2019-27 Adopting Ch 10.04 2018 International Fire Code ORDINANCE 2019-27
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS WHICH REPEALS CHAPTER
10.04 OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTS A NEW
CHAPTER 10.04 ADOPTING THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND 2019
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS,AND
DELETIONS
WHEREAS,Chapter 10.04 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code is the Encinitas
Fire Code, which adopts by reference the International Fire Code and the California Fire
Code; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 10.04 currently adopts by reference the 2015 version of the
International Fire Code and the 2016 version of the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS,there is a need to replace Chapter 10.04 because the State of California
("State"), pursuant to Health & Safety Code section 17922, has recently adopted the 2018
version of the International Fire Code and the 2019 version of the California Fire Code
(together,the "Fire Code"); and
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code section 17958 mandates that cities such as the
City of Encinitas shall adopt ordinances or regulations imposing the same requirements as
are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health & Safety Code
section 17922; and
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code section 17958.5 permits the City of Encinitas
to make such changes or modifications to the Fire Code as are reasonably necessary
because of local conditions or circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code section 17958.7 requires that, before making
any changes or modifications pursuant to section 17958.7, the City of Encinitas make
express findings that such changes or modifications are needed due to climatic,geographic,
or topographic conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Encinitas does herewith find that it has certain climatic,
geologic, and topographical features that can have a deleterious effect on emergency
services such as fire protection and emergency medical services, as set forth in greater
detail in the "Findings for the Fire Code" section of Exhibit A (the "Findings"); and
WHEREAS, the Fire Code, together with the City of Encinitas amendments, shall
be City of Encinitas Fire Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the territory of
the County of San Diego and the City of Encinitas; and
WHEREAS, the City of Encinitas finds that the modifications and changes to the
Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and
topographical conditions reflected in the Findings and serve to mitigate to the extent
possible said deleterious effects; and
WHEREAS, code amendments adopted by the State in the 2019 version of the
California Fire Code shall take precedence over language in the 2018 version of the
International Fire Code, while the 2018 version of the International Fire Code language
shall be used for those code sections not adopted by the State in the 2019 version of the
California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, local amendments adopted by the City of Encinitas shall take
precedence over the Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, sections 50022.1 through 50022.10 of the Government code and
Section 13869 of the Health& Safety Code provide authority for the adoption by reference
of codes, or portion of such codes.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, does
ordain as follows:
SECTION ONE:
That Chapter 10.04 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code is hereby repealed and
replaced by adopting a new Chapter 10.04 as shown in Exhibit A to this Ordinance.
SECTION TWO: SEVERABILTIY
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person,property,
or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or
applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or
application, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be
severable.
SECTION THREE: INTRODUCTION
This Ordinance was introduced on October 23, 2019.
SECTION FOUR: PUBLIC NOTICE AND EFFECTIVE DATE
The City Clerk is directed to prepare and have published a summary of this
Ordinance together with the votes cast no less than five days prior to the consideration of
its adoption and again within 15 days following adoption, indicating the votes cast.
This ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2020. The City Clerk of City of
Encinitas is hereby authorized to use summary publication procedures pursuant to
Government Code Section 36933 utilizing the Coast News, a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Encinitas.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council
held on the 13th day of November, 2019.
Catherine S. Blakespear, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kathy Hollywood, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
PIlZ/ �
Le ie E. Devaney, City A ey
CERTIFICATION: I, Kathy Hollywood, City Clerk of the City of Encinitas, California,
do hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing ordinance was duly and
regularly introduced at a meeting of the City Council on the 23rd day of October, 2019
and that thereafter the said ordinance was duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the
City Council on the 13th day of November, 2019 by the following vote,to wit:
AYES: Blakespear, Hinze, Hubbard, Kranz, Mosca
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Encinitas, California, this 14th day of November, 2019
'
Kathy Hol woo , City Clerk
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Chapter 10.04
California Fire Code (Exhibit A to Ord. 2019-27)
Summary of Amendments to the 2019 California Fire Code
Chapter 1 - Administration: includes City of Encinitas Validity, repeal of conflicting
ordinances, resolutions, or motions.
