Chapter 17.04 BUILDING CODE

Chapter 17.04
BUILDING CODE

Sections:

17.04.010 Washington State Building Code adopted.

17.04.020 Conflicts and interpretation of codes.

17.04.030 Fees.

17.04.040 Violations and penalties.

17.04.050 Superseded.

17.04.010 Washington State Building Code adopted.

The city adopts the Washington State Building Code as follows:

A. The International Building Code (2021 Edition), as published by the International Code Council, and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-50 WAC, to be known hereafter as the “International Building Code” or the “IBC,” together with:

Appendix E: Supplemental Accessibility Requirements;

Appendix J: Grading.

B. ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009, as referenced by Chapter 11 of the IBC.

C. The International Residential Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Code Council, and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-51 WAC, with the exception of Chapter 11 and Chapters 25 through 43, to be known hereafter as the “International Residential Code” or the “IRC,” together with:

Appendix F: Passive Radon Gas Control Methods;

Appendix G: Flood-Resistant Construction;

Appendix Q: Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems.

D. The International Mechanical Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Code Council, and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-52 WAC, to be known as the “International Mechanical Code” or the “IMC.”

E. The International Fuel Gas Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Code Council and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council to be known as the “International Fuel Gas Code” or the “IFGC.”

F. The International Fire Code (2021 Edition), as published by the International Code Council, and as amended by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-54A WAC, and as further amended by the city, which shall be known hereafter as the “International Fire Code” or the “IFC,” together with:

Appendix B: Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;

Appendix D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads;

Appendix E: Hazard Categories;

Appendix H: Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP), and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions;

Appendix I: Requirements for Fire Fighter Air Replenishment.

City amendments to the International Fire Code 2021 Edition are listed as follows:

1. Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, Part 2 – Administrative Provisions, Section 105 Permits, [A] 105.3.2, Extensions, is hereby amended as follows:

The fire code official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

2. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 503, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Subsection 503.2, Specifications, is hereby amended as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with the City of Pacific Engineering Design Standards as applicable based on the type of access.

3. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 503, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Subsection 503.3, Marking, is hereby amended as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads may be established or relocated at the time of plan review, pre-construction site inspection, and/or post construction site inspection as well as any time during the life of the occupancy. Fire apparatus access roads shall be identified in accordance with PMC 10.30.090 Fire Lanes. Means of identification shall be maintained in clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

4. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 503, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Subsection 503.4, Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads, is hereby amended as follows:

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. Widths and clearances established by the City of Pacific Engineering Design Standards shall be maintained at all times.

503.4.1. Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.

5. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 505, Premises Identification, Subsection 505.1, Address identification, is hereby amended as follows:

New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification in accordance with the City of Pacific Premise Identification Guidelines.

A. The owner, agent, occupant, lessee or tenant of any building or portion thereof situated within the city limits shall maintain a building number thereon as provided in this chapter.

B. Each figure of the building number shall be a minimum of four inches in height on single-family residential occupancies. Individual suite numbers on commercial occupancies and individual multifamily unit numbers shall be a minimum of two inches in height. Numbers shall be of a color that will contrast with the structure’s background color and shall be either illuminated during periods of darkness, or be reflective, so the address numbers are easily seen at night.

C. The building(s) shall have the building address numerals located on the upper 25 percent of the building face fronting the public street or right-of-way. This requirement shall not apply to single-family residences or duplexes. This requirement may be reduced in the downtown area where buildings are located closer to the public way or right-of-way. Numeral size shall be as follows:

Setback from Public Way or Right-of-Way Centerline	Less than 75 Feet from Public Way or Right-of-Way Centerline	Greater than 75 Feet from Public Way or Right-of-Way Centerline
Multifamily	12" High	18" High
Small Commercial	12" High	18" High
Large Commercial (> 20,000 SF or over 30 Feet in height)	18" High	24" High
Monument Sign	8" High	N/A

D. It shall be the duty of the building official to assign the correct building number to all structures within the city at the time of issuance of building permits, or upon the request of any owner, occupant or lessee. The building official shall also assign site addresses to all lots created or modified through a subdivision. The building official is authorized to develop standards and procedures for the assignment of building numbers in a logical and consistent manner throughout the city. The building official shall consult with other affected city departments and responsible authorities in the development and application of such standards.

6. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 507, Fire Protection Water Supplies, Subsection 507.5.1, Where required, is hereby amended as follows:

Where required.

Where a portion of a building or structure hereafter constructed or moved into the city is more than 150 feet in vehicular travel from a hydrant, as measured by an approved route, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

Exceptions:

1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 450 feet, as measured by an approved route.

2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).

7. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 507, Fire Protection Water Supplies, Subsection 507.5.5, Clear space around hydrants, is hereby amended as follows:

A 5 foot (1524 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.

8. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 510, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, Subsection 510.1, Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings, is hereby amended as follows:

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

1. High rise buildings;

2. The total building area is 50,000 square feet or more;

3. The total basement area is 10,000 square feet or more; or

4. There are floors used for human occupancy more than 30 feet below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.

5. 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.

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.

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 marshal shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder radio coverage system.

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

9. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 510, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, Subsection 510.4, Technical requirements, is hereby amended as follows:

510.4 Technical requirements. 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.

510.4.1 Emergency responder communication enhancement 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.

510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into the building. The minimum inbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications 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-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

510.4.2.3 Power supply sources. 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.

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 BDA’s may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

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 emergency responder radio enhancement system.

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.

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.

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.

Exceptions:

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

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

10. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 510, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, Subsection 510.5, Installation requirements, is hereby amended as follows:

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 510.5.7.

510.5.1 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.

510.5.2 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 operator’s 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.

510.5.3 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 incorporating Class B signal booster devices or Class B broadband fiber remote devices shall be tested using two portable radios simultaneously conducting subjective voice quality checks. One portable radio shall be positioned not greater than 10 feet (3048 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. Documentation maintained on premises. 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. Acceptance test reporting to fire marshal. 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 marshal a report of the acceptance test by way of the department’s third-party vendor thecomplianceengine.com.

510.5.4 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.

510.5.5 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.

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.

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.

11. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, Section 510, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, Subsection 510.6, Maintenance, is hereby amended as follows:

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.

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 marshal as described in Section 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. Other 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 marshal 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.

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 marshal, and

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 marshal, the radio coverage verification testing described in 510.5.3 shall be conducted.

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 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.

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.

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.

12. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 901, General, Subsection 901.2, Construction documents, is hereby amended as follows:

901.2 Construction documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require construction documents and calculations for all fire protection systems and to require permits be issued for the installation, rehabilitation or modification of any fire protection system. Construction documents for fire protection systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.

901.2.1 Statement of compliance. Before requesting final approval of the installation, where required by the fire code official, the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement to the fire code official that the subject fire protection system has been installed in accordance with approved plans and has been tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and the appropriate installation standard. Any deviations from the design standards shall be noted and copies of the approvals for such deviations shall be attached to the written statement.

901.2.2 Construction Documents. In addition to the requirements in the building and fire codes, all plans for automatic fire extinguishing systems, including sprinkler system underground piping, shall bear the stamp and signature of a Washington State professional engineer who is registered as qualified in fire protection engineering, or registered as a certified sprinkler contractor through the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, or as approved by the fire code official.

13. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 901, General, Subsection 901.4, Installation, Subsection 901.4.3, Fire Areas, is hereby amended as follows:

901.4.3 Fire areas. Where buildings, or portions thereof, are divided into fire areas so as not to exceed the limits established for requiring a fire protection system in accordance with this chapter, such fire areas shall be separated by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code, or both, having a fire-resistance rating of not less than that determined in accordance with Section 707.3.10 of the International Building Code.

