4-5-070 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS:
A. PURPOSE:
The following provisions and regulations are adopted as part of the City’s fire prevention program to abate existing fire hazards, to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of fires, to inspect potential fire hazards, to control the means and adequacy of the construction and safety of buildings in case of fires, within commercial, business, industrial or manufacturing areas and all other places in which numbers of persons work, meet, live or congregate within the City of Renton, as hereinafter more particularly set forth. (Ord. 2434, 9-23-1968; Amd. Ord. 5086, 6-21-2004)
B. ADOPTION OF FIRE CODE AND STANDARDS:
The International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, and its Appendices B and H, all published by the International Code Council, as adopted and amended by the State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-54A WAC, and as amended in this Section, but not including International Fire Code Section 5707, are adopted by reference thereto as though fully set forth herein and shall be applicable within the City. Not less than one copy of such code and appendices shall be filed in the City Clerk’s office and shall be available for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 4547, 7-24-1995; Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999; Ord. 5086, 6-21-2004; Ord. 5404, 7-21-2008; Ord. 5556, 10-11-2010; Ord. 5712, 4-14-2014)
C. AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS TO THE FIRE CODE:
1. Subsection 101.1, Title, is hereby amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Renton, hereinafter referred to as “this code.” Any references to “this jurisdiction” shall be references to the City of Renton, Washington.
2. Subsection 102.7, Referenced codes and standards, is hereby amended to read as follows:
102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 80, except the phrase “Electrical Code adopted by the City of Renton” shall be substituted for all references to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). Such codes and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.7.1 and 102.7.2. (Ord. 5888, 10-8-2018)
3. Subsection 103.1, General, is hereby amended to read as follows:
103.1 General. All references in this code to the “department of fire prevention within the jurisdiction” shall be synonymous with the Fire Department under the direction of the Fire Code Official. The function of the department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
4. Subsection 103.3, Deputies, is hereby amended by changing the title to “Fire Marshal/Deputy(ies)/Assistant(s),” and to read as follows:
103.3 Fire Marshal/Deputy(ies)/Assistant(s). In accordance with prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to appoint a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal(s), Fire Plans Reviewer(s) and/or Assistant Fire Marshal(s), other related technical officers, and other employees.
5. Section 103.4.1, Legal defense, is hereby amended to read as follows:
103.4.1 Legal defense. Any employee performing duties in connection with the enforcement of this code and acting in good faith and without malice in the performance of such duties shall be relieved from any personal liability for any damage to persons or property as a result of any act or omission in the discharge of such duties, and in the event of claims and/or litigation arising from such act or omission, the City Attorney shall, at the request of and on behalf of said employee, investigate and defend such claims and/or litigation and if the claim be deemed by the City Attorney a proper one or if judgment be rendered against such administrative authority or employee, said claim or judgment shall be paid by the City. This subsection applies only to employees that are paid by and work directly for the City of Renton. It does not apply to those working for other entities, including the Renton Regional Fire Authority.
6. Subsection 103.4, Liability, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
103.4.2 Recovery of Costs. The Fire Department may recover costs from responsible persons, or business or property owners, for any of the following:
1. Suppression and investigation of incendiary fires where the responsible party has been duly convicted of causing the fire.
2. Personnel and apparatus costs associated with repeat responses to situations involving illegal burns after the second response within a calendar year to the same location. Apparatus costs shall be based on the fee schedule established by the King County Fire Chiefs’ Association.
7. Subsection 104.1, General, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
104.1.1 Discretionary authority. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshals, Fire Plans Reviewer(s) and/or Assistant Fire Marshal(s) assigned to the Fire Department shall have the authority and discretion to enforce this code.
8. Subsection 104.10.1, Assistance from other agencies, is hereby amended to read as follows:
104.10.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of fires or the enforcement of this code as requested by the Fire Code Official, or his/her designee.
9. Subsection 105.1.1, Permits required, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
105.1.1.1 Operational permit fees. The fee for permits issued in accordance with Subsection 105.6 of the International Fire Code and permits issued for underground tank removal shall be as stipulated in the City of Renton Fee Schedule. Fees for tank storage shall be assessed for each individual tank.
Exceptions:
1. Permit fees for Class IIIB liquid storage shall be assessed for each tank up to a total of five tanks, and no additional fee shall be charged for the sixth through the tenth tank. The eleventh tank and each subsequent tank of Class IIIB liquids shall be assessed per tank.
2. Permit fees for carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications shall be waived.
The permits shall expire on December 31 of each calendar year or as otherwise noted on the permit. The permit fee shall be payable at or before the time of issuance or renewal of the permit. In the event of failure to remit payment for an operational permit within thirty (30) days after receipt of application or renewal notice, a late fee as specified for Fire Plan Review and Inspection Fees in the City of Renton Fee Schedule shall be assessed in addition to the permit fees.
10. Subsection 105.4.1, Submittals, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
105.4.1.2 Construction plan review. Plans shall be submitted for review and approval prior to issuing a permit for work set forth in Subsections 105.7.1 through 105.7.25.
105.4.1.3 Plan review and construction fees. Construction plans required to be reviewed by this Chapter and the International Fire Code shall be charged in accordance with the City of Renton Fee Schedule.
11. Subsection 105.6.3, Aviation facilities, is hereby amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
105.6.3.1 Aircraft Refueling Vehicle. An annual operational permit is required to operate an aircraft refueling vehicle.
12. Subsection 105.6.16, Flammable and combustible liquids, is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.6.16 Flammable and combustible liquids. An operational permit is required:
1. To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) nor does it apply to piping systems.
2. To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of five (5) gallons (19L) in a building or in excess of ten (10) gallons (37.9L) outside of a building, except that a permit is not required for the following:
2.1. The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant unless such storage, in the opinion of the Fire Code Official, would cause an unsafe condition.
2.2 The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.
3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of twenty-five (25) gallons (95L) in a building or in excess of sixty (60) gallons (227L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment in single-family and duplex dwellings.
4. To store, handle or use Class IIIB liquids in tanks or portable tanks for fueling motor vehicles at motor fuel-dispensing facilities or where connected to fuel-burning equipment.
Exception: Fuel oil and used motor oil used for space heating or water heating in single-family or duplex dwellings.
5. To remove Class I or II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes.
6. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and Class II, IIIA or IIIB combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
7. To place temporarily out of service (for more than ninety (90) days) an underground, protected above-ground or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.
8. To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material that poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed.
9. To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.
10. To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4.
11. To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, marine craft and other special equipment at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4.
13. Subsection 105.6.23, Hot work operations, is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.6.23 Hot works operations. An operational permit is required for hot work including, but not limited to:
1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted.
2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure.
[Exception deleted.]
3. Fixed-site hot work equipment such as welding booths.
4. Hot work conducted within a wildfire risk area.
5. Application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame device.
6. When approved, the Fire Code Official shall issue a permit to carry out a hot work program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted in this Chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the requirements found in Chapter 35. These permits shall be issued only to their employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
14. Subsection 105.6.30, Mobile food preparation vehicles, is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.6.30 Mobile food facility. An operational permit is required to operate a mobile food facility. The Fire Code Official has discretion to accept a fire inspection from another King County fire agency when that inspection has been deemed comparable.
15. Subsection 105.6.37, Places of Assembly, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
105.6.37.1 Temporary place of assembly/special event permit. An operational permit is required for any special event where three hundred (300) or more people will congregate, either outdoors or indoors, in other than a Group A Occupancy.
16. Subsection 105.6, Required operational permits, is hereby amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
105.6.51 Commercial Cooking Hood Suppression System Contractor. A permit is required for all companies performing any inspection, service, maintenance or repair on commercial cooking hood suppression systems. This permit shall be valid for twenty-four (24) months.
17. Subsection 105.7.13, Hazardous materials, is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.7.13 Hazardous materials. A construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility, tank, or other area regulated by Chapter 50 when the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.20.
Exceptions:
1. Routine maintenance.
2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be made within two (2) working days of commencement of work.
18. Subsection 108.1, Maintenance of safeguards, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
108.1.1 Malfunctioning alarm fee. Whenever an alarm system is activated due to a malfunction and the Fire Department is dispatched, a report of the false alarm will be recorded for the building or area affected. For the first, second and third false alarm within a calendar year, no fee will be assessed. For every false alarm caused by a malfunction of the alarm beyond the third false alarm a fee will be assessed as per the City of Renton Fee Schedule.
19. Subsection 109.1, Board of appeals established, is hereby amended by changing the title to “Hearing Examiner,” and amended to read as follows:
109.1 Hearing Examiner. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Fire Code Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, the Hearing Examiner process established by the City of Renton as set forth in RMC 4-8-110, shall have authority.
20. Subsection 109.3, Qualifications, is hereby deleted.
21. Subsection 110.3, Notice of violation, is hereby amended to read as follows:
110.3 Notice of violation. When the Fire Code Official finds a building, premises, vehicle, storage facility or outdoor area that is in violation of this code, the Fire Code Official 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.
22. Subsection 110.3.1, Service, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
110.3.1.1 Reinspection. Whenever the Fire Department has given notification of a violation that required a reinspection and thirty (30) days have expired with such condition or violation still in existence, a “Subsequent Reinspection” will be required.
110.3.1.2 Reinspection Fee. Any Subsequent Reinspection, after the original thirty (30) days period of time, shall require the payment of a reinspection fee as specified in the City of Renton Fee Schedule, to be assessed against the person owning, operating or occupying the building or premises wherein the violation exists. However, any building owner, operator or occupant, upon a reasonable request to the Fire Code Official, may obtain an extension of said thirty (30) day period for a reasonable period to be established by the Fire Code Official to allow such time for compliance. The request for an extension must be received by the Fire Department prior to the expiration of the original reinspection date.
23. Subsection 110.3.2, Compliance with orders and notices, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
110.3.2.1 Notice and Responsibility. Whenever the infraction, condition or violation involves the structural integrity of the building, then the notice of the infraction, condition or violation shall be sent to both the building owner and its occupant or occupants. Should compliance with the fire code – so as to remedy the infraction, condition or violation – require additions or changes to the building or premises, which would be part of the structure or the fixtures to the realty, then the responsibility to remedy the infraction, condition, or violation shall be upon the owner of the building unless the owner and occupant shall otherwise agree between themselves and so notify the City. If, then, the occupant does not remedy the infraction, condition, or violation, then the City shall have the right to demand such remedy from the owner of the premises.
24. Subsection 110.4, Violation Penalties, is hereby amended to read as follows:
110.4 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 Code Official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the penalties in RMC 1-3-1, except as provided in RMC 4-5-070.C.44 and 100. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
25. Subsection 112.4, Failure to comply, is hereby amended to read as follows:
112.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to RMC 1-3-1.
26. Section 202, General Definitions, is hereby amended by changing the definitions of “Fire Chief” and “Fire Code Official” to read as follows:
FIRE CHIEF. All references in this code to the fire chief shall mean the Fire Chief of the Renton Regional Fire Authority, or a duly authorized representative.
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The Fire Chief, or his or her designee, shall be the chief enforcement officer with respect to this code.
27. Section 202, General Definitions, is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:
AIRCRAFT REFUELING VEHICLE. A fuel servicing hydrant vehicle, hydrant cart, or an aircraft servicing tank vehicle as defined in NFPA 407.
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED). An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable automatic device used to restore normal heart rhythm to patients in cardiac arrest.
MOBILE FOOD FACILITY. Permanent and nonpermanent food operation vehicles that store, prepare, package, serve, vend, or otherwise provide food for human consumption, on or off the premises.
PRIVATE SMOKING CLUB. A place where smoking (as that term is defined by Chapter 70.160 RCW) occurs, that is privately operated, employs no employees and is not open to the public, or which otherwise holds itself out as meeting the criteria for such a place as established by the King County Department of Public Health.
SPECIAL EVENT. For the purposes of this code, events that have large occupant loads or create a potential hazard to the participants or the community shall be defined as a “special event” including:
a. Any event that occurs in a permitted place of assembly that introduces a hazard regulated by this code and not approved at the time of the issuance of the Place of Assembly Permit.
b. Any event with an occupant load that exceeds three hundred (300) in a location that does not have a Place of Assembly Permit.
c. All temporary places of assembly.
TEMPORARY PLACE OF ASSEMBLY. An occupancy not classified as “Assembly Group A” that is used for activities normally restricted to assembly occupancies and limited to a period of less than thirty (30) calendar days of assembly use.
28. Subsection 307.1, General, is hereby amended to read as follows:
307.1 General. Open burning is hereby prohibited in conformance with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Department of Ecology regulations.
29. Subsection 307.2, Permit required, is hereby deleted.
30. Section 308, Open Flames, is hereby amended to add a new subsection 308.5, Sky Lanterns, to read as follows:
308.5 Sky Lanterns. The lighting and/or release of sky lanterns or like materials shall be prohibited in the City of Renton.
31. Subsection 319.1, General, is hereby amended to read as follows:
319.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicle and mobile food facilities shall comply with this section.
32. Section 319, Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles, is amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
319.11 Location. Mobile food facilities shall not be located within ten feet (10') of buildings, tents, canopies or membrane structures, or within ten feet (10') of any other mobile food facility.
Exceptions:
1. When mobile food facilities are positioned on public streets, the distance from buildings may be reduced to five feet (5'). This exception is designated for events lasting a maximum of no more than three (3) consecutive calendar days in a row.
2. When located on private property, the distance from buildings may be reduced to five feet (5') if exposed by a fire wall constructed of materials of clay or concrete only and having no openings such as windows or doors.
33. Subsection 401.5, Making a false report, is hereby amended to read as follows:
401.5 Making false report. It shall be a misdemeanor for a person to give, signal, or transmit a false fire alarm.
34. Subsection 401.6, Emergency evacuation drills, is hereby amended to read as follows:
401.6 Emergency evacuation drills. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the sounding of a fire alarm signal or the carrying out of an emergency evacuation drill in accordance with the provisions of Section 405.
35. Subsection 403.2, Group A occupancies, is hereby amended by adding new subsections to read as follows:
403.2.5 Automated External Defibrillators (AED). Group A-1 through A-5 occupancies with an occupancy load of three hundred (300) or more persons, shall have available and maintain an AED on the premises.
403.2.5.1 Placement. The location of the AEDs shall be as determined by the Fire Code Official with a one way travel distance not to exceed six hundred (600) feet.
403.2.5.2 AED Maintenance. AEDs shall be maintained as per the manufacturer’s requirements.
403.2.5.3 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training. Where AEDs are required by this code, employees shall be trained in the use of and be familiar with the locations of the AEDs.
36. Section 403, Emergency Preparedness Requirements, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection to read as follows:
403.13 Boarding homes and residential care facilities (I-1, I-2, I-3, R-2 and R-4 occupancies). Boarding homes and/or Assisted Living Facilities as defined by the State Building Code shall comply with Subsections 403.13.1 through 403.13.5 regardless of the capabilities of their residents.
403.13.1 Receiving facilities. The fire safety, emergency and evacuation plans must include memoranda of understanding (MOU) with appropriate facilities that can receive residents with special needs if the host facility must be evacuated.
403.13.2 Transportation agreements. The fire safety, emergency and evacuation plans must include memoranda of understanding (MOU) with transportation companies or services to provide sufficient transportation resources for residents with special needs and their attending staff in the event of an evacuation.
403.13.3 Residential tracking. The fire safety, emergency and evacuation plans must include provisions for tracking residents with special needs in the event of an evacuation. The facility must be able to account for each resident’s method of transportation and destination including residents who are picked up by non-staff members, even if a transfer of care occurs after the resident’s arrival at a secondary facility.
403.13.4 Emergency communications. The facility must maintain the ability to receive emergency warnings and public information messages even during a power outage. A NOAA weather radio along with a battery operated AM/FM radio provides sufficient warning and information capability to meet this requirement. The facility must have an emergency communications plan to communicate with off-site staff to inform them of the facility’s status, evacuations, or a need for increased staffing levels if normal modes of communication are not operational. The emergency communications plan will also address communication with the families of residents regarding residents’ status, location and safety when the resident is unable to carry out communications on their own, in accordance with state law.
403.13.5 Environment. The facility must have a plan and readily accessible provisions to maintain a safe temperature environment and adequate ventilation for residents in the event of a utility or equipment outage. The facility must also provide non-flame sources of lighting sufficient to keep residents safe when moving around the facility. Candles or other flame sources of heat and light are not approved due to the increased risk of fire.
37. Subsection 503.1, Where required, is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Subsections 503.1.1 through 503.2.
38. Subsection 503.1.1, Buildings and facilities, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby adopted.
39. Subsection 503.1.2, Additional access, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby adopted and amended to read as follows:
503.1.2 Two means of access. Two (2) means of approved access shall be required when a complex of three (3) or more buildings is located more than two hundred feet (200') from a public road. (RMC 4-6-060.H.5)
40. Subsection 503.2, Specifications, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with RMC 4-4-080 and 4-6-060.
41. Section 504, Access to Building Openings and Roofs, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
504.4 Buildings with enclosed interior courtyards. New buildings with enclosed interior courtyards shall have a straight/direct access corridor and/or stairway from the exterior to the courtyard at a location acceptable to the Fire Code Official. If a stairway is used it shall comply with International Fire Code Section 1011 and a corridor shall comply with International Fire Code Section 1020. The access shall have a minimum width of four feet (4') and be large enough to carry a thirty-five-foot (35') long sectional ladder (minimum folded length twenty feet (20')) directly from the exterior to the courtyard without obstructions. The access door shall be marked at the street as “Direct access to courtyard.”
