Redondo Beach Municipal Code Art. 1 Fire Prevention Code

Note: Sections 3-4.101 through 3-4.103, codified from Ordinance No. 1507, and Section 3-4.104, as added by Ordinance No. 1924 c.s., effective January 26, 1967, amended in their entirety by Ordinance No. 1947 c.s., effective November 29, 1967. Sections 3-4.109 through 3-4.118, as added by said Ordinance No. 1947 c.s., repealed by Ordinance No. 2075 c.s., effective September 20, 1972.

That portion of the State Building Standards Code, known as the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, published by the International Code Council and the California Building Standards Commission with errata, including Appendices A, B, BB, C, CC, D, E and F, the table of contents and the index, as modified and amended, is adopted and hereby collectively declared to be the Redondo Beach Fire Code for the purpose of regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Redondo Beach, providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees. To ensure compliance with AB 130 the existing 2022 Redondo Beach Fire Code ordinances (Chapter 3-4) associated with Group R occupancies shall be maintained and not modified or changed and carried over. Not less than one copy of said code and standards as modified, deleted or amended shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by § 1, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, § 1, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981, § 1, Ord. 2406 c.s., eff. November 28, 1984, § 1, Ord. 2493 c.s., eff. March 31, 1988, § 1, Ord. 2599 c.s., eff. September 20, 1990, § 1, Ord. 2664 c.s., eff. July 9, 1992, § 1, Ord. 2754 c.s., eff. December 21, 1995, § 1, Ord. 2835 c.s., eff. July 15, 1999, § 1, Ord. 2894 c.s., eff. October 31, 2002, § 1, Ord. 3009 c.s., eff. December 6, 2007, § 1, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, § 1, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 1, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, § 1, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, § 59, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section [A] 103.1 is amended to read as follows:

103.1 Creation of Agency. The Redondo Beach Fire Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

Section [A] 104.1.1 is added to read as follows:

104.1.1 Fire Prevention Standard Operating Guidelines. The Redondo Beach Fire Department Fire Prevention Standard Operating Guidelines has been created and adopted to serve as instructions and interpretations of the adopted Fire Code. The Redondo Beach Fire Department Fire Prevention Standard Operating Guidelines shall be a published document, amended from time to time to provide current instruction and interpretation.

Section [A] 104.1.2 is added to read as follows:

104.1.2 Authority of Peace Officers. In enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Health and Safety Code, California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code and the Redondo Beach Municipal Code and such laws, orders, rules and regulations, variances, and standards in connection therewith, the Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Manager, Senior Fire Prevention Specialist and the Fire Prevention Specialist are hereby given the powers of peace officers.

Section 104.11 is amended to read as follows:

104.11 Authority at Fires and Other Emergencies. The Fire Chief or Officer of the Fire Department in charge at the scene of a fire or other emergency, including such fires and emergencies at industrial facilities where a private fire brigade or a private fire department is established, involving the protection of life or property or any part thereof, shall have the authority to direct such operations as necessary to extinguish or control any fire, perform any rescue operations, investigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardous conditions or situations or of taking any action necessary in the reasonable performance of duty. Command and control of the emergency shall be the responsibility of the Redondo Beach Fire Department, with cooperation and technical or professional input provided by appropriate private sector employees and/or management. In the exercise of such power, the Fire Chief is authorized to prohibit any person, vehicle, vessel, or thing from approaching the scene and is authorized to remove or cause to be removed or kept away from the scene any vehicle, vessel or thing which could impede or interfere with the operations of the fire department and, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, any person not actually and usefully employed in the extinguishing of such fire or in the preservation of property in the vicinity thereof.

Section 104.11.4 is added to read as follows:

104.11.4 Financial Responsibility. Any person who personally, or through another, willfully, negligently, or in violation of law, possesses, sells and/or sets off illegal or "State approved" fireworks, sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by him/her to escape from his/her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored, disposed of, or transported in a manner not in accordance with this Code, State law or nationally recognized Standards, allows any hazardous materials to escape from his/her control, allows continuation of a violation of this Code is liable for the expense of fighting the fire including fire investigation or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense will be charged against that person.

