San Diego County Municipal Code Ch. 1 County Fire Code

The Board of Supervisors declares that should any section, paragraph, sentence or word of this chapter be declared invalid for any reason it is the intent of this Board that it would have passed all other portions of this chapter independently of any portion that may be declared invalid.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 102.14 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

All former ordinances, resolutions or motions or parts thereof, conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter are repealed.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 104.2.2.5 is added to the California Fire Code

Section 104.2.4 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire code official shall have the authority to grant modifications in accordance with Section 104.2.4.1.

The fire code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire code official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The applicant's request for a modification shall state the specific sections(s) for which a modification is requested, material facts supporting the contention of the applicant, the details of the modification or mitigating measure proposed and, if applicable, a map showing the proposed location and citing of the modification or mitigation measure. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code compliance agency.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-24-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 104.12 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 105.3.9 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 105.5.54.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 105.5.54.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

An operational permit is required for green waste recycling, mulching, composting operations and storage.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 105.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

The fire code official may determine, after allowing affected persons an opportunity to be heard, that a material, process or occupancy, not listed in this code shall require a permit, in addition to those now enumerated in this code. In that case, the fire code official shall prepare a list of any additional material, process or occupancy that shall require a permit and post the list in a conspicuous place in the offices of the fire authority having jurisdiction. Any interested person may obtain a copy of the list.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 112 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, including the granting or denial of modifications, there shall be and is hereby created a Regional Fire Appeals Board (Appeals Board). The Appeals Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official. A copy shall also be sent to the Building Official or other decision maker for the project, whichever is appropriate.

An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or an equivalent method of protection or safety is proposed. The Appeals Board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.

The Appeals Board shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to hazards of fire, explosions, hazardous conditions or fire protection systems and are not employees of the jurisdiction.

(a) The Appeals Board members shall consist of the following:

• Two representatives from the San Diego County Fire Districts Association.

• Two chief officers from CAL FIRE.

• One fire marshal from the unincorporated area of the County.

(b) The Appeals Board shall not include a representative from the agency whose fire code official made the determination that is being appealed. An alternate for the regular member(s) of the Appeals Board shall be designated to serve in this situation.

(c) Three members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and three affirmative votes shall be necessary to render a recommendation.

(d) If the Appeals Board recommends a modification to this code for an individual case, a copy of the recommendation and findings along with a map showing the proposed modification and mitigating measures shall be forwarded to the Unit Chief of CAL FIRE, San Diego/Imperial Unit.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 113.4 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

It shall be unlawful for any person, as defined in section 12.115 of the County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, to use any property or erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, remove, improve, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure, or vacant land or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. A property owner shall be considered to have allowed any use or improvement of property occupied by or under the dominion and control of the owner and shall be responsible for the discontinuance and removal of any violation of the County Fire Code. This responsibility shall include property leased to another person. A property owner shall also be responsible for the discontinuance and removal of any violation of the County Fire Code that existed on the property prior to the current owner's purchase of the property.

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 113.4

The Alpine, Bonita-Sunnyside, Lakeside, North County, Rancho Santa Fe, Rincon Del Diablo, San Marcos, San Miguel, Valley Center and Vista Fire Protection Districts adopt the following code amendment:

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

[SEC. 96.1.114.4.]

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 114.4

The Alpine, Bonita-Sunnyside, Lakeside, North County, Rancho Santa Fe, Rincon Del Diablo, San Marcos, San Miguel, Valley Center and Vista Fire Protection Districts adopt the following code amendment:

(Added by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 202 of the California Fire Code is revised by adding or modifying the following definitions:

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. Defined as an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:

(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

(B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.

AERATED STATIC PILE. A composting process that uses an air distribution system to blow or draw air through the pile. Little or no pile agitation or turning is performed.

BLASTER. A person who has been approved by the Sheriff to conduct blasting operations and who has been placed on the list of approved blasters. The listing shall be valid for one year unless revoked by the Sheriff.

BLASTING AGENT. A material or mixture consisting of a fuel and oxidizer intended for blasting. The finished product as mixed and packaged for use or shipment shall not be detonated by means of a No. 8 test blasting cap when unconfined.

BLASTING OPERATION. The uses of an explosive device or explosive material to destroy, modify, obliterate or remove any obstruction of any kind.

BLASTING PERMIT. A permit issued by the Issuing Officer pursuant to section 105.6.15. The permit shall apply to a specific site and shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year.

