Chapter 15.15 — FIRE CODE
Whittier Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Whittier
15.15.010 - Fire code—Adopted by reference.¶
A.
Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code (the Los Angeles County Fire Code), as adopted and amended by the County of Los Angeles is hereby adopted by reference as the fire code of the city of Whittier.
B.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 50022.6, one (1) copy of the Los Angeles County Fire Code shall remain on file with the building official within the community development department and shall be at all times maintained by the building official for use and examination by the public.
(Ord. No. 3067, § 1, 3-28-17; Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
15.15.020 - Applicability.¶
The provisions of the fire code shall apply to existing conditions as well as to conditions arising after the adoption thereof, except that conditions legally in existence at the adoption of the fire code but not in compliance therewith shall be permitted to continue if, in the opinion of the fire chief, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
(Ord. 2402 § 2 (part), 1987: Ord. 2275 § 2 (part), 1982: prior code § 3110.1 (part))
(Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
15.15.030 - Hazards—Notice to property owner.¶
Whenever the fire chief determines that a hazard as described in Section 15.15.020 exists, the chief shall, in writing, advise the affected property owner of such determination, which notice shall contain a reference to the provisions of Section 15.15.040 of this code.
(Ord. 2402 § 2 (part), 1987: Ord. 2275 § 2 (part), 1982: prior code § 3110.1 (part))
(Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
15.15.040 - Appeal from decisions of fire chief determination.¶
Any decision of the fire chief made pursuant to the provisions of the fire code or this chapter shall be final and conclusive within twenty days of the chief's giving notice of such decision to the person or persons affected thereby. If within the twenty-day period any affected person is dissatisfied with such determination or interpretation by the chief, that person may appeal such decision in writing to the city council. Such appeal shall be perfected by filing the same with the city clerk prior to the chief's determination becoming final. There shall be paid contemporaneously with the filing of such an appeal a filing and processing fee in an amount set by resolution of the city council. Upon receipt of such an appeal, the city clerk shall give the appealing party at least five days' written notice of the time and place of the council hearing thereon. At the time of the hearing, the city council shall review the chief's determination in light of the relevant evidence presented, and shall, based thereon, issue an order resolving the dispute. Such determination shall be final and conclusive. No such appeal shall be valid for any purpose unless the same is timely filed, and unless the required filing and processing fee is timely paid.
(Ord. 2402 § 2 (part), 1987: Ord. 2275 § 2 (part), 1982: prior code § 3110.2)
(Ord. No. 3112, § 4, 2-25-20; Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
15.15.050 - Very high fire hazard severity zone.¶
Where a very high fire hazard severity zone has been established by the city council, the following construction and property maintenance standards shall be in effect within such zone.
A.
Roof Covering. For all new construction, or when an existing structure has fifty percent or more of its roof covering replaced within a one-year period, a Class "A" or equivalent roof covering assembly shall be installed.
B.
Spark Arrester. At the outlet of every chimney or stovepipe attached to any fireplace, stove, or other device that burns solid or liquid fuel, a screen shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Building Code.
C.
Clearance of Brush and Other Flammable Vegetation. Properties shall be maintained clear of brush and other flammable vegetation in accordance with the requirements of Section 51182, et seq., of the Government Code of the state, and the fire code. Abatement shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8.08.
(Ord. 2685 § 4, 1996; Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
15.15.060 - Reserved.¶
15.15.080 - Reference to other uniform codes.¶
Whenever the fire code adopted by Section 15.15.010 refers to any other uniform code adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Whittier Municipal Code, the interpretation, administration and enforcement of the provisions shall be the responsibility of the building official.
(Ord. No. 3067, § 3, 3-28-17; Ord. No. 3143, § 20, 12-13-22)
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