(§ 60, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 104.10 is amended to read as follows:

104.10 Fire Investigations. The Fire Department is authorized to promptly investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of each and every fire, explosion, unauthorized release of hazardous materials, or any other hazardous condition within the City. If it appears to the bureau of investigation that such fire is suspicious in origin, it is authorized to take immediate charge of all physical evidence relating to the cause of fire and to pursue investigation to its conclusion.

Section 104.10.2 is added to read as follows:

104.10.2 Financial Responsibility. Any person who personally, or through another, willfully, negligently, or in violation of law, sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by him/her to escape from his/her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored, disposed of or transported in a manner not in accordance with this Code, State law or nationally recognized Standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his/her control, allows continuation of a violation of this Code is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense will be a charge against that person.

Section 202 is amended to add or modify the following definitions:

Fire Chief. The Chief Officer of the Fire Department serving the jurisdiction.

Fire Code Official. The fire chief or other member of the fire department appointed by the fire chief charged with the administration and enforcement of this code.

Operational Fire Permit. An official document or certificate issued by the Redondo Beach Fire Department which authorizes performance of a specific activity.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by §§ 2 and 3, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, § 2, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981, § 2, Ord. 2406 c.s., eff. November 28, 1984, § 1, Ord. 2493 c.s., eff. March 31, 1988, § 2, Ord. 2599 c.s., eff. September 20, 1990, and § 2, Ord. 2664 c.s., eff. July 9, 1992; repealed by § 2, Ord. 2754 c.s., eff. December 21, 1995; added by § 2, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016; amended by § 2, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, § 2, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, § 61, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 105.5.10 is amended to read as follows:

105.5.10 Covered and Open Mall Buildings. An operational permit is required to use a covered mall in the following manner:

Sections 105.6.26 through 105.6.37 are hereby added to read as follows:

105.6.265 Christmas Tree Lots. A permit is required to operate a Christmas tree lot.

105.6.27 Daycare, Commercial. A permit is required to operate any nonresidential building used for day care purposes for more than six children/persons or any residential building used for day care for more than 14 persons.

105.6.28 Daycare, Large Family. A permit is required to operate a homeowner operated residence as a large family day care home for nine to 14 persons, for periods less than 24 hours per day.

105.6.29 Fireworks. A permit is required for fireworks.

105.6.30 General Use. When in the opinion of the Fire Chief a permit is required for an activity, use or process that is not covered by any other permit.

105.6.31 Group R-2.1. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or parts thereof housing clients, on a 24-hour basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons, live in a supervised residential environment that provides personal care services.

This occupancy may contain more than six non-ambulatory and/or bedridden clients This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Assisted living facilities such as: Residential Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), Adult Residential Facilities, Congregate Living Health Facilities, Group homes, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Congregate Living Health Facilities for the Terminally Ill, Halfway houses, Community Correctional Center, Community Correction Reentry Center, Community Treatment Programs, Work Furlough Programs, and Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities.

105.6.32 Group I-2. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing, or custodial care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation or classified as non-ambulatory or bedridden.

This group shall include, but not limited to, the following: Hospitals, Nursing homes (both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities), Mental hospitals and Detoxification facilities.

105.6.33 Group I-2.1, Ambulatory Care Facility. A healthcare facility that receives persons for outpatient medical care that may render the patient incapable of self-preservation and where each tenant space accommodates more than five such patients.

105.6.34 Group I-3. This occupancy shall include building or portions of buildings and structures that are inhabited by one or more persons who are under restraint. An I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are restrained.

This group shall include, but not limited to, the following: Prisons, Jails, Reformatories, Detention centers, Correctional centers, and Juvenile Halls.

105.6.35 Group I-4, Day Care Facilities. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures occupied by persons of any age who receive custodial care for less than 24 hours by individuals other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. Places of worship during religious functions are not included.

