Article XVI — FIRE SPRINKLERS

SEC. 14-26. AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM.

The California Fire Code ("CFC") 2025 Edition, Section 903, Automatic Sprinkler Systems, is hereby amended.

(A) Section 903.1.2: Add Section 903.1.2 to read as follows:

903.1.2. Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of section 903, have the following meanings:

Bathroom. A room or compartment containing one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.

(B) Section 903.2: Amend Section 903.2 to read as follows:

903.2. Where required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in all structures, occupancies, and locations as set forth in this section. For the

purposes of this section, fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions shall not be considered as creating separate buildings.

(C) Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21: Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21 are deleted in their entirety and sections 903.2.1, 903.2.2, and 903.2.3 are added as follows:

903.2.1. New Construction. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed, maintained, and accessible for service in all new buildings, regardless of location, floor

area, construction type, or occupancy.

Exceptions:

1. Spaces and areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment,

batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies.

2. Automatic fire sprinkler protection for fixed guideway transit systems shall be as per Section 903.2.17.

3. The Fire Code Official is authorized to make an exception for trash enclosures that are of non-combustible construction including the roof or cover, and at

least ten (10) feet from any adjacent structure, and at least five (5) feet from the nearest property line.

4. The Fire Code Official is authorized to make an exception for carports, storage sheds, and similar structures having less than 500 square feet of roof area

including overhangs, if the structure is least ten (10) feet from any adjacent structure, and at least five (5) feet from the nearest property line.

5. The Fire Code Official is authorized to make an exception for structures of non-combustible construction that do not have occupiable space, and that have no

storage, insignificant fire load, and no exposures.

903.2.2. Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire structure containing an ambulatory care facility where either

of the following conditions exist at any time:

1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients

already incapable.

2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.

   903.2.3. Existing Construction. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed, maintained, and accessible for service throughout existing structures and additions in the following situations.

   1. Whenever there is a change in occupancy in the structure or change in use classification to a higher or more hazardous occupancy or use classification based on the Building Code classifications or as determined by the Fire Code Official.

   2. Whenever permits for additions or alterations result in an increase of cumulative area of more than 1,000 square feet of total structure area, including mezzanines and additional stories. Additional area determination shall be cumulative, from the effective date of this ordinance: December 27, 2007. Sprinkler coverage shall include the entire existing structure, garage(s), and adjacent accessory structures.

   3. In rooms where nitrate film is stored or handled.

   4. In protected combustible fiber storage vaults as defined in this code.

   5. When more than 75% of the existing ceiling is removed or exposed then the entire structure must be retrofitted with an NFPA 13 compliant Fire Sprinkler System.

   6. Occupancies that require a cannabis permit to operate.

(D) Remove Section 903.3.1.1.2 in its entirety.

(E) Section 903.3.1.2. Add sections 903.3.1.2.4 through 903.3.1.2.7 to read:

903.3.1.2.4. Overhangs. Sprinkler protection is required under exterior roofs, canopies, and overhangs over four (4) feet in width.

Exceptions:

1. The Fire Code Official is authorized to make exception where the construction is non-combustible or limited combustible, and, where no combustibles are

stored or handled, and, the area is at least 50 percent open.

903.3.1.2.5. Under stairs. Sprinkler protection is required for usable spaces and compartments under stairs, including bathrooms and closets.

903.3.1.2.6. Attics, crawl spaces, concealed spaces. Attics, crawl spaces, and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel-fired appliances do

not require sprinkler coverage. 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.

903.3.1.2.7. Ceiling obstructions. Pendant sprinklers within 3 feet of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be

considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed. Sidewall sprinklers within 5 feet of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.

(F) Section 903.3.1.3. Add sections 903.3.1.3.1 through 903.3.1.3.4 to read:

903.3.1.3.1. Overhangs. Sprinkler protection is required under exterior roofs, canopies, and overhangs over four (4) feet in width.

Exceptions:

1. The Fire Code Official is authorized to make exception where the construction is non-combustible or limited combustible, and, where no combustibles are stored or handled, and, the area is at least 50 percent open.

   903.3.1.3.2. Under stairs. Sprinkler protection is required for usable spaces and compartments under stairs, including bathrooms and closets.

   903.3.1.3.3. Attics, crawl spaces, concealed spaces. Attics, crawl spaces, and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel-fired appliances do not require sprinkler coverage. 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.

   903.3.1.3.4. Ceiling obstructions. Pendant sprinklers within 3 feet of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed. Sidewall sprinklers within 5 feet of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.

(Ord. No. 3021, 3070)

ARTICLE XVII. (RESERVED)

ARTICLE XVIII. (RESERVED)