Oceanside Municipal Code Art. II Fire Prevention

One (1) copy of the document titled 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code and 2025 California Fire Code, including the following appendices: Chapter 1, Division II, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Appendices A (with modifications), B, BB, C, CC, E, F, G, H, I, K, N, and O, as published by the International Code Council and its amendments, is on file in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Oceanside.

This document is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Oceanside, State of California. It regulates and governs the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials, and devices, as well as from hazardous conditions related to the occupancy, erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment use, and maintenance of buildings and structures.

The Fire Code provides for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees. All regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions, and terms of said Fire Code on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Oceanside are hereby adopted and made part of this ordinance as if fully set forth herein, including the additions and/or revisions prescribed in Section 11.18 of the Oceanside City Code.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 1, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

The city hereby designates the moderate, high, and very high fire hazard severity zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code section 51178. The most recent map of fire hazard severity zones, as published by the state fire marshal and approved by the City of Oceanside, is hereby incorporated by reference, and entitled "City of Oceanside Fire Hazard Severity Zones." The official map is kept on file with the Oceanside Fire Department and other agencies. An official copy is also located electronically for convenience on the following website: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a9cb66bb1824cd98756812af41292a0.

(Ord. No. 25-OR0379-1, § 1, 6-18-2025)

A. California Fire Code. The 2025 California Fire Code and its appendices and standards as adopted by reference in section 11.15.

B. Jurisdiction. The City of Oceanside.

C. Fire marshal. A chief fire officer or designee appointed by the fire chief, responsible for the Community Risk Reduction and Fire Prevention Division.

D. Terms. Wherever the terms "this Code" or "2024 International Fire Code" are used, they shall be construed to mean the 2025 California Fire Code, as modified by the City of Oceanside with the additions and revisions set forth in the amendments.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 2, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

The California Fire Code shall be enforced by the Fire Department of the City of Oceanside and other officials of the city as may be determined pursuant to the section 1.12 of the Oceanside City Code.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 3, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

The California Fire Code is hereby revised as follows:

Chapter 1—Administration is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(R) Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Oceanside, herein after referred to as "this code."

(R) Section 104.2.4. Modifications. Where practical difficulties are involved in carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided that the Fire Code Official first finds that a special individual reason makes strict compliance with the Code impractical, that the modification is consistent with the intent and purpose of the Code, and that such modification does not reduce health, life, or fire safety requirements. In-lieu fees may be charged to recoup costs associated with properly equipping the Fire Department with additional apparatus or equipment required as a result of the modification. The details of any action granting a modification shall be documented and entered into the files of the Community Risk Reduction Division.

(A) Section 104.12. Cost Recovery.

(A) Section 104.12.1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expenses of any emergency response and/or code enforcement action by the City of Oceanside Fire Department to protect the public from criminal or negligent activities, and from fire or hazardous substances.

(A) Section 104.12.2. Reimbursement.

1. In accordance with the Health and Safety Code Section 13000 et seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law and thereby requires the jurisdiction to provide an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the agency for the costs incurred.

2. In accordance with Government Code sections 53150 through 53158, any individual who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or civil aircraft caused by that influence, proximately causes any incident and thereby requires the agency to provide an emergency response shall reimburse the agency for the cost incurred.

3. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section Sections 13146 (b) and 13146(f), the City of Oceanside Fire Chief, and his or her authorized representatives, shall enforce within its jurisdiction the building standards and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal and charge a fee not to exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged, pursuant to Section 66014 of the Government Code.

(R) Section 105.5. Required Operational Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.1 through 105.5.62

(A) Section 105.5.60. Christmas Tree Lots. An operational permit is required to operate a Christmas tree lot with or without flame-proofing services.

(A) Section 105.5.61. Green Waste Recycling, Mulching, Composting Operations, and Storage. An operational permit is required to conduct commercial mulching and composting operations.

(A) Section 105.5.62. Short-Term Rentals. An operational permit is required to operate a short-term rental that also meets the requirements for a City of Oceanside permit.