Chapter 2 - Definition section: includes added and revised definitions.
Chapter 3 - General Precaution against fire: Sky Lanterns and Mid-rise buildings.
Chapter 5 - Fire Service Features: includes emergency access road dimensions,
design, grade, marking, access gates (emergency strobe sensor), water
tanks, fire hydrants and fire flow.
Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems Where Required.
Chapter 56 - Explosives and Fireworks: includes use, display, seizure and disposal
information. Please note: additional requirements apply and are
referenced in State Law, CCR-Title-19, Article 6.
Chapter 57 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids: above-ground tanks are prohibited.
Chapter 58 - Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 61 - Liquefied Petroleum Gases: bulk storage prohibited.
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Chapter 10.04
2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND
2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (Ord. 2019-27)
SECTION 9
That a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the City of
Encinitas Fire Department being marked and designated as the 2018 International Fire
Code and 2019 California Fire Code, including, Appendix B & I, as published by the
International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of
Encinitas, in the State of California regulating and governing the safeguarding of life
and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use
of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life
or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises erection, construction,
enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment
use, and maintenance of buildings and structures, including that providing for the
issuance of permits and collection of fees therefore; and each and all of the regulations,
provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Fire Code on file in the office of the
City of Encinitas Fire Department are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part
hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and
changes, if any, prescribed in Section 2 of this ordinance.
SECTION 2
That the following sections are hereby revised:
Chapter 1 Administration
Section 101.5 City of Encinitas Validity
This section is revised to read.
The City Council of the City of Encinitas hereby declares that should any section,
paragraph, sentence or word of this ordinance or of the code hereby adopted be
declared for any reason to be invalid, it is the intent of the City Council of the City of
Encinitas that it would have passed all other portions of this ordinance independently of
the elimination here from of any such portion as may be declared invalid.
Section 102.13 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances, Resolutions or Motions
This section is added to read.
All former ordinances, resolutions or motions, or parts thereof, including 2016-11, which
conflict or are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or of the Code or
standards hereby adopted are hereby repealed.
a
Chapter 2 Definitions
Section 202 General Definitions
This section is added or revised to read.
Fire Hazard - is any condition or conduct which: (a) increases or may increase the
threat of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in
the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire or
(b) may obstruct, delay, hinder or interfere with the operations of the fire department or
egress of occupants in the event of fire.
Fireworks - is any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or
combination of substances, or device prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or
an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and shall include
blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives are
used, firecrackers, torpedoes, .sky-rockets, roman candles, Daygo bombs, sparklers,
snap caps, poppers or other devices of like construction and any devices containing any
explosive or flammable compound, or any tablet or other device containing any
explosive substance, except that the term "fireworks" shall not include any auto flares,
paper caps containing not in excess of an average of twenty-five hundredths of a grain
of explosive content per cap and toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices for
use of such caps, the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times. "Fireworks"
shall include snap caps and poppers, regardless of the amount of explosive content
included in each device.
Hazardous Fire Area - Any geographic area mapped by the State or designated by the
local jurisdiction as a moderate, high or very high fire hazard area, or which the FAHJ
has determined is a hazardous fire area; the type and condition of vegetation,
topography, weather, or structure density which may increase the possibility of the area
being susceptible to wildfire.
Mid-Rise Building - A building not defined as a high-rise building by section 202 of the
California Building Code and four stories or more in height. Measurements shall be
made from the underside of the roof or floor above the topmost space that may be
occupied to the lowest fire apparatus access road level. Nothing in Section 321 shall
imply or allow a building height in excess of current City of Encinitas planning and
zoning requirements.
Level — An area, above or below grade, including but not limited to; basements,
garages, cellars, mezzanines or similar structures or uses. Separate contiguous levels
of a building will be considered separate stories.
Whenever the terms - "This Code" and "2018 International Fire Code" are used they
shall mean the 2019 California Fire Code as modified by the City of Encinitas with the
deletions, revisions and additions set forth in the amendments.
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Chapter 3 General Requirements
Section 308.1.6.3. Sky Lanterns
This section is revised to read.
Sky lanterns, floating luminary, and similar devices propelled by open flame are
prohibited for sale or use.
