Chapter 19.25
FIRE CODE
Sections:
19.25.000 Adoption of life safety and maintenance codes.
19.25.005 Section amendments.
19.25.010 Department of fire prevention.
19.25.015 Definitions.
19.25.020 Permits.
19.25.025 Charges for water mains and hydrants.
19.25.030 Charges for fire review and inspection.
19.25.035 Fire extinguishers and systems service.
19.25.040 Automatic sprinkler systems.
19.25.045 Modifications, interpretations and appeals.
19.25.050 Fire protection water supplies.
19.25.055 Location of public hydrants.
19.25.060 Location of private hydrants.
19.25.065 Mains and service lines.
19.25.070 Hydrant specifications.
19.25.075 Penalties.
19.25.000 Adoption of life safety and maintenance codes.
Under the statutory authority of RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074, the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) as published by the International Code Council including the state amendments set forth in Chapter 51-54 WAC, including reference standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the following Appendices: B (Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings), C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution), E (Hazard Categories) and F (Hazard Ranking) are adopted by reference as if fully set forth as the fire code of the city of Edmonds. The International Existing Building Code is not adopted and all references to that code shall be disregarded. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.005 Section amendments.
The following sections of the IFC have been added, amended, deleted or replaced as follows:
A. Chapter 1, Administration.
1. Section 104.10.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies shall have authority to render necessary assistance in the investigation of fires and enforcement of the life safety provisions of this code when requested to do so by the fire code official.
2. Section 104.11.2 Obstructing operations. No person shall obstruct the operations of the fire department in connection with extinguishment control or investigation of any fire, or actions relative to other emergencies, or disobey any lawful command of the fire chief or officer of the fire department in charge of the emergency, or any part thereof, or any lawful order of a police officer assisting the fire department.
3. Section 108 Board of appeals. Replaced by Chapter 19.80 ECDC.
B. Chapter 5, Fire Service Features (Fire Apparatus Access Roads). The following sections are adopted as originally set forth in the IFC:
1. Section 503.1 Where required.
2. Section 503.1.1 Buildings and facilities.
3. Section 503.1.2 Additional access.
4. Section 503.1.3 High-piled storage.
5. Section 503.2 Specifications.
6. Section 503.3 Marking.
7. Section 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads.
C. Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems.
1. Section 901.6.1 Standards. Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1 and this chapter. For the sole purpose of inspecting, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA 25, all existing water-based fire protection systems shall be considered new as of July 1, 2004.
2. Section 904.11.7 Existing commercial cooking systems. Existing fire suppression systems not in compliance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 300 shall be replaced with a conforming system by July 1, 2005.
D. Chapter 33, Explosives and Fireworks.
1. Section 3301.1.3 Fireworks. Exceptions No. 3 and No. 4 replaced by Chapter 5.27 ECC.
[Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.010 Department of fire prevention.
A. There is established in the city fire department a department of fire prevention, to be supervised by the fire code official.
B. The IFC shall be enforced by the department of fire prevention.
C. The fire code official shall be the fire marshal who shall be in charge of the department of fire prevention and who shall be appointed by the mayor on the basis of applicable civil service rules and regulations for the city.
D. The fire marshal may recommend to the fire chief the employment of technical officers, inspectors and other employees. If approved, technical officers and inspectors shall be hired or assigned for that purpose.
E. An annual report shall be provided to the mayor. It shall contain all proceedings under this code, with other statistics as the fire marshal of the city fire department may wish to include. The fire marshal may also recommend any changes to the code. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.015 Definitions.
A. Whenever the term “fire code official” is used in the IFC, it shall mean the fire marshal.
B. Whenever the term “chief administrative officer” or “fire chief” is used in the IFC, it shall mean the fire chief.
C. Whenever the term “legal representative of the jurisdiction” is used in the IFC, it shall mean the city attorney.
D. Whenever the word “jurisdiction” is used in the IFC, it shall mean the city of Edmonds. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.020 Permits.
A. Whenever the IFC requires a permit, the application for the permit shall be accompanied by the full application fee in order to vest rights under the permit and to constitute a complete permit application. The permit fee shall be set by the city council annually by resolution or on such review cycle as the council, in its discretion, shall determine. All permits shall be renewed annually unless the specific time period is set forth when the permit is granted. No permit shall be transferable and each permit shall be issued on a single job, transaction, owner, or occupancy basis, except that the fire marshal is authorized to consolidate permits for a single location, building, or unit.
B. In the event that the activity, location or risk associated with the activity requires a fire safety inspection in excess of the time estimated within the permit fee (one hour) an inspection fee equal to the actual cost to the city of providing the inspection shall be charged pursuant to ECDC 19.25.030.
C. The following activities regulated pursuant to the IFC shall not require a permit to be issued under this section. Nothing herein shall be interpreted, however, to exempt these activities from other permits or licenses required by law or ordinance. The accepted activities are:
1. Carnivals and fairs;
2. Open flames and candles;
3. Open burning (see ECC 5.22.030);
4. Fire hydrants and water control valves;
5. Private fire hydrants;
6. Roof-top heliports;
7. Waste handling. [Ord. 3705 § 1, 2008; Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.025 Charges for water mains and hydrants.
A. Water main replacement to city standards, plans and specifications will be accomplished by the city in accordance with the city's water comprehensive plan and adopted capital improvement program. For private development, owners shall be responsible for the replacement (upgrade) of the existing public main (including fire hydrants and appurtenances) to city standard when identified by the city engineer as a condition of development approval. The city will pay the difference in material costs only between six inches and the size that is required to be installed only when the existing system is a looped system.
B. A hydrant use permit issued by the public works director is required in order for any person or entity other than fire department personnel to draw water from any fire hydrant.
C. The installation of water mains, fire hydrants and appurtenances to properties not previously served shall be sized in accordance with the city's water comprehensive plan, built to city standard and shall be at the benefited property owner's or developer's expense.
D. Oversized water mains required for special use demands relating to a particular property or development shall be installed at the developer's or property owner's expense.
E. If the water mains installed pursuant to subsections (C) and (D) of this section provide service or benefits to properties other than owned by the water main installer, latecomer agreements may be arranged between the city and the installer for the construction and dedication of the water facilities pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 35.91 RCW. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.030 Charges for fire review and inspection.
A. Certain licenses and permits issued by the city include a fire department inspection. The cost of the permit may include an estimate of the normal time associated with the fire inspection. Where the permit does not include such an estimate, or when the estimate of time established within the ordinance is exceeded by the actual time spent inspecting a premises, location or activity, the actual cost of conducting the inspection shall be charged. The administrative services director is authorized to establish on an annual basis, in conjunction with or immediately following the budget process, a fee for the hourly charge associated with the provision of services by reasonable classifications of city employees.
B. The permittee shall pay the actual charges of inspection, in addition to the permit fee associated with such activity. Licenses and permits requiring the actual payment of inspection charges include, but are not limited to, public amusement licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 4.32 ECC, cabaret dance licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 4.48 ECC, adult entertainment facility licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 4.52 ECC, and aircraft landing licenses issued pursuant to Chapter 4.80 ECC.
C. No charge shall be levied against any department or agency of the city of Edmonds operating within the city's general fund. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.035 Fire extinguishers and systems service.
A. A permit or a current license/certification by an approved testing authority shall be required for the servicing of fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems.
B. Applicants for a permit to service fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems shall be required to take and pass an examination to be established by the fire marshal. Permit fees are set forth in Chapter 19.70 ECDC. If the permit is not issued, because the examination is not held or the applicant fails to complete the examination, a refund of the permit fee will be made to the applicant.
C. Service permits shall be issued by the fire marshal. The permit may be revoked at any time the permittee fails to comply with city, state or federal regulations. The permit is not transferable and shall be void if the permit holder changes business address or employers.
D. The permit shall expire after five years. The permittee shall then obtain a new permit if he wishes to continue servicing fire extinguishers or fire extinguishing systems.
E. The fire marshal may waive permit requirements for applicant when provided with proof of current license or current certification by an approved testing authority. The fire marshal may, as often as necessary, inquire with licensing authority regarding licensing and certification testing methods, requirements and dates of effectiveness, prior to approval for work performed.
F. A certificate of inspection for every system test, maintenance, activation and repair shall be forwarded to the fire marshal upon completion of service. One copy of that record shall be maintained on the premises.
G. Appeals regarding the administration of the fire extinguisher and fire-extinguishing system service permit and license approval process shall file their appeal with the fire chief and be heard before the board of appeals pursuant to Chapter 19.80 ECDC. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.040 Automatic sprinkler systems.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and maintained throughout every building constructed under the International Residential Code containing five or more attached dwelling units. Residential or quick response standard sprinkler heads shall be used in accordance with their approved listing in the dwelling. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.045 Modifications, interpretations and appeals.
A. The fire marshal may modify any of the provisions of the IFC or this chapter on written application by the owner or lessee when there are practical difficulties in carrying out the strict letter of the code. Approved modifications, including alternative materials and methods, shall observe the spirit of the code, secure the public safety and do substantial justice. The particulars of an approved modification shall be written by the fire marshal and kept in the records of the department. A signed copy shall be promptly given to the applicant.
B. Fire department modifications and code interpretations shall be maintained in writing so as to aid in conformance and uniform application to the intent of ruling fire and life safety related codes, ordinances, and standards.
C. Whenever the fire marshal disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the fire marshal to the fire chief. Such appeals shall be governed by the procedures set forth in Chapter 19.80 ECDC. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.050 Fire protection water supplies.
All fire hydrant, water main and appurtenance installations shall meet the provisions of this chapter as well as other applicable plans, standards and codes adopted by the city of Edmonds, as a condition of approval of subdivisions and building permits. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.055 Location of public hydrants.
A. Public hydrants are those owned by the city.
B. All public fire hydrants shall be installed at street intersections where possible. Public
hydrant spacing shall be measured along vehicle access routes.
C. In areas zoned for single-family residential use, public hydrants shall be spaced no more than 600 feet apart. If dead-end streets, or driveways, singly or in combination, are over 300 feet long, additional public hydrants shall be installed so that the public hydrant spacing is not over 600 feet.
