Drafter
Clerk 4/13/2007
Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to fire safety regulations in King County; adopting, amending and supplementing the International Fire Code; amending Ordinance 2097, Section 1, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.010, Ordinance 12560, Section 159, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.350, Ordinance 12560, Section 165, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.380, Ordinance 14111, Section 201, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.430, Ordinance 14111, Section 210, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.510, Ordinance 12560, Section 174, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.560, Ordinance 8726, Section 1, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.630, Ordinance 15828, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.010, Ordinance 5828, Section 5, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.040, Ordinance 5828, Section 8, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.070 and Ordinance 5828, Section 10, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.090 and adding new sections to K.C.C. chapter 17.04.
Body
SECTION 1. Ordinance 2097, Section 1, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.010 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Adoption. The International Fire Code ((2003)) 2006 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, as amended in chapter((s 51-44 and 51-45)) 51-54 WAC, effective July 1, ((2004)) 2007, together with amendments, additions, and deletions adopted in this chapter by reference, together with King County modifications are adopted as the Fire Code of King County, and referred to in this chapter as "this code." Administrative rules may be adopted in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 2.98 to further clarify and implement these code requirements. The King County modifications shall be codified in this chapter.
SECTION 2. Ordinance 12560, Section 159, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.350 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Definitions - Fire detection system. Section 202 of the International Fire Code is supplemented with the following:
Definitions - Fire detection system (IFC 202). "Fire detection system" means a heat and/or smoke detection system monitored by a central and/or remote station conforming to the ((2003)) current edition of the International Fire Code as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council and/or the Fire Marshal or his/her designee.
SECTION 3. Ordinance 12560, Section 165, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.380 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Fire apparatus access roads - Specifications - Surface. Section 503.2.3 of the International Fire Code is not adopted and the following is substituted:
Surface (IFC 503.2.3). Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of 25 tons, or as required by Fire Marshal and shall be provided with a surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities ((which)) that comply with ((Ordinance 11187,)) K.C.C. chapter 14.42, King County Road Standards (((Chapter 14))).
SECTION 4. Ordinance 14111, Section 201, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.430 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Access to building openings and roofs - Required access. Section 504.1, of the International Fire Code is not adopted and the following is substituted:
Required access (IFC 504.1). Exterior doors and openings required by this code or the Building Code shall be maintained readily accessible for emergency access by the fire department.
An approved access walkway leading from fire apparatus access roads to exterior openings required by this code or the Building Code shall be provided when required by the chief.
All rescue windows required for Group R Occupancies, except for detached one and two family dwellings, shall be accessible by a 35 foot ground extension ladder placed so that the inclination of such ladder does not exceed 70 degrees. Ladders shall be located within the property lines.
SECTION 5. Ordinance 14111, Section 210, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.510 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
General - Marking of fire-protection equipment and fire hydrants. Section 901 of the International Fire Code is supplemented with the following:
Marking of fire-protection equipment and fire hydrants (IFC ((901.9)) 901.10). Fire-protection equipment and fire hydrants shall be clearly identified in an approved manner to prevent obstruction by parking and other obstructions.
1. All fire department connections shall have a sign complying with the International Fire Code or as approved by the Fire Marshal. The sign shall specify what type of water-based fire protection system it serves and building areas served.
2. All main control valves and sectional valves for water-based fire protection system shall have a sign specifying what the valves control.
3. All sprinklers and standpipe risers shall have signs indicating the type of water-based fire protection system it is.
NEW SECTION. SECTION 6. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 17.04 a new section to read as follows:
Automatic sprinkler systems - Group E. Section 903.2.2 of the International Fire Code is not adopted and the following is substituted:
Automatic sprinkler systems - Group E (IFC 903.2.2). An automatic sprinkler system hall be provided for Group E occupancies.
Exceptions.
1. Portable school classrooms, provided the aggregate area of any cluster or portion of a cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (1465m2) and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required in Chapter 5 of the building code.
2. Group E Occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less, not including daycare facilities that provide care for more than 12 children 2 ½ years of age or less.
SECTION 7. Ordinance 12560, Section 174, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.560 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Automatic sprinkler systems - Where required - Residential units and accessory structures built under the IRC. Section 903.2.10 of the International Fire Code is supplemented with the following:
Residential units and accessory structures built under the IRC (IFC 903.2.10.4). An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in structures built under the International Residential Code (IRC):
1. Exceeding 2,500 square feet gross floor area (including attached garages) without adequate fire flow except as cited in K.C.C. 17.08.030;
2. Without approved fire department access as defined in the King County road standards ((of King County Ordinance 11187 (Article 9, section 902))) and IFC 503, as amended; or
3. If 2,000 gallons per minute or more fire flow is required or where the total floor area included within the surrounding exterior walls on all floor levels including basements exceeds 10,000 square feet. For townhouses, each unit is considered a separate building.