105.6.36 Radioactive Materials. To store or handle at any installation more than 1 micro curie (37,000 Becquerel) of radioactive material not contained in a sealed source or more than 1 mill curie (37,000,000 Becquerel) of radioactive material in a sealed source or sources, or any amount of radioactive material for which a specific license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required.

105.6.37 Residential Care Facility. To operate a Residential Care Facility where no medical care is provided.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by §§ 2 and 3, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, and § 3, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981; repealed by § 3, Ord. 2406 c.s., eff. November 28, 1984; added by § 3, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017; amended by § 3, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, § 62, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section [A] 113.4 is amended to read as follows:

[A] 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 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 guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

(Added by § 63, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 401.10 is hereby added to read as follows:

401.10 Immediate Reporting of a Release or a Threatened Release. Any person who stores, transports, dispenses, uses, or handles hazardous materials, or any facility required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to prepare or maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheets (SDS), including those who store extremely hazardous substances shall provide an immediate, verbal report of any release or threatened release of a hazardous material to the City of Redondo Beach Fire Department accessing the 911 emergency reporting system without delay as soon as:

(Added by § 64, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, of the California Fire Code is adopted and/or amended to read as follows:

Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.1.1 Table 503.2.1-A are added to read as follows:

503.2.1 Private Roads Used for Fire Apparatus Access. The minimum width of private roads which are also used for fire apparatus access shall be in accordance with Table 503.2.1-A. The minimum required width for fire apparatus access should not be used to determine the minimum width of private roads. When approved by the Fire Chief this requirement may be modified or waived.

Table 503.2.1-A. Minimum Width of Private Roads Also Used for Fire Apparatus Access

503.3 Fire Lane Marking/Signage. In accordance with the California Vehicle Code the designation shall be indicated (1) by a sign posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the designated place clearly stating in letters not less than one inch in height that the place is a fire lane; (2) by outlining or painting the place in red and, in contrasting color, marking the place with the words "NO PARKING FIRE LANE," which are clearly visible from the vehicle; or (3) by a red curb or red paint on the edge of the roadway upon which are clearly marked the words "NO PARKING FIRE LANE." The Chief shall have the authority to designate fire apparatus access roads on private property.

507.1 Required Water Supply. The location number and type of fire hydrants connected to a water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on the public street or on the site of the premises or both.

507.2.1 Private Fire Hydrants. When required, private on-site fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the location and spacing specified for public streets and hydrants for similar occupancies. All private hydrants shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances, unless required to meet public standards. Private hydrants shall be painted yellow. When alternate materials or methods of protection, as approved by the chief are provided, these requirements may be modified or waived.

507.5 Fire Hydrant Systems. Fire hydrants shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by roads meeting the requirements of Sections 503.

507.5.1 Public Fire Hydrants. When required by the chief, there shall be one or more public fire hydrants installed at each street intersection in all developed areas of the city. The necessity for more than one hydrant located at each intersection on both sides of the street will depend upon required fire flows, street widths, center dividers or other physical barriers and existing or anticipated vehicular traffic volume.

1. In industrial, commercial, high density and multi-unit residential areas, hydrant spacing shall be approximately every 300 feet along public ways.

2. In areas where construction is limited to single-family, duplex and triplex residential, hydrant spacing shall be approximately every 500 feet along public ways.

3. In all areas where street width exceeds 80 feet, appropriately spaced fire hydrants shall be required on both sides of the street.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by § 1, Ord. 2015 c.s., eff. March 4, 1970, as renumbered by § 2, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, as amended by § 6, said Ord. 2075 c.s., § 1, Ord. 2109 c.s., eff. November 14, 1973, §§ 1, 2, 3, and 4, Ord. 2282 c.s., eff. November 8, 1979, § 2, Ord. 2297 c.s., eff. June 9, 1980, Initiative Ord. 2292 c.s., adopted at a Special Municipal Election held November 4, 1980, § 5, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981, § 3, Ord. 2664 c.s., eff. July 9, 1992, § 3, Ord. 2754 c.s., eff. December 21, 1995, § 2, Ord. 2835 c.s., eff. July 15, 1999, § 2, Ord. 3009 c.s., eff. December 6, 2007, § 6, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 4, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, § 5, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, § 65, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Sections 505.1 is amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address Numbers. Approved address numbers and letters must be placed on all new and existing buildings and units in such a location as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting such buildings and units. Numbers and letters must be at least four inches in height for residential, six inches in height for commercial, and 12 inches in height for industrial buildings and units and may not be located on doors or other areas that can be obstructed from view. The numbers and letters will be in a color that contrasts with their background and must be in the City's approved numbering sequence. Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and units that are served by an alley or a fire apparatus access roadway to the rear of the building must also have approved address numbers and letters posted in a visible location near the primary door to the alley or a fire apparatus access roadway.