Section 321 Mid-Rise Buildings
Section 321.1 General
This section is added to read.
All newly constructed mid-rise buildings or any mid-rise building which undergoes a
complete structural or non-structural renovation, that requires the complete vacancy of
the building to complete the renovation shall, comply with Sections 321.2 through 321.3.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings used exclusively as open parking garages.
2. Buildings where all floors above the fourth-floor level are used exclusively as
an open parking garage.
3. Buildings such as a power plant, lookout tower, steeple, grain house, or other
similar structures with intermittent human occupancy.
Section 321.2 Fire Equipment Control Room
This section is added to read.
A fire equipment control room for fire department operations shall be provided. The
location and accessibility of the room shall be approved by the fire department. The
room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour fire
barrier. The room shall contain the following facilities at minimum:
1. Voice alarm and public address panels
2. Fire alarm control panel
3. Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems
4. Fire pump status indicators (if required)
5. Set of complete building plans
Section 321.3 Road Dimensions
This section is added to read.
Fire apparatus access roads serving buildings, portions of buildings, or facilities that
exceed 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, shall
have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet.
4
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions
This section is revised to read:
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet,
exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section
503.6, and have an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Fire access roadways, gated entrances with card readers, guard stations or
center medians, which have separated lanes of one-way traffic, shall be not
less than 14 feet wide per lane.
2. Residential driveways serving no more than two single-family dwellings shall
have an unobstructed width of not less than 16 feet.
3. Roads serving only residential dwellings, that are not within the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20
feet.
Section 503.2.3 Surface
This section is revised to read:
Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed
loads of fire apparatus not less than 75,000 lbs. and shall be provided with an approved
paved surface to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
Section 503.2.7 Grade
This section is revised to read:
Grades exceeding 15.0% (incline or decline) on fire apparatus access roads shall not be
permitted without mitigation. Minimal mitigation shall be a surface of Portland cement
concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the entire direction of travel,
or equivalent, to enhance traction the entire length of the grade. The maximum grade
shall not exceed 20%
Section 503.2.8 Angles of Approach and Departure
This section is revised to read:
The angle of approach and angle of departure of a fire access roadway shall not exceed
seven degrees (12 percent) or as approved by the fire code official.
5
Section 503.2.9 Roadway Turnouts
This section is added to read:
Turnouts shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide and 30 feet long with a minimum 25 foot
taper on each end.
Section 503.3 Marking
This section is revised to read:
When required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or
markings shall be provided for all public and private fire apparatus access roads, to identify
such roads or prohibit obstruction thereof. Signs, notices, or markings shall be maintained
in a clean and legible condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired when
necessary to provide adequate visibility. All new public roads, all private roads within
major subdivisions and all private roads serving four or more parcels shall be named.
Road name signs shall comply with City of Encinitas standards.
Section 503.4.2 Width of a Parking Space.
This section is added to read.
The width of a parking space shall be a minimum of eight feet wide.
Section 503.6 Security Gates
This section is revised to read.
No person shall install a security gate or security device across a fire access roadway
without the fire code official's approval.
1. All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located a minimum
of 30 feet from the nearest edge of the roadway and shall be at least two feet
wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving the gate.
2. An automatic gate across a fire access roadway or driveway shall be equipped
with an approved emergency key-operated switch overriding all command
functions and opening the gate.
3. A gate accessing more than four residences or residential lots or a gate
accessing hazardous institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group
structure, shall also be equipped with an approved emergency traffic control-
activating strobe light sensor or other device approved by the fire code official,
which will activate the gate on the approach of emergency apparatus with a
battery back-up or manual mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.
4. An automatic gate shall meet fire department policies deemed necessary by the
fire code official for rapid, reliable access.
5. When required by the fire code official, an automatic gate in existence at the time
of adoption of this chapter is required to install an approved emergency key-
operated switch or other mechanism approved by the fire code official, at an
approved location, which overrides all command functions and opens the gate. A
6
property owner shall comply with this requirement within 90 days of receiving
written notice to comply.
6. Where this section requires an approved key-operated switch, it may be dual-
keyed or equipped with dual switches provided to facilitate access by law
enforcement personnel.