BLAST SITE. The geographically defined area, as shown on a project map or plot plan, where a blaster is authorized by a blasting permit issued under this section to conduct a blasting operation.

CHIPPING AND GRINDING. An activity that mechanically reduces the size of organic matter.

COMPOSTING OPERATION. An operation that is conducted for the purpose of producing compost. The operation shall be by one or more of the following processes used to produce a compost product: static pile, windrow pile or aerated static pile.

DEAD-END ROAD. A road that has only one point of vehicular ingress/egress, including cul-de-sacs and looped roads.

DISTANCE MEASUREMENT. All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground, unless otherwise stated.

DWELLING UNIT. Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and/or sanitation for not more than one family.

ENCLOSED. Closed in or fenced off.

EXPLOSIVES PERMIT. A permit to possess or use explosives, issued by the Issuing Officer, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code sections 12000 et seq. and Chapter 56 of this code. An explosives permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year, as provided in the permit conditions.

FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD. A road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term that includes, but is not limited to a fire lane, public street, private street, driveway, parking lot lane and access roadway.

FIRE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (FAHJ). The designated entity providing enforcement of fire regulations as they relate to planning, construction and development. The FAHJ may also provide fire suppression and other emergency services.

FIRE CHIEF. The fire chief is one of the following:

(a) The person appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as fire chief in the unincorporated areas not within a fire protection district.

(b) The chief officer of a fire protection district.

(c) The Fire Warden or her or his delegated representative when enforcing section 96.1.5608.1 of this Chapter.

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The Fire Warden or her or his delegated representative, the fire chief or a duly authorized representative, or other person as may be designated by law, appointment or delegation and charged with the administration and enforcement of this Chapter.

FIRE DEPARTMENT. Any regularly organized fire department, fire protection district, fire company, or legally formed volunteer fire department registered with the County of San Diego regularly charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection to a jurisdiction.

FIRE HAZARD. Any condition or conduct which:(a) increases or may increase the threat of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire or (b) may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of the fire department or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT. Any fire protection district created under State law and any water district providing fire protection services.

FUEL MODIFICATION ZONE. A strip of land where combustible vegetation has been thinned or modified or both and partially or totally replaced with approved fire-resistant and/or irrigated plants to provide an acceptable level of risk from vegetation fires. Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat on a structure and provides valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an approaching fire front.

GREENWASTE. Organic material that includes, but is not limited to, yard trimmings, plant waste, manure, untreated wood wastes, paper products and natural fiber products.

HARDSCAPE. Concrete, gravel, pavers or other non-combustible material.

HAZARDOUS FIRE AREA. Any geographic area mapped by the State or designated by a local jurisdiction as a moderate, high or very high fire hazard area or which the FAHJ has determined is a hazardous fire area, because the type and condition of vegetation, topography, weather and structure density increase the probability that the area will be susceptible to a wildfire.

HOGGED MATERIALS. Mill waste consisting mainly of hogged bark but may include a mixture of bark, chips, dust or other by-product from trees and vegetation.

INSPECTOR. For the purposes of sections 96.1. 5601.2, an inspector is a person on the Issuing Officer's approved list of inspectors authorized to conduct inspections, before and after a blast. To be on the Issuing Officer's approved list, an inspector shall have a blasting license issued by Cal/OSHA.

MAJOR BLASTING. A blasting operation that does not meet the criteria for minor blasting.

MID-RISE BUILDING. A building four stories or more high, but not exceeding 75 feet in height and not defined as a high-rise building by section 202 of the California Building Code. Measurements shall be made from the underside of the roof or floor above the topmost space that may be occupied to the lowest fire apparatus access road level.

MINOR BLASTING. A blasting operation that meets all of the following criteria: quantity of rock to be blasted does not exceed 100 cubic yards per shot, bore hole diameter does not exceed 2 inches, hole depth does not exceed 12 feet, maximum charge weight does not exceed 8 pounds of explosives per delay and the initiation of each charge will be separated by at least 8 milliseconds. The maximum charge weight shall not exceed the Scaled Distance as shown below:

MULCHING. The process by which mixed greenwaste is mechanically reduced in size for the purpose of making compost.

RESPONSE TIME. The elapsed time from the fire department's receipt of the first alarm to when the first fire unit arrives at the scene.

STATIC PILE. A composting process that is similar to the aerated static pile except that the air source may or may not be controlled.

STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some manner.

TRAVEL TIME. The estimated time it would take for a responding agency to travel from the fire station to the furthest structure in a proposed development project, determined by measuring the safest, most direct, appropriate and reliable route with consideration given to safe operating speeds for heavy fire apparatus.

WINDROW COMPOSTING PROCESS. The process in which compostable material is placed in elongated piles. The piles or windrows are aerated and/or mechanically turned on a periodic basis.

WOOD CHIPS. Chips of various species of wood produced or used in chipping and grinding operations.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; amended by Ord. No. 10014 (N.S.), effective 11-13-09; amended by Ord. No. 10173 (N.S.), effective 10-28-11; amended by Ord. No. 10224 (N.S.), effective 10-25-12; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 304.1.5 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 305.6 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Rockets, model airplanes, gliders, balloons, sky lanterns, floating luminary or similar devices powered with an engine, propellant, open flame or other feature liable to start or cause a fire shall not be projected into or across hazardous fire areas without prior approval of the fire code official.

(Added by Ord. No. 10173 (N.S.), effective 10-28-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 307.4.3 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Section 307.5 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher complying with section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 324 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Sec 324.1 General. A newly constructed mid-rise building or a mid-rise building which undergoes a complete renovation that requires the building to be completely vacated shall comply with this section.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings used exclusively as an open parking garage.

2. Buildings where all floors above the fourth floor level are used exclusively as an open parking garage.

3. Buildings such as a power plant, lookout tower, steeple, grain house, and other similar structures with intermittent human occupancy.

Section 501.3.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 503 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Sec. 503.1 General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in compliance with this section and the most recent edition and any amendments thereto, of public and private road standards as adopted by the County of San Diego (San Diego County Standards for Private Roads and Public Roads, San Diego County Department of Public Works). The fire code official may modify the requirements of this section if the modification provides equivalent access.

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 (45 720 mm) 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 of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:

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.

The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus road when a new subdivision is proposed, and the maximum allowable dead-end road length is exceeded (Sec. 503.2.5.2.). In addition, the fire code official may determine additional fire apparatus access roads are required on other proposed projects. This requirement is based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climate conditions or other factors that could limit access. When additional fire apparatus roads are necessary as mitigation for the exceedance of maximum allowable dead-end road length, the additional fire apparatus access road must be remote from the primary fire apparatus road as determined by the fire code official. Remoteness is in Appendix D of 2025 CFC. A subdivision as defined in CWUI is, The division of a tract, lot or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites or other divisions of land.

Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.

Sec. 503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.9.

No person shall install a security gate or security device across a fire apparatus access road without the fire code official's approval.

1. An automatic gate across a fire access road or driveway shall be equipped with an approved emergency key-operated switch overriding all command functions and opening the gate.

2. A gate accessing more than four residences or residential lots or a gate accessing hazardous, institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group structure, shall also be equipped with an approved emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor or other device approved by the fire code official, which will activate the gate on the approach of emergency apparatus.

3. An automatic gate shall be provided with a battery back-up or manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure with "fail open" and "fail secure" options enabled to prevent entrapment.

4. An automatic gate shall meet fire department policies deemed necessary by the fire code official for rapid, reliable access.

5. When required by the fire code official, an automatic gate in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter is required to install an approved emergency key-operated switch or other mechanism approved by the fire code official, at an approved location, which overrides all command functions and opens the gate. A property owner shall comply with this requirement within 90 days of receiving written notice to comply.

6. Where this section requires an approved key-operated switch, it may be dual-keyed or equipped with dual switches provided to facilitate access by law enforcement personnel.

7. All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from the nearest edge of the roadway and shall be at least two feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving the gate.

8. Electric gate openers, where provided, 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 F2200.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; amended by Ord. No. 10014 (N.S.), effective 11-13-09; amended by Ord. No. 10173 (N.S.), effective 10-28-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; amended by Ord. No. 10356 (N.S.), effective 11-20-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 505 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property.

Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of ½-inch (12.7 mm) for residential buildings, 8 inches high with a 1-inch stroke for commercial and multi-family residential buildings, and 12 inches high with a 1-inch stroke for industrial buildings. Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs. Temporary signs shall be installed at each street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an approved size, weather-resistant and be maintained until replaced by permanent signs. All new public roads, all private roads within major subdivisions and all private road easements serving four or more parcels shall be named. Road name signs shall comply with County of San Diego Department of Public Works Design Standard #DS-13.

