Chapter 15.08
FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.08.020 Administration of fire code.
15.08.030 Purpose and intent of adoption.
15.08.040 Adoption of International Fire Code.
15.08.050 Copy of code on file.
15.08.070 Chapter 1, Scope and Administration.
15.08.080 Chapter 5, Fire Service Features.
15.08.090 Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems.
15.08.100 Chapter 56, Explosives and Fireworks.
15.08.110 Chapter 61, Liquefied Petroleum Gases.
15.08.120 Appendix D, Fire Access Roads.
15.08.130 Violations and enforcement.
15.08.010 Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the Mukilteo fire code, hereinafter referred to as “this code” or “this chapter.” (Ord. 1493 § 2, 2024; Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.020 Administration of fire code.
The mayor shall appoint a fire marshal and such other personnel as are necessary to perform the duties required of the fire department by this chapter and the codes of technical regulations adopted in this chapter by reference. The fire marshal and said other personnel shall be part of the fire department under the direction and management of the fire chief of the city of Mukilteo. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.030 Purpose and intent of adoption.
It is the intent of the city of Mukilteo in adopting this chapter to comply with the requirements of the State Building Code Act, Chapter 19.27 RCW, and the Fire/Life Safety Code, Chapter 51-54 WAC, which mandates that the city adopt and enforce these codes. The city does not intend, by this adoption, to alter or amend the minimum standards set forth in the codes, or to do anything beyond what is necessary to comply with the law and make this code enforceable in the city. The city expressly disclaims any liability for the content or effect of any regulation which the state legislature has mandated that the city adopt and enforce within its limits. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.040 Adoption of International Fire Code.
A. The city hereby adopts and incorporates the following into this chapter as if set forth in full, except as otherwise specifically amended or added herein:
1. The 2021 Edition of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), together with state amendments as set forth in Chapter 51-54A WAC, including:
a. Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings);
b. Appendix C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution); and
c. Appendix D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads).
2. The 2021 Edition of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC), together with state amendments as set forth in Chapter 51-54A WAC.
3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) “NFPA Referenced Standards,” as existing or as amended.
B. The following fire apparatus access road standards, Section 503, are adopted by reference as originally set forth in the 2021 International Fire Code:
1. 503.1.1, Buildings and facilities;
2. 503.1.2, Additional access;
3. 503.1.3, High-piled storage;
4. 503.2, Specifications;
5. 503.3, Markings; and
6. 503.4, Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. (Ord. 1493 § 3, 2024; Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1391 § 6, 2016: Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.050 Copy of code on file.
Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.140, at least one copy of each and every code of technical regulations adopted in Section 15.08.040 shall be filed and maintained by the city clerk for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.060 Definitions.
Wherever the following terms are used in the International Fire Code, they shall have the following meanings in this chapter:
A. “Inspector of the fire department” or “bureau of fire prevention” shall mean personnel designated to perform the fire inspection function by the Mukilteo fire department.
B. “Jurisdiction” means the area within the city limits of the city of Mukilteo.
C. “Legal representative of the jurisdiction” shall mean the Mukilteo city attorney. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.070 Chapter 1, Scope and Administration.
The following sections of the International Fire Code have been added, amended, deleted or replaced as follows:
A. Section 103, Department of Fire Prevention.
1. Section 103.1, General.
There is established in the city a department of fire prevention supervised by the Fire Marshal or Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention designated by the Fire Chief. Whenever the term “fire code official” is used in the IFC, it shall mean the Fire Marshal or Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention. The function of the department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provision of this code.
B. Section 104, General Authority and Responsibilities.
1. Section 104.8, Modifications (Amended).
The Fire Marshal shall have the authority to modify any of the provisions of the International Fire Code upon written application in writing by the owner, lessee, or his duly authorized agent when there are practical difficulties in carrying out the strict letter of the code. Approved modifications, including alternative materials and methods, shall observe the spirit of the code, preserve fire and life-safety, secure the public health, and do substantial justice. Details of actions granting modifications and related interpretations shall be recorded and preserved in the records of the department of fire prevention to aid in conformance and uniform application of related codes, ordinances and standards.
2. Section 104.10.1, Assistance from Other Agencies (Amended).
Police and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the investigating of fires and enforcement of the life safety provisions of this code when requested to do so by the Fire Marshal.
3. Section 104.11.2, Obstructing Operations (Amended).
No person shall obstruct the operations of the fire department in connection with extinguishment, control or investigation of any fire, or actions relative to other emergencies, or disobey any lawful command of the fire chief or officer of the fire department in charge of the emergency, or any part thereof, or any lawful order of a police officer assisting the fire department.
(Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.080 Chapter 5, Fire Service Features.
The following amendments of the International Fire Code have been added, amended, deleted or replaced as follows:
A. Section 503, Fire Apparatus Access Roads.
1. Section 503.2.4, Turning Radius (Amended).
A turning radius will be approved only if it is in accordance with the most recently adopted version of the City of Mukilteo’s Development Standards that states; inside radius 25 feet; outside radius 45 feet. For buildings requiring aerial apparatus access the outside radius is 55 feet.
2. Section 503.2.5, Dead Ends (Amended).
Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus and shall conform to the most recently adopted version of the City of Mukilteo’s Development Standards.
3. Section 503.2.7, Grade (Amended).
A gradient will be approved only if it is in accordance with the most recently adopted version of the City of Mukilteo’s Development Standards and have grades of no more than 15% unless approved by City of Mukilteo Public Works Director and the Fire Marshal. For Aerial Operations a staging area of not more than 6% front to back and 5% side to side.
4. Section 503.3, Markings (Amended).
Fire Department access roads shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING – FIRE LANE sign a minimum of 12 inches wide by 18 inches high and have red letters on a white reflective background. The signs shall be posted on both sides of access road and be 36 inches above finish grade. Number and location shall be determined by the Fire Marshal. As an alternative to posting signs, the road edge or curb may be painted with a red 4 inch stripe with “FIRE LANE NO PARKING” in white letters stenciled on it. On fire access roads that meet the IFC requirements and then add additional space for parallel parking on one side, the opposite side will be marked with required signage or striping for “no parking fire lane.”
B. Section 505, Premises Identification (Added).
Address numbers shall be displayed as follows:
1. Address numbers for all buildings shall be as shown in Table 1 below.
2. Where the building is not visible from the street or a single access road or private roadway serves more than one building, provision shall be made to clearly identify which driveway or roadway serves the appropriate address. Signage with addresses will be posted in clear view from roadway.
3. Address numbers at least four inches high shall be prominently displayed on rear entrance or access doors when required by the Fire Marshal.
4. Interior and exterior access doors for individual dwellings, 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.
|
Table 1 Address Number Requirements |
|
|---|---|
|
Distance from Road or Fire Lane |
Minimum Address Number Size |
|
0—50 feet |
4 inches |
|
51—100 feet |
6 inches |
|
101—150 feet |
8 inches |
|
151—200 feet |
10 inches |
|
201—300 feet |
12 inches |
|
301 feet and up |
18 inches |
C. Section 506.1, Key Boxes, Where Required (Amended).
Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes including buildings equipped with fire protection systems, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037 and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
D. Section 507, Fire Protection Water Supplies (Added).
The following standards apply to the installation, maintenance or repair of fire hydrants in the City:
1. Fire Hydrants shall have two, two-and-one-half-inch outlets and one four-and-one-half inch pumper outlet. All outlets’ ports shall have national standard thread. Additionally, the pumper outlet (four-and-one-half inch outlet) shall be provided with a four-inch Storz adapter with cap. Fire hydrants shall meet the American Water Works Association, standard No. C-502 and water district standards.
2. The installation of flush type hydrants (hydrants entirely below grade) is prohibited.
3. Fire hydrant location shall be marked with an approved reflective hydrant marker (blue) provided by the property owner and placed in the roadway to indicate each fire hydrant location. It shall be placed directly across from the hydrant location, off set one (1) foot from the roadway center toward the hydrant.
4. Hydrants shall stand plumb, be set with the lowest outlet of the hydrant at least 18 inches above the adjacent finished grade. The pumper port shall face the street, or as determined by the Fire Marshal.
5. A private hydrant is privately owned, but is subject to the use by the city for fire suppression at any time. All private hydrants shall be connected to the water main through a privately owned and maintained double detector check valve assembly. All private hydrants shall be painted white. Private hydrants shall conform to requirements set forth in the fire code of the City of Mukilteo.
6. Existing fire hydrants which do not conform to these requirements shall be replaced by the developer with conforming hydrants upon redevelopment of the property.
7. No person shall plant any vegetation, erect any structure or perform any action which results in the obstruction of a fire hydrant for a distance of 50 feet along the immediate route of approach.
8. The owner-occupant of any area in which a hydrant is located shall be responsible for removing weed and tree growth from around the hydrant for a distance of not less than three feet. The purpose of this section is to maintain clear approach and visual area around the hydrant.
9. Following the installation of fire hydrants, all pipes, valves and hydrants shall be pressure tested, purified, flushed and sampled to meet the requirements of the American Water Works Association, Standard No. C-502, and Water District policies.
