HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 3488 ORDINANCE NO. 3488
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
AMENDING CHAPTER 38 OF THE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS CODE OF
ORDINANCES AND ADOPTING THE 2012 EDITION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES B, C, D, F, H
AND I OF SUCH CODE; REGULATING AND GOVERNING THE
SAFEGUARDING OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM FIRE AND
EXPLOSION HAZARDS ARISING FROM THE STORAGE, HANDLING
AND USE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, MATERIALS AND
DEVICES, AND FROM CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE OR
PROPERTY IN THE OCCUPANCY OF BUILDINDS AND PREMISES IN
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF
PERMITS FOR HAZARDOUS USES OR OPERATIONS; PROVIDING A
PENALTY; AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the North Richland Hills City Council desires to amend Chapter 38 of the
North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances, to adopt the 2012 International
Fire Code along with Appendices B, C, D, F, H, and I to such code, with
amendments in order to better provide for the safety of residents of the
City and their property;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
Section 1: That Section 38-31 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances be
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 38-31. International Fire Code adopted.
The International Fire Code, 2012 Edition, together with Appendices B, C, D, F, H, and
I, of such Code as adopted by the International Code Council, Inc., a copy of which is
on file in the office of the City Secretary, and as recommended by the North Central
Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the City Council appointed Construction
Code Board of Appeals (which serves as the City's Technical Code Review Committee),
are hereby adopted as the fire code of the city for regulating and governing the
safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the
storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from
conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in
the city, and providing for the issuance of permits for hazardous uses or operations;
and each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such
International Fire Code, 2012 edition, as amended, are hereby referred to, adopted
and made a part hereof, as if fully set forth in this section.
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Section 2: That Section 38-32 of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances be
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 38-32. Amendments.
Section 101.1; insert, City of North Richland Hills.
Section 102.1; change Section 3 to read as follows:
3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions when required in Chapter 11 or in
specific sections of this code.
Section 102.7; change to read as follows:
102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this
code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 80, and such codes, when specifically
adopted, and standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the
prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.7.1
and 102.7.2.
102.7.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced
codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
102.7.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards. Where the extent of the
reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the
scope of this code and any adopted amendments, the provisions of this code and any
adopted amendments, as applicable, shall take precedence over the provisions in the
referenced code or standard.
Section 105.3.3; change to read as follows:
105.3.3 Occupancy Prohibited before Approval. The building or structure shall not be
occupied prior to the fire code official issuing a permit when required and conducting
associated inspections indicating the applicable provisions of this code have been met.
Section 105.7; add Section 105.7.17 to read as follows:
105.7.17 Smoke control or exhaust systems. Construction permits are required for
smoke control or exhaust systems as specified in Section 909 and Section 910
respectively. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a
modification and does not require a permit.
Section 105.7; add Section 105.7.18 to read as follows:
105.7.18 Electronic access control systems. Construction permits are required for the
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installation or modification of an electronic access control system, as specified in
Section 503 and Section 1008. A separate construction permit is required for the
installation or modification of a fire alarm system that may be connected to the access
control system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered
a modification and does not require a permit.
Section 108; change to read as follows:
Section 108. Board of Appeals.
The construction code appeals board created in Code of Ordinances section 98-144,
shall be the appeals board under the Fire Code.
Section 109; replace 109.4 to read as follows, 109.4.1 to remain as written: add
sections 109.5, 109.5.1, 109.5.2, 109.5.3
109.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail
to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or
do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code
official or of a permit or certificate used under the provision of this code, shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000.00. Each day
that violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate
offense.
109.5 Work without a permit. Add section 109.5
109.5.1 Investigation. Whenever work for which a permit is required by this code has
been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made
before a permit may be issued for such work.
109.5.2 Fee. When work requiring a permit is found to be in progress or completed and
no permit has been issued for such work, the required permit fee shall be double the fee
determined according to the fee schedules contained in appendix A, or $500.00 plus the
fee determined according to the fee schedules contained in appendix A, whichever is
greater. This fee shall be charged to the contractor or homeowner doing all or part of
the work and may be appealed to the building official or fire marshal. Continued failure
to obtain a permit after having been duly notified is considered a violation of this article.
109.5.3 Unauthorized cover up fee. Any work concealed without first obtaining the
required inspection shall be assessed a re-inspection fee as established by the city fee
schedule and the work uncovered to the satisfaction of the Fire Code official for
inspection
Section 111.4; change to read as follows:
Any person who shall continue any work after being ordered to stop shall be deemed
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guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000.00. Each day that
violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate
offense.
Section 202; amend and add definitions to read as follows:
[B] AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY.
Buildings or portions thereof used to provide medical, dental, surgical, psychiatric,
nursing or similar care to patients on a less than 24-hour basis to individuals who are
rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided. This includes, but is
not limited to, out-patient surgery centers, dental clinics providing sedation treatments
using medications or nitrous oxide, dialysis centers, colonic centers, plastic surgery
centers, psychiatric centers, and similar occupancies as determined by the Building
Official, that use anesthesia, gas, medications, or other medical treatments which may
render patients temporarily incapable of taking action for self-preservation without the
assistance of others.
