Ordinance Number 933' ORDINANCE NO. 933
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
SPECIFIED SECTIONS OF TITLE 4 AND 8 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA
BUILDING CODE AND OTHER RELATED UNIFORM CODES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Adoption of the California Building Code.
Section 8-2.01 entitled "Adoption of Uniform Building Code" is amended in its entirety to
read as follows:
Section 8-2.01. Adoption of the 2007 California Building Code.
The City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano hereby adopts by reference
California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, known and designated as the California
Building Code, 2007 Edition including Appendix Chapter 1 based on the 2006
' International Building Code as published by the International Code Council with the
modifications set forth below for the purpose of prescribing regulations for the erection,
construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, removal,
conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all
buildings and/or structures in the City. The provisions of these codes shall constitute the
building regulations of the City. These documents will be on file for public examination
in the office of the City Clerk."
Section 2. Amendments, Additions and Deletions.
Section 8-2.02 entitled "Amendments to Chapter 1 of 2001 California Building Code" is
amended its entirety to read as follows:
"Section 8-2.02. Amendments to the 2007 of the California Building Code including
Appendix Chapter 1.
1. Subsection 101.2 "Scope" is hereby amended to add a second paragraph that
reads:
'The provisions of these codes shall apply to and affect all of the territory of the City of
San Juan Capistrano, except work located primarily in a public way; public utility towers
and poles; mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in these codes; hydraulic
flood control structures; facilities for the production, generation, storage or transmission
of water or electrical energy by a local agency; and except as exempted by these —
codes."
2. Subsection 105.2 "Work exempt from permit" is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
Work exempt from permit.
1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds,
playhouses and similar uses and structures such as portable shade cloth
structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Such
structures must comply with the setback and height requirements of the City
Zoning Ordinance and the Fire Code.
2. Masonry or concrete fences not over 36 inches in height measured from the top
of footing to top of wall, and all other fences (wood, vinyl, wrought iron, etc.) not
over 36 inches in height above lowest adjacent grade and any fence located with
the zoning front yard setback distance not over 36 inches high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of
footing to the top of wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II
or II -A liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000
gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
6. Decks, platforms or similar structures, walkways, sidewalks and driveways not
more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story
below and are not part of an accessible route. Note: All parking lot re -stripping,
re -sealing and/or re -paving require permits and approval to verify compliance
with disabled access requirements and City zoning regulations.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work
that does not involve electrical, mechanical or plumbing work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less
than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely
above ground.
10.Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not
including service systems.
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' 11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-
family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54
inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3
and U occupancies.
13. Non fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5
feet 9 inches in height.
14. Radio and television antenna, flagpoles not over twelve (12) feet in height
measured from grade.
"Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing,. electrical and mechanical permits will
be required for the above -exempted items."
3. Subsection 105.3.2 "Time limitation of application" is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed
work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless
a permit has been issued."
' 4. Subsection 105.5 "Expiration" is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
"105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site
authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the
work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of
180 days after the time the work commenced. Before such work can be recommenced
after a permit expires, a new permit shall first be obtained to do so, and a fee therefore
shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no
changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for
such work, and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not
exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee
shall pay a new full permit fee.
The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one extension of time, for a period
not more than 180 days. Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an
extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the
permittee is unable to commence work within the time required. The extension shall be
requested in writing prior to the permit expiring and show justifiable cause
demonstrating that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented
action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than once."
5. Subsection 106.1 "Submittal documents" is hereby amended to add a second
paragraph that reads:
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"Subsection 106.1. Submittal Documents.
Soil report, prepared by an Engineer licensed by the State to practice by such, shall be
submitted at the time of permit application. Soil report is required for all new
construction and additions. The Building Official may waive the requirement of soil
report if it is found that the scope of work applied for is not necessary to have a soil
report."
6. Subsection 106.3 "Examination of documents" is hereby amended to add a
second paragraph that reads:
"Subsection 106.3. Examination of Documents.
When submittal documents are required by Section 106.1, a plan review fee shall be
paid at the time of submitting the documents for plan review. Said plan review fees are
separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section 108.2 and are in addition to the
permit fees. Said plan review fee shall be as set forth in the City Council Fee
Resolution."
7. Subsection 106.5 "Retention of construction documents", is hereby amended to
add a second paragraph that reads:
"The approved plan, permit application and inspection card and other construction
documents required by the Building Official shall be imaged after the final inspection
and will be a permanent record in the City. The applicant shall pay the cost of imaging
at the time of permit."
8. Subsection 108.2 "Schedule of permit fees" is hereby amended to add a sentence
at the end of the paragraph that reads:
"The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in the City Council Fee Resolution unless
otherwise specified by the code."
9. Subsection 108.3 "Building Permit Valuations" is hereby amended to add a
second paragraph that reads:
"The Building Official shall make the determination of value or valuation under any
provisions of this code. The valuation shall be determined by using rational methods
established by the Building Official that reasonably establish the construction value or
the contract price of the actual construction cost. The value to be used in computing the
Building Permit and Building Plan Review fees shall be the total value of all construction
work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical,
plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems and any other
permanent equipment."
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' 10. Section 108.4 "Work commencing before permit issuance" is hereby amended
to add a second paragraph that reads:
"An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a
permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the
amount of the permit fee required by this code. The payment of such investigation fee
shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor
from any penalty prescribed by law."
11. Subsection 108.6 "Refunds" is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows:
"108.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
The building official may authorize refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was
erroneously paid or collected.
The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit
fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this
code.
The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan
review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review has been paid
is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.
' The building official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written
application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of
payment."
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12. Section 108 "Fees" is hereby amended by adding a new Subsection 108.7 as
follows:
"108.7 Fees/Deposit. The Building Official may require a deposit from the applicant for
a certain project or work in order to secure the request for final inspection approvals
from the applicant or the repairing of damaged City properties during the period of
construction. The deposit money will be refunded to the applicant when the final
inspections are approved or the damages are repaired to the satisfaction of the City.
The deposit amount shall not be more than twice the permit fee."
13. Subsection 108.8 "Appeals Board" is hereby amended in its entirety as follow:
"Section 108.8. Appeals/Appeals Board. Any person adversely affected by a decision,
order, or determination by the Building Official under the California Building Code may
appeal the matter to the City Building Standards Appeal Board pursuant to the appeal
provisions as established by City Council resolution."
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14. Subsection 110.1 "Use and occupancy" is hereby amended to read as follow:
"No construction or erection of a building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no
change in the existing occupancy classification of any building or structure or portion
thereof shall be made until the Building Official has issued a certificate of occupancy for
said building or structure in accordance with the provisions of section 110.2.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a
violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the City. Certificates
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other
ordinances of the City shall not be valid."
15. Subsection 110.2 "Certificate issued" is hereby amended to read as follow:
(a) The Building Official shall not issue a certificate of occupancy for any building or
structure subject to this code when the Building Official has found violation(s) of any
municipal code, county code or applicable state law provision related to any form of
building or grading activity occurring on the subject property.
(b) If the Building Official determines that a certificate of occupancy may be issued as in
conformance with the requirements of this Code, the certificate shall contain the
following:
1. The building permit number;
2. The address of the building;
3. The name and address of the owner;
4. A description of that portion of .the building for which the C of O is
issued;
5. A statement that the described portion of the building has been
inspected for Compliance with the requirements of this code for the
group and division of Occupancy and the use;
6. The name of the Building Official.
(c) Exception: A certificate of occupancy may be issued by the Building Official in those
instances where the Building Official finds and determines that the building or structure
is otherwise completed but not all zoning conditions of approval have been satisfied
and: i) occupancy will not otherwise constitute a threat to the public health and safety; ii)
remaining work constitutes a very minor portion of the project; iii) the remaining work is
secured by the posting of appropriate surety performance bonding as approved by the
Building Official; iv) the applicant shall pay a required fee to process the exception
application. This exception is not applicable where the work on the structure or building
has not satisfied all requirements of this Building Code.
16. Subsection 110.3 "Revocation" is hereby amended to read as follows:
The Building Official is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of
occupancy or completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever the —
certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it
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is determined that the building or structure or portions thereof is in violation of any City
ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code."
Note: Many of the following changes are made to various fire safety regulations set
forth in the following sections of the 2007 California Building Code:
17. Section 202 "General Definitions", is hereby amended by adding the following
definitions:
"FLOOR AREA, FIRE SPRINKLERS. For the purpose of calculating square footage for
application of fire sprinkler requirements, the floor area shall be determined in
accordance with the CBC definition for "Floor Area, Gross". For Group R-3 occupancies
portions of the structure not required to be protected by the automatic sprinkler system
do not need to be included into the floor area calculation.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING. Item 2 of this definition is hereby modified as follows:
"High-rise structure" means every building of any type of construction or occupancy
having floors used for human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest
floor level having building access (see California Building Code, Section 403.1.2),
except buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 1250."
