Vacaville Municipal Code § 8.2 California Fire Code

The Fire Chief may establish a schedule of fees, as approved by resolution of the City Council, to be charged and collected for the issuance of permits pursuant to Section 106 of this code.

B-9. Appeals. Section 112 is replaced to read in full as follows:

112 Appeals. When a person claims that the provisions of this code do not apply, or that the intent, purpose, or meaning of this code has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted by the Fire Chief, such person may appeal the matter in accordance with the provisions of Subsection 15.20.270.060.B, Denial and Appeal Process, of this Chapter. The appeal process shall be governed in accordance with the provisions as set forth in Subsections 15.20.270.060.B, C, and D, of this Chapter.

B-10. Abatement of Hazards. Section 113.4.1.3 is added to Section 113.4 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

113.4.1.3 Abatement of hazards. In situations where the immediate abatement of a fire hazard or other potentially hazardous condition is required, the Fire Chief shall have the authority to abate such hazard or condition immediately. Abatement measures may include, but are not limited to, confiscation or removal of the item(s) causing or contributing to the fire hazard or potentially hazardous condition; temporary closure of a building, structure, or occupancy threatened by the hazard or potentially hazardous condition; extinguishing unsafe or illegal fires; or utilization of any other method of abatement deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief under the circumstances. At the Fire Chief's discretion, the cost of abatement may be charged to the owner of the property affected and, if not paid, may become a special assessment/nuisance abatement lien upon the property or the affected property confiscated, provided the owner thereof is given prior notice of the action to be taken and afforded due process of law pursuant to the procedures of Chapter 8.10 VMC regarding special assessments/nuisance abatement liens.

B-11. Infraction Citations. Section 113.4.1.4 is added to Section 113.4 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

113.4.1.4 Issuance of citation. Any person who operates or maintains an occupancy that is a hazard and in conflict with the provisions of the Fire Code and who fails to take immediate action to abate such hazard when ordered to do so by the Fire Chief or other Fire Department official or employee who is authorized to issue citations shall be subject to citation.

B-12. Unsafe Buildings. Section 115.8 is added to Section 115 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

115.8 Unsafe buildings. It shall be unlawful to leave or maintain any building in an unsafe condition or maintain any building in a manner that is a public nuisance, a threat to life, safety, or property, or a fire hazard. The Fire Chief may order or cause the abatement of such nuisance, threat, or hazard as specified in Section 113 and 113.4.1.3 of this code.

B-13. Stopping Use/Work, Evacuation. Section 114.5 is added to Section 114 of Chapter 1 to read in full as follows:

114.5 Orders to stop work or evacuate. The Fire Chief is authorized to order a stop to any operation, construction, or use or to evacuate any premises, building or vehicle or portion thereof that, in his or her judgment, is a hazardous condition; poses a threat to life, safety, or property; or is a violation of this code, Fire Department requirements, or any other regulation, ordinance, or law. The failure to comply with such order shall be a misdemeanor.

B-14. Creation of Code Compliance Agency. Pursuant to Section 103.1, the City of Vacaville Fire Department is deemed the Code Compliance Agency under this code and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Fire Code Official. The function of the Code Compliance Agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

C. One- and Two-Family Dwellings, Group R-3, R-4 Buildings, and Townhouses. Section B105.1 of Appendix B is amended to read in full as follows:

B105.1 One and two-family dwellings, Group R-3, R-4 buildings, and townhouses. The minimum fire-flow and flow duration for each shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. residual pressure. The fire flow duration shall not be less than 1 hour for structures 0-3,600 square feet and shall comply with Table B105.1(2) for structures that exceed 3,600 square feet.

Exception: A reduction to 1,000 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. residual pressure may be granted by the Fire Chief in his or her sole discretion (for a dwelling 3,600 square feet or less in size) under the following circumstances:

1. The building is protected throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13-D or NFPA 13-R as amended locally, and Fire Department requirements and the applicant has submitted a written statement to the Fire Chief explaining the practical difficulties that preclude the applicant from providing the required 1,500 gallons per minute at 20 p.s.i. residual pressure.

D. Table B105.2, Required fire-flow for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings, group R-3 and R-4 buildings and townhouses, shall be amended to read in full as follows:

E. Definitions. Section 202 of Chapter 2 is amended to include the following definitions:

1. AREA SEPARATION WALL. For the purposes of calculating the total building floor area square footage specific to the local fire sprinkler requirements, an area separation wall shall be a fire wall dividing a building into separate areas, each of which may be considered a separate building provided the area separation walls meet the requirements of the CBC.

