Arroyo Grande Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 Adoption of California Fire Code

Adoption of California Fire Code. The 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, including, Appendices A, B, BB, C, CC, D, F, H, and I is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Arroyo Grande, except for the following amendments:

Chapter 1 Administration

Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Arroyo Grande, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

Section 103 - Code Compliance Agency

Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows:

103.1 Creation of agency. The Five Cities Fire Authority is hereby created and the official in charge therefore shall be known as the Fire Code Official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

Section 104 - Duties and powers of the Fire Code Official.

Sections 104.10.2-104.10.5 is added to read as follows:

104.10.2 Fire Department personnel and police. The chief of the fire department and other members of the Five Cities Fire Authority designated by the Chief of the fire department have the authority of peace officers or public officers pursuant to California Penal Code sections 830.2(g), 830.7(d) and 836.5(a) in performing their duties under the California Fire Code.

104.10.3 Fire investigation unit. A fire investigation unit is established within the Five Cities Fire Authority under the direction of the Fire Chief. All members of the fire investigation unit shall, upon completion of requirements as set forth in California Penal Code section 832, or any successor legislation, have the full power, authority, and immunity of a California peace officer to issue citations for violations of this Code.

104.10.4 Arrests. In addition to Five Cities Fire Authority personnel, who are assigned as arson investigators pursuant to California Penal Code section 830.37, any other member of the Five Cities Fire Authority shall have the power to arrest, without a warrant, whenever that member has reasonable cause to believe the person to be arrested has committed the crime of misdemeanor or felony arson, as defined in California Penal Code sections 450 et seq. and

California Code of Regulations, Titles 19, 24, and 25, in his/her presence, pursuant to the authority granted by California Penal Code section 836.5.

104.10.5 Citations. The Fire Code Official, or duly authorized agent, is granted the authority as provided in Section 836.5(a) of the California Penal Code to issue citations for violations of this code.

Section 105 - Permits

105.3.3 Occupancy and use prohibited before approval. The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the fire code official issuing a permit and conducting associated inspections indicating that applicable provisions of this code have been met. No appliance, device, equipment, or system shall be operated or used until the installation has been approved and permitted by the Fire Code Official and all applicable provisions of this code have been met. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant or contractor or both to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes.

Section 113 - Violations

Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows:

113.4 Violation penalties. Person 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 the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars $1,000.00, or by imprisonment not exceeding three hundred sixty five (365) calendar days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day a violation continues, after due notice has been served, shall be deemed a separate offense.

Section 113.5 is added to read as follows:

113.3.5. Citations. The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal and Battalion Chiefs are each authorized to issue a citation to any person operating or maintaining an occupancy or a premises or vehicle subject to this code, and who allow a hazard to exist or fail to take immediate action to abate a hazard on such occupancy, premises or vehicle when ordered or notified to do so by any of those officials.

Chapter 4 Emergency Planning

Section 405 - Emergency Evacuation Drills

Section 405.8 is amended to read as follows:

405.8 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system. Prior to initiating an alarm, the person initiating the alarm shall contact the fire alarm monitoring company and advise the company's dispatcher of the fire drill. In cases where the fire alarm system is not monitored by a central station, notification shall be provided to the fire department dispatch center.

Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

Section 503 - Fire Apparatus Access Roads

Section 503.3 is amended to read as follows:

503.3 Marking. Fire lanes and fire apparatus access roads shall be identified by curbs painted red on both the top and face along the entire length of the fire lane or fire apparatus access road, as applicable. Where no curb exists or a rolled curb is installed, an eight-inch wide red (OSHA safety red) strip or approved posted signs applied the full length of the fire lane or fire apparatus access road, as applicable, shall be installed. "FIRE LANE - NO PARKING" shall be painted on top of curb in 3" white lettering at a spacing of 25 feet on center or portion thereof.

Exception: On school grounds, the markings to be implemented shall be as approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

Section 503.4.2 is added to read as follows:

503.4.2 Removal of Obstructions. The Fire Code Official shall have the power and authority to remove or cause to be removed, without notice, any vehicle, vessel, or thing parked or placed in violation of any or all sections of this code. The owner of any item so removed shall be responsible for all charges connected therewith.

