Del Rey Oaks Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 Fire Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 272, § 1, adopted Dec. 28, 2010, amended Ch. 8.04 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 8.04, §§ 8.04.010—8.04.030, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from prior code §§ 8-801—8-804; Ord. No. 255, § 2, 6-6-2001.

The California Fire Code, 2010 edition, is hereby adopted by reference, and made a part hereof, as the Fire Code of the City of Del Rey Oaks.

(Ord. No. 272, § 1, 12-28-2010)

The following terms shall have the definitions set forth in this section, or in any other uniform codes or other nationally recognized fire safety standard, made a part of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context:

City means the City of De Rey Oaks when it refers to a political entity, and means the incorporated area of the City of Del Rey Oaks when it refers to an area.

City Council means the city council of Del Rey Oaks.

Fire Chief means the chief of the fire department serving the City of Seaside.

Mayor means the mayor of the City of Del Rey Oaks.

Municipality means the City of Del Rey Oaks.

(Ord. No. 272, § 1, 12-28-2010)

The City of Seaside Bureau of Fire Prevention is hereby established to enforce the California Fire Code and shall be presided over by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

(Ord. No. 272, § 1, 12-28-2010)

A. Section 307.3. of Chapter 3 of the California Fire Code is amended by adding subsection 307.3.1 to read as follows:

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, all outdoor rubbish fires are prohibited. No waste matter shall be disposed of by burning within the City.

B. Section 307.4.4 is added to read as follows:

Permit Required. No person shall kindle or maintain any open fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained for the purpose of preparation of food, such as in the case of a Luau or barbecue or recreational fire without a permit from the Seaside Fire Department. Other than one and two family residential dwelling units, a permit and/or clearance from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District is required.

C. Sections 903.2 through 903.2.18 of Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:

Section 903.2 All Occupancies.

(1) An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in all new construction.

Exceptions:

a. When fire sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents or in rooms or areas which are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents and which are not exposed by other areas. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistive construction or contains electrical equipment.

b. Temporary Buildings under 1,000 sq. ft.

c. Airport control towers.

d. One story detached accessory buildings to a group R-3 dwelling units.

e. Open parking structures.

f. Sprinklers shall not be installed when the application of water or flame and water to the contents may constitute a serious life or fire hazard, as in the manufacture or storage of quantities of aluminum powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphide, metallic sodium and potassium, quicklime, magnesium powder and sodium peroxide.

g. Existing mobile home parks within the City regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development are exempt: Health and Safety Code, Mobile Home Parks Act, Section 18300.

D. Sections 903.3.1.3 of Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:

903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D Sprinkler Systems. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems installed in one-and two-family dwellings shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D.

903.3.1.3.1. All fire sprinkler systems installed in one-and two-family dwellings shall be tested for leakage by undergoing a hydrostatic test made at 200 psi for a two-hour duration.

903.3.1.3.2. Each water system supplying both domestic and fire protection systems shall have a single indicating-type control valve, arranged to shut off both the domestic and sprinkler systems. A separate shut-off valve for the domestic system only shall be permitted to be installed. The location of the control valve shall be approved by the fire code official.

903.3.1.3.3. Local water flow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems. Local water flow alarms shall be powered from the main kitchen refrigerator circuit. The local water flow alarm shall be clearly audible from within the master bedroom at an audibility level of not less than 75 dBa. Where no kitchen exists in the building, the water flow alarm shall be powered from the bathroom lighting circuit.

E. Section 903.6 of Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.6 Existing buildings - Repairs, Alterations, and Additions. In all buildings, except where otherwise provided herein in this Section, where the total floor area exceeds five thousand square feet (5000 sf), or which are forty feet (40') or more in height, or which are three or more stories in height, they shall be made to comply with the provisions of this Section.

In all buildings where the total floor area exceeds five thousand square feet (5000 sf), or which are forty feet (40') or more in height, or which are three or more stories in height, if the repairs or alterations are made exceeding twenty-five percent of the current market value of the building and property as shown in the records of the County Assessor within any three hundred sixty (360) day period shall be made to comply with the provisions of this section.

Exception:

(1) Valuation may also be determined by the replacement costs of the existing structure based upon the most recent "Building Valuation Data" contained in the "Building Standards" magazine published by the International Conference of Building Officials. The intent of this exception is to allow the use of a less restrictive application (if applicable) to determine if repair, alterations or additions are twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the value of the building.

Definitions

Repair. It is the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building or structure for the purpose of its maintenance.

Alteration. It is any change, addition, or modification in construction or occupancy.

