Chapter 9 — Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

California Fire Code Sections 901.7.7—901.7.7.2 are added to read:

901.7.7 Notice of Nuisance or Unwarranted Alarm. The officer in charge of fire units responding to a fire alarm signal shall determine

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whether a true emergency exists. If the officer determines that an emergency does not exist, the chief of the local fire agency may issue a written notice of nuisance alarm or unwarranted alarm to the owner or person in charge or control of the facility where the alarm signal originated.

901.7.7.1 Unreliable or Unwarranted Fire Alarm Systems. The Fire Chief of the local fire agency may determine that a fire alarm system is unreliable or unwarranted upon receipt of more than four (4) alarms within a twelve (12) month period. Upon finding that an alarm system is unreliable or unwarranted, the chief of the local fire agency may order the following:

1. For any nuisance alarm where the system is not restored, the Fire Chief may require the system owner to provide standby personnel as defined in Chapter 4, Section 403.1 or take such other measures, as the Fire Chief deems appropriate. Persons or activities required by the Fire Chief shall remain in place until a fire departmentapproved fire alarm maintenance firm certifies in writing to the Fire Chief that the alarm system has been restored to a reliable condition. The chief may require such tests, as he deems necessary to demonstrate the adequacy of the system.

2. Upon the fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) alarms from the alarm system within a twelve (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $150.00, plus the cost of fire engine response, for each occurrence.

3. Upon the seventh (7th) and eighth (8th) alarms from the alarm system within a twelve (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $300.00, plus the cost of fire engine response.

4. Upon the ninth (9th) and following alarms from the alarm system within a twelve (12) month period, the system owner shall pay a mitigation fee to the fire department of $500.00, plus the cost of fire engine response, for each occurrence.

901.7.7.2 Hearing on Notice. Any person receiving a notice of nuisance alarm who contends that the Fire Chief erroneously determined that the fire alarm system was not functioning as designed, may file a written request with the Fire Chief for a hearing on the determination within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice of nuisance alarm. The Fire Chief shall give the requesting party a hearing on the determination within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request. The request shall set forth: (1) that the system functioned as designed, or (2) that the nuisance alarm resulted from an act of God, flooding, or other violent natural condition without fault and beyond the control of the requesting party. Within ten (10) days following the hearing, the chief shall give written notice of his or her decision to the requesting party.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 902.1 is amended to add the following:

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT (in Town only exists in Title IX floodplain) (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2 is amended to read:

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 903.2.12

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and sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in existing buildings and structures shall be provided in locations described in Section 903.6.

Exceptions:

1. Agricultural and Greenhouse buildings as approved by the fire code official when not required in other sections of the California Building Code.

2. Detached accessory structures to Group R-3 not classified as a dwelling unit and not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ) in gross floor area (See California Residential Code).

3. Detached non-combustible motor vehicle fuel dispensing canopies.

4. Detached group U occupancies not greater than 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ), OR WHEN APPROVED BY THE Fire Code Official where the entire structure is not to exceed 5,500 sq ft (510m[2] ).

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.1 is amended to read:

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group A occupancy exceeding 3,000 square feet or when required per 903.2.1.1 through 903.2.1.6.

cupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A-2 and 300 for other Group A Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the building in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

Exception deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.1.7 is amended to read.

903.2.1.7 Multiple Fire Areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 100 or more.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.2 is amended to read.

903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in Group B occupancies when the Fire Area exceeds 3,000 sq ft or as required in 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.1.6 is amended to read:

903.2.1.6 Assembly Occupancies on Roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly oc-

California Fire Code Section 903.2.2.1 is amended to read:

903.2.2.1 Ambulatory Care Facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing an ambulatory care facility.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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California Fire Code Section 903.2.3 is amended to read:

903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group E occupancies. For public school state-funded construction projects or for public school campuses, Kindergarten through 12th grade, see Section 903.2.19 through 903.2.20.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.4 is amended to read:

903.2.4 Group F. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group F occupancy where gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ).

Exceptions:

1. Canopied winery crush pads less than 12,000 square feet in area, if all of the following conditions are met:

   • a. The canopy an supporting structure are constructed of non-combustible materials.

   • b. If attached, the crush pad is separated from other portions of the building by one-hour fire-resistive walls.

   • c. The crush pad is not used for storage of combustible materials.

   • d. The canopy and supporting structure are incapable of trapping heat, smoke or other products of combustion.