7. Electric gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.
Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and
installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
8. An automatic gate located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone shall
be provided with a battery back-up or manual mechanical disconnect in case of
power failure.
Section 507 Fire Protection Water Supplies
Section 507.2.2 Water Tanks
This section is revised to read:
Water storage tanks, when permitted by the fire code official, shall comply with Table
No. 507.2.2A.
WATER STORAGE TANKS
Table No. 507.2.2A
TABLE NO. 507.2.2A
Gallons Per Minute Capacity Duration
Building Square Feet Water Flow Gallons Minutes
Up to 1,500 250 5,000 20
Over 1,500 250 10,000 40
When exposure distance is one hundred feet (100') or less from adjacent property or
where additional hazards or higher fire flow exists, the required water storage may be
modified by the fire code official.
1. Tank elevation shall be equal to or higher than the fire department connection
on the premises. Regardless of domestic use, all tanks shall be equipped with a
device that will ensure that the tank contains the designated amount of water for
fire flow duration as determined by the fire department. Tank size may be
increased to serve multiple structures on a single parcel.
2. Supply outlet shall be at least 4 inches in diameter from the base of the tank to
the point of outlet at the fire department connection. The fire department
connection shall provide an approved means of controlling water flow.
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3. The outlet shall be located along an access roadway and shall not be closer
than 50 feet or further than 150 feet from the structure.
4. All exposed tanks and exposed supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other
material listed for above ground use. Adequate support shall be provided.
Section 507.5.1 Where Required
This section is revised to read.-
The location, type and number of fire hydrants connected to a water supply capable of
delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on the public or private street, or on
the site of the premises to be protected or both. Fire hydrants shall be accessible to the
fire department apparatus by roads meeting the requirements of section 503.
Section 507.5.1.01 Requirements for single-family dwellings
This section is added to read.
In zones other than industrial, commercial and multi-family, fire hydrants shall be
installed in accordance with Table No. 507.5.1.01A.
Table No. 507.5.1.01A
TABLE 507.5.1.01A
Parcels '/ acre and larger: Every 500 feet to the structure
.Parcels less than '/ acre: Every 350 feet
Section 507.5.1.02 Requirements for multi-family, commercial and industrial
zones
This section is added to read.
In multi-family zones and in commercial and industrial zones, fire hydrants shall be
installed at intersections, at the beginning radius of cul-de-sacs, and every 300 feet of
fire access roadways, regardless of parcel size.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems
Section 903.2 Where Required
This section is revised to read.
Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided
in the locations described in sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and may be required in
additions and remodels of existing structures as described in Section 903.2.01.
8
Section 903.3 Installation Requirements
This section is revised to read.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with
Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8 and the City of Encinitas installation policies, as
appropriate.
Section 903.2.01 Group R Additions, Remodels, and Reconstruction.
This section is added to read.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 903.3 may be required to be
installed throughout structures when the addition is more than 50% of the existing
building, or where the scope of work includes significant modification to the interior
and/or the roof of the building.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. If the cost of the installation exceeds 15 percent of the valuation of the project.
Formal bids shall be provided to the Encinitas Fire Department for review.
2. If the addition to the existing structure is strictly for the creation of a new
Accessory Dwelling Unit; no additions or remodels to the existing building is
permitted.
Section 903.2.02 Commercial and Group U.
An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be
required in buildings and structures when the square footage of a new commercial
building exceeds 5000 square feet.
EXCEPTION:
1. Agricultural buildings constructed of wood or metal frame, over which fabric or
similar material is stretched, which are specifically used as green houses are
exempt from the automatic sprinkler requirements unless physically connected to
other structures.
Section 905 Standpipe Systems
Section 905.3 Required Installations
This section is revised to read:
Standpipe systems shall be installed where required by Sections 905.3.01 through
905.3.11.1. Standpipe systems are allowed to be combined with automatic sprinkler
systems.
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Exception: Standpipe systems are not required in Group R-3 occupancies.
Section 905.3.01 Standpipes
This section is added to read.