Exception: Projects where the sole purpose is for seismic upgrade.

Existing Group R, Division 3 buildings to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made that involve the removal or replacement to 50 percent or greater of the linear length of walls of the building (exterior plus interior) within a one-year period shall meet the requirements of new construction or this code.

F. Appendix AE—Alternative Energy Systems—is added to read as follows:

APPENDIX AE—ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS

AE101.1. Scope. Applications for the installation, additions or remodel of alternative energy system, including, but not limited to, photovoltaic and wind generation systems, shall be subject to this appendix when conditioned by the fire code official.

AE101.2. Conflicting Sections. Where provisions in this appendix conflict with other sections of this code or other appendices, the provisions of this appendix shall prevail unless otherwise directed by the fire code official.

AE102. SIGNING AND MARKING: All photovoltaic systems shall be permanently marked as specified in this section.

AE102.1. Main Service Disconnect

a. Main Panel Exterior Marking. A placard is required to be permanently affixed to the main service disconnect panel. The placard shall be red in color with white capital letters at least ¾" in height and in a non-serif font, to read "SOLAR DISCONNECT INSIDE PANEL." The placard shall be constructed of weather-resistant, durable plastic with engraved letters, or other approved material.

b. Circuit Disconnecting Means Marking. A permanent label is to be affixed adjacent to the circuit breaker controlling the inverter or other photovoltaic system electrical controller. The label shall have contrasting color capital letters at least ⅜" in height and in a non-serif font, to read "SOLAR DISCONNECT." The label shall be constructed of durable adhesive material or other approved material.

AE102.2. Direct Current (DC) Conduits, Raceways, Enclosures, Cable Assemblies, and Junction Boxes.

a. Marking is required on all interior and exterior direct current (DC) conduits, raceways, enclosures, cable assemblies, and junction boxes.

b. Marking Locations. Marking shall be placed on all DC conduits, raceways, enclosures, and cable assemblies every ten feet, at turns and above and below penetrations. Marking shall also be placed on all DC combiner and junction boxes.

c. Marking Content and Format. Marking for DC conduits, raceways, enclosures, cable assemblies and junction boxes shall be red with white lettering with minimum ⅜" capital letters in a non-serif font, to read "WARNING: SOLAR CIRCUIT". Marking shall be reflective, weather resistant, and suitable for the environment. Materials used should be in compliance with UL Standard 969.

AE102.3. Secondary Power Sources. Where photovoltaic systems are interconnected to battery systems, generator backup systems, or other secondary power systems, additional signage acceptable to the fire code official shall be required indicating the location of the secondary power source shutoff switch.

AE102.4. Installer Information. Signage acceptable to the fire code official indicating the name and emergency telephone number of the installing contractor shall be required to be installed adjacent to the man disconnect.

AE102.5 Inverters. No markings are required for inverters.

AE102.6 AC Photovoltaic Systems. AC Photovoltaic Systems shall be marked as specified in this section.

a. Main Panel Exterior Marking. A placard is required to be permanently affixed to the car service disconnect panel. The placard shall be red in color with white capital letters at least ¾" in height and in a non-serif font, to read "SOLAR DISCONNECT INSIDE PANEL." The placard shall be constructed of weather resistant, durable plastic with engraved letters, or other approved material.

b. Circuit Disconnecting Means Marking. A permanent label is to be affixed adjacent to the circuit breaker controlling the inverter or other photovoltaic system electrical controller. The label shall have contrasting color capital letters at least ⅜" in height and in a non-serif font, to read "SOLAR DISCONNECT." The label shall be constructed of durable adhesive material or other approved material.

AE103 BUILDING MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS.

AE103.1. All building- or roof-mounted photovoltaic systems shall be installed as specified in this section.

a. Access, Pathways, and Smoke Ventilation. Access and spacing requirements shall be observed to ensure emergency access to the roof, provide pathways for specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke ventilation opportunity areas, and to provide emergency egress from the roof.

b. Exceptions. Exceptions to the requirements in this section shall be permitted to be granted by the fire code official where access, pathway or ventilation requirements are reduced due to any of the following circumstances:

(1) Proximity and type of adjacent exposures.

(2) Alternative access opportunities, as from adjoining roofs.

(3) Ground level access to the roof.

(4) Adequate ventilation opportunities below solar arrays.

(5) Adequate ventilation opportunities afforded by module set back from other rooftop equipment.

(6) Automatic ventilation devices.

