Vista Municipal Code Ch. 16.40 Fire Code

Section 16.40.010 Adoption of Fire Code

The City Council of the City of Vista adopts as the Fire Code for the City of Vista the

following: the 2025 California Fire Code (CFC), including the appendices B, C, D, H, I, and K, the 2024 International Fire Code ( IFC), and the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA) Standards 13, 13-R, and 13-D as referenced in Chapter 80 of CFC, together with the City’s amendments in this Chapter. This Fire Code is adopted for the protection of the public health and safety. It includes definitions, provisions for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials, and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings, requirements for permits and inspection for installing or altering systems, regulations for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment use, and maintenance of buildings and structures, including the installation, alteration, or repair of new and existing fire protection systems and their inspection, and provides penalties for violation of this code. Each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions, and terms of the City of Vista Fire Code on file in the office of the City of Vista are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this Chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions, and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 3 of this Chapter. Prior Code 11-1; Ord. No. 91-31, Amended, 10/22/91; Ord. No. 95-17, Amended, 11/28/95; Ord. No. 99- 3, Amended, 06/08/99; Ord. No. 2002- 21, Amended, 09/24/02; Ord. No. 2007- 22, Repealed and Replaced, 11/13/07; Ord. No. 2010- 18, Repealed and Replaced, 10/12/10; Ord. No. 2013- 21, Repealed and Replaced, 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2016- 14, Repealed and Replaced, 10/11/16; ORD No. 2019- 14, Repealed and Replaced 11/12/19; Ord. No. 2022- 20, Amended 11/15/22; Ord. No. 2025- 07, Amended 09/23/2025)

Section 16.40.020 Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code

The following sections and chapters of the 2025 CFC are hereby amended:

SECTION 101.5 VALIDITY.

Section 101.5 of the CFC is revised to read:

sentence, or word of this Chapter be declared invalid for any reason it is the intent of this City Council that it would have passed all other portions of this Chapter independently of any portion that may be declared invalid.

SECTION 102.14 REPEAL OF PRIOR ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS.

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

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ordinances, resolutions and motions or parts thereof, within this Chapter, are repealed and amended as follows.

SECTION 104.2.2.5 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Section 104.2.2.5 is added to the CFC to read:

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.

SECTION 113.4 VIOLATIONS.

Section 113.4 of the CFC is revised to read:

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.

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SECTION 113.5 PENALTIES.

Section 113.5 of the CFC is revised to read:

standards hereby adopted or fail to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made there under, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement or specification or plans submitted and approved there under, or any certificate or permit issued there under, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the attorney for the (insert fire protection district) or by a court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed herein, shall severally for each and every violation and non-compliance respectively, be guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding $ 1,000.00 or by imprisonment in County Jail not exceeding six ( 6) months, or both. The imposition of one penalty of any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time; and when not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.

The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of

prohibited conditions.

SECTION 114.4 FAILURE TO COMPLY.

Section 114.4 of the CFC is revised to read:

served with a stop work order, except such work as that the person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than $ 250.00 or more than $ 1,000.00.

SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS.

Section 202 of the CFC 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.

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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 Chapter 5601.

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 Chapter 5601 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 City Council to serve as fire chief in the City of Vista.
B) The chief officer of City of Vista and Vista Fire Protection District.

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The fire chief or a duly authorized representative.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT. Any regularly organized fire department, fire protection district, fire

company, fire rescue, 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.

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:

Distance from Blast Site (In Feet) Scale Distance Factor
0 - 300 Mandatory Seismic Monitoring
301 - 5,000 55

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Distance from Blast Site (In Feet) Scale Distance Factor
5,000+ 65

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.

SECTION 304.1.5 OUTDOOR CARNIVALS AND FAIRS.

Section 304.1.5 is added to the CFC to read:

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.

SECTION 307.4.3 PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACES.

Section 307.4.3 of the CFC is revised to read:

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 of the CFC 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.