(R) Section 106.1. Submittals. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted digitally or in three or more sets with each application for a permit and in such form and detail as required by the Fire Code Official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional or, when required by the State of California, an appropriately classified contractor, when required by the Fire Code Official, without charge to the jurisdiction. The Fire Code Official shall reserve the right to deny submittals from entities not meeting such form and detail as required by the Fire Code Official.

Exception: The Fire Code Official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

(R) Section 108.2. Schedule of Construction, Operational Permit, and Inspection Fees. A reasonable fee for each construction and operational permit and/or associated inspection shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by resolution of the Oceanside City Council. For items where there is no specific fee established, the Fire Code Official shall determine the appropriate fee based upon consideration of the items listed in the fee schedule that most resemble the work proposed and the expected staff time involved to perform the required construction plan processing and review and/or inspections.

(R) Section 113.4. 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 the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, or of a permit of certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

(R) Section 114.4. 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 of unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than $100 or more than $1000.

Chapter 2, Section 202. Definitions. General Definitions is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(A) Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ) Or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The Oceanside Fire Department who is the designated entity providing enforcement of the California Fire Code and other standards or regulations. This entity may also provide fire suppression and other emergency services.

(A) Fire Hazard. Anything that increases or could cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire or anything or act which could obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of the Fire Department or egress of occupants in the event of fire.

(A) Hazardous Situation. Any situation deemed by the Fire Department, and any of its authorized representatives, to pose a threat to life safety, property, or the environment.

(A) Section 450. Mid-Rise Building. A building four stories or more in height, but not exceeding 75 feet in height, and not defined as a high-rise building by section 202 of the California Building Code.

(A) Short-Term Rental. A residential building used for transient occupancy as defined in the Oceanside City Code Chapter 24.

Chapter 3—General Precautions Against Fire is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(A) Section 305.6. Rockets, Model Aircraft and Similar Devices. Rockets, model airplanes, gliders, balloons, sky lanterns, floating luminary or similar devices powered with an engine, propellant, open flame or other feature liable to start or cause a fire shall not be projected into or across hazardous fire areas without prior approval of the fire code official.

(R) Section 307.1.1 Prohibited Open Burning and Open Flames. All forms of open burning and open flames, except for those expressly permitted by this Chapter shall be prohibited.

Exceptions:

1. Approved Campgrounds: Fires contained entirely within city approved fire grates in publicly owned or approved campgrounds.

2. Beaches: Fires that are contained entirely within a city approved beach fire rings and that are otherwise in conformance with this code.

3. Private Property: Fires on private property that are otherwise in conformance with this code, with the express written permission of the owner, except when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances much such fires hazardous.

4. Official Activities: Any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting agency in the performance of official duty, including training.

5. Permits: Permit based activities in accordance with CFC 307.2.

(A) Section 307.1.2 Flammable Substances Prohibited. It shall be unlawful to use or possess any flammable material on public property that is closed to the public and posted as being closed, including but not limited to portable stoves or fireplaces, propane tanks, and equipment or devices that generate heat, sparks, open flames, or closed flames.

(R) Section 307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted on public property without a permit or within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a device manufactured for that purpose or that was issued a valid and completed construction permit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

(R) Section 307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted on public property without a permit or within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

(R) Section 307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be prohibited on public property and shall only be used on private property in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces in one- and two-family dwellings.

(R) Section 307.5 Attendance. Where otherwise permitted by this Chapter, open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

(A) Section 307.6 Violations. Any person violating any of the provisions of this Chapter or who causes or permits another person to violate any provision of this Chapter may be charged with either an infraction or a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the provisions of the general penalty clause as set forth in section 1.7 of this Code. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent the City from pursuing any and all other legal remedies that may be available. Each day any such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

(A) 307.7 Enforcement. Enforcement of this Chapter may be accomplished by any enforcement officer of the Police, Fire or Code Enforcement Departments and in any manner authorized by law. The procedures set forth in this Chapter shall not be exclusive and shall not in any manner limit or restrict the City from enforcing other city ordinances or abating public nuisances in any other manner provided by law.

