Pinole Municipal Code § 4.1 Fire Code

A fee may be charged for false/or nuisance fire alarms in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Board of Directors.

Section 401.10 is added to read:

401.10 Aerial Pre-Plans. For all new construction the fire official is authorized to require a fire aerial pre-plan to be prepared by an approved vendor at the cost of the developer.

Section 401.11 is added to read:

401.11 Standby Personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official or Fire Chief, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly, or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest, or activity, the owner, agent, or lessee shall provide standby personnel as required and approved by the fire code official or Fire Chief. If the activity requires fire watch, fire watch shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403.11.1.1 and 403.11.1.2. Standby personnel needed for EMS standby shall be provided in accordance with Contra Costa County EMS Protocols.

E. Chapter 5. Fire Service Features.

Section 5.3.1.1 is amended to read:

503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility. Exceptions:

1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension to 250 feet where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.

Section 503.1.4 is added to read:

503.1.4 Access to open spaces. When access to open land/space or fire trail systems maintained for public or private use is obstructed by new development of any kind, the developer shall provide alternate acceptable access into the area that is sufficient to allow access for fire personnel and apparatus. The alternate means of access requires the approval of the fire code official.

Section 503.1.5 is added to read:

503.1.5 Existing fire trail systems shall be maintained. When conditions make maintenance of existing trails impractical, alternate means of access shall be provided and requires approval by fire code official.

Section 503.2.1 is amended by adding the following exception:

Exception: A driveway with a minimum width of 16 feet is acceptable for access to one or two single-family dwellings.

Section 505.3 is added, to read:

505.3 Street names and addressing. Street names and addressing shall be submitted for review and approval to the fire code official, whose approval will not be unreasonably withheld. The purpose of the review is to verify that new street names and addressing will not duplicate existing street names and addressing.

Section 506.2.1 is added to read:

506.2.1 Knox Box upgrade. All current businesses and occupancies with current Knox Boxes shall upgrade their lockbox to the eCore Technology by December 31, 2028.

F. Chapter 6. Building Services and Systems.

Section 605.3.1 is added to read:

605.3.1 Spark Arrestors. All Chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrestor per CBC 2113.9.2.

G. Chapter 9. Fire Protection Systems.

Section 901.6.3 is amended to read:

901.6.3 Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by the reference standards shall be submitted to a third party electronic record keeping service as chosen by the fire district.

Section 902.1 is amended to add:

Substantial Addition. The addition of new gross floor area exceeds fifty percent of the existing gross floor area and the total new gross floor area is 5,000 square feet or greater.

Substantial Alteration. Where fifty percent or greater of the linear length of the wall of the building (exterior and interior) and fifty percent of the roof are removed or replaced within a one-year period.

Section 903.2.1.1 is amended to read:

903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-1 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-1 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

4. The fire area contains a multi-theater complex.

Section 903.2.1.3 is amended to read:

903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-3 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-3 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

4. The structure exceeds 10,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area containing exhibition and display rooms, and is separated into two or more buildings by firewalls of less than 4-hour fire resistance rating without openings.

Section 903.2.1.4 is amended to read:

903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout stories containing Group A-4 occupancies and throughout all stories from the Group A-4 occupancy to and including the levels of exit discharge serving that occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

Section 903.2.2 is amended in its entirety, to read:

903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group B occupancies and intervening floors of the building where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

903.2.2.1 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor 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.

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.

3. In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.

Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.

Section 903.2.4 is amended to read:

903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 2,000 square feet in area.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any Group E Day Care Facility less than 5,000 square feet.

2. The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.

Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.

3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.

4. In rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops, and. other such areas where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored.

5. Throughout any Group E structure greater than 4,000 square feet in area, which contains more than one fire area, and which is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire resistance rating without openings.

6. For public school state-funded construction projects, see Section 903.2.19.

7. For public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.20.

Section 903.2.5 is amended to read:

903.2.5 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 10,000 square feet.

4. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture. of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2).

Section 903.2.4.4 is added to read:

903.2.4.4 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-2 occupancy greater than 5,000 square feet.

Section 903.2.7 is amended to read:

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group M fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 10,000 square feet.

