC 14.03.050. (Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.510 International Fire Code and Washington State Fire Code Section 510 amended.

Section 510 of the IFC, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, is amended as described in MMC 9.04.510.1 through 9.04.510.5.4. (Ord. 3253 § 13 (Exh. 13), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings is amended to add.

(1) Approved radio coverage systems for emergency responders shall be provided within buildings meeting any of the following conditions:

(a) Buildings or structures where the fire or police chief determines that in-building radio coverage is critical because of its unique design, location, use or occupancy.

(b) If the radio test using spectrum analyzer of all current Snohomish County radio frequencies prior to construction finds the radio signal is not sufficient to support radio communications.

(2) 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. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.

(3) Exceptions.

(a) Where approved by the building official and the fire code official, a wired communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 shall be permitted to be installed or maintained instead of an approved radio coverage system.

(b) Buildings and areas of buildings that have minimum radio coverage signal strength levels of the Snohomish County Regional 800 MHz Radio System within the building without the use of a radio coverage system as determined by the fire code official.

(c) 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

(d) One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

(Ord. 3310 § 4 (Exh. D), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 14 (Exh. 14), 2023).

9.04.510.4.2.4 Signal booster requirements amended to add.

(1) Exception. Broadband BDAs may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the radio system operator.

(a) Point of Information. BDAs must also comply with SNO911’s (https://www.sno911.org/index.php) detailed requirements, which include channelized, minimum of 28 channels, supporting analog, P25 Phase I (FDMA), and P25 Phase II (TDMA).

(Ord. 3310 § 16 (Exh. E), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 26 (Exh. 26), 2023).

9.04.510.4.2.8 Radio communication antenna density amended to add.

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

(2) Exceptions.

(a) Class A narrow band signal booster devices with independent AGC/ALC circuits per channel.

(Ord. 3310 § 20 (Exh. F), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 30 (Exh. 30), 2023).

9.04.510.5 Approval prior to installation amended to add.

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 fire code official and radio system manager.

(Ord. 3310 § 22 (Exh. G), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 32 (Exh. 32), 2023. Formerly 9.04.510.5.1)

9.04.510.5.4 Acceptance test procedure amended to add.

(12) Acceptance Test Reporting to Fire Code Official. 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 to the fire code official a report of the acceptance test by way of the department’s third-party vendor, Tegris.

(Ord. 3310 § 24 (Exh. H), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 34 (Exh. 34), 2023. Formerly 9.04.510.5.3).

9.04.602 International Fire Code Section 602.1, Definitions, amended – Power tap.

Add definition to Section 602.1:

Power Tap means a listed device for indoor use consisting of an attachment plug on one end of a flexible cord and two or more receptacles on the opposite end, and has overcurrent protection.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.901.4.7 International Fire Code Section 901.4.7 amended – Pump and riser room size.

IFC Section 901.4.7, Pump and riser room size, is amended to read as follows:

Where provided, fire pump rooms and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be designed with adequate space for all equipment necessary for the installation. Shall be located on an outside wall at grade, with direct exterior access. This room shall contain sprinkler control valves, sprinkler backflow assembly, fire pump and associated components and the fire alarm control panel(s). The room will be defined by the manufacturer, with sufficient working space around the stationary equipment. Such rooms shall be of a size that will allow a minimum of 36-inch clearance around all portions of the fire pump assembly, sprinkler backflow assembly, and in front of the fire alarm panel(s). All risers shall have a minimum of 36" clear space at the front and 18" on the remaining sides. To allow inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing such elements of permanent construction or disabling the function of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. Fire pump and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be provided with doors and unobstructed passageways large enough to allow removal of the largest piece of equipment.

(Ord. 3310 § 35 (Exh. I), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 47 (Exh. 47), 2023. Formerly 9.04.901.4.6).

9.04.901.6.3 International Fire Code Section 901.6.3 amended to add 901.6.3.2.

901.6.3.2. Annual confidence test reports for fire alarm and sprinkler systems and semi-annual inspection test reports for commercial hood suppression systems shall be submitted to the Department of Fire Prevention by the method approved by the fire code official within 14 days of the test/inspection date.

(Ord. 3253 § 48 (Exh. 48), 2023).

9.04.901.7 International Fire Code Section 901.7 amended to add 901.7.7, Systems out of service.

A. For the first 48 hours, the owner may provide a competent adult to serve as a fire watch. After the initial 48 hours, the fire watch must be provided by a licensed and bonded private security company until the system is returned to full service. The owner must furnish the fire marshal with the name and contact information of the competent adult and/or security company within eight hours of implementing a fire watch.

B. Upon completion of work on a new or modified fire alarm system, it shall be pre- tested by the installing technician and an acceptance test shall be performed in the presence of fire prevention personnel. Final testing will only be scheduled when acceptance testing form and communication report is received by the fire department. The request for the acceptance test shall be made via the fire departments inspection line within 24 hours after the completion of the work or will be subject to a code enforcement action.

(Ord. 3253 § 49 (Exh. 49), 2023).

9.04.902 International Fire Code Section 902.1, Definitions, amended.

The definition of fire area is amended by adding:

For Section 903, the definition of FIRE AREA shall be as follows: The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by exterior walls of a building.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903 International Fire Code Section 903.2 amended – Sprinkler systems – Where required.