42. Subsection 505.1, Address identification, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
505.1.1 Identification size. In order that the address identification is plainly visible, the following minimum sizes, figures or numbers, in block style in contrasting color shall be used in accordance with the following:
1. Single-family residential houses – four inches (4").
2. Multi-family residential, commercial, or small business: fifty feet (50') or less setback – six inches (6"); more than fifty feet (50') setback – ten inches (10").
3. Large commercial or industrial areas: one hundred feet (100') or less setback – eighteen inches (18"); more than one hundred feet (100') setback – twenty-four inches (24").
505.1.2 Rear Door Marking. When vehicle access is provided to the rear of commercial, industrial and warehouse buildings, the rear doors servicing individual businesses shall be marked to indicate address and/or unit identification with letters or numbers at least four inches (4") high.
505.1.3 Suite numbers. Buildings consisting of separate suites with the same building address shall have their suite number marked so that the suite is readily identifiable and the numbers or letters sized as per Subsection 505.1.1.
Exception: Suites located on an interior hall or corridor shall have lettering at least one inch (1") high.
43. Subsection 507.5.1, Where required, is hereby amended to read as follows:
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, 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 three hundred feet (300').
2. Deleted.
44. Section 510, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage, is hereby amended to read as follows:
510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. 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 fifty thousand square feet (50,000') or more;
3. The total basement area is ten thousand square feet (10,000') or more; or
4. There are floors used for human occupancy more than thirty feet (30') below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.
5. Buildings or structures where the Fire Code Official 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. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.
When determining if the minimum signal strength referenced in 510.4.1.1 exists at a subject building, the signal strength shall be measured at any point on the exterior of the building up to the highest point on the roof.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings and areas of buildings that have minimum radio coverage signal strength levels of the King County Regional 800 MHz Emergency Radio System within the building in accordance with Section 510.4.1 without the use of a radio coverage system.
2. In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of that facility, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder radio coverage system.
3. One (1)- and two (2)- family dwellings and townhouses.
4. Subject to the approval of the Fire Code Official, buildings other than high-rise buildings, colleges, universities, and buildings primarily occupied by Group E or I occupancies that have completed a Mobile Emergency Responder Radio Coverage application and submitted payment as outline in the application.
510.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio coverage for emergency responders as required in Chapter 11.
510.3 Permit required. A construction permit for the installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage systems and related equipment is required as specified in Section 105.7.6. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
Prior coordination and approval from the Public Safety Radio System Operator is required before installation of an emergency responder radio system. Until 2022, such approval is required from King County or Valley Communications Center. In 2022 Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) will be the single operator of a county-wide system.
In order to be forward compatible, designers and contractors should be aware of PSERN’s requirements for Distributed Antenna Systems.
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 ninety-five percent (95%) 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, defined for purposes of this Section 4-5-070 by PSERN of King County, 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 ninety-nine percent (99%) 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 throughout the coverage area as specified by the Fire Code Official. The inbound signal level shall be a minimum of -95dBm in ninety-five percent (95%) of the coverage area and ninety-nine percent (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 Emergency 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 (Public Radio System Operator) 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.
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 two (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 one hundred percent (100%) system capacity for a duration of not less than twelve (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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other radio licensing authority certification and be suitable for public safety use prior to installation.
4. Where a donor antenna exists, isolation shall be maintained between the donor antenna and all inside antennas to not less than 20dB greater than the system gain under all operating conditions.
5. Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) used in emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be fitted with anti-oscillation circuitry and per-channel AGC.
6. The installation of amplification systems or systems that operate on or provide the means to cause interference on any emergency responder radio coverage networks shall be coordinated and approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.
7. Unless otherwise approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator, only channelized signal boosters shall be permitted.
Exception: Broadband BDAs may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the Public Safety Radio System Operator
8. BDAs must also comply with PSERN’s detailed requirements, which include channelized, minimum, of twenty-eight (28) channels, supporting analog, P25 Phase I (FDMA), and P25 Phase II (TDMA).
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 seventy percent (70%) 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.
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 twenty (20) approximately equal test areas, with a maximum test area size of six thousand four hundred square feet (6,400’). Where the floor area exceeds one hundred twenty-eight thousand square feet (128,000’), 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), shall include signal strengths and frequencies for each test area, and shall 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 five percent (5%) of the test area on any floor shall result in failure of the test.
Exception: Critical areas shall be provided with ninety-nine percent (99%) 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 forty (40) equal test areas. Failure of not more than two (2) nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test. If the system fails the forty (40)-area test, the system shall be altered to meet the ninety-five percent (95%) 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 ten feet (10') (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 the 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 onsite at 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 510.5.3(2)
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 the Fire Code Official. At the conclusion of the testing, and prior to the 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.
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 a 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 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 pursuant to 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.
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 Code Official 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 two (2) hours to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the two(2)-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one (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 certification in Section 510.5.2 is 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 Code Official.
7. At the conclusion of the 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 acceptance test documentation required by Section 510.5.3(10) and most recent previous five (5)-year test results are available, the in-building coverage test required by the Fire Code Official in Section 510.1 and 510.2, may be conducted as follows:
1. Functional talk-back testing shall be conducted using a calibrated portable radio 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 in a DAQ of 3 or higher. Communications between handsets in the following locations shall be tested: between the fire command center and a location outside the building, and 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 (3) grid areas per floor. The three (3) grid areas to be tested on each floor are the three (3) grid areas with poorest performance in the acceptance test or the most recent annual test, whichever is most recent; and
(b) Each of the critical areas identified in acceptance test documentation required by Section 510.5.3(10), or as modified by the Fire Code Official; and
(c) One (1) grid square per serving antenna.
3. The test area boundaries shall not deviate from the areas established at the time of the acceptance test, or as modified by the Fire Code Official. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder radio coverage when the required signal strength requirements in 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2 are located in ninety-five percent (95%) of all areas on each floor of the building and ninety-nine percent (99%) in critical areas, and any non-functional serving antenna are repaired to function within normal ranges. If the documentation of the acceptance test and most recent previous annual test results are not available or acceptable to the Fire Code Official, the annual talk-back testing described in 510.5.3 shall be conducted.
The alternative in-building coverage test provides and alternative testing protocol for the in-building coverage test in subsection (1) of section 510.6.1. There is no change or alternative to annual testing requirements enumerated in subsections (2)-(7) of Section 510.6.1, which shall be performed at the time of each annual test.
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 systems shall be corrected or removed.
510.6.4 Field testing. Fire Department 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.
510.7 Penalties. Any person violating any of the provisions of the section shall be subject to penalties in accordance with the general penalty provisions of RMC 1-3. In addition, any building or structure which does not meet the requirements set forth in this code is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and the City may, in addition to seeking any other appropriate legal remedy, pursue equitable remedies to abate said nuisance in accordance with RMC 1-3.
510.8 Severability. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this section is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)
45. Subsection 602.1, Definitions, is hereby amended by adding the following definition:
POWER TAP. A listed device for indoor use consisting of an attachment plug on one end of a flexible cord and two (2) or more receptacles on the opposite end and over current protection.
46. Subsection 604.10, Portable, electric space heaters, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
604.10.6 Tip-Over Switch. All portable electric space heaters shall be equipped with an automatic tip-over shut-off switch.
Exception: Approved liquid-filled portable heaters.
47. Section 607, Commercial Kitchen Hoods, is amended to add a new subsection, to read as follows:
607.5 Type II hoods. Type II hoods shall be installed at or above any heating appliance utilized for the processing and preparation of smoking materials or smoking related paraphernalia for personal consumption. Hoods shall comply with the requirements of the International Mechanical Code. Only Listed, approved heating appliances shall be used for the processing and preparation of smoking materials and/or smoking paraphernalia. Heating appliances shall be installed in an approved manner.
48. Subsection 806.1.1, Restricted Occupancies, is hereby amended to read as follows:
806.1.1 Restricted occupancies. Natural cut trees shall be prohibited within ambulatory care facilities and Group A, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 providing licensed care to clients in one of the categories listed in International Building Code section 310.1 licensed by Washington State and R-4 occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsections 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.
2. Trees treated with a flame retardant and renewed to maintain flame resistance, subject to the approval of the Fire Code Official.
3. Trees shall be allowed within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies.
49. Chapter 8, Interior Finish Decorative Materials and Furnishings, is hereby amended by adding a new section, to read as follows:
SECTION 809
ATRIUM FURNISHINGS
Atrium furnishings shall comply with Subsections 809.1 and 809.2.
809.1 Potential heat. Potential heat of combustible furnishings and decorative materials within atria shall not exceed nine thousand (9,000) BTU per pound (20,934 J/g) when located within an area that is more than twenty feet (20') (6096 mm) below ceiling level sprinklers.