(7) New technologies, methods, or other innovations that ensure adequate fire department access, pathways, and ventilation opportunities.

c. Designation of ridge, hip, and valley does not apply to roofs with 2-in-12 or less pitch.

d. Measurement Conventions. All roof dimensions shall be measured to centerlines.

e. Roof Access Points. Roof access points shall be defined as areas where ladders are not placed over openings (windows or doors) and are located at strong points of building construction and in locations where they will not conflict with overhead obstructions (tree limbs, wires, or signs).

AE103.2 Household Systems (One- and Two-Family Dwellings)

a. Access and Pathways.

(1) Hip Roof Layouts. Modules shall be located in a manner that provides one (1) three foot (3') wide clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge of each roof slope where the modules are located. The access pathway shall be located at a structurally sound location on the building, such as a bearing wall. EXCEPTION: Where adjoining roof planes provide a three foot (3') wide clear access pathway.

(2) Single Ridge Layouts. Modules shall be located in a manner that provides two (2) three-foot (3') wide access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where the modules are located.

(3) Hip and Valley Layouts. Modules shall be located no closer than one and one-half feet (1½') to a hip or valley if modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where modules are located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the modules shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.

b. Ridge Setback. The modules shall be located no higher than one and one-half feet (1½') below the ridge.

AE103.3. Commercial Systems.

a. Definition. Commercial Systems shall be defined as all photovoltaic systems installed in any occupancy other than a one and two family dwelling.

b. Alternative Requirements. Where the fire code official determines that the roof configuration is similar to residential (i.e., townhouses, condominiums, or single-family attached buildings) the fire code official shall be permitted to make a determination to apply the requirements under Section AE103.2, above.

c. Access. There shall be a minimum six-foot (6') wide clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. EXCEPTION: If either access to the building is 250' or less, there shall be a minimum four foot (4') wide clear perimeter around the edges of the roof.

d. Pathways. Pathways shall be established as follows:

(1) Pathways shall be over structural members.

(2) Centerline axis pathways shall be provided in both axes of the roof.

(3) Centerline axis pathways shall run on structural members or Over the next closest structural member nearest to the center lines of the roof.

(4) Pathways shall be straight line not less than four feet (4') clear to skylights, ventilation hatches, and/or roof standpipes.

(5) Pathways shall provide not less than four feet (4') clear around roof access hatches with at least one not less than four foot (4') clear pathway to the parapet or roof edge.

e. Smoke Ventilation.

(1) Solar arrays shall be no greater than 150 feet by 150 feet in distance in either axis.

(2) Ventilator options between array sections shall be (a) a pathway eight feet (8') or greater in width; (b) a pathway four feet (4') or greater in width and bordering on existing roof skylights or ventilation hatches; or (c) a pathway four feet (4') or greater in width and bordering four foot by eight foot (4' X 8') "venting cutouts" every twenty feet (20') on alternating sides of the pathway.

AE104. Location of Direct Current (DC) Conductors.

a. Exterior mounted Direct Current conduits, wiring systems and raceways for photovoltaic circuits shall be located as close as possible to the ridge, hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities.

b. Conduit runs between sub-arrays and to DC combiner boxes shall use design guidelines that minimize the total amount of conduit by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box.

c. DC combiner boxes shall be located so that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays.

d. DC wiring shall be run in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building and shall be run as follows:

(1) When run perpendicular or parallel to load bearing members, a minimum ten-inch (10") space below roof decking or sheathing shall be maintained.

(2) Where flexible metal conduit (FMC) or metal clad cable (MC) containing PV power circuit conductors is installed across ceilings or floor joists, the raceway or cable shall be protected by guard strips.

AE105 GROUND MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

AE105.1. Marking shall be in accordance with Section AE102, above.

AE105.2. Setbacks. Special setback requirements do not apply to ground-mounted, freestanding photovoltaic arrays. NOTE: The zoning regulations of the jurisdiction regulate setbacks between buildings, accessory structures (possibly including ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays) and property lines.

AE105.3. Clearances. A clear area of ten feet (10') around ground-mounted photovoltaic installations shall be provided.

AE105.4. Non-Combustible Base. A gravel base or other non-combustible base acceptable to the fire code official shall be installed and maintained under and around the installation.

AE105.5. Protection. Fencing, skirting, or other suitable security barrier shall be installed when required by the fire code official. NOTE: Security barriers are intended to protect individuals and animals from contact with energized conductors or other components.

AE105.6. Fire Sprinkler Protection. Fire sprinkler protection is not required for ground-mounted photovoltaic installations.

(Ord. No. 272, § 1, 12-28-2010)