' 18. Subsection 403.10.2 "Standby power loads" is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
"403.10.2 Standby power loads. The following loads are classified as standby power
loads:
1. Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.8;
and
2. Electrically powered fire pumps; and
3. Standby power shall be provided for elevators in accordance with Section
3003 of this code."
19. Subsection 403.11.1 "Emergency power loads" is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
"403.11.1 Emergency power loads. The following loads are classified as emergency
power loads:
1.
2.
3.
' 4.
5.
Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10;
Elevator car lighting;
Emergency voice/alarm communication systems;
Automatic fire detection systems;
Fire alarm systems; and
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6. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smoke -proof _
enclosures"
20. Subsection 406.1.3 "Garages and carports" is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:
"406.1.3 Garages and carports. Carports shall be open on at least two sides. Garage
and carport floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible material. Carports not
open on at least two sides shall be considered a garage and shall comply with the
provisions of this section for garages.
Exception: Asphalt surfaces shall be permitted at ground level carports.
The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to
facilitate the movement of liquids to drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway with
an approved oil separator or trap discharging to sewers in accordance with the
California Plumbing Code."
21. Subsection 406.2.6 "Floor surface" is hereby amended by deleting the Exception
and amending second paragraph to read in its entirety as follows:
"406.2.6 Floor surface. Parking surfaces shall be of concrete or similar noncombustible
and nonabsorbent materials.
The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to
facilitate the movement of liquids to drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway with
an approved oil separator or trap discharging to sewers in accordance with the
California Plumbing Code."
22. Subsection 412.5.1 "Definitions" is hereby amended by adding a definition for
emergency helicopter landing facilities on high-rises which will reference applicable Fire
Code provisions and is to read as follows:
"EMERGENCY HELICOPTER LANDING FACILITY (EHLF). A landing area on the roof
of a high-rise building that is not intended to function as a heliport or helistop but is
capable of accommodating fire or medical helicopters engaged in emergency
operations, in accordance with California Fire Code Section 1108. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) approval is not required for an EHLF."
23. Subsection 504.2 "Automatic sprinkler system increase" is hereby amended to
read as follow:
"Subsection 504.2. Automatic sprinkler system increase. Where a building is equipped
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section -
903.3.1.1, the value specified in Table 503 for maximum height is increased by 20 feet
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' (6096 mm) and the maximum number of stories is increased by one. These increases
are permitted in addition to the area increase in accordance with Sections 506.2.
Exceptions:
1. Fire areas with an occupancy in Group 1-2 of Type IIB, 111, IV or V construction.
2. Fire areas with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2, H-3 or H-5.
3. Fire -resistance rating substitution in accordance with Table 601, Note e.
These increases are not permitted in addition to the area increase in accordance with
506.3
For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the value specified in
Table 503 for maximum height is increased by 20 feet (6096 mm) and the maximum
number of stories is increased by one, but shall not exceed 60 feet (18 288 mm) or four
stories, respectively, these increases are permitted in addition to the area increase in
accordance with Section 506.3."
24. Subsection 506.3 "Automatic sprinkler system increase" is amended in its
entirety to read as follows:
' "506.3 Automatic sprinkler system increase. Where a building is equipped throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the
area limitation in Table 503 is permitted to be increased by an additional 200 percent
(Is = 2) for buildings with more than one story above grade plane and an additional 300
percent (Is = 3) for buildings with no more than one story above grade plane.
Exception: The area limitation increases shall not be permitted for the following
conditions:
1. The automatic sprinkler system increase shall not apply to buildings with an
occupancy in Use Group H-1.
2. The automatic sprinkler system increase shall not apply to the floor area of an
occupancy in Use Group H-2 or H-3. For mixed-use buildings containing such
occupancies, the allowable area shall be calculated in accordance with Section
508.3.3.2, with the sprinkler increase applicable only to the portions of the
building not classified as Use Group H-2 or H-3.
3. Fire -resistance rating substitution in accordance with Table 601, Note e.
4. (SFM] The automatic sprinkler system increase shall not apply to Group L
occupancies.
' These increases are not permitted in addition to the height increase in accordance with
504.2
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For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, these increases are
permitted in addition to the height increase in accordance with Section 504.2."
25. Subsection 701A.1 "Scope"is hereby amended by adding the following statement
to the end of this subsection to read:
"Section 701A.1 Scope. (The entire section remains unchanged). The entire chapter is
effective January 01, 2008 regardless of delayed implementation date adopted by the
office of SFM or CBSC."
26. Section 702A "Definitions" is hereby amended by modifying the definition of
Wildland-Urban Interface as follows:
"Wildland-Urban Interface Area is a geographical area identified by the state as a "Fire
Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the public resources code Sections 4201
through 4204 and Government Code sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas
designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires including
Special Fire Protection Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. See Section
706A for the applicable referenced Sections of the Government Code and the Public
Resources Code."
27. Section 8-2.06. "Excavation & Grading" -the first sentence is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"Section 1803, of the California Building Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Permits Required. Section 1803.7 ..................
28. Section 8-2.07. "Grading permit requirements" -the first sentence is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"Section 1803.8, of the California Building Code, is hereby added to section 1803 to
read as follows:
Permits: Denial ...................
29. Section 8-2.08. "Bonds" -the first sentence is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Section 1803.7, of the California Building Code, is hereby added to section 1803 to
read as follows:
Section 1803.9 (a) Bonds Required ....................
30. Section 8-2.10. "Drainage, terracing and onsite improvements" -the first
sentence is hereby amended to read as follows:
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' "Section 1803.10, of the California Building Code, is hereby added to section 1803 to
read as follow:
Subsection 1803.10.1 Commercial and industrial ..............
Subsection 1803.10.2 Pavement: Standards .....................
Subsection 1803.10.3 Maintenance ..............................
31. Section 8-2.11. "Grading inspection" -the first sentence is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"Section 1803.11 (Grading inspection), of the California Building Code, is hereby added
to section 1803 to read as follows:
Section 1803.11 Site inspection ......................
32. Section 8-2.12. "Completion of work" -the first sentence is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"Section 1803.12 (Completion of work), of the California Building Code, is hereby added
to section 1803 to read as follows:
"Final reports: Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion of
the work, the following reports and drawings and supplements thereto are required for
engineered grading or when professional inspection is performed for regular grading, as
applicable.
' 1. An as -built grading plan prepared by the civil engineer retained to
provide such services showing original ground surface elevations, as -graded ground
surface elevations, lot drainage patterns, and the locations and elevations of surface
drainage facilities and of the outlets of subsurface drains. Civil engineers shall state that
to the best of their knowledge the work within their area of responsibility was done in
accordance with the final approved grading plan.
2. A report prepared by the soils engineer retained to provide such services
includes summaries of field and laboratory tests and comments on any changes made
during grading and their effect on the recommendations made in the approved soils
engineering investigation report. Soils engineer shall submit a statement that, to the
best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibility was done in
accordance with the approved soils engineering report.
3. A report prepared by the engineering geologist retained to provide such
services including a final description of the geology of the site and any new information
disclosed during the grading and the effect of same on recommendations incorporated
in the approved grading plan. Engineering geologists shall submit a statement that, to
the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibility is in accordance
with the approved engineering geologist report.
4. Rough Grade Certification must be submitted prior to the issuance of
building permits for a graded site, the rough grading shall be completed to the
satisfaction of the responsible engineers, engineering geologist and the Building Official.
33. Section 8-2.13. "Import or export" -the first sentence is hereby amended to read
as
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follows:
"Section 1803.13, of the California Building Code, is added to section 1803 to
read as
follows:
Section 1803.13 Earth transportation ......................
34. Section 8-2.14. "Denial, suspension or revocation" -the first sentence is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"Section 105.6 of Appendix Chapter 1 (Administration), Permit Suspension or
revocation, of the California Building Code, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 105.6 Denial, suspension .........................
35. Subsection 903.2 "Where required" is hereby amended to read in its entirety as
follows:
"903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and
structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section and in Section
903.2 of the California Fire Code as amended by the City of San Juan Capistrano as
follows:
1. New buildings: In addition to the requirements of section 903.2.1 through 903.2.13,
approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided
as follows (Exception: Group R Detached one- two-family dwellings and townhouses as
required by section 903.2.7):
i) Throughout all Groups A, I, E, and H Occupancies
ii) Throughout all Group B, F, M, and S Occupancies exceeding 1,000
square feet
iii) Throughout all Group U-1 Occupancies exceeding 6,000 square feet
For the purposes of this section, fire walls shall not define separate buildings.