[B] ATRIUM. An opening connecting three or more stories... {remaining text
unchanged]
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the purpose or level of activity within a
building that involves a change in the designated use-type of the building as described
in Chapter 3 of this code, and the application of the requirements of this code. The
definition shall also apply to usage of the surrounding site and access to and from the
building, structure or site, as necessary to achieve the purpose of this code, and to
obtain compliance with other codes and ordinances of this jurisdiction. No building or
lease space shall be allowed to change use types without meeting all the requirements
of this code
ELECTRICAL CODE. Electrical Code shall mean NFPA 70, the National Electrical
Code, as adopted by this jurisdiction. For the purpose of this code, all references to
NFPA 70 and/or the ICC Electrical Code shall be assumed to mean the Electrical Code
as defined herein.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A fire alarm system shall include but not limited to the
following:
- Manual pull stations at all required exits
- Notification throughout the entire building
- Systems installed to monitor a fire sprinkler system shall also be considered a
Fire Alarm System
FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers,
exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided
with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within
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the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. For purposes of determining
automatic sprinkler systems required by Section 903, a fire area shall be determined by
the aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by the exterior walls of a building and/or
the horizontal projection of the roof.
FIRE WATCH. A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic
surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals or
standby personnel when required by the fire code official, for the purposes of identifying
and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of
fire and notifying the fire department.
FIREWORKS. Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or an
audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration, detonation,
and/or activated by ignition with a match or other heat producing device that meets the
definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.
FUEL GAS CODE. Fuel Gas code shall mean the International Fuel Gas Code as
adopted by this jurisdiction.
HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE: add a second paragraph to read as
follows:
Any building classified as a group S Occupancy or Speculative Building exceeding
6,000 sq.ft. that has a clear height in excess of 14 feet, making it possible to be used
for storage in excess of 12 feet, shall be considered to be high-piled storage. When
a specific product cannot be identified, a fire protection system and life safety
features shall be installed as for Class IV commodities, to the maximum pile height.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING. A building with an occupied floor located more than 55 feet (16
764_mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
MECHANICAL CODE. Mechanical Code shall mean the International Mechanical Code
as adopted by this jurisdiction.
OCCUPIABLE SPACE. A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy in
which individuals congregate for amusement, educational or similar purposes or in
which occupants are engaged at labor, and which is equipped with means of egress
and light and ventilation facilities meeting the requirements of this code. Any space that
could be assumed to be occupiable shall not be exempt to the requirements of this code
by designing the space without means of egress, light or ventilation.
REPAIR GARAGE. A building, structure or portion thereof used for servicing or
repairing motor vehicles._This occupancy shall also include garages involved in minor
repair, modification and servicing of motor vehicles for items such as lube changes,
inspections, windshield repair or replacement, shocks, minor part replacement and
other such minor repairs.
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SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY. Real property designed and used for the
purpose of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of
storing and removing personal property on a self-service basis.
STANDBY PERSONNEL. Qualified fire service personnel, approved by the Fire Chief.
When utilized, the number required shall be as directed by the Fire Chief. Charges for
utilization shall be as normally calculated by the jurisdiction.
Section 307.1.1; change to read as follows:
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning that is offensive or objectionable
because of smoke emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances
make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.
Exception: {No change.}
Section 307.2; change to read as follows:
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in
accordance with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range
or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or open
burning. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to
the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.
Examples of state or local law, or regulations referenced elsewhere in this section may
include but not be limited to the following:
1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality guidelines and/or restrictions.
2. State, County, or Local temporary or permanent bans on open burning.
3. Local written policies as established by the fire code official.
Section 307.3; change to read as follows:
307.3 Extinguishment authority. The fire code official is authorized to order the
extinguishment by the permit holder, another person responsible or the fire department
of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
Section 307.4; change to read as follows:
307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall not be less than 1000 feet (304.8
m) from any structure and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to
within 1000 feet (304.8 m) of any structure.
Exceptions: {No change.}
Section 307.4.3, Exceptions: add exception #2 to read as follows:
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Exceptions:
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an approved automatic
sprinkler system.
Section 307.4.4 and 5; add section 307.4.4 and 307.4.5 to read as follows:
307.4.4 Permanent outdoor firepit. Permanently installed outdoor firepits for
recreational fire purposes shall not be installed within 10 feet of a structure or
combustible material.
Exception: Permanently installed outdoor fireplaces constructed in accordance
with the International Building Code.
307.4.5 Trench Burns. Trench burns shall be conducted in air curtain trenches and in
accordance with Section 307.2.
Section 307.5; change to read as follows:
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, trench burns, bonfires, recreational fires, and use of
potable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the... {remainder of section
unchanged}
Section 308.1.1; add sentence to read as follows:
Unmanned free-floating devices containing an open flame or other heat source, such as
but not limited to sky lanterns shall be prohibited.
Section 308.1.4; change to read as follows:
308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Open-flame cooking devices, charcoal grills and
other similar devices used for cooking shall not be located or used on combustible
balconies, decks, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. One- and two-family dwellings, except that LP-gas containers are limited to a
water capacity not greater than 50 pounds (22.68 kg) [nominal 20 pound (9.08
kg) LP-gas capacity] with an aggregate LP-gas capacity not to exceed 100 lbs
(5 containers).
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an approved automatic
sprinkler system, except that LP-gas containers are limited to a water capacity
not greater than 50 pounds (22.68 kg) [nominal 20 pound (9.08 kg) LP-gas
capacity], with an aggregate LP-gas capacity not to exceed 40 lbs (2
containers).
3. {No change.}
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Section 308.1.6.2, Exception #3; change to read as follows:
Exceptions:
3. Torches or flame-producing devices in accordance with Section 308.1.3.
Section 311.5; change to read as follows:
311.5 Placards. The fire code official is authorized to require marking of any vacant or
abandoned buildings or structures determined to be unsafe pursuant to Section 110 of
this code relating to structural or interior hazards, as required by Section 311.5.1
through 311.5.5.
Section 401.9; add Section 401.9 to read as follows:
401.9 False Alarms and Nuisance Alarms. False alarms and nuisance alarms shall not
be given, signaled or transmitted or caused or permitted to be given, signaled or
transmitted in any manner.
Section 403.3; change Section 403.3 and add Sections 403.3.1 and 403.3.2 to read as
follows:
403.3 Crowd managers. Trained crowd managers shall be provided for facilities or
events where 250 or more persons congregate. The minimum number of crowd
managers shall be established at a ratio of one crowd manager to every 250 persons.
Exceptions:
1. The number of crowd managers may be reduced by up to fifty percent
when, in the opinion of the code official, the fire protection provided by the
facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction
2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an
occupant load not exceeding 1,000.
a. Exception 2 shall not apply during special performances when the use of
pyrotechnics, flame effects, etc. have been approved by the Fire Code
Official.
403.3.1 Training. Training for crowd managers shall be approved and shall be
based upon a valid job task analysis.
403.3.2 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall include:
a. An inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and address any egress
barriers
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b. An inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire
hazards
c. Ensure compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing
pyrotechnics and other special effects
d. To direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency
e. Assist emergency response personnel if requested.
f. Other duties outlined by the Fire Code Official
g. Other duties outlined in the Emergency Plan
Section 501.4; change to read as follows:
501.4 Timing of installation. When fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire
protection is required to be installed for any structure or development, they shall be
installed, tested, and approved prior to the time of which construction has progressed
beyond completion of the foundation of any structure.
Section 503.1.1; add sentence to read as follows:
Except for one- or two-family dwellings, the path of measurement shall be along a
minimum of a ten feet (10') wide unobstructed pathway around the external walls of the
structure.
Section 503.2.1; change to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of
not less than 24 feet (7315 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security
gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not
less than 14 feet (4267 mm). Fire lanes must be10' minimum from building
Exception: Vertical clearance may be reduced; provided such reduction does not impair
access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the
established vertical clearance when approved.
Section 503.2.2; change to read as follows:
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require an increase in
the minimum access widths and vertical clearances where they are inadequate for fire
or rescue operations.
Section 503.3; change to read as follows:
503.3 Marking. Striping, signs, or other markings, when approved by the fire code
official, shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or
prohibit the obstruction thereof. Striping, signs and other markings shall be maintained
in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary
to provide adequate visibility.
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(1) Striping — Fire apparatus access roads shall be continuously marked by painted
lines of red traffic paint six inches (6") in width to show the boundaries of the lane.
The words "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" shall appear
in four inch (4") white letters at 25 feet intervals on the red border markings along
both sides of the fire lanes. Where a curb is available, the striping shall be on the
vertical face of the curb.
(2) Signs — Signs shall read "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO
PARKING" and shall be 12" wide and 18" high. Signs shall be painted on a white
background with letters and borders in red, using not less than 2" lettering. Signs
shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and the bottom of the sign shall be
six feet, six inches (6'6") above finished grade. Signs shall be spaced not more than
fifty feet (50') apart along both sides of the fire lane. Signs may be installed on
permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 503.4; change to read as follows:
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall
not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum
widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 and any area marked as a fire
lane as described in Section 503.3 shall be maintained at all times.
Section 505.1; change to read as follows:
505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address
numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that
is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers
shall contrast with their background. Where required by the fire code official, address
numbers shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency
response. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers
shall be a minimum of 6 inches (152.4 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5
inch (12.7 mm). Where access is by means of a private road, buildings do not
immediately front a street, and/or the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a
monument, pole or other sign with approved 6 inch (152.4 mm) height building numerals
or addresses and 4 inch (101.6 mm) height suite/apartment numerals of a color
contrasting with the background of the building or other approved means shall be used
to identify the structure. Numerals or addresses shall be posted on a minimum 20 inch
(508 mm) by 30 inch (762 mm) background on border._Address numbers shall be
maintained.
Exception: R-3 Single Family occupancies shall have approved numerals of a minimum
3 '/2 inches (88.9 mm) in height and a color contrasting with the background clearly
visible and legible from the street fronting the property and rear alleyway where such
alleyway exists.
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Section 507.4; change to read as follows:
507.4 Water supply test date and information. The water supply test used for hydraulic
calculation of fire protection systems shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 291
"Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants" and within one
year of sprinkler plan submittal._The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water
supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official, as required.
The exact location of the static/residual hydrant and the flow hydrant shall be indicated
on the design drawings. All fire protection plan submittals shall be accompanied by a
hard copy of the waterflow test report, or as approved by the fire code official. The
report must indicate the dominant water tank level at the time of the test and the
maximum and minimum operating levels of the tank, as well, or identify applicable water
supply fluctuation. The licensed contractor must then design the fire protection system
based on this fluctuation information, as per the applicable referenced NFPA standard.
Reference Section 903.3.5 for additional design requirements.
Section 507.5.4; change to read as follows:
507.5.4 Obstruction. Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all
times. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects
shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire
protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire
hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred
or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.
Section 509.1.2; add new Section 509.1.2 to read as follows:
509.1.2 Sign Requirements. Unless more stringent requirements apply, lettering for
signs required by this section shall have a minimum height of 2 inches (50.8 mm) when
located inside a building and 4 inches (101.6 mm) when located outside, or as approved
by the fire code official. The letters shall be of a color that contrasts with the
background.
Section 603.3.2.1, Exception; change exception to read as follows:
Exception: The aggregate capacity limit shall be permitted to be increased to 3,000
gallons (11,356 L) {Delete remainder of Exception}
Section 603.3.2.2; change to read as follows:
603.3.2.2 Restricted use and connection. Tanks installed in accordance with Section
603.3.2 shall be used only to supply fuel oil to fuel-burning equipment installed in
accordance with Section 603.3.2.4. Connections between tanks and equipment
supplied by such tanks shall be made using closed piping systems.
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Section 604; change to read as follows:
SECTION 604
EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER SYSTEMS
604.1 Installation. Emergency and standby power systems required by this code or the
International Building Code shall be installed in accordance with this code, NFPA 110
and 111. Existing installations shall be maintained in accordance with the original
approval, except as specified in Chapter 11.
604.1.1 Stationary generators. Stationary emergency and standby power
generators required by this code shall be listed in accordance with UL 2200.
604.1.2 Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS). For Critical Operations Power
Systems necessary to maintain continuous power supply to facilities or parts of
facilities that require continuous operation for the reasons of public safety,
emergency management, national security, or business continuity, see NFPA 70.
604.2 Where required. Emergency and standby power systems shall be provided
where required by Sections 604.2.1 through 604.2.24 or elsewhere identified in this
code or any other referenced code.
604.2.1 Emergency voice/alarm communications systems. Emergency power shall
be provided for emergency voice/alarm communications systems in the following
occupancies, or as specified elsewhere in this code, in accordance with Section
907.5.2.2.5.
Covered and Open Malls, Section 604.2.13
Group A occupancies, Sections 907.2.1.1 and 907.5.2.2.4.
Special Amusement buildings, Section 907.2.12.3
High rise buildings, Section 907.2.13
Atriums, Section 907.2.14
Deep Underground buildings, Section 907.2.19
604.2.2 Smoke control systems. Standby power shall be provided for smoke control
systems in the following occupancies, or as specified elsewhere in this code., in
accordance with Section 909.11:
Covered mall building, International Building Code, Section 404.5
Atriums, International Building Code, Section 404.7
Underground buildings, International Building Code, Section 405.5
Group 1-3, International Building Code, Section 408.9
Stages, International Building Code, Section 410.3.7.2
Special Amusement buildings (as applicable to Group A's), International Building
Code, Section 411.1
Smoke protected seating, Section 1028.6.2.1
604.2.3 Exit signs. Emergency power shall be provided for exit signs in accordance
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with Section 1011.6.3. (90 minutes)
604.2.4 Means of egress illumination. Emergency power shall be provided for
means of egress illumination in accordance with Section 1006.3. (90 minutes)
604.2.5 Accessible means of egress elevators. Standby power shall be provided for
elevators that are part of an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section
1007.4.
604.2.6 Accessible means of egress platform lifts. Standby power in accordance
with this section or ASME A18.1 shall be provided for platform lifts that are part of an
accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1007.5
604.2.7 Horizontal sliding doors. Standby power shall be provided for horizontal
sliding doors in accordance with Section 1008.1.4.3.
604.2.8 Semiconductor fabrication facilities. Emergency power shall be provided for
semiconductor fabrication facilities in accordance with Section 2703.15.
604.2.9 Membrane structures. Emergency power shall be provided for exit signs in
temporary tents and membrane structures in accordance with Section 3103.12.6.1.
(90 minutes) Standby power shall be provided for auxiliary inflation systems in
permanent membrane structures in accordance with the International Building Code.
(4 hours)
604.2.10 Hazardous materials. Emergency or standby power shall be provided in
occupancies with hazardous materials in accordance with Section 5004.7 and
5005.1.5.
604.2.11 Highly toxic and toxic materials. Emergency power shall be provided for
occupancies with highly toxic or toxic materials in accordance with Sections
6004.2.2.8 and 6004.3.4.2.
604.2 12 Organic peroxides. Standby power shall be provided for occupancies with
organic peroxides in accordance with Section 6204.1.11.
604.2.13 Covered and open mall buildings. (no change).
604.2.14 High-rise buildings. (no change).
604.2.15 Underground buildings. (no change).
604.2.16 Group 1-3 occupancies. (no change).
604.2.17 Airport traffic control towers. (no change).
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604.2.18 Elevators. (no change).
604.2.19 Smokeproof enclosures and Stair Pressurization Alternative. Standby
power shall be provided for smokeproof enclosures, stair pressurization alternative
and associated automatic fire detection systems as required by the International
Building Code, Section 909.20.6.2.
604.2.20 Elevator pressurization. Standby power shall be provided for elevator
pressurization system as required by the International Building Code, Section
909.21.5.
604.2.21 Elimination of Smoke Dampers in Shaft Penetrations. Standby power shall
be provided when eliminating the smoke dampers in ducts penetrating shafts in
accordance with the International Building Code, Section 717.5.3, exception 2.3.
604.2.22 Common exhaust systems for clothes dryers. Standby power shall be
provided for common exhaust systems for clothes dryers located in multistory
structures in accordance with the International Mechanical Code Section 504.8, item
7.
604.2.23 Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms. Standby power shall be provided for mechanical
ventilation and gas detection systems of Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms in accordance with
the International Building Code, Section 421.8.