809.2 Decorative materials. Decorative material in atria shall be noncombustible, flame resistant or treated with a flame retardant.
50. Subsection 901.5.1, Occupancy, is hereby amended to read as follows:
901.5.1 Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems have been tested and approved. All acceptance tests shall be witnessed by the Fire Department prior to occupancy being granted.
51. Subsection 901.6, Inspection, testing and maintenance, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
901.6.4 Annual Certification Required. All sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, smoke removal systems, air replenishment systems, and other fire protective or extinguishing systems shall be certified annually by a qualified agency, except, hood fire extinguishing systems shall be serviced every six (6) months. Documentation of such servicing shall be provided as indicated in Subsection 901.6.
901.6.5 Annual Hazardous Systems Certification. All electronic monitoring systems used in connection with flammable, combustible liquids and/or hazardous materials shall be certified annually by a qualified agency. Documentation of the system certifications shall be forwarded to the Fire Department indicating each system has been tested and functions as required.
52. Subsection 903.2, Where required, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.
All newly constructed buildings with a gross square footage of five thousand (5,000) or greater square feet, regardless of type of use as well as zero lot line townhouses with an aggregate area of all connected townhouses equaling five thousand (5,000) or greater square feet must be equipped with sprinklers in accordance with this code. Additions to existing buildings which would result in a gross floor area greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet must be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler system.
Exceptions:
1. One-time additions to International Building Code Group R-3 occupancies of up to five hundred (500) square feet are permitted without compliance with this section.
2. Single-family and duplex dwellings and townhouses built in compliance with the International Residential Code and meeting fire flow and access requirements of the City of Renton.
3. When not required by other provisions of this chapter, a fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with NFPA 13 may be used for increases and substitutions allowed in Subsections 504.3, 506.2, and Table 601 of the International Building Code.
4. All newly established building occupancy uses defined as Private Smoking Clubs. Fire sprinklers shall be installed throughout the entire fire area utilized for such occupancy, regardless of size of such occupancy.
53. Subsection 903.2.1.1, Group A-1, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies where one (1) of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet;
2. The fire area has an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more;
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancies; or
4. The fire area contains a multi-theater complex.
54. Subsection 903.2.1.2, Group A-2, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group A-2 occupancies where one (1) the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet;
2. The fire area has an occupant load of one hundred (100) or more; or
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
55. Subsection 903.2.1.3, Group A-3, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies where one (1) of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet;
2. The fire area has an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more; or
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
56. Subsection 903.2.1.4, Group A-4, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies where one (1) of the following conditions exists:
1. The gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet;
2. The fire area has an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more; or
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
57. Subsection 903.2.1.5, Group A-5, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes and other accessory use areas in excess of one thousand (1,000) square feet.
58. Subsection 903.2.3, Group E, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.3 Group E. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet in area.
2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one (1) exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more.
59. Subsection 903.2.4, Group F-1, is hereby amended by changing the title to “Group B, F, F-1, and S Occupancies,” and to read as follows:
903.2.4 Group B, F, F-1, and S Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B, F, F-1, or S occupancy with over five thousand (5,000) square feet of gross floor area.
903.2.4.1 Woodworking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet in area which generate finely divided combustible waste or which use finely divided combustible materials.
60. Subsection 903.2.5, Group H, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Subsections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.
903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies.
903.2.5.2 Group H-5 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H-5 occupancies. The design of the sprinkler system shall not be less than that required under the International Building Code for the occupancy hazard classifications in accordance with Table 903.2.5.2. Where the design area of the sprinkler system consists of a corridor protected by one (1) row of sprinklers, the maximum number of sprinklers required to be calculated is thirteen (13).
|
LOCATION |
OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION |
|---|---|
|
Fabrication areas |
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
|
Service corridors |
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
|
Storage rooms without dispensing |
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
|
Storage rooms with dispensing |
Extra Hazard Group 2 |
|
Corridors |
Ordinary Hazard Group 2 |
903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in buildings, or portions thereof, where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding one hundred (100) pounds.
61. Subsection 903.2.6, Group I, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group I-1 condition 1 facilities.
2. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where Group I-4 day care facilities are at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has at least one (1) exterior exit door.
3. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1 shall be installed on the entire floor where care is provided and all floors between the level of care and the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge, other than areas classified as an open parking garage.
62. Subsection 903.2.7, Group M, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one (1) of the following conditions exists:
1. Where a Group M gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
2. Where a Group M fire area is located more than three (3) stories above grade.
3. Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
4. Where a Group M occupancy that is used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture and/or mattresses exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
63. Subsection 903.2.8, Group R, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, and to read as follows:
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies.
903.2.8.2 Group R-4 Condition 1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-4 Condition 1 occupancies.
903.2.8.3 Group R-4 Condition 2. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.2 shall be permitted in Group R-4 Condition 2 occupancies.
903.2.8.4 Care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in care facilities with five (5) or fewer individuals in a single-family dwelling.
903.2.8.5 Group R-3 Occupancy. When the occupancy has over five thousand (5,000) square feet of gross floor area.
903.2.8.6 Dwellings. When proposed within all residential zones, clustered or constructed so that, when attached, the total square foot gross floor area of all dwelling units exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet. For the purpose of this subsection, portions of buildings separated by one (1) or more firewalls will not be considered a separate building.
64. Subsection 903.2.9, Group S-1, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one (1) of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three (3) stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
5. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet (232 m2).
903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406 of the International Building Code, as shown:
1. Buildings having two (2) or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet.
2. Buildings no more than one (1) story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet.
3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles in basements.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures where the area for storage of tires exceeds twenty thousand (20,000) cubic feet shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1.
65. Subsection 903.2.10, Group S-2 enclosed parking garages, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Subsection 406.4 of the International Building Code as follows:
1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet; or
2. Where the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet.
66. Subsection 903.2.11, Specific building areas and hazards, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.11 Specific building areas and hazards. In all occupancies other than Group U, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazards in the locations set forth in Subsections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.6.
903.2.11.1 Stories without openings. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all stories, including basements, of all buildings where the floor area exceeds one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet unless there is at least one (1) of the following types of exterior wall openings:
1. Openings below grade that lead directly to ground level by an exterior stairway complying with Section 1011 or an outside ramp complying with Section 1012. Openings shall be located on the exterior wall of the story on at least one (1) side. The required openings shall be distributed so that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed fifty feet (50').
2. Openings entirely above the adjoining ground level totaling at least twenty (20) square feet in each fifty (50) linear feet, or fraction thereof, of exterior wall in the story on at least one (1) side. The required openings shall be distributed so that the lineal distance between adjacent openings does not exceed fifty feet (50'). The height of the bottom of the clear opening shall not exceed forty-four inches (44") (1,188 mm) measured from the floor.
903.2.11.1.1 Opening dimensions and access. Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than thirty inches (30"). Such openings shall be accessible to the Fire Department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that firefighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior.
903.2.11.1.2 Openings on one side only. Where openings in a story are provided on only one (1) side and the opposite wall of such story is more than seventy-five feet (75') from such openings, the story shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system or openings as specified above shall be provided on at least two (2) sides of the story.
903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than seventy-five feet (75') (22,860 mm) from openings required by Subsection 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
903.2.11.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed at the top of rubbish and linen chutes and in their terminal rooms. Chutes shall have additional sprinkler heads installed at alternate floors and at the lowest intake. Where a rubbish chute extends through a building more than one (1) floor below the lowest intake, the extension shall have sprinklers installed that are recessed from the drop area of the chute and protected from freezing in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1. Such sprinklers shall be installed at alternate floors beginning with the second level below the last intake and ending with the floor above the discharge. Chute sprinklers shall be accessible for servicing.
903.2.11.3 Buildings fifty-five feet (55') or more in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings that have one (1) or more stories with an occupant load of thirty (30) or more located fifty-five feet (55') or more above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access, measured to the finished floor.
Exceptions:
1. Open parking structures.
2. Occupancies in Group F-2.
903.2.11.4 Ducts conveying hazardous exhausts. Where required by the International Mechanical Code, automatic sprinklers shall be provided in ducts conveying hazardous exhaust, flammable or combustible materials.
Exception: Ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than ten inches (10").
903.2.11.5 Commercial cooking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct system where an automatic sprinkler system is used to comply with Section 904.
903.2.11.6 Other required suppression systems. In addition to the requirements of Subsection 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire suppression system for certain buildings and areas.
67. Subsection 903.2.12, During construction, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.12 During construction. Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration, and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3313.
68. Subsection 903.2, Where required, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
903.2.13 Automatic Sprinkler Systems in New Buildings.
903.2.13.1 Buildings over five thousand (5,000) square feet. A fully automatic fire protection sprinkler system is to be installed in all new buildings in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet total gross floor area, regardless of vertical or horizontal fire barriers. Such sprinkler system shall be designed, installed and tested as per Subsection 903.3.
