Fremont Municipal Code Ch. 15.35 Fremont Fire Code

105.5.9 Compressed Gases. An operational permit is required for the storage, use, or handling at normal temperatures and pressures of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.5.9 to install any piped distribution system for compressed gases, or to install a non-flammable medical gas manifold system. A permit is required to install, repair, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, close or substantially modify a compressed gas system.

105.5.10 {CFC text not modified}

105.5.11 Cryogenic fluids. An operational permit is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids more than the amounts listed in Table 105.5.11. Except where federal or state regulations apply and except for fuel systems of a vehicle, a construction permit is required to install a cryogenic vessel or piping system for the storage or distribution of cryogens. See also Chapter 55.

Exception: Permits are not required for vehicles equipped for and using cryogenic fluids as a fuel for propelling the vehicle or for refrigerating the lading.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Fremont fire code” or “FFC.” The Fremont fire code consists of the 2025 California Fire Code, as codified in Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations as amended by this chapter. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

(a) The fire prevention bureau is established within the Fremont fire department under the direction of the fire chief and consists of Fremont fire department personnel assigned to the bureau by the chief. The function of the bureau is to assist the chief in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

(b) References to “Fire Marshal” or “Fire Code Official” shall mean the person in charge of the fire prevention bureau as appointed by the chief.

(c) The fire chief of the fire department shall recommend to the city manager the employment of technical consultants as appropriate. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (CFC) as published by the California Building Standards Commission is adopted by reference as the fire code of the city of Fremont as if fully set out herein and is amended as set forth in this chapter. A copy of the 2025 CFC is on file in the office of the city clerk. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

The following appendices of the 2025 California Fire Code are adopted, as amended by the city of Fremont and made a part of the Fremont fire code.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Appendix B of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

B101.1 – Table B105.1(2) {CFC text not modified}

Table B105.2

TABLE B105.2 REQUIRED FIRE FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE-AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOMES

B105.2 – B106 {CFC text not modified}

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Appendix D of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

D101.1 – Table D104.1 {CFC text not modified}

D104.2 Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet (11,520 m2) that have a single approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings are equipped throughout with approved with automatic sprinkler systems.

Secured energy generation or storage facilities, communication networks or similar utility scale, remotely monitored and minimally staffed projects that exceed 124,000 square feet (11,520 m2) may be approved via a Use Permit issued pursuant to the process set forth in FMC Chapter 18.230

D104.3 – D108 {CFC text not modified}

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 California Fire Code is adopted by the city of Fremont and made a part of the Fremont fire code. References to model codes in the adopted sections shall mean the corresponding California Codes as adopted by the city of Fremont. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 102 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

102.3 Change of use or occupancy. No change shall be made in the use or occupancy of any structure that would place the structure in a different division of the same group or occupancy or in a different group of occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the California Building Code. Subject to the approval of the fire code official, the use or occupancy of an existing structure shall be allowed to be changed and the structure is allowed to be occupied for purposes of other groups without conforming to all the requirements of this code and the California Building Code for those groups, provided the new or proposed use is equal to or less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use.

When a change of occupancy results in a structure being reclassified to a higher occupancy classification, an automatic fire extinguishing system and associated fire and life safety protection systems shall be provided in the building or tenant space, whichever is applicable, in accordance with *Table 1011.5. Tenant spaces shall be separated from the remaining tenant spaces based on the non-sprinklered type of construction and occupancy in accordance with the CFC.

*Table 1011.5

*Ref: 2024 IEBC Chapter 10, Table 1011.5

Section 105 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

105.1 {CFC text not modified}

105.2 Application. Application for a permit required by this code shall be made to the fire code official in such form and detail as prescribed by the fire code official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such plans as prescribed by the fire code official. An application for a permit shall be accompanied by a fee established by resolution of the city council.

Section 113 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

113.4 Violation penalties. A person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, installs, alters, repairs, or does work in violation of the approved construction documents or direction of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under the provisions of this code, is guilty of an offense as set forth in FMC Section 1.15.010 et seq.

113.4.1 Powers to Abate. The chief is authorized to abate a fire or life hazard when necessary to protect life or property. This may include, but is not limited to, confiscation of flammable liquids, fireworks, the removal of hazardous electrical wiring, temporary closure of commercial occupancies, extinguishing unsafe or illegal fires and any other similar hazards, determining no smoking areas, and ceasing operation of any type apparatus that poses an imminent danger to property or life.

