Williams Municipal Code Ch. 15.24 Fire Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 185-11, § 8, adopted Mar. 2, 2011, amended Ch. 15.24 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 15.24, §§ 15.24.010—15.24.030, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from: Ord. No. 74-92; Ord. No. 78-8; and Ord. 166-08, § 8(part), 2008.

The California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, including Chapter 1 and all associated appendices to the 2025 California Fire Code, is hereby adopted by this reference and incorporated herein as if set forth in full, as the fire code of the city.

The city has ratified Williams Fire Protection Authority Ordinance No. 25-01, which adopted the 2025 California Fire Code and each of its appendices with local amendments. In doing so, the city adopts Williams Fire Protection Authority Ordinance No. 25-01 as its own fire code, and delegates the authority to enforce the 2025 California Fire Code and the local amendments set forth in Williams Fire Protection Authority Ordinance No. 25-01 to the Williams Fire Protection Authority's Fire Official, or his or her authorized representative.

(Ord. No. 185-11, § 8, 3-2-2011; Ord. No. 205-14, § 8, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 222-17, § 8, 10-18-2017; Ord. No. 240-20, § 8, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 274-25, § 8, 10-15-2025)

A. Wherever the words "fire code official," "fire chief," or "chief of the fire department" are used in the code adopted by this chapter, it shall mean the Chief of the Williams Fire Department.

B. Wherever the words "fire department" are used in the code adopted in this chapter, it shall mean the City of Williams Fire Department.

C. Wherever the word "municipality" is used in the code adopted in this chapter, it shall mean the City of Williams.

D. Wherever the word "authority" is used in this chapter, it shall mean the Williams Fire Protection Authority.

(Ord. No. 185-11, § 8, 3-2-2011; Ord. No. 205-14, § 8, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 222-17, § 8, 10-18-2017; Ord. No. 240-20, § 8, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 274-25, § 8, 10-15-2025)

The city hereby adopts the findings set forth in Ordinance No. 25-01 of the Williams Fire Protection Authority as the basis for the local amendments set forth in the authority's Ordinance No. 25-01 and in this chapter. The local amendments are reasonably necessary because of the below local climatic, topographical, and/or geological conditions, which apply to the city because it is within the authority's service area, and which support each and every local amendment set forth in section 15.24.040 of this city's Code. Where such local amendments are purely administrative in nature and do not modify a building standard as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18909, no local climatic, geological, or topographic findings are required.

A. Climatic.

1. The northern Sacramento region has extreme variations in weather patterns. Summers are arid and warm, winters are cool to freezing, fall and spring can bring any combination of weather patterns together. It is this cyclical uncertainty that allows weather events such as rapid melting snowpack and rising seasonal creeks and rivers, which can cause flooding in the low-lying valley areas of the authority. The doubling of average rainfall called an "El Nino" event has occurred from time to time causing grass to mature and grow in excess of four feet high before it dries out.

2. The region has long, dry, hot summers that contribute to the risk of grass, brush, and structure fires. The drying of wood products and wild land fuels in the summer months allows for easy ignition.

3. On average, the region experiences an annual rainfall between sixteen to eighteen inches. This rainfall can be expected between October and April of each year. Outside of those months, during the dry period, high temperatures, and a range of gusty winds mixed with the natural vegetation, create hazardous fuel conditions.

4. Low-level fog (tule fog) is present throughout the winter months, which brings visibility to almost zero feet. The fog delays emergency responders and has caused numerous vehicle accidents on Interstate 5. The fog can also cause freezing and slick roadways, delaying response to emergencies.

5. In the past, several consecutive years of drought conditions have occurred, reducing available water supply. The drought conditions have led to lower water tables. Groundwater as well as surface supplies have all been affected. Although the groundwater levels have recovered somewhat in the last year, and the Colusa Groundwater Agency (CGA) will be monitoring the levels for sustainability in the future, current precipitation conditions are leading to another drought year. This is a pattern that is likely to repeat itself in the future. The degradation of water supplies reduces the efficiency of fixed fire protection systems as well as hampering fire suppression activities.

