Chapter 9.04 — FIRE CODE

The City Council adopts and incorporates by reference, as though set forth in full in this section, the California Fire Code 2025 Edition, and the whole thereof including the matrix adoption tables for each chapter, and Appendices B, BB, C, CC, E, F, G, I and N, and all national code and standards referenced therein, based on the 2024 International Building Code, as published by the International Code Council.

The various parts of these codes and standards, along with the additions, amendments and deletions adopted in this chapter, shall constitute and be known as the “Newport Beach Fire Code.” A copy of the 2025 Fire Code, printed in code book form, shall be kept on file in the office of the Fire Code Official and Building Official and made available for public inspection. (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.020. Amendment of Section 110.6, Overcrowding.

Section 110.6, Overcrowding, is amended to read as follows:

110.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official or their designee, on finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or on finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected. The supervisor of each place of assembly shall have an effective system to keep count of the number of occupants present in the assembly area.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.030. Amendment of Section 113.4, Violation Penalties.

Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows, with all related subsections remaining unchanged unless specifically modified by this chapter:

113.4 Violation Penalties. Persons who violate a provision of this code or fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty and liable in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.040. Amendment of Section 114.4, Failure to Comply.

Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.060

Section 114.4 Failure to Comply. Any person who continues 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 liable to criminal prosecution, a fine in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code Title One 1.04.010 “Violation, Penalties and Enforcement,” injunctive relief and/or any other judicial remedy available pursuant to state or federal law.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 429, 2023; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.050. Amendment to Section 202, Definitions.

Section 202 is amended to add the following definitions to read as follows:

CUL-DE-SAC: A street closed at one end, with a circular terminus at the closed end to allow vehicles to turn around. DEFENSIBLE SPACE: Defensible space is an area either natural or man-made, where plant materials and natural fuels have been treated, reduced, or modified to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire, and to create an area for firefighters to suppress fire and protect structure(s). DOCK: A structure linked to the shoreline to which a vessel may be secured. A dock may be fixed to the shore or fixed on pilings, or may float in the water. FUEL MODIFICATION PLAN: An approved plan which identifies specific fuel modification zones within a property that are subject to fuel modification. Fuel modification plans show the area and location of all hardscape/softscape improvements and fuel modifications necessary to achieve the minimum acceptable level of risk to structures from fires in combustible vegetation. FUEL MODIFICATION ZONE: A specific area where vegetation has been removed, planted, or modified in conjunction with an approved fuel modification plan that increases the likelihood that a structure will survive a wildfire, improve the defensible space around the structure for fire-fighting activities, and prevents direct flame contact with structures. Vegetation includes native and ornamental plants, non-native naturalized annual grasses, and other invasive or naturalized species. Fuel modification activities can include removal, partial or total replacement of existing plants with adequately spaced drought-tolerant and fire-resistant species, and thinning of existing native or ornamental species. HAZARD REDUCTION ZONE: Any geographical area designated by the Fire Chief in which structures directly abut a wildland space on one or more sides. LOCAL AGENCY VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE: A geographical area designated in accordance with California Government Code Section 51179, and by ordinance adopted by the City Council, which contains the type and condition of vegetation, topography, climate and structure density which potentially increases the possibility of uncontrolled fire spread through vegetative fuels threatening life or property. For the purposes of this code, Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall be considered to be Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as defined in Government Code Section 51179. WILDLAND FUELS: Any combustible material in a wildland area.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 430, 2023; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.060 FIRE CODE § 9.04.060

§ 9.04.060. Amendment to Section 305, Ignition Sources.

Section 305 is amended by adding the following:

305.6 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, or is located within 10 feet (3.048 m) of a chimney outlet, shall be cut down and removed by the property owner or responsible person. Vegetation modification requirements in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with Section 4901 et seq. of this code. 305.7 Clearance of Brush or Vegetation Growth from Roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within ten (10) feet (3.048 m) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic to be free of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire. 305.8 Abatement. 305.8.1.1 Authority to Declare Nuisance and Abate. If and when the fire code official determines that uncontrolled or high weeds, brush, plant material, fire hazards, or other items prohibited under this code increase the danger of fire and thus constitutes a fire hazard, the fire code official may, by written notice, direct the removal thereof by following the procedures outlined in Title 10, Chapter 10.48 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. As authorized by Chapter 10.48, the City may take further action which may include: (1) the City, or its contractor, may enter upon the parcel of land and remove or otherwise eliminate or abate the hazard; (2) that upon completion of such work the cost thereof, including Nuisance Abatement Services, can be billed to the property owner or responsible person, or can become a special assessment against that parcel; and (3) that upon City Council confirmation of the assessment and recordation of that order, a lien may be attached to the parcel to be collected on the next regular property tax bill levied against the parcel. 305.8.1.2 Emergency Private Property Abatement. When in the opinion of the fire code official a substandard structure or substandard property is an immediate hazard to life and property, and the fire code official makes written findings to the effect that abatement of such a fire hazard requires immediate action, the fire code official may then cause such work to be done to the extent necessary to eliminate the hazard. At least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the abatement, the fire code official shall attempt to contact the property owner or responsible person to inform the property owner or responsible owner of the work to be done and request their assistance or immediate voluntary removal of the hazard. After the work is performed, the fire code official shall post a notice and mail to the property owner or responsible person information regarding the nature of the work performed. Any individual aggrieved by the action of the fire code official under this section, may appeal the determination as provided in Section 15.80 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.060 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.090

305.8.1.3 Abatement costs. The costs involved in the correction of the substandard conditions and fire hazards pursuant to Section 305.8.1.2 of this chapter shall become a special assessment against the property. In addition to the above costs, an administrative processing fee established by resolution of the City Council shall be assessed against each parcel for City incurred costs associated with abatement. An additional inspection fee shall be established by resolution of the City Council for charges related to inspection services for vegetation hazard identification. The schedule for such fees shall be maintained on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

The fire code official shall notify, in writing, all parties concerned of the amount of such assessment related to work performed in accordance with Government Code Section 38773.5. The property owner or responsible person may appeal the fire code official’s assessment by sending a written appeal to the fire code official within fifteen (15) calendar days of the mailing of the notice. Any appeal regarding the reasonableness of the assessment of costs shall be heard by the Fire Chief. The decision of the Fire Chief shall be final. If the total assessment determined as provided for in this section is not paid within thirty (30) calendar days after mailing of such notice or after a decision has been rendered on any appeal, the property owner or responsible person shall be billed. If unpaid, such charges shall be placed as a special assessment on the tax bill for the property pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 38773.5 of the Government Code which is incorporated herein by this reference. 305.8.1.4 Other Abatement Procedures. The provisions of this ordinance shall not in any manner limit or restrict the City from enforcing City ordinances or abating public nuisances in any other manner provided by law.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 431, 2023; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.070. Amendments to Section 307.4.2, Recreational Fires.

Section 307.4.2 is amended to add Section 307.4.2.1 as follows:

307.4.2.1 Beach, Camp, and Recreational Fires. No person shall make, set, or maintain any beach or camp/recreational fire at any beach, park, or other public place within the City except in areas where proper containers are provided for such fires by the City and where City signs are plainly posted indicating such fires are permissible.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.080. Amendments to Section 308.1.1, Where Prohibited.

Section 308.1.1 is amended by adding Section 308.1.1.1:

Section 308.1.1.1 Fireplace. No fireplace that uses flammable or combustible liquid as a fuel source shall be allowed inside or outside a structure, except outside for R3 occupancy is allowed.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.090 FIRE CODE § 9.04.130

§ 9.04.090. Amendments to Section 308.1.7, Sky Lanterns.

Section 308.1.7 is amended as follows:

308.1.7 Sky Lanterns. A person shall not use or release any sky lantern in the City.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.100. Addition of Section 324, Geological Surveys.

Section 324 is added as follows:

SECTION 324 GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS 324.1 General. Development on or near land containing or emitting toxic, combustible or flammable liquids, gases, or vapors. 324.2 Geological surveys. The fire code official may require the submittal for review and approval of geological studies, evaluations, reports, remedial recommendations and/or similar documentation from a state-licensed and department approved individual or firm, on any parcel of land to be developed which: 1. Is within one thousand (1,000) feet (304.8 m) of a parcel of land that has an active, inactive, or abandoned oil or gas well operation, petroleum or chemical refining facility, petroleum or chemical storage; 2. May contain or give off toxic, combustible or flammable liquids, gases, or vapors; or 3. Modifies an existing system.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.110. Amendments to Section 503.2.1, Dimensions.

Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than twenty (20) feet (6.1m) and shall not be less than twenty six (26) feet (7.92 m) within thirty (30) feet (9.14 m) of a fire hydrant, except when the road passes through approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6. Roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than thirteen (13) feet, six (6) inches (4.1m).

