Encinitas Municipal Code § 503.2 2024 International Fire

Sec. 503.2.5 Dead ends.¶

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around emergency apparatus.

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Sec. 503.2.5.1 Dead end roads turn-around required.¶

A cul-de-sac or other approve turn-around shall be provided in residential areas where fire apparatus access roads serve 3 or more parcels. The minimum unobstructed radius width for a cul-de-sac in a residential area is 36 feet paved, 40 feet graded, or as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official shall establish a policy for acceptable turnarounds for various project types.

Section 503.2.7 Grade

This section is revised to read:

Maximum grade for fire apparatus access roadway shall not exceed 12%. Grades exceeding 12% (incline or decline) shall not be permitted without mitigation. Minimal mitigation shall be the installation of fire sprinkler systems and a surface of Portland cement concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Sec 503.2.7.1 Cross-Slope. The standard cross-slope shall be 2 percent; minimum cross-slope shall be 1 percent; maximum cross-slope shall be 5 percent.

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 7 degrees (12%) for the first 30 feet or as approved by the fire code official and shall not allow for transitions between grades that exceed 6% elevation change along any 10 ft section, or as approved by the fire code official.

Section 503.2.9 Roadway Turnouts

This section is added to read:

Turnouts shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide and 30 feet long with a minimum 25-foot taper on each end.

Section 503.2.10 - Additional Access

This section added to read:

Unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official, new developments shall provide two (2) separate and approved fire apparatus access roads under the conditions specified below.

Multiple-Family Residential Developments: In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), secondary access shall be required when the development contains thirty (30) or more units. In all other areas, secondary access shall be required when the development contains more than sixty (60) units.
Single-Family Residential Developments: In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as determined by CAL FIRE, secondary access shall be required when the development contains thirty (30) or more homes or units. In all other areas, secondary access shall be required when the development contains fifty (50) or more homes or units.
Commercial and Industrial Developments: Secondary access shall be required when the total gross building area of the development exceeds one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.
Access Road Approval Where two (2) fire apparatus access roads are required, the location and design of each access road shall be subject to approval by the Fire Department.
Section 503.3 Marking

This section is revised to read:

Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words "NO PARKING-FIRE LANE" shall be provided for all public and private fire apparatus access roads, to identify such roads or prohibit obstruction thereof. Signs, 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 Encinitas standards.

503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.

503.4.1 Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices (including, but not limited to, speed bumps, speed humps, speed control dips, etc.) shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.

Section 503.4.2 Width of a Parking Space. This section is added to read:

The width of a parking space shall be a minimum of eight feet wide.

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

No person shall install a security gate or security device across a fire access roadway without the fire code official's approval.

An automatic gate across a fire access roadway or driveway shall be equipped with an approved emergency key-operated switch overriding all command functions to ensure access and shall be provided with a battery back-up and manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.
An automatic gate accessing more than four residences or a gate accessing hazardous, institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group structures, 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 emergency apparatus with a battery back-up and manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.
When required by the fire code official, an automatic gate 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.
A gate across a fire access roadway or driveway, public or private, shall be maintained in an operative condition which provides rapid, reliable access at all times.
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.
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.
Section 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

Building Square Feet	Gallons Per Minute Water Flow	Capacity Gallons	Duration Minutes
Up to 1,500	250	5,000	20
Over 1,500	250	10,000	40
When exposure distance is one hundred feet (100') or less from adjacent property or where additional hazards or higher fire flow exists, the required water storage may be modified by the fire code official.

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.
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.
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.
All exposed tanks and exposed supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other material listed for above ground 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 added 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 507.5.1.01A

Parcels 1/2 acre and larger:	Every 500 feet
Parcels less than 1/2 acre:	Every 350 feet

Section 507.5.1.02 Requirements for Multi-Family, Commercial and Industrial Zones. This section is added 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.

E. Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems.

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

Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings 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.

Section 903.3 Installation Requirements. This section is revised to read:

Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8 and the City of Encinitas installation policies, as appropriate. The Fire Code Official may require an automatic sprinkler system and has the final decision of which NFPA 13 standard to apply to be installed in buildings where no water main exists to provide the required fire flow or where a special hazard exists, such as poor access roads, steep grades canyon rims, hazardous brush, extended hose pull distances, and extended travel times for Fire Department response.

Section 903.2.01 Group R Additions, Remodels, and Reconstruction. This section is added to read:

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 meets the New Constructed Building definition defined by the (EMC) Encinitas Municipal code.

EXCEPTIONS:

1.	If the addition to the existing structure 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 Commercial and Group U.

This section is revised to read:

An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be required in all buildings and structures when the square footage of-new or remodeled buildings exceeds 5000 square feet or where the fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.

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 905.3.01 Standpipes. This section is added to read:

A Class 1 standpipe with 2.5 inch hose valves shall be provided for all commercial buildings three levels or more in height, regardless of occupancy type. Hose valves shall be located in each stairway and on each floor level, including the roof. For single story buildings or parking structures with large floor areas, class 1 standpipes may be required.

F. 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 Encinitas, 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 Fireworks Penalty. This section is added to read:

Any person violating any provisions 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. 2022-12; Ord. 2025-10, 9/24/2025; Ord. 2025-21, 12/10/2025)

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