Exception
1. The elimination of sprinkler protection in the following areas are subject
to approval by Fire Code Official. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used
exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution
equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are
equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the
remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1 -hour fire -
resistance -rated walls and 2 -hour fire -resistance -rated floor/ ceiling assemblies.
2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3 of the California
Building Code.
2. Alteration: When the floor area of the Alteration within any two-year period
exceeds 75% of area of the existing structure and the alteration includes structural
modifications other than seismic upgrade.
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' 3. Addition: Sprinkler protection shall be provided throughout the entire building
when:
1. Existing building less than 5,000 ft2: where 20% or more is added and the
gross floor areas exceeds 5,000 square feet.
2. Existing building equal or greater than 5,000 ft2: where more than 1,000 ft2
is added."
36. Subsection 903.2.7 "Group R" is hereby amended to read in its entirety as
follows:
"Section 903.2.7. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3 and Section 903.2.7 of the California Fire Code as amended by the City of San
Juan Capistrano shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as
follows.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout any existing building when
the floor area of the Alteration within any two year period exceeds 50% of area of the
existing structure and the building area exceeds 5,500 ft2-. When the cost of installing an
approved automatic sprinkler system exceeds 5% of the cost of the Alteration, with the
approval of the fire code official, the required automatic sprinkler system may be
omitted.
Exceptions:
1. Detached buildings containing two or less dwelling units with less than 5,500 ft2 (279
m2) (including attached U -occupancy garages).
2. Group R-3.1 occupancies not housing bedridden clients, not housing
nonambulatory clients above the second floor, and less than 5,500 square feet.
3. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113 occupancies housing
ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill or mentally retarded, and
building or portions thereof housing such children are not more than two stories in
height, and thereof housing such children have an automatic fire alarm system activated
by approved smoke detectors.
4. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.6 occupancies licensed for
protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom is a child
(under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or over)."
37. Section 903.3.1.1.1 "Exempt locations", is hereby amended by deleting Exception
4 in its entirety.
' 38. Section 903.4 "Sprinkler System Monitoring and Alarms" is hereby amended by
modifying item 1, deleting item 5, and renumbering the Exceptions as follows:
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1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings
protected by NFPA 13D sprinkler system with less than 100 sprinklers.
2. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
3. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
4. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked
in the open position.
5. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems
that are sealed or locked in the open position.
39. Section 905.4 "Location of Class I standpipe hose connections", is hereby
amended by adding a new statement and items 7 and 8 as follows:
"Standpipes shall be provided in all structures over two stories high except in single
family dwellings, including garages. The standpipe locations shall be as follows:
7. The centerline of the 2.5" outlet shall be no less than 18" above and no
more than 24" above the finished floor.
8. Every new building with any horizontal dimensions greater than 300 feet
(91,440 mm) shall be provided with either access doors or a 2.5" outlets so that all
portions of the building can be reached with 150 feet (45,720) of hose from an access
door or hose outlet. Required access doors shall be located in the exterior of the
building and shall be accessible without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall
be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width, and not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm)
in height."
40. Section 907.2.12 "High-rise buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
"Section 907.2.12 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings with a floor used for human
occupancy located more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and an
emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
Exceptions:
1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.22 and Section
412 of the International Building Code.
2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3 of the International
Building Code.
3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1
of the International Building Code.
4. Low -hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 of the
International Building Code.
5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with
Section 415 of the International Building Code."
41. Section 907.2.12.1 "Automatic fire detection" is hereby amended as follows:
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' "Section 907.2.12.1 Smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section.
Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation
of any detector required by this section shall operate the emergency voice/alarm
communication system. Duct smoke detectors shall operate as specified in Section
907.12. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
1. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone
equipment or similar room which is not provided with sprinkler protection, elevator
machine rooms, and in elevator lobbies.
2. In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning
system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s).
Such detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
3. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories
from a return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2
occupancies, a listed smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return -air riser
carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air -inlet
openings."
42. Section 907.2.12.2 "Emergency voice/alarm communication system" is hereby
amended as follows.
"Section 907.2.12.2 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The operation of
any automatic fire detector, sprinkler water -flow device or manual fire alarm box shall
automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved
information and directions for a general or staged evacuation on a minimum of the
alarming floor, the floor above and the floor below. Duct smoke detectors shall operate
as specified in Section 907.12. Speakers shall be provided throughout the building by
paging zones. As a minimum, paging zones shall be provided as follows:
1. Elevator groups.
2. Exit stairways.
3. Each floor.
4. Areas of refuge as defined in Section 1002.1.
5. Dwelling Units in apartment houses.
6. Hotel guest rooms or suites.
Exception: In Group 1-1 and 1-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound in a constantly
attended area and a general occupant notification shall be broadcast over the overhead
page."
43. Section 907.9.3 "High-rise buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
"Section 907.9.3 High-rise building. In buildings with a floor used for human occupancy
that is located more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for all of the following types
' of alarm -initiating devices where provided:
1. Smoke detectors.
2. Sprinkler water -flow devices.
15
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. Other approved types of automatic fire detection devices or suppression
systems."
44. Section 907.12 ,,Duct smoke detectors" is hereby amended as follows:
"Section 907.12 Duct smoke detectors shall be connected to the building's fire alarm
control unit when a fire alarm system is provided. Activation of a duct smoke detector
shall initiate a visible and audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location.
Duct smoke detectors shall not be used as a substitute for required open area
detection.
Exception:
1. In occupancies not required to be equipped with a fire alarm system,
actuation of a smoke detector shall activate a visible and an audible signal in an
approved location. Smoke detector trouble conditions shall activate a visible or audible
signal in an approved location and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble."
45. Section 910.3.2.2 "Sprinklered buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
"Section 910.3.2.2 Sprinklered Buildings. Where installed in buildings equipped with an
approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to
operate automatically by actuation of a heat -responsive device rated at least 100° F
above the operating temperature of the sprinkler."
46. Subsections 1505.1 "General", 1505.1.1 "Real Coverings within very high fire
hazard severity zones, 1505.1.2 "Real Coverings within State responsibility
Areas", 1505.1.3 "Roof Coverings Within all other areas" of Section 1505 of
California Building Code are hereby amended and repealed as follows:
a. Subsection 1505.1 "General" is amended to read:
"Section 1505.1. General.
Table 1505.1 a
MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATION
FOR TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A"
b. Subsections 1505.1.1, 1505.1.2,.1505.1.3 are hereby deleted and replaced to read in
their entirety as follows:
"Section 1505.1.1 Roof Coverings. The roof covering or roofing assembly on any new
structure regulated by this code shall be Class A fire retardant roof minimum as --
classified in Section 1505.2. Non-combustible roof covering as defined in Section
1504.2 may be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements in lieu of a
fire retardant roofing assembly. Wood roofing materials are prohibited unless pressure
16
mmmmmmmmm
a. Unless otherwise required in accordance with Chapter 7A"
b. Subsections 1505.1.1, 1505.1.2,.1505.1.3 are hereby deleted and replaced to read in
their entirety as follows:
"Section 1505.1.1 Roof Coverings. The roof covering or roofing assembly on any new
structure regulated by this code shall be Class A fire retardant roof minimum as --
classified in Section 1505.2. Non-combustible roof covering as defined in Section
1504.2 may be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements in lieu of a
fire retardant roofing assembly. Wood roofing materials are prohibited unless pressure
16
' treated and approved for fire retardant of Class A minimum. For existing structure when
ten percent (10%) or more of the total roof area is re -roofed within any one-year period,
shall have a Class A fire retardant roof covering for entire roof area. For existing
structure when less than ten percent (10%) of the total roof area is re -roofed within any
one-year period, shall have a fire retardant roof covering class equal to or greater than
the existing roof covering and not less than Class B."
47. Subsection 1503.4 "Roof Drainage" of California Building Code is hereby
amended by adding a new paragraph at the end of the Subsection to read as follows:
"Water that accumulates on a roof shall be effectively drained and conveyed from the
roof to a storm drain, street gutter, or other locations approved by the Building Official.
Such water shall be conveyed through gutters, leaders, associated piping or other non -
erodible surface drainage devices as approved by the Building Official. For any minor
or small roofs, the Building Official may exempt this requirement."
48. Subsection 1910.1 "General" of California Building Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"Section 1910.1 General. The thickness of concrete floor slabs supported directly on
ground shall not be less than 3 '/z inches (89 mm) and reinforced by no. 3 bars at 18
' inches on center each way at mid -slab level." (Balance of the section to remain
unchanged)
Section 3. Adoption of the 2007 California Electrical Code.
Section 8-3.01 entitled "Adoption" is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"Section 8-3.01. Adoption of the 2007 California Electrical Code. The 2007 California
Electrical Code, based on the 2005 National Electrical Code published by the National
Fire Protection Association, is hereby adopted by reference and made part of this
chapter."
Section 4. Adoption of the 2007 California Mechanical Code.