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.120. Amendments to Section 503.2.4, Turning Radius.

Section 503.2.4 is amended to read as follows:

503.2.4 Turning Radius. The turning radius for fire apparatus access roads shall have at least a twenty (20) feet (6.1m) inside radius and forty (40) feet (12.2m) outside radius. Exception: Cul-de-sacs with center obstructions may require larger turning radius as

approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.130 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.170

§ 9.04.130. Amendments to Section 503.2.5, Dead Ends.

Section 503.2.5 is amended to read as follows:

503.2.5 Dead Ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of one hundred and fifty (150) feet (60.96 m) in length shall be provided with an approved cul-de-sac for turning around fire apparatus without backing up.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.140. Amendments to Section 503.2.7, Grade.

Section 503.2.7 is amended to read as follows:

503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed ten (10) percent.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.150. Amendments to Section 503.4.1, Traffic Calming Devices.

Section 503.4.1 is amended to read as follows:

503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices. Any traffic calming devices in required access roadways

when approved by the fire code official, shall be in accordance with the Newport Beach Public Works Department’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.160. Amendments to Section 503.6, Security Gates.

Section 503.6 is amended to read as follows:

Section 503.6 Security Gates. Vehicle access gates or barriers installed across a fire apparatus access road shall be in accordance with the City's Guidelines and Standards C.01 Emergency Fire Access: Roadways, Fire Lanes, Gates, and Barriers. The minimum width of any gate or opening necessary or required as a point of access shall have at least fourteen (14) feet (4.27 m) unobstructed width. This minimum width may be increased depending on the length of the approach. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.170. Amendments to Section 505.1, Premises Identification.

Section 505.1 is amended by adding Section 505.1.1 to read as follows:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.170 FIRE CODE § 9.04.210

505.1.1 Premises Identification. All multi-unit residential and commercial buildings shall have numbers or addresses placed above or immediately adjacent to all doors that allow fire department access. In no case shall the numbers be less than six inches (152 mm) in height with a one-inch (25 mm) stroke. Address numbers shall contrast with their background, and shall be either internally or externally illuminated to be visible at night. All multi- unit residential and commercial buildings shall have numbers or addresses placed above or immediately adjacent to all doors that allow fire department access.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.180. Amendments to Section 506, Key Box Contents.

Section 506 is amended by adding Section 506.3 to read as follows:

506.3 Key Box Contents. When a key box is required the following types of keys shall be provided: A. Keys to locked points of ingress whether on the interior or exterior of the building. B. Keys to locked mechanical equipment rooms. C. Keys to locked electrical rooms. D. Keys to elevator controls. E. Keys to other areas as directed by the fire code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.190. Amendments to Section 510.1, Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems in New Buildings.

Section 510.1 is amended to read as follows:

510.1 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems in New Buildings. Approved in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage for emergency responders shall be provided in all new buildings. In-building, two way emergency responder communication coverage within the building shall be based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems utilized by the City, measured at the exterior of the building. This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with the requirements of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Communications and Technology Division, and where the functionality of performance requirements in the California Fire Code are more stringent, this code.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.200. (Reserved) (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.210. Amendments to Section 510.4.2.2, Technical Criteria.

Section 510.4.2.2 is amended to read as follows:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.210 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.240

510.4.2.2 Technical Criteria. The fire code official shall maintain a document providing the specific technical information and requirements for the emergency responder radio coverage system. This document shall contain, but not be limited to, the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites, effective radiated power of radio sites, and other supporting technical information, including: 1. The frequency range supported from the 800MHz Countywide Communications System shall be 851-824 MHz (base transmitter frequencies). 2. The frequency range supported from the 800MHz Countywide Communications System shall be 806-824 MHz (radio field transmit frequencies). 3. The public safety radio amplification system shall include filters to reject frequencies below 851 MHz and frequencies above 869 MHz by a minimum of 35dB. 4. All system components must be one hundred (100) percent compatible with analog and digital modulations after installation, without adjustments or modifications. The systems must be capable of encompassing the frequencies stated herein and capable of future modifications to a frequency range subsequently established by the jurisdiction. 5. Active devices shall have a minimum of -50 dB 3rd order intermodulation protection. 6. All active in-building coverage devices shall be Federal Communications Commission Part 90 certified.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.220. Amendments to Section 510.5.2, Approval Prior to Installation.