(Ord. 1493 §§ 4, 5, 2024; Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.090 Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems.
The following amendments of the International Fire Code have been added, amended, deleted or replaced as follows:
A. Sprinkler riser room(s) shall be located on an outside wall at grade. Such room(s) shall be provided with a door opening to the outside and be heated to a minimum of forty degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezing. Fire alarm panels are recommended to be located in the sprinkler room (Added).
B. Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
1. Section 903.3.1, Standards. (Amended).
Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. Except for systems designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 (NFPA 13 D), 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% for static pressures less than 50 p.s.i. and 10% for static pressures above 50 p.s.i.
2. Section 903.3.7, Fire Department Connection.
The Fire Department connection shall be a four-inch Storz type connection with cap and signage that identifies type of system and location(s) system supplies. When a sprinkler riser is three (3) inches or less in diameter, a single two-and-one-half (2 1/2) inch supply inlet with a national standard thread is acceptable. Fire department hose connections shall be arranged so the inlet is between thirty (30) and forty-eight (48) inches above finished grade.
3. Section 903.3.7.1, Fire Department Connection location. (Added).
Fire department connections shall be located not more than 100 feet from the nearest fire hydrant or approved water supply.
C. Section 907, Fire Alarm and Detection Systems.
1. Section 907.2, Where required—New buildings and structures. (Amended).
An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code.
When an existing fire alarm control unit is replaced in an existing structure, the entire fire alarm system shall comply with the requirements of Section 907.2. Fire alarm system upgrades shall not require upgrades to other building systems, unless necessary to meet the requirements of Section 907.2. Pursuant to Section 104.8 and subject to the approval of the fire code official, fire alarm system upgrades may be phased in over a time period not to exceed five years. Approval of a phased fire alarm system upgrade must be documented in an executed agreement between the applicant and the City of Mukilteo and shall contain measurable milestones, insurance requirements, and indemnity provisions.
Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.
Exceptions:
1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
2. The manual fire alarm box is not required for Group R-2 occupancies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.
2. Section 907.6.3.1, Annunciator panel. (Added).
All fire alarm systems in buildings without a fire command center shall be provided with an annunciator panel (or the main fire alarm control panel) located inside the building at the main addressed building entrance or at an alternate location approved by the Fire Marshal.
(Ord. 1493 § 6, 2024; Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.100 Chapter 56, Explosives and Fireworks.
Section 5601.1, Fireworks—Explosives and Fireworks, is hereby repealed and replaced by Mukilteo Municipal Code Chapter 8.04, Sale of Fireworks. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.110 Chapter 61, Liquefied Petroleum Gases.
Section 61.04.2, Maximum capacity within established limits, of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, is hereby amended such that the maximum capacity for each installation is restricted for the protection of residential districts within the city and shall be no more than five hundred gallons’ water capacity in residential zones designated by the city. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.120 Appendix D, Fire Access Roads.
Figure D103.1, Dead-End Fire Apparatus Access Road Turnaround, is not adopted. Fire access roads shall conform to the most recently adopted version of the city of Mukilteo’s development standards. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)
15.08.130 Violations and enforcement.
A. Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful for a person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, repair, remove, demolish or utilize a building, occupancy, premises or system regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
B. Notice of Violation. When the fire marshal or his/her designee finds a building, premises, vehicle, storage facility or outdoor area that is in violation of this code, the fire marshal is authorized to prepare a written notice of violation describing the conditions deemed unsafe and, when compliance is not immediate, specifying a time for reinspection.
C. Service. A notice of violation issued pursuant to this code shall be served upon the owner, operator, occupant, or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service, mail, or by delivering the same to, and leaving it with, some person of responsibility upon the premises. For unattended or abandoned locations, a copy of such notice of violation shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises and the notice of violation shall be mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested or a certificate of mailing, to the last known address of the owner, occupant or both.
D. Compliance with Orders and Notices. A notice of violation issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation pertains.
E. Prosecution of Violations. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the fire code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate legal proceedings at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant hereto.
F. Unauthorized Tampering. Signs, tags or seals posted or affixed by the fire code official shall not be mutilated, destroyed or tampered with or removed without authorization from the fire code official.
G. Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire marshal, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor, punishable by the fine or by imprisonment per the provisions contained in Chapter 1.32, General Penalties. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
H. Abatement of Violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire marshal is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises. (Ord. 1448 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 1336 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2013: Ord. 1254 § 6 (Exh. A) (part), 2010)