Section 8-4.01 entitled "Adoption" is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"Section 8-4.01. Adoption of the 2007 California Mechanical Code. The 2007 California
Mechanical Code, based on the 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by
reference and made part of this chapter."
Section 5. Adoption of the 2007 California Plumbing Code.
I
Section 8-5.01 entitled "Adoption" is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
17
"Section 8-5.01. Adoption of the 2007 California Plumbing. The 2007 California
Plumbing Code, based on the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code published by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by
reference and made part of this chapter."
Section 6. Adoption of the 2006 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub
Code.
Section 8-6.01 entitled "Adoption" is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"Section 8-6.01. Adoption of the 2006 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code.
The 2006 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, based on the 1997 Uniform
Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code published by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is hereby adopted by reference and made part of
this chapter."
Section 7. Adoption of the California Energy Code.
Chapter 15, entitled "California Energy Code" is hereby added to Title 8 of the Municipal
Code to read as follows:
"Chapter 15.
California Energy Code
Section 8-15.01. Adoption of the 2007 California Energy Code.
The 2007 California Energy Code, published by the International Conference of Building
Officials, is hereby adopted by reference and made part of this chapter."
Section 8. Adoption of 2007 California Fire Code
Chapter 2 "Fire Prevention" of Title 4 "Public Safety" is hereby repealed in its entirety
and replaced with a new Chapter 10 entitled "California Fire Code" as a part of Title 8
"Building Regulations" which is hereby added to the Municipal Code to read as follows:
"Chapter 10. California Fire Code.
1. Section 8-10.01. Fire Code Adopted
The 2007 California Fire Code, based on the International Fire Code, 2006 Edition, with
errata, published by International Code Council (ICC), and the whole thereof, including
Appendices Chapter 1, Appendix B, and Appendix C, are hereby adopted by the City of
San Juan Capistrano for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions
hazardous to the life and property from fire or explosion, save and except such portions
as are hereinafter added, deleted, modified or amended. One copy of all the above is
now on file in the office of the Clerk for public inspection and is adopted with the same
force and effect as through set out herein in full.
2. Section 8-10.02. Enforcement and Inspection
The California Fire Code and the International Fire Code with amendments shall be
enforced by the Orange County Fire Authority, which shall be operated under the Fire
Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. The Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire
Authority may detail such members of the fire authority as inspectors as shall be
necessary from time to time.
Section 9. Amendments to Appendix Chapter 1, Administration.
Section 8-10.03. Appendix Chapter 1 Administration of the Fire Code is adopted with
the following modifications:
1. Section 102.9 "Conflicting Provisions" is hereby deleted and replaced with the
following:
Section 102.9 "Conflicting Provisions'. Where there is a conflict between a general
requirement and a specific requirement, the fire code official shall decide which
' requirement meets the general intent of this code.
2. Section 105.6 'Required Operational Permits" is hereby amended by modifying and
deleting permit categories as follows:
Subsection 105.6.29. "Miscellaneous combustible storage". Permit is required to store
in any building or upon any premise in excess of 2500 cu. ft. gross volume of
combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires,
rubber, cork, composting, green waste.or similar combustible material.
3. Section 109.3 "Violation penalties" is hereby amended and by adding new Sections
109.3.2, Infraction, 109.3.3, Misdemeanor, as follows:
Section 109.3 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 either a misdemeanor, infraction or both as prescribed in Section 109.3.2 and
109.3.3. Penalties shall be as prescribed in local ordinance_ Each day that a violation
continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Section 109.3.2 Infraction. Except as provided in Section 109.3.2, persons operating or
maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to this code that shall permit any
fire or life safety hazard to exist on premises under their control shall be guilty of an
infraction.
19
Section 109.3.3 Misdemeanor. Persons who fail to take immediate action to abate a fire
or life safety hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the chief or a duly authorized
representative, or who violate the following sections of this code, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor:
109.2.2 Compliance with Orders, Notices and Tags
107.6 Overcrowding
104.11.2 Obstructing operations
104.11.3 Systems and Devices
111.4 Failure. to comply
305.4 Deliberate or negligent burning
308.2.1Throwring or placing sources of ignition
310.7 Burning Objects
2404.7 Open or exposed flame
4. Section 111.4 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
specified in the city of San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code.
Section 10. Amendments, Additions and Deletions.
Section 8-10.03. Amendments, Additions and Deletions to the 2007 of the California
Fire Code is adopted with the following modifications:
1. Section 202 "Definitions" is hereby amended by adding the
following definitions:
ALTERATION: Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a
repair or addition. Alterations include but are not limited to the addition or elimination of
walls within the existing building envelope. Alteration also includes modifications to the
structure which involve complete removal and replacement of wall board within any
room.
FLOOR AREA, for the purpose of calculating square footage for application of fire
sprinkler requirements, the floor area shall be determined in accordance with the CBC
definition for "Floor Area, Gross". For Group R-3 occupancies portions of the structure
not required to be protected by the automatic sprinkler system do not need to be
included into the floor area calculation.
FLOWLINE is the lowest continuous elevation on a rolled curb defined by the path
traced by a particle in a moving body of water at the bottom of the rolled curb.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING, item 2 of this definition is hereby modified as follows:
20
' 2. "High-rise structure" means every building of any type of construction or
occupancy having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 55 feet
above the lowest floor level having building access (see California Building Code,
Section 403.1.2), except buildings used as hospitals as defined in Health and Safety
Code Section 1250.
5. Section 305.5 "Spark Arrestors" is hereby amended by adding the following new
section:
Section 305.5, "Spark Arrestors". All chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace
that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrestor, the spark
arrester shall meet all of the following requirements:
1. The net free area of the spark arrester shall not be less than four times the net area
of the outlet of the chimney.
2. The spark arrester screen shall have heat or corrosion resistance equivalent to 12
gage wire, 19 gage galvanized wire or 24 gage stainless steel.
3. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter larger than '/z
inch and shall not block the passage of spheres having a diameter of less than 3/8 inch.
4. The spark arrester shall be accessible for cleaning and the screen or chimney cap
shall be removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney.
' 6. Section 316 "Development of Land/Toxic Emissions" is
hereby amended by adding the following new section:
"Section 316, Development On Or Near Land Containing Or Emitting Toxic,
Combustible or Flammable Liquids, Gases or Vapors. The fire code official may
require the submittal for approval of geological studies, evaluations, reports, remedial
recommendations and/or similar documentation from a state -licensed and department
approved individual or firm, on any parcel of land to be developed which:
1. Has, or is adjacent to, or within 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of a parcel of land that has
an active, inactive, or abandoned oil or gas well operation, petroleum or chemical
refining facility, petroleum or chemical storage, or may contain or give off toxic,
combustible or flammable liquids, gases or vapors."
7. Section 317 "Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction" is added as
follows:
"Section 317— Fuel Modification Requirements for New Construction: All new buildings
to be built or installed in areas containing combustible vegetation shall comply with the
following:
1. Preliminary fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire
' code official concurrent with the submittal for approval of any tentative map.
21
2. Final fuel modification plans shall be submitted to and approved by the fire code
official prior to the issuance of a grading permit.
3. The fuel modification plans shall meet the criteria set forth in the Orange
County Fire Authority Fuel Modification Plan Guidelines.
4. The fuel modification plan may be altered if conditions change. Any alterations to
the fuel modification shall be approved by the Fire Code Official.
5. All elements of the fuel modification plan shall be maintained in accordance with
the approved plan and are subject to the enforcement process outlined in the Fire
Code."
8. Section 318, "Clearance of brush or vegetative growth from structures" is hereby
added to read:
"Section 318 Clearance of brush or vegetative growth from structures
A. General. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining buildings or
structures in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and persons owning, leasing or
controlling land adjacent to such buildings or structures, shall at all times:
1. Maintain an effective firebreak by removing and clearing away flammable vegetation
and combustible growth from areas within 30 feet (9144 mm) of such buildings or
structures;
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as
ground covers, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the
native growth to any structure.
2. Maintain additional fire protection or firebreak by removing brush, flammable
vegetation and combustible growth located from 30 feet to 100 feet (9144 mm to 30 480
mm) from such buildings or structures, when required by the fire code official because of
extra hazardous conditions causing a firebreak of only 30 feet (9144 mm) to be
insufficient to provide reasonable fire safety;
Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from
buildings or structures and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above the ground
need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
3. Remove portions of trees which extend within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a
chimney;
4. Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood; and
5. Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetative
growth.
B. Corrective Actions. The executive body is authorized to instruct the fire code official to
give notice to the owner of the property upon which conditions regulated by Section 318 A
exist to correct such conditions. If the owner fails to correct such conditions, the executive
22
' body is authorized to cause the same to be done and make the expense of such
correction a lien upon the property where such condition exists."