Sec 505.2.1 Traffic Access Limitations. Signs identifying traffic access limitations shall be placed at the intersection preceding the traffic access limitation, and no more than 100 feet before such traffic access limitation

A road easement which is not named differently from the roadway from which it originates shall have an address sign installed and maintained listing all street numbers occurring on that easement. The sign shall be located where the easement intersects the named roadway. The numbers on the sign shall contrast with the background and have a minimum height of 4 inches and a minimum stroke of ½-inch.

A lighted directory map acceptable to the FAHJ, shall be installed at the driveway entrance to a residential multi-family project or a mobile home park, with more than 15 units.

Any new development which necessitates updating emergency response maps due to new structures, hydrants, roadways or similar features shall be required to provide map updates in a format compatible with current department mapping services and shall be charged a reasonable fee for updating all response maps.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; amended by Ord. No. 10173 (N.S.), effective 10-28-11; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 506.1.3 is added to the California Fire Code portion to read:

Section 507.2 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Section 507.3 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Fire flow requirements shall be based on Appendix B of the California Fire Code or the standard published by the Insurance Services Office, "Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow." Consideration should be given to increasing the gallons per minute to protect buildings and structures of extremely large square footage and for such reasons as: poor access roads, grade and canyon rims, hazardous brush and response times greater than five minutes by a recognized fire department or fire suppression company. In hazardous fire areas the main capacity for new subdivisions shall not be less than 2,500 – 3,000 gallons per minute, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. If fire flow increases are not feasible, the fire code official may require alternative design standards such as: alternative types of construction that provides a higher level of fire resistance, fuel break requirements, which may include required irrigation, modified access road requirements, specified setback distances for building sites addressing canyon rim developments and hazardous brush areas, and other requirements as authorized by this chapter and as required by the fire code official.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; amended by Ord. No. 10014 (N.S.), effective 11-13-09; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 507.5.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read: (Title 14 1275.15)

Section 605.3.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 605.7.1 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in all new buildings. For the purpose of automatic sprinkler systems, buildings separated by less than 10 feet from adjacent buildings shall be considered one building. Fire barriers and partitions, regardless of rating, shall not be considered as creating separate buildings for purposes of determining automatic sprinkler system requirements. Mezzanines shall be included in the total square footage calculation. All new buildings constructed shall have an approved NFPA 13, NFPA 13R or NFPA 13D automatic sprinkler system installed as per 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. The Fire Code Official has the final decision of which NFPA 13 standard to apply, as required due to access, water supply and travel time.

Exceptions:

1. Group U detached occupancies not greater than 1200 square feet, and when the building is more than 10 feet from an adjacent building or property line measured from the farthest projection from the building and without ESS installed inside.

2. Agricultural buildings constructed of wood or metal frames over which fabric or similar material is stretched, which are specifically used as green houses are exempt from the automatic sprinkler system requirements unless physically connected to other building.

Sec. 903.2 (a) Additions. An automatic sprinkler system shall be required to be installed throughout the entire building when the addition is more than 50% of the existing building or when the altered building will exceed a fire flow as calculated pursuant to section 507.3. The fire code official may require an automatic sprinkler system to be installed in buildings where no water main exists to provide the required fire flow or where a special hazard exists, such as poor access roads, steep grades and canyon rims, hazardous brush and response times greater than 5 minutes by a fire department. The fire code official may require that other protective measures be taken based on existing conditions and/or potential hazards. The preceding addition or remodel exception is limited to one permit per three-year period from the date of the last permit approval.

Sec. 903.2 (b) Remodels or reconstructions. The fire code official may require an automatic sprinkler system to be installed throughout buildings if a remodel or reconstruction includes significant modification to the interior or roof of the building. The fire code official may require an automatic sprinkler system to be installed in buildings where no water main exists to provide the required fire flow or where a special hazard exists, such as poor access roads, steep grades and canyon rims, hazardous brush and response times greater than 5 minutes by a fire department. The fire code official may require that other protective measures be taken based on existing conditions and/or potential hazards. The preceding addition or remodel exception is limited to one permit per three-year period from the date of the last permit approval.

Sec. 903.2 (c) Group U Occupancies. For Group U Occupancies greater than 500 square feet attached to an R-3 occupancy, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed as per NFPA 13D edition referenced in Chapter 80 CFC, or as approved by the FAHJ. This applies to NEW buildings, remodels or additions.