SECTION 324 MID-RISE BUILDINGS.

Section 324 is added to the CFC to read:

or structure, on a deck, or under eaves, a canopy, or other projection or overhang. When required by the fire code official, firewood or other combustible material stored in the defensible space surrounding a structure shall be located at least 30 feet from any structure and separated by a minimum of 15 feet from the drip line of any trees, measured horizontally. Firewood and combustible materials not for use on the premises shall be stored so as to not pose a fire hazard. Wood storage shall be located on bare soil or a non-combustible material. Minimum clearance around wood storage pile shall be 10’ bare soil, free of vegetation or other combustible material measured on a horizontal plane. The maximum size of wood storage shall be 2 cords of woods with the pile dimensions no greater than 4 feet in height, 4 feet in width, and 16 feet in length.

Exception: Permit may be issued by the FAHJ for wood storage amounts in excess of this Section.

SECTION 501.3.2 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS MODIFICATIONS.

Section 501.3.2 is added to the CFC to read:

installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3 of CFC.

topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades, or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.

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.

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 California Wildland- Urban Interface ( CWUI) is the division of a tract, lot, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites, or other divisions of land.

for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.

503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in

accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.9.

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.

SECTION 505 PREMISES IDENTIFICATION.

Section 505 of the CFC is revised to read:

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 1/2-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.

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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 1/2-inch.

installed at the driveway entrance to a residential multi-family project or a mobile home park, with more than 15 units.

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.

SECTION 506.1.3 EMERGENCY KEY ACCESS.

Section 506.1.3 is added to the CFC portion to read:

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.

SECTION 507.5.7 FIRE HYDRANT AND FIRE VALVE LOCATION.

Section 507.5.7 is added to the CFC to read: ( Title 14 1275.15)

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 1,200 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 Energy Storage System ( 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.

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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 and 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.

SECTION 903.4.1 ELECTRONIC SUPERVISION.

Section 903.4.1 of the CFC is revised to read:

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.

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SECTION 2808 STORAGE AND PROCESSING OF WOOD CHIPS, HOGGED MATERIAL, FINES, COMPOST, SOLID BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK AND RAW PRODUCT ASSOCIATED WITH YARD WASTE, AGRO-INDUSTRIAL AND RECYCLING FACILITIES.

Section 2808 of the CFC is revised to read:

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 Sections 2808.1 through 2808.10.10.

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.

lines by fire department access roadways.

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.

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.

rated for Extra- High Hazard with travel distance not to exceed 50’.

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.

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.

SECTION 5607.16 EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS- APPLICABILITY.

Section 5607.16 is added to the CFC to read:

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secured to prevent the tank from rolling or moving.

SECTION 8001 REFERENCED STANDARDS.

Section 8001 is added to the CFC 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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

Revise 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.

SECTION APP. B103.3 AREAS WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS.

Appendix B, Section B103. 3 of the CFC 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.”

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SECTION APP. H100 REPORTING FORMS

Appendix H, Section H100 is added to the CFC to read:

H100. 1 Reporting forms. Hazardous Materials reporting forms currently adopted by San

Diego County Department of Environmental Health 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.

SECTION 5704 GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS

The geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 2025 CFC are established as

follows:

a) Section 5704.2.9.6.1 The geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class

II liquids in above- ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited: the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego.

Exceptions: 1. In areas zoned for mixed, general, or high impact industrial uses. 2. Crankcase draining may be stored in specially constructed above- ground storage tanks, approved by the fire code official, with a maximum capacity of 550 gallons. These tanks may be located within a building when the fire code official deems appropriate and the container meets U.L. Standard 2085. Containers shall be installed and used in accordance with their listing and provisions shall be made for leak and spill containment. In no case shall storage be allowed on residential or institutional property. 3. With the fire code official’ s approval, Class I and II liquids may be stored above ground outside of buildings in specially designed, approved, and listed containers which have features incorporated into their design which mitigate concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources, and mechanical damage. Containers shall be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions shall be made for leak and spill containment. The fire code official may disapprove the installation of these containers when in his or her opinion their use presents a risk to life or property.

b) Section 5706.2.4.4 The geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II

liquids in above- ground tanks is prohibited: the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego.