9. Section 319. "Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways" is hereby
added to read as follows:
"Section 319 — Clearance of brush or vegetation growth from roadways
The fire code official is authorized to cause areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) on each side
of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily
used for vehicular traffic to be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible
growth. The fire code official is authorized to enter upon private property to do so.
Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover
such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided
that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire."
10. Section 320. "Alternative measures/Unusual circumstances" is hereby added to
read as follows:
"320. Alternative measures/Unusual circumstances. The fire code official may suspend
' enforcement and require reasonable alternative measures designed to advance the
purposes of this article if he determines in any specific case that any of the following
conditions exist:
1. Difficult terrain.
2. Danger of erosion.
3. Presence of plants included in any state and federal resources agencies, California
Native Plant Society and county -approved list of wildlife, plants, rare, endangered
and/or threatened species.
4. Stands or groves of trees or heritage trees.
5. Other unusual circumstances that make strict compliance with the clearance of
vegetation provisions of Sections 15, 16 or 17 of this appendix undesirable or
impractical."
11. Section 321 "Use of Equipment' is hereby added to read as follows:
"321.Use of Equipment.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall use, operate, or
cause to be operated, in, upon or adjoining any hazardous fire area any internal
combustion engine which uses hydrocarbon fuels, unless the engine is equipped with a
spark arrester as defined in Section 25.3 maintained in effective working order, or the
engine is constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire pursuant to
' Section 25.3.
23
2. Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust system of engines or vehicles subject to
this section shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat
from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
3. A spark arrester is a device constructed of nonflammable material specifically for
the purpose of removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232
of an inch (0.58 mm) in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine that
uses hydrocarbon fuels or which is qualified and rated by the United States Forest
Service.
4. Engines used to provide motor power for trucks, truck tractors, buses, and
passenger vehicles, except motorcycles, are not subject to this section if the exhaust
system is equipped with a muffler as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State of
California.
5. Turbocharged engines are not subject to this section if all exhausted gases pass
through the rotating turbine wheel, there is no exhaust bypass to the atmosphere, and the
turbocharger is in effective mechanical condition."
12. Section 322 "Restricted entry" is hereby added to read as follows:
"Section 322. Restricted Entry. The chief shall determine and publicly announce when
hazardous fire areas shall be closed to entry and when such areas shall again be
opened to entry. Entry on and occupation of hazardous fire areas, except public
roadways, inhabited areas or established trails and camp sites which have not been
closed during such time when the hazardous fire area is closed to entry, is prohibited. —
Exception: 1. Residents and owners of private property within hazardous fire areas and
their invitees and guests going to or being upon their lands.
2.Entry, in the course of duty, by peace or police officers, and other duly authorized public
officers, members of a fire department and members of the United States Forest Service".
13. Section 323 "Trespassing on posted property" is hereby added to read as follows:
"Section 323. Trespassing on Posted Property. A. General. When the fire code official
determines that a specific area within a hazardous fire area presents an exceptional and
continuing fire danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain,
proximity to structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be closed until
changed conditions warrant termination of closure. Such areas shall be posted as
hereinafter provided.
B. Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and referring to
applicable fire code chapters shall be placed on every closed area.
C. Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.
Exception: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within closed and posted
areas, their guests or invitees, and local, state and federal public officers and their
authorized agents acting in the course of duty."
91
' 14. Section 324 "Explosives and blasting" is hereby added to read as follows:
"Section 324. Explosives and blasting. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored,
sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported or disposed of within
hazardous fire areas except by permit from the fire code official."
15. Section 325 "Outdoor fires" is hereby added to read as follows:
"Section 325. Outdoor Fires. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or
upon hazardous fire areas, except by permit from the fire code official.
Exception: Outdoor fires within habited premises or designated campsites where such
fires are built in a permanent barbecue, portable barbecue, outdoor fireplace, incinerator
or grill and are a minimum of 30 feet (9144 mm) from a grass-, grain-, brush- or forest -
covered area.
Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions which will reasonably safeguard
public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or
upon hazardous fire areas under the following conditions:
1. When high winds are blowing,
2. When a person age 17 or over is not present at all times to watch and tend such fire,
or
' 3. When public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited.
Permanent barbecues, portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces or grills shall not be used
for the disposal of rubbish, trash or combustible waste material."
16. Chapter 4 "Emergency Planning and Preparedness" is repealed in its entirety.
17. Section 503.2.1 "Dimensions" is hereby amended by adding the following sentence at the
end of the first paragraph:
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions. (Remain unchanged) Street widths are to be measured
from top face of curb to top face of curb, on streets with curb and gutter, and from
flowline to flowline , on streets with rolled curbs.
In areas defined as
• State Responsibility Area: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
• Local Responsibility Area: Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as
adopted by the local agencies
The minimum street width is 28 feet. When the road serves no more than 3 dwelling
units and the road does not exceed 150 feet in length, the road width may be 24 feet.
18. Section 503.4 "Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads" is hereby
amended by adding the following sentence at the end of the first paragraph:
' Section 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. (Remain unchanged)
Speed Bumps and speed humps, shall be approved prior to installation.
25
19. Section 503.6 "Security gates" is hereby amended by adding the following
language at the end of the first paragraph:
Section 503.6 Security gate. (Remain unchanged) Vehicle access gates or barriers
shall be in accordance with the Orange County Fire Authority Guidelines for
Emergency access. All electrically operated vehicle access gates shall be equipped
with an automatic opening device in addition to a key opening switch.
20. Section 508.5.1 "Where required" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 508.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter
constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than allowed in
APPENDIX C 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.
Exceptions:
For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet
(183 m)when fire sprinklers are installed throughout the structure in accordance with
NFPA 13D, 2002 Edition.
21. Section 903.2 "Where required" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings
and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section as follows:
2. New buildings: In addition to the requirements of section 903.2.1 through
903.2.13, approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be
provided when the gross area of the building exceeds 5,000 ft2 or more than two-story
high. Exception: Group R Detached one- two-family dwellings and townhouses as
required by section 903.2.7
Exception:
3. The elimination of sprinkler protection in the following areas are subject to
approval by Fire Code Official. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used
exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution
equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided those spaces or areas are
equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the
remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1 -hour fire -
resistance -rated walls and 2 -hour fire -resistance -rated floor/ ceiling assemblies.
4. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3 of the California Building
Code.
26
' Alteration: When the floor area of the Alteration within any two-year period exceeds
75% of area of the existing structure and the alteration includes structural modifications
other than seismic upgrade.
Addition: Sprinkler protection shall be provided throughout the entire building when:
Existing building less than 5,000 ftZ: where 20% or more is added and the gross floor
areas exceeds 5,000 square feet.
Existing building equal or greater than 5,000 ftz: where more than 1,000 ft2 is added.
22. Section 903.2.7 "Group R" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 903.2.7. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout any existing building when
the floor area of the Alteration within any two year period exceeds 50% of
area of the existing structure and the building area exceeds 5,500 ftz. When
the cost of installing an approved automatic sprinkler system exceeds 5% of
' the cost of the Alteration, with the approval of the fire code official, the
required automatic sprinkler system may be omitted.
Exceptions:
1. Detached buildings containing two or less dwelling units with less than 5,500 ftz
(279 m) (including attached U -occupancy garages).
5. Group R-3.1 occupancies not housing bedridden clients, not housing
nonambulatory clients above the second floor, and less than 5,500
square feet.
6. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13113 occupancies housing
ambulatory children only, none of whom are mentally ill or mentally
retarded, and building or portions thereof housing such children are not
more than two stories in height, and thereof housing such children have
an automatic fire alarm system activated by approved smoke detectors.
7. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143.6 occupancies licensed for
protective social care which house ambulatory clients only, none of whom
is a child (under the age of 18 years), or who is elderly (65 years of age or
over).
23. Section 903.3.1.1.1 "Exempt locations" is hereby amended by deletion of
exception 4.
' 24. Section 903.4 "Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms' is hereby amended by
modifying item 1, deleting item 5, and renumbering the Exceptions as follows:
27
3. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings_protected
by NFPA 13D sprinkler system_ with less than 100 sprinklers.
4. Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
5. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked
in the open position.
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, pre -action and deluge sprinkler systems that
are sealed or locked in the open position.
25. Section 905.4 "Location of Class I standpipe hose connections" is hereby
amended by adding items 7 and 8 as follows:
7. The centerline of the 2.5" outlet shall be no less than 18" above and no more than
24" above the finished floor.
8. Every new building with any horizontal dimensions greater than 300 feet (91,440
mm) shall be provided with either access doors or a 2.5" outlets so that all portions of
the building can be reached with 150 feet (45,720) of hose from an access door or hose
outlet. Required access doors shall be located in the exterior of the building and shall be
accessible without the use of a ladder. The door dimensions shall be not less than 3
feet (914 mm) in width, and not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height.
