Del Mar Municipal Code Ch. 10.04 2025 Fire Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 956, § 3—9, adopted November 18, 2019, amended Chapter 10.04 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Formerly, Chapter 10.04, §§ 10.04.010—10.04.120 pertained to the 2016 Fire Code, and derived from Ord. No. 360; Ord. No. 506; Ord. No. 538; Ord. No. 593; Ord. No. 674; Ord. No. 775; Ord. No. 808; Ord. No. 812; Ord. No. 854; Ord. No. 891, and Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), adopted November 21, 2016.

That a certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of the City of Del Mar Fire Department being marked and designated as the 2024 International Fire Code and 2025 California Fire Code, including Appendix B and I, and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, as published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted as the fire code of the City of Del Mar, State of California, regulating and governing the 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 and premises, or construction, erection, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment use, and maintenance of buildings and structures, including that providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefore; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Fire Code on file in the City of Del Mar Fire Department are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this Chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and revisions, if any, prescribed in this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 3, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 993, § 3, 10-17-2022; Ord. No. 1023, § 2, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

On June 16, 2025, the City of Del Mar adopted the Del Mar Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map (FHSZ Map). A copy of the map is on file with the City Clerk.

(Ord. No. 1019, § 2, 6-16-2025)

A. The California Fire Code as adopted and amended herein shall be enforced by the Fire Prevention Bureau in the Fire Department in the City of Del Mar which is hereby established and shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department.

B. The Fire Marshal in charge of the Fire Prevention Bureau shall be appointed by the Chief of the Fire Department on the basis of examination to determine his or her qualifications.

C. The Chief of the Fire Department may detail such members of the Fire Department as inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016)

Chapter 2 - Definitions

Section 202 - General Definitions. This section is added or revised to read:

Fire Hazard - is any condition or conduct which: (a) increases or may increase the threat of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire, or (b) may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of the Fire Department or egress of occupants in the event of fire.

Fireworks - is any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or device prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and shall include blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives are used, firecrackers, torpedoes, sky-rockets, roman candles, Daygo bombs, sparklers, snap caps, poppers or other devices of like construction and any devices containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablet or other device containing any explosive substance, except that the term "fireworks" shall not include any auto flares, paper caps containing not in excess of an average of twenty-five hundredths of a grain of explosive content per cap and toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices for use of such caps, the sale and use of which shall not be permitted at all times. "Fireworks" shall include snap caps and poppers, regardless of the amount of explosive content included in each device.

Hazardous Fire Area - Any geographic area mapped by the State or designated by the local jurisdiction as a moderate, high or very high fire hazard area, or which the FAHJ has determined is a hazardous fire area based on the type and condition of vegetation, topography, weather, or structure density which may increase the possibility of the area being susceptible to wildfire.

Level - An area above or below grade including but not limited to: basements, garages, cellars, mezzanines, or similar uses.

Mid-Rise Commercial Building - a building four stories or more in height, but not exceeding 75 feet and not defined as a high-rise building by section 202 of the California Building Code. Measurements shall be made from the underside of the roof or floor above the topmost space that may be occupied, to the lowest level of fire apparatus access road level. Nothing in section 324 shall imply or allow a building height in excess of current City of Del Mar Planning and Zoning requirements.

Wherever the terms "This Code" and "2024 International Fire Code" are used, they shall mean the 2025 California Fire Code as modified by the City of Del Mar with the additions, deletions and revisions set forth in the amendments.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 4, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 993, § 4, 10-17-2022; Ord. No. 1023, § 3, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

Chapter 57 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Section 5704.2.9.6.1 - Locations where Aboveground Tanks are Prohibited. This section is revised to read:

In the City of Del Mar, (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited): the limits referred to in Section 5704.2.9.6.1 and 5706.2.4.4 of the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2024 International Fire Code in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the jurisdictional limits of the City of Del Mar.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. 2,000 gallons maximum temporary (six months maximum) aboveground tanks meeting UL 2085 for private use on farms, agricultural and rural property, remote construction sites, earth moving projects, gravel pits or borrow pits. Such tanks shall be specially designed, approved and listed, and have features incorporated into their design which mitigates concerns for exposure to heat (two-hour fire resistance), ignition sources and mechanical damage. A Fire Department permit will be required.

