Bell Municipal Code Ch. 8.16 Fire Code

A. The California Fire Code, 2016 Edition, as amended by the County of Los Angeles, otherwise known as the 2017 County of Los Angeles Fire Code, based on the 2015 International Fire Code as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted by reference as the fire code for the City of Bell. The adoption of the fire code is necessary so as to provide regulations consistent with nationally recognized standards safeguarding life, health, property in the city from the hazards of fire, explosion and related casualty. Said code is expressly incorporated herein as if, for all intents and purposes, fully set forth in this chapter. This adoption by reference shall include any subsequent amendments.

B. A copy of said code are in the office of the city clerk for public record and inspection.

C. If there is any inconsistency between any provisions of these codes and other provisions of this municipal code, each provision shall be construed so as to supplement the other. In the event any apparently conflicting or inconsistent provisions may not reasonably be so construed, the city's community development director shall determine which provision shall prevail.

(Ord. 948; Ord. 1212 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1219 § 11, 2017)

The provisions of the fire code shall apply to existing conditions as well as to conditions arising after its adoption, except that conditions legally in existence at the adoption of fire code but not in compliance therewith shall be permitted to continue if, in the opinion of the fire chief, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.

(Ord. 948)

Whenever the fire chief determines that a hazard, as described in Section 8.16.020 of this chapter, exists, the chief shall, in writing, advise the affected property owner of such determination, which notice shall contain a reference to the provisions of Section 8.16.040 of this code.

(Ord. 948)

Any decision of the fire chief made pursuant to the provisions of the fire code or this chapter, shall be final and conclusive on the twentieth (20th) day following the chief giving notice of such decision to the person or persons affected thereby. If within the 20 day period any affected person is dissatisfied with such determination or interpretation by the chief, that person may appeal such decision in writing to the city council. Such appeal shall be perfected by filing the same with the city clerk prior to the chief's determination becoming final. There shall be paid contemporaneously with the filing of such an appeal a filing and processing fee in an amount set by resolution of the city council. No appeal shall be valid for any purpose unless the same is timely filed, and unless the required filing and processing fee is timely paid. Upon receipt of such an appeal, the city clerk shall give the appealing party at least five days' written notice of the time and place of the council hearing thereon. At the time of the hearing the city council shall review the chief's determination, in light of the relevant evidence presented, and shall, based thereon, issue an order resolving the dispute. Such determination shall be final and conclusive.

(Ord. 948)

The following modifications are made in the fire code as adopted by Section 8.16.010 of this code.

A. Amendment Section 10.207. The numbered paragraph (2) of the exception paragraph set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 10.207 of the Uniform Fire Code 1985 Edition, as adopted by the County of Los Angeles fire code is amended to read as follows:

When there are not more than two Group R, Division 3 or Ground M occupancies, the requirements of this Section shall not be applicable.

B. Deletion of Article 78. Article 78 entitled "Fireworks," of the Los Angeles County fire code is deleted and in lieu thereof, the Bell zoning regulations, the rules and regulations of the State Fire Marshal's Office and the provisions of Title 19, California Administrative Code, shall govern the manufacture of fireworks. The sale of fireworks shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 8.20 of this code.

(Ord. 948)

Whenever the fire code adopted by Section 8.16.010 of this chapter refers to any other uniform code adopted pursuant to the provisions of this code, the interpretation, administration and enforcement of such provisions shall be the responsibility of the building official.

(Ord. 948)

A. No person shall commit any act contrary to or in violation of any provision of the Fire Code, as adopted by this chapter, including other codes duly adopted by this chapter.

B. A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction pursuant to Section 1.16.010 of this code or punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 1.16.010 of this code.

(Ord. 1219 § 12, 2017)