§ 3-3

The 2025 California Fire Code, based on the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition, with errata, published by International Code Council (ICC), and the whole thereof, including Appendix B, Appendix BB, Appendix C, Appendix CC, and Appendix H are hereby adopted by the County of Orange for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to the life and property from fire and explosion, save and except such portions as are hereinafter added, deleted, modified or amended. One copy of all the above is now on file in the office of the Clerk for public inspection and is adopted with the same force and effect as through set out herein in full.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

The California Fire Code with amendments shall be enforced by the Orange County Fire Authority, which shall be operated under the Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. The Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority may detail such members of the fire authority as inspectors as shall be necessary from time to time.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 1 General Requirements. Adopt Chapter 1 in its entirety, with the exception of Section 109, and with the following amendments:

Section 113.4 Violation penalties is hereby revised as follows:

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 shall fail to comply with any issued orders or notices 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 or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties assessed as prescribed in the OCFA Prevention Field Services adopted fee schedule. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Section 113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor is hereby added as follows:

113.4.2 Infraction and misdemeanor. Persons operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an infraction. Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized representative are guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Sections 202 General Definitions is hereby revised by adding "OCFA," and "Spark Arrester" as follows:

202 General Definitions

OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority, fire authority having jurisdiction.

SPARK ARRESTER. A listed device constructed of noncombustible material specifically for the purpose of meeting one of the following conditions:

Removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles/debris from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 38366.

Fireplaces that burn solid fuel in accordance with California Building Code Chapter 28.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 3 General Requirements. is adopted its entirety, with the exception of Sections 308.1.4, 311.5, 318, and with the following amendments:

Section 304.1.3 Vegetation is hereby revised as follows:

304.1.3 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirement in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Part 7, the California Wildland- Urban Interface Code. Type, amount, arrangement, and maintenance of vegetation in a fuel modification area, interior slope, or similarly hazardous area shall be in accordance with OCFA Guideline C-05 "Vegetation Management Guideline—Technical Design for New Construction, Fuel Modification Plans, and Maintenance Program."

Section 305.6 Hazardous Conditions is hereby added as follows:

305.6 Hazardous conditions. Outdoor fires burning wood or other solid fuel are not allowed when any of the following conditions applies:

When predicted sustained winds exceed 8 MPH and relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared.

When an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or a public announcement is made.

No outdoor fires using any fuel type are permitted when predicted sustained winds exceed 20 MPH or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

Section 305.7 Disposal of rubbish is hereby added as follows:

305.7 Disposal of rubbish. Rubbish, trash or combustible waste material shall be burned only within an approved incinerator and in accordance with Section 307.2.1.

Section 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES is hereby revised as follows:

SECTION 307 OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES, FIRE PITS, FIRE RINGS, AND PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

Sections 307.6 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies is hereby added as follows:

307.6 Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices used at Group R occupancies shall comply with this section.

Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking.

Section 307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices is hereby added as follows:

307.6.1 Gas-fueled devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At R-3 occupancies, combustible construction and vegetation shall not be located within three feet of an atmospheric column that extends vertically from the perimeter of the device. At other R occupancies, the minimum distance shall be ten feet. Where a permanent Building Department approved hood and vent is installed, combustible construction may encroach upon this column between the bottom of the hood and the vent opening. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have a spark arrester as defined in Section 202.

Section 307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas is hereby added as follows:

307.6.2 Devices using wood or fuels other than natural gas or liquefied-petroleum gas. Permanent outdoor fireplaces burning wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks.

The burning of wood or other solid fuel in a device is not allowed within 25 feet of combustible structures unless within an approved permanent fireplace, Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure or to vegetation shall be eliminated prior to ignition. Fires in devices burning wood or solid fuel shall be in accordance with Sections 305, 307, and 308.

Exceptions:

Portable fireplaces and fire rings/pits equipped with a device to arrest sparks shall be located at least 3 feet from combustible construction at R-3 occupancies,

Portable fireplaces, and fire pits/rings equipped with a device to arrest sparks, shall be located at least 15 feet from combustible structures at other R occupancies.

Section 307.6.2.1 Where prohibited is hereby added as follows:

307.6.2.1 Where prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a fuel modification zone, Wildfire Risk Area (WRA), Wildland-Urban Interface Area (WUI), or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or WUI.

Exceptions:

Permanent fireplaces that are not located in a fuel modification zone.

Where determined by the Fire Code Official that the location or design of the device should reasonably prevent the start of a wildfire.

Section 324 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction is hereby added as follows:

324 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction. All new structures and facilities adjoining land containing hazardous combustible vegetation shall be approved and in accordance with the requirements of OCFA Guideline C-05 "Vegetation Management Guideline—Technical Design for New Construction Fuel Modification Plans and Maintenance Program."

Section 325 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways is hereby added as follows:

325 Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways. The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth. Measurement shall be from the flow-line or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces.

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.

Section 326 Unusual Circumstances is hereby added as follows:

326 Unusual circumstances. The fire code official may suspend enforcement of the vegetation management requirements and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the purpose of this code if determined that in any specific case that any of the following conditions exist:

Difficult terrain.

Danger of erosion.

Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California Native Plant Society and county-approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered and/or threatened species.

Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.

Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions undesirable or impractical.

Section 327 Use of Equipment is hereby added as follows:

327.1 Use of equipment. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or cause to be operated in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a spark arrester as defined in Section 202 maintained in effective working order, or the engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire.

Exceptions:

Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of California.

Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the turbocharger is in good mechanical condition

Section 327.2 Use of Equipment and Devices Generating Heat, Sparks or Open Flames is hereby added as follows:

327.2 Equipment and devices generating heat, sparks or open flames. During any time of the year within Wildfire Risk Areas, within or immediately adjacent to any forest- or brush-covered land or non-irrigated grass-covered land, no person shall use or operate any welding equipment, cutting torches, tar pots, grinding devices, or other tools or equipment that may produce a spark, fire, or flame that could result in a wildfire without doing the following:

First clearing away all flammable material, including snags, from the area around such operation for a distance of 30 feet or other approved method to reduce fire spread into the wildlands. If 30 foot clearing cannot be achieved, then an alternate method shall be approved by the AHJ prior to work starting.

Maintain one serviceable round point shovel with an overall length of not less than forty-six (46) inches and one backpack pump water-type fire extinguisher fully equipped and ready for use at the immediate area during the operation.

Stop work when winds are 8 MPH or greater during periods when relative humidity is less than 25%, or a red flag condition has been declared or public announcement is made, when an official sign was caused to be posted by the fire code official, or when such fires present a hazard as determined by the fire code official.

Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediate in case of fire.

Section 327.3 Spark Arresters is hereby added as follows:

327.3 Spark arresters. Spark arresters shall comply with Section 202, and when affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to Section 327 shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 4: Emergency Planning and Preparedness is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM with the following amendment:

Section 407.5 is hereby revised as follows:

407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where required by the fire code official, each application for a permit shall follow OCFA Guideline G-04 "Completion of the Chemical Classification" in accordance with Section 5001.5.2.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 5 Fire Service Features is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

SECTION 501.1 Scope is revised as follows:

501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter and, where required by the fire code official, with OCFA Guideline B-01, "Fire Master Plan for Commercial & Residential Development."

Section 510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement systems in new buildings is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:

510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. All new buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction 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.

Exceptions:

In buildings or structures where it is determined by the fire code official that the radio coverage system is not needed, including but not limited to the following:

a.

Existing buildings or structures, unless required by the Building Official and OCFA for buildings and structures undergoing extensive remodel and/or expansion.

b.

Elevators.

c.

Structures that meet all of the following:

i.

Three stories or less, and

ii.

Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and

iii.

Do not exceed 50,000 square feet on any single story.

d.

Structures that meet all of the following:

i.

Residential structures four stories or less, and

ii.

Constructed of wood, and

iii.

Do not have subterranean storage or parking, and

iv.

Are not built integral to an above ground multi-story parking structure.

Should a structure that is three stories or less and 50,000 square feet or smaller on any single story include subterranean storage or parking, then this ordinance shall apply only to the subterranean areas.

In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of the facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency radio coverage system.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM with the following amendments:

Section 903.2 Where required is hereby revised as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be provided when one of the following conditions exists:

New buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21, an automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed in all occupancies when the total building area exceeds 5,000 square feet as defined in Section 202, regardless of fire areas or allowable area, or is more than two stories in height.

Exception: Subject to approval by the Fire Code Official, open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code that are smaller than the area specified in section 903.2.10 (3) or 903.2.10.1 of the California Fire Code.

Existing Buildings: Notwithstanding any applicable provisions of this code, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing building when an addition occurs and one of the following conditions exists:

a.

When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet.

b.

When an addition exceeds 2000 square feet, and the resulting building area exceeds 5000 square feet.

c.

An additional story is added above the second floor regardless of fire areas or allowable area.

Exception: Additions to Group R-3 occupancies shall comply with Section 903.2.8(2).

Section 903.2.8 Group R is hereby revised as follows:

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:

New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings.

Existing R-3 Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists:

When the floor area of alterations within any two-year period exceeds 50 percent of gross floor area of the existing structure and the building gross floor area exceeds 5,500 square feet:

When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building.

Section 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems is hereby added as follows:

903.3.5.3 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.

Exception: When static pressure exceeds 100 psi, and when required by the fire code official, the sprinkler system shall not exceed the water supply capacity specified by Table 903.3.5.3.

Table 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically Calculated Systems

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 10 Means of Egress is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings is adopted in only those sections and subsections adopted by the SFM.

Chapter 12 Energy Systems

Chapter 12 Energy Systems is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities is adopted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 22 Combustible Dust-Producing Operations is adopted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 23 Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 24 Flammable Finishes is adopted in its entirety as amended by the SFM.

Chapter 25 Fruit and Crop Ripening.

Chapter 25 Fruit and Crop Ripening is not adopted.

Chapter 26 Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging.

Chapter 26 Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging is not adopted.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 27 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities is adopted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 19-010, 11-5-19; Ord. No. 22-008, 10-31-22; Ord. No. 25-022, 11-4-25)

Chapter 28 Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking Facilities is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

Section 2801.2 Permit is hereby revised as follows: