Chapter 15.12
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
Sections:
15.12.050 Section 5704.2 – Flammable and combustible liquids.
15.12.060 Chapter 38 – Liquefied petroleum gases.
15.12.080 New materials, processes, occupancies requiring permit.
15.12.090 Appeal from fire chief’s decision.
15.12.100 Chapter 50 of International Fire Code – Adopted by reference.
15.12.110 Adoption of Section 503 and portions of Appendix D of the International Fire Code.
15.12.120 International Fire Code alarm and detection systems.
15.12.130 Extinguishing systems.
15.12.135 Residential fire sprinklers.
15.12.140 Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire suppression.
15.12.150 Alternative fuel sources.
15.12.155 Manufacture of butane hash oil (BHO) or its equivalent.
15.12.160 Port of Camas/Washougal.
15.12.010 Administrative.
(1) The city of Washougal adopts Washington State’s currently adopted International Fire Code Chapter 51-54 WAC including Appendices B, C, E, F and G as described below together with all future amendments. One copy of the fire code shall be on file at the city of Washougal’s City Hall. The fire code is adopted for the regulation, governing and safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings. As used in this chapter, the term “fire code” shall mean the International Fire Code hereby adopted by this chapter.
(2) Additional Definitions.
(a) Additional Definitions.
(i) Appendix B – Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings.
(ii) Appendix C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution.
(iii) Appendix E – Hazard Categories.
(iv) Appendix F – Hazard Rankings.
(v) Appendix G – Cryogenic Fluids.
(b) Whenever the word “jurisdiction” or “municipality” is used in this chapter (fire code), or in Appendices B, E, F, and G, it shall mean the city of Washougal.
(c) Whenever the words “fire code official” are used in this chapter (fire code) or in the appendices aforementioned, they shall mean the fire chief or their designee.
(d) Whenever the term “corporate counsel” is used in the International Fire Code, it means the city attorney.
(e) “Automatic fire sprinkler systems” means automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in single-family and duplex residences that comply with National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D.
(f) “Model home” means a new residential structure, within a development, that is temporarily used as an office to market residences.
(3) Building Plans – Submitted to Fire Marshal. When the applicant submits plans to the building department of the city for a permit to construct a building of other than single-family or duplex residence use, the applicant shall submit two sets of plans to the fire marshal for approval of fire and life safety requirements as set forth in the International Fire Code and any other such provisions of the Washougal Municipal Code.
(4) For installation or alteration of any of the required construction permits as listed in the fire code. Definitions of occupancies, systems, plans and other items:
(a) “A” occupancies: all churches, community rooms, stadiums, school auditoriums, City Hall, etc.
(b) “B” occupancies: fire stations, police stations, barber shops, banks, beauty shops, animal kennels (pounds or veterinarian clinics), florists, post offices, professional services (law offices, doctor’s offices, dentist offices, etc.), radio stations, etc.
(c) “E” occupancies: all schools and day care facilities (over six persons).
(d) “F” occupancies: manufacturing of machinery, plastic products (not classified as an “H” occupancy).
(e) “H” occupancies: “H” occupancies include buildings or structures that involve the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a high fire, explosion or health hazard.
(f) “I” occupancies: nursing homes, nurseries, mental institutions, jails, prisons, sanitariums, etc.
(g) “M” occupancies: drug stores, markets, sales rooms, shopping centers, department stores.
(h) “R” occupancies: hotels, apartment houses, congregate residences.
(i) “S” occupancies: occupancies that store items not classified as hazardous such as beer, cement, dairy products, dryers, electrical motors, empty cans, glass bottles, gypsum board, meats, metal cabinets or metal furniture, stoves, washers. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exhs. A, B), 2016; Ord. 1740 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008)
15.12.020 Enforcement.
The International Fire Code shall be enforced by the Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 554 § 8, 1975; Ord. 354 § 2, 1967)
15.12.030 Definitions.
Repealed by Ord. 1604. (Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 554 § 9, 1975; Ord. 354 § 3, 1967)
15.12.040 Explosive storage.
The storage, handling, sale, use, and possession of explosives other than fireworks and blasting agents are prohibited.