113.4.2 Violation. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this chapter.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 202 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended by adding or modifying the following definitions. The remaining definitions in Section 202 are not modified.

ABANDONED shall mean tanks out of service and not being monitored in accordance with this Article and the provisions of the California Health and Safety Code shall be considered abandoned.

CONTINUOUS GAS-DETECTION SYSTEM is a gas-detection system where the analytical instrument is maintained in continuous operation and sampling is performed without interruption. Analysis shall be performed on a cyclical basis at intervals not to exceed five minutes.

CORROSIVE LIQUID is a liquid which, when in contact with living tissue, will cause destruction or irreversible alteration of such tissue by chemical action. Examples include acidic, alkaline or caustic materials. Such material will be considered prima facie corrosive when the pH is 2 or less or 12.5 or more, except for foodstuffs or medicine. This includes materials classified by DOT and Title 22 as corrosives.

CURRENT CODE shall mean the edition of the California Building, Fire or other California Building Standards Codes published by the International Code Council as adopted by the city of Fremont under California Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5. The edition to be applied shall be that edition in effect at the time damage occurs.

ENGINEERING EVALUATION means an evaluation of a suspected damaged building or structure, performed under the direction of a fire protection engineer, structural engineer, civil engineer or architect retained by the owner of the building or structure. Engineering evaluations shall, at a minimum, contain recommendations for repair with an appropriate estimate of the construction cost for those repairs.

ESSENTIAL SERVICE FACILITY shall mean that building or structure which has been designated by the city council to house facilities that are necessary for emergency operations.

HIGHLY TOXIC {CFC text not modified}

1. – 3. {CFC text not modified}

2. A chemical that has a health hazard ranking of 4 in accordance with NFPA Standard 704.

JURISDICTION means the city of Fremont.

LOCAL FIRE ALARM shall mean a fire alarm system provided for notification and evacuation of occupants. It shall have more than one notification appliance on each and every floor. The system may notify a monitoring company at the discretion of the fire marshal.

REMOVAL – tanks abandoned or permanently out of service shall be removed from the ground. Tanks required to be removed by this code shall be removed and disposed of in a manner approved by the chief, or his authorized representative. Whenever a tank is required to be removed by this section, the chief may require removal of all levels of containment, foundations, structures, or similar items which would obstruct soil sampling or cleanup of contaminated soil.

REPLACEMENT VALUE is the dollar value, as determined by the building official based upon the square footage and the guidelines used in establishing the valuation of new construction, of replacing the damaged structure with a new structure of the same size, construction material and occupancy on the same site.

SECONDARY CONTAINMENT is that level of containment that is external to and separate from primary containment and is capable of safely and securely containing the material, without discharge, for a period of time reasonably necessary to ensure detection and remedy of the primary containment failure.

SEGREGATED is storage in the same room or area but physically separated by distance and independent secondary containment from incompatible materials.

SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITY OR COMPARABLE MANUFACTURING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS is a building or portion of a building classified as a Group H Occupancy in which electrical circuits or similarly manufactured devices are created.

SPECULATIVE WAREHOUSING is a building constructed without specific use, occupancy hazard designation, or tenant. Buildings that do not have a designed fire sprinkler system for a specific use (occupancy) or storage commodity classification.

STORAGE OR USE FACILITY is a building, portion of a building, or exterior area used for the storage, use, or handling of hazardous materials where the quantity of hazardous materials is equal to or greater than the permit amounts specified in Chapter 1, Section 105.

STORAGE OR USE SYSTEM is any one or combination of tanks, sumps, waste treatment facilities, pipes, vaults or other portable or fixed containers, and their secondary containment systems which are used, or designed to be used, for the storage, use, or handling of hazardous materials at a storage or use facility. For purposes of this code, a workstation having limited quantities of hazardous materials shall not be treated as a storage system.

TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS shall mean those that do not exceed one year.

TOXIC {CFC text not modified}

1. – 3. {CFC text not modified}

2. A chemical that has a health hazard rating of 3 in accordance with NFPA Standard 704.

VALUE OF REPAIR is the dollar value, as determined by the building official, of making the necessary repairs to a damaged structure.