903.2.13.2 Buildings less than five thousand (5,000) square feet. A fully automatic fire protection sprinkler system may be required by the Fire Chief or the Fire Code Official for buildings less than five thousand (5,000) square feet gross floor area when, in their judgment, supported by written documentation from a professional organization (such as NFPA, ICC, SBCC, U.L., ISO, etc.) verifies that hazardous operations, hazardous contents, critical exposure problems, limited accessibility to the building or other items may contribute to a definite hazard.
903.2.14 Sprinkler Systems in Remodeled Buildings. The requirements for the installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in remodeled buildings shall be as indicated in Subsections 903.2.14.1 and 903.2.14.2.
903.2.14.1 Existing sprinklered buildings. When existing buildings with full sprinkler systems are remodeled or added onto, the remodeled or added on portion shall be fully sprinklered.
903.2.14.2 Existing non-sprinklered buildings. When an existing building is added onto or remodeled and the resulting total square foot gross floor area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet, then the entire structure shall be fully sprinklered. All existing non-sprinklered buildings currently exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet where a remodel, alteration or repair exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the building valuation within a three (3) year period shall have a sprinkler system installed throughout. Valuation shall be determined from the King County Assessor records at the time of the first application for a permit.
69. Subsection 903.3.1.2, NFPA 13R sprinkler systems, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies up to and including four (4) stories in height shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R. NFPA 13R systems shall be limited to buildings with a maximum gross floor area of twelve thousand (12,000) square feet.
70. Subsection 903.4.2, Alarms, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.4.2 Alarms. Approved audible and visible alarm notification appliances shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 907 and throughout areas designated by the Fire Code Official. Sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1. With approval of the Fire Code Official, visible alarm notification appliances may be omitted for approved residential sprinkler systems in single-family or duplex dwelling units if not otherwise specifically required. Audible alarm notification shall be provided and accomplished by connecting the waterflow alarm initiating device to the multiple-station alarms, household fire alarm system or other approved methods.
2. Alarms are not required for approved domestically supplied local systems with ten (10) heads or less per building.
71. Subsection 903.4.3, Floor Control Valves, is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.4.3 Floor Control Valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor.
Exception: When approved by the Fire Code Official in NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R Systems.
72. Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
903.7 Riser Room Access. All NFPA 13, 13R, and any 13D systems serving five (5) or more dwelling units, sprinkler system risers shall be located in a dedicated room with an exterior door, lighting and heat.
Exception: 13D single and two (2)-family residences or townhome sprinkler systems with four (4) units or less.
73. Subsection 904.12, Commercial cooking systems, is hereby amended to read as follows:
904.12 Commercial cooking systems. The automatic fire-extinguishing system for commercial cooking systems shall be of a type recognized for protection of commercial cooking equipment and exhaust systems of the type and arrangement protected. Pre-engineered automatic dry- and wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 300 and listed and labeled for the intended application. Existing suppression systems not in compliance shall be replaced with a conforming system whenever any of the following occurs:
• Any modifications are made to the structure of the kitchen hood.
• Rearrangement of appliances under the hood requires change in nozzle placement.
• Any additional cooking appliances are added to the cook line.
• The system can no longer be serviced due to the lack of available manufacturer’s listed parts.
• Lard or animal fats are replaced with one (1) or more cooking material used for frying that operates at higher temperatures than the suppression system was designed and tested for in the UL listing.
If the manufacturer’s original listing was conducted using animal fats, the business owner shall provide a letter to the Fire Department certifying that the cooking system will only be used with animal fats. A sign with three inches (3") high letters stating “Animal Fat Oils Only” shall be installed on the front of the hood.
Existing wet-chemical systems that are not in compliance with current UL 300 Standards shall be updated. Wet-chemical systems that were located within the City on August 25, 2008, were required to be updated to UL 300 Standards by no later than August 25, 2010. All existing wet-chemical systems that were legally installed prior to annexation into City boundaries are required to be updated within two (2) years from the effective date of the annexation that brought the systems within the boundaries of the City.
Other types of automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be listed and labeled for specific use as protection for commercial cooking operations. The system shall be installed in accordance with this code, its listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems of the following types shall be installed in accordance with the referenced standard indicated, as follows:
1. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, NFPA 12.
2. Automatic sprinkler systems, NFPA 13.
3. Foam-water sprinkler system or foam-water spray systems, NFPA 16.
4. Dry-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17.
5. Wet-chemical extinguishing systems, NFPA 17A.
74. Subsection 904.12.5, Operations and maintenance, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby amended to add a new subsection to read as follows:
904.12.5.4 Commercial Cooking Hood Suppression System Contractor.
904.12.5.4.1 “Commercial Cooking Hood Suppression System Contractor” Definition. A person or organization that offers to undertake the execution of contracts or accepts payment for the inspection, maintenance, or servicing of a commercial cooking hood suppression system.
904.12.5.4.2 Penalty for Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person or organization to perform an inspection, maintenance, or servicing of a commercial cooking hood suppression system contractor without a valid permit. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor, punishable in accordance with RMC 1-3-1. Each separate instance where an inspection, maintenance or service was provided constitutes a separate violation.
75. Subsection 905.3.1, Height, is hereby amended to read as follows:
905.3.1 Height. Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than twenty feet (20') above the lowest level of the Fire Department vehicle access, or where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than twenty feet (20') below the highest level of Fire Department vehicle access.
Exceptions:
1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Class I manual standpipes are allowed in open parking garages where the highest floor is located not more than one hundred fifty feet (150') above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access.
3. Class I manual dry standpipes are allowed in open parking garages that are subject to freezing temperatures, provided that the hose connections are located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Subsection 905.5.
4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.
5. Group R-3 does not require standpipes.
76. Subsection 905.3, Required installations, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
905.3.9 High-Rise Building Standpipes. Standpipe risers shall be combination standpipe/sprinkler risers using a minimum pipe size of six inches (6") diameter. Two (2) two and one-half inches (2-1/2") hose connections shall be provided on every intermediate floor level landing in every required stairway unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official. Where pressure reduction valves (PRV) are required, each hose connection shall be provided with its own PRV. The system shall be designed to provide a minimum flow of three hundred (300) gpm at a minimum pressure of one hundred fifty (150) psi (maximum two hundred (200) psi) at each standpipe connection, in addition to the flow and pressure requirements contained in NFPA 14.
77. Subsection 905.8, Dry standpipes, is hereby amended to read as follows:
905.8 Dry standpipes. Dry standpipes, when approved by the Fire Code Official, are acceptable in other than high-rise buildings.
78. Subsection 907.1.3, Equipment, is hereby amended to read as follows:
907.1.3 Equipment. Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed. All new alarm systems shall be addressable. Each device shall have its own address and shall annunciate individual addresses at a UL Central Station.
Exception: Systems that have not more than twelve (12) zones and not more than five (5) devices on each zone.
79. Subsection 907.2.2, Group B, is hereby amended to read as follows:
907.2.2 Group B. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in the following Group B Occupancies:
1. Those having an occupant load of five hundred (500) or more persons or more than one hundred (100) persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
2. Those that are two (2) or more stories in height or three thousand (3,000) square feet or more in area.
3. The fire area contains an ambulatory care facility.
Exception: Deleted.
80. Subsection 907.2.3, Group E, is hereby amended by deleting Exception Number 3.
81. Subsection 907.2.4, Group F, is hereby amended by deleting the exception.
82. Subsection 907.2.7, Group M, is hereby amended by deleting Exceptions Number 1 and 2.
83. Subsection 907.2.8.1, Manual Fire Alarm System, is hereby amended by deleting Exceptions 1 and 2.
84. Subsection 907.2.9, Group R-2, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
907.2.9.4 Multi-family complexes. Multi-family complexes with three (3) or more separate buildings within the complex, including recreation and/or day-care buildings, shall be provided with approved fire alarm systems regardless of size. The buildings within the complex shall have each building monitored by an approved central station.
85. Subsection 907.2, Where required – New buildings and structures, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
907.2.24 Structures in excess of three thousand (3,000) Square Feet. An approved total coverage addressable manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with NFPA Standard 72 in all structures in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet of total floor area.
Exception:
For the purpose of Section 907, fire walls constructed in accordance with Chapter 7 of the IBC, in Group R-3 and U occupancies, shall not define separate buildings.
86. Subsection 907.8.5, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
907.8.5.1 Nonconforming alarm systems. In the event that an alarm system does not meet these requirements, it shall be a further requirement of this chapter that modifications necessary to meet these minimum levels are made to the alarm system and subsequent testing is conducted prior to any occupancy being granted.
87. Subsection 914.3, High-rise buildings, is hereby amended to read as follows:
914.3 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings shall comply with Subsections 914.3.1 through 914.3.9.