2. FIRE TRAIL. An approved dirt road not less than twenty feet (20') wide, or as required by the Fire Chief, whichever is greater in width, installed for the purpose of providing Fire Department access to wildland and open space areas during the dry seasons of the year.

3. FIREBREAK. A strip devoid of flammable vegetation, such as a strip of bare mineral soil or irrigated landscaping (e.g. green belt), which can be used as a barrier to the spreading of fire without modification or improvement.

4. MEMBER. Any person involved in performing the duties and responsibilities of the Fire Department, under the auspices of the Fire Department organization for the purposes of this code. A Fire Department member may be a full-time or a part-time employee, a paid or unpaid volunteer may occupy any position or rank within the Fire Department, and may or may not necessarily engage in emergency operations.

F. Abatement of Waste Material, Weeds, and Dry Grass. Section 304.1.5 is added to Section 304.1 of Chapter 3 to read in full as follows:

304.1.5 Accumulation of combustible materials. It shall be unlawful to accumulate or allow to accumulate or exist on any property any combustible waste matter, rubbish, weeds, dry grass, or other matter that creates a public nuisance, poses a threat to life, safety, or property, or creates a fire hazard. The Fire Chief may order or cause the abatement of such hazard or nuisance in the manner specified in Section 112 and 112.4.1.2 of this code.

G. Abatement of Weeds and Other Vegetation. Section 304.1.3.1 is added to Section 304.1 of Chapter 3 to read in full as follows:

304.1.3.1 Weed abatement minimum lot requirements.

a. For properties up to one (1) acre in size:

1. All weeds shall be abated.

2. All weeds around fence lines, sidewalks, and other objects shall be removed.

3. Trees or branches that are within ten feet (10') of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more of clearance.

4. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be pruned to be not less than six feet (6') from the ground. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

5. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

b. For properties in excess of one (1) acre but not more than five (5) acres in size:

1. A thirty-foot (30') firebreak around the perimeter of the property shall be maintained.

2. All weeds around fence lines, sidewalks, and other objects shall be removed.

3. There shall be not less than one hundred feet (100') of clearance around all structures and other improvements.

4. Disking (two or more times) may be required to a depth of six to ten inches (6' - 10") if the soil does not properly mix with the removed weeds.

5. Trees or branches that are within ten feet (10') of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more of clearance.

6. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be pruned to be not less than six feet (6') from the ground. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

7. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

c. For properties in excess of five acres.

1. There shall be not less than a thirty-foot (30') wide firebreak around the perimeter and a thirty-foot (30') wide firebreak at the center of the property.

2. There shall be not less than one hundred feet (100') of clearance around all structures and other improvements.

3. Trees or branches located within ten feet (10') of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more of clearance.

4. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be removed or pruned to be not less than six feet (6') from the ground. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

5. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

d. For hillside residential properties:

1. There shall be not less than one hundred feet (100') of clearance around all structures and other improvements.

2. All weeds around fence lines, sidewalks, and other objects shall be removed.

3. Trees and branches located within ten feet (10') of a chimney or stovepipe shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more of clearance.

4. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be removed or pruned to be not less six feet (6') from the ground. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

5. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

e. For uncultivated agricultural property – Only if there is not a current crop growing on the property.

1. There shall be not less than a thirty-foot (30') wide firebreak around the perimeter and a thirty-foot (30') wide firebreak at the center of the property.

2. There shall be not less than one hundred feet (100') of clearance around all structures and other improvements.

3. Trees and branches located within ten feet (10') of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more clearance.

4. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be removed or pruned to provide ten feet (10') or more of clearance. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

5. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

f. For privately-owned emergency vehicle access (EVA) areas.

1. All weeds shall be abated at least thirty feet (30') away from the fence and one hundred feet (100') from all structures.

2. All vegetation and debris encroaching on the EVA shall be cleared and removed. This shall include all debris left in any privately owned v-ditch.

3. All tree branches hanging over an EVA shall be pruned to no less than fourteen feet (14') above the ground.

4. All weeds around fence lines, sidewalks, and other objects shall be removed.

5. Tree branches located within one hundred feet (100') of a structure or improvement shall be pruned to be not less than six feet (6') from the ground. Bushes and shrubs in this area shall also be maintained to prevent fire spread, as determined by the Fire Chief.

