Earlier editions: 2026-07
Downey Municipal Code Ch. 3 Fire Code
Downey Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Downey
Cite as: Downey Municipal Code Chapter 3 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Note: Ords. 635, 753, 893, 992, 1009, 1062, 1064, 1162, 1185; 1224; Ord. 1295; 1331; 1371; 20-1424; 22-1490; and 25-1530 were repealed by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026.
§ 3300. CODE ADOPTION.¶
There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, hazardous conditions, or explosion, the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9), as modified and amended by this chapter, and hereby collectively declared to be the Downey Fire Code.
One copy of all the above is on file in the Office of the City Clerk for public inspection and is adopted with the same force and effect as through set out herein in full.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3301. ADOPTED APPENDICES.¶
The following appendices of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are adopted as though fully set forth herein, together with certain modifications and amendments as set forth in this chapter:
Appendix A - Board of Appeals;
Appendix B - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;
Appendix BB - Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings;
Appendix C - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;
Appendix CC - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;
Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads;
Appendix E - Hazard Categories;
Appendix F - Hazard Ranking;
Appendix G - Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents;
Appendix H - Hazardous Materials Management Plans and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements;
Appendix I - Fire Protection Systems-Noncompliant Conditions;
Appendix J - Building Information Sign;
Appendix K - Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities;
Appendix I - Requirements for Fire Fighter Replenishment Systems;
Appendix M - High-Rise Buildings — Retroactive Automatic Sprinkler Requirement;
Appendix N - Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions;
Appendix O - Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusements.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3302. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES OF BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION.¶
The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted and amended herein, shall be enforced by the Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey which is hereby established, and which shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall appoint the Fire Marshal in charge of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3303. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.¶
Section 103.1 (“Creation of Agency”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
103.1 General. The Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Fire Department of the City of Downey is hereby established within the jurisdiction and shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The function of the Department shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of the code.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3304. PERMIT APPLICATION AND FEES.¶
Section 105.2 (“Permits: Application”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.2 Application and Fees. Any application for plan check and/or a permit required by this code shall be made to the fire code official in such form and detail described by the fire code official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by the following:
A. Fees. All plan check fees, permit fees, and other fees set forth in Section 108, as established by Resolution of the City Council.
B. Permit Investigation Fee. When work has begun prior to the issuance of a valid permit and staff time is necessary for Code compliance, a Permit Investigation Fee, as established by Resolution of the City Council, for the administrative time required to research the project and appropriately permit the work.
C. Construction Plans and Supporting Documents. Such construction plans, reports, and other supporting documents as set forth in Section 106 (“Construction Documents”) or as otherwise described by the fire code official.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3305. CONDITIONS OF A PERMIT.¶
Section 105.3 (“Conditions of a Permit”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the following language:
The fire code official is authorized to impose reasonable conditions upon any permit issued pursuant to this Code consistent with the intent of this Code and reasonably necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare from hazardous conditions that could result from the activities or conditions authorized by the permit.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3306. RECREATIONAL FIRE PERMITS.¶
Section 105.5.36 (“Required Operational Permits: Open Burning”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.5.36 Open burning and Recreational Fire. An operational permit is required for any kindling or maintaining of an open burning or recreational fire on any public sidewalk, street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Open burnings and recreational fires shall be conducted in compliance with the requirements of Section 307, as well as any other instructions, stipulations, and conditions of the permit. No permit shall be issued for an open burning or recreational fire on private property without proof that the applicant has provided notification to the owners of the properties adjoining where the open burning or recreational fire will be kindled or maintained.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3307. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS.¶
Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Construction plan documents shall be submitted for all work performed for which a permit is required under Section 105 of the 2025 California Fire Code. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted in accordance with Sections 106.1 and 106.1.1 of this code. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3308. REQUIREMENT FOR SUBMISSION OF ELECTRONIC PLANS.¶
Section 106.1 (“Construction Documents: Submittals”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 106.1.1 to read as follows:
106.1.1. Requirement for submission of electronic plans. All applicants for commercial and public building projects in the City of Downey will be required to submit to the Downey Fire Department an accurate electronic copy of the following “layers”:
A. Site Plan
B. Floor Plan with service rooms identified, and exits clearly identified
C. Utility shut off locations
D. Roof detail
E. Fire alarm system
F. Fire extinguishing system
G. Fixed extinguishing system
H. High Piled Storage
NOTES:
| 1. | The submittal will be in the approved file format as agreed upon with the Fire Prevention Bureau. |
|---|---|
| 2. | The submittal will through the Citizen Access portal - or other City-approved method. |
| 3. | The submittal will be a condition prior to issuing an Occupancy Certificate. |
| 4. | The “City” will provide a confidentiality agreement to the architect agreeing to use the provided electronic plans for public safety use only. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3309. FEES.¶
Section 108 (“Fees”) of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 108.5.1 to read as follows:
108.5.1 Field Inspection Fees. In addition to all other applicable fees, all field inspection requests must be accompanied by a field inspection fee as established by Resolution of the City Council.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3310. DEFINITIONS.¶
Section 202 (“Definitions”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding or amending the following terms:
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. —
The organization, office or individual responsible for approving equipment, installation or procedure.
FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. —
The Chief of the Downey Fire Department or authorized designee thereof.
HIGH RISE BUILDING. —
All buildings having floors used for human occupancy located more than fifty-five feet (55’) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicle access are considered HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS. Campus Facilities and “Special Structures” as addressed in NFPA 101, facilities which include open structures, towers, water-surrounded structures, piers, underground and windowless structures, high rise buildings, membrane structures, tents, covered mall buildings or traditional occupancies that are located in special or unusual structures, shall conform to the requirements of this Section in addition to other recognized codes and standards.
JURISDICTION. —
Shall mean the City of Downey.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. —
An outdoor fire for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an adequate or approved barbecue grill. Recreational fire shall include, but shall not be limited to, barbecue pits, bonfires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and portable outdoor fireplaces.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3311. RECREATIONAL FIRES.¶
Section 307 of Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Sections 307.6 and 307.7 to read as follows:
307.6 Recreational Fires: Approved Times. No recreational fire shall be kindled or maintained during the following prohibited times:
A. Prior to 7:00 a.m. on any day of the week;
B. After 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; or
C. After 12:00 a.m. (midnight), Friday and Saturday.
307.7 Additional Requirements for Recreational Fires. No person shall kindle or maintain a recreational fire unless in compliance with the following:
| A. | Combustibles and Flammables. No oils, combustible and flammable liquids, rubber, plastics, chemically treated materials, construction materials, hazardous waste, and rubbish/ |
|---|---|
| B. | Total Fuel Load. The total fuel load of the recreational fire shall not exceed three feet (3’) in diameter or two feet (2’) in height. |
| C. | Liability. The owner of the property on which a recreational fire is kindled or maintained shall be responsible and liable for damages or injuries that directly or indirectly result from the recreational fire. |
| D. | Permanent Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbecues. No person shall install, erect, place, maintain, or use any ay permanent outdoor fireplace or permanent outdoor barbecue in the City unless all requisite permits have been issued and finalized for the fireplace or barbecue. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3312. VEHICLE CREATING HAZARD.¶
Section 324 is hereby added to Chapter 3 (“General Requirements”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
324 Vehicle Creating Hazard. Whenever it is determined by a Fire Officer, that an unattended or attended vehicle parked or stopped upon any public street, road, alley, right of way, or upon private property creates an immediate danger or fire hazard to itself, other vehicles, persons or surrounding property; such Fire Officer shall request the Police Department to cause the removal of the vehicle to a safe location and the Police Department shall cause the removal at the expense of the Registered Owner of the vehicle and Notice of the removal shall be given to the Registered Owner as soon as feasible.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3313. ALLEY MAINTENANCE.¶
Section 503.4 (“Obstruction of Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto language to read as follows:
No person owning or occupying or having the possession or control of any property bordering on any public alley in the City shall fail, refuse, or neglect to keep the portion of such alley between the center line thereof and the property line of such property free from garbage, rubbish, and combustible materials or compounds and flammable liquids and other obstructions.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3314. REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.¶
Section 511 is hereby added to Chapter 5 (“Fire Service Features”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 511 REQUIREMENT FOR IN BUILDING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 511.1 General. Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, construct, change the use of or provide an addition of more than 20 percent to any building or structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done which fails to support adequate radio coverage for the City of Downey radio communications system, including but not limited to firefighters and police officers. In-building communications will be provided for ALL subterranean structures constructed after passage of this ordinance. For purposes of this section, adequate radio coverage shall include all of the following:
| A. | A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm available in 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building when transmitted from the closest City of Downey radio communications system site; |
|---|---|
| B. | A minimum signal strength of -95 dbm received at the closest City of Downey radio communications system site when transmitted from 90 percent of the area of each floor of the building; |
| C. | The frequency range which must be supported shall be the current band of frequencies used by the City of Downey; and |
| D. | A 100 Percent Reliability Factor. When measuring the performance of a bi-directional amplifier, signal strength measurements are based on one input signal adequate to obtain a maximum continuous operating output level. |
| 511.2 Amplification Systems Allowed. Buildings and structures which cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with any of the following in order to achieve the required adequate radio coverage: a radiating cable system or an internal multiple antenna system with or without FCC type accepted bi-directional 800 MHz amplifiers as needed. If any part of the installed system or systems contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/ |
|
| 511.3. Testing Procedures. | 511.3. Testing Procedures. |