88. Subsection 914.3, High-rise buildings, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, to read as follows:
914.3.8 Air replenishment systems. All high-rise buildings shall be equipped with an approved rescue air replenishment system. The system shall provide an adequate pressurized fresh air supply through a permanent piping system for the replenishment of portable life sustaining air equipment carried by Fire Department, rescue and other personnel in the performance of their duties. Location of access stations, as well as installation and maintenance of the air replenishment systems, shall meet the requirements as determined by the Fire Code Official. A specifications document for the construction of air replenishing systems that conforms to the breathing equipment used by the Fire Department will be made available by the Fire Code Official.
914.3.9 Fire equipment. A cabinet or other enclosed facility shall be provided in every stairwell, smoke tower or such similar structure on designated floors, commencing with the third floor, seventh floor and every fourth floor above the seventh floor for the storage of fire hose and related equipment. Facilities, cabinets, devices, hoses and related equipment shall be furnished by the building owner. All such equipment and the specific location thereof shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Code Official. These rooms will be inspected annually by the Fire Department and equipment replaced by the building owner or his/her representative at the appropriate service life.
89. Subsection 1103.7.6, Group R-2, is hereby amended to read as follows:
1103.7.6 Group R-2. A manual and automatic fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Subsection 907.6 shall be installed in existing Group R-2 occupancies more than three (3) stories in height or with more than sixteen (16) dwelling or sleeping units.
Exceptions:
1. Where each living unit is separated from other contiguous living units by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than three quarters (0.75) of an hour, and where each living unit has either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging at grade.
2. A separate fire alarm system is not required in buildings that are equipped throughout with an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and having a local alarm to notify all occupants.
3. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units and are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsection 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, provided that dwelling units either have a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits or are served by open-ended corridors designed in accordance with Subsection 1027.6, Exception 3.
4. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units, do not exceed three (3) stories in height and comply with both of the following:
4.1 Each dwelling unit is separated from other contiguous dwelling units by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of an hour.
4.2 Each dwelling unit is provided with hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms as required for new construction in Subsection 907.2.11.
90. Subsection 1203.2, Where required, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
1203.2.19 Group I-1 and Group I-2 Nursing Home Occupancies. In addition to specific requirements listed elsewhere in the codes approved manually switched standby power systems in new Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall be provided to power the following operations:
1. Heating and refrigeration.
2. Communications and alarm systems.
3. Ventilation systems.
4. Emergency lighting.
5. Patient-care related electrical circuits.
6. At least one (1) elevator used by residents.
91. Section 3317, Safeguarding roofing operations, is hereby amended to read as follows:
3317.1 General. Roofing operations utilizing heat-producing systems or other ignition sources shall be conducted in accordance with Subsections 3317.2 through 3317.4 and Chapter 35.
3317.2 Asphalt and tar kettles. Asphalt and tar kettles shall be operated in accordance with Section 303.
3317.3 Fire extinguishers for roofing operations. Fire extinguishers shall comply with Section 906. There shall be not less than one (1) multipurpose portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 3-A 40B:C rating on the roof being covered or repaired.
3317.4 Fire Safety. The roofing contractor shall notify the Fire Department before leaving the site of torch-applied roofing system and report each day’s completion and the presence of any hot spots or fires that were suppressed during the roofing process.
92. Subsection 5001.5, Permits, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5001.5 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Subsections 105.6 and 105.7.
When required by the Fire Code Official, permittees shall apply for approval to permanently close a storage, use, or handling facility. Such application shall be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the termination of the storage, use, or handling of hazardous materials. The Fire Code Official is authorized to require that the application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Subsection 5001.6.3.
All new installations and/or modifications or additions to existing systems shall require plan review and permit fees as stipulated in the City of Renton Fee Schedule.
93. Subsection 5003.2.6, Maintenance, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5003.2.6 Maintenance. In addition to the requirements of Subsection 5003.2.3, equipment, machinery, and required detection and alarm systems associated with hazardous materials shall be maintained in an operable condition. Defective containers, cylinders and tanks shall be removed from service, repaired or disposed of in an approved manner. Defective equipment or machinery shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced. Required detection and alarm systems shall be replaced or repaired where defective. All monitoring systems used in connection with hazardous materials shall be certified at least annually by a qualified agency. Documentation of the system certification shall be forwarded to the Fire Department indicating the system has been tested and functions as required.
94. Subsection 5003.9, General Safety Precautions, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5003.9 General Safety Precautions. General precautions for the safe storage, handling or care of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Subsections 5003.9.1 through 5003.9.11.
95. Subsection 5003.9, General Safety Precautions, is hereby amended to add a new subsection, to read as follows:
5003.9.11 Manufacturer’s limitations. The storage and use of hazardous materials shall not exceed the manufacturer’s limitations on shelf life and any other restrictions on use.
96. Subsection 5303.5.3, Securing Compressed Gas Containers, Cylinders and Tanks, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5303.5.3 Securing compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling caused by contact, vibration or seismic activity. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be by one (1) of the following methods:
1. Securing containers, cylinders and tanks to a fixed object with one (1) or more restraints. Restraints shall be constructed of approved materials such as metal chains, metal cables or other materials as approved by the Fire Code Official.
2. Securing containers, cylinders and tanks on a cart or other mobile device designed for the movement of compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks.
3. Nesting of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks at container filling or servicing facilities or in seller’s warehouses not accessible to the public. Nesting shall be allowed provided the nested containers, cylinders or tanks, if dislodged, do not obstruct the required means of egress.
4. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks to or within a rack, framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use.
Exception: Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks in the process of examination, filling, transport or servicing.
97. Subsection 5601.1, Scope, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks and small arms ammunition. The indoor use of pyrotechnics in the performing arts in conjunction with theatrical, musical, or similar productions before a proximate audience, performers, or support personnel is hereby prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. The Armed Forces of the United States, Coast Guard, or National Guard.
2. Explosives in forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopeia.
3. The possession, storage and use of small arms ammunition when packaged in accordance with DOT packaging requirements.
4. The possession, storage, and use of not more than one (1) pound (0.454 kg) of commercially manufactured sporting black powder, twenty (20) pounds (9 kg) of smokeless powder and ten thousand (10,000) small arms primers for hand loading of small arms ammunition for personal consumption.
5. The use of explosive materials by federal, state, and local regulatory, law enforcement and fire agencies acting in their official capacities.
6. Special industrial explosive devices which in the aggregate contain less than fifty (50) pounds (23 kg) of explosive materials.
7. The possession, storage and use of blank industrial-power load cartridges when packaged in accordance with DOT packaging regulations.
8. Transportation in accordance with DOT 49 CFR Parts 100–185.
9. Items preempted by federal regulations.
98. Subsection 5601.1.3, Fireworks, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The knowing possession, sale, and/or discharge of all fireworks are prohibited in the City of Renton, as of May 21, 2005.
Exceptions:
Possession, storage, and discharge of fireworks may be authorized by the Fire Code Official or City Council for special events or public displays pursuant to an operational fire code permit or other applicable permit issued in compliance with the Renton Municipal Code and other applicable laws, including but not limited to Part VI and Part VII of Chapter 212-17 WAC, as now or hereafter amended.
99. Subsection 5601.2.4.2, Fireworks display, is hereby amended by changing the title to “Public Display; Insurance Required,” adding a new subsection, and amending to read as follows:
5601.2.4.2 Public Display; Insurance Required. Any applicant shall, at the time of issuance of such license, submit to the City proper evidence of public or commercial general liability and property damage insurance and such applicant shall maintain the insurance in a company or companies approved by the City with amounts as follows: One million dollars ($1,000,000.00) or more for injuries to any one (1) person in one (1) accident or occurrence; two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) or more for injuries to two (2) or more persons in any one (1) accident or occurrence; one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for damage to property in any one (1) accident or occurrence. Such insurance shall not be cancelable except by a forty-five (45) day pre-cancellation notice in writing to the City. Further, the insurance required herein shall be primary insurance as respects the City. Any insurance, self-insurance, or insurance pool coverage maintained by the City shall be in excess of the insurance required herein and shall not contribute with it. The City of Renton will be named as an Additional Insured on a non-contributory primary basis on the liability policy. Renton’s insurance policies shall not be a source for payment of any liability.
5601.2.4.2.1 Pyrotechnic Operator Required. Every City-authorized display of fireworks shall be handled and supervised by a state licensed pyrotechnic operator.
100. Subsection 5601.7, Seizure, is hereby amended by adding new subsections, changing the title to “Seizure/Penalty,” and to read as follows:
5601.7 Seizure/Penalty. The City of Renton may employ any of the following procedures to effectuate the seizure and forfeiture of fireworks declared unlawful under this Section.
5601.7.1 Seizure. The Fire Code Official is authorized to remove or cause to be removed or disposed of in an approved manner, at the expense of the owner, explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, possessed, or used in violation of this Section.