The manufacturing, storage, handling, sale, use, and possession of fireworks and blasting agents shall be governed by Chapter 70.77 RCW, Chapter 212-12 WAC, and Chapters 9.22 and 15.16 WMC.
Exceptions:
(1) The Armed Forces of the United States, Coast Guard or National Guard.
(2) Explosives in forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopoeia.
(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 pound (0.454 kilograms) of commercially manufactured sporting black powder, 20 pounds (nine kilograms) of smokeless powder and 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 50 pounds (23 kilograms) 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 through 178.
(9) Items preempted by federal regulations.
(10) Permitted storage of black and smokeless powder at the Port of Camas-Washougal Industrial Park. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1046 § 1, 1991; Ord. 554 § 10, 1975; Ord. 354 § 4, 1967)
15.12.050 Section 5704.2 – Flammable and combustible liquids.
(1) The limits referred to in Section 5704.2 of the International Fire Code, in which storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks is prohibited, are established as follows:
It is unlawful to store any Class 1 flammable liquids in aboveground tanks outside buildings within the business district of the city (unless approved by the Fire Marshal), this district being defined as those areas zoned by WMC Title 18. In all other areas the storage of Class 1 flammable liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings shall be not less than 10 feet from the buildings; provided, that this provision shall in no way alter or affect the contents of Section 5704.2.
(2) The limits referred to in Section 5704.2 of the International Fire Code, in which new bulk plants for flammable or combustible liquids are prohibited, are established as follows:
These limits are defined as those areas zoned other than industrial by WMC Title 18. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 554 § 11, 1975; Ord. 354 § 5, 1967)
15.12.060 Chapter 38 – Liquefied petroleum gases.
Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7,570 liters). Exception: in particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the fire code official, after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed LP-gas containers, degree of fire protection to be provided and capabilities of the local fire department. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 554 § 12, 1975; Ord. 354 § 6, 1967)
15.12.070 Modification.
The fire marshal shall have power to modify any of the provisions of the International Fire Code upon application in writing by the owner or lessee, or his duly authorized agent, when there are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the code; provided, that the spirit of the code shall be observed, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. The particulars of such modification when granted or allowed and the decision of the fire marshal thereon shall be entered upon the records of the department and a signed copy shall be furnished the applicant. (Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 554 § 13, 1975; Ord. 354 § 7, 1967)
15.12.080 New materials, processes, occupancies requiring permit.
The mayor, the fire chief and the supervisor of public works shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in the code. The fire marshal shall post such list in a conspicuous place in his office, and distribute copies thereof to interested persons. (Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 354 § 9, 1967)
15.12.090 Appeal from fire chief’s decision.
Whenever the fire chief shall disapprove an application or refuse to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the fire chief pursuant to WMC 18.94.140. (Ord. 1927 § 1, 2020; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 354 § 8, 1967)
15.12.100 Chapter 50 of International Fire Code – Adopted by reference.
(1) Chapter 50 of the International Fire Code entitled “Hazardous Material,” attached to the ordinance codified in this section and incorporated as if set out fully herein, shall be and is adopted prospectively in its entirety. Businesses within the city limits of Washougal utilizing hazardous material shall also have on site the following:
(a) Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. All companies that deal with hazardous materials shall notify the fire department of known hazardous materials as per SARA Title III.
(b) Hazardous Material Management Plan. Every company that deals with hazardous material shall have their own plan in the event of a problem.