Section 503.6 - Security Gates

Sections 503.6.1-503.6.4 is added to read as follows;

503.6.1 Electrically operated gates. Any electrically operated gate which is installed across any required fire access road or fire lane shall have a Knox brand access switch installed which will open the gate. The switch (with dust cover) shall be installed so it will open the gate, and the gate will remain in the open position until re-set by fire department personnel. The key switch shall be placed between 42" and 48" above the roadway surface at the left side of the access gate unless otherwise allowed by the fire code official. The key switch shall be clearly labeled "FIRE DEPT". The gate shall have a manual means of opening in the event of a power failure and shall be accessible from the exterior of the property.

503.6.2 Click to Enter Remotely Operated Gates. For electrically operated gates, a radio-controlled system "Click to Enter" may be required in addition to the Knox key switch. A gate serving an individual single-family residence or duplex is exempt from this requirement.

503.6.3 Exiting. If there is no sensing device that will automatically open the gates for exiting, then a Knox brand electrical override switch (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) shall be placed on each side of the gate in approved locations.

503.6.4 Manually operated gates. Each manually operated gate which is installed across any required fire access road or fire lane and which is locked shall have a Knox brand (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) padlock installed. The Knox padlock (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) shall be integrated with any other lock in such a manner as to allow the gate to be opened only by unlocking the Knox padlock (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief).

Section 505 - Premises Identification

Section 505.1 is amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high for single family residential buildings and 8 inches (203.2 mm) for R-1, R-2 and non-residential buildings, with a minimum stroke of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), unless otherwise required to be greater in height or of reflective material as determined by the fire code official during the jurisdiction's development review process for a specific project. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved 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 other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

Section 505.1.1 is added to read as follows:

505.1.1 Directories. When required by the Fire Code Official, complexes with multiple buildings may be required to provide directories, premises maps and directional signs. The scale, design and location of directory signs shall be approved by the Fire Code Official and may be required to be illuminated.

Section 506 - Key Boxes

Section 506.1 is amended to read as follows:

506.1 Knox Box. All new commercial occupancies shall have a Knox brand key box (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) installed as directed by the fire code official. Existing commercial occupancies shall install a Knox brand key box (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief), as directed by the fire code official when a building permit is obtained for any work. The key box shall contain keys which will allow the fire department access to all portions of the building. The keys shall have a tag affixed identifying their purpose. The nominal height of key box installations shall be five (5) feet above grade.

Section 506.3 is added to read as follows:

506.3 Electronic Controlled Gates. A final field inspection, by the Fire Code Official or an authorized representative, is required before electronic Knox (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief) controlled gates may become operative. Prior to final inspection, electronic gates shall remain in a locked open position.

Section 507 - Fire Protection Water Supplies

507.5.7 Fire Department Connection. All newly installed fire department connections will be required to install Knox brand FDC caps (or substantially similar as determined by the Fire Chief). This also includes existing businesses that perform work to the structure that requires a building permit or any tenant improvement.

Chapter 6 - Building Services and Systems

Section 605 - Fuel Fired Appliances

Section 605.8 is amended to read as follows:

605.8 Gas meters. Above-ground gas meters, regulators and piping subject to damage shall be protected by a barrier complying with Section 312 or otherwise protected in an approved manner. Gas meters shall be permanently marked identifying the building or system served.

Chapter 9 - Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

Sections 903.2 through 903.2.11.3 of the 2025 California Fire Code shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Section 903.2. Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in the following locations:

1. In all new buildings and structures that exceed 1,000 square feet.

2. In additions or alterations for all buildings or structures as follows:

a. Throughout structures where additions add more than 50% to the existing square footage, and results in a total square footage equal or greater than 1,000 square feet. Modifications that require addition of an automatic sprinkler system shall include removal, combining or rearrangement of demising or tenant space walls to create a single occupancy or tenant space of 1000 square feet or greater or changes in occupancy or use when the change of occupancy or use results in a requirement for an automatic sprinkler system as specified in Section 903, including, but not limited to, increased occupant load, multiple fire areas, use of hazardous materials and other increased hazards.

b. Throughout structures where alterations remove more than 50% of the exterior walls and/or remove more than 50% of the roof framing, and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

c. Throughout structures where additions and alterations combined encompass more than 50% of the existing square footage of the structure and are in excess of 1,000 square feet.

d. Where there is a change of occupancy to a more hazardous use as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief based on Table 903.2.1.