| A. | Acceptance Test Procedure. When an in-building radio system is required, and upon completion of installation, it will be the building owner’s responsibility to have, the radio system tested to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 90 percent. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of approximately 20 equal areas. A maximum of two nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. In the event that three of the areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor may be divided into 40 equal areas. A maximum of four nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. After the 40-area test, if the system continues to fail, it will be the building owner’s responsibility to have the system altered to meet the 90 percent coverage requirement. The test shall be conducted using a UHF and VHF portable radio, talking through the City of Downey radio communications system as specified by the authority having jurisdiction. A spot located approximately in the center of a grid area will be selected for the test, then the radio will be keyed to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the City of Downey Radio Communications System. Once the spot has been selected, prospecting for a better spot within the grid area will not be permitted. |
| The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner will be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values. | |
| As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure that spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject bi-directional amplifier (BOA) due to coupling (lack of sufficient isolation) between the input and output systems. This test will be conducted at time of installation and subsequent annual inspections. | |
| B. | Annual Tests. When an in-building radio system is required, it shall be the building owner’s responsibility to have all active components of the system, such as amplifiers and power supplies and backup batteries tested to a minimum of once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance, Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of one hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one hour test period, and in the opinion of the testing technician, the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer’s specifications for the intended purpose. |
| C. | Five-Year Tests. In addition to the annual test, it shall be the building owner’s responsibility to perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five (5) years to ensure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance test. |
| D. | Qualifications of Testing Personnel. Personnel conducting radio system tests shall be qualified to perform the work. All tests shall be conducted, documented and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC license, or a current technician certification issued by the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) or the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA). All test records shall be retained on the inspected premises by the building owner and a copy submitted to the fire department officials. |
| 511.4. Field Testing. Police and fire personnel, after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his representative, shall have the right to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present. | |
| 511.5. Exemptions. This section shall not apply to: buildings less than 5,000 square feet or any R-3 occupancy. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3315. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS — REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING NON-RESIDENTIAL…¶
Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.1 to read as follows:
903.6.1. Existing non-residential occupancies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with non-residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13 throughout if:
A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to be a “new building or structure”; AND
B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof-including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.
For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards-Building Valuation Data.
Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3316. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS — REQUIRED INSTALLATION IN EXISTING RESIDENTIAL…¶
Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 903.6.2 to read as follows:
903.6.2. Existing residential occupancies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 903.6 (“Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) and Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”) of this code, existing buildings and structures with residential occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 13D throughout if:
A. Any existing building or structure with less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area is enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced to an extent that would exceed five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area; OR,
B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, an existing building(s) or structure(s) exceeding five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area, or any portion thereof — including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.
| For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data. |
|---|
| Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3317. FIRE ALARMS — REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS.¶
Section 907.9 (“Fire Alarm and Detection Systems: Where Required in Existing Buildings and Structures”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code are hereby amended to read as follows:
907.9. Where required in existing buildings and structures. An approved fire alarm and detection system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 (“Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings”).
Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 11, existing buildings and structures shall be equipped with an approved Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System in accordance with the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and NFPA 72 throughout if:
A. Such building(s) and/or structure(s) would require the installation of a fire alarm and detection system in accordance with 2025 California Fire Code if determined to be a “new building or structure”; and
B. During any period of thirty-six (36) consecutive months, the building(s) or structure(s), or any portion thereof - including the appurtenant electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system, has been enlarged, altered, modified, converted, or replaced, to the extent that exceeded fifty percent (50%) of the value of said building(s) or structure(s), as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief.
| For the purpose of this section, an existing building or structure shall be deemed to be valued as determined by the Building Official or Fire Chief as per the most current edition of the ICBO Building Standards - Building Valuation Data. |
|---|
| Exception: Signs, landscape, and parking lot improvements shall be exempt from such valuation. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3318. FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE COATINGS.¶
Section 2411 is hereby added to Chapter 24 (“Flammable Finishes”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 2411. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE COATINGS.