(Initiative Ord. 2293 c.s., adopted at a Special Municipal Election held November 4, 1980, § 2, Ord. 2894 c.s., eff. October 31, 2002, § 3, Ord. 3009 c.s., eff. December 6, 2007, and § 7, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016; repealed by § 5, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017; added by § 6, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, amended by § 66, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Chapter 23, Sections 2306.2.3.1 and 2306.2.3.2, are added to read as follows:

2306.2.3.1 Protected Aboveground Tanks. The storage and dispensing of motor fuels into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle from protected aboveground tanks located outside buildings shall be limited to private, fleet, or governmental motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations not open to the public and shall not be permitted except as approved by the chief on a site-specific basis and shall be in accordance with this section and Section 2206.2.3.2.

2306.2.3.2 Protected aboveground tanks shall have fire-resistive protection rating of not less than 2 hours.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as renumbered by § 2, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, as amended by § 8, said Ord. 2075 c.s., as renumbered by Initiative Ord. 2293 c.s., adopted at a Special Municipal Election held November 4, 1980; repealed by § 7, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981, as added by § 69, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Subchapter 907.8.5 of Chapter 9 of Part IX of the California Fire Code as adopted by this article is hereby amended to add subsection 907.8.5.1 as follows:

907.8.5.1 Annual Fire Alarm Maintenance, Inspection and Testing. Fire alarm systems must be certified by a fire alarm contractor holding a C-10 (electrical) and C-16 (low voltage) state contractor licenses and have service personnel that meet the qualification requirements of NFPA 72. Every owner of a fire alarm system subject to this subsection must provide the City Fire Department with certification issued by said licensed fire alarm testing agency verifying that all components of the fire alarm systems are operative and have been tested according to National Fire Protection Association standards. Fire alarm systems shall be serviced whenever:

1. A false alarm occurs for an unknown reason or reasons;

2. The fire alarm is activated by fire;

3. The system is in "trouble" condition.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by § 7, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, as renumbered by Initiative Ord. 2293 c.s., adopted at a Special Municipal Election held November 4, 1980, as amended by §§ 6 and 7, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981, § 4, Ord. 2406 c.s., eff. November 28, 1984, § 2, Ord. 2493 c.s., eff. March 31, 1988, § 4, Ord. 2599 c.s., eff. September 20, 1990, § 4, Ord. 2664 c.s., eff. July 9, 1992, § 4, Ord. 2754 c.s., eff. December 21, 1995, § 3, Ord. 2835 c.s., eff. July 15, 1999, § 3, Ord. 2894 c.s., eff. October 31, 2002, § 4, Ord. 3009 c.s., eff. December 6, 2007, § 2, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, § 3, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 6, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, § 7, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Amend Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

907.2.11.2.7 Occupancy alarm notification with NFPA 13D sprinkler systems:

1. The Fire Sprinkler System shall be equipped with a weather proof Horn/Strobe located at the front of the structure and/or as near as possible to the front, viewable from the addressed street. Its power shall be connected on a kitchen refrigerator circuit or a dedicated tamper proof circuit breaker of sufficient amperage capacity.

2. If this circuit is not accessible from outside the structure, an additional tamper and weather proof disconnect switch shall be provided and located near the fire sprinkler riser.

3. Automatic fire sprinkler system flow alarm shall be required in-house meeting the same requirement of notification. No inside notification appliances required when flow alarm is interconnected to a multiple station smoke detection system.