B. Topographical.

1. The authority is bisected by several topographical features, including major creeks, sloughs, open space, bridges/overpasses, freeways, railroad tracks, drainage canals, and sprawling industrial facilities. Traffic has to be channeled around several of these topographical features and limitations, which creates traffic congestion and delays in emergency response. In the event of an accident or other emergency at one of the key points of intersection between a road and or freeway, sections of the authority could be isolated, or response time could be sufficiently slowed so as to increase the risk of injury or damage.

2. Preservation of wetland areas, natural parkways, riparian corridors along rivers/streams, vernal pools, open space and endangered species habitat have all contributed to access problems as well as exemption from vegetation abatement programs. These situations, though very environmentally important, do increase the demands on the fire service due to the extreme fire hazard created by fuel loading and limited access. Reduced available infrastructure features, such as roads, water supplies, and fire protection, hamper the effectiveness of fire response resources.

C. Geological.

1. The authority is bisected by a major transportation corridor (Interstate 5) which traverses in a north/south direction. This freeway system includes overpasses that do not meet the State of California's current seismic design standard and are not scheduled by the state for retrofitting. The authority is also in seismic zone 3 (major damage capability). Due to age and seismic deficiencies, one or more of the overpasses could fail if an earthquake of significant magnitude were to occur, significantly reducing response time for fire and emergency vehicles.

2. Significant flooding has occurred in the authority, especially in low-lying areas. Intricate levee systems hold back a portion of the floodwater; however, development has moved into areas that have the potential for flooding. The soil conditions in areas of the authority are not conducive to rapid infiltration. Localized street flooding has occurred near creeks which make access for fire-fighting equipment difficult. New development has occurred in areas that have the potential for flooding.

(Ord. No. 240-20, § 8, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 274-25, § 8, 10-15-2025)

The 2022 California Fire Code is amended by the changes, additions, and deletions set forth in this chapter, which are adopted from Ordinance No. 25-01 of the Williams Fire Protection Authority. Chapter and section numbers used below are those of the 2025 California Fire Code.

A. Chapter 1, SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION, is amended as follows:

Section 104.13 (Contract technical assistance) is added to this code and reads as follows:

104.13 Contract technical assistance. The fire code official, or his designee, may require the property owner or his authorized agent, at the owner's expense, to retain a special inspector ("Contract Inspector") to conduct any required inspections at the location. The Contract Inspector must be approved by the fire code official prior to conducting such inspections and must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the fire code official, that he/she is specially trained and experienced, and possesses the skill, ability, knowledge, and/or certification to competently perform the inspection of the particular type of construction, operation, fire extinguishing or detection system/device, or process.

The Contract Inspector shall inspect the construction, operation, system, device or process for conformance with approved design drawings and specifications in accordance with applicable legal requirements and meet the standard of care and quality ordinarily expected of competent professionals in the Contract Inspector's field. The Contract Inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the fire code official and the building official upon completion of each project. Any discrepancies or deficiencies observed by the Contract Inspector during the inspection shall be brought to the property owner's or his authorized agent's immediate attention for correction. Any discrepancies or deficiencies observed that remain unresolved or uncorrected for more than 30 days shall be reported to the fire code official and the building official.

Section 105.5 (Required operational permits) is amended to read as follows:

105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.1 through 105.5.55.

Section 105.5.55 (Shipping container) is added to this code and reads as follows:

105.5.55 Shipping container. An operational permit pursuant to section 105 is required for the storage, installation, or use of a shipping container as described in section 324.

Subsection 108.2.1 (Inspection requests) is amended to read as follows:

108.2.1 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the fire code official when work is ready for inspections. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code. When an inspection is scheduled, and the Contract Inspector is unable to perform or complete the inspection, the fire code official may bill the permit holder for the Contract Inspector's travel time to and from the inspection site, the actual time spent at the inspection site, and any applicable administrative costs.