26. Section 907.2.12 "High-rise buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 907.2.12 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings with a floor used for human
occupancy located more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and an
emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
Exceptions:
6. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 907.2.22 and Section
412 of the International Building Code.
7. Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.3 of the International
Building Code.
8. Buildings with occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1 of
the International Building Code.
9. Low -hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 of the
International Building Code.
10. Buildings with occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with
Section 415 of the International Building Code.
27. Section 907.2.12.1 "Automatic fire detection' is hereby amended as follows:
Section 907.2.12.1 Smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section.
Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system. The activation
of any detector required by this section shall operate the emergency voice/alarm
IM
' communication system. Duct smoke detectors shall operate as specified in Section
907.12. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
4. In each mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment
or similar room which is not provided with sprinkler protection, elevator machine rooms,
and in elevator lobbies.
In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a
capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m3/s). Such detectors
shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
5. At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a
return air duct or plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2
occupancies, a listed smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return -air riser
carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m3/s) and serving not more than 10 air -inlet
openings.
28. Section 907.2.12.2 ,Emergency voice/alarm communication system" is hereby
amended as follows.
Section 907.2.12.2 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The operation of
any automatic fire detector, sprinkler water -flow device or manual fire alarm box shall
automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved
information and directions for a general or staged evacuation on a minimum of the
alarming floor, the floor above and the floor below. Duct smoke detectors shall operate
as specified in Section 907.12. Speakers shall be provided throughout the building by
paging zones. As a minimum, paging zones shall be provided as follows:
1. Elevator groups.
2. Exit stairways.
3. Each floor.
4. Areas of refuge as defined in Section 1002.1.
5. Dwelling Units in apartment houses.
6. Hotel guest rooms or suites.
Exception: In Group 1-1 and 1-2 occupancies, the alarm shall sound in a constantly
attended area and a general occupant notification shall be broadcast over the overhead
page.
29. Section 907.9.3 "High-rise buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 907.9.3 High-rise building. In buildings with a floor used for human occupancy
that is located more than 55 feet (16764 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
' vehicle access, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for all of the following types
of alarm -initiating devices where provided:
1. Smoke detectors.
29
2. Sprinkler water -flow devices.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4. Other approved types of automatic fire detection devices or suppression
30. Section 910.3.2.2 "Sprinklered buildings" is hereby amended as follows:
Section 910.3.2.2 Where installed in buildings equipped with an approved automatic
sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to operate automatically by
actuation of a heat -responsive device rated at least 100° F above the operating
temperature of the sprinkler.
31. Section 2308.3 "Flue spaces" is hereby amended by adding the following
statement to the last sentence:
"Section 2308.3 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table
2308.3. Required flue spaces shall be maintained.—In double -row racks a
pallet/commodity stop shall be provided along the longitudinal flue space at each level.
The stop shall be steel or other ferrous material 1/4" thick and in the mounted position shall
extend a minimum of 4 inches above shelve or cross member, or other method approved
by fire code official."
32. Section 2701.5.2 "Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement' is hereby amended
by modifying the starting paragraph as follows:
"Section 2701.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. When required by the fire
code official, an Orange County Fire Authority Chemical Classification Packet shall be
completed and approved prior to approval of plans, and/or the storage, use or handling
of chemicals on the premises."
33. Table 2703.1.1(1) "Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area" is hereby
amended by deleting Footnote K.
34. Section 2703.1.1 "Maximum allowable quantity per control area' is hereby
amended by adding a new subsection as follows:
"Section 2703.1.1.1 Extremely Hazardous Substances. No person shall use or store
any amount of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) in excess of the disclosable
amounts (see Health and Safety Code Section 25500 et al) in a residential zoned or
any residentially developed property."
35. Section 2703.5 "Hazard identification signs" is hereby amended by modifying the
NFPA standard as follows:
"Section 2703.5 "Hazard identification signs. Unless otherwise exempted by the fire
code official, visible hazard identification signs as specified in the Orange County Fire
Authority Signage Guidelines for the... (remainder unchanged)"
30
36. Section 3203.4.1 "Identification signs" is hereby amended by modifying the NFPA
standard as follows:
"Section 3203.4.1 identification signs. Visible hazard identification signs in accordance
with the Orange County Fire Authority Signage Guidelines shall be provided at
entrances to buildings or areas in which cryogenic fluids are stored, handled or used."
37. Section 3204.3.2 "Label or placard" is hereby amended by modifying the NFPA
standard as follows:
"Section 3404.3.2 Label or placard. Tanks more than 100 gallons in capacity, which are
permanently installed or mounted and used for the storage of Class I, II or IIIA liquids,
shall bear a label and placard identifying the material therein. Placards shall be in
accordance with the Orange County Fire Authority Signage Guidelines."
38. Section 3309 "Firing" is hereby added to Chapter 33 to read as follows:
"Section 3309 Firing. All fireworks displays shall be electrically fired."
39. Section 3310 "Seizure of Fireworks" is hereby added to Chapter 33 to read as
follow:
' "Section 3310 Seizure of Fireworks. The fire code official shall have the authority to
seize, take, remove and fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used or handled in
violation of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Chapter 6. Any seizure or removal pursuant
to this section shall be in compliance with all applicable statutory, constitutional, and
decisional law."
40. Section 3406.5.1.7 "Static protection" is hereby amended to add the following
paragraph at the end of the section:
"Section 3406.5.1.7 Static Protection. Drag chains or similar devices on tank vehicles
shall not be used to meet the requirements of this section for static protection."
41. Section 3704.2.2.7 "Treatment systems" is hereby amended by deleting
exception 1 without substitution and renumbering 2 to 1with noted modifications as
follows:
1. Toxic gases — storage/use. Treatment systems are not required for toxic gases
supplied by cylinders or portable tanks not exceeding 1,700 pounds water capacity
when the following are provided:
' 1.1 A gas detection system with a sensing interval not exceeding 5 minutes.
1.2 For storage, valve outlets are equipped with gas-tight outlet plugs or caps.
31
1.3 For use, an approved automatic -closing fail-safe valve (remainder unchanged)
42. Section B105.2 "Buildings other than one- and two- family dwellings" is hereby
amended a follows:
"A reduction in fire -flow of up to 50 percent as approved by the Fire Authority, is allowed
when the building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire -flow shall not be less
than 1,500 gallons per minute (5677.5 Umin) for the prescribed duration as specified in
Table 8105.1"
43. Table C105.1 "Maximum distance from any point on the street or fire
department access to a hydrant.dj9" is amended to add the following:
Table C105.1, footnote f is added as follows:
Fire hydrants shall be a minimum of 40 feet (12 192 mm) from building with exception of
detached one and two-family dwellings.
Table C105.1, footnote g is added as follows:
In residential single family subdivisions, maximum hydrant spacing is 300feet. This
spacing may be increased to 600 feet (182 880mm) if all the homes and attached _
garages are protected with automatic fire sprinklers systems with a minimum fire flow of
2,000 gpm."
44. Chapter 45 "Reference Standards" is hereby amended and added as follows:
Chapter 45
CALIFORNIA STANDARDS is hereby amended by revising Section 4501—Amendments
to National Fire Protection Association Standards, by clarifying that the standards and
amendments apply to all systems in all occupancies, and the following:
NFPA 13, 2002 Edition, Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as
follows:
Section 6.8.5 is hereby revised as follows:
6.8.5 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The FDC shall
contain a minimum of two 2 '/z" inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more
than 150 feet from a public hydrant. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be
approved by the chief. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the
backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red.
When the fire sprinkler density design requires 500 gpm (including inside hose stream
32
' demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2 ''Y2" inlets shall be provided.
FDC may be located within 150 feet of a private fire hydrant when approved by the chief.
Section 8.3.3.1 is hereby revised as follows:
8.3.3.1. When fire sprinkler systems are installed in shell buildings of undetermined use
(Spec Buildings) other than warehouses (S occupancies), fire sprinklers of the quick -
response type shall be used. Use is considered undetermined if a specific
tenant/occupant is not identified at the time the permit is issued. Sprinklers in light
hazard occupancies shall be one of the following:...
Section 8.6.5.2.1.4 is hereby deleted without replacement:
Section 8.15.1.1.2.4 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
8.15.1.1.2.4 Control valves shall be installed and positioned so that they are operable
not more than 7 feet above the finished floor.
Section 8.15.1.3.3 is hereby added as follows:
8.15.1.3.3 Post indicator valve(s) shall be located as specified in NFPA 24.
' Section 8.15.1.5 is hereby revised as follows:
8.15.1.5.1 Large private fire service main systems shall have sectional indicating
controlling valves at appropriate points when the system serves more than four
appurtenances in order to permit sectionalizing the system in the event of a break or for
making of repairs or extensions. A hydrant or a single fire line service to a building
counts as one appurtenance.