EXCEPTIONS: Attached decks, exterior porches and carports open on two sides.
4. Where special hazards or unusual conditions exists in addition to the normal hazard of the space due to the design, size, volume or use of the space, the Fire Marshal is authorized to require additional safeguards suitable for the protection of the hazard or condition involved. Additional safeguards can consist of automatic fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler or water spray system, standpipe and hose, fixed or portable fire extinguishers, or other special fire-extinguishing systems. Where such systems are provided, they shall be designed and installed in accordance with the International Fire Code.
NEW SECTION. SECTION 8. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 17.04 a new section to read as follows:
Fire alarm and detection systems - Group E. Section 907.2.3 of the International Fire Code not adopted and the following is substituted:
Fire alarm and detection systems - Group E (IFC 907.2.3). A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Group E occupancies providing infant daycare for children 2 ½ years or less of age for 12 or fewer and all other Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all of the following apply:
2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.
2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
2.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
2.4. Off-premises monitoring is provided.
2.5. The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.
2.6. In buildings where normally occupied spaces are provided with a two-way communication system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded, except in locations specifically designated by the fire code official.
3. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the notification appliances will activate on sprinkler water flow and manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
SECTION 9. Ordinance 8726, Section 1, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.04.630 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Outdoor storage of containers and portable tanks - Location on property. Section 3404.4.2 of the International Fire Code is not adopted and the following is substituted:
Location on property. Outdoor ((S))storage of ((flammable and combustible)) liquids in ((closed)) containers and portable tanks ((outside of buildings)) shall be in accordance with ((Section 3403 and sections 3404.4.1 through 3404.4.8. Capacity limits for containers and portable tanks shall be in accordance with Section 3404.3)) Table 3404.4.2. Storage of liquids near buildings located on the same property shall be in accordance with this section.
EXCEPTION: Outdoor storage of flammable liquids in excess of ten gallons is not permitted on property used for single family, duplex and townhouse dwellings.
SECTION 10. Ordinance 15828, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.010 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Definitions.
A. Unless otherwise provided in this section, the definitions in the International Fire Code, as adopted in K.C.C. 17.04.010, and in the rules and regulations of the state board of health regarding public water systems, chapter 346-290 WAC ((248)), shall apply to this chapter.
B. For the purposes of this chapter, "fire department" means the fire authority normally responsible for fire suppression in a specified area.
C. For the purposes of this chapter, "water flow" means the minimum quantity of water required for domestic use or fire fighting, whichever is higher, at a specified building, development or site, expressed in continuous gallons per minute at twenty pounds per square inch residual pressure for a designated duration of time.
D. For the purposes of this chapter, "fire marshal" means the King County fire marshal or his or her designated representative.
E. For the purposes of this chapter, "water main" means piping used to deliver water to any fire hydrants or to one or more individual service connections.
SECTION 11. Ordinance 5828, Section 5, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.040 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Water main requirements.
A. All new required water mains subject to this chapter that serve fire hydrants shall be a minimum of eight inches inside diameter for dead end mains and six inches inside diameter for circulating mains. Hydrant leads less than fifty feet in length may be six inches in diameter.
B. All new required water mains subject to this chapter shall have fire hydrants installed to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
C. All new required water mains subject to this chapter shall meet applicable engineering and health standards adopted by the state of Washington or the water purveyor, including chapters ((248and 248)) 246-290 and 246-293 WAC.
SECTION 12. Ordinance 5828, Section 8, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.070 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Minimum water flow requirements.
A. The department shall adopt rules and regulations based upon the Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow, 1974 Edition, published by the Insurance Service Office, establishing criteria for determination of water flow requirements sufficient to provide reasonable fire protection.
B. In no event, shall the water flow required for any use be less than that required by chapters ((248and 248)) 246-290 and 246-293 WAC.
SECTION 13. Ordinance 5828, Section 10, as amended, and K.C.C. 17.08.090 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
Variances.
A. The fire marshal shall have the authority to approve deviations from the standards established under this chapter when it is shown that:
1. Strict compliance would require unreasonable fire hydrant locations, fire flow requirements or water main sizes; and
2. The variance would not unreasonably affect adequate fire protection to the area or structures served.
B. The fire marshal may approve variances, except as provided in subsection C. of this section for connections to single family residences served by existing water system that have fire hydrants and fire flow of at least five hundred gallons per minute if the variance would not unreasonably affect fire protection and only if the purveyor's approved comprehensive plan includes a method for increasing fire flow to current standards.
C. The fire marshal shall not approve any variance which would result in a violation of chapters ((248and 248)) 246-290 and 246-293 WAC without prior approval of the state Department of Social and Health Services.
SECTION 14. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid the remainder of the ordinance or the
application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
SECTION 15. Effective date. This ordinance takes effect July 1, 2007.
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Newspaper: Seattle Times
Publish: Wednesday, April 25
Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 29