2. Crankcase drainings may be stored in specially constructed aboveground storage tanks, approved by the Fire Code Official, with a maximum capacity of 550 gallons. Such tanks may be located within a building when the Fire Code Official deems appropriate, and the container meets the following: specially designed, approved and listed containers which have features incorporated into their design which mitigates concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources and mechanical damage.

3. Containers must be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill containment. In no case shall such storage be permitted in residential or institutional property. All installations require a Fire Department permit.

4. With the approval of the Fire Code Official, Class I and II liquids may be stored in aboveground tanks inside or outside of buildings in specially designed, approved and listed containers which have features incorporated into their design which mitigates concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources and mechanical damage. Class I liquids will be limited to 550 gallons and Class II liquids will be limited to 1,100 gallons. Containers must be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill containment. The Fire Code Official may disapprove the installation of such containers when in his opinion their use presents a risk to life or property.

5. With the approval of the Fire Code Official, temporary storage of a maximum 10,000 gallons of Class II liquids may be permitted for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days at remote construction sites, earth moving projects, gravel pits or borrow pits, consistent with 5704 and 5706.

Section 5706.2.4.4 - Locations where Aboveground Tanks are prohibited. This section is revised to read:

The geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in aboveground tanks are prohibited in residential areas within the City of Del Mar.

Section 5706.4 - Bulk Plants or Terminals. This section is revised to read:

The geographic limits in which bulk plants and terminals of flammable and combustible liquids are received are prohibited for the protection of heavily populated and congested areas and is hereby established as jurisdiction limits of the City of Del Mar.

Chapter 61 - Liquefied Petroleum Gases

Section 6104.2 - Maximum Capacity within Established Limits. This section is revised to read:

The geographic limits in which the bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited for the protection of heavily populated and congested areas is hereby established as jurisdiction limits of the City of Del Mar. The aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 5, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 993, § 5, 10-17-2022; Ord. No. 1023, § 4, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks

Section 5608.2 Fireworks. This section is added to read:

Fireworks shall not be sold, manufactured, disposed or discharged within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Del Mar, except when a permit is issued for public display, theatrical purposes and/or group entertainment by the Fire Department to a California State Fire Marshal licensed pyro-technician and the minimum requirements of Title-19, California Code of Regulations, Chapter-6, fireworks are met. The San Diego County Regulatory Ordinance, Title-3, Division-2, Chapter 1, section 32.101 through 32.108 may be used as a guide when enforcing these requirements.

Section 5608.3 Fire Works Penalty. This section is added to read:

Fireworks Penalty - Any person violating any provision or failing to comply with this Chapter or the requirements of Title-19 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 6, and/or San Diego County Regulatory Ordinance, Title-3, Division-2, Chapter 1, section 32.101 through 32.108, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed One Thousand dollars ($1000) or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period of not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016)

Chapter 3 - General Requirements

Section 324 - Mid-Rise Buildings

Section 324.1 - General. This section is added to read:

All newly constructed mid-rise buildings or any mid-rise building which undergoes a complete structural or non-structural renovation that requires the vacancy of the entire building to complete the renovation, shall comply with sections 324.1-324.3.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings used exclusively as an open parking garage.

2. Buildings where all floors above the fourth-floor level are used exclusively as an open parking garage.

3. Buildings such as a power plant, lookout tower, steeple, grain house, or other similar structures with intermittent human occupancy.

Section 324.2 - Fire Equipment Control Room

A fire equipment control room for fire department operations shall be provided. The location and accessibility of the room shall be approved by the fire department and be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour barrier. The room shall contain the following at a minimum:

1. Voice alarm and public address panels.

2. Fire alarm control panel.

3. Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems.

4. Fire pump status indicators (if required).

5. Set of complete building plans.

Section 324.3 - Road Dimensions

Fire apparatus access roads serving buildings or portions of buildings or facilities that exceed 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 6, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 993, § 6, 10-17-2022)

Chapter 5 - Fire Service Features

Section 503 - Fire Apparatus Access Roads

Section 503.2.1 - Dimensions

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed improved width of not less than 20 feet, except for single-family residential driveways; serving no more than two, single-family dwellings, shall have a minimum of 16 feet of unobstructed improved width.

EXCEPTION:

Fire access roadways, gated entrances with card readers, guard stations or center medians, which have separated lanes of one-way traffic, shall be not less than 14 feet wide per lane.