Subsection 108.2.2 (Approval required) is amended to read as follows:

108.2.2 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the fire code official. The fire code official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactorily completed, or notify the permit holder or their agent that the work fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected, and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the fire code official. The permit holder shall make available an inspection record card for the fire code official's use in recording his inspection entries and observations and shall maintain the inspection record card until the fire code official has granted final approval of the work.

Section 112.4 (Violations penalties) is amended to read as follows:

112.4 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 issued under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. (Health and Safety Code §§ 13871, 17995.)

Section 112.5 (Fire Chief Authority) is added to read as follows:

112.5 Fire Chief Authority. The Fire Chief is authorized to issue citations and orders pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 13872 and 13872.5.

Section 113.4 (Failure to comply) is amended to read as follows:

113.4 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 of not less than $500 or more than $1,000. (Health and Safety Code §§ 13871, 13872.5, 17995.)

B. Chapter 2, DEFINITIONS, is amended as follows:

Section 202 (General Definitions) is amended to add and amend the following definitions:

ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM (Added). An approved method to electronically detect and transmit to an alarm service provider's Type A (listed) Central Station information indicating that the automatic fire sprinkler system or electronic fire detection system has been activated and shall have the ability to relay the alarm to the Colusa County Sheriff's Department Regional Fire/EMS Communications Center(s).

FALSE ALARM (Amended). The willful and knowing giving, signaling or transmission to any public fire station or company or to any officer or employee thereof, whether by telephone, spoken word or otherwise, of information to the effect that there is a fire, medical emergency, rescue request, or other need for emergency service at or near indicated by the person giving, signaling, or transmitting such information, when no such danger or emergency exists.

C. Chapter 3, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, is amended as follows:

Subsection 315.7.3 (Storage height) is amended to read as follows:

315.7.3 Storage height. Pallet storage shall not be higher than the roof line of nearest buildings or 12 feet, whichever is less.

Subsection 315.7.8 (Access) is added to this code and reads as follows:

315.7.8 Access. Driveways between and around pallet stacks shall be at least 20 feet wide and maintained free from rubbish, weeds, equipment, and other materials, and such driveways shall be spaced such that a maximum grid system of 50 feet x 50 feet is maintained.

Section 315.7.9 (Water supply) is added to this code and reads as follows:

315.7.9 Water supply. An approved water supply and fire hydrants capable of supplying the required fire flow shall be required within 150 feet of all portions of the outdoor pallet storage areas in accordance with the applicable provisions of this code, except that, where a public or private water supply is not available, NFPA 1142 may be utilized.

Section 324 (Use of shipping containers) is added to this code and reads as follows:

324 Use of shipping containers. Shipping containers (and other vessels designed for storage and shipping of bulk materials, equipment and supplies) must be approved and permitted by the fire code official prior to placement. A plan detailing the type of container, intended use, location, duration on property, distance to structures, and any utility hook-ups to the satisfaction of the fire code official must be submitted and approved prior to issuance of a permit.

D. Chapter 5, FIRE SERVICE FEATURES, is amended as follows:

Subsection 503.1.4 (Fire access) is added to this code and reads as follows:

503.1.4 Fire access. At least two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads shall be required in residential developments having more than 30 dwelling units, or where the fire code official determines that access by a single road may be impaired by vehicle traffic congestion, the condition of the terrain, climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access.

Section 503.2 (Specifications) is amended to read as follows:

503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8, and Appendix D.

Subsection 507.5.1 (Where required) is amended to read 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 150 feet from a 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 mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

Exception: For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3, the distance requirement shall not be more than 500 feet (183m).

