Ord 1829 - Amending Article II of Chapter 12 of the Code Relating to the Fire Prevention and Protection to Repeal the 1982 Uniform Fire Code and to Adopt the 1988 Uniform Fire Code, as AmendedORDINANCE 1829
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AMENDING ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 12 OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
TOWN CODE RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION
TO REPEAL THE 1982 UNIFORM FIRE CODE AND TO
ADOPT THE 1988 UNIFORM FIRE CODE, AS AMENDED
THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN:
SECTION I
Article III of Chapter 12 of the Town Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION II
Article III of Chapter 12 of the Town Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
ARTICLE III
FIRE PREVENTION
Section 12.030.010 Adoption of 1988 Uniform Fire Code.
The Uniform Fire Code, 1988 edition, including Appendix Chapters IC, IIA
through IID, IIIA through, RID, IVA, VA and VIA and the Uniform Fire Code
Standards published by the Western Fire Chiefs' Association and the International
Conference of Building Officials, are hereby adopted by reference with the
modifications and omissions as provided in Section 12.03.015 through 12.03.150.
Section 12.030.015 Storage of certain substances prohibited in heavily
populated areas.
The storage of the following matters is prohibited in heavily populated areas:
(a) Flammable or combustible liquids in outside above - grounds tanks.
(b) Liquid petroleum gases referred to in Section 82.105a of the
Uniform Fire Code.
(c) Blasting agents and explosives referred to in Section 77.106b of the
Uniform Fire Code.
Section 12.03.020 Penalty.
Section 3.101 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to delete the word
"misdemeanor" and substitute the word "infraction ".
Section 12.03.025 Inspection.
Section 4.104 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended as follows:
Sec. 4.104
"(a) Before a permit may be issued, the chief or his authorized
representative shall inspect and approve the receptacles, vehicles, buildings,
devices, premises, storage spaces or areas to be used. In instances where laws
or regulations are enforceable by department other than the fire department,
joint approval shall be obtained from all departments concerned."
(b) No portion of any equipment intended to be covered by earth or
by enclosure within permanent portions of a building or structure shall be
requested prior to covering or enclosing of any such equipment. Such request
shall be made not less than 24 hours prior to the estimated time of
inspection, and in no case later than 4 :00 p.m. on the last working day prior
to the requested date of inspection. Such installation shall not be covered
until after it has been inspected and signed by an authorized person."
Section 12.03.030 Permits required.
Section 4.108 is added to the Uniform Fire Code, as follows:
"(a) A permit shall be required to install, alter or change, unless
otherwise herein noted, any fire hydrant system, fire extinguishing system or
fire alarm system.
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(b) It shall be unlawful to operate, maintain or use any institution until
all state and local laws and regulations governing safety from fire and panic
have been satisfactorily complied with and a permit from the chief has been
obtained for that occupancy. For the purposes of this section, an institution
shall be, but is not limited to: hospital, children's home, institution, home or
institution for insane or mentally retarded persons, home or institution for the
care of aged or senile persons, sanitarium, nursing or convalescent home,
certified family care homes, out of home placement facilities, halfway house
and day care nurseries or similar facility of any capacity."
Section 12.03.035 Authority to require exposure or to stop work.
Section 4.109 is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"Whenever any installation is covered or concealed without first having been
inspected, the chief may require, by written notice, that such work shall be exposed
for inspection. The work of exposing and re- covering shall not entail any expense
to the public entity. Whenever any construction or installation work is being
performed in violation of the plans and specifications as approved by the chief, a
written notice shall be issued to the responsible party to stop work on that portion
of the work which is in violation. The notice shall state the nature of the violation
and no work shall be done on that portion until the violation has been corrected."
Section 12.03.040 Gates or other obstructions.
Section 10.207(m) is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"Gates or other obstructions shall not be placed across access roadways unless
of a design approved by the chief. Application for the installation of gates or
obstructions shall be made in writing and accompanied by plans and specifications
detailing the proposed installation."
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Section 12.03.045 Earthquake barriers.
Section 10.210 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
"Earthquake barriers for certain shelves. Shelves used for the storage of
containers of flammable or combustible liquids, corrosive or reactive materials shall
be provided with approved earthquake barriers."
Section 12.03.050 Adequate water supply.
Section 10.301(g) is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"(g) Compliance with Appendix III A shall be deemed adequate, except for
the following:
(1) Where water supplies available for fire protection do not meet the
above requirements, buildings equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system need not mandatorily comply with the
provisions of this section.
(2) Buildings in excess of two (2) stories in height or that require a fire
flow in excess of two thousand (2,000) gallons per minute shall be
equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. For
the purpose of this subsection, dwellings with exterior walls protected
in accordance with the provisions of the building code need not comply.
For the purposes of calculating fire flow, area and occupancy
separation walls may not be used to reduce the building size."
Section 12.05.055 Final inspection.
Section 10.301(h) is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"(h) No final inspection as to all or any portion of a development shall be
deemed completed until the installation of the required facilities and access ways
have been completed and approved. No final certificate of occupancy may be
granted until the Fire District issues notice of final clearance to the building
department."
