Paradise Municipal Code Ch. 15.10 2025 California Fire Code (title 24, Part 9)

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 652, adopted December 9, 2025, repealed Ch. 15.10 and enacted a new Ch. 15.10 as set out herein and as may later be amended. Former Ch. 15.10 pertained to the 2022 California Existing Building Code and derived from Ord. No. 622, adopted November 7, 2022.

The 2022 California Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 9, including Appendix Chapters 4, "B", "B.B.", "C", "CC", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I", "K" "N" and "P" known as the California Fire Code, as published and adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, including the town's amendments and additions, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein as if fully set forth.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

The California Fire Code shall be enforced by the Fire Prevention Bureau within the Town of Paradise, which is hereby established, and which shall be operated under the direction of the Fire Chief of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief of the Fire Department may detail to the fire prevention bureau such members of the Fire Department as may from time to time be necessary. The Fire Chief of the Fire Department shall review, authorize, or require technical experts as may be necessary in order to ensure that life and property protection requirements have met the requirements of this and all other Title 24 codes and standards. Sections 103.1; 103.2; and 103.3 are hereby deleted in their entirety.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

An application for a permit for any proposed work shall expire one (1) year after the date of filing unless the permit has been issued.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

An operational permit is required to store in any building or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork, firewood (retail or storage) or similar combustible material.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or 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 issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as set forth in section 15.02.210. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

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 liable to a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Any person who commences any work, activity or operation regulated by this code before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to an investigation fee that is equal to 50% of the original permit fee, which shall be in addition to the required permit fees.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

The Fire Marshal may authorize refunding of a fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected. The Fire Marshal may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit or plan review fee paid when no work or plan examination has been done under an application or permit issued in accordance with this code, provided a written refund application is filed by the original permittee prior to the expiration of the permit.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

NEW CONSTRUCTION: For the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, and the California Residential Building Code, any work, addition to, remodel, repair, renovation, or alteration of any building(s) or structure(s) shall be considered "New Construction" when 50 percent or more of the exterior weight bearing walls are removed or demolished.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning within the Town of Paradise limits with the exception of barbeque equipment used for the preparation of food and outdoor fireplaces or warming devices used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, approved screening not to exceed ⅜-inch opening and in a safe manner.

Residential Burn Permits: Permits shall be issued annually, July 1 through June 30 by application to the Town of Paradise Fire Chief. Burn permits may be limited, restricted, suspended, revoked, denied, or prohibited as determined by the Fire Chief as set forth in this Chapter. A fee in accordance with the Master Fee schedule of the Town of Paradise shall be charged. Permits shall only be valid for the address and name of the individual cited on the permit. Permits shall not be transferable to other addresses or individuals. Permits may be issued to persons to perform maintenance on residential property, providing the owner of the residential property has given their written consent and that the written consent is produced to the Fire Chief and verified as to the owner of record. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of a Fire Department response caused by the maintenance person as a result of an escape burn in violation of the rules of the burn permit on behalf of the maintenance person. Residential burn permits shall be issued for parcels containing one- and two-family residences, for which an address has been issued by the Town of Paradise, and only for the purpose of maintenance of vegetation growth on the parcel. Garbage, rubbish, demolition, construction debris, lumber, painted or treated lumber, plywood, particle board, petroleum waste, tires, plastics, cloth or other similar smoke producing materials are strictly prohibited from being burned. Burn bans shall be strictly adhered to. Failure to follow the burn ban restrictions may result in the requirements of Section 109.3 as amended to apply and any emergency response cost recovery.