604.2.24 Means of Egress Illumination in Existing Buildings. Emergency power shall
be provided for means of egress illumination in accordance with Section 1104.5 and
1104.5.1 when required by the fire code official. (90 minutes in 1-2, 60 minutes
elsewhere.)
604.3 Energy time duration. Unless a time limit is specified by the fire code official, in
this chapter or elsewhere in this code, or in any other referenced code or standard, the
emergency and standby power system shall be supplied with enough fuel or energy
storage capacity for not less than 2-hour full-demand operation of the system.
Exception: Where the system is supplied with natural gas from a utility provider
and is approved.
604.3 4 Maintenance. (no change).
604.4 5 Operational inspection and testing. (no change).
604.5 6 Emergency lighting equipment. (no change).
604.5 7 Supervision of maintenance and testing. (no change).
Ordinance No.3488
Page 14 of 36
Section 704.1; change to read as follows:
704.1 Enclosure. Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator
hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall
be enclosed or protected in accordance with the codes in effect at the time of
construction but, regardless of when constructed, not less than as required in Chapter
11. New floor openings in existing buildings shall comply with the International Building
Code.
Section 807.4.3.2; change to read as follows:
807.4.3.2 Artwork. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of
corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area and on the walls of classrooms to
not more than 50 percent of each wall area. Such materials shall not be continuous from
floor to ceiling or wall to wall.
Curtains, draperies, wall hangings and other decorative material suspended from the
walls or ceilings shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 in
accordance with Section 807 or be noncombustible.
Exception: Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
Section 807.4.4.2; change to read as follows:
807.4.4.2 Artwork. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of
corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area and on the walls of classrooms to
not more than 50 percent of each wall area. Such materials shall not be continuous from
floor to ceiling or wall to wall.
Curtains, draperies, wall hangings and other decorative material suspended from the
walls or ceilings shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 in
accordance with Section 807 or be noncombustible.
Exception: Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
Section 901.4.3; change to read as follows:
901.4.3 Fire areas. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire
barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not
provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are
included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. For purposes of
determining automatic sprinkler systems required by Section 903, a fire area shall be
determined by the aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by the exterior walls of a
building and/or the horizontal projection of the roof.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 15 of 36
Section 901.6.1; add Section 901.6.1.1 to read as follows:
901.6.1.1 Standpipe Testing. Building owners/managers must maintain and test
standpipe systems as per NFPA 25 requirements. The following additional requirements
shall be applied to the testing that is required every 5 years:
1. The piping between the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and the standpipe
shall be backflushed when foreign material is present, and also hydrostatically
tested for all FDC's on any type of standpipe system. Hydrostatic testing shall also
be conducted in accordance with NFPA 25 requirements for the different types of
standpipe systems.
2. For any manual (dry or wet) standpipe system not having an automatic water
supply capable of flowing water through the standpipe, the tester shall connect
hose from a fire hydrant or portable pumping system (as approved by the fire code
official) to each FDC, and flow water through the standpipe system to the roof
outlet to verify that each inlet connection functions properly. Confirm that there are
no open hose valves prior to introducing water into a dry standpipe. There is no
required pressure criteria at the outlet. Verify that check valves function properly
and that there are no closed control valves on the system.
3. Any pressure relief, reducing, or control valves shall be tested in accordance with
the requirements of NFPA 25. All hose valves shall be exercised.
4. If the FDC is not already provided with approved caps, the contractor shall install
such caps for all FDC's as required by the fire code official.
5. Upon successful completion of standpipe test, place a blue tag (as per Texas
Administrative Code, Fire Sprinkler Rules for Inspection, Test and Maintenance
Service (ITM) Tag) at the bottom of each standpipe riser in the building. The tag
shall be check-marked as "Fifth Year" for Type of ITM, and the note on the back of
the tag shall read "5 Year Standpipe Test" at a minimum.
6. The procedures required by Texas Administrative Code Fire Sprinkler Rules with
regard to Yellow Tags and Red Tags or any deficiencies noted during the testing,
including the required notification of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (fire
code official) shall be followed.
7. Additionally, records of the testing shall be maintained by the owner and
contractor, if applicable, as required by the State Rules mentioned above and
NFPA 25.
8. Standpipe system tests where water will be flowed external to the building shall not
be conducted during freezing conditions or during the day prior to expected night
time freezing conditions.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 16 of 36
9. Contact the fire code official for requests to remove existing fire hose from Class II
and III standpipe systems where employees are not trained in the utilization of this
firefighting equipment. All standpipe hose valves must remain in place and be
provided with an approved cap and chain when approval is given to remove hose
by the fire code official.
Section 901.7; change to read as follows:
901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service
or in the event of an excessive number of activations, the fire department and the fire
code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official,
the building shall either be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all
occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been
returned to service. ...{remaining text unchanged]
Section 901.9; change Section 901.9 to read as follows:
901.9 Discontinuation or change Notice shall be made to the fire code official whenever
contracted alarm services for monitoring of any fire alarm system_are terminated for any
reason, or a change in alarm monitoring provider occurs. Notice shall be made in writing
to the fire code official by the building owner and_monitoring service provider prior to the
service being terminated.
Section 903 Automatic sprinkler systems
Section 903.1.1; change to read as follows and add 903.1.2
903.1.1 Alternative protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems
complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in addition to automatic sprinkler
protection where recognized by the applicable standard, or as approved by the fire code
official.
903.1.2 Unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official, the sprinkler risers shall
be located in a separate room directly accessed from the outside. Located in an
approved location on an exterior wall shall be an approved key box for entry into the
riser room. The fire alarm control panel or other approved fire alarm annunciating panel
shall also be located in this room.