(A) 307.8. Public Nuisance. A violation of this Chapter or of any order issued by the City under this Chapter shall constitute a public nuisance. Whenever the nuisance is maintained or continued contrary to this Chapter, the nuisance shall be abatable pursuant to this Code and any other applicable law. Pursuant to section 104.12 et seq, any person who causes the public nuisance shall be liable for all costs of abatement, including but not limited to all fire suppression costs and any other liability resulting from damages caused by the fire.

Chapter 5—Fire Service Features is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(R) Section 503.2.1 Dimensions. The dimensions of fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed improved curb-face to curb-face minimum width of:

a. 28 feet minimum—with no parking on either side of the street; or

b. 32 feet minimum—allowing parking on one side of the street; or

c. 36 feet minimum—allowing parking on both sides of the street;

d. 35 feet minimum—access roads serving buildings 35 feet or higher in height, with no parking on either side.

e. Private driveways serving no more than two single-family residences shall have an unobstructed improved road width of not less than 16 feet.

f. Private driveways or access roads serving three or more single-family residences, shall comply with requirements set forth in the City of Oceanside Engineering Design Manual.

2. All fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.

3. Vertical clearances or road widths shall be increased when the fire code official determines that vertical clearances or road widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.

Exceptions:

1. Upon approval by the Fire Code Official, clearances or road widths may be reduced, provided such reduction provides equivalent access.

2. Fire access roads, gated entrances with card readers, guard stations, or center medians that have separated lanes of one-way traffic, shall be not less than 14 feet wide per lane.

(R) Section 503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads, including bridges, shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus, rated at not less than 78,000 lbs. unless authorized by the Fire Code Official and shall be provided with an approved paved surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. Paved surfaces shall be asphalt, concrete or other approved materials.

(R) Section 503.2.4 Turning Radius. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, the required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road or required private driveway shall have a minimum dimension of 30 feet on the inside and 50 feet on the outside.

(R) Section 503.2.7 Grade. The grade for the fire apparatus access roadway shall not exceed 12%. Grades exceeding 12.0% (incline or decline) shall not be permitted without mitigation. Minimal mitigation shall be the installation of fire sprinkler systems and a surface of Portland cement concrete. The Fire Code Official may, at their discretion, require additional mitigation measures.

(R) Section 503.2.8 Angles of Approach and Departure. The angle of approach and angle of departure of a fire access roadway shall not exceed seven (7) degrees (12 percent) or as approved by the Fire Code Official.

(A) Section 503.2.9 Secondary Access. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, new developments shall provide secondary access for the following:

a. Single-family Developments. In the Very High Fire Zone, as determined by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), shall have a secondary access with 30 or more homes or units. All other single-family developments require secondary access with 50 or more homes or units.

b. Multiple-family Residential Developments. Located within the Very High Fire Zone, as determined by CAL FIRE, require secondary access when there are 30 or more units. All other multiple-family developments require secondary access when there are over 100 units.

c. Commercial or Industrial Developments. Require secondary access when the buildings or facilities have a gross building area of more than 100,000 square feet.

d. Where Two-fire Apparatus Access Roads are Required. The location of each access road shall be approved by the Fire Department.

(R) Section 503.3 Marking. Where required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING- FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The Fire Code Official may designate existing roadways as fire lanes and marked per the California Vehicle Code Sections 22500.1, 22658 (1), when the Fire Code Official determines such designation is necessary to ensure adequate fire access. All new public roads, all private roads within subdivisions, and all private road easements serving four or more parcels shall be named. Road name signs shall comply with City of Oceanside naming requirements. The Fire Code Official may require the posting of a fire lane where parking has obstructed or could obstruct the required width.

(R) Section 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the Fire Code Official and in accordance with the City of Oceanside Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Manual.

(R) Section 503.6. Security gates and Other Roadway Obstructions. No person shall install a security gate, security device, or other roadway obstruction across a fire access roadway without the fire code official's approval.

