20E.100.10 Fire Code

This chapter and amendments hereto shall constitute the Redmond Fire Code and may be cited as such. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.010)

20E.100.10-020 Adoption.

The Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, including appendices Division I-A, B and C; II-A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J; III-C, and D; IV-A, and B; V-A; and VI-A, B, C, E, F, G, H, and I; and the 1997 Edition of Uniform Fire Code Standards including Appendix V-A, published by the International Fire Code Institute, together with the amendments, modifications, and exceptions in Chapters 51-44 and 51-45 WAC excluding changes to UFC Sections 103, 901, 902, and 7802, in their entirety as the same now exist or as they may be hereafter amended, except such portions as are hereinafter by this chapter deleted, modified, amended or added to, are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.020)

20E.100.10-030 Restrictions.

(1) Occupancies Prohibited. No Group H, Division 1 or 5 occupancies as defined in Section 307, Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition, shall be permitted.

Exception No. 1: A Group H, Division 1 occupancy may be allowed when approved by the Chief and the Building Official.

(2) Bulk Plants. Bulk plants referred to in Section 7904.4 of the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, shall be prohibited throughout the City except in areas zoned Manufacturing Park (MP) or Industry (I) pursuant to the City of Redmond Community Development Guide and shall be limited to underground storage only.

(3) Explosives. The limits, referred to in Section 7701.7.2 of the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited are established throughout the City except where special permits are issued by the Chief and safe storage and handling practice are maintained at all times.

(4) Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage. The limits referred to in Section 8204.2 of the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted are established throughout the City limits except areas zoned Manufacturing Park (MP) or Industry (I) pursuant to the Community Development Guide. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.040)

20E.100.10-040 Amendments.

The following are modifications or amendments to the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, as adopted in RCDG 20E.100.10-020 and shall correspond to the context of said Uniform Fire Code as if set out at length in their respective sections in lieu of or in addition to published sections or subsections. Where an amendment or modification replaces a published section or subsection, the published section or subsection shall be deemed void and deleted.

The owner, occupant or other person having under his control any property or materials on a property damaged by fire or explosion shall, when ordered by the Chief, immediately secure the property against entry or unauthorized access by the public, by boarding up all openings, fencing, barricading or utilizing other appropriate measures. Within 30 days after written notice to do so has been served, all debris and/or damaged materials shall be removed from the property and proof furnished that contractual arrangements have been made for prompt demolition, replacement or repair of all fire or explosion damaged structures remaining on the property involved in the fire or explosion.

Asphalt Kettles – to store, transport, and/or use, asphalt kettles and other related equipment. Such storage, transport and/or use must be done in accord with the Uniform Fire Code Section 1105, Redmond Fire Department Standards, and this Code (see RCDG 20E.100.10-050(3)).

(3) Add to Section 207 “Facility” definition by inserting after “tank farms,” as follows:

The Chief shall have the power and authority to remove or cause to be removed without notice, any vehicle, vessel or thing parked or placed in violation of Section 902.2.4.1 or 1001.7 of the Uniform Fire Code. The Chief may direct a property owner or property manager of a commercial or multi-family development to have such vehicles towed and/or contract with a towing company to have such vehicles towed when necessary to maintain fire access unobstructed. The owner of any item so removed shall be responsible for all towing, storage and other charges connected therewith.

The access roadway shall extend to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of any building and within 50 feet of at least 25 percent of the perimeter of the building. Where access roadway cannot be provided, approved fire protection system or systems shall be provided as required in RCDG 20E.100.10-080.

All required access roadways shall be constructed so that the maximum gradient is 10 percent. No access roadway or access road approach to a public way shall have an arc higher than 12 inches in less than 18 feet. Where these requirements cannot be provided, approved fire protection system or systems may be required by the Chief as indicated in RCDG 20E.100.10-080.

In any structure where the total area is 6,000 square feet or more. Computation of square footage shall be according to Redmond Fire Department Standards.

In any structure where the required fire flow as determined by the Chief in accordance with Redmond Fire Department Standards is 3,500 gallons per minute or more.

When required by the Chief, basement pipe inlets shall be installed in the first floor of every structure having a basement. Required basement pipe inlets shall be in accordance with the provisions of Appendix III-D.

All ashtrays shall be of non-combustible construction where ashes are contained. Waste smoking material or any other previously ignited or spontaneously ignitable material shall be discarded into solid, non-combustible containers having tight fitting lids of the same construction.

A permit is required to use or store an asphalt kettle or other similar equipment.

Minimum protection shall consist of protective posts installed in conformity with Redmond Fire Department Standards.

All aisles, corridors or similar areas providing exit from any portion of the building shall have a clear height of at least six feet six inches unless a higher minimum is otherwise required.

(15) Add Section 1207.8, Blocking of Self or Automatic Closing Doors, as follows:

Any door which is an integral part of a rated assembly and which is normally self or automatic closing shall not be blocked, obstructed or otherwise impaired or made inoperative.

In the event of normal power supply failure, automatic emergency exit illumination consisting of minimum battery pack type units shall be provided in exit corridors, stairways, main aisles, and exit passageways when:

(a) There are one or more floors above or below the principal grade of exit in any occupancy except R-3 or U unless all exits are exterior open balconies and/or stairs.

(b) There is an occupant load in excess of 50 for assembly, retail, or educational occupancies.

For an occupant load of less than 50, signs are required wherever necessary to clearly indicate the direction of exit travel and may be non-illuminated (internal or self) when approved by the Chief.

Secondary containment shall be provided for all new installations of storage tanks and associated piping.

Portable containers used for LPG, propane or similar gas of 15 gallons or less may be used inside of buildings with the approval of the Chief. Such a tank, all tubing, fittings, etc. shall be legibly and clearly labeled, secured against physical damage, maintained in a safe condition and used according to safe practices.

Fireworks. Refer to Chapter 9.26 RMC (Fireworks) and to RCW 70.77.120 et seq. (State Fireworks Law).

20E.100.10-050 Deletions.

The following portions cited from the Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition, as adopted in RCDG 20E.100.10-020, are hereby deleted:

20E.100.10-060 Fire Detection Systems.

The following regulations constitute general requirements of fire detection and alarm systems and supervisory and alarm requirements for sprinklered buildings. Specific requirements may be found in the Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(1) General Requirements. An approved supervised fire detection system shall have detectors sensitive to any of the products of combustion or fixed temperature and rate of rise detectors; a fire alarm panel; audible and visual alarm notification devices; contractual arrangements with a “prime contractor” for continuous central station monitoring, maintenance and repair; and exterior audible and visual signaling as required by Redmond Fire Department Standards for the particular occupancy. Alarm requirements for an approved supervised fire sprinkler system shall include water flow switches or pressure switches as applicable; applicable supervisory switches; tamper switches; a fire alarm panel; audible and visual alarm notification devices; contractual arrangements with a “prime contractor” for continuous central station monitoring, maintenance and repair; and exterior audible and visual signaling as required by Redmond Fire Department Standards for the particular occupancy [see item (7)].

(2) Maintenance. All approved systems shall be maintained and shall be under supervision of a responsible and qualified person or organization having a specialty low voltage license issued by the State of Washington, having a City of Redmond business license, and satisfying the requirements of the Redmond Fire Department Standards. Inspections, tests, repairs, notifications of trouble and alarm, records of all notifications and work done shall be as required in the Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(3) Where Required. An approved supervised and maintained fire detection system shall be required in the following structures. For the purposes of this section, an area separation or occupancy separation wall or a distance of 10 feet or less shall not constitute a separation between two structures on the same property.

(a) Throughout every structure used for residential occupancy containing five or more dwelling units, and not having an approved sprinkler system.

(b) Throughout every structure used for any purpose where the total area is 6,000 square feet or more and there is not an approved sprinkler system. Computation of square footage shall be according to Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(c) Throughout any structure where the total area is 3,000 square feet or more and there is not an approved sprinkler system except R-3 single-family residences; and provided, that this section shall have no application to any structure for which a building permit application was on file with the City as of July 1, 1986. Computation of square footage shall be according to Redmond Fire Department standards.

(d) When the option referenced in UBC 1004.3.4.3 Exception 4 or 6 is used, and a smoke detection system is to be used in lieu of fire resistive corridor construction, then it shall be installed per Redmond Fire Department standards for corridor smoke detection.

(e) Group H Division 1, 2 or 3 occupancies over 1,500 square feet in addition to an approved sprinkler system.

(f) Where required elsewhere by the Redmond Fire Code, UBC or State of Washington.

(4) Retroactive Application of Regulations. The requirements set forth in subsection (3) of this section are intended to apply retroactively to those existing structures identified below. The date by which all such structures are required to be in compliance is as indicated below:


Use/Structure	Compliance Date
Any occupancy except residential with a total area of 6,000 square feet or more	1/1/88

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, structures in areas annexed to the City shall not be required to comply with this chapter until the expiration of one year from the date of annexation. Except as provided above, subsection (3) of this section shall apply prospectively only, commencing upon the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

(a) Prior to the installation of a fire alarm system, specifications, calculations and a minimum of three copies of plans per Redmond Fire Department Standards shall be submitted to the fire department for approval and permit. The plans shall indicate the layout of all equipment to be used, and an accurate, scaled and dimensioned representation of floor and ceiling configurations, and wall, ceiling, attic and roof support details which could affect layout. The manufacturer and model number of each component of the system shall be indicated. An accurate accounting of all wire and devices used shall be listed. The ambient sound level used for the design shall be indicated.

(b) Prior to occupancy of the building, the fire alarm system shall be tested and/or inspected in the presence of, and shall be approved by, the Chief.

(a) When a building remodel or addition creates spaces which would otherwise be required to have detectors, the system shall be modified in an approved manner so that the building in its entirety will meet all the requirements for an approved system.

(b) Prior to modifications, plans shall be submitted as per RCDG 20E.100.10-060(5)(a) for approval and permit.

(c) Prior to occupancy of the remodeled or added portion, the modified alarm system shall be tested and/or inspected in the presence of, and approved by, the Chief as outlined in Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(7) Supervisory and Alarm Requirements for Sprinkler Systems. Any structure which has installed an approved sprinkler system shall have the flow and control valves monitored and supervised per Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(1) Approved domestically supplied local systems with 10 heads or less per building, if not otherwise required.

(a) The fire alarm system shall also supervise all above-ground exterior control valves for tamper and supervise low/high air pressure on dry sprinkler systems, as required in the Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(b) All monitored systems shall have an approved alarm panel and transmitter. All panels shall have battery back-up. Refer to Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(a) The use of any building not conforming to the provisions of this section and to which the provisions of this section would apply shall be terminated on or before January 1, 1988, unless the building has been made to comply with the requirements of this section. Buildings in portions of the City annexed subsequent to January 1, 1986, shall not be subject to the provisions of this section until the expiration of one year from the date of annexation. See subsection (4) of this section for retroactive application regulations.

Exception: Alarm systems which are required under subsection (3)(c) of this section until such time as the occupancy use changes.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (8)(a) of this section structures which are nonconforming to these requirements shall be required to meet current standards when alteration or expansion of the structure takes place and the following takes place within any three-year period: The gross floor area of the structure is increased by 100 percent or more; or the costs stated on all approved building permit applications for the structure equal or exceed the assessed value of the structure at the beginning of that three-year period. When such a nonconforming structure has been destroyed, damaged or has incurred a loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of its assessed or appraised value, whichever is greater, it shall thereafter conform to current requirements.

(9) Smoke Detection Devices. Compliance with State law is required. Compliance with the requirements of this section shall not relieve the owner or tenant of any structure governed, Laws of the State of Washington, relating to installation and maintenance of smoke detection devices, from the duty to comply with said statute. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.080)

20E.100.10-070 Sprinkler Systems.

The following regulations constitute general requirements for sprinkler systems:

(1) General Requirements. All approved sprinkler systems shall meet the requirements of the Redmond Fire Department Standards and the Redmond Fire Code. All systems shall have an adequate water supply, system of piping, and sprinkler heads designed to discharge water on a fire at an appropriate time and in an effective manner and when applicable, a DOH approved, maintained, and tested backflow preventer installed in either an exterior vault or inside the building at the riser. All underground sprinkler supply piping shall be included on civil drawings and shall be approved by the water supplier and the Redmond Fire Department.

(2) Maintenance. All approved systems shall be maintained per Redmond Fire Department Standards. Additionally, those who perform required maintenance and repair shall keep accurate records of all notifications and work done and shall make such reports to the Fire Department as required by the Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(3) Where Required. An approved sprinkler system shall be required in the following structures. For the purposes of this section, an area separation or occupancy separation wall or a distance of 10 feet or less shall not constitute a separation between two structures on the same property.

(a) All high-rise buildings constructed in Redmond shall be provided with an approved sprinkler system throughout.

(b) In any structure where the total area is 6,000 square feet or more. Computation of square footage shall be according to the Redmond Fire Department Standards.

(c) In any structure where the required fire flow as determined by the Chief in accordance with Redmond Fire Department Standards is 3,500 gallons per minute or more.

(d) When required by the Chief for the protection of exposures, etc., exterior sprinklers may be required when combustible materials are stored next to a fully sprinklered building.

(e) When in an R-1 occupancy there are more than four dwelling units or over eight guest units in a hotel or motel.

(g) When any non-sprinklered structure adds square footage so that the total area exceeds 10,000 square feet.

(h) Where required elsewhere by the Redmond Fire Code or the Uniform Building Code.

(a) Prior to the installation of a sprinkler system, specifications, calculations and a minimum of three copies of plans per Redmond Fire Department Standards shall be submitted to the fire department for approval. The plans shall indicate the layout of all equipment to be used and an accurate representation of floor and ceiling plans, with wall, ceiling, attic and roof support configurations. The manufacturer and model number of each component of the system shall be indicated. An accurate accounting of all heads, valves, and switches shall be listed. The commodity class(es) to be protected, the design layout, the design criteria, and the water supply assumptions shall be indicated.

(b) Prior to the occupancy of the building, the sprinkler system shall be tested and/or inspected in the presence of, and shall be approved by, the Chief. This applies to both the flow and supervision portions of the systems where applicable.

(a) When the remodel of, or addition to, a building to which this code applies creates spaces which would otherwise be protected by sprinkler heads, the system shall be modified in an approved manner so that the building in its entirety will meet all the requirements for an approved system.

(b) Prior to modifications, plans shall be submitted as per subsection (4)(a) of this section for approval.

(c) Prior to occupancy of the remodeled or added portion, the modified sprinkler system shall be tested in the presence of, and approved by, the Chief as per subsection (4)(b) of this section.

(6) Nonconforming Buildings. Except as provided in the Uniform Fire Code, Section 1.103(b) requirements for nonconforming uses and structures shall be as provided in subsection (3)(g) of this section. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926; Ord. 1537. Formerly 20E.80.090)

20E.100.10-080 Restricted Access Buildings.

(1) Where a building or portion of a building is so located or constructed with grades, elevations, vegetation or other natural or manmade obstacles which make exterior or interior access and/or use by fire apparatus, equipment or personnel unduly difficult, unsafe or impossible, additional safeguards shall be required by the Chief. Safeguards shall consist of the following applicable items or alternates suitable for firefighting and rescue operations as specified by the Chief:

(i) Emergency areas of refuge including horizontal exits and smoke-proof enclosures.

(2) All systems shall meet the design requirements set forth in the Redmond Fire Department Standards and Redmond Fire Code. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.100)

20E.100.10-090 New Materials, Processes or Occupancies Which May Require Permits.

The Director of Public Works, the Chief of the Fire Department and the Chairman of the Board of Appeals shall act as a committee to determine and specify, after giving the affected person an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies which may require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in said code. The Chief of the Fire Department shall cause such list to be posted in a conspicuous place in his office and distribute copies thereof to interested persons. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.120)

20E.100.10-100 Appeals.

Whenever the Chief of the Fire Department 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 has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decisions of the Chief to the Board of Appeals (Section 103.1.4, Uniform Fire Code, 1997 Edition) within 30 days of the decision appealed. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.130)

20E.100.10-110 Penalties and Enforcement.

(1) Penalties for Violations. Any person who violates any of the provisions of the Redmond Fire Code 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 the board of appeals or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed herein, shall, severally for each and every such violation and non-compliance respectively, be subject to the penalties for violations provided in RMC 1.01.110 or 1.14.060 as deemed applicable by the Chief. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue; and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time.

(2) The imposition of penalties upon conviction shall not preclude the City and the Chief from taking further appropriate legal action to cause compliance with the provisions of the Fire Code or to remove prohibited conditions. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.140)

20E.100.10-120 Building Permit Issuance and Occupancy.

The passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City. No building permit shall be issued until plans, which are in compliance with this chapter, have been submitted and approved. No building shall be occupied until such approved systems have been inspected and are operational. (Ord. 2014; Ord. 1926. Formerly 20E.80.150)