WASTE OIL is a Class III-B waste liquid resulting from the use of Class III-B combustible liquids such as waste motor oil, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, brake fluids and transmission fluids.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 309 of the 2025 California Fire Code is adopted without amendments. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 311 of the 2025 California Fire Code is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

311.7 Vacant Commercial Property. The fire code official can require a metal grade covering system for all access doors and windows of vacant commercial properties that have become a nuisance or dangerous because of fires or other unsafe conditions. The coverings must include features that allow for quick access by emergency services, such as keyless entry systems or emergency access panels. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the coverings and ensuring they remain in good working conditions.

This along with city of Fremont Municipal Code section 15.45.110 (Unsafe Structures and Equipment) will apply. Properties that are actively undergoing renovation or have a valid occupancy permit may be exempt from these requirements, provided that adequate security measures are in place.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 503 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

503.3 Marking, Fire Lanes. Where necessary to maintain adequate emergency vehicle access to buildings or fire apparatus access roads, the Fire Code Official may establish designated "Fire Lanes."

503.3.1 Restrictions and requirements as specified in the California Vehicle Code shall apply to fire lanes established by this section.

503.3.2 The means by which fire lanes are designated or identified shall be always maintained in a clean and legible condition and or replaced when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access road. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, which includes parking of vehicles. The minimum width and clearances established by Section 503.2.1 or as applicable, Appendix Section D105, shall be always maintained.

Section 506 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a Knox Rapid Entry System to be installed in an approved location. The Knox Rapid Entry System shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037 and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official. If any of the following items listed (1) through (8) is located at an occupancy, then a Knox Rapid Entry System shall be required.

1. Fire suppression and standpipe systems. When a building within the city limits is protected by an automatic fire suppression and/or standpipe system, it shall be equipped with a Knox Rapid Entry System, installed at a location approved by the fire code official or designee.

2. Automatic Alarm Systems. When a building within the city limits is protected by an automatic fire suppression and/or standpipe system, it shall be equipped with a Knox Rapid Entry System, installed at a location approved by the fire code official or designee.

3. Multi-family residential structures. Multi-family residential structures comprised of four (4) or more units which access the building or common areas or mechanical or an electrical room within the building are denied through locked doors.

4. Automatic Gates. When a property is accessed through a gate or cross arm that impedes ingress through required fire lanes by means of a key or swipe card, it shall be equipped with a key switch to be installed at a location approved by the fire code official or designee.

5. Security Padlock. When a property is protected by a locked fence or gate and where immediate access to the property is necessary for life saving and firefighting purposes, it shall be equipped with a security padlock to be installed at a location approved by the fire code official or designee. It shall then be the responsibility of the responsible party to see that the fence or gate is secured properly so that the security padlock is accessible.

6. Construction Sites. When a construction site is to be secured by a locked fence or gate, that site will fall under section 2 subsection E, during the duration of construction or until said fence or gate is removed. It shall then be the responsibility of the construction company to see that the fence or gate is secured properly so that the security padlock is accessible.

7. Security of Fire Department Connections (FDC). When a building is protected by an automatic sprinkler and/or standpipe system and the fire department connection is exposed to vandalism, the fire code official or designee shall require that a security gate be installed around the standpipe and that a Knox security cap be installed.

Exception: This shall not apply to any owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings. Owners of single- and two-family occupancies are encouraged to participate voluntarily utilizing a residential key box.

8. Remote Power Box. Where a building is equipped with the following items: the fire code official, can require to be installed a Knox Remote Power Box, to safely gain access to high-risk electrical areas by tripping the power on equipment and machinery.

a) Generators

b) Power distribution centers

c) Light rail systems

d) Telecommunication equipment

e) HVAC controls

f) Solar, photovoltaic, wind-powered systems

g) Battery Storage Facilities

506.2 {CFC text not modified}

506.3 Emergency information Knox Document Cabinet. When an occupancy contains storage of hazardous materials that exceed the exempt amounts listed in Chapter 50 of the California Fire Code, or the occupancy is required by the fire chief to have available on-site pre-fire plans, the fire chief may require an approved emergency Knox Document Cabinet be installed on the premises for the storage of such information. The emergency information box shall be installed in an approved location, and the enclosed information shall be updated, annually or as changes dictate, by the occupant.

506.1.3 Knox Rapid Entry System storage cabinet contents. Any facility, firm, or corporation that handles, uses, or stores hazardous material and or total aggregate is more than 55 gallons of liquid, 500 pounds of solid, or 200 cubic feet of gas, shall have a Knox Document Cabinet, model #1302, for Fremont Fire Department use. Exception: not required for Underground Storage Tanks (UST).

The cabinet shall contain the following items:

1. Binder for Document Cabinet with:

2. List of responsible parties’ phone numbers (i.e., plant manager, owner, all principal employees, management types, and major chemical manufacturers).

3. An aerial pre-plan of the facility, to include room numbering, extinguishing systems (outside stem and yoke (OSY), post indicator valves (PIV), fire department connections (FDC), drains, secondary containment, ventilation systems, and hydrant locations (See attached aerial pre-plan sample).

4. Alphabetical list of chemicals, room number location, and approximate quantity and strength (i.e., 50%, 60%, 85%, etc.).

5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of all chemicals in alphabetical order.

6. Keys for Document Cabinet:

a. Keys to all locked doors with plastic identification tags corresponding to complex aerial pre-plan.

7. Location of Document Cabinet:

a. The Knox Document Cabinet shall be located on the exterior of the building near the front entrance as shown by Fire Code Official or Designee.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 507 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

507.5.1 Distribution of fire hydrants. Fire hydrants shall be nominally spaced every 500 linear feet in residential areas comprised of single-family dwellings. In commercial or industrial areas, or in residential areas containing condominiums, townhouses, or apartments, fire hydrants shall be nominally spaced every 300 feet. The chief may require that fire hydrants be placed at closer intervals to conform to street intersections, unusual street curvatures, or fire-flow requirements. Divided streets shall have hydrants on both sides of the street and shall, where applicable, be installed in alternate or staggered positions so that hydrants will not be directly across from each other.

Exception: deleted

Section 508 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

508.1 General. When required by other sections of this code and in all buildings four or more stories in height and all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22,860mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7.

Section 510 of the 2025 California Fire Code is adopted in its entirety without amendments. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 903 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.

Exceptions:

1. Automatic fire sprinkler protection for fixed guide way transit systems shall be as per Section 903.2.17.

2. Canopies over motor vehicle fuel dispensing facilities when constructed in accordance with Section 406.7.2 of the 2025 California Building Code.

3. Temporary construction trailers, less than 1,650 square feet, on-site less than one year and 10’ from property lines, building, structures and combustibles.

4. The following detached Group U occupancies: Barns, fences more than six feet high, grain silos accessory to residential occupancies, green houses, gazebos or similar structures accessory to residential occupancies, livestock shelters, retaining walls, tool or storage sheds, stables, tanks, towers.

5. Detached Group U occupancies housing dumpsters or refuse containers with floor areas of 500 sq. ft. or less are exempt from installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems.

6. Detached one-story Group U occupancies housing dumpsters or refuse containers with floor area of 500 to 1500 sq. ft. are exempt from installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems provided all the following requirements are met:

a. Building is constructed to Type IV, Type V 1-Hour, or a higher fire-resistive construction, and

b. Minimum five-foot setback to property line and ten-foot setback to any other building on the site is maintained.

7. Airport Control Towers (see 903.2.11.3 exception #1)

8. Parking shade structures or solar trellises when constructed of non-combustible materials, set back from property lines and separated from buildings in accordance with the California Building Code.

903.2.1 Group A and B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and portions thereof used as Group A and B occupancies.

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-1 occupancies.

903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-2 occupancies.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-3 occupancies.

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-4 occupancies.

903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-5 occupancies.

Section 904 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

904.3.5 Monitoring. Where a building fire alarm system is installed, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be monitored by the building fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72 and Fire Department Standard 25A.

904.16 Ventilating Hood and Duct Systems and Air Handlers. All buildings with an existing or new fire alarm/sprinkler monitoring control panel shall interconnect all hood and duct systems and air handlers over 2000 cfm to the alarm panel. The hood and duct shall report to a central station as a fire condition. Air handlers shall report as a supervisory or trouble condition when the building is provided with fire sprinklers. They shall report as an alarm in buildings without fire sprinklers.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 905 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

905.1 {CFC text not modified}

905.1.1 Hose connections. All Class I, II and III standpipe outlets in multi-storied buildings or buildings with basements shall be installed on intermediate landings between floors.