2. Dairy milking facilities less than 12,000 feet in area.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code, Section 903.2.5.1 is amended to read:

903.2.5.1 Group H. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings containing Group H occupancies.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code, Section 903.2.6.1 is deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.7 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ). (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.8.1 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.8.1 Group R-3. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 shall be permitted in Group R-3 occupancies and shall be provided throughout all one- and two-family dwellings regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in all mobile homes, manufactured homes and multi-family manu-

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factured homes with two or more dwelling units in accordance with Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.9 is amended to read:

903.2.9 Group S. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S occupancy where the gross floor area exceeds 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ).

Exceptions:

1. Agricultural and Greenhouse buildings as approved by the fire code official.

2. Detached accessory structures to Group R-3 not classified as a dwelling unit and not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ) in gross floor area.

3. Special occupancy aircraft shade structures as approved by the fire code official, unless required in NFPA 409.

4. Volunteer Fire Department vehicle storage barn not exceeding 3,000 sq. ft. (279m[2] ) or when approved by the Fire Code Official not exceeding 5,500 sq ft (510m[2] ).

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read:

903.2.9.1 Repair Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.9.4 Exception is amended to read:

903.2.9.4 Exception: Self-service storage facilities not greater than 1 story above grade plane where all storage spaces can be accessed directly from the exterior can meet the following.

1. Fire Apparatus access is within 150 feet to all sides of the structure.

2. Fire area is less than 3,000 square feet and of non-combustible construction.

3. Is provided Fire Flows in accordance with Appendix B or NFPA 1142 for nonsprinklered building.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.10 is deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.11 is amended to read as follows:

903.2.11 Specific Buildings Areas and Hazards. In all occupancies other than detached Group U occupancies not greater than 3,000 square feet (279m[2] ), an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed for building design or hazard in the locations set forth in Sections 903.2.11.1 through 903.2.11.9.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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California Fire Code Section 903.2.11.3 exception is deleted.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

designed and installed to have a minimum density of 0.3 gallons per minute per square foot over a minimum design area of 2,500 square feet

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code Section 903.2.11.7 is added to read:

903.2.11.7 High-Piled Storage. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing high-pile combustible storage.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

California Fire Code, Section 903.2.11.8 is added to read as follows:

903.2.11.8 Undetermined Use Design. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in buildings or structures of undetermined use shall be

California Fire Code, 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 throughout existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11 or that undergo a substantial improvement or Substantial Damage as defined by CBC/ CRC Chapter 2, or in accordance with Table 903.6.

Exception: Alterations made solely for the purpose of providing barrier removal pursuant to the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) as contained in exception #4 of CBC Section IIB-204.2.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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California Fire Code, Table 903.6 is added to the California Fire Code, to read:

Table 903.6 EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1•1A 2,000 sq. ft. maximum of an increase is allowed.

1•1 Maximum cumulative allowable gross floor area is 6,000 sq. ft.

1,1 Fire sprinklers are required when additions to Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings (as described in Sonoma County Code Chapter 7-A) exceed 640 sq. ft. in gross floor area.

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• (d) Remodels that are greater than 75% of the original gross floor area or when required by California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 2, classified as an Improvement as determined by the Building Official.

• (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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California Fire Code, Section 905.3.1 is amended to read:

905.3.1 Height. In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) below the highest level of fire department access.

   5. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings where occupant-use hose lines will not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.

   6. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:

      • 6.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.

      • 6.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.

   7. When determined by the Fire Code Official a standpipe system is not warranted in three-story buildings.

   • (Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Class I standpipes are allowed in Group Band E occupancies.

3. Class I standpipes are allowed in parking garages.

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

California Fire Code, Section 912.2 is amended to read:

912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of the fire department connections shall be within 100 feet of a fire hydrant or approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

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California Fire Code, Sections 914.12 through 914.12.2 are added to read:

shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)

914.12 Type 3 winery caves as defined in Section 446 of the California Building Code and Sections 914.12.1 and 914.12.2 of the California Fire Code.

914.12.1 Fire Alarm System. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with section 907.2 in new and existing Type 3 winery caves unless equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1. The fire alarm system shall activate the occupant notification system in accordance with 907.5 when the occupant load exceeds 100 or more.

914.12.2 Automatic Sprinkler System. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1 in all new Type 3 winery caves when the occupant load exceeds 100 or more, or existing winery caves when a change of use is approved by the fire code official.

(Ord. No. 2025-402, §§ 3, 7, 12-3-2025)