Section 903.2; add paragraph to read as follows:
Automatic Sprinklers shall not be installed in elevator machine rooms, elevator machine
spaces, and elevator hoistways when specifically exempted by the fire code official.
Storage shall not be allowed within the elevator machine room. Signage shall_be
provided at the entry doors to the elevator machine room indicating "ELEVATOR
MACHINERY— NO STORAGE ALLOWED."
Ordinance No.3488
Page 17 of 36
Section 903.2; delete the exception.
Section 903.2.9; add Section 903.2.9.3 to read as follows:
903.2.9.3 Self-service storage facility. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout all self-service storage facilities.
Exception: One-story self-service storage facilities that have no interior corridors, with a
one-hour fire barrier separation wall installed between every storage compartment.
Section 903.2.11; change 903.2.11.3 and add 903.2.11.7, 903.2.11.8, and 903.2.11.9
as follows:
903.2.11.3 Buildings 35 feet or more in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
installed throughout buildings with a floor level, other than penthouses in compliance
with Section 1509 of the International Building Code, that is located 35 feet (10 668
mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exception:
Open parking structures in compliance with Section 406.5 of the International
Building Code.
903.2.11.7 High-Piled Combustible Storage. For any building with a clear height
exceeding 12 feet (4572 mm), see Chapter 32 to determine if those provisions apply.
903.2.11.8 Spray Booths and Rooms. New and existing spray booths and spraying
rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.
Section 903.3.1.1.1; change to read as follows:
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. When approved by the fire code official, automatic
sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such ...{text
unchanged}... because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains
electrical equipment.
1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a
serious life or fire hazard.
2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the
nature of the contents, when approved by the code official.
3. Generator and transformer rooms, under the direct control of a public utility,
separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or
roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
4. Elevator machine rooms, machinery spaces when specific exemption is
approved, and hoistways.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 18 of 36
Section 903.3.1.2.2; add section to read as follows:
Section 903.3.1.2.2 Attics, Open Breezeways, and Attached Garages. Sprinkler
protection is required to NFPA 13 standard in attic spaces of such buildings two or more
stories in height, open breezeways, and attached garages.
Section 903.3.1.3; change to read as follows:
903.3.1.3 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in one-
and two-family dwellings, Group R-3 and R-4 congregate living facilities and
townhouses shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13D
or in accordance with state law.
Section 903.3.5; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Water supply as required for such systems shall be provided in conformance with the
supply requirements of the respective standards; however, every fire protection system
shall be designed with a 10 psi safety factor. Reference Section 507.4 for additional
design requirements.
Section 903.4; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap
to the sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more
than 45 seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for
fire department hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a
supervisory signal at the central station upon tampering.
Section 903.4.2; change last sentence of first paragraph and add second paragraph to
read as follows:
Actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
The alarm device required on the exterior of the building shall be a weatherproof
horn/strobe notification appliance with a minimum 75 candela strobe rating, installed at
a location approved by the fire code official.
Section 905.2; change to read as follows:
905.2 Installation standard. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this
section and NFPA 14. Manual dry standpipe systems shall be supervised with a
minimum of 10 psig and a maximum of 40 psig air pressure with a high/low alarm.
Section 905.3; add Section 905.3.9 and exception to read as follows:
905.3.9 Building area. In buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet in area per story,
Ordinance No.3488
Page 19 of 36
Class I automatic wet or manual wet standpipes shall be provided where any portion of
the building's interior area is more than 200 feet (60960 mm) of travel, vertically and
horizontally, from the nearest point of fire department vehicle access.
Exception: Automatic dry and semi-automatic dry standpipes are allowed as provided
for in NFPA 14.
Section 905.4, item 5; change to read as follows:
5. Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal
(33.3-percent slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a two-way hose
connection located to serve the roof or at the highest landing of a stairway with
stair access to the roof provided in accordance with Section 1009.16. An
additional hose connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically
remote standpipe for testing purposes.
Section 905.4; add the following item 7:
7. When required by this Chapter, standpipe connections shall be placed adjacent to all
required exits to the structure and at two hundred feet (200') intervals along major
corridors thereafter, or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.
Section 905.9; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap
to the sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more
than 45 seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for
fire department hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a
supervisory signal at the central station upon tampering.
Section 907.1; add Section 907.1.4 to read as follows:
907.1.4 Design standards. All alarm systems new or replacement shall be
addressable. Alarm systems serving more than 20 smoke detectors shall be analog
addressable.
Exception: Existing systems need not comply unless the total building remodel or
expansion initiated after the effective date of this code, as adopted, exceeds 30% of
the building. When cumulative building remodel or expansion exceeds 50% of the
building must comply within 18 months of permit application.
Section 907.2
Delete second paragraph
Ordinance No.3488
Page 20 of 36
Section 907.2.1; change to read as follows delete exception:
907.2.1 Group A. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification
system in accordance with new Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group A occupancies
having an occupant load of 300 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or
below the lowest level of exit discharge. Group A occupancies not separated from one
another in accordance with Section 707.3.10 of the International Building Code shall be
considered as a single occupancy for the purposes of applying this section. Portions of
Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire
alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.
Exception: { Delete exception.}
Activation of fire alarm notification appliances shall:
1. Cause illumination of the means of egress with light of not less than 1 foot-candle
(11 lux) at the walking surface level, and
2. Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visual distractions.
