Ventura Municipal Code Ch. 14.10 FIRE REGULATIONS 2 Revised

2 Editor’s note(s): Ord. No. 2019-017, adopted October 7, 2019, amended Chapter 14.10 in its entirety. Former Chapter 14.10 pertained to the same subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 2013-016, adopted December 9, 2013; and Ord. No. 2016-015, adopted October 17, 2016.

Cross reference(s) – Fire department, Chapter 2.345; smoking regulations, Chapter 8.350; storage of hazardous materials, Chapter 14.50; fire hydrants and other fire service connections, Chapter 22.140.

Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50022.1 to 50022.8, inclusive, Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, known as the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition (“CFC”), is adopted by reference subject to the amendments, additions and deletions set forth in this chapter, hereinafter known as the fire code of the city of San Buenaventura (also known as “the code”). This adoption of the code also includes adoption by reference of CFC Chapters 1, 3, 25, and 26, Sections 403.11, 503, 510.3, 805, 806, 807, 808, 1101, 1103.1, 1103.3 through 1103.3.2, 1103.7.5 through 1103.7.6, 1104, and Appendices D and N subject to the amendments, additions, and deletions set forth in this code. The code will apply to all occupancies within the city’s jurisdiction. One true copy of the code is on file in the offices of the fire marshal and building official and is available for public inspection as required by law. (Ord. No. 2019-017, § 2, 10-7-19; Ord. No. 2022-019, § 2, 11-28-22; Ord. No. 2025-013, § 2, 11-18-25)

A. CFC Section 101.1 is amended to read as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of San Buenaventura, hereinafter referred to as ‘this code.’

B. CFC Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows:

103.1 Creation of agency. The San Buenaventura 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.

C. CFC Section 104.12 and its subsections is added to read as follows:

104.12 Reimbursement for emergency services and code enforcement.

104.12.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expenses of any emergency response and/or enforcement action by the San Buenaventura City Fire Department to protect the public from fire or hazardous substances and situations.

104.12.2 Reimbursement. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13000 et seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law and thereby requires the jurisdiction to provide an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the agency for the costs incurred.

In accordance with California Government Code Sections 53150 through 53158, any individual who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or civil aircraft caused by that influence, proximately causes any incident and thereby requires the agency to provide an emergency response shall reimburse the agency for costs incurred.

D. CFC Section 105.3.1 is removed not withstanding its subsections, which are adopted.

E. CFC Section 105.5.36 is amended to read as follows:

105.5.36 Open burning. An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire, open burning, recreational fire, portable outdoor fireplace, or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to.

Exception: Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces on private property.

F. CFC Section 105.5.59 is amended to read as follows:

105.5.59 Additional permits. In addition to the permits required by Section 105.6, the following permits shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to engaging in the following activities, operation, practices or functions:

1. Production facilities. To change use or occupancy, or allow the attendance of a live audience, or for wrap parties.

2. Pyrotechnics and special effects. To use pyrotechnic special effects, open flame, use of flammable or combustible liquids and gases, welding, and the parking of motor vehicles in any building or location used for the purpose of motion picture, television and commercial production.

3. Live audiences. To install seating arrangements for live audiences in approved production facilities, production studios and sound stages. See Chapter 48.

4. Christmas Tree Lots. An operational permit is required for the operation of a site, lot, and/or facility where harvested trees are for sale to the public.

G. CFC Section 112.1 is amended including the addition of subsections to read as follows:

112.1 Board of appeals established. 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, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The 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.

112.1.1 The appeal will be first directed in writing to the fire code official. The fire code official will render an appeal decision and finding in writing to the appellant.

112.1.2 In the event an appellant is not satisfied with an appeal decision and finding rendered by the fire code official, a further appeal may be made in writing to the Board of Appeals within 30 days of the decision and finding made by the fire code official.

H. CFC Section 113.4, notwithstanding its subsection, is amended to read as follows:

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. Fines and/or imprisonment shall be in accordance with the San Buenaventura Municipal Code and/or determined by the city council. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

I. CFC Section 113.5, and its subsections, is added to read as follows:

113.5 False alarms. The fire code official is authorized to seek cost recovery for a fire department response to an alarm system activation which is determined to be a false alarm caused by system malfunction, system misuse or other non-emergency causes.