905.3.2 Group A. Class I standpipes shall be provided in Group A buildings having an occupant load exceeding 1,000 persons.

Exceptions:

1. {CFC text not modified}

2. deleted

Section 907 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

Section 914 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

914.2.3 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. A covered mall building or buildings within the perimeter line of an open mall shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system. Emergency voice/alarm communication system serving a mall, required or otherwise, shall be accessible to the fire department. The system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

Section 5001 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

5001.1 –5001.5 {CFC text not modified}

5001.5.1 {CFC text not modified}

1. – 9. {CFC text not modified}

2. The HMMP, also known as the Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) and HMIS are to be reviewed at a minimum of once per year and any needed changes made and submitted to the fire chief as provided in Fremont Municipal Code Section 8.35.010 et seq. Major changes to the facility may require updating of the HMBP and HMIS more often than annually.

3. If the chief, or his/her authorized representative, determines that a facility poses a significant likelihood of risk to public health and safety or the environment, whether or not the facility handles regulated materials (federal and state RMP chemicals), the fire chief can require at the expense of the owner or operator that the facility prepare a California Accidental Release Prevention Program in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code Sections 25500 et seq.

The HMMP shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.

5001.5.2 {CFC text not modified}

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 5003 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

5003.2.4.1 Underground Tanks. Underground tanks used for the storage of liquid hazardous material shall be provided with secondary containment. In lieu of providing secondary containment for an underground tank, an above-ground tank in an underground vault complying with Section 5704.2.8 may be permitted.

Underground tanks shall also comply with the laws and regulations set forth in Chapter 6.7, Division 20, Sections 25280 through 25299.7, Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances, of the California Health and Safety Code and the associate regulations in the California Code of Regulations Title 23, Waters, Chapter 3, Water Resources Control Board, subchapter 16, Underground Tank Regulations, as amended, are adopted by reference to be the minimum standards in effect in the city. The city can require more stringent standards through other sections of this Code.

5003.5.1 Markings. Individual containers, cartons or packages shall be conspicuously marked or labeled in an approved manner. Rooms or cabinets containing compressed gases shall be conspicuously labeled: COMPRESSED GAS. Product conveying ducts for venting hazardous materials operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the material being vented and the direction of flow.

5003.6 –5003.9.10 {CFC text not modified}

5003.9.11 Monitoring. Liquid and solid hazardous materials storage or use systems must be monitored on a regular or continuous basis. A written monitoring plan must be submitted for approval by the chief and must be included in the Hazardous Materials Business Plan. Monitoring methods may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Visual inspection, no less than monthly (requires trained personnel and documentation).

2. Approved continuous leak detection and alarm system.

3. Any system which will provide continuous, reliable monitoring of the primary container(s) capable of alerting occupants to an alarm or trouble condition; all systems are subject to approval by the chief.

5003.9.12 Spill Control for hazardous materials liquids. Regardless of the exempt amounts and containment requirements in Chapter 50, all containers of liquid hazardous materials regulated by this or any other article shall be provided with an approved means to control spills. The spill control shall take into consideration the amount and hazard of the materials and the nature of the facility.

5003.9.13 Secondary Containment requirements. When deemed necessary to protect life safety, emergency responders, or the environment and regardless of the exempt amounts and secondary containment requirements in Chapter 50, the fire chief, or his designee, may require containers of liquid, solid, or gaseous hazardous materials regulated by this or any other article to be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2.

If parts of this Code differ in their requirements for secondary containment, the more stringent shall apply. The chief may require outside containment areas to be covered with a roof or canopy for protection from the environment.

Section 5004 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

5004.1.1 Notwithstanding CFC Chapter 50, hazardous materials present below the exempt amounts specified in Section 5003.1 shall be provided with an approved method of spill protection designed to address a release from the single largest container. The spill protection shall take into consideration the amount and hazard of the materials and the nature of the facility.

5004.2 {CFC text not modified}

5004.2.2 Secondary containment for hazardous materials liquids and solids. Buildings, rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials, liquids or solids shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with this section when the capacity of an individual vessel or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds the following:

1. Liquids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 55 gallons (208.2L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3,785L); and

2. Solids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 550 pounds (248.8 kg), or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 10,000 pounds (4,524.8 kg).

Section 5005 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

Table 5005.2.1.4 (Required Secondary Containment-Hazardous Liquids Use) is deleted.

