Article VI — Fire Code

That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the city clerk, being marked and designated as the 2025 California Fire Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9, including Appendices B, P, Q, S, and T except as hereinafter modified, are hereby adopted by reference as the fire code of the city of Palm Springs pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq.

(Ord. 1736 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1781 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1833 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1836 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1905 § 2, 2016; Ord. 2009 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2079, 1/12/2023; Ord. 2119, 12/10/2025; Ord. 2120, 1/14/2026)

The California Fire Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the following additions, amendments and deletions:

• (a) Chapter 1 General Requirement is adopted in its entirety, with the exception of Section 109, and with the following amendments:

  • (1) Amend Chapter 1, Division II Administration, subsection 101.1, Title, to read as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of Palm Springs, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

• (2) Amend subsection 101.4, Severability, to read as follows:

101.4 Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance, it being expressly declared that this ordinance and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase thereof would have been adopted, irrespective of the fact that one or more other section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

• (3) Add subsection 103.4., Liability, to read as follows:

103.4 Liability. Any liability against the Palm Springs Fire Department or any officer or employee shall be as provided for in California Government Code and case law. Fire suppression, investigation and rescue or emergency medical costs are recoverable in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 13009 and 13009.1.

• (4) Add Section 104.1.1, Electronic Submittal of Fire Protection System Reports, as follows:

104.1.1. Electronic Submittal of Fire Protection System Reports.

The Fire Code Official is authorized to require the electronic submittal of all inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) reports for fire protection systems through

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a third-party compliance reporting system approved by the Fire Department. The purpose of this requirement is to enhance code enforcement, improve public safety, and ensure timely tracking of system performance in accordance with the California Fire Code.

The designated reporting system for the City of Palm Springs shall be The Compliance Engine (TCE), operated by Brycer, LLC, or any successor system approved by the Fire Code Official.

This requirement shall apply to the following fire protection and life safety systems:

Automatic fire sprinkler systems

Fire alarm systems

Standpipe systems

Fire pumps

Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems

Special hazard fire suppression systems

Emergency power generators

Licensed contractors conducting required inspections, tests, or maintenance on the above systems shall:

Register with The Compliance Engine;

Submit all compliant and non-compliant reports electronically within 30 days of service;

Submit deficiency correction reports upon completion of repairs.

The Compliance Engine (TCE) is used to track all fire protection systems in the City. TCE charges a $20 fee to contractors for uploading their fire protection system reports. Whether contractors choose to pass this cost on to the business owner is up to them.

(5) Amend subsection 113.4, Violation Penalties, to read as follows:

113.4 Violation Penalties. The provisions of Title 1 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code shall be applicable to and govern the enforcement of this Title. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. The imposition of one (1) penalty for one (1) violation shall not excuse the violation, or permit it to continue. All such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal or correction of prohibited conditions.

(6) Add subsection 113.4.1.2, Infraction and Misdemeanor, to read as follows:

113.4.1.2 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

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of a misdemeanor.

• (7) Amend subsection 112.4, Failure to comply, to read as follows:

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 or unsafe condition, shall be in violation of this code.

• (b) Chapter 2 Definitions is adopted in its entirety with the following amendments:

  • (1) Amend Section 202, General Definitions, by adding the following definitions:

PALM SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT 5:00-MINUTE FIRST DUE ENGINE

TRAVEL TIME. The Fire Department Response Time is defined as the time the fire station or response personnel receive notification of a call for emergency service, allowing two minutes for "firefighter turnout" and five minutes for travel on paved streets. The Palm Springs Fire Department Five-Minute Response Time Map is identified in Appendix P.

PSFD. Palm Springs Fire Department, fire authority having jurisdiction.

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

1. 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.