113.5.1 False alarm frequency. The cost recovery penalty fee may be charged for all responses after the second false alarm in a calendar year.

113.5.2 False alarm fee. The amount of the cost recovery penalty fee will be in accordance with the San Buenaventura Municipal Code or fee schedule adopted by the city council. Additional fees may be charged for extraordinary circumstances.

J. CFC Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:

114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine in accordance with the San Buenaventura Municipal Code or fee schedule adopted by the city council.

K. CFC Section 304.1.3 is amended to read as follows:

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 in wildland-urban interface areas, hazardous watershed fire areas, hazardous fire areas and parcels declared a public nuisance shall be in accordance with other sections of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code and the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and its amendments.

L. CFC Section 307.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

307.1.1 Prohibited burning. The fire code official is authorized to prohibit open burning, recreational fires, and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces when atmospheric conditions (including, but not limited to, red flag warning days or anticipated high wind events) or other circumstances which increase the risk of uncontrolled fires. The burning of rubbish (trash) is prohibited.

Exception: Prescribed burning for the purpose of reducing the impact of wild/and fire when authorized by the fire code official.

M. CFC Section 307.3 is amended to read as follows:

307.3 Extinguishment authority. When open burning, recreational fires, or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces creates or adds to a hazardous situation, is not in compliance with this code, or a required permit has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to prohibit the fire and extinguish it or order the extinguishment of the fire.

N. CFC Section 308.1.6.3 is amended to read as follows:

308.1.6.3 Sky lanterns. The ignition and launching of sky lanterns are prohibited.

Exception: When approved by the fire code official, sky lanterns may be used when necessary for religious or cultural ceremonies and adequate safeguards have been taken. Sky lanterns shall be tethered in a safe manner to prevent them from leaving the area and must be constantly attended until extinguished.

O. CFC Section 311.7 is added to read as follows:

311.7 Property or materials damaged by fire.

311.7.1 Property or materials damaged by fire.

The owner of property, or other person having under their control any property or materials damaged by fire, will secure the property either by boarding up all openings, fencing, barricading or other appropriate measures as directed by the fire chief.

311.7.2 Removal. All debris and/or damaged materials will be removed from the property in the manner and within the time frame established by the fire chief.

311.7.3 Authority to secure property damaged by fire or other disaster. The fire code official shall be empowered to initiate necessary actions to secure property damaged by fire or other disaster and/or remove and dispose of debris, and other damaged materials when, after giving notice to the owner of record of the property, the owner fails to secure the property and/or remove debris as ordered by the fire code official.

311.7.3.1 Cost recovery. The fire code official is authorized to initiate any and all actions necessary to recover the costs of securing property damaged by fire or other disaster and/or removing and disposing of debris, and other damaged materials when, after giving notice to the owner of record of the property, the owner fails to secure the property and/or remove debris as ordered by the fire code official and the City provides the service either through the use of City resources or a contractor.

P. CFC Section 324 is added to read as follows:

Section 324 Combustible Materials Subject to Spontaneous Ignition.

324.1 General. Combustible materials subject to spontaneous ignition shall comply with Section 324 of this code.

324.2 Prevention ignition. Materials regulated by Section 324 of this code shall be stored, handled, treated, and monitored as necessary and in such a manner as to prevent ignition.

324.3 Provisions for extinguishment.The owner or person responsible for materials regulated by Section 324 of this code shall provide the necessary means to extinguish a fire should ignition occur. Piles shall be arranged in a manner to not exceed the capability of available resources to extinguish a fire in a single pile. Access for firefighting apparatus shall be approved by the fire code official.

Q. CFC Section 403.11.1, including its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

403.11.1 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. Fire watch personnel shall comply with Sections 403.11.1.1, 403.11.1.2 and 3303.5 of this code. Fire watch personnel shall be at least 18 years of age.

403.11.1.1 Duty times. Fire watch personnel shall remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are open to the public, or when an activity requiring a fire watch is being conducted.

403.11.1.2 Duties. On-duty fire watch personnel shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Keep diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards.

2. Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards and extinguishment of fires that occur.

3. Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures.

403.11.1.2.1 Fire watch locations and records. The fire watch shall include areas specified by the fire code official. The fire watch personnel shall keep a record of all time periods of duty, including a log entry each time the site was patrolled and inspected. The records and log entries shall be made available for review by the fire code official upon request.

403.11.1.3 When required. Fire watch shall be provided as follows:

1. When required by other sections of this code.

2. When the fire code official deems a condition essential for public safety.

3. When the fire code official determines that conditions may result in a rekindle from a fire previously extinguished.

403.11.1.4 Financial responsibility. The property owner, agent, or lessee in control of the premises shall be responsible for all costs of providing a fire watch.

R. CFC Section 503.6 is amended to read as follows:

503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, 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 and be provided with a fire department approved key switch.

S. CFC Section 505.1, including the addition of its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address Identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved 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. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) for single-family residences. All multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies shall have a minimum of 10-inch-high numbers, with a minimum 1.5-inch stroke. All buildings with a rear door access shall identify that unit with the proper numbers affixed to the door or frame.

Numbers shall be affixed on a structure in clear view, unobstructed by trees or shrubs. Where required by the fire code official, additional address numbers shall be provided in approved locations and of increased size 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 numbers visible from a street other than the original addressing street shall have the street name added to the address numbers. All new building address numbering, building unit numbering, and street designation shall be approved by the fire code official.

505.1.1 Required directories. When required by the fire code official, complexes with multiple buildings may be required to provide directories, premises maps and directional signs. The scale, design and location of directories shall be approved by the fire code official and may be required to be illuminated.

505.1.2 Standards for directories. When directories are required by the fire code official, they shall meet the following requirements:

1. Provided at every entrance into the complex.

2. Comply with the size, location and applicable requirements of the Planning Department.

3. Indicate location of all buildings on the property.

4. Building number shall be a minimum of 3/4-inch in height.

5. Individual unit numbers shall be a minimum of 1/2-inch in height.

6. Lettering shall be a minimum of 1/2-inch in height.

T. CFC Section 605.2.1.6 is added to read as follows:

605.2.1.6. Spark arresters. Chimneys used with fireplaces or heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuel is used will be maintained with a spark arrester as specified in California Residential Code Section 1003.9.2 and California Building Code 2113.9.2.

U. CFC Section 901.4.2 is amended to read as follows:

901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection systems. Any fire protection system or portion thereof not required by this code or the California Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided such installed system meets the requirements of this code and the California Building Code. Partial automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be installed in commercial buildings.

Exception: When designed to protect a specific hazard and approved by the fire code official.

V. CFC Section 901.7, excluding its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall either be evacuated, or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to service.

Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires. Where utilized, fire watches shall comply with the provisions of Section 403.11.1 of this code.

W. CFC Section 903.2, excluding its subsections, is amended to read as follows.

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21 and Appendix R of this code.

Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries not required to have an automatic sprinkler system by Section 1207 for energy storage systems and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

X. CFC Section 903.3.5, excluding its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1 of this code. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13114.7. For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted by five pounds per square inch or 10%, whichever is greater, to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.

Y. CFC Section 903.3.8, including its subsections, is amended to read as follows and all subsections of 903.3.8 are deleted:

903.3.8 Limited area sprinkler systems. New limited area sprinkler systems shall not be allowed.

Z. CFC Section 903.6 is amended to read as follows:

903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 and Appendix R.

AA. CFC Section 3303.5, excluding its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

3303.5 Fire watch. When required by the fire code official or the pre-fire plan established in accordance with Section 3303.3 of this code, a fire watch shall be provided for building demolition and for building construction that is hazardous in nature, such as temporary heating or hot work. The fire watch shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 403.11.1 and Sections 3303.5.1 through 3303.5.4 of this code.