Subsection 509.3 (Fire Control Room) is added to this code and reads as follows:

509.3 Fire Control Room. Fire sprinkler risers, fire alarm control panels, and other fire detection, suppression or similar control elements shall be located inside a single fire control room for the building. The fire control room shall have minimum dimensions of five feet by seven feet in size with a total usable area of not less than 35 square feet. The room shall be located within the building on an outside wall at a location approved by the Fire Code Official and shall be accessible from the exterior. An exterior access door with a clear width of not less than 32 inches and height of not less than 80 inches shall be provided for access into the room. A durable sign shall be affixed to the exterior of the door with the words "FIRE CONTROL ROOM" in letters not less than 4 inches in height. A key box complying with Section 506 shall be installed on the exterior side of the fire control room door opening. The room must be capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A clearance of 12 inches shall be provided from the fire sprinkler risers to any adjacent walls. This room can be shared with other building utilities or fire protection equipment that is not incompatible. An approved cabinet or container shall be provided to store record plans of the fire sprinkler system and other fire protection equipment. This room shall not be used for any other storage.

Exception: One- and two-family dwellings, manufactured homes or similar uses defined as either a Group R-3, R3.1, or R-4 occupancy.

E. Chapter 9, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, is amended as follows:

Section 901.11 (Installer and service qualifications) is added to this code and reads as follows:

901.11 Installation and service qualifications. All persons/organizations installing, repairing, testing, servicing or maintaining sprinkler systems, fire hydrant systems, standpipes, fire alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, smoke and heat ventilators, smoke removal systems and other fire protection or extinguishing systems or appliances shall be a fire protection contractor or contractor licensed for said work by the State of California or have the appropriate license required by the California State Fire Marshal's office, or both.

The person performing the installation, repairs, testing, servicing or maintenance shall notify the Authority immediately when a fire protection or detection system or portion is inoperable.

The person performing the installation, repairs, testing, servicing or maintenance shall notify the Authority in writing within 72 hours when a fire protection or detection system is not in compliance with applicable codes.

When changes to the fire protection or detection system involve shutting off water for more than 35 sprinklers for more than 4 hours, temporary water supply connections shall be made to sprinkler systems so that reasonable protection can be maintained. Protection shall be restored each night to the maximum extent possible. The fire code official may require a fire watch while any system is inoperative.

When shorts, failures or other interruptions of service occur within a building's fire alarm system that connects to an approved alarm service provider's Type A (listed) Central Station or is a local alarm only, the fire code official may require the system to be disconnected or shut out the private fire alarm system or circuit. When shorts, failures, or other interruption of service occur within a building's fire alarm system that connects to an approved alarm service Provider's Type A (listed) Central Station, the fire code official may require the system to be repaired and written notification be provided to the fire code official before he responds to alarms generated by the system.

Where alarm system(s) are wholly or partially out of service for more than 8 hours, the property owner or the property owner's alarm company shall notify the fire dispatch center.

Section 903.2 (Where required) is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in all new buildings and structures when constructed or relocated within the jurisdiction as provided in the table below. If the automatic sprinkler system requirements provided in subsections 903.2.1 through 903.2.10.1, inclusive, are more restrictive, then those requirements shall apply.

Subsection 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13 sprinkler systems) is amended to read as follows:

903.3.1.13 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwelling units, Group R-3 and R-4 congregate living facilities, townhouses, and modular homes shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D. Each fire sprinkler riser required to be installed shall have installed a water flow switch and a 120-volt horn strobe. The flow alarm horn strobe shall be located on the exterior of the building at or near the front or side corner facing the fronting street. The horn strobe shall be loud enough to notify the occupants that water is flowing by interconnecting the flow switch with the residential smoke detector circuit for simultaneous operation or other approved methods as approved by the fire code official or building official. Connection to a central station or other approved supervisory system may be required due to location of the property at the discretion of the fire code official.

In the event of any conflict between this code and any other law, rule or regulation or requirement, the more protective standard of safety shall govern as determined by the fire code official or building official.

Subsection 903.4.4 (Valves) is added to this code and reads as follows:

903.4.4 Valves. Valves containing sprinkler systems shall be maintained in an open position by locking the valve open in a manner approved by the fire code official.

Subsection 913.1.1 (Automatic fire pump) is added to this code and reads as follows:

913.1.1 Automatic fire pump. All fire pumps are required to operate automatically, unless a written waiver is obtained from the fire code official.

F. Chapter 12, ENERGY SYSTEMS, is amended as follows:

Subsection 1203.1.3 (Installation) is amended to read as follows:

1203.1.3 Installation. Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code, NFPA 110, and NFPA 111. All buildings with standby power, other than one- and two-family dwelling units and agricultural buildings not used for commercial purposes, shall have a shunt trip device, located in an easily accessible location of the building, that disconnects all power sources to the building when required by the fire code official.

G. Appendix C, FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION, is amended to read as follows:

Section C104.2 (Required changes) is added to this code and reads as follows:

C104.2 Required changes. When a tentative subdivision or parcel map, merger of lots, change in use or intensity of an existing occupancy, expansion of an existing structure, or construction/modification that increases the required fire flow is requested/approved, existing single outlet 2 ½ inch hydrants shall be changed to an approved steamer style hydrant or equivalent, as approved by the fire code official.

Section C104.3 (Required upgrades) is added to this code and reads as follows:

C104.3 Required upgrades. Where water main improvements are required to meet GPM flow and existing water main has a single 2 ½ inch outlet fire hydrant, an upgrade of hydrants will be required as approved by the fire code official.

Section C104.4 (Required relocation) is added to this code and reads as follows:

C104.4 Required relocation. Existing hydrants affected by right-of-way improvements shall be moved to an approved location at no cost to the Authority. Hydrant upgrade may be required by the fire code official.

Section C106 (Hydrant Type) is added to this code and reads as follows:

C106 Hydrant type. The fire code official shall approve the type of hydrants to be installed in a public right-of-way or on private property prior to such installation.

Section C107 (Hydrants - both sides of a street) is added to this code and reads as follows:

C107 Hydrants - both sides of a street. Hydrants shall be required on both sides of the street whenever one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. When the street has median center divider(s).

2. When the street has four or more lanes of traffic.

3. When the width of the street exceeds 88 feet.

Table C102.1 (Required number and spacing of fire hydrants) is amended to read as follows:

1 Reduce by 150 feet for dead-end streets or roadways.

2 One hydrant for each 1000 gpm or fraction thereof.

3 Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants should be provided at not less than 1000-foot (305 m) spacing to provide for transportation hazards. In addition, there shall be at least one hydrant at each intersection.

4 Average spacing between hydrants may be extended to 500 feet on streets serving one- or two-family dwellings.

H. Appendix CC, FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION, is amended as follows:

Table CC105.1, Number and distribution of fire hydrants, is amended to read as follows:

1 Reduce by 150 feet for dead-end streets or roadways.

2 One hydrant for each 1000 gpm or fraction thereof.

3 Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants should be provided at not less than 1000-foot (305 m) spacing to provide for transportation hazards. In addition, there shall be at least one hydrant at each intersection.

I. Appendix D, FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS, is amended as follows:

Section D104.3 (Remoteness) is amended to read as follows:

D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be constructed or installed due to the location of the property, topography, the existence of waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an alternative means of access satisfactory to the fire chief is provided.

Section D106.3 (Remoteness) is amended to read as follows:

D106.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be constructed or installed due to the location of the property, topography, the existence of waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an alternative means of access satisfactory to the fire chief is provided.

Section D107.1 (One- or two-family dwelling residential developments) is amended to delete Exception 1 Section D107.2 (Remoteness) is amended to read as follows:

D107.2 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be constructed or installed due to the location of the property, topography, the existence of waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an alternative means of access satisfactory to the fire chief is provided.

(Ord. No. 240-20, § 8, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 274-25, § 8, 10-15-2025)

Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of the code adopted by reference in this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in chapter 1.12 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 185-11, § 8, 3-2-2011; Ord. No. 205-14, § 8, 4-16-2014; Ord. No. 222-17, § 8, 10-18-2017; Ord. No. 240-20, § 8, 8-19-2020; Ord. No. 274-25, § 8, 10-15-2025)

Editor's note— Formerly § 15.24.030.