901.4.3.1 Fire Area Applicability. For purposes of this chapter, a “fire wall,” “fire barrier,” or “horizontal assembly” shall only be considered to separate a building so as to not exceed the limits established for requiring an automatic fire extinguishing system and only upon approval of the building official and/or the fire code official.

14. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, Subsection 903.1, General, is hereby amended as follows:

903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and these systems shall be installed and maintained in an operable condition as specified in this chapter in the following locations as determined by the building and or fire code official.

a. All new buildings that do not have adequate fire flow to achieve the minimum fire flows required by the City of Pacific or do not have adequate emergency fire vehicle access as required in the fire code and as determined by the fire code official. Additional fire suppression or other safety measures may be required when additional fire flows are required by the fire code official as referenced in Appendix B of the International Fire Code.

b. All new buildings except those classed as Group R-3 and Group U, when any of the following occur:

1. The building has more than 10,000 square feet of floor area, or is higher than 30 feet, or requires more than 2,500 gallons per minute of fire flow.

c. All new buildings that contain more than 8,000 square feet of Group A occupancies.

d. All building(s) which undergo any alteration or repair which changes the character of the occupancy or use and which increase the fire or life safety or structure hazard.

e. All buildings which undergo any additions that increase the floor area of a building beyond the thresholds above. For such additions, exiting building areas shall comply with this chapter.

15. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, Subsection 903.2.11, Specific buildings areas and hazards, is hereby amended as follows by adding the following subsection:

903.2.11.8 Speculative use warehouses. Where the occupant, tenant, or use of the building or storage commodity has not been determined or it is otherwise a speculative use warehouse or building, an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the following:

1. The design area shall be not less than 2,000 square feet.

2. The density shall be not less than that for class IV non-encapsulated commodities on wood pallets, with no solid, slatted, or wire mesh shelving, and with aisles that are 8 feet or more in width and up to 20 feet in height.

3. Sprinkler piping that is 4 inches and larger in width shall be used and the structural engineer of record shall provide written verification approving of the point and dead loads.

16. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, is hereby amended, adding a new subsection 903.7 as follows:

903.7 Automatic sprinkler riser rooms. All automatic sprinkler system risers shall be located in a dedicated room. The room enclosure shall meet minimum code requirements for applicable fire resistive ratings and be provided with an exterior door, lighting, heat, and a smoke barrier ceiling. This requirement shall include any NFPA 13 and 13R fire sprinkler systems.

Exception: Fire sprinkler systems installed according to the IRC shall have an approved location for the riser.

17. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 907, Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, Subsection 907.1, General, is hereby amended as follows:

907.1 General. This section covers the application, installation, performance and maintenance of fire alarm systems and their components in new and existing buildings and structures. The requirements of Section 907.2 are applicable to new buildings and structures. The requirements of Section 907.9 are applicable to existing buildings and structures.

907.1.1 Construction documents. Construction documents for fire alarm systems shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code, the International Building Code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the fire code official.

907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings. Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 72 and submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.

907.1.3 Equipment. Equipment systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purposes for which they were installed. All new systems shall be addressable. Each device shall have its own address and annunciate individual device addresses at a UL Central Station.

907.1.4 Approved Fire Alarm and Detection Systems. In addition to any requirement of 907.2 or 907.3, all new buildings exceeding 5,000 square feet gross floor area or additions increasing the total area to greater than 5,000 square feet shall be required to provide an approved, full notification, automatic fire detection and alarm system. Fire walls shall not be considered to separate a building to enable deletion of the required fire detection system.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Group “U” Occupancies.

2. One and two family residences.

18. Chapter 9, Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems, Section 907, Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, subsection 907.5, Occupant notification systems, subsection 907.5.2, Audible alarms, subsection 907.5.2.3, Visible alarms, subsection 907.2.3.1, Public use areas and common use areas, is hereby amended as follows:

907.5.2.3.1 Employee Work Areas. Visible and audible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in employee work areas. For purposes of this chapter, a “fire wall,” “fire barrier” or “horizontal assembly” shall not be considered to separate a building so as to avoid the required automatic fire alarm and detection system. A building shall have a minimum distance of five feet from any point of the building to any point of another building and from the property line in order to be considered a separate building.

Exception: Where employee work areas have audible alarm coverage, the notification appliance circuits serving the employee work areas shall be initially designed with not less than 20-percent spare capacity to account for the potential of adding visible notification appliances in the future to accommodate hearing-impaired employee(s).

19. Chapter 32, High Pile Combustible Storage, Section 3205, Housekeeping and Maintenance, subsection 3205.6, Designation of storage heights, is hereby amended as follows:

3205.6 Designation of storage heights. Where required by the fire code official, a visual method of indicating the maximum allowable storage height shall be provided.

3205.6.1 – Signage. Facilities designed in accordance with this section shall include the appropriate signage (as shown below) and shall be properly posted.

1. This sign must be posted prior to building being stocked and/or occupied.

2. Mount signs at 50'0" O.C. on all walls starting 25'0" from any exterior corner; also on two sides of each column or other location approved by the fire marshal.

3. Signage required on end of racks, if installed.

4. In accordance with the International Fire Code as amended.

20. Chapter 61, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Section 6107, Safety Precautions and Devices, is hereby amended as follows:

6107.1 Safety devices. Safety devices on LP-gas containers, equipment and systems shall not be tampered with or made ineffective.

6107.2 Smoking and other sources of ignition. "No Smoking" signs complying with Section 310 shall be posted where required by the fire code official. Smoking within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a point of transfer, while filling operations are in progress at LP-gas containers or vehicles, shall be prohibited.

6107.3 Clearance to combustibles. Weeds, grass, brush, trash and other combustible materials shall be kept not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from LP-gas tanks or containers.

6107.4 Protecting containers from vehicles. Where exposed to vehicular damage due to proximity to alleys, driveways or parking areas, LP-gas containers, regulators and piping shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 58.

6107.5 Protecting containers from displacement. LP-gas containers greater than or equal to 125-gallons must be anchored or strapped to prevent lateral displacement. Anchors or straps must be an approved, listed device. Methods of securing LP-gas containers 2,000-gallons or greater must be designed by a licensed professional.

Sec. 6107.6 Earthquake shut-off valves. LP-gas containers greater than or equal to 125-gallons must be protected with an approved, listed earthquake shut-off device.

6107.7 Non-compliant installed LP-gas containers. Existing, non-compliant LP-gas containers must be upgraded to comply with sections 6107.5 and 6107.6 when accessory to a building undergoing a change in use or when tank is replaced or modified.

21. Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Section D104, Commercial and Industrial Developments, is hereby amended as follows:

D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) or three stories in height shall have not fewer than two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.

D104.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5760 m2) shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet (11 520 m2) that have a single approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.

D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

D 104.3.1 Where the area to be served is adjacent to only one public access road or remoteness distance is not feasible due to topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, existing improvements or other similar conditions, fire apparatus access roads shall be located as distant as possible.

22. Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Section D106, Multiple-Family Residential Development, is hereby amended as follows:

D106.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units. Multiple-family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having up to 200 dwelling units shall have not fewer than one approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings, including nonresidential occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

D106.2 Projects having more than 200 dwelling units. Multiple-family residential projects having more than 200 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads regardless of whether they are equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

D106.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

D 106.3.1 Where the area to be served is adjacent to only one public access road or remoteness distance is not feasible due to topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, existing improvements or other similar conditions, fire apparatus access roads shall be located as distant as possible.

23. Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, Section D107, One- or-Two-Family Residential Developments, is hereby amended as follows:

D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

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.