Section 12.03.060 Unusual hazards.
Section 10.309(f) is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"(f) When, in the opinion of the chief, an unusual condition or hazard exists,
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hose connections may be required and may be provided as outlined in Sections 3-
7.6 and 3 -7.7 of N.F.P.A. No. 13, 1987 Edition."
Section 12.03.065 Standpipe systems.
Section 10.309(g) is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
" 1. The standpipe shall supply 500 gpm to each roof connection hose valve
at 155 psi.
2. Required gpm for entire standpipe is calculated from UBC standard
38.2.
3. Calculate to an available pressure at the fire department connection
of 200 psi minimum.
4. Each 2 -1/2 inch fire department outlet shall supply 250 gpm.
5. Fire department connection (FDC) piping shall be four inches (4 ")
for two (2) inlets, six inches (6 ") for four (4) inlets and eight inches
(8 ") for six (6) inlets. Each 2 -1/2 inch FDC (receiver) shall supply 250
gpm to the system.
6. Piping, valves and fittings shall be rated for the maximum anticipated
system pressure based on using an automatic nozzle and 155 pounds
outlet pressure.
7. Pressure - regulating valves (not pressure - regulating disks) shall be
installed as required. Standpipe hose valves shall be set at 155 psi.
8. The fire department connection shall be located as specified by the
chief.
Section 12.03.070 Mid rise buildings.
Section 10.314 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
"Buildings between the height of 60 -75 feet (60' -75'), measured around the
building at lowest level of required Fire District vehicle access to the top floor finish
surface, shall conform to the following conditions:
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1. Smoke detector shall be provided in return air plenums and mechanical
rooms, per Section 1807d1 & 2 of the UBC (Uniform Building Code,
1988 edition).
2. Stair lock controls shall be provided in all stairways, per Section
1807f6- 1807j1 of UBC.
3. Sprinkler systems shall be monitored through fire alarm system per
Section 1807f7 of the UBC.
4. Perimeter window shall be usable, per Section 1807g of the UBC.
5. Elevator vestibules and recalls shall be provided, per Section 1807h
of the UBC.
6. Standby power shall be provided to elevator, fire pump (when
required), smoke control, emergency lights, per Section 1807i of the
UBC.
7. Exit stairs shall be smoke -proof enclosures with electric locks, per
Section 3310 of UBC.
Section 12.03.075 Tool caches.
Section 10.315 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
"Rooms containing fire fighting equipment may be required by the chief in
occupancies where personnel access, limitations and areas below grade or unusual
conditions which make fire fighting unduly difficult. It is the intent of this section
to place these rooms in buildings over 60 feet (60') high or more than five (5) stories
in height. It is the intent to help mitigate the manpower requirement associated
with tall building fires. All original equipment costs shall be paid by building owner."
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Section 12.03.080 Smokeproof enclosures -tool caches.
Section 10.316 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
" Smokeproof enclosures as defined in the UBC shall extend to all sub-
basements. Tool caches located in sub- basements shall be located within smokeproof
enclosures."
Section 12.03.085 Central control stations.
Section 10.317 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
"When Central Control Stations are provided, they shall conform to the
following:
1. The location of the Central Control Station (CCS) will be approved
by the Fire District; it will be accessible from the exterior of the
building.
2. A work surface adequate to accommodate building drawings and plans
shall be provided. It may be collapsible or folding.
3. Minimum clear dimensions in the CCS, with equipment and fixtures
installed and the work surface in the work position, shall be six feet
by ten feet (6' X 10').
4. A water storage tank low level indicator shall be provided in the CCS.
If shall indicate, by means of an audible and visual signal, when the
water level falls below 100% of the rated tank capacity and lot shall
send a tamper or trouble signal to the central station.
5. The building fire pre -plan and simplified instructions for use of all
equipment, systems and controls in the CCS shall be provided in the
CCS.
6. The public telephone in the CCS shall be equipped with the following
features: Call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling and speed
dialing."
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Section 12.03.090 Smoke control stations.
Section 10.318 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
" 1. When approved fixed tempered glass is used for smoke control, these
windows shall be identified with round, red- colored disks. These disks
shall be two inches (2 ") to three inches (3") in diameter and a
minimum of 3/16 inch thick. They shall be affixed to the lower right
inside corner of each tempered glass panel.
2. Tempered glass panels shall be located in a straight vertical line (one
above the other) when viewing a building elevation.
3. The building foundation shall be marked in a like manner at a point
directly below each vertical row of tempered glass windows."
Section 12.03.095 Stairwells.
Section 10.319 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
"In buildings more than 60 feet (60') in height or four (4) or more stories in
height the following shall apply."
1. At least one stairwell shall go to the roof. All other stairwells shall
have roof access by means of a ladder and hatch.
2. Stairwell doors shall have raised number affixed on the stairwell side
at a height of five to six feet (5 -6') above the flow. Numbers shall be
five to six inches (5 -6 ") in height."