1. Automatic gates across a fire access roadway or driveway shall be equipped with an approved emergency key-operated switch overriding all command functions and opening the gate.

2. Automatic gates shall also be equipped with an approved emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor or other device approved by the fire code official, which will activate the gate on the approach of emergency apparatus in both directions of travel.

3. Automatic gates shall be provided with a battery back-up or manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.

4. Automatic gates shall meet fire department policies deemed necessary by the fire code official for rapid, reliable access.

5. When required by the fire code official, an automatic gate in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter is required to install an approved emergency key-operated switch or other mechanism approved by the fire code official, at an approved location, which overrides all command functions and opens the gate. A property owner shall comply with this requirement within 90 days of receiving written notice to comply.

6. Where this section requires an approved key-operated switch, it may be dual-keyed or equipped with dual switches provided to facilitate access by law enforcement personnel or other emergency response agencies.

7. All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from the nearest edge of the roadway and shall be at least two feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving the gate.

8. Electric gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

(R) Section 505.1 Address Identification. Approved address numbers, building numbers, building identification and/or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings and at appropriate additional locations, plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property when approaching from either direction. The numbers shall contrast with their background and shall meet the following minimum size standards: 4" high with a 1/2" stroke for residential buildings, 6" high with a 1/2" stroke for multi-residential buildings and 12" high with a 1" stroke for commercial and industrial buildings. Additional numbers shall be required where deemed necessary by the fire code official, such as rear access doors, building corners and entrances to commercial centers. 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. The Fire Code Official may establish different minimum sizes for numbers for various categories of projects. Address identification shall be maintained.

(A) Section 505.3. Multiple Tenant Building Signs. Multiple tenant spaces serviced by vehicular access to the rear through any driveway, alleyway, or parking lot shall have numbers or addresses placed prior to occupancy on all new and existing buildings as to be plainly visible and legible from the rear access way. Multiple tenant spaces serviced by rear access through a corridor, exit passageway, exit court, or exit yard shall have approved numbers or addresses displayed on the rear of the tenant space. Multiple tenant spaces that front on the interior walkways or pedestrian malls shall have approved numbers or addresses placed near the entrance door in all new and existing buildings. Illuminated directory boards shall be provided at vehicular access entrances to multiple building complexes.

(A) Section 505.4. Map/Directory. A lighted directory map, shall be installed at the driveway entrance to a residential project or a mobile home park, with more than 15 units. Alternative locations and types are subject to approval of the Fire Code Official.

(A) Section 505.5. Response Map Updates. Any new development that necessitates updating of emergency response maps by virtue of new structures, hydrants, roadways, or similar features, shall be required to provide map updates in a format (PDF, GIS, and/or CAD) as approved by the Fire Code Official or compatible with current department mapping services. The Fire Department is authorized to charge a reasonable fee for updating all response maps.

(A) Section 506. Key Boxes. Oceanside Fire Department adopts section 506.

(A) Section 507.2.3. Looping of Water Mains. Unless approved by the fire code official, all water mains which support fire hydrants shall be looped as required in the City of Oceanside Engineering Design Manual.

(R) Section 507.4. Water Supply Test. The Fire Code Official shall be notified prior to a required water supply test. Water supply tests shall be conducted per NFPA standard and witnessed by the Fire Code Official or an authorized representative. The Fire Code Official may require an approved consultant to provide a water supply test report indicating fire-flow capabilities at no cost to the City of Oceanside.

(A) Section 507.5.1.2. Location, Type, and Number.

1. The Oceanside Fire Department adopts section 510, Emergency Responder Communications Enhancements Systems. For new development, the location, type, and number of fire hydrants shall comply with Appendix B and Appendix C or meet the following, whichever is more restrictive:

a. Single-family Dwellings. Maximum spacing from one hydrant to another shall be a maximum of 500 feet.

b. Multiple Family, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings. Maximum spacing from one hydrant to another shall be a maximum of 400 feet.

(A) Section 510. Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems. Oceanside Fire Department adopts Section 510.

