Chapter 18.05
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
Sections:
18.05.010 Amendments to the International Fire Code.
18.05.010 Amendments to the International Fire Code.
The 2021 Washington State Fire Code (Chapter 51-54A WAC), with amendments, is hereby adopted, with appendices, amendments and additions, and incorporated into the city of Shelton’s construction administrative code.
Chapter 1
Administration
Subsection 101.1 is amended as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code for the City of Shelton, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
Subsection 101.2.1 is amended as follows:
101.2.1 Appendices. The following appendices of the 2021 IFC are hereby adopted in this code:
Appendix B: Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings.
Appendix C: Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution.
Appendix D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads.
Appendix E: Hazard Categories.
Appendix F: Hazard Ranking.
Appendix G: Cryogenic Fluids Weight and Volume Equivalents.
Appendix H: Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions.
Appendix I: Fire Protection Systems Noncompliant Conditions.
Section 102
Applicability
Subsection 102.3.1, Changes in Character of Occupancy, is hereby added as a new subsection to Section 102 Applicability, as follows:
102.3.1 Changes in Character of Occupancy. Changes made in the character of an occupancy or the use of any building that would place the building in a different division of the same occupancy or in a different occupancy shall be approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal.
Section 103
Department of Fire Prevention
Subsection 103.2, Appointment, is hereby amended as follows:
103.2 Appointment. The City of Shelton hereby contracts with Mason County Fire Protection District 5, doing business as Central Mason Fire & EMS, hereinafter referred to as (CMFE), for enforcement and administration of this chapter. The City of Shelton may also authorize CMFE or its designee to retain all permitting and/or inspection fees related to the administration of this ordinance.
Section 104
General Authority and Responsibilities
Subsection 104.2.1, Construction Plan Review, is hereby added as a new subsection to Section 104, General Authority and Responsibilities, as follows:
104.2.1 Construction Plan Review. Plans shall be submitted to and approved by the Fire Marshal and/or CMFE for all new commercial building, residential construction, or land development prior to the issuance of any approvals or permits or commencement of development or construction.
Subsections 104.11, Fire Investigations, and 104.11.1, Assistance From Other Agencies, are hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
104.11 Fire Investigations. The Fire Marshal and CMFE are authorized to investigate the origin, cause and circumstances of fires occurring within the City of Shelton that involve loss of life, injury to person(s), destruction or damage to property. If it appears to the fire investigator that such fire is of suspicious or incendiary nature, the investigator shall immediately take charge of all physical evidence relating to the cause of the fire and shall notify the Shelton Police Department. The Fire Marshal and CMFE are also authorized to investigate the origin, cause, and circumstances of any explosion or unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.
104.11.1 Assistance from other agencies. The Shelton Police Department and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of fires when requested to do so by the Fire Marshal or CMFE.
104.13 Standards. The Fire Marshal and CMFE may adopt Standards as needed to detail specific requirements of this code.
Section 111
Board of Appeals
Subsection, 111.1, Board of Appeals, established is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
111.1 Board of Appeals. The hearing examiner shall hear appeals based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the code do not fully apply, or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The hearing examiner shall not have the authority to waive requirements of the adopted code. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeal fee, as established by the city, be filed with the City of Shelton community and economic development department within ten days of the decisions, and the written appeal shall contain the information in SMC Section 17.08.028.
111.2 Limitations on Authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or any equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The Hearing Examiner shall not have authority to waive the requirements of this code or interpret the administration of this code.
Section 112
Violations
Subsection 112.4, Violation penalties, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
112.4 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 processed in accordance with the provisions of SMC Chapter 17.08.
Section 113
Stop Work Order
Subsection 113.4, Failure to comply, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
113.4 Failure to Comply. Any person who willfully violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or resists the enforcement of this title or its provisions shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to criminal penalties as prescribed in Section 17.08.010.
Section 201
General
Subsection 201.5, CMFE Fire Marshal and the Fire Chief of CMFE, is hereby added as a new subsection to Section 201, General, as follows:
201.5 CMFE Fire Marshal and the Fire Chief of CMFE. Unless specifically mentioned to the contrary, all references to the chief, chief of the department, chief engineer, fire code official or fire marshal shall mean the CMFE Fire Marshal or the Fire Chief of CMFE or designee. Unless specifically mentioned to the contrary, all references to the fire department, department of fire prevention or fire prevention bureau shall mean the CMFE Fire Prevention Division or CMFE.
Section 307
Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Subsection 307.1.1, Prohibited Open Burning, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
307.1.1 Prohibited Open Burning. Open burning shall be prohibited in the City of Shelton by Chapter 173-425 WAC, as regulated by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA).
Section 308
Open Flames
Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. One- and two-family dwellings.
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
3. LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 1/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity].
Section 319
Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles
Subsection 319.11, Operational Requirements, is hereby added by including the text, as follows:
319.11 Operational Requirements. Any vendor engaging in mobile food vending shall comply with the following requirements:
319.11.1. Blocking Emergency Access. Units shall not be parked, situated, or operated in a manner that restricts or blocks emergency vehicle access roadways, access to fire hydrants or fire protection equipment.
319.11.2. Distance from Structures. Mobile food vending units shall have a minimum clearance of 10 feet from other vending units, buildings, structures, and combustible structures.
319.11.3. Distance from Hydrants and FDCs. Mobile food vending units shall have a minimum clearance of 15 feet from fire hydrants, Fire Department Connections and Post indicator Valves.
319.11.4. Fuel Source. When a fuel source other than LPG is used, it shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Fire Code and any other applicable code. Use of fuels other than LPG shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Marshal and CMFE.
319.11.5. Solid Fuels. Solid fuel shall not be stored within 3 feet of any heat producing device, cooking appliance, vent, flammable liquids, or ignition sources. Ash, cinders, and other fire debris shall be removed from the firebox or cooking appliance at regular intervals and shall be placed in a closed metal container at least 3 feet from cooking appliances and combustibles.
Section 401
General
Subsection 401.9, Site and building as-built plans for pre-planning, is hereby added by including the text, as follows:
Site and building as-builts plans for pre-planning. Where required by the fire code, official as-built site and building plans shall be submitted for use of pre-planning for the Fire Departments and Law Enforcement. The plans shall specifically call out the following when applicable:
1. Building Plans
a. Elevator Location
b. Fire Alarm Panel and Annunciator
c. Sprinkler Riser
d. Knox Box
e. Electrical breaker panels
f. Fire Walls
g. Rooms numbers
h. Standpipe Connection Locations
i. Fire Department Connection
j. Roof Access
k. Building Dimensions
2. Site Plan
a. Fire Access Roads
b. Fire Hydrants
c. Post Indicator Valve
d. Fire Department Connection
Section 403
Emergency Preparedness Requirements
Subsection 403.5.5, Prior Awareness of Drills, is hereby added to Section 403.5, Group E Occupancies, as follows:
403.5.5 Prior Awareness of Drills. Administrators are the only ones to have prior knowledge of a fire drill.
Exception: The first fire drill of the year.
Section 503
Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Section 503 is hereby adopted as follows:
503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet where any of the following conditions occur:
1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
1.2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
1.3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.
503.1.2 Additional Access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.
503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet, exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require a permit modification to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the fire code official.
503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.
503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO- HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, approved barriers approved signs, or both shall be installed and maintained where required by the fire code official.
503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall not be more than 10 percent grade.
Exception: Grades steeper than 10 percent as approved by the fire code official.
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department’s apparatus.
503.3 Marking. Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked whenever necessary to maintain the unobstructed minimum required width of roadways, as determined by the fire code official. Subject to the Fire Code Official’s prior written approval, marked fire apparatus access roads, or “fire lanes” as defined in section 502.1 of the code, may be established or relocated at the time of plan review, pre-construction site inspection, and/or post construction site inspection as well as any time during the lift of the occupancy. One those fire apparatus access roads established by the Fire Code Official can utilize red marking paint and the term “Fire Lane.” Once a fire lane is established it shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times or repair/replaced to maintain visibility. Fire lanes shall be marked as directed by the Fire Code Official with one or more of the following types of marking:
Type 1. The following shall apply to Type 1 marking:
Curbs shall be identified by red traffic paint with a 6-inch-wide stripe on the top and front, extending the length of the designated fire lane.
Rolled curbs shall be identified by red traffic paint with a 6-inch-wide stripe on the curb, extending the length of the designated fire lane.
Lanes without curbs shall be identified by red traffic paint with a 6-inch-wide stripe on the pavement, extending the length of the designated fire lane.
The words “Fire Lane – No Parking” shall be in 1 inch stroke white letters 6 inches in height and placed on the curb.
Type 2. The following shall apply to Type 2 Marking:
In addition to the requirements for Type 1 marking, Type 2 marking shall also include the addition of metal signs in accordance with Section D103.6 of the 2021 International Fire Code.
Type 3. The following shall apply to Type 3 marking:
Where required by the fire code official, specific areas shall be designated, and those areas are to be marked with diagonal striping across the width of the fire lane. Diagonal marking shall be used in conjunction with painted curbs and/or edge striping and shall run at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees from one side to the other. These diagonal lines shall be in red traffic paint, parallel with each other, at least 6 inches in width, and 24 inches apart. Lettering shall occur as with Type 1 marking.
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.
503.8 Alternative materials and methods. The Fire code official may modify, on a case-by-case basis, any of the marking provisions in this subsection 503.3 where practical difficulties exist. Modification requests shall be submitted in writing to the Fire Code Official setting forth a suggested alternative.
Section 505
Address Identification
Section 505.1, Address Identification, is amended by revising the text, as follows:
505.1 New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and paced in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letter. Number shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12.77mm) on residential structures and 12 inches (305mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12,7mm) on commercial structures. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
Exception: Fire code official determines that the current address identification is readily visible from the roadway.
Section 506
Key Boxes
Subsection 506.1, Where required, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
506.1 Where required. All buildings and structures with an automatic fire alarm system or a gas detection system must provide an approved key box. Two complete sets of access keys for all rooms and spaces in the building, fire alarm control panel, elevator and sprinkler system control valves shall be separately identified and placed in the security key box. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one key box to be located on the Knox box depending on lay out, and fire access roads.
Subsection 506.1.1, Gates—Security Key Boxes, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
506.1.1 Gates Security Key Boxes. Gate access devices and padlocks required by Sections 503.5-503.7 and this section shall be of a type and a common key as approved by the Fire Marshal and CMFE, such boxes shall be located immediately adjacent to the gate in a location that is readily visible and accessible from either side of the gate.
506.1.1.1 Manual Gate. Manual gates shall be provided with a Knox Padlock or other means of emergency access as approved by the fire code official.
506.1.1.2 Electronic or Motorized Gates. Electronic or Motorized gates shall be provided with a Knox Gate Key Switch installed per manufactures specifications by a licensed professional.
Section 507
Fire Protection Water Supplies
Subsection 507.3, Fire Flow, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
507.3 Fire Flow. Fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of building and facilities shall be determined by Appendix B of this code.
Exceptions:
1. Fire flow is not required for structures under 500 square feet with a B, U, R-1 occupancy where structures are at least 30 feet from any other structure and are used only for recreation.
2. In rural and suburban areas in which adequate and reliable water supply systems do not exit, the fire code official is authorized to utilize NFPA 1142 or the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
507.5 Where Required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 400 feet (122 m) 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 Appendix C of this code.
Exceptions:
1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet (183 m).
Section 903
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Subsection 903.3.1.1.3, Underground Main Valves, is hereby added, as follows:
903.3.1.1.3 Underground Main Valves. Underground main valves supplying water for automatic sprinkler systems must be of a Post Indicator type located outside of the collapse zone of the structure whenever practical, as determined by the fire code official.
Section 5601
General
Subsection 5601.2.3.1, Manufacture Prohibited, is hereby added as a subsection to section 5601, General, as follows:
5601.2.3.1 Manufacture Prohibited. The Manufacture of explosives or explosive material shall be prohibited within the City of Shelton.
Section 5704
Storage
Subsection 5704.2.9.6.1, Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited, is hereby amended by revising the text and by adding two exemptions as enumerated by the numbers 1 and 2, as follows:
5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. The Storage of Class I and Class II liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the City of Shelton.
Exceptions:
1. Aboveground storage of motor fuels for dispensing into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles and boats at a marina shall be in accordance with Section 2310.
2. Storage as authorized by Section 5706.2., Storage and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids on farms and construction sites.
Section 5806
Limitations
Subsection 5806.2, Limitations, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
5806.2 Limitations. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings in the City of Shelton is prohibited within the city Limits, except as approved by the Fire Marshal.
Section 6104
Location of Containers
Subsection 6104.2, Maximum capacity within established limits, is hereby amended by revising the text, as follows:
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas within the City of Shelton, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 L).
Appendix D—Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Grade
Subsection D103.2, Grade, is hereby amended by adding the text, as follows:
D103.2 Grade. Fire Apparatus Access Roads shall not exceed 10 percent grade.
Exceptions.
1. Fire Apparatus access roads to access 4 or less one- or two-family dwelling units shall not exceed 15 percent if any of the following are correct.
a. All buildings accessed from the fire access road are protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903 of this code.
2. As Approved by Fire Code Official.
(Ord. 2003-0523 § 1, 2024; Ord. 1988-0522 § 1, 2022)