6. Tanks shall have not less than thirty feet (30') of clearance.

Exceptions:

1. Exceptions to Section 304.1 may only be made by the Fire Chief or his or her designee.

2. If the remainder of the weeds on a lot/parcel exceed (3) feet in height the Fire Department has the authority to require additional abatement of the lot/parcel; this may include larger firebreaks or full abatement of the lot.

3. The Fire Chief or his or her designee may also require additional abatement measures to those listed above when climatic, geological, or topographical conditions warrant such additional measures.

H. Open Fires. Section 307.1.2 is added to Section 307.1 of Chapter 3 to read in full as follows:

307.1.2 Prohibition on certain fires in city limits. No person may ignite, make, kindle, permit, or maintain a fire, including incinerators, open burning, and recreational fires, within the city limits, including within public parks or playgrounds.

Exceptions:

1. Fires permitted by the Fire Chief for the burning of tree trimmings from commercial orchard operations exceeding one (1) acre in size. Proof of a permit from Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District is required to obtain this permit.

2. Fires properly contained in a barbecue pit, barbecue grill, approved outdoor fire pit, or approved outdoor fireplace when located in lawfully occupied premises or designated campsites with an approved metal screen/spark arrestor placed over the fire to keep embers from becoming airborne.

3. In designated picnic stoves, brazier, or fire pits that are provided by the city at public parks and playgrounds.

4. Fires set or permitted by the Fire Chief in the performance of official duties, including, but not limited to, the following:

I. Fire Apparatus Road Dimensions. Section 503.2.9 is added to Section 503.2 of Chapter 5 to read in full as follows:

503.2.9 Dimensions. The required width of any fire apparatus access road, EVA (emergency vehicle access) fire trail, fire lane, or driveway marked in accordance with Section 503.3, shall not be obstructed in any manner, including, but not limited to, by vehicles that are parked or left standing. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this Section shall be maintained at all times. Any obstructions in violation of this Section may be removed in the manner specified in Subsection 15.20.271.040.B-10, Abatement of Hazards, of this Chapter 15.20.271.

J. Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Section 503.2.10 is added to Section 503.2 of Chapter 5 to read in full as follows:

503.2.10 Parking. Parking may be prohibited on or along a fire apparatus access road if, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, it is necessary to maintain clear and unobstructed access. The Fire Chief may require the owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the premises to paint the curbs red, install signs, or give other appropriate notice that parking is prohibited. It shall thereafter be unlawful for any such owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the premises to fail to install and maintain in good condition the painted curbs, signs, or other appropriate notice so prescribed.

K. Diagram for Multi-Dwelling and Commercial Complexes. Section 505.1.1 is added to Section 505.1 of Chapter 5 to read in full as follows:

505.1.1 Multi dwelling or commercial complexes. At each main driveway entrance to a multi-dwelling or commercial complex, there shall be posted and positioned an illuminated diagram or map of the complex, which lists the individual addresses of all units in the complex. It shall thereafter be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or other person in charge of the complex to fail to update and maintain said diagram(s) or map(s) in good working condition.

L. Fire Protection Water Supplies. Section 507.5.1 of Chapter 5 is amended to eliminate the exception and to read in full as follows:

507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than three hundred feet (300') (122 m) from a fire 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 water mains shall be provided at a location(s) required by the Fire Code Official.

M. Private Fire Service Mains. Section 507.5.3.1 is added to Section 507.5.3 to read in full as follows:

507.5.3.1 Private fire hydrants of all types shall be inspected annually, every five years and after each operation per Section 507.5.3 of the CFC. Private fire hydrants shall be stickered after testing and maintenance of the system is completed and certified by a licensed professional. This sticker/tag shall indicate the date the fire hydrant was serviced or tested and the name and the contact information for the company that completed the service or testing.

N. Obstruction of Fire Protection Systems, Equipment, and Hydrants. Section 507.5.4 of Chapter 5 is amended to read in full as follows:

507.5.4 Obstructions. No person shall park, stop, or leave standing any vehicle within six feet (6') of any fire hydrant (measured along the curb or edge of street) unless the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the driver's seat and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity. Unobstructed access to fire protection equipment shall be maintained at all times. The Fire Department or its personnel shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or hydrants. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage, and other materials or things shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections, or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible.