Chapter 9—Fire Protection Systems is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(A) Section 903.3.1.4. Required Sprinkler Locations. Sprinklers shall be installed to protect all areas of a dwelling unit. In attics, crawl spaces and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that contain fuel-fired equipment, a sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment; however, sprinklers shall not be required in the remainder of the space.

(A) Section 903.3.1.5. Sprinkler Location. An exterior fire sprinkler shall be installed on covered exterior balconies and patios of new multi-family dwellings, including townhomes and condominiums.

(A) Section 903.4.2.5 Exterior Audible Devices in New R-3 Occupancies. One approved audible device, located on the street address side of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each new R-3 occupancy with an automatic fire sprinkler system.

(A) Section 907.6.6.5. Signage. Any company providing monitoring for any electronic monitoring system, fire suppression, or detection system shall post an approved visible sign at all control valves, control panels and monitoring panels. The sign shall state the name of the monitoring company, the 24- hour phone number of the central station, the account number, and instructions to call the central station before doing any work or testing on any system being monitored.

(A) Section 912.2.3. Fire Department Connections. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, Fire Department connections (FDC's) shall be located within forty (40) feet of a fire hydrant, and no closer than forty (40) feet from the buildings they supply or other locations as approved by the Fire Code Official. The FDC or FDC's shall also be located on the same side of the access road or driveway as the building it serves and marked with the address and/or area supplied by the FDC

Chapter 12—Energy Systems is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(R) Section 1205.5. Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Panel Systems. Ground-mounted photovoltaic panel systems shall meet the requirements of sections 1205.5.1 through 1205.5.5.

(A) Section 1205.5.2. Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Fire apparatus access roads for ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays 10 acres or larger in size, associated equipment structures, and operations/maintenance buildings, shall be provided around the perimeter of the project and shall comply with section 503.

(A) Section 1205.5.3. Fuel Modification. Combustible vegetation within the array and to a distance of 30 feet from the array and associated equipment shall be reduced to a height of no more than 6 inches. The fuel modification zone may be increased when required by the fire code official or as recommended by a fire protection plan.

(A) 1205.5.4. Water Supply. Water supply for fire protection and suppression shall be provided for equipment structures and operations/maintenance buildings as required by section 507.

(A) Section 1205.5.5. Identification. Ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays with multiple equipment structures shall include a means of readily identifying each equipment structure. The fire code official may require a lighted directory map of the project to be installed on-site near the entrance to the facility for projects of 10 or more acres in size.

Chapter 61—Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG) is hereby amended by adding to (A) and/or revising (R) the Fire Code portion of the California Building Standards Code to read as follows:

(A) Section 6107.5. Securing LPG Tanks. Unless otherwise approved, LPG tanks shall be secured to prevent the tank from rolling or moving.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 4, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 21-OR0353-1, §§ 2, 3, 5-19-2021; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

In addition to other applicable provisions of the California Fire Code, the City Code, other laws and regulations, and any policies of the fire code official, the provisions of this article apply to every newly constructed mid-rise building of any type construction, or any mid-rise building which undergoes a complete renovation that requires the complete vacancy of the building to complete the renovation.

Exception: Vehicle parking garages, towers, steeples and other similar occupancies that are not used for continuous human occupancy.

1. Building access. Building access must be provided and approved by the fire code official.

2. Automatic fire sprinklers and standpipes.

a. Every mid-rise building must be protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system that is designed and installed in conformance with the adopted edition of NFPA 13 and in accordance with the following:

b. A control valve and a water-flow alarm device must be provided for each floor. Each control valve and flow device must be electronically supervised.

c. Every mid-rise building must be provided with a class I standpipe system that is interconnected with the fire sprinkler system. The system must consist of two and one-half-inch (2½") hose valves that must be located in each interior or exterior stairway on every floor level at the main floor landing unless approved by the fire code official. Two (2) Class I hose outlets must also be located on the roof, outside of each stair shaft enclosure that penetrates the roof. The standpipe system must be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with the adopted edition of NFPA 14.

3. Smoke detection. Smoke detectors must be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the adopted edition of NFPA 72. The actuation of any detector required by this section shall operate the emergency voice alarm signaling system and shall operate all equipment necessary to prevent the circulation of smoke through air return and exhaust ductwork. Smoke detectors must be located as follows:

a. In every mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, unmanned computer equipment, elevator machinery or similar room and in all elevator lobbies. Elevator lobby detectors must be connected to an alarm verification zone or be listed as a releasing device.

b. In the main return-air and exhaust-air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a capacity greater than two thousand (2,000) cubic feet per minute. Such devices must be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.

c. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two (2) or more stories from a return-air duct or plenum of an air conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return-air riser carrying not more than five thousand (5,000) cubic feet per minute and serving not more than ten (10) air inlet openings.

d. In all corridors serving as a means of egress.

4. Fire alarm system. Unless approved by the fire code official, fire alarm control and emergency voice alarm communication panel must be located in either a dedicated fire alarm control panel room with exterior access or in the main lobby.

5. Emergency voice alarm communication system. An emergency voice alarm communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and California Building Code 907.5.2.2 and its subsections, and 11B-215 and its subsections.

6. Locking of stairway doors. All stairway doors that are locked to prohibit access from the interior of the stairway must have the capability of being unlocked simultaneously, without unlatching, upon a signal from the main fire panel area. Upon failure of normal electrical service, or activation of any fire alarm, the locking mechanism must automatically retract to the unlocked position.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 5, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

A digitized copy of the approved as-built drawings for new buildings and tenant improvements shall be submitted to the fire department. As-built plans shall be submitted in an acceptable format (PDF, and or CAD format as approved by the fire code official) to the fire department prior to the final acceptance testing.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 6, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

The geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby established as follows:

Section 5504.3.1.1.3.1. Locations Where the Storage of Flammable Cryogenic Fluids Outside of Buildings is Prohibited. The storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited within the City of Oceanside except for areas zoned for commercial use, industrial use, or agricultural use, as determined by the City's General Plan. Exceptions to these limits may be granted by the Fire Code Official when it can be demonstrated that the proposed exception poses no significant risk to life or property.

Section 5704.2.9.6.1. Locations Where the Storage of Class I and II Liquids in Above-Ground Tanks Outside of Buildings is Prohibited. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the City of Oceanside except for areas zoned for commercial use, industrial use, or agricultural use, as determined by the City's General Plan. Exceptions to these limits may be granted by the Fire Code Official when it can be demonstrated that the proposed exception poses no significant risk to life or property.

Exceptions: In addition to the exceptions for Section 5704.2.9.6.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code, the following exceptions apply:

1. 2,000 gallon maximum temporary above-ground tanks meeting UL 2085 for private use on farms, agricultural and rural property, remote construction sites, earthmoving projects, gravel pits, or borrow pits.

2. Crankcase draining may be stored in specially constructed aboveground storage tanks, approved by the Fire Code Official, with a maximum capacity of 550 gallons. Such tanks may be located within a building when the Fire Code Official deems appropriate and the container meets the following: specially designed, approved and listed containers which have features incorporated into their design that mitigate concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources and mechanical damage. Containers must be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill containment. In no case shall such storage be permitted in residential or institutional property.

3. With the Fire Code Official's approval, Class I and II liquids may be stored aboveground outside of buildings in specially designed, approved, and listed containers which have features incorporated into their design which mitigate concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources, and mechanical damage. Containers must be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill containment. The Fire Code Official may disapprove the installation of such containers when in his or her opinion, their use presents a risk to life or property.

4. With the Fire Code Official's approval, temporary storage of a maximum of 10,000 gallons Class II liquids may be permitted for a period not to exceed 90 days at remote construction sites, earthmoving projects, gravel pits or borrow pits, consistent with 2025 California Fire Code Chapter 57.

Section 5706.2.4.4. Locations where the storage of Class I or II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited. The storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited in residential areas within the City of Oceanside. Exceptions to these limits may be granted by the Fire Code Official when it can be demonstrated that the proposed exception poses no significant risk to life or property.