Section 907.2.2 Delete exception
Section 907.2.3; change to read as follows:
907.2.3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification
signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the
requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall
be installed in Group E educational occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or
smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the
building fire alarm system. An approved smoke detection system shall be installed in
Group E day care occupancies. Unless separated by a minimum of 100' open space,
all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, will be considered one
building for alarm occupant load consideration and interconnection of alarm systems.
Section 907.2.3; change exception 1. to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E educational and day
care occupancies with an occupant load of less than 30 when provided with
an approved automatic sprinkler system.
1.1. Residential In-Home day care with not more than 12 children may use
interconnected single station detectors in all habitable rooms. (For care of
more than five children 2 1/2 or less years of age, see Section 907.2.6.)
Section 907.2.13, Exception 3; change to read as follows:
Ordinance No.3488
Page 21 of 36
3. Open air portions of buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with
Section 303.1 of the International Building Code; however, this exception does not
apply to accessory uses including but not limited to sky boxes, restaurants and
similarly enclosed areas.
Section 907.4.2; add Section 907.4.2.7 to read as follows:
907.4.2.7 Type. Manual alarm initiating devices shall be an approved double action
type.
Section 907.6.1; add Section 907.6.1.1 to read as follows:
907.6.1.1 Wiring Installation. All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner
that a failure of any single initiating device or single open in an initiating circuit
conductor will not interfere with the normal operation of other such devices. All signaling
line circuits (SLC) shall be installed in such a way that a single open will not interfere
with the operation of any addressable devices (Class A). Outgoing and return SLC
conductors shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 requirements for Class A
circuits and shall have a minimum of four feet separation horizontal and one foot vertical
between supply and return circuit conductors. The initiating device circuit (IDC) from an
addressable input (monitor) module may be wired Class B, provided the distance from
the addressable module to the initiating device is ten feet or less. Minimum fire alarm
design shall be a manual pull station at each exit and notification throughout.
Section 907.6.5; add Section 907.6.5.3 to read as follows:
907.6.5.3 Communication requirements. All alarm systems, new or replacement, shall
transmit alarm, supervisory and trouble signals descriptively to the approved central
station, remote supervisory station or proprietary supervising station as defined in NFPA
72, with the correct device designation and location of addressable device identification.
Alarms shall not be permitted to be transmitted as a General Alarm or Zone condition.
Section 910.1; change Exception 2 to read as follows:
2. Where areas of buildings are equipped with early suppression fast-response
(ESFR) sprinklers, only manual smoke and heat vents or manually activated
engineered mechanical smoke exhaust systems shall be required within these
areas. Automatic smoke and heat vents are prohibited.
Section 910.2; add subsections 910.2.3 with exceptions and 910.2.4 to read as follows:
910.2.3 Group H. Buildings and portions thereof used as a Group H occupancy as
follows:
1. In occupancies classified as Group H-2 or H-3, any of which are more than
15,000 square feet (1394 m2) in single floor area.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 22 of 36
Exception: Buildings of noncombustible construction containing only
noncombustible materials.
2. In areas of buildings in Group H used for storing Class 2, 3, and 4 liquid and solid
oxidizers, Class 1 and unclassified detonable organic peroxides, Class 3 and 4
unstable (reactive) materials, or Class 2 or 3 water-reactive materials as required
for a high-hazard commodity classification.
Exception: Buildings of noncombustible construction containing only
noncombustible materials.
Table 910.3; Change the title of the first row of the table from "Group F-1 and S-1" to
include "Group H"and to read as follows:
Group H, F-1 and S-1
[F] TABLE 910.3
REQUIREMENTS FOR DRAFT CURTAINS AND SMOKE AND HEAT VENTS
OCCUPANCY DESIGNA MINIMU MAXIMU VENT- MAXIMUM MAXIMU
GROUP AND TEDSTOR M M AREA AREA SPACING M
COMMODITY AGE DRAFT FORMED TO- OF DISTANC
CLASSIFICATI HEIGHT CURTAI BY FLOO VENT E TO
ON (feet) N DRAFT R- CENTERS VENTS
DEPTH CURTAI AREA (feet) FROM
(feet) NS RATIO WALL
(square OR
feet) DRAFT
CURTAI
NS
(feet)
Group F-1, H — 0.2 X Hd 50,000 1:100 120 60
and S-1 but >= 4
(Balance of
table remains
unchanged)
Section 910.3; replace Sections 910.3.1 through 910.3.3, and add second paragraph to
Section 910.3.2.2 as follows:
910.3.1 Design. Smoke and heat vents shall be listed and labeled to indicate
compliance with UL 793.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 23 of 36
910.3.2 Vent operation. Smoke and heat vents shall be capable of being operated by
approved automatic and manual means. Automatic operation of smoke and heat vents
shall conform to the_provisions of Sections 910.3.2.1 through 910.3.2.3.
910.3.2.1 Gravity-operated drop out vents. Automatic smoke and heat vents
containing heat-sensitive glazing designed to shrink and drop out of the vent
opening when exposed to fire shall fully open within 5 minutes after the vent
cavity is exposed to a simulated fire represented by a time-temperature gradient
that reaches an air temperature of 500°F (260°C) within 5 minutes.
910.3.2.2 Sprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings equipped with an
approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall be designed to
operate automatically.
The automatic operating mechanism of the smoke and heat vents shall operate
at a temperature rating at least 100 degrees F (approximately 38 degrees
Celsius) greater than the temperature rating of the sprinklers installed.