Section 503.2.3 - Surface. This section is revised to read:

New or improved fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus not less than 75,000 lbs. and shall be provided with an approved driving surface to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

Section 503.2.7 - Grade. This section is revised to read:

New or improved grades exceeding 15% on fire apparatus access roads shall not be permitted without mitigation. Minimal mitigation shall be a surface of Portland cement concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the direction of travel. Maximum grade shall not exceed 20%.

Section 503.2.8 - Angles of Approach and Departure. This section is revised to read:

The angle of approach and departure of a fire access roadway shall not exceed 12% or as approved by the Fire Code Official.

Section 503.3 - Marking. This section is revised to read:

When required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings shall be provided for all public and private fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit obstruction thereof. Signs or notices or markings shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. All new public roads, all private roads within major subdivisions and all private roads serving four or more parcels shall be named. Road name signs shall comply with City of Del Mar standards.

Section 503.6 - Security Gates. This section is revised to read:

Section 503.6 - Security Gates:

No person shall install a security gate or security device across a fire access roadway without the Fire Code Official's approval.

1. An automatic gate across a fire access roadway or driveway shall be equipped with an approved emergency key-operated switch overriding all command functions and opening the gate.

2. A gate accessing more than four residences or residential lots, or a gate accessing any hazardous institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group structure, shall also be equipped with an approved emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor or other device approved by the Fire Code Official, which will activate the gate on the approach of the emergency apparatus with a battery back-up or manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.

3. An automatic gate shall meet Fire Department policies deemed necessary by the Fire Code Official for rapid, reliable access.

4. An automatic gate serving more than one dwelling or residential lot in existence at the time of adoption of this Chapter is required to install an approved emergency key-operated switch or other mechanism approved by the Fire Code Official, at an approved location, which overrides all command functions and opens the gate. A property owner shall comply with this requirement within 90 days of receiving written notice to comply.

5. Where this section requires an approved key-operated switch, it may be dual-keyed or equipped with dual switches provided to facilitate access by law enforcement personnel.

6. Electric gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 7, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 993, § 7, 10-17-2022)

Chapter 507 Fire Protection Water Supplies

Section 507.2.2 Water Tanks. This section is revised to read:

Water storage tanks, when permitted by the Fire Code Official, shall comply with Table No. 507.2.2A.

WATER STORAGE TANKS

Table No. 507.2.2A

TABLE NO. 507.2.2A

1. Tank elevation shall be equal to or higher than the fire department connection on the premises. Regardless of domestic use, all tanks shall be equipped with a device that will ensure that the tank contains the designated amount of water for fire flow duration as determined by the fire department. Tank size may be increased to serve multiple structures on a single parcel.

2. Supply outlet shall be at least 4 inches in diameter from the base of the tank to the point of outlet at the fire department connection. The fire department connection shall provide an approved means of controlling water flow.

3. The outlet shall be located along an access roadway and shall not be closer than 50 feet or further than 150 feet from the structure.

4. All exposed tanks and exposed supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other material listed for aboveground use. Adequate support shall be provided.

Section 507.5.1 Where Required. This section is revised to read:

The location, type and number of fire hydrants connected to a water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on the public or private street, or on the site of the premises to be protected or both. Fire hydrants shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by roads meeting the requirements of section 503.

Section 507.5.1.01 Requirements for single-family dwellings. This section is revised to read:

In zones other than industrial, commercial and multi-family, fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with Table No. 507.5.1.01A.

Table No. 507.5.1.01A

TABLE 507.5.1.01A

Section 507.5.1.02 Requirements for multi-family, commercial and industrial zones. This section is revised to read:

In multi-family zones and in commercial and industrial zones, fire hydrants shall be installed at intersections, at the beginning radius of cul-de-sacs, or as approved by the fire code official, and every 300 feet of fire access roadways, regardless of parcel size.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 993, § 8, 10-17-2022)

Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems

Section 903.2 Where Required. This section is revised to read:

Approved automatic sprinkler system in new building and structures shall be provided in the locations described in sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, and may be required in additions and remodels of existing structures as described in section 903.2.01.

Life Safety Sprinkler System shall meet National Fire Protection Association Standards 13-D and 13-R latest addition, and City of Del Mar installation policies, as appropriate.

Section 903.2.01 Additions, Remodels, and Reconstruction

An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3 may be required to be installed throughout structures when the addition is more than 50% of the existing building or where the scope of work includes significant modifications to the interior or roof of the building.