5601.7.1.1 Commencement Of Proceedings. In the event that fireworks are seized by the City or Fire Department, and the owner or person from whom the fireworks were seized or any other person claiming ownership or a right to possess the fireworks, then proceedings for forfeiture shall be deemed commenced by the seizure. Within fifteen (15) days following the seizure, the City or Fire Department shall cause notice to be served on the owner of the fireworks seized, the person in charge thereof, and any person having any known right or interest therein, including any community property interest, of the seizure and intended forfeiture of the fireworks. The notice of seizure may be served by any method authorized by law or court rule including but not limited to service by certified mail with return receipt requested. Service by mail shall be deemed complete upon mailing to the last known address within the fifteen (15) day period.
5601.7.1.2 Forfeiture. If no person notifies the City or Fire Department in writing of the person’s claim of ownership or right to possession of the fireworks within forty-five (45) days from the date notice is served, the item seized shall be deemed forfeited.
5601.7.1.3 Claim of Ownership.
5601.7.1.3.1 If any person notifies the City or Fire Department in writing of the person’s claim of ownership or right to possession of the fireworks within thirty (30) days, the person or persons shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right.
5601.7.1.3.2 If the person claiming ownership or right to possess the fireworks is charged with a criminal offense arising out of the same incident from which the fireworks were seized, the hearing shall be held immediately following the disposition of the criminal matter. In all other cases, the hearing shall be before the Hearing Examiner of the City. A hearing before the Hearing Examiner and any appeal therefrom shall be under title 34 RCW.
5601.7.1.3.3 The burden of producing evidence shall be upon the person claiming to be the lawful owner or the person claiming to have the lawful right to possession of the fireworks. The City or Fire Department shall promptly return the fireworks to the claimant upon a determination by the Hearing Examiner that the claimant is lawfully entitled to possession by a preponderance of the evidence, and as soon as the fireworks are no longer needed as evidence.
5601.7.1.4 Hold as Evidence. Nothing in this Section shall affect the City or Fire Department’s authority to hold any fireworks as evidence for any criminal investigation, prosecution, or appeal.
5601.7.2 Penalty. Any violation of this section related to fireworks classified as “consumer” by RCW 70.77.136, as now or hereinafter amended, shall be punishable as a class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120. Knowing possession, sale, or discharge of fireworks not classified as “consumer” shall be subject to such fines and penalties as set forth in RCW 70.77.488, 70.77.540, and Chapter 212-17 WAC.
101. Subsection 5704.2.11, Underground Tanks, is hereby amended to read as follows:
5704.2.11 Underground Tanks. Underground storage of flammable and combustible liquids in tanks shall comply with Subsection 5704.2 and Subsections 5704.2.11.1 through 5704.2.11.2. Corrosion protection shall comply with WAC 173-360A.
All new underground storage tanks shall conform to the standards as defined in RMC 4-5-120, Underground Storage Tank Secondary Containment Regulations. All provisions of RMC 4-5-120 shall apply to the installation, use, maintenance, and abandonment of underground storage tanks. All unauthorized releases from underground storage tanks shall be reported in conformance with RMC 4-5-120.K, Release Reporting Requirements. Leaking tanks shall be promptly emptied and removed from the ground and abandoned in accordance with Subsection 5704.2.14. All new above-ground and underground tank installations and modifications or additions to existing systems shall be subject to plan review and installation fees as described in the City of Renton Fee Schedule.
102. Subsection 5704.2.11.4, Leak prevention, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
5704.2.11.4.3 Leak Detection System Maintenance and Certification. Leak detection devices and monitoring systems installed in accordance with this subsection shall be inspected and tested at least annually by a qualified third party, and the test results maintained on site for at least one (1) year.
103. Section 5707, On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby not adopted.
104. Appendix B104.2, Area separation, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby adopted and amended to read as follows:
Appendix B104.2 Area separation. Portions of buildings, which are separated by one (1) or more four (4) hour firewalls constructed in accordance with the International Building Code, without openings, and provided with a thirty-inch (30") parapet, are allowed to be considered as separate fire areas. (Ord. 4547, 7-24-1995; Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999; Ord. 5086, 6-21-2004; Ord. 5404, 7-21-2008; Ord. 5556, 10-11-2010; Ord. 5712, 4-14-2014)
105. Appendix B105, Fire-Flow Requirements For Buildings, of the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, is hereby adopted and amended to read as follows:
SECTION B105
FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
B105.1 One- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow and flow duration requirements for one (1)- and two (2)-family dwellings having a fire-flow calculation area that does not exceed three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet (344.5 m2) shall be one thousand (1,000) gallons per minute (3785.4 L/min) for one (1) hour. Fire-flow and flow duration for dwellings having a fire-flow calculation area in excess of three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet (344.5m2) shall not be less than that specified in Table B105.1(2).
Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of fifty percent (50%), as approved, is allowed when the building is equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
B105.2 Buildings other than one (1)- and two (2)-family dwellings. The minimum fire-flow and flow duration for buildings other than one (1)- and two (2)-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table B105.1(2).
Exception: A reduction in required fire-flow of up to fifty percent (50%), as approved, is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Subsections 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire-flow shall not be less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) gallons per minute (5678 L/min) for the prescribed duration as specified in Table B105.1(2). (Ord. 5889, 10-22-2018)
D. FIRE HYDRANTS:
1. Required for Construction: All buildings constructed within the City of Renton shall be served by fire hydrants installed in accordance with the requirements of this Section. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
a. Plans Required Prior to Permit: No building permit shall be issued until plans required under this Chapter have been submitted and approved in accordance with the provisions contained in this Chapter.
b. Installation Timing: No construction beyond the foundation shall be allowed until hydrants and mains are in place, unless approved by the appropriate City authority, following appropriate application and a finding that there is no life or safety threat involved.
c. Upgrade of Existing Hydrants Required: In addition, presently existing fire hydrants which do not conform with the requirements and standards of this Section when replaced shall be replaced with hydrants which do conform to the standards and requirements of this Section. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1985)
2. Fire Hydrant Requirements in Commercial, Business, Industrial and Manufacturing Areas:
a. Installation Required: The owner of any building hereafter constructed or used in the City which building or structure is not located or accessible within one hundred fifty feet (150') of any fire hydrant and such building or structure being located or situated in any area zoned and to be used, or actually used, for any commercial, business, industrial or manufacturing purpose shall, at his or her expense, install or cause to have installed fire hydrant or hydrants together with the necessary pipes, appurtenances and connections in order to connect and hook on said hydrant or hydrants to the City’s existing water supply. It shall be a criminal misdemeanor for any person to own, occupy or use any building or structure as defined in RMC 8-4-24B, C, and D, unless such building or structure is located within one hundred fifty feet (150') of any fire hydrant. (Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999)
b. Number and Location of Hydrants: The number and location of such hydrants shall be in accordance with good fire engineering practice and standards, the size, location, and construction to comply with the rules and regulations in Appendix K of the 2019 Water System Plan Update, adopted by City of Renton Resolution No. 4438 on June 21, 2021, as now or hereinafter amended, and all of such installations to be duly approved by the Fire Department prior to its acceptance thereof by the City.
c. Applicability to Annexed Properties: The aforesaid requirements shall likewise apply to any such building or structure as hereinabove defined which is hereafter annexed to the City. (Ord. 2434, 9-23-1968)
3. Fire Hydrants in Other Areas: The owner or party in control of any building hereafter constructed in or annexed to the City and which said structure or building is used for school, church, rest home, hospital or multiple residential apartments (four (4) individual apartment units or more) or any other place of public assembly, and wheresoever located, shall at his expense install or cause to be installed fire hydrant or hydrants unless adequate and sufficient hydrants are located or accessible within one hundred fifty feet (150') of any such building or structure. The number, location, size and type of such hydrant or hydrants to be installed shall be as specified in RMC 8-4-24B, further reference hereby had thereto, and all of such installation to be approved by the Fire Department. (Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999)
4. Fire Hydrants; Special Locations: In addition to the foregoing requirements, additional hydrant or hydrants may be required or separately required in areas which are being utilized for open storage of flammable products, including flammable liquids, or other areas of special fire hazards with spacing and floor requirements based on the fire protection required in each instance; the number, size, type and location of hydrants for the aforesaid purpose shall be as specified in subsection D2 of this Section and all of such installations to be subject to the approval of the Fire Department.