2411.1. Roof Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a roof coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency.
2411.2. Driveway Coatings. No person shall apply by any means, a flammable or combustible liquid material or any product as a driveway coating, upon any structure, unless such material has been approved for such use by a recognized testing agency.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3319. ELEVATOR SIZING FOR EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT.¶
Elevators installed in building(s) as required by the Building Department shall be appropriately sized to accommodate both emergency medical staff (minimum of three (3) persons plus patient) and associated local emergency equipment such as gurneys and medical supplies, as described in Section 3002.4 (“Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher”) of Chapter 30 (“Elevators and Conveying Systems”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3320. REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS.¶
Section 3313 is hereby added to Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code to read as follows:
SECTION 3313 REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN WOOD FRAME BUILDINGS
3313.1 General.¶
The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply only to activities occurring during the construction of certain wood frame buildings as specified herein. Nothing contained in this Ordinance shall be construed to alter such building occupancy standards or fire protection measures for wood frame or other construction methods as may otherwise be set forth in this code.
| A. | No person shall engage in any aspect of construction on a large or major wood frame building project, or permit or authorize any such construction to occur, except in full compliance with this Ordinance. | No person shall engage in any aspect of construction on a large or major wood frame building project, or permit or authorize any such construction to occur, except in full compliance with this Ordinance. |
|---|---|---|
| B. | The property owner, as identified on the application for a building permit for a large or major wood frame building project, shall be liable for full compliance with this Ordinance. | The property owner, as identified on the application for a building permit for a large or major wood frame building project, shall be liable for full compliance with this Ordinance. |
| The Fire Chief or responsible fire code official and the Chief Building Official are authorized to, from time to time, as necessary to implement this Ordinance, issue, review and revise administrative regulations to implement the provisions of this Ordinance, including but not limited to regulations concerning the required content of construction fire protection plans and the manner in which fire safety officer duties are to be performed. | ||
| 3313.2 Definitions. The definitions contained in this part shall govern the interpretation of this Ordinance. Where terms are not specifically defined in this Ordinance, the definitions contained in Ordinances and Title 24 of this code shall control. | ||
| Building height. “Building Height” for the purpose of this Ordinance only, shall mean the vertical distance above a reference datum, measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the following, whichever yields the greatest height of building: (1) The elevation of the highest natural ground surface within a five-foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when the highest such natural ground surface is not more than ten feet above the lowest grade; or (2) An elevation ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the natural ground surface described in (1) is more than ten feet above the lowest grade. | ||
| Construction fire protection plan. “Construction fire protection plan” means a document which specifies measures and practices to be incorporated into the construction process to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires, and to facilitate firefighting efforts during building construction. | ||
| Exposed wood framing. “Exposed wood framing” means the area of a large or major wood frame building project that is enclosed, in whole or in part, by wood stud framing and decking of the floor or roof above. Attics not designated for occupancy, balconies open to the sky and other similar open space are not included in this square footage calculation. For the purpose of measuring total square footage of wood framing, any adjacent ongoing wood frame construction is considered to be within the project when adjacent structures are separated by less than sixty feet of open air. | ||
| Fire safety officer. “Fire safety officer” means an individual employed on a construction job site whose job function is to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fires in accordance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the approved construction fire protection plan. The duties of a fire safety officer shall be in addition to, and do not supersede, the duties of any contractor or individual engaging in activities which have the potential to cause the occurrence or spread of fire, including but not limited to the duties specified in Chapter 33 of the 2025 California Fire Code, as adopted in this code. | ||
| Hot work. “Hot work” means construction activities including, but not limited to, cutting, welding, use of open torch, brazing, and glass blowing, which are regulated by Chapter 35 of the 2016 California Fire Code, as adopted in this code. | ||
| Large wood frame building project. “Large wood frame building project” means a building project utilizing exposed wood framing in the construction of fifteen or more attached dwelling units, or construction exceeding a total of fifty thousand square feet. | ||
| Major wood frame building project. Major wood frame building project” is large wood frame building project which will either: | ||
| A. | Exceed two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or | Exceed two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or |
| B. | Exceed two hundred thousand square feet if the project exceeds fifty feet in height. | Exceed two hundred thousand square feet if the project exceeds fifty feet in height. |
| Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit. “Maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit” means: | ||
| A. | Two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or | Two hundred fifty thousand square feet; or |