4. A Group M occupancy (is) used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 5,000 square feet.

5. The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area containing a Group M occupancy, and is separated into two or more buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire resistance rating without openings.

Section 903.2.8 is amended to read:

903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all Group R occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in new manufactured homes, new mobile homes, and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units, including those located in mobile home parks, in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

Section 903.2.8.1.1 is added, to read:

903.2.8.1.1 Group R-3 Substantial Addition or Alteration. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing Group R-3 dwellings where either of the following occurs:

1. Substantial Addition. The addition of new gross floor area exceeds fifty percent of the existing gross floor area and the total new gross floor area is 3,600 square feet.

2. Substantial Alteration. Where fifty percent or greater of the linear length of the wall of the building (exterior and interior) and fifty percent of the roof are removed or replaced within a one-year period.

Section 903.2.9 is amended to read:

903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:

1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.

3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 10,000 square feet.

4. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read:

903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the California Building Code, as shown:

1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet.

2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5,000 square feet.

3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.

4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.

Section 903.2.10.1 is amended to read:

903.2.10.1 Group S-2 parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages where any of the following conditions exists:

1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, exceeds 5,000 square feet.

2. Where the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code, is located beneath other groups. Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.

3. Where the fire area of the open parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.5 of the California Building Code, exceeds 48,000 square feet.

Section 903.2.10.3 is added to read:

903.2.10.3 Group S-2 low hazard storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy exceeding 5,000 square feet.

Exception: Open parking garages, including canopies and photovoltaic panel systems with open parking underneath, shall meet automatic sprinkler system requirements in accordance with the 2025 California Building Code and 2025 California Fire Code without local amendment.

Section 903.3.1.1.4 is added to read:

903.3.1.1.4 Undeclared Use. In buildings of undeclared use with floor to structure height greater than 14 feet, the fire sprinkler system shall be designed to conform to Extra Hazard Group I design density. In buildings of undeclared use with floor to structure height less than 14 feet, the fire sprinkler system shall be designed to conform to Ordinary Group II design density. Where a subsequent occupancy requires a system with greater capability, it shall be the responsibility of the owner and/or the occupant to upgrade the system.

Section 903.3.1.3 is amended to read:

903.3.1 .3 Sprinkler Systems for One and Two family dwellings. Automatic sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.3.1.

Section 903.3.1.3.1 is added to read:

903.3.1.3.1 Pipe limitations. Where CPVC pipe is installed above the insulation or is otherwise located in an unconditioned space, such as in an attic space, or a garage without conditioned living space above, CPVC pipe shall be adequately insulated to a minimum R-19 value, or equivalent, or pipe shall be limited to Type K or L copper, or ferrous piping.

Section 903.3.5.3 is added to read:

903.3.5.3 Non-permissible water supply storage. Swimming pools and ponds shall not be considered water storage for the purposes of Section 903.3.5.

Section 903.3.9 is amended to read:

903.3.9. Floor control valves. Individual floor control valves and water flow detection assemblies shall be provided for each floor in multi-floor buildings at an approved location.

Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 Occupancies.

Section 903.4.2 is amended to read:

903.4.2 Alarms. One approved audible and visual device shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system at an approved location. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Audible and visual alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

Section 903.6.1 and 903.6.2 are added to read:

903.6.1 Substantial Addition. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing R-3 Occupancy buildings where a substantial addition occurs and the total new gross floor area of the structure exceeds 3,600 square feet. Group R-3 substantial additions or alterations shall comply with Section 903.2.8.1.1.

903.6.2 Change of occupancy classification. Any existing building that undergoes a change of occupancy classification into a higher hazard category shall comply with the requirements of Section 903.2. Relative hazard categories of occupancy groups shall be established based upon the Heights and Areas Hazard Categories of Table 1011.5 of the current edition of the International Existing Building Code, as published by the International Code Council. The requirements of Section 903.2 shall not be required when a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser hazard category. Group L occupancies shall be considered a relative hazard of 1 (highest hazard).