Section 510.5.2 is amended to read as follows:

510.5.2 Approval Prior to Installation. Amplification systems capable of operating on frequencies licensed to any public safety agency by the Federal Communications

Commission shall not be installed without prior plan submittal, coordination, and approval from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Communications Division; with a copy provided to the fire and building code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.230. Amendments to Section 510.5.3, Minimum Qualifications of Personnel.

Section 510.5.3 is amended to read as follows:

510.5.3 Minimum Qualifications of Personnel. The minimum qualifications of the system designer and lead installation personnel shall include both of the following:

1. A valid Federal Communications Commission-issued general radio operators license.
2. Certification of in-building system training issued by, a nationally recognized organization, school or a certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.240 FIRE CODE § 9.04.270

§ 9.04.240. Amendments to Section 510.5.4, Acceptance Test Procedure.

Section 510.5.4 is amended to read as follows:

510.5.4 Acceptance Test Procedure. When an emergency responder radio coverage system is required, and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system tested by a qualified Federal Communications Commission licensed third party technician to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is not less than a

minimum of ninety-five (95) percent. The test procedure shall be conducted as follows:

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.250. Amendments to Section 510.6.1, Testing and Proof of Compliance.

Section 510.6.1 shall be amended as follows:

510.6.1 Testing and Proof of Compliance. The owner of the building or their representative shall have the emergency responder radio coverage system inspected and tested annually or whenever structural changes occur including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field performance tests. Testing shall consist of the following:

1. Signal boosters shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance or set to optimize the performance of the system. In- building system components shall be tested to determine general function operability. If noncompliance is found, the FCC licensed technician will assess improvements necessary and provide such information to OCSD Communications, and the fire and building code official.
2. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load for a period of one (1) hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one (1) hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one (1) hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined.
3. All other active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. At the conclusion of the testing, a certification report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.5.4, shall be submitted to Orange County Sheriff’s Department

Communications and the fire and building code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.260. Addition of Section 511.1, Building Information.

Section 511.1 is added to read as follows:

511.1 Building Information. The fire code official is authorized to require a cabinet for onsite storage of pre-plans and other building information that is accessible to the fire code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.270 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.280

§ 9.04.270. Amendments to Section 903.2, Where Required.

Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new and existing buildings and structures shall be provided in the following locations: “Building Area” as used in this section shall mean gross building area enclosed within exterior walls.

1. New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12, an automatic fire-extinguishing system shall also be installed in all occupancies

when the total building area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet (465 m 2), unless more restrictive requirements are required by other provisions of the code. 2. Existing buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when any of the following conditions exists: a. When an addition is fifty (50) percent or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet (465 m 2). b. When an additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area. c. When an addition is added and the existing building is already provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system. d. More restrictive requirements are required by other provisions of the code.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.280. Amendments to Section 903.2.8, Group R.

Section 903.2.8, Group R, is amended to read as follows:

Section 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows:

1. New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.
2. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists: a. An addition when the increase in building size is 2,000 sq. ft. or more and exceeds fifty (50) percent of the area of the existing structure. b. An addition, when the existing building is already provided with an automatic sprinkler system. c. As determined for new construction per Section 102.4. Exceptions:
3. Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies and not housing bedridden clients, not housing non-ambulatory clients above the first floor, and not housing clients above the second floor.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.280 FIRE CODE § 9.04.300

2. Existing Group R-3 occupancies converted to Group R-3.1 occupancies housing only one bedridden client and complying with Section 435.8.3.3 of the California Building Code. 3. Accessory dwelling units shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the primary residence. The construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling. 4. The installation of fire sprinklers shall not be required in an accessory dwelling unit if sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. The construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing multifamily dwelling. 5. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 13113, occupancies housing ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill children or children with intellectual disabilities, and the buildings or portions thereof in which such children are housed are not more than two stories in height, and building or portions thereof housing such children have an automatic fire alarm system activated by approved smoke detectors. 6. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 13143.6, occupancies licensed for protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over). When not used in accordance with Sections 504.2 or 506.3 of the California Building Code, an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be allowed in Group R-2.1 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall not be utilized in Group R-2.1 or R-4 occupancies. (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 432, 2023; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025) § 9.04.290. Amendments to Section 903.3, Installation Requirements. Section 903.3 is amended to read as follows: 903.3 Installation Requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8 and in accordance with City’s Guidelines and Standards F.02 Fire Sprinkler System Design Pressure. (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025) § 9.04.300. Amendments to Section 907.1, General. Section 907.1 is amended by adding Section 907.1.6 to read as follows:

907.1.6 System Design. No building shall have more than one fire alarm panel. All fire detection and protection devices shall operate and be connected to the building fire alarm panel. Smoke detectors connected to the alarm system shall have a visible indicator that displays the status of the detector. When a detector is located in a space above a drop ceiling, an indicating light shall be provided and plainly visible. Exception: Smoke detectors installed with an addressable alarm system capable of showing the approximate location of all activating devices.