A Class 1 standpipe with 2.5 inch hose valves shall be provided for all commercial
buildings three levels or more in height, regardless of occupancy type. Hose valves
shall be located in each stair enclosure and on each floor level, including the roof. For
single story buildings or parking structures with large floor areas, class 1 standpipes
may be required.
Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks
Section 5608.2 Fireworks
This section is added to read.
Fireworks shall not be sold, manufactured, disposed or discharged within the
jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Encinitas,' except when a permit is issued for
public display, theatrical purposes and/or group entertainment by the fire department to
a California State Fire Marshal licensed pyro-technician and the minimum requirements
of Title-19, California Code of Regulations, Chapter-6, fireworks are met. The San
Diego County Regulatory Ordinance, Title-3, Division-2, Chapter 1, section 32.101
through 32.108 may be used as a guide when enforcing these requirements.
Section 5608.3 Fireworks Penalty
This section is added to read.
Any person violating any provisions or failing to comply with this Chapter or the
requirements of Title-19 California Code of Regulations, chapter 6, and/or San Diego
County Regulatory Ordinance,Title-3, Division-2, Chapter 1, section 32.101 through
32.108, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be
punishable by a fine not to exceed One Thousand dollars ($1000) or by imprisonment in
the County jail for a period of not more than one year or by both such fine and
imprisonment.
SECTION 3
That the geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 2019 California Fire
Code are hereby established as follows:
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Section 5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where Above-ground Tanks are Prohibited
This section is revised to read.
In the City of Encinitas, (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II
liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited): The limits referred to in
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Section 5704.2.9.6.1 and 5706.2.4.4 of the 2019 California Fire Code and the 2018
International Fire Code in which storage of flammable or combustible liquids in outside
aboveground tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the jurisdictional limits of the
City of Encinitas.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. 2000 gallons maximum temporary (six months maximum) above ground
tanks meeting UL 2085 for private use on farms, agricultural and rural
property, remote construction sites, earth moving projects, gravel pits or
borrow pits. Such tanks shall be specially designed, approved and listed,
and have features incorporated into their design which mitigates concerns for
exposure to heat (two-hour fire resistance), ignition sources and mechanical
damage. A fire department permit will be required.
2. Crankcase draining may be stored in specially constructed above ground
storage tanks, approved by the fire code official, with a maximum capacity of
550 gallons. Such tanks may be located within a building when the fire code
official deems appropriate, and the container meets the following: specially
designed, approved and listed containers which have features incorporated
into their design which mitigates concerns for exposure to heat, ignition
sources and mechanical damage. Containers must be installed and used in
accordance with their listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill
containment. In no case shall such storage be permitted in residential or
institutional property. All installations require a fire department permit.
3. With the fire code official's approval, Class I and II liquids may be stored
in aboveground tanks inside or outside of buildings in specially designed,
approved and listed containers which have features incorporated into their
design which mitigates concerns for exposure to heat, ignition sources and
mechanical damage. Class I liquids will be limited to 550 gallons and class II
liquids will be limited to 1100 gallons.
Containers must be installed and used in accordance with their
listing, and provisions must be made for leak and spill containment. The fire
code official may disapprove the installation of such containers when, in his
opinion, their use presents a risk to life or property.
4. With the fire code official's approval, temporary storage of a maximum
10,000 gallons of Class II liquids may be permitted for a period not to exceed
ninety (90) days at remote construction sites, earth moving projects, gravel
pits pits,
its borrow consistent with 5704 and 5706.
Section 5705.2.4 Class I, II and III Liquids
This section is revised to delete Exception 4.
Section 5706 Special Operations
Section 5706.2.4.4 Locations where Above-ground Tanks are Prohibited
This section is revised to read:
Within the geographic limits of the City of Encinitas, the storage of Class I and Class II
liquids in above-ground tank is prohibited in residential areas.
Section 5706.4 Bulk Plants or Terminals
This section is revised to read.
The geographic limits in which bulk plants and terminals of flammable and combustible
liquids are received are prohibited for the protection of heavily populated and congested
areas and are hereby established as jurisdiction limits of the City of Encinitas.
Chapter 58 Flammable Cryogenic Fluids
Section 5806.2 Limitations
This section revised to read.
Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is
prohibited within the geographic limits of the City of Encinitas.
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Section 6104.2 Maximum Capacity within Established Limits
This section is revised to read:
Within the geographic limits of the City of Encinitas, the storage of liquefied petroleum
gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity
of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons.
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FINDINGS
FOR REVISION OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS
AMENDMENTS TO THE 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE
OF REGULATIONS TITLE 24, PART 9
As required by Health and Safety Code section 17958 the City of Encinitas does
herewith make express findings that amendments to the California Building Standards
Code are necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare due to
certain climatic, topographic or geological features existing in the City of Encinitas.
The following atrix lists the
g City of Encinitas amendments and the corresponding
p 9
express findings. Minor editorial changes or typographical corrections to the Fire Code
are not shown in these findings. The full texts of the proposed City of Encinitas
amendments are shown in City of Encinitas Fire Code.
MATRIX OF FINDINGS
2016 California Fire Code Amendments
PAGE FINDING
Chapters or Sections NUMBER NUMBER(S)
Chapter 1 Administration 2
Section 101.5 Validity 2 All
Section 102.13 Repeal Conflicting Ordinance 2 All
Chapter 2 Definitions 3 All
Chapter 3 General Precautions Against fire 3,4
Section 308.1.6.3 Sky Lanterns 4 B, E
Section 321.1 through 321.3 Mid-Rise Buildings 4 A,D,E,F
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features 5-9
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions 5 B,C & D
Section 503.2.3 Surface 5 B,C,& D
Section 503.2.7 Grade 5 B, C
Section 503.2.8 Angles of Approach and 5 B,C
Departure
Section 503.2.9 Roadway Turnouts 6 A,B,C,D,E,F
Section 503.3 Marking 6 A,B,C,D,E,F
Section 503.4.2 Width of a Parking Space 6 B, C, D
Section 503.6 Security Gates 6,7 A,B,C,D,E,F
Section 507.2.2 Water Tanks 7,8 B, C & E
Section 507.5.1 Required Installation 8 All
Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems 8-10 B,C,D & E
Section 903.2 Where Required 8 All
Section 903.3 Installation Requirements 9 All
13
Section 903.2.01 Group R Additions, Remodels 9 All
and Reconstruction
Section 903.2.02 Commercial and Group U 9 All
Section 905.3 and 905.3.01 Standpipes 9,10 All
Chapter 56 Fireworks 10
Section 5608.2 Fireworks —sale, use, display, 10 B,C
disposal, seizure
Section 5608.3 Fireworks Penalty 10 B,C
Section 3 10
Chapter 57 Flammable Combustible Liquids 10-12
Section 5704.2.9.6.1 Location of Above-ground 10,11 All
Tanks
Section 5705.2.4 Class I, II, and III Liquids 12 All
Section 5706.2.4.4 Tank Location Prohibited 12 All
Chapter 58 Flammable Gases and Cryogenic Fluids 12
Section 5806.2 Limitations 12 All
Chapter 61 Liquefied Petroleum Gases 12
Section 6104.2 Bulk Storage of Liquefied 12 All
Petroleum Gases
Appendix "B" Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings All
Appendix "I" Fire Protection Systems —Non-Compliant All
Conditions No Amendments to appendix)
14
Findings for the Fire Code
The City Council hereby makes the following findings concerning the special
circumstances and the climatic, topographic and geological conditions that: (a) exist in the City
of Encinitas; (b) increase the exposure of the public to the dangers of fire; (c) could severely
restrict the response of emergency services to fire dangers; and (d) can be mitigated by
amendments to the international fire and construction codes:
Finding A
The City of Encinitas is bisected by a major transportation corridor (Interstate 5) which
traverses in a north/south direction. Interstate 5 is used to transport hazardous materials and
is designated by the State of California as an approved route for transporting highly toxic and
radioactive materials.
The City of Encinitas is bisected by a railroad line running north/south. Hazardous
materials are transported on the railroad.
Underground pipes run parallel to the railroad line and carry natural gas under high
pressure. Underground pipes run in a north/south direction in the eastern portion of the City
and carry liquid petroleum under high pressure.