Table 903.2.1 Hazard Categories

e. These requirements will be applicable to the combined square footage of all building permits issued for the address or site within the last five years.

[Intervening sections 903.2.1 to 903.2.8 intentionally deleted.]

903.2.8.1 Group R-3.

An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3, including Section

903.3.1.3 for Group R-3, shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area including all Manufactured, Modular or Mobile single family or Multifamily Homes or sleeping units.

[Intervening sections 903.2.8.2 to 903.2.9.4 intentionally deleted.]

903.2.10 Group S-2 parking garages

2. Where the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, is located beneath other groups.

Section 907 - Fire Alarm and Detection Systems.

907.3.1 Duct smoke detectors. Smoke detectors installed in ducts shall be listed for the air velocity, temperature and humidity present in the duct. Duct smoke detectors shall be connected to the building's fire alarm control unit when a fire alarm system is installed. Activation of a duct smoke detector shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location and shall perform the intended fire safety function in accordance with this code and the California Mechanical Code. Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute for required open area detection. The reset switch for the duct detectors shall be in an accessible location acceptable to the fire code official. A copy of the alarm system plan shall be accessible at the alarm panel indicating the location of the duct smoke detectors that correspond with the alarm fault activation name or number.

Exception:

1. In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, actuation of a smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in an approved location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible signal in an approved location and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble.

Section 912 - Fire Department Connections.

Section 912.2.1 is amended as follows:

912.2.1 Visible locations. Fire department connections shall be located on the front access side of buildings, fully visible and recognizable from the street, or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee fire code official. The location of fire department connections shall be approved and installed as follows:

1. Within 40 feet from an approved roadway or driveway and arranged so that hose lines can be readily attached to the inlets without interference from any nearby objects including buildings, fences, posts, plantings, or other fire department connections or otherwise approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

2. Within 50 feet from an approved hydrant.

3. Inlet height shall not be less than 18 inches or more than 48 inches above grade.

4. Guard posts or other approved means shall be required to protect fire department inlet connections from vehicular damage. Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads.

Appendix D Section D107.1 - Exception 1 shall be deleted in its entirety. Appendix D Section D109 and D109.1-D109.2 are added to read as follows:

SECTION D109 - DRIVEWAYS

D109.1 Driveways less than 150 feet in length. A driveway that serves one- or two-family residential (occupancy type R-3) up to 5 dwellings shall comply with all of the following:

1. Minimum 12 feet wide driveway.

2. Driveways with a grade of 12% or less shall be paved or approved all weather road base.

3. Driveways with a grade greater than 12% shall be approved paved non-skid surface.

4. Driveways cannot exceed 20% grade.

D109.2 Driveways that exceed 150 feet in length. A driveway that serves one or two family residential (occupancy type R-3) up to 5 dwellings shall comply with all of the following:

1. Minimum 16 feet wide driveway.

Exception: The driveway can be reduced to 12 feet wide with the installation of a Dry Standpipe as per Five Cities Fire Authority standards.

2. Driveways with a grade of 12% or less shall be an approved paved surface.

3. Driveways with a grade greater than 12% shall be approved paved non-skid surface.

4. Driveways cannot exceed 20% grade.

5. Driveway requires a Fire Department turnaround as per Five Cities Fire Authority standards.

6. Driveways in excess of 200 feet shall be provided with turnouts in addition to turnarounds. Turnouts shall be an all-weather road surface not less than 30 feet long and 10 feet wide.

(Ord. 594 § 2, 2007: Ord. 534 § 1, 2002: prior code § 4-2.01)

(Ord. No. 627, § 3, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 657, § 3, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 3, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. 710, § 2, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 721, § 16, 1-24-2023; Ord. No. 2025-011, § 13, 11-25-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-011, § 13, adopted Nov. 25, 2025, repealed the following sections:

Sec. 8.04.016, which pertained to Section [A] 112.4 amended: Violation penalties and derived from Ord. No. 627, § 5, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 657, § 4, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 4, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. 710, § 3, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 721, § 16, 1-24-2023;

Sec. 8.04.018, which pertained to Section [A] 113.4 amended: Failure to comply and derived from Ord. No. 627, § 6, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 657, § 5, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 5, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. 710, § 4, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 721, § 16, 1-24-2023;

Sec. 8.04.020, which pertained to Section 903.2 amended—Automatic sprinkler systems and derived from Ord. 594 § 4, Exh. B, adopted 2007; Ord. No. 627, § 7, adopted Dec. 14, 2010 Ord. No. 657, § 6, adopted Oct. 8, 2013; Ord. No. 679, § 6, adopted Oct. 25, 2016; Ord. No. 710, § 5, adopted Nov. 24, 2020; Ord. No. 721, § 16, adopted Jan. 24, 2023; and

Sec. 8.04.022, which pertained to Appendix D 2022 California Fire Code Section D107.1 and derived from Ord. No. 627, § 8, adopted Dec. 14, 2010; Ord. No. 657, § 7, adopted Oct. 8, 2013; Ord. No. 679, § 7, adopted Oct. 25, 2016; Ord. No. 710, § 6, adopted Nov. 24, 2020; Ord. No. 721, § 16, adopted Jan. 24, 2023.

The California Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code, with amendments set forth in this division shall be enforced by the Five Cities Fire Authority, which shall be operated under the fire chief of the Five Cities Fire Authority. The fire chief of the Five Cities Fire Authority may designate qualified individuals as inspectors as shall be necessary from time to time.

(Ord. No. 627, § 9, 12-14-2010)

A. Whenever the word "jurisdiction" is used in the California Fire Code or in this chapter, it shall mean the city of Arroyo Grande.

B. Wherever the term "city council" is used in the California Fire Code or in this chapter, it shall mean the city council of the city of Arroyo Grande.

(Ord. No. 627, § 10, 12-14-2010; Ord. No. 657, § 8, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 8, 10-25-2016)

A. All references within the code to the International Code, as adopted by Section 15.04.010(J), shall read: California Code.

B. The following section of the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

Section 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 the person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than triple the amount charged for the original permit fee(s) or $1,000 provided, however, that the maximum fine shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

(Ord. No. 627, § 11, 12-15-2010; Ord. No. 657, § 10, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 9, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. 710, § 7, 11-24-2020)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 679, § 9, adopted Oct. 25, 2016, changed the title of § 8.04.028 from "Amendments—2012 International Property Maintenance Code" to read as herein set out.

Section 103.5 of the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, entitled "Fees," is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

103.5 Fees. The fees for activities and services performed by this department in carrying out its responsibilities under this code shall be set and amended from time to time by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 594 § 5, Exh. C, 2007; Ord. No. 657, § 11, 10-8-2013; Ord. No. 679, § 10, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. 710, § 8, 11-24-2020)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 679, § 11, adopted Oct. 25, 2016, repealed § 8.04.032, which pertained to sky lanterns and derived from Ord. No. 657, § 9, adopted Oct. 8, 2013.

Where an emergency situation is caused or exacerbated by a willful act, a negligent act, or a violation of the fire code, building code, or any other applicable law, ordinance or regulation, the cost of emergency service to mitigate and secure any emergency that is within the responsibility of the fire chief is a charge against the person who caused the emergency or who caused the circumstances leading to the creation of the emergency, and such person shall be liable for the costs of such services. Damages and expenses incurred by any public agency providing emergency services or mutual aid shall constitute a debt of such person and shall be collectible by the fire chief for proper distribution in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under contract expressed or implied. Costs and expenses as stated above shall include, but not be limited to, equipment and personnel committed and any payments required by the public agency to outside business firms requested by the public agency to mitigate or secure the emergency, monitor remediation, and clean up.

(Ord. 594 § 6, Exh. D, 2007)

(Ord. No. 627, § 12, 12-14-2010)