Amend Section 903.2 by adding items:

Existing buildings altered such that the total fire area square footage exceeds the threshold square footage for each occupancy group listed in this section shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system. Where there is a change-of-occupancy classification in an existing building, the sprinkler requirements for the new occupancy classification shall apply.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings where the combined area of all fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds the threshold square footage for each occupancy group listed in this section.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.1 International Fire Code Section 903.2.1 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group A occupancies.

Section 903.2.1.1 Item 1. Replace 12,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.1.3 Item 1. Replace 12,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.1.4 Item 1. Replace 12,000 with 5,000. (Ord. 3253 § 50 (Exh. 50), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.3 International Fire Code Section 903.2.3 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group E occupancies.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E Occupancies.

Delete items 1 and 2, and the Exceptions, and replace them with the following:

Exceptions:

1. Portable school classrooms, provided aggregate area of any cluster or portion of a cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet; and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required by the building code.

2. Group E Occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less, calculated in accordance with table 1004.1.1.

(Ord. 3253 § 51 (Exh. 51), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.4 International Fire Code Section 903.2.4 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group F-1 occupancies.

Section 903.2.4 Item 1. Replace 12,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.4 Item 3. Replace 24,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.4 Add Item 5. Where a Group F-2 fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet. (Ord. 3253 § 52 (Exh. 52), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.7 International Fire Code Section 903.2.7 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group M and B occupancies.

Section 903.2.7 Item 1. Add B after M and change 12,000 to 5,000.

Section 903.2.7 Item 2. Add B after M.

Section 903.2.7 Item 3. Add B after M and change 24,000 to 5,000. (Ord. 3253 § 53 (Exh. 53), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.8 International Fire Code Section 903.2.8 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group R occupancies.

Amend Section 903.2.8 to add:

An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every apartment house three (3) or more stories in height or containing five (5) or more dwelling units, townhomes and every congregate residence three (3) or more stories in height or having an occupant load of five (5) or more, and every hotel three or more stories in height or containing five (5) or more guest rooms, and one and two family dwelling units three (3) or more stories. Residential or quick-response standard sprinklers shall be used in the dwelling units and guest room portions of the building shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system per 903.3.1.3.

(Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.903.2.9 International Fire Code Section 903.2.9 amended – Sprinkler systems – Group S occupancies.

Section 903.2.9 is hereby enacted and added to the International Fire Code as previously enacted and amended by the city reading as follows:

Section 903.2.9 Group S Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all Group S occupancies that have 5,000 square feet or more of fire area.

Replace all occurrences of “S-1” with “S.”

Section 903.2.9, Item 1: replace 10,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.9, Item 3: replace 24,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.9, add Item 5: “In all Group S-1 mini-storage occupancies.”

Section 903.2.9.1, Item 1: replace 10,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.9.1, Item 2: replace 12,000 with 5,000.

Section 903.2.9.1, add Item 5: “Repair garages where the use of open flame or welding is conducted with a fire area exceeding 3,000 square feet.”

Section 903.2.9.2: replace 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) with 5,000 cubic feet (142 m3). (Ord. 3310 § 36 (Exh. J), 2024; Ord. 3253 § 54 (Exh. 54), 2023; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2011).

9.04.907.1.3.1 International Fire Code Section 907.1.3, Equipment, is amended to add 907.1.3.1, Alarm control panels.

A. Fire alarm control panels (FACP) shall comply with the provisions of NFPA 72 and Marysville’s fire alarm standard. Only fire alarm components shall be connected to the fire alarm control panel.

There shall be only one FACP allowed per building unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

B. Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed. All new fire alarm systems shall be addressable and each device shall have its own address that shall annunciate to an approved central station.

(Ord. 3253 § 55 (Exh. 55), 2023).

9.04.907.6 International Fire Code Section 907.6.6.3 amended to add fire alarm communication methods.

All means of communication between the FACP and the central station shall be of a method approved by the fire marshal and be provided with a minimum of 24 hours standby power. Only components that are serviceable by a fire alarm technician shall be part of the means of communication located on the protected premises.

The fire marshal shall maintain a list of approved communication means. Refer to fire alarm standards.

(Ord. 3253 § 56 (Exh. 56), 2023).

9.04.913.2 International Fire Code Section 913.2, Protection against interruption of service.

International Fire Code Section 913.2, Protection against interruption of service, is amended to read as follows:

The fire pump, driver and controller shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 20 against possible interruption of service through damage caused by explosion, fire, flood, earthquake, rodents, insects, windstorm, freezing, vandalism and other adverse conditions. Only diesel fueled generators will be accepted for use to guard against interruption.

(Ord. 3253 § 57 (Exh. 57), 2023).

9.04.1008.3 Emergency power for illumination.

Section 1008.3.1 through 1008.3.3 of the 2018 International Building Code is amended in part to read as follows:

In the event of power failure all areas noted in these code sections are to have emergency lighting regardless of the number of exits. In addition, all offices, restrooms of any size, and habitable spaces are to be provided with emergency lighting.

(Ord. 3253 § 58 (Exh. 58), 2023).