O. Fire Sprinklers Required. Section 903.2.22 is added to Section 903.2 to read in full as follows:

903.2.22 Where required. Regardless of any exception listed above or in the remainder of this code or the California Building Code, and except in cases where this code provides more restrictive standards (e.g. distilled spirits and wines) all buildings in excess of three (3) stories or thirty-five feet (35') in height, or that have a total floor area greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet, shall be equipped, throughout, with an approved fully automatic fire sprinkler system.

Buildings in existence prior to the effective date of this Section or its prior equivalent shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section until such time as any one (1) or more of the following occurs:

1. Major changes or improvements (exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the fair market value) are made to the building.

2. There is an addition to or change in the building's occupancy classification.

P. Residential Fire Sprinklers Design and Installation. Sections 903.2.8.1.1, 903.2.8.1.2 and 903.2.8.1.3 are added to Section 903.2.8 to read in full as follows:

903.2.8.1.1 Residential fire sprinklers design and installation. Automatic fire sprinkler systems for residential occupancies shall be installed per the correct applicable (Reference Standard Chapter 80 of the CFC) NFPA Standard and local amendments.

An approved exterior horn and flashing light shall be installed in all new sprinkler systems in such a position as to be plainly visible from the road fronting the property. The signal light shall be installed in such a manner that it will automatically activate in conjunction with the required fire sprinkler system. The signal light shall be a flashing blue or white light capable of a minimum of 80 flashes per minute and a minimum of 25,000-candle power. The interconnected smoke alarms in the dwelling shall be connected to the fire sprinkler flow switch.

903.2.8.1.2 Residential fire sprinkler design and installation under stairs. All accessible spaces under stairs and landings in residential dwellings shall have full fire sprinkler protection and meet the fire sprinkler manufacturer's requirements for distance and spacing of fire sprinkler heads. Closet, small room rule, shadow rule, and bathroom square footage rules shall not apply to this requirement.

903.2.8.1.3 NFPA 13 D residential fire sprinkler installation in attic spaces. Fire sprinkler piping shall be protected from freezing temperatures.

Q. System Acceptance. Section 907.7.4 is added to Section 907.7 to read in full as follows:

907.7.4 After a 24-hour standby period, the fire alarm back-up system must be able to power the system's alarm notification appliances (horn, strobes, speakers, etc.) for a duration of five minutes. This requirement is extended to 15 minutes for systems with voice/alarm communications.

R. Hazard Identification Signs. Section 5003.5.2 is added to Section 5003.5 of Chapter 50 to read in full as follows:

5003.5.2 Hazard identification signs. In addition to the design requirement in Section 5003.5, hazard identification signs shall be made using reflective materials as required by the Fire Chief.

S. Explosives and Fireworks.

1. Section 5601.1.1.1 is added to Section 5601.1 of Chapter 56 to read in full as follows:

5601.1.1.1 Storage prohibited. Storage of explosives and blasting agents within the city limits is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Fire Chief by issuance of a permit authorizing such storage and subject to any conditions of the permit.

2. Section 5601.1.3.1 is added to Section 5601.1.3 of Chapter 56 to read in full as follows:

5601.1.3.1 Fireworks prohibited. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use, or handling of fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind, including those described or advertised as "safe and sane," is prohibited within the city.

Exception: The Fire Chief may issue "special-use" permits for the possession, storage, use, and handling of fireworks and pyrotechnics by state-licensed contractors.

T. Aboveground Tank Storage of Flammable Combustible Liquids Outside. Section 5706.2.4.4.1 is added to Section 5706.2.4.4 of Chapter 57 to read in full as follows:

5706.2.4.4.1 Tanks outside of buildings. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited unless a special permit is issued by the Fire Chief.

U. Parking and Garaging of Hazardous Materials/Gases. Section 5006 is added to Chapter 50 to read in full as follows:

5006 Unattended Vehicles. It shall be unlawful for anyone to leave, unattended, any vehicle loaded with hazardous materials, including but not limited to: explosives, compressed gas in excess of twenty (20) liquid gallons, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) in excess of sixty (60) gallons, flammable or combustible liquids in excess of sixty (60) gallons (excluding vehicle fuel tanks) within five hundred feet (500') (152m) of any residential, retail, or commercial area, or any other area deemed unsafe in the reasonable opinion of the Fire Chief.

V. Combustible Building Materials. Section 3307.2 is amended/altered to read in full as follows: