Rohnert Park Municipal Code Ch. 15.28 Fire Code

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 989, § 11, adopted Oct. 28, 2025, repealed former Ch. 15.28, §§ 15.28.010 and 15.28.020, and enacted a new Ch. 15.28 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.28 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 971, § 11, adopted Nov. 22, 2022; and Ord. No. 975, § 2, adopted Apr. 25, 2023.

The 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, known as California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, published by the California Building Standards Commission, including all indices and appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, and P, one copy of which has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the building official, are hereby adopted by reference with all California and local amendments, additions or deletions as including within this chapter. This chapter shall be known as the 2025 California Fire Code and may be cited and referred to as such.

(Ord. No. 989, § 11, 10-28-2025; Ord. No. 990, § 2, 1-27-2026)

The 2025 California Fire Code adopted by reference in this Chapter 15.28 is amended by the additions, deletions, and amendments contained in this section.

Section 101.6 is added to read:

Section 101.6 - Other Applicable Standards.

Where no applicable standards or requirements are set out in this Chapter, or contained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances or rules adopted by the City or its officials, compliance with applicable standards of the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized fire safety standards or other recognized good engineering practices, as approved by the Fire Code Official shall constitute compliance with this Chapter. Nothing herein shall derogate from the power of the Fire Code Official to determine compliance with codes or standards for those activities or installations within the Fire Code Official's jurisdiction or responsibility. The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety publishes Information Bulletins which summarize and/or clarify interpretations of the above provisions. They are to be considered a portion of this Code, by reference, and used as a guideline.

Section 202—is amended to add the following definitions of Alarm and Emergency, and amend the definition of False Alarm to read as follows

Section 202 General Definitions

ALARM. A signal from a residence or business location in the City of Rohnert Park which ends at the City Department of Public Safety offices, or at a central alarm company's office which in turn relays it to the Department of Public Safety offices and which causes City personnel to respond, or through any other means that result in Department of Public Safety personnel responding to the signal.

EMERGENCY.

An incident which requires a response by Department of Public Safety personnel. A response due to a failure, malfunction or other error, whether human or mechanical, which results in the transmission of an alarm to the Department of Public Safety is not an emergency. In the event that a question arises as to whether a response by City personnel was a response to an emergency as defined herein, the fire code official shall determine whether an incident constituted an emergency and his or her decision is final.

FALSE ALARM.

The willful and knowing initiation or transmission of a signal, message or other notification of an event of fire when no such danger exists, or an alarm to which City personnel or equipment have responded because of a report that an emergency existed and which did not require a response because the incident for which the alarm was given did not occur.

Section 304.1.3 is amended to read:

Section 304.1.3 - Vegetation.

Weeds, grass, vines or other growth 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 requirements are defined by Information Bulletin 060.

Section 304.1.3.1 is added to read:

Section 304.1.3.1 - Hazardous vegetation and fuel management.

Every person who owns or controls a lot or parcel of property within the City limits shall maintain them free from lumber and rubbish, weeds, grasses or vegetative growth which contributes to the spread of wildfire. The Department of Public Safety shall perform an annual fuel management inspection program wherein every vacant parcel is evaluated for debris accumulation and vegetative growth before July 1. The property owner is notified of the results via a written notice. The property owner shall abate the hazard to comply with the department's current standard. Should the property owner or manager fail to respond in a timely manner, the Fire Marshal is expressly authorized to have the property abated and pass the costs on to the property owner. The responsible party shall maintain the property in a safe condition thereafter. A second round of inspections shall occur by September 1 of each year with noticing and abatements to follow as necessary. The department is not limited to these two inspection intervals. Follow-up inspections shall be at the cost of the property owner at the rate prescribed by the current Fire Services Fee Schedule.

Section 304.1.3.2 is added to read:

Section 304.1.3.2 - Defensible space. Neighboring property.

Persons owning, leasing, or controlling property within areas requiring defensible space are responsible for maintaining a defensible space on the property owned, leased or controlled by said person, within a distance of not less than 30 feet from any neighboring building or structure. Distances may be modified by the tire code official because of a site-specific analysis based on local conditions.

Section 308.1.11 is added to read:

Section 308.1.11 - Open Flames.

The use of a fire pit or outdoor open flame burning is prohibited when "Red Flag Days" or "Spare the Air Days" are declared due to climactic conditions.

Exception: cooking appliances such as a barbecue or outdoor griddle.