| B. | Two hundred thousand square feet for a large wood frame building project which exceeds fifty feet in height. | Two hundred thousand square feet for a large wood frame building project which exceeds fifty feet in height. |
| Mitigating fire protection barrier. “Mitigating fire protection barrier” means at least one layer of 5/8-inch gypsum board or other fire resistive blocking located at the end of a fire resistive area or separation wall or party wall, and installed such that the mitigating fire protection barrier(s) and fire resistive wall(s) enclose area(s) of not less than ten thousand square feet and not more than fifty thousand square feet. | ||
| 3313.3 Specific requirements. | 3313.3 Specific requirements. | 3313.3 Specific requirements. |
| A. | No building permit shall be issued which allows the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a construction fire protection plan for the project. | No building permit shall be issued which allows the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a construction fire protection plan for the project. |
| B. | Construction fire protection plans for a large or major wood frame building project shall state how the requirements of this ordinance and all other fire safety requirements shall be met during construction of the project. Construction fire protection plans for major wood frame building projects shall, in addition, state how off-hours security will be addressed, and how construction sequencing, including the installation of mitigating fire protection barriers, will be utilized to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fire. | Construction fire protection plans for a large or major wood frame building project shall state how the requirements of this ordinance and all other fire safety requirements shall be met during construction of the project. Construction fire protection plans for major wood frame building projects shall, in addition, state how off-hours security will be addressed, and how construction sequencing, including the installation of mitigating fire protection barriers, will be utilized to minimize the potential for the occurrence and spread of fire. |
| C. | No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a fire protection plan for the project. | No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved unless the Fire Chief or responsible fire code official has provided written approval of a fire protection plan for the project. |
| D. | No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved except in full compliance with the approved construction fire protection plan for the project. | No person shall engage in, permit, authorize or allow any aspect of construction on any project for which a construction fire protection plan has been approved except in full compliance with the approved construction fire protection plan for the project. |
| E. | The approved construction fire protection plan shall be a condition of the building permit and a copy of the plan shall be maintained on site at all times during construction of the project. | The approved construction fire protection plan shall be a condition of the building permit and a copy of the plan shall be maintained on site at all times during construction of the project. |
| 3313.4 Fire Safety Officer Requirements. | ||
| A. | No person shall perform, permit, authorize or allow any hot work on any large or major wood frame building project, after wood framing has commenced, unless a fire safety officer is present on the project site at all times while hot work is being performed. | No person shall perform, permit, authorize or allow any hot work on any large or major wood frame building project, after wood framing has commenced, unless a fire safety officer is present on the project site at all times while hot work is being performed. |
| B. | A fire safety officer shall monitor, confirm and document the following: | A fire safety officer shall monitor, confirm and document the following: |
| 1. | That a fire watch as required by Chapter 33 of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, as adopted in this code; | |
| 2. | That storage, use and handling of flammable liquids conforms to all federal, state and local, legal and administrative requirements; | |
| 3. | That construction debris is promptly removed from the project site; | |
| 4. | That fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes, and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan; | |
| 5. | That mitigating fire protection barriers are in place on any major wood frame building project, in accordance with this ordinance and the construction sequencing requirements of the approved construction fire protection plan; | |
| 6. | That such other requirements relating to fire safety have been met, as may be specified in this code, in the regulations adopted pursuant to this Ordinance, or in the approved construction fire protection plan. | |
| 3313.5 Basic Fire Protection Facilities. | ||
| A. | No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless an all-weather access road is in place, meeting the requirements of Section 3310 of the 2025 California Fire Code, or such other fire apparatus access requirements as may be specified in the construction fire protection plan for the project, or in any development or building permit for the project, are in place and functional. | No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless an all-weather access road is in place, meeting the requirements of Section 3310 of the 2025 California Fire Code, or such other fire apparatus access requirements as may be specified in the construction fire protection plan for the project, or in any development or building permit for the project, are in place and functional. |
| B. | No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in, permit, authorize or allow any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless all fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan. | No person shall commence, permit, authorize or allow wood framing or engage in, permit, authorize or allow any construction activity after the commencement of wood frame construction on a large or major wood frame building project, unless all fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, standpipes and other fire service connections, are in place and operational, as required by law or specified in the approved construction fire protection plan. |