Sec. 903.2 (d) Group R and Group U Occupancies with ESS. When installed inside of a Group R & Group U Occupancies the attached and/or detached garage spaces shall comply with all of these conditions:

• 1. 1" water meter at the street serving the fire sprinkler system,
• 2. 1 hour rated enclosure in utility closets or spaces,
• 3. Fire sprinkler(s) design of .3/96 design as per NFPA 855.
• 4. Maximum 40kWh aggregate inside of garage.
• 5. All conditions in CFC 1207.11 through 1207.11.9 apply.

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 903.2

The Alpine, Bonita-Sunnyside, Lakeside, San Miguel Fire Protection Districts has adopted the following code amendment:

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 903.2 (RSF)

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District has adopted the following code amendment:

AMENDMENT TO SECTION 903.2 (San Marcos)

The San Marcos Fire Protection District adopts the following code amendment:

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; amended by Ord. No. 10014 (N.S.), effective 11-13-09; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 903.4.1 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Section 1205.5 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays with multiple equipment structures shall include a means of readily identifying each equipment structure. The fire code official may require a lighted directory map of the project to be installed on-site near the entrance to the facility for projects of 10 or more acres in size.

(Added by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 2808 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

The storage and processing (mulching, composting) of wood chips, hogged materials, fines, compost, solid biomass feedstock and raw product produced from yard waste, debris and agro-industrial and recycling facilities shall be in accordance with section 2808.1 through 2808.10.10.

Pile height, width and length shall be limited to criteria approved by the fire code official, based in part on the site material handling equipment. In no case shall a pile exceed 12 feet in height, 100 feet in width and 200 feet in length.

The operator shall clear any combustible material, weeds, brush, trees or other vegetation (including mulch) that is or may become, dry and capable of transmitting fire, from within 50 feet of raw greenwaste and mulch piles. Clearance shall be to bare earth or approved pavement. Individual growing trees within that distance may remain, subject to the fire code official's approval.

Interior pile temperatures shall be monitored and recorded on a regular basis per the Operational Plan. Internal pile temperatures shall be taken at 2/3 the pile height, 12 to 24 inches from the surface with a probe-type thermometer. Readings shall be made at not greater than 50-foot intervals along the length of the pile. Temperatures above 158° F are known to adversely affect microbial decomposition and are considered excessive. Infrared thermometers may be used to monitor for hot spots at the surface, but are not a substitute for internal probe measurement and documentation. Once windrows exceed 170° F, the windrows shall be reduced in size, be rotated and be monitored daily until temperatures drop below 158° F. All greenwaste stockpiles shall be re-mixed as necessary to alleviate any fire due to spontaneous combustion or temperatures above 170° F. Windrows shall be visually inspected on a regular basis. Once fires have been detected in any windrows at a site, this visual inspection shall be a minimum daily requirement. Daily inspections shall continue until the threat of fire no longer exists and the fire code official agrees inspections may be discontinued. All temperature and pile-handling records shall be kept on file at the site and be made available for inspection by fire department personnel. Data shall include date, time, temperature, specific location and person conducting measurement.

Sec. 2808.7 Firefighting water supplies and storage. Firefighting water supplies shall conform to sections 2808.7.1 or 2808.7.2.

Shall be provided as per Section 906 of the California Fire Code and rated for Extra- High Hazard with travel distance not to exceed 50'

Equipment used on all piles should be of a type that minimizes compaction. All vehicles operating on or around the piles shall have a Class A fire extinguisher of a minimum 2-A rating, in addition to the Class B rating appropriate for the vehicles. Approved material-handling equipment shall be available during fire fighting operations for moving wood chips, hogged material, compost and raw product produced from yard waste and wood fines.

Section 3313 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Any person doing construction of any kind which requires a permit under this code or the County Building Code shall install a fuel modification zone prior to allowing any combustible material to arrive on the site and shall maintain the zone during the duration of the project.

(Added by Ord. No. 9915 (N.S.), effective 1-30-08; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 5607.16 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 5608.1 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

Section 5706.2.5.2.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Section 5706.2.8.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

The use of a tank vehicle in a stationary manner as a substitute for an approved above-ground or below-ground fuel tank is prohibited.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

Section 8001 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

Sec. 8001 Referenced standard NFPA 13D. Referenced sections as follows:

Revise 5.1.1.2 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 5.1.1.2 Spare sprinkler heads. Spare fire sprinkler heads (one of each type or as approved by the FAHJ) wrench, inspectors test key and operation and maintenance instructions shall be provided in the vicinity of the riser.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire and Valley Center Fire Protection Districts revise the following section to read as follows:

Add a new 7.3.4 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 7.3.4 Pressure gauge. An approved 300 psi pressure gauge shall be permanently installed at the riser.

Revise 7.6 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 7.6 Alarms. A water flow switch shall be provided and located on the sprinkler riser above the check valve and main drain and shall actuate an audible fire alarm signal bell and may be required to be interconnected to the interior smoke alarms. The water flow switch shall be a retarding type with a delay between 15-60 seconds before activation of the signal bell. Alarm bell shall have a minimum diameter of 8 inches and be mounted on the exterior in the vicinity of the master bedroom. The alarm bell shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms with intervening doors closed.

Revise 8.3.2 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 8.3.2 Sprinklers are not required in bathrooms where the area does not exceed 55 sq. ft. unless there is door exiting directly to the outside, and the walls and ceilings including behind fixtures, are of noncombustible or limited combustible materials providing a fifteen-minute thermal barrier.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District revises the following section to read as follows:

The Rancho Santa Fe, Rincon Del Diablo Fire Protection Districts revises the following section to read as follows:

Revise 8.3.4 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 8.3.4 Sprinklers may be omitted from carports and open attached porches. However, attached garages shall be protected with intermediate temperature rated sprinklers. Sprinkler heads in garages shall be protected against mechanical damage by approved guards, unless recessed heads are provided. Garage doors may be disregarded in the layout of the automatic sprinkler system.

Revise 8.3.5.1.1 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 8.3.5.1.1 Where the fuel-fired equipment is above all of the occupied areas of the dwelling unit, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District adds the following section to read as follows:

Add a new 10.2.4.1 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 10.2.4.1 3-Head Calculation. When design conditions exceed the allowances of sec. 10.2, a 3-head calculation may be required by the FAHJ.

Add a new 10.2.5 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 10.2.5 Pressure Cushion. The system shall be designed 10% below available water source pressure during peak usage.

Revise 11.2.1.1 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 11.2.1.1 Hydrostatic Tests. Where a fire department connection is not provided, the system shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi for 2 hours.

Revised 12.3.6 to read as follows:

NFPA 13D 12.3.6 Inactive Systems. When automatic sprinkler systems are shut-off or otherwise inoperative for periods greater than 48 hours for repair of service, the FAHJ must be notified immediately.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; amended by Ord. No. 10356 (N.S.), effective 11-20-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

SEC. 96.1.APP.B103.3. AREAS WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS.

Appendix B, section B103.3 of the California Fire Code is revised to read:

B103.3 Areas without water supply systems. For information regarding water supplies for fire-fighting purposes in rural areas and suburban areas in which adequate and reliable water supplies do not exist, the fire code official is authorized to utilize NFPA 1142 or the standard published by the Insurance Services Office document entitled "Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow."

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District revises the following sections to read as follows:

Revised Table B105.1 to read as follows:

B105.1 One-and-two Family Dwelling, Group R-3 and R-4 Buildings and Townhouses

Revised Table B105.2 to read as follows:

TABLE B105.2 - Required Fire Flow for Buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 Buildings and Townhouses

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)

SEC. 96.1.APP.H100. REPORTING FORMS.

Appendix H, sec. H100 is added to the California Fire Code to read:

SECTION H100

REPORTING FORMS

H100.1 Reporting forms. Hazardous Materials reporting forms currently adopted by San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality Hazardous Materials Management Unit which cover the same areas as forms contained in this Appendix are adopted by reference and take precedence over this Appendix.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; amended by Ord. No. 10709 (N.S.), effective 1-15-21; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; amended by Ord. No. 10966 (N.S.), effective 12-18-25; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26; amended by Ord. No. 11006 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26)

This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty days after the date of its passage and before the expiration of fifteen days after its passage, a summary hereof shall be published once with the names of the members of this Board voting for and against it in the San Diego Commerce, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Diego.

(Added by Ord. No. 10337 (N.S.), effective 6-19-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10465 (N.S.), effective 4-14-17; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10659 (N.S.), effective 3-26-20; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10833 (N.S.), effective 4-13-23; repealed and reenacted by Ord. No. 10976 (N.S.), effective 4-2-26)