Section 5601 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

Section 5605 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended to read:

The manufacture, assembly and testing of explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and fireworks shall be prohibited.

Exceptions:

1. The hand loading of small arms ammunition prepared for personal use and not offered for resale.

2. The mixing and loading of blasting agents at blast sites in accordance with NFPA 495.

3. The use of binary explosives or plosophoric materials in blasting or pyrotechnic special effects applications in accordance with NFPA 495 or NFPA 1126.

4. Possession, storage, handling and use of explosives for test and research purposes as permitted and approved by the fire chief.

5605.5 {CFC text not modified}

Exception: deleted

Section 5701 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

5701.4.1 Plans. Plans shall be submitted with each application for a permit to store liquids outside of buildings in drums or tanks. The plans shall indicate the method of storage, quantities to be stored, distances from buildings and property lines, access ways, fire-protection facilities, and provisions for spill control and secondary containment.

All plans and specifications shall be prepared and wet stamped by a fire protection engineer, professional engineer, architect or similarly registered individual.

5701.5 {CFC text not modified}

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 5703 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:1

5703.6.12 Monitoring. Flammable and combustible liquid storage or use systems must be monitored on a regular or continuous basis. A written monitoring plan must be submitted for approval by the chief and must be included in the Hazardous Materials Business Plan. Monitoring methods may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Visual inspection, no less than monthly.

2. Continuous leak detection and alarm system.

3. Any system which will provide continuous, reliable monitoring of the primary container(s) capable of alerting occupants to an alarm or trouble condition; all systems are subject to approval by the fire chief.

(Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 5707 of the 2025 California Fire Code is adopted in its entirety without amendments. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Section 6004 of the 2025 California Fire Code is amended as follows:

2. When located outside, and when required by the fire chief, highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be kept under a canopy in accordance with 6004.3.

6004.1.4 Automatic Shut-Off Valve. An automatic shut-off valve, which is of a fail-safe to close design, shall be provided to shut off the supply of highly toxic gases for any of the following:

1. Activation of a manual fire alarm system.

2. Activation of the gas detection system.

3. Failure of emergency power.

4. Failure of primary containment.

5. Seismic activity.

6. Failure of required ventilation.

7. Manual activation at an approved remote location.

Exceptions:

1. Cylinders of compressed gases with a capacity not exceeding 10 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) when used in gas cabinets, fume hoods, or approved tools designed for their use.

6004.1.5 Emergency Control Station. Signals from emergency equipment used for highly toxic gases shall be transmitted to an emergency control station or other approved monitoring station, which is continually staffed by trained personnel.

6004.1.6 Maximum Allowable Quantity. Toxic gases stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity in a single vessel per control area or outdoor control area shall comply with the additional requirements for highly toxic gases of Section 6004 of this Code.

6004.1.7 Reduced Flow Valve. All containers of materials other than lecture bottles containing Highly Toxic material and having a vapor pressure exceeding 29 psia shall be equipped with a reduced flow valve when available. If a reduced flow valve is not available, the container shall be used with a flow-limiting device. All flow limiting devices shall be part of the valve assembly and visible when possible; otherwise, they shall be installed as close as possible to the cylinder source. A lecture bottle is defined as a 3E cylinder, meeting the specifications outlined in 49 CFR 178.42, having a diameter of less than 2 inches, a length of less than 2 feet and service pressure of 1800 psig.

6004.1.8 Annual Maintenance. All safety control systems at a facility shall be maintained in good working conditions and tested according to the manufacturers’ specifications, but not less than annually. Maintenance and testing shall be performed by people qualified to perform the maintenance and tests. Maintenance records and certifications shall be available to any representative of the Fire Department for inspection upon request.

6004.1.9 Fire Extinguishing Systems. Buildings and covered exterior areas for storage and use areas of materials regulated by this Chapter shall be protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13. The design of the sprinkler system for any room or area where highly toxic or toxic gases are stored, handled or used shall be in accordance with Section 5004.5.

6004.1.10 Local Gas Shut Off. Manual activation controls shall be provided at locations near the point of use and near the source, as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official may require additional controls at other places, including, but not limited to, the entry to the building, storage or use areas, and emergency control stations.

Manual activated shut-off valves shall be of a “fail-safe-to-close” design.