| 3319.6 Mitigating Fire Protection Barriers. No person shall continue, permit, authorize, or allow any construction activity on any major wood frame building project, unless mitigating fire protection barriers are in place and operational, in accordance with the approved construction fire protection plan, to maintain the project at or below the applicable maximum allowable exposed wood framing limit. |
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3321. MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION, GENERAL AUTHORITY.¶
Section 4801.2 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: General”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4801.2.1 to read as follows:
4801.2.1. General Authority. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve ALL fire/life safety activities associated with the motion picture and television industry within the City upon either public or private property. This shall include the design, construction, operation and maintenance of soundstages and approved production facilities used in the motion picture and television industry productions. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to require the appropriate level of fire/life safety during motion picture and television production activities to protect life and property. This may include the scheduling of Fire Safety Officers (FSO) and fire suppression resources at the expense of the motion picture/television production industry.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3322. MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION - PERMIT REQUIRED.¶
Section 4803 (“Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages: Required Permits”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4803.4 to read as follows:
4803.4 Permit Required. Prior to commencement of any film and/or production activities, an operations permit for these activities shall be first obtained from the City of Downey.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3323. SUBSTITUTION OF TEMPORARY FIRE/LIFE SAFETY SERVICES FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.¶
Section 4807 (“Fire Safety Officers”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section 4807.2 to read as follows:
4807.2 Substitution of temporary fire/life safety services for commercial activities. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to approve temporary fire/safety services provided for filming activities. The approval process is covered in Downey Municipal Code Article VI, Chapter 11, starting with Section 6955.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
§ 3324. DESIGNATION OF FIRE LANES AND TURN AROUND SPECIFICATIONS.¶
A. Section D101.1 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: General: Scope”) of Appendix D of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended by adding thereto Section D101.1.1 to read as follows:
D101.1.1 Identification of fire lanes. Fire Department access or fire lanes shall be identified on private streets or drives by use of the phrase “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” and shall be designated by the use of one or more of the following:
a. Approved SIGNS
b. Approved RED CURBS
c. Approved ROADWAY STRIPING
d. Any combination of the above
B. Section D103.4 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Minimum Specifications”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
D103.4 Dead ends. Access roads greater than 150 feet in length shall have an approved means for turning around fire apparatus in accordance with the figures shown in Attachment “A,” Attachment “B,” and Attachment “C,” [1] unless otherwise dictated by the Fire Chief.
[1]
Editor’s Note: These attachments are included as attachments to this article.
C. Section D103.6 (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads: Signs”) of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
D103.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” signs complying with this section. Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required by Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2.
a. Shall be eighteen (18) inches in height by twelve (12) inches in width.
b. Lettering shall be red on a white background and no less than three (3) inches in height. The perimeter of the sign shall have a red border no more than one (1) inch in width.
| Sign shall read as follows: |
|---|
c. Signs shall be installed so that there is not less than seven (7) feet clear from the bottom of the sign to finish grade. Temporary signs must be approved by the fire department prior to placement and use.
d. The distance between the signs shall no exceed fifty (50) feet and there shall be a sign within five (5) feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE.
e. Installation and maintenance of the signs located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
D. Section D103.7 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:
D103.7 Red curbs.
a. Curbing which is used in designating FIRE LANES shall be painted “FIRE SAFETY RED” OR EQUIVALENT.
b. White lettering, no less than three (3) inches in height shall be placed on top of the red curbing and shall read “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1.”
c. Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet apart and within five (5) feet from the beginning and end of the designated FIRE LANE.
d. Installation and maintenance of red curbing located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
E. Section D103.8 is hereby added to Appendix D (“Fire Apparatus Access Roads”) to read as follows:
D103.8 Roadway striping.
a. Areas designated to be FIRE LANE where no curbs exist shall be striped.
b. Striping shall consist of three (3) inch wide red stripes on a diagonal basis for the full width and length of the FIRE LANE.
c. White lettering a minimum dimension of two (2) inches in width by twelve (12) inches in height, per letter, shall read “NO PARKING - FIRE LANE CVC 22500.1” and shall be painted within the striping.
d. Such lettering shall be located a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet part and within five feet of the beginning and end of the FIRE LANE.
e. Installation and maintenance of the roadway striping located on private streets and drives shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
(Added by Ord. 26-1538, 1/27/2026)
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