Land Clearing/Broadcast Burning Permits: Land clearing/Broadcast Burning Permits may be issued for a single parcel greater than five (5) acres or for multiple contiguous parcels under common ownership or control that collectively exceed five (5) acres. Permits are issued for a specific timeframe to coincide with the time when open, outdoor burning is permitted. The Broadcast Burning Permit regulates controlled burn operations and requires the Permittee to complete a written Burn Plan, as adopted by Resolution, and submit it to the Fire Department for approval. The Permittee must adhere to all conditions outlined in both the approved Permit and Burn Plan throughout the duration of the operation. Land Clearing/Broadcast Burning Permits may be limited, restricted, suspended, revoked, denied, or prohibited as determined by the Fire Chief as set forth in this Chapter. The Fire Department, with the authorization of the Fire Chief, may revoke the permit at any time due to unsafe conditions, practices, or violations of the permit. Land clearing/Broadcast Burning permits expire when seasonal burn bans go into effect in the late spring of each year and shall be null and void. Persons burning on the property for which a permit is issued shall be responsible for following all of the requirements of that permit until the permit has expired or is revoked. Burning of wood waste from trees, vines, or bushes on property being developed for commercial or residential purposes, may be disposed of by open outdoor fires on the property where it was grown, pursuant to the provisions of section 41802—41805 of the California Health and Safety Code and in compliance with the conditions of Butte County Air Quality Management District Rule 300, and authorized by the Town of Paradise Fire Department. Permits are required by both agencies prior to burning. All burning times must be strictly adhered to otherwise it may require another method of disposal. The land clearing/Broadcast burn site must be determined and inspected prior to releasing the permit by the Paradise Fire Department. This site must be the only site authorized to burn once the permit is issued. Any changes in site location will require additional inspections and fees. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of a Fire Department response caused by the maintenance person as a result of an escape burn in violation of the rules of the burn permit on behalf of the maintenance person. Garbage, rubbish, demolition, construction debris, lumber, painted or treated lumber, plywood, particle board, petroleum waste, tires, plastics, cloth or other similar smoke producing materials are strictly prohibited from being burned.

Fuel Reduction Permits: Fuel reduction permits are issued for parcels ⅔ acre or larger on an annual basis July 1 through June 30 by application to the Town of Paradise Fire Chief. Fuel Reduction Permits may be limited, restricted, suspended, revoked, denied, or prohibited as determined by the Fire Chief as set forth in this Chapter. Fuel reduction permits expire when the seasonal burn ban goes into effect in the late spring of each year. Persons burning on the property for which the permit is issued shall be responsible for following all of the requirements of that permit as indicated until the permit expires or is revoked. The Fire Department may revoke the permit at any time due to unsafe burning conditions, practices, or violations of the permit. Burning of wood waste from trees, vines, or bushes on existing improved property, may be disposed of by open outdoor fires on the property where it was grown, pursuant to the provisions of section 41802—41805 of the California Health and Safety Code and in compliance with the conditions of Butte County Air Quality Management District Rule 300, and authorized by the Town of Paradise Fire Department. All burning times must be strictly adhered to otherwise it may require another method of disposal. The fuel reduction burn site must be determined and inspected prior to releasing the permit by the Paradise Fire Department. This site must be the only site authorized to burn once the permit is issued. Any changes in site location will require additional inspections and fees. The owner shall be responsible for the cost of a Fire Department response caused by the maintenance person as a result of an escape burn in violation of the rules of the burn permit on behalf of the maintenance person. Garbage, rubbish, demolition, construction debris, lumber, painted or treated lumber, plywood, particle board, petroleum waste, tires, plastics, cloth or other similar smoke producing materials are strictly prohibited from being burned.

Campfires/Bon Fires/Recreational Fires and Special Event Fires: Permits are required for these activities and a permit fee will be charged in accordance with the Master Fee schedule adopted by the Town Council. A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required for the inspection. Such activities shall be in strict conformance with the requirements provided for on the permit and the requirements within Section 307 of the California Fire Code. Permits are issued on an annual basis to coincide with the time when open, outdoor burning is permitted, unless they are approved by the Fire Chief.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Sky Lanterns or similar devices. The ignition and/or launching of a Sky Lantern or similar device is prohibited. Exceptions: Upon approval of the fire code official, sky lanterns may be used as necessary for religious or cultural ceremonies providing that adequate safeguards have been taken as approved by the fire code official. Sky Lanterns must be tethered in a safe manner to prevent them from leaving the area and must be constantly attended until extinguished.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet, exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. Exception: Residential driveways shall comply with Town of Paradise Road Standards.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed load of fire apparatus at 75,000 pounds and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Roadway design features (speed bumps, speed humps, speed control dips, etc.) which may interfere with emergency apparatus responses shall not be installed on fire apparatus access roadways.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the Fire Marshal. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The emergency gates and emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators are required when serving five or more residential lots, Assembly occupancies, Hazardous occupancies, Institutional occupancies, and Storage occupancies and 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 F-2200. Access keypads shall be provided that are coded with the fire department emergency access code as specified. Plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval by the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to installation.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

A lighted directory map, meeting current Fire Department standards, shall be installed at each driveway entrance to a multiple unit residential project and mobile home parks, where the number of units in such projects exceeds 15.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Group R Division 3 Occupancies (Residential one- and two-family dwellings, mobile homes, manufactured housing, or modular home) shall comply with the fire flow requirements of Appendix "B". Fire Flow may be reduced to 750 GPM at 20 PSI for two hours when the unit is fully protected in accordance with NFPA 13D and there are no exposures of other buildings within twenty (20) feet of each other; otherwise the minimum required water supply capability will be in accordance with Appendix "B". In no case shall the water supply capability be less than 1000 GPM at 20 PSI for two hours within the requirements found in Appendix "B".

The required water supply for a detached "U" occupancy accessory to a Residential one and two family dwelling is not required to meet the water supply requirements of Appendix "B" if the "U" occupancy is less than 1500 square feet and separated from the dwelling unit by a minimum of 20 feet. If both requirements cannot be met then the requirements of Appendix "B" will apply.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

5. At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.5.4, shall be submitted to the fire code official. In addition, one complete copy of the report shall be posted in the building, on the wall immediately adjacent to the Fire Alarm Control Panel.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Any fire protection system not required by this code or the California Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for complete protection only provided such installed system meets the requirements of this code and the California Building Code.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

The storage of class I, II, and III liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited in all areas of the Town except in areas zoned as Industrial Services (I.S.).

Exception: The installation of approved listed above ground storage tanks shall be allowed in areas zoned for commercial purposes. Such tanks shall meet with State and County Environmental codes, and the California Fire and Building Code requirements. Aggregate quantities and type(s) of liquid(s) to be stored shall not exceed 2,000 gallons. Tanks shall be located outside of buildings and in accordance with the requirements of the California Fire and Building Codes. On those rare occasions when there may be need for additional tank capacity beyond the 2,000 gallons, the applicant can submit a written request to the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal, after evaluating the circumstances, shall have the authority to modify the conditions to the installation of such tanks. Above ground storage tanks used only for heating fuels to heating appliances in areas zoned residential shall meet the requirements of the California Fire Code and the Town of Paradise Administrative policy but in no case shall tanks exceed 250 gallons.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Refer to Paradise Municipal Code Title 8 Chapter 8.44 for prohibition on fireworks.

The storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited within the limits of the Town of Paradise, except for temporary storage between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for use in connection with blasting operations approved by the Fire Marshal. This prohibition shall not apply to stock of small arms ammunition and supplies for retail or approved manufacturing facilities as outlined under the California Fire Code.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

A reduction in required fire flow of 50 percent is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with section 903.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 GPM at 20 PSI for prescribed hours provided for in Table B105.1.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)

Table D103.4, Requirements for Dead End Access and Turn Around, shall be used as a guide only. The Town of Paradise Fire Department Administrative Policy for turn-around requirements shall be complied with as though set forth in this amendment.

(Ord. No. 652, 12-9-2025, eff. 1-8-2025)