Section 6104.2. Locations Where the Storage of Liquified Petroleum Gas is Prohibited. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is prohibited within the City of Oceanside, except for areas zoned for commercial use, industrial use, or agricultural use, as determined by the City's General Plan. Storage shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 58. The aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons unless approved by the Fire Code Official. This section shall not prohibit the use of LPG for the purpose of cooking on a grill when use and storage are in accordance with the California Fire Code and NFPA 58. Additional locations and maximum quantities may be considered by the Fire Code Official when it can be demonstrated that the proposed exception poses no significant risk to life or property and there is a sufficient response capability by the Oceanside Fire Department.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 7, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

Whenever the fire code official disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the Code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the Code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal as per the California Fire Code, Section 112.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 8, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

The fire chief, the fire marshal, and the building official shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes, or occupancies, which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in this Code.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 9, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

Fees for plans reviewed and inspections conducted by the fire department shall be charged as set forth in a resolution adopted and amended from time to time by the city council. A copy of same shall be placed on file with the city clerk. For items where there is no specific fee established, the fire code official shall determine the appropriate fee based upon consideration of the items listed in the fee schedule that most resemble the work proposed and the expected staff time involved to perform the required construction plan processing and review and/or inspections.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 10, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

The sale, discharge, firing or use of all firecrackers, party poppers, snap caps, bombs, rockets, torpedoes, roman candles or other fireworks or substances designed and intended for pyrotechnic display, and of all firework pistols/cannons, or other appliances using blank cartridges or caps containing chlorate of potash mixture or other mixtures designed to make an explosive sound, is hereby prohibited within the City of Oceanside. The City of Oceanside's Special Events Committee may permit the public display of fireworks by properly licensed and qualified individuals in the handling of fireworks.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 11, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

In addition to other applicable provisions of the California Fire Code, the City Code, other laws and regulations, and any policies of the Fire Code Official, the provisions of this article apply to short-term rentals that require a property inspection as a condition of obtaining a City of Oceanside short-term rental permit.

Property inspection. A property inspection shall be conducted to obtain an operational permit. The property inspection shall assess for conditions hazardous to life or public welfare, and shall include the outside of the occupancy, exiting, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, serviceability of installed fire protection systems, electrical safety, fire safety, and exterior property conditions.

(Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, adopted Dec. 18, 2019, renumbered the former § 11.26 as § 11.27, and enacted a new § 11.26 as set out herein.

Nothing in this article or in the Fire Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or existing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired or affected by this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 12, 6-11-08; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, 12-21-2016; Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

Editor's note— See editor's note at § 11.26

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, adopted Dec. 18, 2019, renumbered the former § 11.27 as § 11.28, and enacted a new § 11.27 as set out herein.

All former ordinances or part thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or of the 2025 California Fire Code as adopted and amended herein are hereby repealed.

(Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, 12-18-2019; Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022; Ord. No. 25-OR0637-1, § 1, 11-19-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 19-OR0757-1, § 2, adopted Dec. 18, 2019, repealed the former § 11.28, and enacted a new § 11.28 as set out herein. The former § 11.28 pertained to severability and derived from Ord. No. 08-OR0369-1, § 14, adopted June 11, 2008; Ord. No. 13-OR0752-1, § 2, adopted Dec. 4, 2013; Ord. No. 16-OR0848-1, § 3, adopted Dec. 21, 2016.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, adopted Oct. 5, 2022, amended § 11.28 and in doing so changed the title of said section from "Repealing of conflicting ordinances; severability" to "Repealing of conflicting ordinances," as set out herein.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter or the 2022 California Fire Code as adopted and amended herein is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The city council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one (1) or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

(Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, 10-5-2022)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-OR0685-1, § 3, adopted Oct. 5, 2022, set out provisions intended for use as § 11.29. Due to the fact that § 11.29 already exists within this Code, and at the editor's discretion, these provisions have been included as § 11.28.1.