Section 8.16.2.4.6 is hereby revised as follows:
8.16.2.4.6 Fire department connections shall be on the street side of buildings and shall
be located and arranged so that they are immediately adjacent to the approved fire
department access road and that hose lines can be readily and conveniently attached to
the inlets without interference from nearby objects including buildings, fence, posts, or
other fire department connections.
Section 9.1.3.9 is hereby revised as follows:
9.1.3.9.1 Powder -driven studs prohibited., welding studs, and the tools used for installing
welding studs these devices shall be listed.
' Section 9.1.3.9.2 is hereby deleted without replacement:
33
Section 9.1.3.9.3 is hereby deleted without replacement
Section 9.1.3.9.4 is hereby deleted without replacement
Section 9.3.5.8.11 is hereby revised as follows:
9.3.5.8.11* Other material not specifically included in Table 9.3.5.8.9 (a), Table 9.3.5.8.9
(b), and Table 9.3.5.8.9 (c) shall be permitted to be used if certified by a registered
professional engineer to support the loads determined in accordance with the above
criteria. Calculations shall be submitted where required by the authority having
jurisdiction.
FIGURE 9.3.9.5.1 is hereby amended by deleting the portion relating to lag screws and
lag bolts in wood
Section 9.3.7.8 is hereby revised as follows:
9.3.7.8 Powder -driven fasteners shall not be used to attach braces to the building
structure.
Section 11.1.3 is hereby added as follows:
11.1.3 When fire sprinkler systems are required in buildings of undetermined use other
than warehouses, they shall be designed and installed to have a fire sprinkler density of
not less than that required for an Ordinary Hazard Group 2 use, with no reduction/s in
density or design area. Warehouse fire sprinkler systems shall be designed to Figure
12.3.2.1.2 (d) curve "G".
Use is considered undetermined if a specific tenant/occupant is not identified at the time
the permit is issued. Where a subsequent occupancy requires a system with greater
capability, it shall be the responsibility of the occupant to upgrade the system to the
required density for the new occupancy.
Section 11.2.3.1.1.1 is hereby added as follows:
11.2.3.1.1.1 The available water supply for fire sprinkler system design shall be
determined by one of the following methods, as approved by the chief:
1) Subtract the project site elevation from the low water level for the appropriate
pressure zone and multiplying the result by 0.433;
2) Use a maximum of 40 psi, if available;
3) Utilize the Orange County Fire Authority water flow test form/directions to
document a flow test conducted by the local water agency or a professional engineer
licensed in the State of California. The result shall be adjusted in accordance with the
graduated scaled found in the guideline.
34
' SECTION 14.1.3 (43) is hereby revised as follows:
Section 14.1.3 (43). Size and location of hydrants, showing the size and number of
outlets and if outlets are to be equipped with independent gate valves. Whether hose
houses and equipment are to be provided, and by whom, shall be indicated. Static and
residual hydrants that were used in the flow tests shall be shown. Flow test shall be
completed within six months of the plan submittal to the authority having jurisdiction.
NFPA 13D, 2002 Edition, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One -and Two -Family
Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby amended as follows:
Section 4.2.5 is hereby added as follows:
4.2.5 Stock of Spare Sprinklers
Section 4.2.5.1 is hereby added as follows:
4.2.5.1. A supply of at least two sprinklers for each type shall be maintained on the
premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be
promptly replaced.
Section 4.2.5.2 is hereby added as follows:
' 4.2.5.2 The sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the
sprinklers in the property.
Section 4.2.5.3 is hereby added as follows:
4.2.5.3 The sprinkler shall be kept in a cabinet located where the temperature to which
they are subjected will at no time exceed 100 OF (380C).
Section 4.2.5.4 is hereby added as follows:
4.2.5.4 A special sprinkler wrench shall be provided and kept in the cabinet to be used
in the removal and installation of sprinklers. One sprinkler wrench shall be provided for
each type of sprinkler installed.
Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
7.1.2 The separate system piping shall not have a separate control valve unless
supervised by a central station, proprietary or remote station alarm service.
SECTION 7.3 --Pressure Gauges is hereby deleted and substituted with the following:
' Section 7.3.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
7.3.1 At least one water pressure gauge shall be installed on the riser assembly.
35
Section 7.6 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
7.6 Exterior alarm indicating device shall be listed for outside service and audible from
the street from which the house is addressed. Exterior audible devices shall be placed
on the front or side of the structure and the location subject to final approval by the
Chief.
Additional interior alarm devices shall be required to provide audibility throughout the
structure. Sound levels in all sleeping areas with all intervening doors closed shall be a
minimum of 15 DBA above the average ambient sound level but not less than 70 DBA.
Audible devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for over -current
protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
Exception #1: When an approved water flow monitoring system is installed, interior
audible devices may be powered through the fire alarm control panel.
Exception #2: When smoke detectors specified under CBC Section 310.9 are used to
sound an alarm upon water flow switch activation.
Section 8.2.4 is hereby revised as follows:
8.2.4 Sprinklers shall be positioned so that the response time and discharge are not
unduly affected by obstructions such as ceiling slopes, beams, or light fixtures. In rooms
or areas with slopes, multiple beams or construction features creating conditions where
sprinklers are obstructed, or the sprinkler head placement exceeds parameters
specified in the products listing. The plans shall be reviewed and approved by the fire
official.
Section 8.6.4 is hereby revised as follows:
8.6.4 Sprinklers shall not be required in open attached porches, carports and similar
open structures.
Section 8.6.4.1 is hereby added as follows:
Section 8.6.4.1 Attached garages shall be protected with listed quick response fire
sprinklers, spaced to protect a maximum area of 130 square feet (12.1 m2). The
diameter of the main or cross -main piping serving the lines in the garage shall be equal
to the largest diameter piping on any main or cross main within the system.
Section 8.6.4.2 is hereby added as follows:
8.6.4.2 All attics shall be protected with an intermediate temperature quick response
sprinkler which shall be located to protect attic penetrations created by the access
scuttles or mechanical equipment
' NFPA 13R, 2002 Edition, Installation of Sprinkler System in Residential
Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height is hereby amended as
follows:
Section 6.6.8.1 is hereby revised as follows:
6.6.8.1 A local water -flow alarms shall be provided on all sprinkler systems and shall be
connected to the building fire alarm or water -flow monitoring system where provided.
Group R occupancies containing less than the number of stories, dwelling units or
occupant load specified in Section 100907.2.8of the 2007 California Fire Code as
requiring a fire alarm system shall be provided with a minimum of one approved interior
alarm device in each unit. Sound levels in all sleeping areas shall be a minimum of 15
DBA above the average ambient sound or a minimum of 70 DBA with all intervening
doors closed. Alarms shall be audible within all other living areas within each dwelling
unit. When not connected to a fire alarm or water -flow monitoring system, audible
devices shall be powered from an uninterruptible circuit (except for overcurrent
protection) serving normally operated appliances in the residence.
There shall also be a minimum of one exterior alarm indicating device, listed for outside
service and audible from the access roadway that serves that building.
Section 6.7.1.5.3 is hereby revised as follows:
6.7.1.5.3 Sprinklers shall be positioned so that the response time and discharge are not
unduly affected by obstructions such as ceiling slope, beams, or light fixtures. In rooms
or areas with slopes, multiple beams or construction features creating conditions where
sprinklers are obstructed, or the sprinkler head placement exceeds parameters
specified in the products listing and the plans shall be reviewed and approved by the fire
official.
Section 6.8.5 is hereby revised as follows:
Section 6.8.5 Sprinklers shall not be required in penthouse equipment rooms, elevator
machine rooms, concealed spaces dedicated exclusively to containing only dwelling unit
ventilation equipment, crawl spaces, floor/ceiling spaces, elevator shafts, and other
concealed spaces that are not used or intended for living purposes or storage and do
not contain fuel fired equipment.
Section 6.8.5.1 is hereby added as follows:
6.8.5.1 Sprinklers shall not be required in attics that are not located over dwelling units.
When attics are separated by unit, each unit's attic space may be protected per NFPA
13D Section 8.6.4.2. All other attics shall be protected per NFPA 13.
NFPA 14, 2003 Edition, Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems is hereby
amended as follows:
37
Section 6.3.5.4.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
6.3.5.4.1 The fire department connection shall have a minimum of two 2 ''/2", internal
threaded (NHS) inlets. Additional inlets shall be provided on a 250 GPM per inlet ratio
to meet the system demand. The inlets shall be provided with approved caps to protect
the system from entry of debris. The location of the FDC shall be approved and be no
more than 150 feet from a public hydrant. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be
installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted
OSHA safety red.