6004.1.11 Exhaust Ventilation Monitoring. For highly toxic gases and toxic gases exceeding threshold quantities, a continuous monitoring system shall be provided to ensure that the required exhaust ventilation rate is maintained. The monitoring system shall initiate a local alarm. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall be designed to provide warning both inside and outside of the interior storage, use, or handling area.

6004.1.12 Emergency Response Plan. If the preparation of an emergency response plan for the facility is not required by any other law, responsible persons shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, and filed with the fire code official, a written emergency response plan. If the preparation of an emergency response plan is required by other laws, a responsible person shall file a copy of the plan with the fire chief.

6004.1.16 Inert Gas Purge System. Gas systems shall be provided with dedicated inert gas purge systems. A dedicated inert gas purge system may be used to purge more than one gas, provided the gases are compatible. Purge gas systems inside buildings shall be in an approved gas cabinet unless the system operates by vacuum demand.

Exceptions:

1. Cylinders of compressed gases with a health hazard ranking of 4 and with a capacity not exceeding 10 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) when used in gas cabinets, fume hoods or approved tools designed for their use.

2. Cylinders of compressed gases with a health hazard ranking of 3 and with a capacity not exceeding 20 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) when used in gas cabinets, fume hoods or approved tools designed for their use.

6004.1.17 Seismic Shutoff Valve. An automatic seismic shutoff valve, which is of a fail-safe to close design, shall be provided to shutoff the supply of highly toxic, and toxic gases upon a seismic event within five seconds of a horizontal sinusoidal oscillation having a peak acceleration of 0.3G (1.47m/sec2) and a period of 0.4 seconds.

Exceptions:

1. Cylinders of compressed gases with a health hazard ranking of 4 and with a capacity not exceeding 10 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) when used in gas cabinets, fume hoods or approved tools designed for their use.

2. Cylinders of compressed gases with a health hazard ranking of 3 and with a capacity not exceeding 20 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) when used in gas cabinets, fume hoods or approved tools designed for their use.

Chapter 80 of the 2025 California Fire Code and the referenced standards contained therein are amended as follows:

(a) NFPA 13-25 is amended to read:

The provisions of Title 15 (Building Regulations and Construction), Chapter 15.60 (Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems Retrofit Requirements for Certain Types of Apartment Buildings), known as the Fremont Central Corridor Retrofit Ordinance, amend the 2025 California Building and Fire Codes as adopted by this chapter. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

(a) Explosive, Combustible or Flammable Materials. The storage of the explosive, combustible or flammable materials listed below is prohibited in all locations within the city of Fremont except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

(1) Flammable or combustible liquids in outside aboveground tanks (see CFC Chapter 57).

(2) Bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas (see CFC Chapter 61).

(3) Explosives and blasting agents (see CFC Chapter 56).

(4) Compressed natural gas (see CFC Chapter 53 and NFPA 52).

(5) Flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers (see CFC Chapter 55).

(b) Location Limitations. The materials listed in subsection (a) of this section may be stored in the following districts. The zoning districts listed in this subsection are defined in Title 18.

(1) I-S (Service Industrial District).

(2) I-T (Technology Industrial District).

(3) G-I (General Industrial District).

(4) A (Agricultural District).

(5) A (F) (Agricultural with Flood Combining District).

(c) Aboveground Class I, II or III-A Storage Tanks. Aboveground Class I, II or III-A flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks may be allowed when the installation of underground tank(s) is impractical or because of property or building limitations. The tank area may be used for private and governmental fleets, construction vehicles, waste oil storage, and any situation where the fire chief deems it would create a safer condition. Tanks shall not be approved for service stations or other commercial retail applications.

Exception: Alternative fuel installations may be approved via a conditional use permit issued pursuant to the process set forth in Chapter 18.230.

The fire chief or his designee shall have the sole discretion to prohibit use of these tanks based on the safety of the public. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or any provision contained in the 2025 California Fire Code, the International Fire Code, or the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), staffing standards are not established by this chapter and any direct or indirect reference by any document incorporated by reference by this chapter pertaining to staffing standards is expressly excluded and not adopted by this chapter. (Ord. 11-2025 § 2, 9-16-25.)

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Code reviser’s note: Ord. 11-2025 inadvertently omitted the amendments to Section 5703. The text has been inserted per the direction of the city.