5. Multiple Uses – Contract: In the event that the installation of any such fire hydrant or hydrants as above set forth, and the connecting system pertaining thereto, should benefit two (2) or more properties then the owners of such benefited properties shall share the cost of such installation in the proportion of the benefits so derived. Whenever an owner is required to install such fire hydrant or fire hydrants under the provision of this Section and which installation will benefit outer properties not owned or controlled by such owner, then in any such case such owner may apply to the City for an agreement under the provisions of the Municipal Water and Sewer Facilities Act known as chapter 35.91 RCW and any such agreement between such owner and the City shall adhere to the requirements of chapter 35.91 RCW and must permit such owner to recover a portion of the cost of such initial installation from other parties in the event of any such future hookup or connection. Such contract shall further provide that the owner of any building or structure subsequently erected shall not be permitted, during the term of the aforesaid contract, to make any hookup or connection to the City’s water system or to any such hydrant until such owner has paid his proportionate fair share of the initial cost of such installation as set forth in said contract. Any such agreement entered into between such owner causing such installation and the City shall be filed for record with the King County Recorder’s office and thereupon such filing shall constitute due notice of the terms and requirements therein specified to all other parties. The City further reserves the right, upon approval of the City Council, to participate in the installation of any oversized water line extensions or additional or extra improvements relative to such installations. (Ord. 2434, 9-23-1968)
6. Fire-Flow Requirements:
a. Basis for and Computation of Fire-Flow Requirement: The fire-flow requirement applied by the Fire Marshal under the provisions of this section shall be based upon criteria established in Appendix B of the International Fire Code as amended, added to, or adopted herein. Appendix B of the International Fire Code is hereby adopted by reference. One copy of that document shall be filed in the City Clerk’s office and be available for use and examination by the public. (Ord. 4327, 8-26-1991; Ord. 5712, 4-14-2014)
b. Unknown Fire-Flow: Where the existing fire-flow is not known or cannot be easily determined, it shall be required of the developer to compute the available fire-flow using standards and criteria set forth in Appendix K of the 2019 Water System Plan Update, adopted by City of Renton Resolution No. 4438 on June 21, 2021, as now or hereinafter amended. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
7. Residential Sprinkling Permitted: When the fire-flow is less than one thousand (1,000) gallons per minute but greater than five hundred (500) gallons per minute, then residential structures shall be permitted to be served by sprinklers unless the Fire Chief has made a written finding that the public safety, health, or welfare will be threatened, stating the factors upon which such finding is based, in which case residential structures shall not be permitted to be constructed at such location. (Ord. 4327, 8-26-1991)
8. Number of Hydrants Required: The number of fire hydrants that shall be required for the new construction or a defined risk shall be based on the amount of fire-flow that is required to protect said risk. The requirement shall be one hydrant per one thousand (1,000) g.p.m. fire-flow. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
9. Location of Hydrants: These fire hydrants shall be located no closer than fifty feet (50') from the structure and no greater than three hundred feet (300'). The primary hydrant shall be not further than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the structure. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
10. Hydrant Accessibility: Hydrants shall not be obstructed by any structure or vegetation, or have the hydrant visibility impaired within a distance of one hundred fifty feet (150') in any direction of vehicular approach to the hydrant. All hydrants are to be accessible to Fire Department pumpers over roads capable of supporting such fire apparatus. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981; Amd. Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
The Fire Marshal shall have discretion to determine the location of the hydrants based upon a review of the location of the existing utilities, topography and the characteristics of the building or structure; minor deviations may be granted by Fire Department approval of written requests. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
11. Design and Installation Requirements: The installation of all fire hydrants shall be in accordance with sound engineering practices. In addition, the following requirements shall apply to all building construction projects:
a. Two (2) copies of detailed plans or drawings, accurately indicating the location of all valves and fire hydrants to be installed shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal prior to the commencement of any construction.
b. All fire hydrants must be approved by the City of Renton, Public Works Department.
c. All construction of the fire hydrant installation and its attendant water system connection shall conform to the design standards and specifications of the City of Renton.
d. Fire hydrant installation shall be adequately protected against vehicular damage in accordance with RMC 4-6-010A.
e. An auxiliary gate valve shall be installed at the main line tee to permit the repair and replacement of the hydrant without disruption of water service.
f. All hydrants shall stand plumb, ±3°, to be set to the finished grade with the bottom flange two inches (2") above ground or curb grade and have no less than thirty-six inches (36") in diameter of clear area about the hydrant for the clearance of hydrant wrenches on both outlets and on the control valve.
g. The port shall face the most likely route of approach and location of the fire truck while pumping; distance from pumper port to street curb shall be no further than twelve feet (12'), all as determined by the Fire Marshal.
h. The lead from the service main to the hydrant shall be no less than six inches (6") in diameter. Any hydrant leads over fifty feet (50') in length from water main in hydrant shall be no less than eight inches (8") in diameter.
i. All hydrants newly installed in single family residential areas shall be supplied by not less than six inch (6") mains, and shall be capable of delivering one thousand (1,000) g.p.m. fire-flow over and above average maximum demands at the farthest point of the installation. Hydrant leads up to fifty feet (50') long may be six inches (6") in diameter.
j. All hydrants shall conform to the latest requirements adopted by the Renton Municipal Code or other provision of law. (Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999)
k. All pipe shall meet City of Renton standards pursuant to RMC 4-6-010A.
l. The maximum distance between fire hydrants in single-family use district zones shall be six hundred feet (600').
m. The maximum distance between fire hydrants in commercial, industrial and apartment (including duplex) use district zones shall be three hundred feet (300').
n. Lateral spacing of fire hydrants shall be predicated on hydrants being located at street intersections.
o. The appropriate water authority and Fire Department shall be notified in writing of the date the fire hydrant installation and its attendant water connection system will be available for use.
p. The Fire Marshal shall be notified when all newly installed hydrants or mains are placed in service.
q. Where fire hydrants are not in service, they shall be identified as being out of service by a method approved by the Fire Marshal. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981)
12. Special Requirements for Buildings More Than Two Hundred Feet (200') from a Street Property Line: The requirements of this Section apply to all building construction projects in which buildings are located or are to be located such that any portion is more than two hundred feet (200') in vehicular travel from a street property line, except detached single-family dwellings:
a. Buildings that have required fire-flows of less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) g.p.m. may have fire hydrants on one side of the building only.
b. When the required fire-flow is over two thousand five hundred (2,500) g.p.m., the fire hydrants shall be served by a main which loops around the building or complex of buildings and reconnects back into a distribution supply main.
c. The number of fire hydrants that shall be required for the new construction or a defined risk shall be based on the amount of fire-flow that is required to protect said risk. The requirement shall be one hydrant per one thousand (1,000) g.p.m. fire-flow. These fire hydrants shall be located no closer than fifty feet (50') from the structure and no greater than three hundred feet (300'). All hydrants are to be accessible to Fire Department pumpers over roads capable of supporting such fire apparatus. The Fire Marshal shall determine the location of the hydrants based upon a determination of utility, topography and building or structure; minor deviations may be granted by Fire Department approval of written requests. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981; Amd. Ord. 4769, 3-8-1999)
13. Water System Requirements for Hydrants: All fire hydrants shall be served by a municipal or quasi-municipal water system, or as otherwise approved by the Fire Marshal. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
14. Service and Testing of Hydrants: All hydrants shall be subject to testing, inspection, and approval by the Fire Department. (Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986)
15. Prohibited Hydrants: The installation of flush type hydrants is prohibited unless approved by the Fire Marshal and such approval shall be given only when permitted fire hydrants would be dangerous or impractical. The showing of such danger or impracticability shall be the burden of the builder. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981)
16. Dead End Mains Prohibited: Provisions shall be made wherever appropriate in any project for looping all dead end or temporarily dead end mains. A minimum fifteen-foot (15') easement shall be required. Construction plans must be approved by the Public Works Department as per this Section and other applicable City regulations prior to commencement of construction. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981)
17. Meter or Detection Required for Private Water or Fire Service: Services for fire protection must be metered or detector checkered at the expense of the owner and fitted with such fixtures only as are needed for fire protection and must be entirely disconnected from those used for other purposes. (Ord. 4441, 2-28-1994)
18. Use for Other Than Fire Protection Prohibited: In no case will any tap be made upon any pipe used for fire service purposes or any tank connected therewith, nor shall the use of any water be permitted through any fire service nor through any pipes, tanks or other fixtures therewith connected for any purposes except the extinguishing of fire on such premises or testing flows for fire control purposes. (Ord. 4441, 2-28-1994)
19. Changes Requiring Increased Fire Protection: Whenever any change in the use, occupancy or construction of any premises or purposes as hereinabove defined require any increased fire and hydrant protection, the owner, owners, or person in charge of such premises shall proceed promptly toward securing adequate protection and all such installation or changes to be completed providing for such increased fire protection, prior to the use or occupancy of such facilities.
20. Violation of This Section and Penalties: Unless otherwise specified, violations of this Section are misdemeanors subject to RMC 1-3-1. Each day upon which a violation occurs or continues constitutes a separate offense. (Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981; Ord. 5159, 10-17-2005; Ord. 5806, 6-20-2016; Ord. 6103, 11-21-2022)