Exceptions: 1. In areas zoned for other than residential uses, when approved by the FAHJ. 2. Crankcase draining may be stored in specially constructed above- ground storage tanks, approved by the fire code official, with a maximum capacity of 550 gallons. These tanks may be located within a building when the fire code official deems appropriate and the container meets U.L. Standard 2085. Containers shall be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions shall be made for leak and spill containment. In no case shall storage be allowed in residential or institutional property. 3. With the fire code official’s approval, Class I and II liquids may be stored above ground in specially designed, approved, and listed containers which meet U.L. Standard 2085. Containers shall be installed and used in accordance with their listing, and provisions shall be made for leak and spill containment. The fire code official may disapprove the installation of such containers when in his/her opinion their use presents a risk to life or property.

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Vista Municipal Code

c) Section 5806.2 The geographic limits in which the storage of flammable cryogenic

fluids in stationary containers is prohibited: the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego, except for areas zoned for mixed, general, or high impact industrial uses.

d) Section 6104.2 The geographic limits in which the bulk storage of liquefied petroleum

gas is prohibited for the protection of heavily populated and congested areas: the unincorporated area of the County of San Diego, except for areas zoned for mixed, general, or high impact industrial uses.

Exception: Bulk tanks with a maximum aggregate capacity of 30,000 gallons water capacity for above- ground storage of underground distribution to residential areas, where the storage and distribution meets County Fire Code requirements as determined by the FAHJ.

Prior Code 11-1; Ord. No. 91-31, Amended, 10/22/91; Ord. No. 95-17, Amended, 11/28/95; Ord. No. 99- 3, Amended, 06/08/99; Ord. No. 2002-21, Amended, 09/24/02; Ord. No. 2007-22, Repealed and Replaced, 11/13/07; Ord. No. 2010-18, Repealed and Replaced, 10/12/10; Ord. No. 2013-21, Repealed and Replaced, 11/12/13; Ord. No. 2016-14, Repealed and Replaced, 10/11/16; Ord. No. 2019-14, Repealed and Replaced 11/12/19; Ord. No. 2022-20, Repealed and Replaced 11/15/22; Ord. No. 2025-07, Repealed and Replaced 9/23/25)

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ANNEX A RESIDENTIAL FIRE APPARATUS TURN AROUND REFERENCED SEC. 403.2.5.1 DEAD ENDS

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Vista Municipal Code

ANNEX B COMMERCIAL FIRE APPARATUS TURN AROUND REFERENCED SEC. 403.2.5.1 DEAD ENDS

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ANNEX C SLOPE CROSS SECTION MEASUREMENTS REFERENCED SEC. 608.2.3

608.2.3 Building and Structure Setback From Slope. Single-story buildings or structures shall be setback a minimum 15 feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from the structure. A single- story building or structure shall be less than 12 feet above grade, measured from plate height. A two-story building or structure shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from the structure. A two-story building or structure shall be greater than a 12-foot plate height but shall not exceed 35 feet in total height. Buildings and structures greater than two stories may require a greater setback as determined by the fire code official.

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ANNEX D FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES MEASUREMENTS REFERENCED FIGURE 604.6

Create and maintain Zone 0 Non-Combustible Zone. Remove ALL Combustible materials: Vegetation, mulch, bark, sheds, fences attachments within this zone. REMOVE – Combustible materials in this zone REDUCE – Potential for direct flame against building or structure REPLACE – Non-combustible materials acceptable to FAHJ

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ANNEX E PRIVATE WATER STORAGE TANK INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

Plans shall be submitted to the FAHJ for approval prior to the installation of water tank. All materials shall be listed and approved by the FAHJ. Figure 404.5.3”

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Vista Municipal Code