The transport, through the City, of hazardous, toxic and radioactive materials, as well as
natural gas and liquid petroleum, on a regular basis, increases the threat of fire ignition and
spread. This adds to the fire danger posed by the City's climatic, topographic and geological
conditions.
Finding B
The City of Encinitas's topography is characterized by many large hillsides. The City's
climate promotes the heavy growth of natural vegetation that covers the hillsides and is highly
flammable, especially in the dry season.
There are numerous areas of wildland-urban interface where structures, especially
residences, are in close proximity to that natural vegetation.
The City's climate is characterized by Santa Ana conditions involving dry gusty winds.
In summer and fall, the typical weather is hot and dry. In combination, these climatic
conditions create an extreme fire danger to the community.
Seasonal winds also have the potential for impeding emergency vehicle access by
toppling trees (especially eucalyptus which is a species that is prevalent in the City and
susceptible to being felled by winds).
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As a result of the above conditions, the risk of fire ignition is greater. Also,
once a fire is ignited, it is more likely that embers will be blown into the air, increasing
the spread of the fire into the community. Therefore, land use projects need to be
developed to provide a greater ability to avoid fire ignition, suppress fires, and facilitate
access of emergency vehicles.
Finding C
The City of Encinitas is situated on the west slope of the coastal foothills that
contain drainages, including Escondido Creek, which contribute to flooding within the
community.
Because flooding conditions can impede fire service vehicles reaching the site of
a fire, land use projects need to be developed to provide a greater ability to avoid fire
ignition, suppress fires, and facilitate access of emergency vehicles.
Finding D
The City of Encinitas is situated near the Rose Canyon Fault, the Elsinore Fault,
and the Agua Caliente Fault.
A cluster of faults known as the "South Coast Offshore Zone of Deformation" is
located off the City's coast. These geologic conditions are capable of generating
earthquakes of significant magnitude at any time.
An earthquake may: (1) cause fires; (2) impede emergency vehicles responding to
fires; and (3) interrupt the City's water supply which is needed to fight fires.
Because the community is subject to damage from earthquakes, land use
projects need to be developed to provide a greater ability to avoid fire ignition, suppress
fires, and facilitate access of emergency vehicles.
Finding E
The City f Encinitas and Southern California are semi-arid regions and
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experience water shortages from time to time. Those shortages can have a severely
adverse effect on water availability for fire fighting.
Fires starting in sprinkled buildings are typically controlled by one to three
sprinkler heads, flowing as little as 13 gallons per minute.
Hose streams used by engine companies on well established structure fires
operate at approximately 250 gallons per minute each, and the estimated water needed
for a typical residential fire is 1,250 to 1,500 gallons per minute, according to the
Insurance Service Office and the Uniform Fire Code. The water estimate for a
commercial building is typically greater than that of a residential structure.
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Under circumstances such as; lack of water infrastructure, earthquakes, multiple
fires and wildland fires within a community, the limited water demand needs of
residential fire sprinklers would control and extinguish many fires before they spread
from building to wildland, or building to building. In such a disaster, water demands
needed for conflagration firefighting probably would not be available.
Finding F
Due to the sloping topography and coastal foothills in the City of Encinitas, the
potential exists that new and future development will result in taller buildings on smaller
parcels. Defining mid-rise buildings from 75 feet in height to four stories or more in
height modifies the application of special provisions for these buildings to all
occupancies. Because of the need to mitigate the potential danger of mid-rise this
change is necessary.
In addition, the limitations of available firefighting equipment, limited availability of
human resources in local fire departments, and the necessity to climb vertically up
flights of stairs, greatly impacting the response time to reach an incident scene, it is
necessary to define the height of midrise buildings. The reduced height and built in
protection will mitigate extended fire department response time and keep incidents
manageable.
Finding G
Based upon the circumstances previously described, the protection of persons
and property requires the City to adopt standards that are more stringent than those set
forth in: (1) the State Building Standards Code Sections, 102, 202, 308, 321, 503, 507,
903, 905, 5608, 5704, 5705, 5706, 5806, 6104, B, I, and Section 3 of the International
Fire Code.
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