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

• (c) Chapter 3 General Requirements is adopted in its entirety, with the exception of Sections 308.1.4, 311.5 through 311.5.5, 318, and 319; and with the following amendments:

  • (1) Amend subsection 304.1.3, Vegetation, to read as follows:

304.1.3 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth, as determined by the Fire Code Official, 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 Chapter 49. Type, amount, arrangement, and maintenance of vegetation in a fuel modification area, interior slope, or similarly hazardous area shall be in accordance with PSFD Appendix S "Vegetation Management in Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map."

• (2) Add new subsection 305.6, Hazardous Conditions, to read as follows:

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

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

2. When an official sign was caused to be posted by the Fire Code Official, or a public announcement is made.

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3. 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.

• (3) Add new subsection 305.7, Disposal of Rubbish, to read 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.

• (4) Amend title of Section 307, Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces, to read as follows:

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

• (5) Add new subsection 307.6, Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or Similar Devices Used at Group R Occupancies, to read 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.

• (6) Add new subsection 307.6.1, Gas-Fueled Devices, to read 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.

• (7) Add new subsection 307.6.2, Devices Using Wood or Fuels Other Than Natural Gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, to read 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.

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Exceptions:

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

2. 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.

• (8) Add new subsection 307.6.2.1, Where Prohibited, to read 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), WildlandUrban Interface Area (WUI), or in locations where conditions could cause the spread of fire to the WRA or WUI.

Exceptions:

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

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

• (9) Delete subsection 308.1.5, Open-Flame Devices in Wildfire Risk Areas.

• (10) Amend subsection 308.1.7, Sky Lanterns, to read as follows:

308.1.7 Sky Lanterns. A person shall not release, or cause to be released a sky lantern.

• (11) Delete subsection 311.5, Placards, in its entirety.

• (12) Delete section 318, Laundry Carts, in its entirety.

• (13) Add new Section 324, Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction, to read as follows:

Section 324 Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction

324.1 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 PSFD Appendix S "Vegetation Management in Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map."

• (14) Add new Section 325, Clearance of Brush or Vegetation Growth from Roadways, to read as follows:

Section 325 Clearance of Brush or Vegetation Growth from Roadways

325.1 Clearance of Brush or Vegetation Growth from Roadways. The Fire Code Official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3,048 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 flowline or the end of the improved edge of the roadway surfaces.

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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.

• (15) Add new Section 326, Unusual Circumstances, to read as follows:

Section 326 Unusual Circumstances

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:

1. Difficult terrain.

2. Danger of erosion.

3. 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.

4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.

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

• (16) Add new Section 327 Use of Equipment, to read as follows:

Section 327 Use of Equipment

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

• (17) Add new subsection 327.2, Use of Equipment and Devices Generating Heat, Sparks or Open Flames, to read 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

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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:

1. 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 Fire Code Official prior to work starting.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

• (18) Add new subsection 327.3, Spark Arresters, to read 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 324 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.

• (19) Add new section 328, Parade Floats, to read as follows:

Section 328 Parade Floats

328.1 Decorative Materials. Decorative materials on parade floats shall be noncombustible or flame retardant.

328.1.1 Combustible Clearance. A 12" minimum clearance of decorative materials shall be maintained around vehicle and/or generator exhaust pipe(s).

328.2 Fire Protection. Motorized parade floats and towing apparatus shall be provided with a minimum 2A 10B:C rated portable fire extinguisher readily accessible to the operator.

328.3 Portable Generators. Portable generators shall be secured from tipping and subject to approval by the Fire Code Official.

• (d) Chapter 4: Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Adopt only the sections, subsections, and amendment listed below:

  • (1) Adopt only the following sections and subsections in Chapter 4, Emergency planning and preparedness:

401 — 401.9

402

403.2

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The Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones map for the city of Palm Springs dated March 24, 2024, as identified by the State Fire Marshal, is hereby adopted by the city of Palm Springs and incorporated herein for all purposes.

(Ord. 1905 § 4, 2016; Ord. 2009 § 4, 2020; Ord. 2111, 6/11/2025)

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