HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO FIRE CODEO
Agenda Item: 8
1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: TAA,/�
DATE: June 27, 2023
SUBJECT: FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 2023 LOS
ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE - TITLE 32
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Michael Villegas
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council introduce an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, UPDATING THE CITY FIRE CODE —
TITLE 22 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE 2023 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE — TITLE 32;" waive reading
of text and consent to read by title only as listed on the agenda; pass to second reading; and set
the public hearing for July 11, 2023.
BACKGROUND
On January 31, 2023, the Los Angeles County (County) Board of Supervisors adopted
amendments to the Los Angeles County Fire Code (LACFC) Title 32 for the Consolidated Fire
Protection District of Los Angeles County (District). The 2023 LACK is now active in all areas
within the jurisdiction of the District, and it is required to be adopted/ratified by reference
through official action by the governing bodies of the constituent/contracting cities of the
District.
The 2023 edition of the LACK (as established by County Ordinance 2023-0008), which is
codified as Los Angeles County Code (LACC) Title 32, serves to express the County and
District amendments to the 2022 edition of the California Fire Code (CFC). These local
amendments are a set of regulations for 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.
The CFC, being Part 9 of the California Building Standards Code (i.e., Part 9 of CCR Title 24),
is limited in scope to only address building standards. As such, the State of California (State)
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does not adopt many portions of the CFC publication, and many essential fire- and life -safety
regulations are left out, including basic fire apparatus access provisions. The unadopted portions
of the CFC come from the International Fire Code (IFC), and they serve as suggested provisions
for local fire authorities to consider for adoption. The State permits these unadopted provisions
to remain in the CFC publication because it is expected that the local fire authority will
promulgate local amendments to the CFC publication as necessary during the local fire -code
adoption proceedings.
While local fire codes are required to incorporate the State -adopted portions of the latest CFC,
these local fire codes are not limited in scope the way the CFC is; and local fire codes can be
more restrictive than even the State -adopted portions. As such, local fire codes adopt the latest
CFC by reference and then amend and add to it as necessary to be more specific and restrictive in
order to address local safety and administrative needs. For these reasons, the County adopted the
2023 LACFC to meet the unique needs of County residents and cities.
The most recent amendment to Title 22 - City Fire Code was adopted by the City Council on
December 13, 2022, and became effective on January 1, 2023. The practice of adopting the
LACFC by reference has been the City's standard practice and occurs approximately every three
years. Included in this agenda is Exhibit A, which was provided by the County and District to
support the updates to the 2023 LACFC. If approved, this item would be brought back before the
City Council for a second reading and public hearing on July 11, 2023, and would become
effective 30 days after approval.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance
Exhibit A
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ORDINANCE NO. 23-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, UPDATING THE CITY FIRE CODE - TITLE 22 OF THE SANTA CLARITA
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2023 LOS ANGELES
COUNTY FIRE CODE — TITLE 32
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita lies within the jurisdictional boundaries of the
Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (District); and
WHEREAS, the District has responsibility for fire protection within said jurisdictional
boundaries; and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Governing Body of the
District did on January 31, 2023, adopt amendments to the District Fire Code by adopting by
reference, with certain changes and amendments, the 2022 edition of the California Fire Code
and portions of the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, as allowed by State law, the District Fire Code contains local amendments
that constitute more restrictive building standards relating to fire and panic safety than those
adopted by the State Fire Marshal and contained in the California Building Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13869.7(c) of the California Health and Safety Code,
local amendments containing such more restrictive building standards are not effective within the
jurisdictional boundaries of the City until ratified by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the City to ratify all of these more restrictive building
standards and to have those standards be enforced in the City; and
WHEREAS, the State of California (State) requires by its Government Code that local
jurisdictions adopt the latest State Building Standards Code.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Adopts the 2023 edition of the District Fire Code (the Los Angeles County
Fire Code, i.e. Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code) as the Fire Code for the City.
SECTION 2. Ratifies the ordinance amending the District Fire Code, adopted on
January 31, 2023, with an effective date of March 2, 2023, by the Board of Supervisors which
contains more restrictive building standards,
SECTION 3. Finds that the more restrictive building standards contained in the District
Fire Code are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions
in the City and adopts by reference the specific findings made in Section 445 of the ordinance.
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SECTION 4. This ordinance shall become effective and in full force thirty (30) days from
its passage and adoption.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 1 lth day of July 2023.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
DATE:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 23- was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the 271h day of June. That thereafter, said Ordinance was
duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 1 lth day of July 2023, by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance No. 23- and
was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
CITY CLERK
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
EXHIBIT A of CITY MOTION FOR ADOPTION:
Exhibit A - Section 450 from Ordinance Adopted by County Board of Supervisors on
January 31, 2023:
SECTION 445. FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF ADOPTION OF MORE
RESTRICTIVE BUILDING STANDARDS.
The provisions of this ordinance contain various changes, modifications, and additions to
the 2022 California Fire Code. Some of those changes are administrative in nature in that they do
not constitute changes or modifications to requirements contained in the building standards
adopted by the State Fire Marshal and published in the California Building Standards Code.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 17958.5, 17958.7, and 18941.5, the Board of
Supervisors hereby expressly finds and determines that all of the changes and modifications to
requirements contained in the building standards published in the California Building Standards
Code, contained in this ordinance, which are not administrative in nature, are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions in the County of
Los Angeles and in the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County ("District")
This expressed finding is supported and based upon the following more specific determinations
CLIMATIC — The County of Los Angeles/District is located in an area subject to climatic
conditions with long periods of low humidity and hot weather, combined with unpredictable
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seasonal high winds (Santa Ana wind conditions), resulting in increased exposure to fire risk. a
This combination of events creates an environment that is conducive to rapidly spreading fires. x
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Control of such fires requires rapid response. With the time that is required to deal with potential
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obstacles from the wind, such as fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles, in addition to the time
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required to climb 75 feet vertically up flights of stairs, the ability to respond rapidly is negatively
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
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impacted. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind at 60 feet above the
ground. Use of aerial -type firefighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel w
at increased risk of injury. High winds will also cause burning embers to become airborne
resulting in the rapid spread of a fire to nearby structures. Immediate containment of a fire is the
only method by which it can be controlled during high wind conditions. In high fire severity zones,
a unique combination of low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation exists.
GEOLOGICAL — The County of Los Angeles/District is located in the middle of the
seismically active area identified as Seismic Zone 4. The viability of the public water system would
be questionable at best after a major seismic event. Tall buildings would become vulnerable to
uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of
any available water to floors above the 55-foot level. A severe seismic event has the potential to
negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create significant
physical obstacles and logistical challenges. With the probability of strong aftershocks, there exists
a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors.
Geological conditions created by the numerous faults will result in increased fire danger to
structures, delayed Fire Department response, and unique rescue challenges. Seismic events of
sufficient magnitude will cause substantial damage to structures. These damages are likely to be
accompanied by a substantial number of fires that may exceed the Fire Department suppression
capabilities. Accordingly, built-in fire suppression systems provide the only adequate measure to a
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The County of Los Angeles/District is subject to occasional severe rainstorms. The impacts
from these rainstorms are exacerbated if hillside areas have been burned by wildland fires
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because significant mud and debris flows can occur. Mud and debris flows can impair Fire
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Department access or delay response times if access roads are obstructed by mud or debris.
TOPOGRAPHICAL — The topographical conditions of the County of Los Angeles/District
includes many mountains, hills, and canyons which tend to accelerate the periodic high -velocity
winds by means of a Venturi effect. These canyon winds and the significant growth of vegetation of
combustible nature increase the fire danger. Additionally, long periods of dry, hot weather, combinec
with unpredictable seasonal winds (Santa Ana wind conditions) result in increased exposure to fire
risk. The hillside areas have access roads that are narrow, steep, and contain many sharp curves, a
of which makes timely response by large fire apparatus difficult.
The specific sections of this code that constitute more restrictive building standards are
identified in the table set forth below. The more restrictive building standards contained in this code
and identified in the table below shall be applicable only in those cities served by the District which
have ratified the aforesaid sections in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section
13869.
Section
Local Condition
Explanation and Findings
304.1.2 —
Climatic and
Local amendment requiring brush clearance to
Vegetation
Topographical
maintain defensible space for fire operations that
is necessary due to the unique climate and
topography of the County/District to reduce risk of
fire and to minimize the spreading of fire to
structures.
314.4 —
Climatic,
Local amendment providing the fuel -amount
Vehicles
Geological, and
equivalencies for indoor display of vehicles using
Topographical
alternative fuels and other newer technologies.
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
earthquake movement and damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
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Section
Local Condition
Explanation and Findings
316.6.1 —
Climatic,
Imposes additional requirements for the
Structures
Geological, and
grounding of construction under high -voltage
Topographical
transmission lines to protect property, the public,
and fire fighters responding to emergencies.
Necessary due to the unique climate and
topography of the County/District to reduce risk of
fire, to reduce the possibility of fires being causes
by downed high -voltage transmission lines, to
minimize the spreading of fires that may begin
under transmission lines, and to protect fire
fighters responding to emergencies under
transmission lines. Further necessary because
risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County/District.
321 — Artificial
Administrative
Deletion in order to clarify that neither the State
Combustible
nor the District adopts this section or the sections
Vegetation
of Chapter 8 that are referenced by it.
322.3 — Fire
Administrative
Declaratory of existing law for clarification to the
safety Ian
code user.
322.4.1 —
Climatic,
Local amendment providing the ability for the fire
Limited indoor
Geological, and
code official to consider other factors affecting
storage in
Topographical
the safety of the placement containers used for
containers
the collection of damaged and used lithium -
based batteries. These batteries have been
identified as a known source of fires, especially
when damaged or aged. Necessary due to the
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
326.7 — Fire
Climatic,
Local amendment to require fire safety measures
protection
Geological, and
including but not limited to water supply,
facilities
Topographical
firebreaks, posting of fire watchers, access roads,
required
restriction of activities during high fire hazard and
other conditions to maintain reasonable fire
safety. Necessary due to the unique climate and
topography of the County/District to reduce risk of
fire, to reduce the possibility of wildland fires
spreading to structures, and to minimize impacts
of fire. Further necessary because risk of fire is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
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Section
Local Condition
Explanation and Findings
in the County/District.
326.12.2 —
Climatic and
Local amendment to reduce the threat of fires by
Chimneys
Topographical
requiring spark arrestors on chimneys that is
necessary due to the unique climate and
topography of the County/District to reduce risk of
fire and to minimize impacts of fire. Such spark
arrestors reduce the likelihood of embers exiting
a chimney and igniting a fire. These spark
arrestors are required by the SFM in both CCR
Title 19 and the Building Code.
326.14 —
Climatic and
Local amendment requiring clearance of
Roadway
Topographical
roadways to provide adequate access for
clearance
firefighting apparatus, to create defensible space
for fire operations, and to reduce the possibility of
wildland fires spreading to structures. Necessary
due to the unique climate and topography of the
County/District.
401.10 — Fire
Climatic,
Provides for consistency in the minimum
watch
Geological, and
requirements of a fire watch program. Necessary
procedures,
Topographical
to ensure adequate response times and actions
401.10.1,
due to the unique climatic and topographical
401.10.2,
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire
401.10.3,
hazard severity zones. Further necessary
401.10.4,
because risk of fire is increased due to the
401.10.5,
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
401.10.6.
503.1.1 —
Climatic,
Provides for clarification regarding the
Buildings and
Geological, and
determination of the fire code official for certain
facilities
Topographical
special circumstances. Necessary to ensure
adequate response times and actions due to the
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity
zones. Further necessary because risk of fire is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in the County/District.
503.1.2 —
Climatic,
Provides for additional access requirements
Additional
Geological, and
necessary because of terrain, climate, or other
access.
Topographical
factors that limit access. Necessary to ensure
adequate response times due to the unique
climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity
zones. Further necessary because risk of fire is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in the County/District.
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Section
Local Condition
Explanation and Findings
503.2.1 —
Climatic,
Requires unobstructed clearance to sky on fire
Dimensions,
Geological, and
apparatus access roads with exception for
503.2.1.1,
Topographical
protected tree species. Necessary to prevent
503.2.1.2,
obstruction of access roads by tree limbs or other
503.2.1.2.1,
obstructions and thus allow for quick response
503.2.1.2.2,
times to fires and other emergencies. Necessary
503.2.1.2.2.1,
to ensure adequate response times due to the
503.2.1.2.2.2
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity
zones. Requires sufficient fire apparatus access
road widths and the location of said roads in
respect to buildings. Necessary because risk of
fire and collapse is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
503.2.4 —
Climatic,
Provides for more stringent width, turning radius,
Turning radius,
Geological, and
and grade specifications for access roads to
503.2.5 —
Topographical
ensure access for fire apparatus. Necessary due
Dead -ends,
to unique climatic and topographical conditions
503.2.7 —
that increase the risk of fires. Further necessary
Grade
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
503.4 —
Climatic,
Adds speed bumps and speed humps to list of
Obstruction of
Geological, and
prohibited obstructions to fire apparatus access
fire apparatus
Topographical
roads. Speed bumps and speed humps reduce
access roads
response times to fires and other emergencies
because fire apparatus have to slow down to
pass over them or drive around them. Necessary
to ensure adequate response times due to the
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity
zones. Further necessary because risk of fire is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in the County/District.
503.4.1 —
Climatic,
Requires fire code official approval to install
Traffic -calming
Geological, and
traffic calming devices such as speed bumps and
devices
Topographical
speed humps. Such devices can reduce
response times to fires and other emergencies.
Necessary to ensure adequate response times
due to the unique climatic and topographical
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire
hazard severity zones. This section is necessary
because the risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
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503.6 — Gates
Climatic,
Requires gates placed across fire apparatus
Geological, and
access roads meet parameters to ensure
Topographical
emergency access widths and operability.
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
earthquake damage, and electrical power
interruption that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District.
503.7 — Fire
Climatic,
Requires fire apparatus access roads in
apparatus
Geological, and
recreational vehicle, mobile home, manufactured
access roads
Topographical
housing, sales lots, and storage lots. Necessary
in recreational
to ensure adequate water supply and access to
vehicle, mobile
such locations due to the unique climatic and
home,
topographical conditions that increase the risk of
manufactured
fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
housing, sales
necessary because the risk of fire is increased
lots, and
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
storage lots
County/District.
503.8 — Fire
Climatic,
Requires additional fire apparatus access roads
apparatus
Geological, and
in mobile home parks and special occupancy
access roads
Topographical
parks. Necessary to ensure adequate water
in mobile
supply and access to such locations due to the
home parks
unique climatic and topographical conditions that
and special
increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity
occupancy
zones. Further necessary because risk of fire is
parks
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in the County/District.
504.5 —
Climatic,
Provides for emergency access to and egress
Rooftop
Geological, and
from the roof in the event of fire or other
barriers and
Topographical
emergency. Necessary because of increased
parapets
danger of fire in the County/District due to unique
climatic geological, and topographical conditions.
506.1 — Where
Climatic,
Local amendment providing for access to
required
Geological, and
structures or areas where immediate access is
Topographical
necessary for life-saving or fire -fighting purposes.
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District. These factors also
complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
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507.2.2 —
Climatic,
Requires installation and maintenance standards
Water tanks
Geological, and
for water tanks providing water for fire protection.
Topographical
Extends certain requirements to associated
support structures and piping. Necessary due to
the increased risks of fire and exposure that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These unique conditions also
increase emergency response times, thereby
increasing the time during which these water tank
systems must remain in functional order.
507.5.10 —
Climatic,
Provides posting of sign to notify Fire Department
Draft system
Geological, and
of draft hydrants, including those for swimming
identification
Topographical
pools and spas in fire hazard severity zone.
sign
Necessary because of unique climatic and
topographical conditions that increase the risk of
fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
509.1.1 —
Climatic,
Provides for identification and access to the
Utility and
Geological, and
disconnection means that are required for
hazardous
Topographical
hazardous equipment and/or energy sources
equipment
serving structures, as necessary for the
identification,
protection of life and for fire -fighting purposes.
509.2 —
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
Equipment
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
and
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
disconnection-
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
means access,
of the County/District. These factors also
509.3
complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
510.1 —
Administrative
Clarifies how the fire code official will make the
Emergency
determination that is required of them by the
responder
State code.
communication
coverage
(ERCC) in new
buildings
510.4.1,
Climatic,
When the circumstances of a structure
510.4.1.1,
Geological, and
necessitate emergency responder
510.4.1.2,
Topographical
communication coverage systems, this
510.4.2,
amendment specifies "critical areas" of the
510.4.2.3,
building, referred to in the State code, at which it
510.5, 510.5.1,
is critical that emergency ersonnel have radio
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510.5.4, 510.6,
coverage. This list of areas is built upon the list
510.6.2
of areas that are required to be served when a
ERCC —
wired system is installed in lieu of an emergency
coverage
responder radio coverage system. Systems are
required to be provided with standby power for a
duration of time. Amendment also clarifies
required design standards otherwise left up to
determination by the fire code official. Necessary
due to the increased risks of fire, earthquake
movement and damage, and electrical power
interruption that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District. Further necessary due to
the artificial topographical physical features of a
structure or area that limit and/or interfere with
emergency radio communications for first
responders.
603.4 —
Climatic,
Provides for maintenance of the working
Working space
Geological, and
clearances that are required to be maintained
and
Topographical
about electrical equipment such as electrical
clearances
panels and other equipment specified by the
Electrical Code. Necessary due to the increased
risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
603.4.1 —
Climatic,
Provides clarification of the interpretation of this
Electrical
Geological, and
section, and reference to the related section of
signage and
Topographical
code. Necessary due to the increased risks of
labeling
fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
604.4 —
Climatic,
Provides guidance with local criteria that the fire
Emergency
Geological, and
code official will use in making the determination
signs
Topographical
required of them by this section. Necessary due
to the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
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County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
901.E —
Climatic,
Prohibits obstruction or impairment of fire
Inspection,
Geological, and
protection and life safety system equipment,
testing, and
Topographical
including initiating devices, alarm notification
maintenance
appliances, and annunciators. Necessary due to
the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
901.6.4 —
Climatic,
Introductory section to Sections 901.6.4.1
Aboveground
Geological, and
through 901.6.4.4. Necessary due to the
controls and
Topographical
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
valves for
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
water -based
consequences of the unique climatic,
fire protection
topographical, and geological conditions of the
systems
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
901.6.4.1 —
Climatic,
Provides signage requirements for water -control
Signage
Geological, and
valves to facilitate fire-fighter identification and
Topographical
use of said valves in an emergency. Necessary
because of unique climatic and topographical
conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire
hazard severity zones. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
901.6.4.2 —
Climatic,
Provides for the security, and accessibility to
Locks
Geological, and
proper authorities, of water -based fire protection
Topographical
systems. Necessary due to the increased risks
of fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
901.6.4.3 —
Climatic,
Provides for the identification and maintenance of
Painting
Geological, and
water -based fire protection systems. Necessary
identification
Topographical
due to the increased risks of fire, earthquake
damage, and unpredictable power fluctuations
that are consequences of the unique climatic,
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topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
901.6.4.4 —
Climatic,
Provides clearance requirements for water -
Clear space
Geological, and
control valves to facilitate fire-fighter identification
Topographical
and use of said valves in an emergency.
Necessary because of unique climatic and
topographical conditions that increase the risk of
fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further
necessary because risk of fire is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
903.2.8 —
Climatic,
Requires that fire sprinklers be installed in mobile
Group R
Geological, and
homes and manufactured homes located outside
Topographical
of mobile home parks. Necessary due to the
increased risks of fire and exposure that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District.
903.2.11.7 —
Climatic,
Provides an additional level of protection to
Occupancies
Geological, and
occupancies in case of a fire by requiring
in fire hazard
Topographical
installation of automatic fire sprinklers.
severity zones
Necessary because of unique climatic and
and within the
topographical conditions that increase the risk of
San Gabriel
catastrophic fires in fire hazard severity zones
South face
and due to the topography that reduces response
Area or
times to fires. Further necessary because risk of
Malibu —Santa
fire is increased due to the prevalence of
Monica
earthquakes in the County/District.
Mountains
Area
903.4.2,
Climatic,
Provides for fire-fighter access to the alarm
903.4.2.1 —
Geological, and
system information/status where necessary due
Remote
Topographical
to otherwise being inaccessible or inapparent.
annunciator
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District. These factors also
complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
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904.1.1 —
Administrative
Clarification to the code user that neither the
Certification of
Consolidated Fire Protection District of
service
Los Angeles County, nor the State of California
personnel for
adopt this section.
fire -
extinguishing
Equipment
904.3.5 —
Climatic,
Requires monitoring of all automatic fire -
Monitoring
Geological, and
extinguishing systems when a sprinkler
Topographical
monitoring system is otherwise required.
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire and
exposure that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District.
905.2.1 —
Climatic
Construction and installation requirements for
Class I
Class I standpipes to ensure adequate fire
standpipes
protection systems and water supply due to fires
in the hot and windy climate of the
County/District.
905.4 —
Climatic
Installation/Regulation of Fire Protection System
Location of
to ensure proper location of hose connection to
Class I
control fires in the hot and windy climate of the
standpipe
County/District.
hose
connections,
905.4.3
905.5.3 —
Climatic
Installation and regulation of interior wet
Class II
standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection
system
system due to fires in the hot and windy climate
1'/-inch hose
of the County/District.
905.9 — Riser
Climatic
Additional requirements to fire protection system
shutoff valve
for testing, maintenance, and operation.
supervision
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
and drain
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions.
905.13 —
Climatic
Size requirements for Class III standpipes to
Standpipe
ensure adequate fire protection system.
diameter
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions.
910.2 — Where
Climatic and
Requires smoke and heat removal for buildings.
required
geological
Necessary to increase ability of fire fighters to
respond to, and fight, fires in buildings.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
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the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions and the prevalence of earthquakes in
the County/District.
910.2.3 —
Climatic,
Requires smoke and heat removal for basement -
Group S-2
Geological, and
level parking garages. Necessary to increase
Topographical
ability of fire fighters to respond to fires in parking
garages. Necessary due to the increased risks of
fire and earthquake damage that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. Further necessary due to the
artificial topographical physical features of a
structure or area that limit and/or interfere with
the ability of emergency responders to protect
life property, and the environment.
910.3 —
Climatic,
Requirements for smoke and heat vents in
Smoke and
Geological, and
buildings. Necessary due to the increased risks
heat vent
Topographical
of fire and earthquake damage that are
design and
consequences of the unique climatic,
installation.
topographical, and geological conditions of the
910.3.2,
County/District. Further necessary due to the
910.3.4,
artificial topographical physical features of a
910.3.4.1,
structure or area that limit and/or interfere with
910.3.4.2,
the ability of emergency responders to protect
910.3.4.2.1,
life, property, and the environment.
910.3.4.2.2,
910.3.4.3
910.3.5
910.4.3,
Geological
Requirements for smoke and heat vents and
910.4.4 —
mechanical smoke removal systems in buildings.
Mechanical
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
smoke
the County/District due to seismic concerns with
removal
potential water supply issues.
systems
912.2 —
Geological and
Requires that more than one fire department
Location
Topographical
connection may be required. Necessary due to
natural and artificial local topography, and the
effects of seismic activity that could limit and/or
interfere with the ability of emergency responders
to access certain locations.
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912.2.1 —
Climatic,
Requires fire department connections to be
Visible location
Topographical,
located within 150 feet of a public fire hydrant
Geological
and at a safe distance from the building.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions. Further necessary because the risk
of fire is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County/District.
912.7 —
Climatic,
Clarifies where provisions for signage, painting,
Inspection,
Geological, and
hose threads, physical protection, and clear
testing and
Topographical
space, for fire department connections, shall
maintenance
apply. Necessary due to the increased risks of
fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
912.8 —
Climatic,
Requires red paint on fire department
Identification
Topographical
connections subject to rust or corrosion to identify
— paint color
them to fire fighters and protect from the
elements. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County/District due to hot
and windy conditions.
912.9 —
Climatic,
Requires breakable caps or plugs for fire hose
Breakable
Topographical
couplings to protect them from the elements and
caps or plugs
to ensure easy access to the fire department
connection during fires. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to hot and windy conditions.
914.9.1 —
Climatic
Requires spray booths to have automatic fire
Spray booths
sprinkler system protection under specified
conditions. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County/District due to hot
and windy conditions. Further necessary
because the risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
1032.4 — Exit
Climatic,
Requirements for minimum exit signage
signs,
Geological, and
maintenance, including a bringing -to -one -location
1032.4.1,
Topographical
of existing CA requirements scattered about the
1032.4.2,
code and/or providing reference thereto.
1032.4.3
Addresses warnings against elevator use in an
emergency, and stairway access. Necessary to
ensure proper notice and evacuation in case of
fire or other emergency. Necessary because of
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increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to hot and windy conditions. Further necessary
because risk of fire and need for evacuation is
increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes
in the County/District.
1103.11 —Fire
Climatic,
Clarifies where provisions for fire department
department
Geological, and
access apply, including reference to a related
access
Topographical
section of the code. Necessary due to the
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1203.2.3 —
Climatic,
Maintains current level of safety by maintaining
Emergency
Geological, and
current standby -power capacity duration for
responder
Topographical
emergency responder communication coverage
communication
systems. Necessary due to the increased risks
coverage
of fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
systems.
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
1203.2.5 —
Climatic,
Maintains current level of safety by maintaining
Exhaust
Geological, and
current standby -power capacity duration for
ventilation
Topographical
electrical energy storage system mechanical
exhaust ventilation systems. Necessary due to
the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
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1203.2.7 —
Climatic,
Corrects reference number for section
Gas detection
Geological, and
addressing exhaust ventilation for electrical
systems
Topographical
energy storage systems. Necessary due to the
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1204.4 —
Climatic,
Clarifies when grounding will be required of
Grounding
Geological, and
portable generators. Necessary due to the
Topographical
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1205.2 —
Climatic,
Clarifies that exceptions to access and pathway
Access and
Geological, and
requirements may not negate the ability of
pathway
Topographical
occupants to reliably identify escape and rescue
pathways and avoid electrified components
therein. Necessary due to the increased risks of
fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
1205.4 —
Climatic,
Provides reference to the related section of code.
Buildings with
Geological, and
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
rapid
Topographical
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
shutdown
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District. These factors also
complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
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1205.5.1 —
Climatic,
Clarifies where this maintenance provision
Vegetation
Geological, and
applies. Necessary due to the increased risks of
control
Topographical
fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
conditions of the County/District. These factors
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
1206.10 —
Climatic,
Provides reference to the related section of code,
Manual shutoff
Geological, and
and harmonizes this section thereto. Necessary
Topographical
due to the increased risks of fire, earthquake
damage, and unpredictable power fluctuations
that are consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1207.1.2 —
Climatic,
Require approved permitting for electrical energy
Permits,
Geological, and
storage systems (ESS), including
1207.1.3,
Topographical
criteria/clarification regarding hazard mitigation
1207.1.4,
analysis and special approvals beyond what the
1207.1.4.1,
code allows by default. Necessary due to the
1207.1.4.2,
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
1207.1.5,
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
1207.1.7
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1207.3.4,
Climatic,
Specifies design and installation requirements for
1207.3.4.1,
Geological, and
electrical energy storage systems (ESS).
1207.3.5
Topographical
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
of the County/District. These factors also
complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
1207.4 —
Climatic,
Specifies/clarifies location, separation, and
General
Geological, and
signage requirements for electrical energy
installation
Topographical
storage systems (ESS). Provides clarification
requirements,
and reference to other code requirements already
1207.4.1,
applicable to these installations. Necessary due
1207.4.2,
to the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
1207.4.7,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
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1207.4.8 —
consequences of the unique climatic,
Signage
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, responding resources, water
needs and availability, and access.
1207.5.2,
Climatic,
Specifies/clarifies location and separation
1207.5.8,
Geological, and
requirements for electrical energy storage
Table 1207.7,
Topographical
systems (ESS). Maintains preexisting safety
1207.7.1,
levels. Necessary due to the increased risks of
1207.7.2,
fire, earthquake damage, and unpredictable
1207.7.3,
power fluctuations that are consequences of the
1207.7.4,
unique climatic, topographical, and geological
1207.8.3,
conditions of the County/District. These factors
1207.8.4
also complicate response times, water needs and
availability, and access.
1207.4.13,
Climatic,
Specifies requirements for fire -extinguishing
1207.5.4 —
Geological, and
systems, ventilation, standby power, gas
Fire detection,
Topographical
detection, explosion control, and the ability to
1207.6.1.1,
release energy, for electrical energy storage
1207.6.1.2,
systems (ESS). Includes references to the code
1207.6.1.2.1,
sections regarding fire department connections
1207.6.1.2.2,
and hydrants. Necessary due to the increased
1207.6.1.2.3,
risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
1207.6.1.2.4
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
Table 1207.6,
Climatic,
Specifies design and installation requirements for
1207.6.1.1—
Geological, and
various battery technologies used in electrical
1207.6.1.2.4
Topographical
energy storage systems (ESS). Necessary due
to the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1207.6.3 —
Administrative
Corrects typo to reference therein to a section
Explosion
within Chapter 1, which was reorganized in
control
2021 /2022.
1207.4.E —
Climatic,
Clarifies that combustible storage within ESS
Combustible
Geological, and
cabinets and enclosures is not allowed, and that
storage,
Topographical
vegetation maintenance (operational)
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1207.5.7 —
requirements for electrical energy storage
Vegetation
systems (ESS) apply to both new and existing
installations. Necessary due to the increased
risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1207.9.4,
Climatic,
Addresses special installations of battery energy
1207.9.5
Geological, and
storage systems (ESS), including those on
Topographical
rooftops and in parking garages. Necessary due
to the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
Table 1207.10,
Climatic,
Addresses mobile versions of electrical energy
1207.10.6,
Geological, and
storage system (ESS) installations. Necessary
1207.10.7.2,
Topographical
due to the increased risks of fire, earthquake
1207.10.7.3,
damage, and unpredictable power fluctuations
1207.10.7.6
that are consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
1207.11,
Climatic,
Addresses installations of battery energy storage
1207.11.1,
Geological, and
systems in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies.
1207.11.2.1,
Topographical
Maintains and clarifies standing requirements in
1207.11.3,
the jurisdiction in order to maintain minimum
1207.11.3.1,
levels of safety regarding explosion, fire, and
1207.11.4,
toxic gas hazards, both for the property in
1207.11.5.1,
question and that of neighboring properties.
1207.11.6,
Necessary due to the increased risks of fire,
1207.11.7,
earthquake damage, and unpredictable power
1207.11.7.1,
fluctuations that are consequences of the unique
Figure
climatic, topographical, and geological conditions
1207.11.7.1,
of the County/District. These factors also
1207.11.7.2,
complicate response times, responding
1207.11.7.3,
resources, water needs and availability, and
1207.11.7.4,
access.
1207.11.7.4.1,
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1207.11.7.4.2,
1207.11.8
2007.9 —
Climatic and
Provides for public safety by an
Emergency
Topographical
evacuation/landing area on high-rise buildings
Helicopter
and the maintenance thereof. Necessary due to
Landing
large number of high-rise buildings in the
Facility
County/District and difficulty in evacuating high-
(EHLF),
rise buildings, and getting resources thereto, in
2007.9.1
case of fire or other emergency.
2007.10 —
Climatic,
Provides design standards for helistops and
Ground -based
Geological, and
heliports, primarily for establishment in fire
helicopter
Topographical
hazard severity zones, to enable helicopters and
facilities,
associated water tenders and support equipment
2007.10.1 —
to safely operate to conduct operations to combat
Surface
fires and render other services in those areas.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions and topography that hinders the ability
for fire apparatus to gain access to remote
portions of the County/District. Further
necessary due to the increased risks of
earthquake damage that complicate response
times, water needs and availability, and access.
2007.10.2 —
Climatic;
Requires a hydrant next to helistops and
Hydrant
Topographical
heliports, especially in fire hazard severity zones,
to enable helicopters to fill their tanks to facilitate
water drops on wildland fires in those areas, and
for response to aviation accidents. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in the
County/District due to hot and windy conditions
and topography that hinders the ability for fire
apparatus to gain access to remote portions of
the County/District.
2007.10.3 —
Climatic;
Adopts requirements for fire apparatus access to
Access
Topographical
helistops and heliports, especially in fire hazard
severity zones, to enable support equipment and
apparatus associated with helicopter operations
to combat fires and render other services in those
areas. Necessary because of increased danger
of fire in the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions and topography that hinders the ability
for fire apparatus to gain access to remote
portions of the County/District.
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2007.11 —
Climatic,
Requires maintenance of the safe and necessary
Maintenance,
Geological, and
functionality of a new or existing helicopter facility
2007.11.1 —
Topographical
intended to some extent for emergency Fire
Fire
Department use. Where such functionality or
Department
availability is impaired, a permit and/or
permit
notification is required. Necessary because of
required
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to hot and windy conditions; and both topography
and seismic geological activity that hinders the
ability for fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
2203.3 — Dust-
Climatic,
Clarifies applicability of this provision, corrects
collection
Geological, and
reference error by the State, and maintains the
systems
Topographical
required interlock provision. Necessary due to
the increased risks of fire, earthquake damage,
and unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
2203.4.2 —
Climatic,
Maintains the requirement for permanent
Static
Geological, and
grounding or bonding in accordance with
electricity
Topographical
approved standards. Necessary due to the
increased risks of fire, earthquake damage, and
unpredictable power fluctuations that are
consequences of the unique climatic,
topographical, and geological conditions of the
County/District. These factors also complicate
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
2404.4 — Fire
Climatic
Provides for spray booths to be equipped with
protection
automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to hot and windy conditions.
2504.6, 2507.2
Climatic and
Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening
— Fruit and
Geological
operations to prevent ignition of ethylene gas and
crop -ripening
reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in the
County/District due to hot and windy conditions
and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from
earthquakes.
3104.5 —
Climatic,
Provides notice within the section concerning
Helicopter
Geological, and
tents and temporary membrane structures that
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landing
Topographical
consideration must be given to nearby helicopter
facilities
landing facilities so as not to interfere with their
safe and necessary functionality. Necessary
because of increased danger of fire in the
County/District due to hot and windy conditions;
and both topography and seismic geological
activity that hinders the ability for ground -based
fire apparatus to gain access to portions of the
County/District, including for patient care.
3107.15.2.1 —
Climatic,
Harmonizes the code by providing reference to
Quantity limit
Geological, and
the related section of the code. Necessary
Topographical
because of increased danger of fire in the
County/District due to hot and windy conditions;
and both topography and seismic geological
activity that hinders the ability for ground -based
fire apparatus to gain access to portions of the
County/District, including for patient care.
3107.18 —
Climatic and
Increased clearance requirements for
Combustible
Topographic
combustible vegetation near tents and membrane
vegetation
structures. Necessary to increase fire and life
safety around such structures and to create
defensible space. Necessary because of fire risk
due to climate and unique topography of the
County/District.
Table 3206.2
Climatic and
Removes an exception for smoke and heat
Geological
removal in high -piled combustible storage.
Necessary because of unique climatic conditions
that increase the risk of fires. Further necessary
because risk of fire is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
3305.5.2.1 —
Climatic,
Harmonizes this new provision to the other
Duties
Geological, and
longstanding requirements for fire watch within
Topographical
the code. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County/District due to hot
and windy conditions; and both topography and
seismic geological activity that hinders the ability
for ground -based fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
3505.9 —
Geological
Requires protective devices to be installed on
Flashback
fuel gas and oxygen lines to increase safety and
prevention
reduce risk of explosion and fire. Necessary
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
4801.3 —
Climatic,
Clarifies the interpretation of the code for the
Definitions
Geological, and
code user. Necessary because of increased
Topographical
danger of fire in the County/District due to hot
and windy conditions; and both topography and
seismic geological activity that hinders the ability
for ground -based fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
4902.1 —
Climatic,
Provides definitions by which to clarify the
General
Geological, and
interpretation of the code for the code user.
Topographical
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions; and both topography and seismic
geological activity that hinders the ability for
ground -based fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
4906.2 —
Climatic,
Serves to clarify the interpretation of the code for
Application
Geological, and
the code user. Necessary because of increased
Topographical
danger of fire in the County/District due to hot
and windy conditions; and both topography and
seismic geological activity that hinders the ability
for ground -based fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
4906.3 —
Climatic,
Original content is being moved to become
Landscape
Geological, and
subsections of 4906.3, and these sections are
Plans,
Topographical
being utilized to explain the administrative
4906.3.1 —
procedures for fuel modification plans in fire
Contents
hazard severity zones within the jurisdiction.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to hot and windy
conditions; and both topography and seismic
geological activity that hinders the ability for
ground -based fire apparatus to gain access to
portions of the County/District, including for
patient care.
4906.3.2 —
Administrative
Provide administrative procedures regarding the
Penalties,
fuel modification plan process.
4906.3.3 —
Appeals,
4906.3.4 Fuel
modification
plan review
fee schedule
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
4906.3.5,
Administrative
Renumbering of code sections for harmonization
4906.3.5.1,
with longstanding local provisions within which
4906.4,
these processes (newly described by new State
4906.4.1,
language) have and will continue to take place.
4906.4.2,
4906.4.2.1
4907.3 —
Administrative
Provides reference to other applicable codes;
Requirements
declaratory of existing law.
4907.3 —
Climatic and
Local amendment providing notice of preexisting
Requirements
Topographical
requirement that defensible space shall also
comply with vegetation clearance requirements
elsewhere in the Fire Code (e.g., for LPG tanks,
PV, and ESS), as well as specifically within
Chapter 3 of this code. Necessary due to the
unique climate and topography of the
County/District to reduce risk of fire and to
minimize impacts of fire in Fire Hazard Severity
Zone.
5003.11.3.8 —
Climatic and
Creates requirements for floors in buildings
Floors
Geological
where hazardous materials are used or stored.
Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to
minimize fire danger from hazardous materials.
Necessary because risk of fire and spillage of
hazardous materials is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
5704.2.8.3 —
Geological
Requires secondary containment of flammable
Secondary
and combustible liquids that are necessary to
containment
increase fire and life safety and to prevent fires
involving flammable and combustible liquids from
spreading. Necessary because risk of leaks or
tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County/District.
5704.2.8.16.1
Climatic and
Requires foam deluge system. Necessary
— System
Geological
because of increased danger of fire in the
requirements
County/District due to climatic conditions and
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
5704.2.9.1.1 —
Geological and
Requires all existing aboveground tanks
Required foam
Climatic
exceeding 1,500 square feet of liquid surface
fire protection
area used for the storage of Class I or Class II
systems
flammable liquids to be provided with foam fire
protection. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County/District due to
climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or
tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of
earthquakes in the County/District.
5704.2.9.6.1.3
Geological and
Provides for additional spacing between tanks to
— Location of
Climatic
reduce fire danger and help prevent fire from
tanks for boil
spreading to adjacent tanks. Necessary because
over liquids
of increased danger of fire in the County/District
due to climatic conditions and because risk of
leaks or tank failure is increased due to the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
5704.3.7.6 —
Geological and
Construction and fire access requirements for
Construction
Climatic
liquid storage rooms. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to climatic conditions and because risk of
explosion or container failure is increased due to
the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
5706.5.1.1 —
Geological and
Provides increased distances for bulk transfer
Location
Climatic
and process transfer operations so that they are
farther away from the public and other buildings.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to climatic conditions and
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
5706.5.1.19 —
Geological and
Class I, II, or III liquids shall be transferred from a
Liquid transfer
Climatic
tank vehicle or tank car only into an approved
atmospheric tank or approved portable tank.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to climatic conditions and
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
6104.4 —
Geological and
Requirements for LP -gas storage tank distances.
Multiple LP-
Climatic
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
gas container
the County/District due to climatic conditions and
installations
because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased
due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the
County/District.
Chapter 81 —
Climatic,
Creates requirements for fire access roads and
Automobile
Geological, and
storage requirements for tire storage in
wrecking yards
Topographical
automobile wrecking yards to enable fire
8104 — Fire
apparatus and fire fighters to gain access to fight
apparatus
fires and respond to emergencies. Necessary
access roads
due to the increased risks of fire, earthquake
8106 —
damage, and unpredictable power fluctuations
Housekeeping
that are consequences of the unique climatic,
8108 — Tires
topographical, and geological conditions of the
8110.4 —
County/District. These factors also complicate
Batteries
response times, water needs and availability, and
access.
Chapter 82 —
Administrative
Lists the violations deemed to be infractions
Infractions
rather than the standard misdemeanor required
by the provisions of Chapter 1.
Chapter 83 —
Administrative
Declaration of this code as the Fire Code for the
Consolidated
Consolidated Fire Protection District of
Fire Protection
Los Angeles County ("District").
District Of Los
Angeles
County Fire
Code
Appendix B,
Topographical
Provides for increased minimum fire -flow in fire
Section
and Climatic
hazard severity zones to allow for more water to
B105.1 — One-
be available to fight fires. Necessary because of
and two-family
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
dwellings,
to climatic and topographical conditions.
Group R-3 and
R-4 buildings
and
townhouses
Appendix B,
Topographical
Provides for increased fire -flow for subdivisions
Section
and Climatic
of certain undeveloped land due to the
B105.5 — Land
undetermined building size and type of
subdivision
construction to allow for sufficient water to be
projects
available to fight fires. Necessary because of
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to climatic and topographical conditions.
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
Appendix C,
Topographical
Provides for hydrant spacing on streets to ensure
Section
and Climatic
hydrants are accessible to fire fighters.
C102.2 —
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
Location on
the County/District due to climatic and
street
topographical conditions.
Appendix C,
Topographical
Provides for hydrant spacing to ensure that water
Section
and Climatic
is available to fight fires. Necessary because of
C105.2 —
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
One- and two-
to climatic and topographical conditions.
family
dwellings, and
Group R-3
buildings
Appendix C,
Topographical
Provides for hydrant spacing for buildings other
Section
and Climatic
than one- and two-family dwellings, and Group R-
C105.3 -
3 buildings to ensure that there is adequate water
Buildings other
supply available to fight fires. Necessary
than one- and
because of increased danger of fire in the
two-family
County/District due to climatic and topographical
dwellings, and
conditions.
Group R-3
buildings
Appendix C,
Topographical
Provides for hydrant spacing for cul-de-sacs to
Section
and Climatic
ensure that there is adequate water supply
C105.4 —
available to fight fires. Necessary because of
Cul-de-sac
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
hydrant
to climatic and topographical conditions.
location
Appendix C,
Topographical
Provides requirements for on -site hydrants to
Section
and Climatic
ensure that there is adequate water supply
C106 - On -site
available to fight fires. Necessary because of
hydrants
increased danger of fire in the County/District due
to climatic and topographical conditions.
Appendix 0,
Topographical,
Provides various design and location
Section 0103
Geographic, and
requirements for temporary haunted houses,
— General
Climatic
ghost walks, and similar amusement uses where
requirements
the means of egress are not apparent due to
decorative materials, confusing sounds, and/or
visual effects. Necessary because of increased
danger of fire in the County/District due to
climatic and topographical conditions and the
prevalence of earthquakes in the County/District.
Appendix PP —
Administrative
Portion of ordinance serving to fulfill the Statutory
Local Agency
requirements of the County/District per California
Very High Fire
Government Code Sections 51175 through
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ADOPTION & FILING OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE
Hazard
51189. Recognizes the authorities of the State to
Severity Zones
impose Fire Hazard Severity Zone designations
and of individual cities to expand upon them
within the parameters defined by State statute.
Also serves to define the "Malibu —Santa Monica
Mountains Area" and the "San Gabriel Mountains
South face Area" for the sprinkler provisions
therein, as described in Chapter 9.
Appendix QQ
Administrative
Provides the code user with the Fire Department
— Los Angeles
fee schedule, specifically for the services
County Fire-
provided by the Fire Department in accordance
Code Fee
with the Fire Code.
Schedule
Appendix RR
Topographical
Provides the basic fire- and life -safety
— Rifle Range
and Climatic
requirements for the operation of rifle ranges.
Necessary because of increased danger of fire in
the County/District due to climatic and
topographical conditions.
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