Section 505.1 is amended to read:

Section 505.1 - Address numbers.

New and existing buildings shall have approved illuminated address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. The numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabetical letters. Size and location of the Address Numbers shall be approved by the fire code official.

Section 505.1.1 is added to read:

Section 505.1.1 - One- and two-family dwellings.

Address numbers for one- and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of 4 inches in height with a minimum stroke width of one-half (0.5) inches.

Section 505.1.2 is added to read:

Section 505.1.2 - Numbers for other than one- and two-family dwellings.

Each address identification character shall be not less than twelve (12) inches high with a minimum stroke of one inch. Suite and unit numbers shall not be less than six (6) inches high with a minimum stroke of three-quarters (0.75) inch or as approved by the fire code official.

Section 505.1.3 is added to read:

Section 505.1.3 - Added - Complex directory.

Where two or more buildings cannot be viewed from the public way or when determined by the fire code official, an illuminated complex directory, monument, pole or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structures at the main entrances to the property.

Section 507.5.1 is amended to read:

Section 507.5.1 - Fire hydrant and fire main required locations.

Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 150 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and fire mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

Exception: For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, 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, the distance requirement shall not be more than 600 feet.

Section 507.5.1.1 is amended to read:

Section 507.5.1.1 - Hydrant for Standpipe Systems

Buildings equipped with a fire department connection shall have a fire hydrant within 50 feet of the fire department connection. Hydrants and fire department connections shall be on the same side of the fire department access.

Exception: The distance shall be permitted to exceed 50-feet where approved by the fire code official.

Section 901.7 is amended to add the following language after the second paragraph:

Section 901.7 Systems out of service.

When a system is deemed out of service, the operator shall immediately provide current insurance documents and insurer's contact information to the fire code official. The operator or impairment coordinator shall also be responsible for contacting the insurer to inform them of changes in operation of the fire protection system.

Section 902.1 is amended to include the following additional terms, as defined in Section 202, in alphabetical order:

ALARM. EMERGENCY.

FALSE ALARM.

Section 903.2 is amended to read:

Section 903.2 Where Required.

Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained in all newly constructed buildings and structures and shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.24.

Exceptions:

1. Detached Group U occupancies 1,000 sq. ft. or less, as approved by the fire code official.

2.;enDetached pool houses up to 1,000 sq. ft. in floor area within 50 feet of the pool and limited to a single bathroom.

3. Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies classified as a Group M occupancy.

4. Detached Car Ports of non-combustible construction with no habitable space above.

5. Detached Group B or M occupancies 500 sq. ft. or less.

6. Accessory Dwelling Units where specifically exempted by OSFM Information Bulletin.

Section 903.2.22 is added to read:

Section 903.2.22 - Changes of occupancy.

When the fire code official determines, based on life and fire risk, that a proposed use or occupancy classification is more hazardous than an existing use or occupancy classification, including the conversion of residential buildings to condominiums, then no change of use or occupancy shall be made unless such structure is made to comply with the requirements for a newly constructed building.

Section 903.2.23 is added to read:

Section 903.2.23 - Additions, remodels, alterations or repairs.

An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided as follows:

1. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing one- or two-family dwelling when additions increase the area by 50% or more calculated by existing gross floor area.

2. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in an existing nonresidential building when additions increase the area by 25% or more calculated by existing gross floor area.

3. Additions to existing Group R. Division 1 occupancies that result in additional guest rooms or dwelling units, the building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building.

4. For remodels, alterations or repairs to an existing building involving demolition, removal or repair of more than 50% of the structure (to include walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations or similar components), the building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building. For the purpose of applying this section, the following criteria shall be considered in the 50% threshold evaluation:

a. The removal or demolition of more than 50% of the exterior or interior weight bearing walls.

b. Removal of the roof structure or ceiling thereby permitting installation of overhead piping.

c. Exception: R-3 occupancies.

d. Removal of interior tenant improvements reducing the building to a "shell" condition shall require the future build-out to comply with fire sprinkler requirements.

e. The percentage of work shall be determined and added to any successive remodels that may occur within a subsequent three-year period. If the combined percentage totals 50% or more, this work shall constitute a substantial improvement and the building shall be subject to the fire sprinkler requirement.

f. Any combination of items above where the improvements equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the structure, the entire building shall meet the requirements for a newly constructed building.

Exception: Alterations or additions made solely for the purpose of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Section 903.2.24 is added to read:

Section 903.2.24 - Design criteria.

Fire sprinkler systems installed in buildings of undetermined use shall be designed and installed to meet the criteria of an Extra Hazard (Group 1)(EH1) as described in NFPA 13. Where a subsequent occupancy change requires a system with greater capacity, it shall be the building owners' responsibility to upgrade the system to the required density and meet any additional requirements of Chapter 15.28 of this Title at the time of such change.

Exception: Does not apply to residential units.

Section 903.3 is amended to read:

Section 903.3 - Installation Requirements.

Sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 13D when approved by the fire code official, and as adopted by City standards and in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.10.

Section 903.3.1.1 is amended to read:

Section 903.3.1.1 - NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems.

Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 80 except as provided in sections 903.3.1.1.2 through 903.3.1.1.3.

Section 903.3.1.1.1 - Exempt locations, is deleted in its entirety.

Section 903.3.1.2 - NFPA 13R sprinkler systems, is deleted in its entirety.

Section 903.3.1.3.1 is added to read:

Section 903.3.1.3.1 - Location of Sprinklers and Spare Heads.

Sprinklers shall be required in enclosed attached garages and a minimum of a single head in attics, within five feet of the attic access hatch.

A supply of at least three sprinklers shall be maintained on the premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be promptly replaced.

Section 903.4.2 is amended to read as follows:

Section 903.4.2 - Monitoring.

Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved and listed central station, remote supervising station or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA 72 or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible alarm at a constantly attended location.

Section 907.2 is amended to read as follows:

Section 907.2 — Where required — New buildings and structures.

An approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with NFPA 72, as described in sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.29, and the provisions below shall be provided in all new buildings and structures:

A. All newly constructed commercial buildings shall be provided with a complete manual and automatic fire alarm system approved by the Fire Code Official which when activated will sound an alarm, which is audible throughout the building and will notify all occupants.

B. In any commercial occupancy where a use creates a change of occupancy classification as listed in the California Building Code, the entire structure shall be provided with a fire alarm system approved by the Fire Code Official.

C. An exterior horn/strobe alarm device is required to be installed in all buildings with fire sprinkler systems. The horn/strobe alarm shall be located on the street frontage side, or as approved by the Fire Code Official.

D. All newly installed, monitored fire alarm systems shall meet the requirements of NFPA 72, Chapter 26 - Supervising Station Alarm Systems.

Exceptions:

1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm control units systems dedicated to elevator recall control, supervisory service and fire sprinkler monitoring.

2. The manual fire alarm box is not required for Group R-2 occupancies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.

3. The manual fire alarm box is not required to be installed when approved by the fire code official.

Section B105.1 of Appendix B is amended to read:

Section B105.1 - One- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 buildings and townhouses.

The minimum fire flow duration requirements for one- and two-family dwellings shall be 1,000 gallons per minute.

Table B105.1(1) — Required fire flow for one- and two-family dwellings, of Appendix B, is deleted in its entirety.

Section B105.2 of Appendix B is amended to read:

Section B105.2 - Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 Buildings and Townhouses.

The minimum fire flow and flow duration for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table B105.2 and Table B105.1(2).

Table B105.2

For S/I: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.

a. The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,000 gallons per minute or at the discretion of the fire official per B103.1.

b. The reduced fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute or at the discretion of the fire official per B103.1.

Section C103.3 of Appendix C is amended to read:

Section C103.3 - Maximum Spacing.

For commercial, industrial and multifamily residential buildings, average spacing shall be no greater than 300 feet.

Section D103.2 of Appendix D is amended to read:

Section D103.2 - Grade.

The grade of fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with City standards or as approved by the Fire Code Official.

Section D103.3 of Appendix D is amended to read:

Section D103.3 - Turning radius.

The minimum turning radius shall be in accordance with City standards or as approved by the fire code official.

Section D103.4 of Appendix D is amended to read:

Section D103.4 - Dead ends.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45,720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with City standards.

Section D103.6 of Appendix D is amended to read:

Section D103.6 - Signs.

Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent NO PARKING—FIRE LANE signs complying with the California Vehicle Code.

Section D106.1 of Appendix D is amended to read:

Section D106.1 - Projects having more than 50 dwelling units.

Multiple-family residential projects having more than 50 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire access roads.

Section D106.2 of Appendix D is deleted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. 989, § 11, 10-28-2025; Ord. No. 990, § 3, 1-27-2026)