D107.2 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

D 107.2.1 Where the area to be served is adjacent to only one public access road or remoteness distance is not feasible due to topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, existing improvements or other similar conditions, fire apparatus access roads shall be located as distant as possible.

24. Appendix D, Fire Apparatus Access Roads, is hereby amended to include the following statement at the end of the appendix:

In case of conflict between the requirements contained in Appendix D of the 2021 International Fire Code, and the City of Pacific Design Standards, the requirements of the City of Pacific Design Standards shall govern.

G. The Uniform Plumbing Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-56 WAC, which shall be known hereafter as the “Uniform Plumbing Code” or the “UPC,” excluding Chapters 12 and 14 and those requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel-fired appliances as found in Chapter 5, and those portions of the code addressing building sewers, but including:

Appendix A: Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System;

Appendix B: Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems; and

Appendix I: Installation Standards.

H. International Energy Conservation Code (2021 Edition)/Washington State Energy Code¹ as set forth in Chapter 51-11C WAC (Commercial); Chapter 51-11R WAC (Residential), together with Appendices A, B, C and D.

I. The International Existing Building Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Code Council, to be known hereafter as the “International Existing Building Code” or the “IEBC.”

J. The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021 Edition) published by the International Code Council, to be known hereafter as the “International Swimming Pool and Spa Code” or the “ISPSC.”

K. The International Property Maintenance Code (2021 Edition), published by the International Code Council, to be known hereafter as the “International Property Maintenance Code” or the “IPMC.”

L. The Washington State Manufactured Homes Installation Requirements, or Mobile Homes Installation Requirements. Pursuant to RCW 43.22.440, the installation standards of Chapter 296-150M WAC are adopted as amended by the state of Washington.

M. The Washington State Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structures Installation Requirements, or Modular Installation Requirements. Pursuant to RCW 43.22.455, the installation standards of Chapter 296-150F WAC are adopted as amended by the state of Washington. (Ord. 2087 § 1, 2024; Ord. 2039 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1948 § 5, 2017).

17.04.020 Conflicts and interpretation of codes.

A. In case of conflict among the codes enumerated in PMC 17.04.010(A) through (M), the first named code shall govern over those following, except as specifically described in WAC 51-11R-10600.

B. Wherever the adopted codes reference the International Plumbing Code, it shall mean the Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the state of Washington. Wherever the adopted codes reference the International Electrical Code, ICC Electrical Code, or the Electrical Code, it shall mean the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as adopted by the state of Washington in accordance with Chapter 19.28 RCW and Chapter 296-46B WAC. Wherever the adopted codes reference the International Energy Conservation Code, it shall mean the Washington State Energy Code as adopted by the state of Washington. (Ord. 1948 § 5, 2017).

17.04.030 Fees.

A permit shall not be issued under the building code or any of the codes identified in PMC 17.04.010 until the fees established by the city have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, is paid. The city has established a fee schedule for permits for all of the codes identified in PMC 17.04.010 by resolution. (Ord. 1948 § 5, 2017).

17.04.040 Violations and penalties.

A. Section [A] 114.4 of the International Building Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 building inspector, or of a permit or certificate used under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding one year or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

B. Section R113.4 of the International Residential Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

C. Section [A] 109.4 of the International Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

D. Section 106.3, Penalties, of the Uniform Plumbing Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

E. Section [A] 108.4 of the International Mechanical Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

F. Section [A] 108.4 of the International Fuel Gas Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

G. Section [A] 106.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 building inspector, or of a permit or certificate used under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding one year or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

(Ord. 1948 § 5, 2017).

17.04.050 International Fire Code Section 3205.6.1 added.

Superseded by Ord. 2039. (Ord. 1948 § 5, 2017).

Based on the 2015 IECC; “Residential” includes one- and two-family dwellings, townhouses and Group R-2 and R-3 buildings three stories or less; “Commercial” includes all buildings not covered under the definition “Residential.”