BB. CFC Section 4811.2 is amended to read as follows:

4811.2 Permits. A permit shall be obtained, unless waived by the fire code official for any of the following activities:

1. Use of pyrotechnic special effects (see Section 5608 of this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6).

2. Open flames.

3. Flammable or combustible liquids, gasses and dust.

4. Hot work.

5. Presence of motor vehicles within a building.

6. Tents and canopies (see Chapter 31).

7. Portable generators.

8. Any additional permits as required by the agency having jurisdiction.

CC. CFC Section 5001.5.1.is amended as follows:

5001.5.1 Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP).

Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP). The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:

1. Access to each storage and use area.

2. Location of emergency equipment.

3. Location where liaison will meet emergency responders.

4. Facility evacuation meeting point locations.

5. The general purpose of other areas within the building.

6. Location of all above-ground and underground tanks and their appurtenances including, but not limited to, sumps, vaults, below-grade treatment systems and piping.

7. The hazard classes in each area.

8. Locations of all control areas and Group H occupancies.

9. Emergency exits.

[For SFM] The HMMP shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4. Where required to submit a plan to the statewide information management system, it shall be submitted annually.

DD. CFC Section 5001.5.2 is amended as follows:

5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS). Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include an HMIS, such as Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title 111, Tier 11 Report or other approved statement. The HMIS shall include the following information:

1. Product name.

2. Component.

3. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.

4. Location where stored or used.

5. Container size.

6. Hazard classification.

7. Amount in storage.

8. Amount in use-closed systems.

9. Amount in use-open systems.

[For SFM] The HMIS shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4. Where required to submit a plan to the statewide information management system, it shall be submitted annually.

EE. CFC Section 5003.2.7 is amended as follows:

5003.2.7 Liquid-level limit control. Atmospheric tanks having a capacity greater than 500 gallons (1893 L) and that contain hazardous material liquids shall be equipped with a liquid-level limit control or other approved means to prevent overfilling of the tank.

At the discretion of the fire code official, atmospheric tanks having a capacity of 500 gallons or less and that contain hazardous material liquids, shall be equipped with a liquid level indicator calibrated to the particular tank, the fill-port visible to the filling attendant, or other approved method to prevent overfilling of the tank.

FF. CFC Section 5003.3.1, excluding its subsections, is amended as follows:

5003.3.1 Unauthorized discharges. In the event hazardous materials are released in quantities reportable under state, federal, or local regulations, the fire code official shall be notified immediately and the following procedures are required in accordance with Sections 5003.3.1.1 through 5003.3.1.4 of this code.

GG. CFC Section 5608.1.2 is added to read as follows:

5608.1.2 Storage. A permit is required to store fireworks in any quantity and will only be issued for storage associated with a display or for the use of pyrotechnic special effects material by state-licensed pyrotechnicians as described in Section 5608.1.1 of this code.

HH. CFC Section 5608.2 is added to read as follows:

5608.2 Prohibition. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of fireworks is prohibited.

Exceptions:

1. Storage of fireworks in accordance with Section 5608.1.2 of this code.

2. Use and handling of fireworks for display in accordance with Section 5608.1 of this code.

II. CFC Section 5611 (California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1022) is deleted.

JJ. CFC Section 5611 (California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1025(a)) is deleted.

KK. CFC Section 5611 (California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1025(b)) is deleted.

LL. CFC Section 5611 (California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1028) is deleted.

MM. CFC Section 5611.1 is added to to read as follows:

5611.1 Model rockets. The use of model rockets and experimental high-power rockets are prohibited. No model rocket user shall launch any model rocket from any site within the City of San Buenaventura.

NN. CFC Section 5704.2.9.6.1, excluding its subsections, is amended to read as follows:

5704.2.9.6.1. Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I or II liquids in above-ground tanks 500 gallons or larger outside of buildings is prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.

OO. CFC Appendix D Section D103.6.1 is amended as follows:

D103.6.1 Roads 20 to 28 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on both sides of fire apparatus access roads that are 20 to 28 feet wide (6096 to 8534.4 mm).

PP. CFC Appendix D Section D103.6.2 is amended as follows:

D103.6.2 Roads 28 feet and more in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on one side of fire apparatus access roads 28 feet wide (8534.4 mm) and less than 36 feet wide (10972.8 mm).

QQ. CFC Appendix D Section D105.2 is amended as follows:

D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion thereof. The fire code official may require increased road widths where necessary for emergency operations.

RR. CFC Appendix D Section D105.3 is amended as follows:

D105.3 Proximity to building. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, one or more of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) and not greater than 35 feet (10668 mm) from the building and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.

SS. Appendix R is added to read as follows:

APPENDIX R - FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

R101 General. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed in all occupancies and locations as set forth in Appendix R and Chapter 9.

R102 Definitions.

"Building/Structure, Existing" is a building or structure permitted, constructed and final-authorized for occupancy prior to November 6, 1991 by the authority having jurisdiction.

"Building/Structure, New" is a building or structure permitted, constructed and final-authorized for occupancy on or after November 6, 1991 by the authority having jurisdiction.

"Floor Area" is as defined in the California Building Code.

"Multiple Use Occupancies" are buildings or structures that contain more than one occupancy group listed in Section 202 as determined by the fire code official.

R103 Automatic Sprinkler Systems in New and Existing Buildings and Structures.

R103.1 Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in new and existing buildings/structures in the locations as described in this section.

R103.2 New Buildings/Structures. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in all new buildings or structures, to be occupied by Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S, U, or mixed-use occupancy classifications when over 500 sq. ft. in floor area. For all new townhouses and one- and two-family dwellings, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed per the California Residential Code.

Exceptions:

1. Detached U occupancy carports used for motor vehicle storage intended for no other use or storage that are open on sixty percent (60%) of exterior walls. Such carports are limited to three thousand (3,000) square feet or less in floor area and will be constructed entirely of noncombustible materials. Treated lumber is not allowed.

2. Detached residential U occupancy carports or garages limited to one thousand (1,000) square feet or less in floor area and located a minimum of 10 feet from adjacent structures.

3. Noncombustible detached car wash structures provided the car wash is separated from other structures with an assumed property line.

4. Public schools shall comply with Section 903.2.2 of this code.

5. Gas station canopies unless otherwise required by the CFC.

Occupancies defined as a parklet in the Main St. Moves defined area unless otherwise required by the CFC.

R103.3 Existing Buildings/Structures. Approved Automatic Sprinklers are required in the following locations:

1. In all existing residential buildings or structures, when cumulative additions are made which result in a total floor area 100% or greater than the November 6, 1991 area of the building or structure.

2. In all other existing buildings/structures, when cumulative additions are made which results in a total building/structure floor area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet and the additions exceed the greater of the following:

a. 10% of the original floor area, or

b. 2,500 square feet.

Exception: Occupancy types required by the California Building Code to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed when the square footage is less than 5,000 square feet shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code.

3. In all existing buildings/structures having a total floor area equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet, when a change in occupancy classification or use occurs that results in a more hazardous use, based on life and fire risk, than the existing occupancy classification or use.

Exception: Occupancy types required by the California Building Code to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed when the square footage is less than 5,000 square feet shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code.

4. In all existing buildings/structures where renovations occur requiring a building permit and the total area of the ceiling covering removed and/or previously exposed underside of roof/floor decking exceeds 75% or greater of the total floor area of the building/structure.

Exceptions:

i. Occupancy types required by the California Building Code to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code.

ii. Group R3 occupancies

R104 Installation Requirements.

R104.1 Modifications. For the purposes of this Appendix, fire walls shall not be considered as creating separate buildings.

R104.1.2 General.When NFPA 13R sprinkler systems are provided in Group R occupancies, exceptions to, or reductions in, code requirements are not allowed based on the installation of either a NFPA 13R or NFPA 13 sprinkler system.

This shall also include requirements in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 and Part 9.

R104.1.3 Multi-use Occupancies.Buildings/structures containing multiple use occupancies which include one or more Group R occupancies shall be protected throughout with fire sprinklers that meet NFPA 13 standards.

(Ord. No. 2019-017, § 2, 10-7-19; Ord. No. 2022-019, § 2, 11-28-22; Ord. No. 2025-013, § 2, 11-18-25)