(2) The adoption of Chapter 50 shall in no way affect existing operating businesses within the city and the same shall be allowed to continue to operate without change; provided, that in the opinion of the fire marshal, the operation does not constitute a distinct hazard. “Distinct hazard” shall be defined as any operation that endangers the life and/or property of persons. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003; Ord. 900 §§ 1, 2, 1988)
15.12.110 Adoption of Section 503 and portions of Appendix D of the International Fire Code.
(1) Fire Department Access. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained. Police are empowered to enforce no parking in marked fire lanes. A fine of $250.00 is authorized for each violation. See Chapter 3.98 WMC. If the fire lane is completely blocked to the passage of fire apparatus by an unlawfully parked vehicle, the police are additionally empowered to tow said vehicle under the authority of WMC 10.32.030. Cost of towing and storing the vehicle at a safe location will be at the owner’s expense. Unmarked areas within 10 feet of a fire hydrant are automatically considered a fire lane.
(2) 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.
(a) Exception: the fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet where:
(i) 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.
(ii) Fire apparatus access 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.
(iii) There are not more than two group R-3 or group U occupancies.
(3) 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.
(4) High Piled Storage. Fire department access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions.
(5) Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.7 of the IFC.
(6) Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet except for approved security gates in accordance with city of Washougal standards, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet, six inches. Exception: those roads serving less than three residences require only an access road of 12 feet in width.
(7) Grade. Fire apparatus access shall not exceed 12 percent without increased fire protection as determined by the fire chief.
(8) Turning Radius. The inside turning radius and outside turning radius shall be not less than 28 feet and 48 feet respectively, measured from same center point. Exception: those roads serving less than three residences shall be 28 feet and 40 feet respectively.
(9) Dead End Roads. It shall be at the discretion of the fire marshal to require an approved fire department turnaround on dead end roads in excess of 150 feet in length. Cul-de-sacs shall have a diameter of 96 feet.
(10) Multiple Access Roads. Developments of one- and two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30, multiple-family residential projects having more than 100 units and where vehicle congestion, adverse terrain conditions or other factors that could limit access, as determined by the fire code official, shall be provided with not less than two approved means of access. Exceptions may be allowed for approved automatic sprinkler systems.
(11) Surface and Load Capacity. Fire apparatus roads shall be of an all-weather surface that is easily distinguishable from the surrounding area and is capable of supporting not less than 12,500 pound load and 60,000 pound live load. Documentation from a registered engineer that the finished construction is in accordance with the approved plans or the requirements of the fire code may be requested.
(12) Aerial Access. New non-one- and two-family buildings or portions of buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with approved fire apparatus access roads capable of accommodating fire department aerial apparatus. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located within the aerial fire apparatus access roadway. Fire apparatus roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet in the immediate vicinity of any building or portion of building more than 30 feet in height. At least one of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of 30 feet from the building and shall be parallel to one entire side of the building. Note: townhomes are not exempt from this requirement.
(13) Fire Lane Signs. Fire department access roads 20 to 26 feet in width excluding those serving less than three dwellings shall have signage stating “No Parking Fire Lane” posted or striped. Fire apparatus access roads more than 26 feet to 32 feet wide shall be posted on one side of the road as a fire lane. Signage shall be posted every 50 feet or where indicated. The fire chief may lessen this requirement when additional fire protection is provided.
(14) Gates and Other Barriers. Shall comply with the city of Washougal’s engineering standards set forth in 3.20, “Gates and other barriers.”
(15) Bridges. Shall comply with the city of Washougal’s engineering standards set forth in 3.21, “Bridges.”
(16) Driveways. When the furthest portion exceeds 150 feet from an approved fire department access road the fire chief may require additional fire protection features. Driveways shall also comply with the city’s engineering standard 3.19. (Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1525 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003)
15.12.120 International Fire Code alarm and detection systems.
Section 907.2 is added to the city of Washougal fire code as follows:
In addition to the requirements of IFC 907.2 an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in every building in excess of 5,000 square feet hereinafter constructed, except those portions of Group A Division 5 occupancies that are open to the air, Group S Division 2 open car garages, Group R Division 3, and Group U occupancies. Where the building is provided with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system in accordance with Section 903, the requirements of this subsection may be omitted. All buildings required to have a fire alarm system by this code shall be:
(a) Electronically monitored by an approved central proprietary or remote station service or, when approved by the Fire Marshal, by a local alarm which will give an audible signal at a constantly attended location.
(b) Provided with a security key box in accordance with Section 506.1 and commonly keyed as approved by the City of Washougal. Such security key boxes shall contain keys to the building and the fire alarm control panel and shall have the cover of the box connected to a separate zone on the fire alarm panel such that the alarm is activated at any time the cover of the key box is opened.
(Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008; Ord. 1466 § 1, 2003)
15.12.130 Extinguishing systems.
(1) Sprinkler Systems.
(a) Monitoring. Any new or existing system with 20 or more sprinkler heads shall be monitored (see 903.4 IFC).
(b) Fire department connections (FDC) shall be located within 75 feet of a fire hydrant. The connection shall have two locking Knox fire plugs inserted in the opening.
(c) Sprinkler system indication valves for sprinkler systems installed in other than one- or two-family dwellings and small systems consisting of fewer than 100 heads shall be wall or post-indication valves unless the control valves are located in a room with direct access to the exterior of the building within five feet of the sprinkler riser. Where direct access to the building exterior is provided in lieu of wall or post-indication valves, the exterior of the access door shall be clearly labeled with a sign (or other means) consisting of letters not less than six inches in height with a three-fourths-inch stroke on a contrasting background stating “Sprinkler Control Valves.” The room shall be rated at one hour and have the ability of maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees. Such access door shall normally be locked but shall be opened from the outside by placing keys to the locking mechanism in a security box meeting the requirements of Section 506 IFC. Reference 903.3.1.2, Sprinkler System Indication Valves.
(d) Commercial Cooking Systems. UL 300 or equivalent fire extinguishing systems are required in any hood system where grease-laden vapors are produced. Installation shall be within six months of notification to the owner/operator that the current system is deficient.
(2) License Requirements of Fire System Contractors.
(a) Level I. A level I fire protection sprinkler system contractor and their design certificate of competency holder are allowed to do work on the installation and design of sprinkler systems falling under the purview of the National Fire Protection Association [N.F.P.A.] 13-D. This means any single- or dual-family occupancy residential structure and its dedicated underground fire service main. This level of design requires either certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies [N.I.C.E.T.] of at least level II in automatic sprinkler design layout or can be tested by the state.
(b) Level II. A level II fire protection sprinkler system contractor and their design certificate of competency holder are allowed to do work on the installation and design of sprinkler systems falling under the purview of N.F.P.A. 13-D and 13-R. This means any single- or dual-family occupancy residential structure up to and including a four-story structure and its dedicated underground fire service main. This level of design requires the certificate of competency holder to have at least an N.I.C.E.T. level II certification in automatic sprinkler design layout.
(c) Level III. A level III fire protection sprinkler system contractor and their design certificate of competency holder are allowed to do work on the installation and design of sprinkler systems falling under the purview of N.F.P.A. 13-D, 13-R, 13 and/or 24. This means any kind of work on any kind of structure including the dedicated underground fire service main of such structures. This level of design requires the certificate of competency holder to have at least an N.I.C.E.T. level III certification in automatic sprinkler design layout. As this company is licensed to design and install all fire protection sprinkler systems, they are also allowed to perform inspection and testing of water-based fire protection systems. In order to do this, they will be required to have any employee who performs such work certified by this office as an inspection and testing technician, as with the inspection and testing contractors (I&T).
(d) Level U. A level U fire protection sprinkler system contractor and their certificate of competency holder are allowed to do work on only the underground installation of the dedicated fire protection sprinkler system supply main falling under the purview of N.F.P.A. 24. This means any installation of underground work of any kind for any kind of structure.
(e) Level I&T (Inspection and Testing). A level I&T fire protection sprinkler system contractor is not required to have a design professional on staff certified by this office and are allowed to contract for the inspection and testing work of a wet and dry pipe fire protection sprinkler system under the purview of N.F.P.A. 25. Each and every individual who physically performs such inspection and testing work must be certified by this office as competent.
There are two means available to qualify for the inspection and testing technician. WAC 212-80-175 explains the rules and processes. You will need to either provide to this office level II certification from N.I.C.E.T. in inspection and testing of water-based fire protection sprinkler systems or have successfully passed 32 elements identified as necessary to perform this work.
(3) A new subsection is added to Section 907.1.1 to provide as follows:
907.1.3. System Design. Persons experienced in the proper design and application of fire alarm systems shall develop fire alarm system plans and specifications in accordance with this code. Such individuals must be registered fire protection engineers or certified to National Institute for Certification and Engineering Technologies (NICET) Fire Protection—Fire Alarm Level III.
(4) A new subsection is added to Section 907.1.1 to provide as follows:
907.1.4. System Installation, Maintenance, and Testing. Fire alarm systems shall be installed by an electrician properly certified by the State of Washington or under the direct supervision of individuals that have factory training and certification on the system being installed or NICET Fire Protection-Fire Alarm Level II certification. Fire alarm systems shall be maintained and tested in accordance with this code by persons under the direct supervision of individuals that have factory training and certification on the system being maintained or NICET Fire Protection-Fire Alarm Level II certification.
(5) Alternative systems, i.e., commercial kitchen extinguishing systems, overhead fire doors, spray booth extinguishing systems, shall be installed by certified personnel. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008)
15.12.135 Residential fire sprinklers.
The following appendices of the “State Building Code adoption and amendment of the 2015 edition of the International Residential Code” (Chapter 51-51 WAC) are hereby adopted together with all future amendments:
(1) Appendix Q, Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems (WAC 51-51-60105).
(2) Appendix V, Fire Sprinklers (WAC 51-51-60107).
(3) The requirements of this section shall further apply to any new accessory dwelling unit. Provided, however, this section does not require the installation of an approved fire sprinkler system in any mobile home or manufactured home. This exception is limited to this section, and nothing herein exempts a mobile home or manufactured home from any other requirement to install an approved automatic fire sprinkler system under any other section or subsection of this code or of any International Code adopted by the city. (Ord. 1864 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018)
15.12.140 Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire suppression.
(1) IFC 901.6, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance.
Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Non-required fire protection systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed.
(2) IFC 901.6.1, Standards.
Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1.
TABLE 901.6.1
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
|
SYSTEM |
STANDARD |
|---|---|
|
Portable fire extinguishers |
NFPA 10 |
|
Carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system |
NFPA 12 |
|
Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing systems |
NFPA 12A |
|
Dry-chemical extinguishing systems |
NFPA 17 |
|
Wet-chemical extinguishing systems |
NFPA 17A |
|
Water-based fire protection systems |
NFPA 25 |
|
Fire alarm systems |
NFPA 72 |
|
Water-mist systems |
NFPA 750 |
|
Clean-agent extinguishing systems |
NFPA 2001 |
(3) IFC 901.6.2, Records.
Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of three years and shall be copied to the fire code official upon request.
(Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008)
15.12.150 Alternative fuel sources.
Biodiesel production and manufacturing operations shall be limited to the heavy industrial zoning district. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008)
15.12.155 Manufacture of butane hash oil (BHO) or its equivalent.
Butane hash oil production and manufacturing operations shall be limited to the heavy industrial zoning district if allowed by WMC Title 18. (Ord. 1793 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016)
15.12.160 Port of Camas/Washougal.
New construction within the Port of Camas/Washougal that lies within the city of Washougal shall conform to the current adopted fire code. (Ord. 1604 § 1 (Exh. I), 2008)