D. In areas other than single-family residential, public fire hydrants shall be spaced an average of 300 feet apart. If dead-end streets or driveways, singly or in combination, are over 150 feet long, additional public hydrants shall be installed so that the public hydrant spacing is not over 300 feet. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.060 Location of private hydrants.
A. A private hydrant is privately owned, but is subject to the use of the city for inspection and testing at reasonable times, and for fire suppression at any time. All private hydrants shall be connected to the city water main through a privately owned and maintained double detector check valve assembly.
B. All buildings except single-family dwellings that are located so that a portion is more than 200 feet from a street, as measured along vehicle access routes, shall have private fire hydrants located at the building. Single-family dwellings with a fire-flow calculation area greater than 4,800 square feet may require a private hydrant.
C. Buildings having required fire flows of 3,000 gallons per minute may have fire hydrants on one side of the building only. There shall never be fewer than two fire hydrants for any building larger than 5,000 square feet in the first floor area including covered parking and storage. When the required fire flow is 3,000 gallons per minute or greater, the fire hydrants shall be served by a looped main around the building or complex of buildings.
D. Fire hydrants shall be spaced on an average 300 feet around the perimeter line, 50 feet out of the buildings. All hydrants shall be placed in locations accessible to fire department vehicles adjacent to fire apparatus access roads. The fire marshal shall determine the location of fire hydrants depending on utility, topography and building location for maximum fire protection. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.065 Mains and service lines.
A. All public hydrants in single-family areas shall be supplied by not less than six-inch looped water mains. All hydrants in areas other than single-family residential shall be supplied by not less than eight-inch looped water mains. Dead-end water mains to hydrants shall be at least eight inches in diameter, with the exception of mains up to 50 feet long which may be no less than six inches in diameter.
B. The service line from the water main to the hydrant shall be no less than six inches in diameter. Any service lines over 50 feet in length from water main to hydrant shall be no less than eight inches in diameter.
C. When city streets, or state highways having water mains in the public right-of-way, are improved to permanent street or highway improvement standards, any water mains in the public right-of-way of said streets or highways that are substandard as to size or material according to applicable city standards shall be replaced with ductile iron water mains conforming to applicable city standards and plans. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.070 Hydrant specifications.
A. The installation of flush type hydrants (hydrants entirely below grade) is prohibited.
B. Fire hydrants shall have two two-and-one-half-inch hose outlets and one four-and-one-half-inch pumper outlet. All outlets' ports shall have national standard thread. Additionally, the pumper outlet shall be provided with a four-inch Storz adapter. Fire hydrants shall meet the American Water Works Association, Standard No. C-502 and current city standards.
C. Fire hydrants and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with generally accepted engineering practices and city standards, and to the approval of the city engineer, who shall also approve the selection and use of all pipe fittings and valves. There shall be a foot valve installed between the service main and the hydrant sufficient to permit the repair and replacement of the hydrant without disruption of water service. The foot valve shall be installed to city standards. The location of all such valves installed shall be properly and accurately marked on as-built plans or drawings with generally acceptable engineering detail, two copies of which shall be furnished to the public works department. Valves shall be furnished with a standard valve box.
D. Hydrants shall stand plumb, be set to established street grade with the lowest outlet of the hydrant at least 18 inches above the adjacent finished grade and at least 36 inches of clear area around the hydrant for clearance of hydrant wrench on both outlets and on the control valve. The pumper port shall face the street, as determined by the fire marshal.
E. Where reasonably necessary to protect a hydrant from damage, the fire marshal may require hydrants to be protected by two or more posts, eight inches in diameter by five feet long, made either of reinforced concrete or steel.
F. If there presently exist fire hydrants which do not conform to these requirements, they shall be replaced with conforming hydrants upon redevelopment or the timetable established by the city's comprehensive plan.
G. No person shall plant any vegetation, erect any structure or perform any action which results in the obstruction of a fire hydrant for a distance of 50 feet along the immediate route of approach. The owner-occupant of any area in which a hydrant is located shall be responsible for removing weed and tree growth from around the hydrant for a distance of not less than five feet. The purpose of this section is to maintain clear approach and visual area around the hydrant.
H. The installation of the fire hydrants and mains may be accomplished by city capital contract, developers (as a condition of development) or public works department employees. All installations are to be approved by the city engineer.
I. Following the installation of fire hydrants, all pipes, valves and hydrants shall be pressure tested, purified, flushed and sampled to meet the requirements of the American Water Works Association, Standard No. C‑502. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].
19.25.075 Penalties.
A. Any person who violates any of the provisions of the IFC including those standards of the National Fire Protection Association specifically referenced in the IFC as adopted and amended herein or fails to comply therewith, or who violates or fails to comply with any order made thereunder, or who builds in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who fails to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by decision of the city's board of appeals or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the required time, shall severally for each and every such violation and noncompliance, respectively, be guilty of a gross misdemeanor, punishable as provided in ECC 5.50.020.
B. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation nor permit it to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time; and when not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions exist or are maintained shall constitute a separate offense. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions. [Ord. 3651 § 1, 2007].