Section 12.03.100 Training and instruction.
Section 10.320 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
" 1. Prior to occupancy of any newly constructed building, that building
shall be made available to the fire department for training operations.
The intent of this requirement is to allow an opportunity for fire
fighters to train and familiarize themselves with the building. This
training shall not delay occupancy of the building.
2. Prior to occupancy of any newly constructed building, the building
owner may be required to provide instruction and operation manuals,
and familiarization orientation to all fire department personnel
regarding the building's fire protection system."
Section 12.03.105 Shell buildings.
Section 10.321 is added to the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
1. When a shell building is constructed and the finish ceiling is not
installed, the shell sprinklers shall be installed with proper deflector
distances to protect the shell and designed as ceiling sprinklers.
2. When a shell building is constructed and tenant improvements are to
come later, a sign shall be placed near the riser and in the telephone
and electrical rooms which states that no combustible cable may be
installed above the ceiling unless it is encased in conduit or is installed
according to other approved methods.
3. For purposes of setting the design of the automatic fire sprinkler
system, the owner shall send documentation as to what type of use
the various buildings will house. The owner should use the following
as a guideline to help determine system design criteria:
A. Automatic fire system shall be designed as minimum NFPA
Pamphlet 13 Ordinary Hazard, Group III.
B. If there is storage, then the fire sprinkler system shall be
designed per NFPA Pamphlet 13 Ordinary Hazard, Group III.
C. If storage is over 12 feet (12') in racks, the fire sprinkler system
shall be designed per NFPA 231 C for height and class of
storage.
D. If storage is on pallets or solid piles over 15 feet high (15'), the
fire sprinkler system shall be designed per NFPA 231 for height
and class of storage.
E. If storage is over 12 feet high (12'), the fire sprinkler system
shall be designed per the Uniform Fire Code, Article 81
including but not limited to access, vents and draftstops."
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Section 12.03.110 Fire alarm shall be amended to read as follows:
Section 14.104(b)(4) is added to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"(4) Manual or automatic fire alarm systems shall be installed in every
building three (3) or more stories in height. Fire alarm annunciation
panels shall be provided at such locations as required by the chief.
When an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in
conjunction with a fire alarm system, the automatic fire sprinkler shall
be provided with a water flow device which shall cause activation of
the fire alarm signaling device.
All fire alarm systems shall have annunciation by device as designated
by the chief. Devices to alert the hearing impaired shall be installed
as directed by the chief for all fire alarm systems."
Section 12.03.115 Fireworks.
Section 78.102 of the Uniform Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
"The manufacture, sale or discharge or possession of fireworks in the Town
is prohibited."
Section 12.03.120 Sections deleted.
Section 78.103 and 78.104 are deleted from the Uniform Fire Code.
Section 12.03.125 Firebreak vegetation.
Section 16(c) is added to Appendix IIA to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"When brush or vegetation growth is removed and cleared away to provide
a firebreak as required by this section, suitable growth which will not form a means
of rapidly transmitting fire shall be planted in such a manner so as to reduce the
possibility of erosion."
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Section 12.03.130 Roof coverings.
Section 24 is added to Appendix IIA to the Uniform Fire Code as follows:
"Roof coverings on all buildings in hazardous fire areas shall be fire -
retardant, or shall comply with the standards established for Uniform Building Code
Class A or B prepared or built -up roofing. The Town Council shall by resolution
establish hazardous fire areas. Re- roofing of existing buildings shall comply with the
above, except that any re- roofing of less than ten percent (10 %) of the total roof
area of any building shall be exempt from this requirement. When additions are
made to existing buildings that exceed ten percent (10 %) of the total roof area, the
addition shall comply with this section."
Section 12.03.135 Hazardous fire area designations.
Section 25 is added to Appendix II -A of the Uniform Fire Code to read as
follows:
"Hazardous fire areas are those lands as defined in Section 9.110 of this
Code."
Section 12.03.140 Distribution of hydrants.
Section 3 is added to Appendix III -B of the Uniform Fire Code is amended
to read as follows:
"The average spacing between fire hydrants shall not exceed that listed on
Table No. III -B -A, except that the chief may accept a deficiency of up to 10 percent
where existing hydrants provide all or a portion of the required fire hydrant service.
Commercial hydrant spacing shall be a maximum of 250 feet (250')."
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SECTION III
This ordinance takes effect 30 days after it is adopted. Within 15 days after this
ordinance is adopted the Town Clerk shall cause it to be published once in a newspaper
of general circulation published and circulated in the Town.
This ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the
Town of Los Gatos on July 2, 1990 and adopted by the following vote as an ordinance of
the Town of Los Gatos at a meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on
July 16, 1990.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Joanne Benjamin, Eric D. Carlson
Robert L. Hamilton, Brent N. Ventura
Mayor Thomas J. Ferrito
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE
LOS GATOS, CA]
ATTEST:
'v A-� '9 /l;UA' 1� 1
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS �l
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
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VN OF LOS GATOS
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