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.300 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.340

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.310. Amendments and Additions to Section 912.1, Fire Department Connections.

Section 912.1 is amended by adding Section 912.1.1 to read as follows:

912.1.1 Installation. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. All fire department connections shall be listed assemblies. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. When the fire flow demand of a sprinkler system is 500 gpm or greater, including the interior hose stream demand if a standpipe system is installed, four (4) two and one half inch (2 1/2") inlets shall be provided.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.320. Amendments to Section 912.2, Location.

Section 912.2 is amended to read as follows:

912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of the fire department connection shall be no more than one hundred (100) feet (30.48 m)

from a public hydrant. When possible, the fire department connection shall be located 30 feet (9.14 m) minimum from beginning of radius for driveway approach. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.330. Amendments to Section 1203.1.1, Stationary Generators.

Section 1203.1.1 is amended to add Section 1203.1.1.1 to read as follows:

1203.1.1.1 Emergency Power Outlets. Provide and install electrical outlets (120 volt, duplex) that are connected to the emergency generator circuitry/system when a generator is required by Section 1203.2 of the California Fire Code in every fire control room and in other areas as may be designated by the fire code official. Emergency outlets shall be placed in the following locations: 1. In the main exit corridor of each floor adjacent to each exit enclosure. 2. On every level in every stairwell. 3. In each elevator lobby. 4. In public assembly areas larger than 1,500 square feet. 5. In every fire control room. 6. In such other areas as may be designated by the fire code official.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.340 FIRE CODE § 9.04.370

§ 9.04.340. (Reserved) (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.350. Amendments to Section 3603.6, Berthing and Storage.

Section 3603.6 is amended by adding Sections 3603.6.1 and 3603.6.2 to read as follows:

3603.6.1 Multiple Berthing and Vessel Rafting. All vessels in marinas shall be arranged such that a vessel occupying a slip can be readily removed in an emergency without the necessity of moving other vessels. Exceptions:

1. Tenders or dinghies may be tied to a vessel’s stern without the need of an action plan providing the length of the tender or dinghy does not exceed the width of the vessel’s beam.
2. Vessels with beams of less than fourteen (14) feet are permitted to have a tender or dinghy, up to a maximum of fourteen (14) feet in length, tied to the vessel’s stern. Section 3603.6.2 Permitted Multiple Berthing. A permit may be issued for multiple berthing under the following conditions:
3. Multiple berthing occurs between the hours of 0700 to 1800. An action plan must be developed by the applicant indicating: a. How the vessels will be moved in the event of a fire. b. The person is responsible for moving the vessels. c. Where the vessels will be relocated to after 1800 hours. d. How employee training and emergency communications are being provided.
4. The multiple berthing is necessary for a special event or other extenuating circumstances and will occur for a limited period of time, which shall be approved by the fire code official and per City’s Guidelines and Standards A.10 Multiple Berthing and/or Rafting at Special Events.

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.360. Amendments to Section 3604.1, General.

Section 3604.1 is amended to read as follows:

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 433, 2023; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

§ 9.04.450. Amendments to Section 5706.4, Bulk Plants or Terminals.

Section 5706.4 is amended to read as follows:

Section B105.2 of Appendix B, Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings, is amended to read as follows:

B105.2 Buildings Other Than One-and Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 buildings and townhouses. The minimum fireflow and flow-duration for buildings other than one-and two-family dwellings, shall be as specified in Tables B105.1(1) Exception: A reduction in required fire flow of up to fifty (50) percent, as approved, is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5677.5 L/min.) for the prescribed duration as specified in Table B105.1(2).

(Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.04.470 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 9.04.470

Pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-11, the City Council designated those areas identified on the map attached to the ordinance codified in this section, which is on file with the City Clerk and available electronically on the City website, as Fire Hazard Severity Zones which include Moderate, High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. (Ord. 2022-27 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2023-22 § 434, 2023; Ord. 2025-11 § 2, 2025; Ord. 2025-24 § 1, 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 9.07.010 FIRE CODE § 9.07.040