(§ 5, Ord. 3009 c.s., eff. December 6, 2007, as amended by § 3, Ord. 3064 c.s., eff. January 7, 2011, § 4, Ord. 3153 c.s., eff. June 16, 2016, § 7, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, § 8, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Sections 901 and 903 shall be added or amended to read in its entirety as follows:

901.11 Problematic Systems. In the event of a failure of a fire-protection system with 2 or more alarms in a 2-week period of accidental activations where there is no evidence of a situation requiring a response, the Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide fire watch personnel until the system is repaired.

901.12 Firewatch. Per Section 901.11 the Fire Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide a fire watch with personnel acceptable to the Fire Chief until documentation is provided that the system is repaired and is operational. Such individuals shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises, keep and maintain a log and keep watch for fires.

903.2 Where Required. An approved automatic sprinkler system in new buildings and structures shall be required for all occupancies.

Exception: New detached buildings under 1,000 square feet in size subject to approval of the Building Official.

903.2.8.1.1 Existing R-3 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system must be provided throughout every existing R-3 occupancy when a 1,200 square foot or greater addition occurs established by the Building Code Official.

903.2.1 Group A is deleted.

903.2.1.1 Group A-1 is deleted.

903.2.1.2 Group A-2 is deleted.

903.2.1.3 Group A-3 is deleted.

903.2.1.4 Group A-4 is deleted.

903.2.1.5 Group A-5 is deleted.

903.2.1.6 Assembly Occupancies on Roofs is deleted.

903.2.1.7 Multiple Fire Areas is deleted.

903.2.2 Ambulatory Care Facilities is deleted.

903.2.3 Group E is deleted.

903.2.4 Group F-1 is deleted.

903.2.4.1 Woodworking Operations is deleted.

903.2.4.3 Group F-1 Upholstered Furniture or Mattresses is deleted.

903.2.5 Group H is deleted.

903.2.5.1 General is deleted.

903.2.5.2 Group H-5 Occupancies is deleted.

903.2.5.3 Pyroxylin Plastics is deleted.

903.2.5.4 Group H Occupancies Located Above the 10th Story is deleted.

903.2.6 Group I is deleted.

903.2.6.1 Group I-2 is deleted.

903.2.6.2 Group I-3 is deleted.

903.2.7 Group M is deleted.

903.2.7.1 High-Piles Storage is deleted.

903.2.8 Group R is deleted.

903.2.8.1 Group R-3 is deleted.

903.2.8.3 Group R-4 is deleted.

903.2.8.4 Group R3.1 is deleted.

903.2.9 Group S-1 is deleted.

903.2.9.1 Repair Garages is deleted.

903.2.9.2 Bulk Storage of Tires is deleted.

903.2.9.4 Group S-1 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses is deleted.

903.2.10 Group S-2 Enclosed Parking Garages is deleted.

903.2.10.1 Commercial Parking Garages is deleted.

903.2.11 Specific building Areas and Hazards is deleted.

9.03.2.11.1 Stories without openings is deleted.

903.2.11.3 Buildings 55 feet or More in Height is deleted.

903.3.1.3.1 Protection of Attached Garages. Residential occupancies protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13R or 13D must have automatic sprinklers installed in attached garages and in other areas as required by the Redondo Beach Fire Department.

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

903.3.8 Limited Area Sprinkler Systems. When a fire sprinkler system is required, it shall be provided throughout the building.

Exception: Protection for specific appliances and/or hazards.

903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5 are deleted.

903.3.9 Floor Control Valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:

903.4.2 Alarms. One exterior approved audible and visible device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm device shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Exterior audible and visible alarm notification shall be provided on NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D systems.

Exception: Group R-3 and R3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.

Section 907.6.6 of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be reported to an approved central, proprietary, or remote supervising station or the protected premises at a constantly attended location in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 for recording and disposition of signals. The supervising station shall be listed as either UUFX (Central Station) or UUJS (remote & proprietary) by the Underwriters Laboratory Inc. (UL) or shall comply with the requirements of standard FM 3011.

(§ 1, Ord. 1947 c.s., eff. November 29, 1967, as amended by § 9, Ord. 2075 c.s., eff. September 20, 1972, as renumbered by Initiative Ord. 2293 c.s., adopted at a Special Municipal Election held November 4, 1980; repealed by § 7, Ord. 2306 c.s., eff. May 27, 1981; added by § 9, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, amended by § 68, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Chapter 12, Energy System, of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

1205.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Group R-3 Buildings. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for group R-3 buildings shall comply with Sections 1205.2.1.1 thorough 1205.2.1.2, Sections 1205.2.1.3, 1207.11.3 through 1207.11.4 and 1207.11.6.

1205.2.1.1 Setbacks for Ridge for Smoke and Heat Ventilation. Panels/modules installed on the roofs of residential buildings shall be located only on one side of any ridge to allow for Fire Department smoke and heat ventilation operations. The panel/modules(s) shall be located no less than 3 feet from the ridge.

Exceptions: Where solar panels/modules are placed on both sides of any ridge they shall be spaced a minimum of 5 feet on one side and 3 feet on the other side of the ridge.

1205.2.1.2 Flat and Alternate Roofs. Panels and modules shall be located in a manner that provides a minimum 3-foot-side (968 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. The panels and modules shall be installed in a way that Smoke Ventilation areas are created over common hallways and corridors to the approval of the AHJ.

1205.2.1.3 Alternative Setbacks at Ridge is deleted.

1207.11.3 Location. ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:

1207.11.4 Energy Ratings. Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rating of 20 kWh. The aggregate rating structure shall not exceed:

ESS Installations exceeding the permitted individual or aggregate ratings shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1207.1 through 1207.9 of the California Fire Code.

1207.11.6 Fire Detection is deleted.

Figure 1207.11.7.1 is amended as follows:

(Added by § 10, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, amended by § 69, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, and Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 806 shall be amended to read as follows:

Christmas Trees

806.1.1.1 Natural Cut Trees B Occupancies. Cut, natural Christmas trees shall be treated with a flame-retardant material that has been approved by the California State Fire Marshal when such tree is in Group B occupancies.

Each Christmas tree, that is required to be treated with a flame-retardant material by this section, shall at all times bear a tag which shows the date treated, name of the applicator, and the registration number of the flame-retardant material.

Permit and Plan

806.5 A permit is required to establish, maintain, or operate a Christmas tree lot. Application for permit shall be submitted to the chief for approval. For Permits for Christmas Tree Lots and Tents, Canopies and Temporary Membrane Structures, see Chapter 31.

806.6 No person, including a holder of an unrevoked general merchandise license shall operate a Christmas tree lot without a permit issued pursuant to this section. A permit shall not be granted if the chief reasonably determines that the location or method of operation endangers life or constitutes a fire hazard. A permit may be revoked if the provisions of these sections are not met or maintained.

806.7 A permit granted pursuant to this section shall be valid from November 15th to December 25th of the calendar year in which the permit is issued.

806.8 An applicant for a permit shall submit a dimensional plot plan of the proposed location with the application. The plot plan shall show the location of the Christmas trees, buildings, trailers, tents, temporary structures, aisle widths, fenced areas, emergency exits and portable fire extinguishers.

Location

806.9 No person shall use any location for a Christmas tree lot where dry grass, weeds, paper, combustible waste, or other combustible materials exist.

806.10 Christmas trees shall not be located within 15 feet of any building, trailer, structure, or temporary building which is not necessary to the operation of the Christmas tree lot.

806.11 Christmas trees shall not be located within 25 feet of any facility where flammable or combustible liquids are produced, stored, handled, or dispensed.

Fire Protection

806.12 Portable Fire Extinguisher. A minimum of two (2) 2-A rated fire extinguishers shall be provided. Travel distance to fire extinguishers shall not exceed 50 feet.

Sources of Ignition

806.13 Smoking or open flames shall not be permitted upon any Christmas tree lot. Approved "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted as required.

Closure of the Christmas Tree Lot

806.14 On January 5th, following the permit period, all cut, natural Christmas trees, combustible materials, tents, trailers, temporary buildings, and structures associated with the Christmas tree lot shall be removed and the location shall be cleaned to the reasonable satisfaction of the chief.

(Added by § 70, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Section 1011.12 is hereby deleted, and a new Section 1011.12 is added to read in its entirety as follows:

1011.12 Exit Door to Roof. In every building four or more stories in height all required stairways shall extend to the roof surface unless the roof has a slope greater than four in twelve. The exit doors at the roof shall be always locked and shall not comply to Section 1010.1.9.3. Locking mechanisms shall have the capacity of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the central control station or the fire and sprinkler alarm system if a central control system is not required. Upon failure of electrical power, the locking mechanisms shall be retracted to the unlocked position.

(Added by § 71, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Adopt Appendix P Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses in its entirety.

Delete Appendix K in its entirety.

(Added by § 10, Ord. 3166 c.s., eff. February 16, 2017, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

(Added by § 12, Ord. 3199 c.s., eff. February 6, 2020, repealed by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)

Appendix A, Board of Appeals of the California Fire Code, is replaced with Appendix A, Life Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings. Sections A115.1, A115.3, A115.4, A115.5 and A115.6 of Appendix A of the California Fire Code are hereby added to read as follows:

A115.1 Date for Compliance. Six (6) months after notification by the Redondo Beach Fire Department or Building & Safety Department that the structure is in violation of this chapter, every building falling within its scope shall be vacated until made to conform to the requirements of this section. The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specific time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic progressive plan of correction with the Building Official.

A115.3 Corridors. Corridors of Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M and R, Division 1, and S Occupancies serving an occupancy load of 30 or more, shall have walls and ceilings of not less than one hour fire resistive construction as required by the code. Existing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are permitted for corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy separations when approved. Where lath and plaster is found to be deteriorating in exit corridors, it shall be replaced or covered with 5/8 inch Type X gypsum wallboard throughout. Doors opening into such corridors shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid wood doors not less than 1 3/4 inch thick door, a 1 3/8-inch-thick solid bonded wood-core door or equivalent insulated steel door shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic closing by smoke detection. Transoms and openings other than doors from corridors to rooms shall comply with the California Building Code or shall be covered with a minimum of 3/4 inch plywood or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the room side.

Exception: Existing corridor walls, ceilings and opening protection not in compliance with the above may be continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.

A115.4 General. Dwelling units and hotel or lodging house guest rooms that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors. Detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer's instructions.

A115.5 Separation of Occupancies. Occupancy separations shall be provided as specified in the California Building Code. When approved by the Building Official, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard may be acceptable where one-hour occupancy separations are required.

Upon inspection, where it is found that the original construction or due to deterioration, a condition exists where fire could spread unchecked vertically or horizontally, provide a one-hour fire separation or repair the penetration to the satisfaction of the Fire Department and the Building and Safety Department.

A115.6 Compliance Data. After notification by the Redondo Beach Fire Department or Building and Safety Department, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

Plans and specifications for the necessary alterations shall be filed with the Building Official within 18 months after the date of owner notification. Work on the required alterations to the building shall commence within 30 months of the date of owner notification and such work shall be completed within five years from the date of owner notification.

The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic progressive plan of correction with the Building Official.

Section B105.2 of Appendix B of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

B105.2 Buildings Other Than One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The minimum fire flow and flow duration for buildings other than one and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table B105.1.

Exception: A reduction in required fire flow of up to 50 percent, as approved is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5,677.5 L/min.) for the duration as specified in Table B105.1.

Section BB105.2 of Appendix BB of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

BB105.1 Buildings Other Than One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The minimum fire flow and flow duration for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table BB105.1.

Exception: A reduction in required fire flow of up to 50 percent, as approved is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5,677.5 L/min.) for the duration as specified in Table BB105.1.

Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, of the California Fire Code is replaced with Appendix C, Life Safety Requirements for Existing High-Rise Buildings. Section 1 of Appendix C of the California Fire Code is added as follows:

C101 Compliance Data.

After notification by the Redondo Beach Fire Department or Building and Safety Department, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Plans and specifications for the necessary alterations shall be filed with the chief within 18 months after the date of owner notification. Work on the required alterations to the building shall commence within 30 months of the date of owner notification and such work shall be completed within five years from the date of owner notification.

The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specific time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic progressive plan of correction with the chief.

Appendix D of the California Fire Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

Appendix D Fire Apparatus Access Roads

D101 General

D101.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 5, Sections 503, apply unless specially modified by this appendix. This appendix is intended to provide guidelines to be considered by the chief when determining fire department access for commercial and residential developments when onsite access is required. Approved alternatives for fire department access include the needs of the local fire department and the following sections.

D10 Minimum Specifications.

D102.1 Access and Loading. Access roadways or streets shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 5, Sections 503.2.1. Fire department access shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 25 feet. Road widths shall be as approved by the chief, or as follows:

(Measured curb to curb)

D102.2 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to ensure that all-weather driving capabilities are maintained in accordance with CFC Section 503.2.3. When required by the chief, proposed alternate design criteria for an "all-weather-surface" fire department access road or street, bearing the stamp of a professional engineer shall be provided.

D103.2 Grades. Fire apparatus roads shall not exceed 8 percent in grade.

Exceptions:

D103.4 Dead Ends. Dead end fire department access road shall be in accordance with Redondo Beach Fire Department Operations Manual "Fire Lanes." For the purpose of the apparatus maneuvering, the use of bulb or cul-de-sacs, hammerheads, "Y"-heads, or other methods shall be subject to the capabilities of the fire apparatus, as required by the chief.

D103.4.1 Cul-de-Sacs. Cul-de-sacs shall maintain clear and unobstructed, allowing a turning radius that is consistent with the capabilities of the fire apparatus of the fire department, subject to the approval by the chief.

Exception: When alternate methods and means relating turning around of fire apparatus are provided, the provisions of this section may be modified by the chief.

D103.5.1 Access-Control Devices. When required fire department access is restricted by the installation of accesscontrol devices, such devices shall be approved by the chief, provide adequate clear width for fire department apparatus and be maintained operable at all times.

D103.6 Signs. When motor vehicle parking is allowed on access roadways, such parking shall not encroach into the fire department access roadway. When this provision is compromised or restricted, the chief is authorized to require signage to indicate parking restriction in accordance with Sections 503.3.

D103.6.4 Drainage. When subject to run-off damage, the Chief is authorized to require approved drainage.

D104.3.4 Multiple Access Provisions. The Fire Chief is authorized to require two or more means of access in accordance with Section 503.1.2.

D105 Aerial Ladder Access. When the height of a structure at the roof eaves exceeds 27 feet or the capability of the fire department to access the roof safely utilizing ground ladders, the location and width of access roadways shall be such that truck mounted aerial ladders may be utilized. Aerial ladder access shall include the ability to maneuver apparatus, deploy outriggers and provide proper climbing angles. The minimum road width shall not be less than 30 feet, or as approved by the chief.

Appendix E, Hazard Categories, of the California Fire Code is replaced with Appendix E, Suppression and Control of Hazardous Fire Areas. Section 1 of Appendix E of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:

E101 Maintain additional fire protection or firebreak by removing brush, flammable vegetation and combustible growth located from 30 feet to 100 feet (9,144 mm to 30,480 mm) from such buildings or structures, when required by the chief because of extra-hazardous conditions.

E102 When required by the Fire Chief, a fire break may be increased up to 200 feet (60,960 mm) on hillside properties to mitigate convective and radiant heat transfer resulting from the slope of the property.

E103 Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) from such buildings or structures and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above the ground, may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

Appendix N of the California Fire Code is adopted and reassigned as Appendix F.

(Added by § 72, Ord. 3247 c.s., eff. January 1, 2023, as amended by Ord. 3307-25 c.s., eff. January 1, 2026)