Napa County Municipal Code Ch. 15.32 Fire Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, amended Ch. 15.32 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 15.32, §§ 15.32.010—15.32.270, pertained to the same subject matter. See the Ordinance List and Code Comparative Table and Disposition List.

For the purpose of establishing proper regulations to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare from the hazards of fire, the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, including Chapter 4, and Appendices B and C, hereinafter referred to as the "fire code," which is based on the 2024 International Fire Code adopted with modifications by the State of California as Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations, is adopted and made part of this code by reference, subject to the modifications set forth in this chapter. This adoption by reference explicitly includes Sections 104.7 and 104.7.1 of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Each section of the fire code designated in succeeding sections of this chapter shall be changed to read as set forth in this chapter, except that where the modification is a deletion only, the deletion shall be noted without setting forth the text of the section.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 101.6 is added to Division II of Chapter 1 of the fire code to read as follows:

101.6 Application - Napa County. This code shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Napa County for the purpose of establishing minimum fire safety requirements for development in unincorporated Napa County.

Exception: Property located in unincorporated Napa County within the American Canyon Fire Protection District shall follow the ordinances adopted by that District.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 104.7.2 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:

Section 104.7.2 Inspections.

The fire code official shall keep a record of each inspection made, including notices and orders issued, showing the findings and disposition of each. Such records shall also include photographic documentation of the inspected conditions, where applicable, to support the findings and actions taken during the inspection.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 104.10.2 of the fire code is added to read as follows:

Section 104.10.2 Investigations.

The fire code official is authorized to conduct fire investigations and to document conditions as necessary. This includes the authority to take photographs, record video, or collect other forms of evidence during the course of an investigation, when deemed appropriate by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 105.3.1 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:

Section 105.3.1 Permit validity, expiration, revocation, modification, and transferability.

A. Operational Permits.

Operational permits shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed, revoked, or for the period of time specified on the permit.

B. Construction Permits.

Fire-related permits shall follow the same permit expiration procedures established by the Napa County Building Division, as outlined in Section 15.04.070 - Expiration of permits.

C. Revocation of Permits.

The fire code official is authorized to revoke a permit issued under this code in any of the following circumstances:

1. The permit was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate, or incomplete information.

2. The permit holder violates any provision of the applicable fire code, municipal code, or conditions of the permit.

3. The permit is used for a location, operation, or activity other than that authorized by the permit.

4. The permit holder fails to comply with lawful orders issued by the fire code official.

D. Modification of Permits.

Any proposed modification to the scope, occupancy, use, or conditions of an issued permit shall be submitted to the fire code official for review. Modifications shall not be made without prior written approval, and may require the issuance of a new or amended permit at the discretion of the fire code official.

E. Non-Transferability of Permits.

Permits issued under this code are non-transferable. Any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy, or ownership shall require the issuance of a new permit.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 111 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:

111. Means of appeals. The functions of the board of appeals referred to in Section 111 of the fire code shall be performed by the unified board of appeals constituted pursuant to Section 15.04.100 of this code and no separate board of appeals shall be created.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 112.4 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:

112.4. Violation penalties. Persons who violate a provision of this code or fail to comply with any approved construction documents or directives of the fire marshal or marshal's authorized designee, or conditions of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 113.4 of the fire code is amended to read as follows:

113.4. Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed by law.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 307.6 is added to read in full as follows:

307.6.1 General.

This section applies to all exterior non-portable or built-in fire pits, including those constructed as part of landscaping features, outdoor kitchens, or permanent fire features, whether fueled by wood or non-wood sources.

307.6.2 Location.

1. Non-Wood Burning Fire Pits.

Non-wood burning fire pits, including those fueled by natural gas, propane, or other approved clean-burning fuels, shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from any combustible material or combustible construction.

2. Wood-Burning Fire Pits.

Fire pits designed to burn wood or other solid fuels shall be located at a minimum of 25 feet from any combustible material or combustible construction.

307.6.3 Use and Maintenance.

1. Fire pits shall be installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and all applicable provisions of the California Fire Code and the California Building Code.

2. Fire pits shall not be used during periods of high fire danger, red flag warnings, or when otherwise prohibited by the fire code official.

3. A responsible adult shall be present at all times when a fire pit is in use. Fires shall be fully extinguished after use.

4. A readily available method of fire extinguishment, such as a garden hose, portable fire extinguisher, or bucket of sand, shall be maintained in close proximity during use.

307.6.4 Authority to Enforce.

The fire code official is authorized to require the immediate cessation of use, modification, or removal of any fire pit deemed to be unsafe, improperly maintained, or not in compliance with this section.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 503.1 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3 and the Napa County Road and Street Standards.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 505.1 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of ¾ inch (19 mm), except that for one- or two-family dwellings, each character shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

A new section 507.5.7 is added to the fire code to read in full as follows:

507.5.7 Fire Hydrant Specifications and Fire Flow Requirements. Fire hydrant size, outlets configuration, and performance standards shall comply with the Napa County Fire Development Guidelines or as approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 604.6.3 is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:

604.6.3.1 Shunt Trip Prohibited

Shunt trip devices shall not be installed in elevator systems.

604.6.3.2 Alternative Requirements in Sprinklered Buildings.

Where elevator hoistways and/or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control equipment are located within buildings equipped with automatic fire sprinkler systems, the following shall apply in lieu of shunt trip devices:

1. Fire-Resistive Construction.

Elevator machine rooms shall be enclosed with fire-resistive construction having a fire-resistance rating equal to that of the hoistway. Where the hoistway is non-rated, the machine room shall be enclosed with fire barriers having a minimum one-hour fire-resistance rating in accordance with California Building Code section 707.

2. Prohibited Sprinkler Locations.

Automatic fire sprinklers shall not be installed:

a. At the top of the elevator hoistway; and

b. Within the elevator machine room.

3. Elevator Shutdown Devices.

Means for automatic elevator power shutdown (shunt trip) shall not be installed.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 901.4.7.1 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

901.4.7.1 Access. Commercial automatic sprinkler system risers, fire pumps, and controllers shall be readily accessible from the exterior of the building. Where located in a fire pump room or automatic sprinkler riser room, the door shall be permitted to be locked provided the key is available at all times on site.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

A. For the purposes of this section "building area" shall have the meaning set forth in chapter 2 of the building code, except where modified for Accessory Dwelling Units by Government Code Section 65852.2. "Existing" is defined as "previously permitted and approved building areas that: 1) are attached to the structure under review; and 2) maintain all structural elements in place, before, during, and after construction".

B. Section 903.2 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

903.2 Where Required. In addition to the requirements of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and 903.2.14 through 903.2.21, an approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained in all occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all new buildings with a building area of 1,000 square feet or greater; or

2. Throughout all additions to buildings already provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system; or

3. Throughout the entire building when:

a. The addition or expansion equals or exceeds 50% of the existing building area, within any 3-year period; and

b. The resulting total building area exceeds 1,000 square feet; or

4. Throughout an entire building which exceeds 1,000 square feet in building area when repair of significant structural damage to the existing building area (caused by fire, flood, or earthquake, for example) requires rebuilding of 50% of the building structure.

5. When the scope of work involves the alteration or removal of any existing structural framing that meets or exceeds fifty percent (50%) or greater of the linear footage of exterior walls, cumulative within a 3-year period.

Exceptions:

1. Detached Group U structures accessory to a non-sprinklered Group R-3 single-family residence, including but not limited to pool houses, workshops, private garages, and similar structures, shall not be required to be sprinklered, provided all of the following conditions are met:

a. The new structure is detached from the main residence.

b. The total floor area of the structure is less than 1,000 square feet.

c. The structure is not intended for use as a dwelling unit or for sleeping purposes.

For the purposes of this section, "dwelling unit" shall be defined as a building or portion thereof providing complete independent living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, consistent with the California Residential Code.

2. Buildings that are exclusively Group U - Agricultural Buildings as defined in Appendix C of the building code.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 903.2.8.1 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies and shall be provided throughout all one- and two-family dwellings, or guest cottages, regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all mobile homes, manufactured homes, and multi-family manufactured homes with two or more dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 903.4.3 is added to the fire code to read as follows:

903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 907.1.6 of the fire code is added to read as follows:

907.1.6 False Alarms. A false alarm shall mean the receipt by the Fire Department of an audio or visual alarm or signal from an automatic fire alarm device set off by causes other than the occurrence of a fire. Alarm users are allowed three (3) false alarm calls in a 365-day period. A service fee of $100 shall be imposed for the fourth false alarm, $250 for the fifth false alarm, and $500 for each subsequent false alarm after the fifth.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 907.6.1.2 of the fire code is added to read as follows:

1. Wiring Installation.

All fire alarm system wiring shall be installed in metallic conduit or approved raceways per the California Electrical Code (CEC) and NFPA 72 (2025).

2. Prohibited Wiring.

Armored cable (Type AC) and other non-approved cable types are not permitted for fire alarm wiring unless approved by the Napa County Fire Marshal and Electrical Inspector.