Section 7.3.1 is hereby is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
7.3.1 Hose Connection Height Class I and III Standpipe hose connections shall be
unobstructed and shall be located not less than 18 inches or more than 24 inches above
the finished floor. Class II Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall
be located not less than 3 feet or more than 5 feet above the finished floor.
NFPA 24 AMENDED
NFPA 24, 2002 Edition, Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their
Appurtenances is hereby amended as follows:
Section 4.2.1 is hereby revised as follows:
4.2.1. Installation work shall be performed by fully experienced and responsible
contractor. The contractor shall be licensed in the state to do to install fire service mains.
Section 4.2.2 is hereby revised as follows:
4.2.2 Installation or remodeling of private fire service mains shall not begin until plans are
approved and appropriate permits secured from the authority having jurisdiction.
Section 5.5 is hereby revised as follows:
5.5 Connections larger than 2 inches to public water systems shall be controlled by post
indicator valves of an approved type and installed in accordance with the requirements of
Section 6.3. Where the water authority has regulations regarding the connection of private
fire service mains, they shall apply. Where the water authority requires back-flow
protection the following methods or assemblies are acceptable:
1. An above ground assembly approved by the water authority, painted OSHA safety red,
and with the valves locked in the open position. Valves controlling more than 100
sprinkler heads shall be monitored to an approved location.
0
' 2. A below ground assembly approved by the water authority and located in an approved
vault. The last valve on the assembly shall be controlled by an approved post indicator
device (see Figure A-2.6 b). The post indicator device shall be painted OSHA safety red,
be locked in the open position and if controlling more than 100 sprinkler heads monitored
to an approved location.
Section 5.9.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
5.9.1.2 Fire department connections shall
mechanical injury.
Section 5.9.1.3 is hereby revised as follows:
be properly supported and protected from
5.9.1.3 The fire department connection shall be of an approved type and contain a
minimum of two 2 ''/i' inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150
feet from a public fire hydrant. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be
approved by the chief. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the
backflow assembly. The supply pipe shall be painted OSHA safety red.
Section 5.9.1.3.1 is herby added as follows:
5.9.1.3.1 When the sprinkler density design is 500 gpm (including the interior hose stream
demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2 %2" inlets shall be provided.
' Section 5.9.1.3.2 is hereby added as follows:
5.9.1.3.2 The fire department connection (FDC) may be located within 150 feet of a
private fire hydrant provided the FDC connects down -stream of an aboveground sprinkler
system check valve.
Section 5.9.5.1 is hereby revised as follows:
5.9.5.1 Fire department connections shall be on the street side of building and so they are
located immediately adjacent to the approved fire department access road.
Section 6.3.3.2 is hereby revised as follows:
6.3.3.2 Where post indicator valves cannot be located in accordance with 6.3.3.1, they
shall be permitted to be located closer where approved by the authority having
jurisdiction or:
1.) Wall post indicating valves: shall be located on exterior walls without building openings
within 15 feet of the valve.
2.) Valve room: When it is placed in valve rooms separated from the building by a one-
hour fire -barrier accessible only from the exterior.
3.) Exterior risers: They may be set in locations adjacent to exterior walls without
openings within 15 feet of the valve.
39
Section 11. Findings
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 17958.7, it is hereby found and determined
that the changes made to the Fire Regulations of the California Building Code and the
California Fire Code as set forth in Sections 2 and 10 of this ordinance are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. Specific
findings supporting this statutory finding include the following:
I. Climatic Conditions
B. The jurisdiction of San Juan Capistrano is located in a semi -arid Mediterranean
type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with
little or no precipitation. Hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds, which may reach speeds of 70
M.P.H. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause
extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of
drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large
destructive fires (conflagration). In addition to directly damaging or destroying
buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County.
Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility
poles, and the requirement to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs will greatly
impact the response time to reach an incident scene. Additionally, there is a
significant increase in the amount of wind force at 60 feet above the ground. Use of
aerial type fire fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at
increased risk of injury.
C. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding
conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Orange County fire Authority's ability
to respond to a fire or emergency condition. Floods also disrupt utility services to
buildings and facilities within the County.
D. Water demand in this densely populated area far exceeds the quantity supplied
by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the
already -taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in
population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of
that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and
consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall future water allocation is not fully
dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection
features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a
lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available
water to floors in a fire.
E. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even
small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very
40
' quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added
protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement
normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building
occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin.
Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as
50 to 75 percent.
Il. Topographical conditions
F. Natural; slopes of 15 percent or greater generally occur throughout the foothills
of Orange County. The elevation change cause by the hills creates the geological
foundation on which communities with Orange County is built and will continue to
build. With much of the populated flatlands already built upon, future growth will
occur steeper slopes and greater constraints in terrain.
G. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive
topographical condition, which is common throughout Orange County.
H. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which places fire
department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to
provide automatic on-site fire -extinguishing systems and other protection measures
to protect occupants and property.
' II. Geological Conditions
The Orange County region is a densely populated area that has buildings
constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are believed to
be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size that the 1994
Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Earthquake faults run along the
northeast and southwest boundaries of Orange County. The Newport -Inglewood
Fault, located within Orange County was the source of the destructive 1933 Long
Beach earthquake (6.3 magnitude) which took 120 lives and damaged buildings in
an area from Laguna Beach to Marina Del Rey to Whittier. In December 1989,
another earthquake occurred in the jurisdiction of Irvine at an unknown fault line.
Regional planning for reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the state of
California, Department of Conservation.
A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow
and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any
rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar
to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of
strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone
on upper floors of buildings. The October 17, 1989, Santa Cruz earthquake
' resulted in one major fire in the Marina District (San Francisco). When combined
with the 34 other fires locally and over 500 responses, the department was taxed
to its fullest capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains
41
supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. This situation creates
the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection
for building, occupants. State Department of Conservation noted in their 1988
report (Planning Scenario on a Major Earthquake on the Newport -Inglewood
Fault Zone, page 59), "unfortunately, barely meeting the minimum earthquake
standards of building codes places a building on the verge of being legally
unsafe."
B. Road circulation features located throughout the County also make
amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County are major
roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow
response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design accompanies with
occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and landslides and at times
may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Orange
County that naturally have extended emergency response times that exceed the
5 minute goal.
C. Soils throughout the County possess corrosive properties that reduce the
expected usable life of water services when metallic pipes in contact with soils
are utilized.
D. Portions so of the County contain active or former oil production fields.
These areas contain a variety of naturally occurring gasses, liquids and vapors. -
These compounds present toxicity or flammability hazards to building occupants.
Evaluation of these hazards and the risks they pose to development is necessary
implement appropriate mitigation.
Due to the topographical conditions of sprawling development separated by waterways
and narrow and congested streets and the expected infrastructure damage inherent in
seismic zone described above, it is prudent to rely on automatic fire sprinkler systems to
mitigate extended fire department response time and keep fires manageable with
reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structures. Additional fire protection
is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel
within the Orange County Fire Authority.
Section 12. City Clerk's Certification
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same
to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once
within fifteen (15) days after passage and adoption as required by law; or, in the
alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and
a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the City
Clerk five (5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen (15)
days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned --
summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and
against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
42
' PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOP D tJ 18th day of December, 2007.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
) ss.
,YOR
I, MARGARET R. MONAHAN, appointed City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano, do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 933 which was
regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at the Regular Meeting of the City Council
on the 4'" day of December 2007 and that thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and
passed at the Regular Meeting of the City Council on the 18'h day of December 2007 by the
following v te, to it:
AYES: CIL MEMBERS: Hribar, Uso, and Mayor Soto
NOE U CIL MEMBERS: None
ABS T.
CIL MEMBERS: Allevato, Nielsen
43
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO)
I, MARGARET R. MONAHAN, declares as follows:
That I am the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano; That in
compliance with State laws, Government Code section 36933(1) of the State of California, on
the 13`" day of December, 2007, at least 5 days prior to December 18, 2007, the date of
adoption of the ordinance, I caused to be posted a certified copy of the proposed Ordinance
entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SPECIFIED SECTIONS OF TITLE 4
AND 80F THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATIN O TH ADOPTION OF THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE AND OTHE E NIFORM CODES
This document was posted in the Office of the City
San Juan Ca
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO)
I, MARGARET R. MONAHAN, declare as follows: That I am the duly appointed and qualified
City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano; That in compliance with State laws, Government
Code section 36933(1) of the State of California. On the 19TH day of December 2007 1 caused
to be posted a certified copy of Ordinance No. 933, adopted by the City Council on December
18, 2007 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE ITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 212E IFI D E 1101NS OF TITLE 4
AND BOF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING NG CODE AlD OTHFRRI E ADOPTION E THE
D UNIFORM CODES
This document was posted in the Office of the
MARJ ATT.' MO
San, n pl tran