Nevada County Municipal Code Ch. 5 Fire Safety Standards and California Fire Code Amendments

This Section prescribing regulations governing fire prevention is enacted to provide increased protection from fire to residents and property within the County of Nevada. It is also intended to encourage a greater degree of uniformity between the local Fire Districts and outside districts in the imposition of fire safety regulations on new construction and existing buildings, while respecting the autonomy of the local fire protection districts.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Notwithstanding any provision in the California Fire Code to the contrary, if any provisions of the California Fire Code, as amended by this Section, conflict with state law or County ordinances, the provisions of State law or County ordinances shall govern.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

As used in this Section and the California Fire Code, certain words and phrases are defined and shall be deemed to have the meaning ascribed to them herein.

A. County Fire Marshal is the person appointed to said position pursuant to Section 14.05.060, acting directly or through the County Fire Protection Planner.

B. County Fire Protection Planner is the designee and authorized representative of the County Fire Marshal.

C. Fire Break shall mean a continuous strip of land upon which all rubbish, weeds, grass, or other growth that could be expected to burn when dry, has been abated or otherwise removed in order to prevent the surface extension of fire from one (1) area to another.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Except as otherwise required by controlling State law, enforcement of fire safety laws, standards and regulations and review of projects for compliance therewith shall be as follows in the unincorporated areas of the County of Nevada:

A. The California Fire Code, as amended and adopted in this Chapter, shall be enforced:

1. By the Chief of any Fire Department or the authorized representative thereof within its jurisdiction, and

2. By the County Fire Marshal outside the jurisdiction of a fire department providing fire protection services or within such boundaries as authorized by the Chief.

B. The building standards relating to fire and panic safety adopted by the State Fire Marshal and published in the State Building Standards Code and other regulations formally adopted by the State Fire Marshal for prevention of fire or for protection of life and property against fire or panic shall be enforced against all buildings and uses, including those owned or operated by the State or the County only to the extent State law expressly makes the same applicable and enforceable against such governmental entities:

1. By the State Fire Marshal as to State owned or operated buildings;

2. By the County of Nevada, through its Building Department or its authorized representative, throughout the unincorporated areas of the County:

a. Those standards and regulations more stringent than the requirements published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety adopted pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13143.5 or ratified pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code §13869.7 where enforcement is not otherwise delegated upon adoption or ratification, and

b. Those relating to R-3 occupancies, excluding adopted building standards relating to fire and panic safety applicable to small and large daycare centers, the enforcement of which shall be as provided in Subsections B.3 and B.4 hereof;

3. By the Chief of any Fire Department or their authorized representative within its jurisdiction:

a. Those standards and regulations more stringent than the requirements published in the California Building Standards Code relating to fire and panic safety adopted pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13143.5 or ratified pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13869.7 where enforcement is delegated to it; and

b. All other standards and regulations, except as provided in Subsections B.1, B.2 or B.4 hereof; and

4. By the County Fire Marshal all standards and regulations applicable outside the jurisdictional boundaries of a fire department providing fire protection services or within such boundaries upon request of the Chief or governing body thereof with approval of the State Fire Marshal.

C. Whenever any application is made to the County for issuance of any discretionary land use permit or other land use entitlement, the County Fire Marshal, after consultation with any Fire Chief or other person with enforcement responsibility pursuant to this Section, shall have the final authority and responsibility for review of such application and preparation of comments and appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval to be requested to assure compliance with all applicable fire safety laws, standards and regulations. To facilitate such review, copies of all such applications shall promptly be provided to the County Fire Marshal and to any Fire Chief or other person with enforcement responsibility.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

A. In addition to enforcement responsibilities provided for in Subsections A and B and review responsibilities provided for in Subsection C of Section 14.05.040 hereof, the duties of the County Fire Marshal shall include fire prevention, code inspection, and fire investigation for the unincorporated areas of the County of Nevada outside the jurisdictional boundaries of a fire department or within such boundaries as authorized by the Chief.