3. Conduit Sizing and Support.

Conduits shall comply with CEC Chapter 9 conduit fill limitations to ensure proper installation and maintenance. Conduits shall be installed using approved hangers and supports, with spacing in accordance with the requirements of the California Electrical Code (CEC) Article 358.30 and the manufacturer's recommendations. Under no circumstances shall any other wiring or cabling be attached to, or supported by, the conduit.

4. Wire Specifications.

Wiring shall be copper conductors with insulation and ratings per CEC and NFPA 72. Wire type, size, and number of conductors must be shown on all shop drawings and floor plans.

5. Approval and Documentation.

All plans must include wiring details and conduit fill calculations. Any deviations require prior approval by Napa County Fire and Electrical officials.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 1205.5.1 of the fire code is amended to read in the full as follows:

1205.5.1 Vegetation Control. A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be required around the perimeter of the ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays. A noncombustible base of gravel or a noncombustible base, approved by the fire code official, shall be installed and maintained under the photovoltaic arrays and associated electrical equipment installations.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section 1207.1 of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

1207.1 Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS). ESS in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies including accessory Group U structures, shall comply with Section 1207.11.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 36, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.120 in its entirety. Former § 15.32.120 pertained to the location of manual fire alarm boxes and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 26, adopted 12-17-2013, eff. 1-16-2014.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 37, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.130 in its entirety which pertained to the location of audible alarms and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 27, adopted 12-17-2013.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 38, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.140 in its entirety which pertained to alarms in public and common use areas and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 28, adopted 12-17-2013.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.150, which pertained to Section 4906.2—Application and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1416, § 29, adopted 11-22-2016 and Ord. No. 1478, § 54, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.160, which pertained to Section 4906.3—Requirements and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1416, § 29, adopted 11-22-2016 and Ord. No. 1478, § 54, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.170, which pertained to Section 4907.1—General and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1478, § 55, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.180, which pertained to Section 4907.2—Roadways and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1478, § 55, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.190, which pertained to Section 4907.5—Corrective actions and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1478, § 55, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.193, which pertained to Chapter 80—NFPA 13D 16, Section 7.6 and derived from Ord. No. 1450, § 39, adopted 12-17-2019 and Ord. No. 1478, § 57, adopted 11-29-2022.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1516, § 18, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed § 15.32.195, which pertained to Chapter 80—NFPA 1142.17, Section 8.9 and derived from Ord. No. 1450, § 39, adopted 12-17-2019 and Ord. No. 1478, § 57, adopted 11-29-2022.

Chapter 80 - NFPA 13D-22, Section 7.5.6.3. NFPA 13D-22, Section 7.5.6.3 is amended to read in full as follows:

The following practices shall be observed when installing residential sprinklers unless higher expected ambient temperatures require a higher temperature rating:

(6) Sprinklers in unconditioned garages shall be of intermediate temperature classification or higher.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

A new section B105.4 is added to Appendix B of the fire code to read as follows:

B105.4 Fire flow and water supply for parcels not served by municipal water supply. For parcels not served by a municipal water supply, NFPA 1142-22, Chapter 4 shall be used to calculate minimum water storage requirements for fire flow. The Napa County Fire Marshal's Office permits a 25% reduction in required water storage if the subject building or structure is equipped with an NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, or NFPA 13R fire sprinkler system.

Exceptions:

Reductions in required water supply are not provided for structures located in High or Very High Severity Zones.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Section C103.1 of Appendix C of the fire code is amended to read in full as follows:

C103.1 Hydrant spacing. Fire apparatus access roads and public streets providing required access to buildings in accordance with Section 503 of the California Fire Code shall be provided with one or more fire hydrants, as determined by Section C102.1. Where more than one fire hydrant is required, the distance between required fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the Napa County Development Guidelines or as approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 1516, § 18, 12-9-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 43, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.220 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water storage for one- and two-family dwellings and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted Nov. 23, 2010.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 44, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.230 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water storage requirements for one- and two-family dwellings over 6,000 square feet and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted Nov. 23, 2010.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 45, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.240 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water storage requirements for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted Nov. 23, 2010.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 46, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.250 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water storage requirements for light fire hazard occupancies and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 30, adopted 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 1399, § 14, adopted 3-24-2015.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 47, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.260 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water flows, etc., requirements for moderate fire hazard occupancies and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 31, adopted 12-17-2013; Ord. No. 1399, § 15, adopted 3-24-2015.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1450, § 48, adopted Dec. 17, 2019, repealed former § 15.32.270 in its entirety which pertained to fire protection water flows, etc., requirements for high fire hazard occupancies and derived from Ord. No. 1350, § 14, adopted 11-23-2010, eff. 12-23-2010; Ord. No. 1388, § 32, adopted 12-17-2013, eff. 1-16-2014; Ord. No. 1399, § 16, adopted 3-24-2015.