Exceptions:

1. If the cost of the installation exceeds 15 percent of the valuation of the project. Formal bids shall be provided to the fire prevention bureau to be reviewed for acceptance.

2. If the addition to the existing building is strictly for the creation of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit; no additions or remodels to the existing building is permitted.

Section 903.2.02 New Commercial and Group U

An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3 shall be required in buildings and structures where the required fire flow exceeds 1500 gallons per minute as calculated by section 507.3, or when the square footage of a new commercial building exceeds 5,000 square feet.

903.2.03 Exception

Agricultural buildings constructed of wood or metal frame, over which fabric or similar material is stretched, which are specifically used as green houses are exempt from the automatic sprinkler requirements unless physically connected to other structures.

Section 905 Standpipe Systems

Section 905.3 Required Installations. This section is revised to read:

A Class I standpipe with 2.5-inch hose valves shall be provided for all commercial buildings three levels or more in height, regardless of occupancy use. Hose valves shall be located in each stair enclosure and on each floor level, including the roof. For single story buildings or parking structures with large floor areas, Class I standpipes may be required.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 8, 11-18-2019)

Section 112 Board of Appeals. This section is revised to read:

Whenever the Fire Marshal disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of this Code do not apply, or that the true intent and meaning of the Code has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal the decision of the Fire Marshal to the Del Mar City Council in writing within 10 days from the date of the decision appealed, in accordance with Chapter 1.12 of the Del Mar Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 1023, § 5, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

Section 113.4 - Violation Penalties. This section is revised to read:

A. Any person, corporation, association or entity that violates the provisions of Sections 105, 106, 107, 109, 110, or 111 or 113, 115, and 116 of the 2025 California Fire Code is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person, corporation, association or entity that violates any other provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor or infraction as determined under Chapter 1.08 Del Mar Municipal Code. The penalty for violations shall be determined under Chapter 1.08 of the Del Mar Municipal Code. Each day or portion thereof that a violation of this chapter exists shall constitute a separate violation. Each violation of this chapter, in addition to the offenses under this section, shall constitute a public nuisance.

B. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016; Ord. No. 956, § 9, 11-18-19; Ord. No. 993, § 9, 10-17-2022; Ord. No. 1023, § 6, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

Chapter 1 - Administration

Section 101.5 City of Del Mar Validity. This section is revised to read:

The City Council of the City of Del Mar hereby declares that should any section, paragraph, sentence or word of this ordinance or of the code hereby adopted be declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the City Council of the City of Del Mar that it would have passed all other portions of this ordinance independently of the elimination here from of any such portion as may be declared invalid.

Section 102.13 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances, Resolutions or motions. This section is revised to read:

Section 102.13 REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS OR MOTIONS.

All former ordinances, resolutions or motions, or parts thereof, which conflict or are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or of the Code or standards hereby adopted, are hereby repealed.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016)

Chapter 3 General Requirements

Section 308.1.6.3. Sky Lanterns. This section is revised to read:

Sky lanterns, floating luminary, and similar devices propelled by open flame are prohibited for sale or use.

(Ord. No. 921, § 3(Exh. A), 11-21-2016)

There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Wildland-Urban Interface Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Del Mar for the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached, the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Part 7, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California State Health and Safety Code, Section 18902 et seq. based on the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, 2024 Edition. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter or any other section of the City of Del Mar Municipal Code, all construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached within the City of Del Mar shall be in conformance with the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission.

(Ord. No. 1023, § 7, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)

Section 503 - General Amended.

503.1 General. Buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in accordance with Chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition-resistant building materials shall comply with the requirements of Section 503.2. The vent requirements in Section 504 shall apply to all residential occupancies undergoing remodels, additions, or alterations.

504.10 Vents. Amended.

All residential buildings, including new construction, remodels, additions and alterations including re-roofs, shall be equipped with wildfire flame and ember-resistant approved vents. Where provided, ventilation openings for enclosed attics, gable ends, ridge ends, under eaves and cornices, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, underfloor ventilation, foundations and crawl spaces, or any other opening intended to permit ventilation, either in a horizontal or vertical surface, shall be in accordance with Section 504.10.1 or Section 504.10.2 to resist building ignition from the intrusion of burning embers and flame through the ventilation openings.

(Ord. No. 1023, § 9, 9-22-2025, eff. 10-22-2025)