B. The County Fire Marshal may designate another qualified person, who shall be known as the County Fire Protection Planner, as or their authorized representative to carry out all or any part of their duties under this Section. The appointment of the Fire Protection Planner is subject to ratification by the Board of Supervisors and shall not become effective until said ratification. Any fire department or fire department governing body may, by written request, delegate their authority to the County Fire Protection Planner to review and determine appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval for any project in its jurisdiction.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/9/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors shall appoint the County Fire Marshal. In a timely manner thereafter, the County Fire Marshal shall appoint their chief staff officers as Deputy Fire Marshals to operate under the authority of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Appointment of Deputy Fire Marshals is subject to ratification by the Board of Supervisors and shall not become effective until said ratification.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Appeals from decisions to approve or not to approve permits pursuant to this Section resulting from a dispute as to interpretation of any regulation between the County Fire Marshal or any Fire Chief, or authorized representatives of either, may be taken directly to the Nevada County Building and Accessibility Standards Board of Appeals. Such appeals shall be performed in accordance with Section 14.02.020.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

A. The County Fire Marshal, or their designee, shall review fire and panic safety regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13143—13147, and Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§ 4290—4290.5, and shall recommend to the Board of Supervisors for consideration the adoption of amendments and additions to, or deletions from, such regulations.

B. Upon receipt of the County Fire Marshal's report and recommendations, the Board of Supervisors shall set a public hearing to receive public testimony on the proposed changes.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Residential open burning, consisting of burning materials originating from one (1) or more single or multiple family dwellings on a premises including incinerator use, is allowed subject to the provisions of this Code as adopted by the County of Nevada:

A. Without a permit only during that period when fire danger is determined to be low enough as established from year-to-year by a proclamation of the local California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) Director that burning is not prohibited and burn permits are not needed;

B. With a permit issued by CALFIRE only during that period between open burn and no-burn periods when conditions are appropriate as established from year-to-year by CAL FIRE or its designated agency by a proclamation that burning is not prohibited but is allowed subject to a permit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there shall be no open burning, and no permits may be issued for burning, on days or at times determined to be unsafe by CALFIRE, or unhealthy by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) or for open burning in violation of Section 1102.3.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District and its duly authorized agents are hereby declared to be code enforcement officers of this County for the purpose and with the right of enforcing the provisions of all subsections of this Section, including, without limitation, the same authority as the chief to require discontinuance of burning.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Freestanding incinerators shall be constructed of bricks, concrete, hollow tile, heavy gauge metal or other approved non-combustible material. Incinerators shall be equipped and maintained with a spark arrest constructed of iron, heavy wire mesh, or other non-combustible material with openings not larger than one-quarter (¼")-inch.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. A garden hose connected to an adequate water supply or other approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for use when incinerators are in operation.

Supervision Of Incinerator Burning Operations. When burn permits are required, incinerators, while in use, shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment required by Section 14.05.120 and familiar with permit limitations that restrict the use of incinerators. An attendant shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

General. Open burning shall be conducted in accordance with California Fire Code Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 24, Part 9, § 307. Open burning shall also be conducted in accord with requirements of other governing agencies regulating emissions.

Exception: Recreational fires shall be in accordance with California Fire Code, Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 24, Part 9, § 307.4.2.

Notification. Prior to commencement of open burning, the resident must ensure that it is a permissive burn day.

Material Restrictions. Material to be burned must be properly dried and all open burning be conducted in a manner to minimize smoke and promote quick and complete combustion. Open burning of rubbish containing paper products is prohibited, as is open burning of garbage generally, cloth, plastics, petroleum products, metal, material soiled by food or fecal matter, animals or animal parts, or any similar smoke producing materials. No person shall use open outdoor fires for the purpose of disposal, processing or burning of any flammable combustible material, including, but not limited to, treated wood, tires, tar, plastics, petroleum wastes, demolition debris, garbage, offal, carcasses of dead animals or salvage of metals. All residential burning of leaves and pine needles shall utilize efficient burn management techniques and in Western Nevada County, as well as all unincorporated areas of the County of Nevada, shall be restricted to burning where the leaves or pine needles are dry and attached to branches or make up no more than twenty-percent (20%) by volume of any burn pile.

Time and Atmospheric Restrictions. Open burning shall only be performed when time and atmospheric conditions comply with the limits set forth in the open-burning permit or on a permissive burn day as determined by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District.

307.4 Location: Open burning shall not be conducted within fifty (50) feet (fifteen and twenty-five one-hundredths (15.25) meters) of any structure.

Exception: Clearance from structures is allowed to be reduced as follows:

1. Not less than fifteen (15') feet (four and one-half (4.5) meters) when burning is conducted in an approved burning appliance.

2. Not less than twenty-five (25') feet (seven and six tenths (7.6) meters) when the pile size is three (3) feet (one (1) meter) or less in diameter and two (2') feet (zero and six tenths (0.6) meters) or less in height.

Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. A garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use at open-burning sites.

Supervision Of Open Burning Operations. Burning material shall be constantly attended by an adult person knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishing equipment required by Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 24, Part 9, § 307.5 and familiar with permit limitations that restrict open burning. An attendant shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.

Discontinuance. The chief or a duly authorized agent of the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if the chief or agent determines that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property or if the open burning is determined by the chief or agent to constitute a hazardous condition.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Adopt the 2022 California Fire Code as printed by International Code Council Inc. and amended by State Fire Marshal's Office and including Appendix Chapters B, BB, C, CC, D, F and H.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

105.8 NEW MATERIALS, PROCESSES, OR OCCUPANCIES THAT MAY REQUIRE PERMITS. The Chief of each local fire protection district shall determine and specify, after giving affected persons the opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes, or occupancies which shall require permits, in addition to those enumerated in said code.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

105.6.52 CANNABIS OPERATIONS. An operational permit is required to operate a commercial cannabis facility or cannabis operation listed below when allowed by State law and the Nevada County Codes:

a) Cultivation

b) Distribution

c) Manufacturing

d) Testing/Laboratories

105.6.53 ORGANIZED CAMPS. An operational permit is required to operate an organized camp.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

A. 112.4 Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provision of this Code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days in the County Jail, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. The application of the above penalty shall not be the exclusive remedy nor shall the penalty be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.

B. Any person who violates or fails to comply with a notice or order of the County Fire Marshal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

112.4.2 REDUCTION OF PENALTY. The Fire Chief, in their sole discretion, may reduce any violation from a misdemeanor set forth above to an infraction, publishable by a fine or not more than $500.00.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

113.4 FAILURE TO COMPLY. Any person who shall continue work after having been served with the stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of an infraction and be liable to a fine of not less than $500.00 or more than $1,000.00 for each day the violation continues unabated.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

107.2 SCHEDULE OF PERMIT FEES. The Chief of each local fire protection district may charge and receive such fees and charges for services and permits relating to activities of fire prevention pursuant to the Fire Code. Said fees and charges may be set by Resolution of each local fire protection district.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

308.1.9 OUTDOOR OPEN FLAME APPLIANCES. Outdoor open flame appliances, including permanently installed outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, BBQs, pizza ovens and any other open flame outdoor device that is connected to a residential or commercial gas line service shall be installed in accordance with the following:

1. All parts/assemblies to be tested and certified by UL, CSA, or ANSI.

2. A gas shut-off valve located shall be installed at the stub out and provided with ready access.

3. A second gas shut-off valve shall be located within three (3') feet (9,115 mm) to five (5') feet (1,524 mm) of device where the primary shut-off valve is further than six (6') feet (1829 mm) from the appliance.

4. The appliance shall include a timer device which allows a maximum operating time of three (3) hours. The timer shall require a manual reset.

5. A separation distance of ten (10') feet (3,048 mm) feet vertically and horizontally shall be provided to all combustible materials, not including the support structure. The separation distance shall be measured from the open flame.

Exception: Where approved by the Fire Code Official, the separation shall be reduced provided the manufacturer's installation guidelines specify a lesser distance to combustible materials.

6. The surface supporting the appliance shall be of an ignition-resistant or fire-resistant material for a distance of two (2') feet (610 mm) in all directions from the appliance.

7. The appliance shall produce a maximum flame height of two (2') feet (610 mm).

(Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

505.3 UTILITY IDENTIFICATION. Gas and electrical meters, services, switches, and shut-off valves in multi-unit commercial and residential buildings shall be clearly and legibly marked to identify the unit or space that it serves.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

A key box, approved by the responsible fire agency, shall be installed in buildings with automatic fire sprinkler and/or fire alarm systems.

The owner or person in charge of the premises shall notify the responsible fire agency without delay when the required keys providing access to the facility have been changed. Proper keys shall be made immediately available.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

604.3.2 Auxiliary Energy System Disconnect Switch - A remote auxiliary energy system disconnect switch shall be provided where any of the following conditions occur:

1. In new or remodeled structures equipped with multiple electrical sources, such as fuel cells, BESS, generators or solar photovoltaic systems.

2. In existing structures where a new electrical power source is provided, such as fuel cells, BESS, generators or solar photovoltaic systems.

Auxiliary Energy System Disconnect Switch location

1. The auxiliary energy system disconnect switch shall be installed on the exterior of the main building.

2. Where multiple power sources serve a structure. an auxiliary energy system disconnect switch shall be provided for each power source. Multiple power sources can be connected to a single auxiliary energy system disconnect switch where allowed by the California Electrical Code.

3. Where multiple auxiliary energy system disconnect switches are provided for a single structure. the disconnect switches shall be separated by no more than 3 feet (914 mm).

Auxiliary Energy System Disconnect Switch Labeling

1. Electrical auxiliary energy system disconnect switch shall be hard wired to the power source it controls. Each auxiliary energy system disconnect switch shall have an approved, permanently mounted, all weather sign indicating the power source it controls. For example, "MAIN POWER DISCONNECT SWITCH," "GENERATOR DISCONNECT SWITCH," and "BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DISCONNECT SWITCH."

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023); Ord. 2552. (01/13/2026))

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. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in new manufactured homes in excess of 1,600 square feet, as defined in Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 18007 and 18009, and multiple family manufactured homes with two (2) dwelling units, as defined in Cal. Health & Safety Code § 18008.7, in accordance with Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 25.

(Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

907.11 FALSE ALARMS. When any fire alarm system sounds an audible alarm or transmits an alarm to a remote location causing an emergency response by a fire district, when no emergency exists, for three (3) or more times in any six (6) month period, the owner, tenant, or lessee of the premises may be billed for the cost of the response in accordance with a fee that may be established by Resolution of said Fire District.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (050/9/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Storage in conjunction with construction projects complying with Section 5706.2 of this Section for which the Chief has issued a permit.

2. Tanks used for agricultural purposes complying with Section 5706.2. where the need for on-site fuel is necessary for continued operations, and for which a permit has been issued by the Chief.

3. Existing installations where the Chief has issued a permit for continued use.

4. Service stations, repair garages, oil change facilities and commercial operations which accept the return of used crankcase oil, may be permitted to have one (1) aboveground storage tank of up to a five hundred (500 gal.) gallon capacity for the purpose of storing used crankcase oil. Section 2311.2

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

6103.4 HIGH ELEVATION REQUIREMENTS. Above 4,000 feet elevation above sea level, a site plan that includes a liquefied petroleum gas tank shall be approved by the Fire Marshal of the affected Fire District or Fire Authority before issuance of any building permit therefor.

6107.5 PROTECTING APPURTENANCES FROM THE ELEMENTS. At above 4,000 feet elevation above sea level, a protective cover shall be installed over all gas meters, regulators, valves, and equipment so to provide protection against sliding, drifting, and impacts of snow and ice. The minimum design for the protective cover shall be equal to, or greater than the Building Design Load determined by the Building Department and shall be securely supported to the ground or diagonally to the building wall.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

Table B105.2 Required Fire-Flow for Buildings Other Than One- and-Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 Buildings and Townhouses

For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m

a. The reduced fire-flow shall not be less than 1,000 gallons per minute.

b. The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

B107 AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. Any structure with a required fire flow of 1,500 to 1,749 gallons per minute, shall have installed throughout an approved fully-supervised automatic smoke and/or heat detection fire alarm system in the following categories:

1. New buildings;

2. Existing buildings with new construction exceeding fifty-percent (50%) of the gross floor area.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Single-family dwellings and related accessory outbuildings.

2. Buildings that have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout the building.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

B108 AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM. Any structure with a required fire flow of 1,750 gallons per minute or more shall have installed throughout, an approved fully-supervised automatic fire sprinkler system in the following categories:

1. New buildings;

2. Existing buildings with new construction exceeding fifty-percent (50%) of the gross floor area.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Single-family dwellings and related accessory outbuildings.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C106 LOCATION OF DRY HYDRANTS

C106.1 DRY HYDRANT LOCATION. The dry hydrant shall be readily accessible by fire apparatus and shall be located not more than 1,000 feet from the parcel to be served and not less than fifty (50') feet from any structure to be served by the system.

C106.1.1 ADJACENT TO ROADWAY. The dry hydrant shall be located within ten (10) feet of the driveway or other approved access roadway.

C106.1.2 SERVING SINGLE STRUCTURE. If the dry hydrant is located along the driveway serving a single structure, or along the primary access roadway serving multiple structures, the connection shall be located in such a manner that fire apparatus can utilize the hydrant without obstructing the access roadway.

C106.2 TURNOUT CONSTRUCTION. An approved turnout, consisting of a ten (10') foot wide driving surface for a distance of twenty-five (25') feet plus a twenty-five (25') foot taper on either end (total length of seventy-five (75') feet), shall be provided when the dry hydrant is placed adjacent to a single lane access roadway or where fire apparatus using the hydrant would obstruct the access roadway.

C106.3 VEGETATION CLEARANCE. All flammable vegetation within ten (10') feet of the dry hydrant shall be removed.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C107 INSTALLATION OF DRY HYDRANTS

C107.1 DRY HYDRANT SUPPLY PIPING. Pipe supplying the dry hydrant shall be not less than four (4") inches in diameter.

C107.1.1 PVC PIPING. If PVC piping is used, the piping shall be Schedule 40, or better.

C107.2 ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION. Exposed PVC piping shall be primed and painted with epoxy paint, or otherwise protected from damage that could be caused by exposure to sunlight, in an approved manner.

C107.3 CORROSION PROTECTION. If galvanized steel piping is used, piping that is in contact with the soil shall be wrapped with two (2) layers of Mil Tape or otherwise protected from corrosion in an approved manner.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C108 DRY HYDRANT CONNECTION

C108.1 SIZE AND THREADS. The connection for the dry hydrant shall consist of a four and one-half inch (4.5")threaded male fitting with National Standard Threads. The connection shall be provided with an approved cap to protect the threads and to protect the water supply from contamination.

C108.2 HEIGHT. The connection for the dry hydrant shall be located between eighteen (18") inches and thirty-six (36") inches above the finished grade.

C108.3 SUPPORT BRACE. If PVC piping is used for the dry hydrant, an approved brace or support shall be provided to support the connection.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C109 FREEZE PROTECTION

C109.1 CONTROL VALVE. If the dry hydrant connection is located lower than the water source, such as a storage tank, an approved valve at the base of the dry hydrant shall be provided to control the water flow.

C109.2 DRAINAGE. Provisions shall be made to drain any standing water from the piping above the valve.

C109.3 EXPOSED PIPING. Any exposed piping that contains water shall be protected from freezing in an approved manner.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C110 VENTING OF CLOSED CONTAINERS

C110.1 TANK VENTING. Closed storage tanks shall be vented in an approved manner.

C110.1.1 SIZE. Vent piping shall be equal to, or larger than, the size of the piping serving the dry hydrant.

C110.1.2 PROTECTION. The vent opening shall be screened with an approved material to prevent obstruction of the vent or contamination of the water supply.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C111 LAKES, RESERVOIRS, AND PONDS

C111.1 OPEN WATER SOURCES. When the water supply consists of an open water source such as a lake, reservoir, or pond, the following shall apply:

1. If the distance between the water source and the dry hydrant is greater than 100 feet, a minimum six (6") inch piping shall be used to supply the dry hydrant.

2. The piping between the base of the dry hydrant and the water source shall be buried at least three (3') feet below the finished grade.

3. The end of the piping located in the water source shall be located a minimum of two (2') feet above the bottom surface of the water source and a minimum of two (2') feet below the lowest recorded level of the top surface of the water source.

4. The end of the piping located in the water source shall be fitted with a commercially manufactured dry hydrant strainer, a hand-made strainer consisting of a capped section of pipe with 1,000 holes that are 5/16 inch in diameter drilled along the length, or equal.

5. The distance between the lowest recorded level of the water surface and the connection for the dry hydrant shall not exceed ten (10') vertical feet.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

C112 WATER SUPPLY SIGNAGE

C112.1 SIGNS. Approved signs indicating the size, location, and access travel route to a fire protection water storage facility shall be provided in such a manner that all pertinent information relating to the facility is clearly identified.

C112.1.1 MOUNTING AND SIZE. All signs shall be mounted on noncombustible posts, shall be a minimum of eighteen (18") inch by twenty-four (24") in size, and shall be a minimum of 0.080 gauge metal.

C112.1.2 BACKGROUND AND LETTERING. The sign(s) shall have a reflective blue background with a minimum of three (3) high reflective lettering that sharply contrasts with the background.

C112.2 FIXED WATER SUPPLY. If the water supply consists of a fixed amount, such as an underground or aboveground storage tank, the sign shall be located on or adjacent to the facility. The sign shall be clearly visible and legible from the access roadway serving the facility. The lettering on the sign shall be arranged as shown in the following example:

6,000 Gallon Fire Protection Water Supply

C112.3 ACCESS ROUTE. If the water storage facility consists of a reservoir, pond, or similar facility, at least one sign shall be provided at the intersection of the primary access roadway serving the area and the access roadway serving the water storage facility. This sign shall be located in such a manner that it is clearly visible and legible from the primary access roadway serving the area. Additional signs shall be provided along the access roadway serving the water storage facility if the route of travel is not easily recognized. The lettering on the sign shall be arranged as shown in the following example:

Access to Fire Protection Water Supply

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))

The Jurisdiction having authority may allow alternative minimum standards as promulgated by the Cal. Pub. Resc. Code § 4290.

(Ord. 2374. (01/14/2014); Ord. 2424. (12/13/2016); Ord. 2431. (05/09/2017); Ord. 2473. (01/14/2020); Ord. 2515. (12/06/2022); Ord. 2515. (12/13/2022); Ord. 2531. (10/24/2023))