Section 907.4.4 is added to read:

907.4.4 Monitoring of other fire systems. In buildings equipped with a fire alarm system or sprinkler alarm and supervisory service (SASS) system, where other fire suppression or extinguishing systems are installed in the building (including, but not limited to commercial kitchen suppression systems, pre-action fire suppression systems, dry chemical systems, and clean agent systems), these other suppression systems shall be monitored by the SASS dedicated function fire alarm system and transmitted as a specific signal to the Central Station. The system shall be monitored in compliance with Section 907.6.6.

Section 907.5.2.3.1 is amended to read:

907.5.2.3.1 Public and common areas. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in public use areas and common use areas, including but not limited to:

1. Sanitary facilities including restrooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, and locker rooms.

2. Corridors, hallways, and aisles with shelving and/or fixtures obstructing the required light intensity for that area.

• 3. Music practice rooms.
• 4. Band rooms.
• 5. Gymnasiums.
• 6. Multipurpose rooms.
• 7. Occupational shops.
• 8. Occupied rooms where ambient noise impairs hearing of the fire alarm.
• 9. Lobbies.
• 10. Meeting/Conference rooms.
• 11. Classrooms.
• 12. Medical exam rooms.
• 13. Open office areas.
• 14. Sales floor areas.
• 15. Break or lunch rooms.
• 16. Copy or work rooms.
• 17. Computer server rooms exceeding 200 sq. ft.
• 18. File or Storage rooms exceeding 200 sq. ft.

Section 907.6.6 is amended to read:

907.6.6 Monitoring of fire alarm systems. A fire alarm system required by this chapter, or by the California Building Code, shall be monitored by a UL-listed Central Station service in accordance with NFPA 72 and this code. Exception: Monitoring by a UL-listed central station is not required for:

• 1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10.
• 2. Group 1-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.
• 3. Residential Day Care Facilities (occupancy load of 14 or less).
• 4. One- and two-family dwellings.
• 5. Residential Care Facilities licensed by the state with an occupant load of 6 or less.

6. Occupancies with local fire alarm system that will give an audible and visible signal at a constantly attended location, as approved by the Fire Code Official.

Section 907.6.7 is added to read:

907.6.7 Certification. New fire alarm systems shall be UL-Certified. A Certificate of Completion and other documentation as listed in NFPA 72 shall be provided for all new fire alarm system installations. It is the responsibility of the building owner or owner's representative to obtain and maintain a current and valid Certificate.

Section 907.6.7.1 is added to read:

907.6.7.1.1 Posting of Certificate. The UL Certificate shall be posted in a durable transparent cover within three feet of the fire alarm control panel within 45 days of the final acceptance test/inspection.

H. Chapter 10. Means of Egress.

Section 1028.5.1 is added to read:

1028.5.1 Exit discharge surface. Exterior exit pathway surfaces shall be suitable for pedestrian use in inclement weather and shall terminate at a public way as defined in the California Building Code.

I. Chapter 33. Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition.

Section 3303.1.2 is added to read:

3303.1.2 Amendments. Amendments may be required to an approved site safety plan if deemed necessary by both the building official and fire official, based on previous fires or hazards that occurred on site or occurring within the jurisdiction.

Section 3303.1.3 is added to read:

3303.1.3 Site Security requirements. Site security requirements shall include the following if deemed necessary by both the building official and fire official:

• 1. Controlled access points.
• 2. Site fencing, up to 12 feet in height with tamper sensors and security wires on top.
• 3. Security guards, full-time 24/7 presence on-site, to perform fire watch and patrols.

4. Detection check points located throughout the buildings for fire watch and patrol verification.

• 5. Security camera coverage throughout the site with motion detection notifications.
• 6. Identify measures taken to prevent tampering with security cameras and motion sensors.
• 7. Necessary lighting throughout the project site.

Section 3319 Asbestos Removal is added to read as follows:

3319.1 General. Operations involving removal of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials from buildings shall be in accordance with Section 3319. Exception: Section 3319 does not apply to the removal of asbestos from:

1. Pumps, valves, gaskets and similar equipment.

2. Pipes, ducts, girders or beams that have a length less than 21 linear feet (6400 mm).

3. Wall or ceiling panels that have an area of less than 10 square feet (0.93 m2) or a dimension of less than 10 linear feet (3048 mm).

4. Floor tiles when their removal can be completed in less than four hours.

5. Group R-3 occupancies.