910.3.2.3 Nonsprinklered buildings. Where installed in buildings not equipped
with an approved automatic sprinkler system, smoke and heat vents shall
operate automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at between
100°F (56°C) and 220°F (122°C) above ambient.
Exception: Gravity-operated drop out vents complying with Section
910.3.2.1.
910.3.3 Vent dimensions. The effective venting area shall not be less than 16 square
feet (1.5 m2) with no dimension less than 4 feet (1219 mm), excluding ribs or gutters
having a total width not exceeding 6 inches (152 mm).
Section 912.2; add Section 912.2.3 to read as follows:
912.2.3 Hydrant distance. An approved fire hydrant shall be located within 100 feet of
the fire department connection as the fire hose lays along an unobstructed path. The
fire department connection shall be remote of the building, in a location approved by the
Fire Code Official, and on the same side of the fire lane as the fire hydrant. For
sprinkler retrofits, alternate locations for the fire department connection may be
considered.
Section 913.1; add second paragraph and exception to read as follows:
When located on the ground level at an exterior wall, the fire pump room shall be
provided with an exterior fire department access door that is not less than 3 ft. in width
and 6 ft. — 8 in. in height, regardless of any interior doors that are provided. A key box
shall be provided at this door, as required by Section 506.1.
Exception: When it is necessary to locate the fire pump room on other levels or not
at an exterior wall, the corridor leading to the fire pump room access from the
Ordinance No.3488
Page 24 of 36
exterior of the building shall be provided with equivalent fire resistance as that
required for the pump room, or as approved by the fire code official. Access keys
shall be provided in the key box as required by Section 506.1.
Chapter 10: Sections 1001 through 1029; replace all references to "fire code official"
with "building official".
Section 1004.1.2; delete exception:
1004.1.2 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at
the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.2. For areas
without fixed seating, the occupant load shall not be less than that number determined
by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to
the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.1.2. Where an intended function is
not listed in Table 1004.1.2, the building official shall establish a function based on a
listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.
Section 1007.1; add the following Exception 4:
Exceptions:
{previous exceptions unchanged}
4. Buildings regulated under State Law and built in accordance with State
registered plans, including any variances or waivers granted by the State, shall
be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of Section 1007.
Section 1007.5; Platform lifts, amend to read as follows:
1007.5 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts . . . required accessible route in Section
1109.7 8, Items 1 through 3 10. Standby power . . {remainder unchanged}
Section 1008.1.9.4; amend exceptions 3 and 4 as follows:
Exceptions:
3. Where a pair of doors serves an occupant load of less than 50 persons in a
Group B, F, M or S
occupancy. {Remainder unchanged}
4. Where a pair of doors serves a Group A, B, F, M or S occupancy. {Remainder
unchanged}
Section 1008.1.9.8; delete 1st paragraph and replace with the following:
1008.1.9.8 Access-controlled egress doors. The entrance doors in a means of egress in
Groups A, B, E, 1-2, M, R-1 or R-2, and entrance doors in tenant spaces in occupancies
in Groups A, B, E, 1-2, M, R-1 or R-2, are permitted to be equipped with approved
entrance and egress access control systems, listed in accordance with UL 294, when
Ordinance No.3488
Page 25 of 36
provided with an approved smoke detection system installed throughout the building or
lease space. Egress access control systems must be installed in accordance with all of
the following criteria and shall be made retroactive in existing buildings within one year
upon discovery and notification by fire marshal; or shall be made retroactive and
included in the work of any subsequent building permits to alter, expand or remodel.
Unless otherwise required by other portions of this code, an approved smoke detection
system is not required when the building or tenant space is equipped with an automatic
sprinkler system: {Remainder of section is unchanged}
Section 1008.1.9.9; change to read as follows and add item #6 and#7:
1008.1.9.9 Electromagnetically locked egress doors
1008.1.9.9 Electromagnetically locked egress doors. Doors in the means of egress in
buildings with an occupancy in Group A, B, E, I-1, 1-2, M, R-1 or R-2 and doors to tenant
spaces in Group A, B, E, I-1, 1-2, M, R-1 or R-2 shall be permitted to be
electromagnetically locked if equipped with listed hardware that incorporates a built-in
switch and meet the requirements below:
1. A sensor shall be provided on the egress side arranged to detect an occupant
approaching the doors. The doors shall be arranged to unlock by a signal from or loss of
power to the sensor.
Exception: A sensor is not required if the door is equipped with listed hardware
that incorporates a built-in switch and meets the following requirements:
1. The listed hardware that is affixed to the door leaf has an obvious method
of operation that is readily operated under all lighting conditions.
2. The listed hardware is capable of being operated with one hand.
3. Operation of the listed hardware directly interrupts the power to the
electromagnetic lock and unlocks the door immediately.
4. Where panic or fire exit hardware is required by Section 1008.1.10,
operation of the listed panic or fire exit hardware also releases the
electromagnetic lock.
2. Loss of power to that part of the access control system which locks the doors shall
automatically unlock the doors.
3. The doors shall be arranged to unlock from a manual unlocking device located 40
inches to 48 inches (1016 mm to 1219 mm) vertically above the floor and within 5 feet
(1524 mm) of the secured doors. Ready access shall be provided to the manual
unlocking device and the device shall be clearly identified by a sign that reads "PUSH
TO EXIT." When operated, the manual unlocking device shall result in direct interruption
of power to the lock-independent of the access control system electronics-and the doors
shall remain unlocked for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 26 of 36
4. Activation of the building fire alarm system, if provided, shall automatically unlock the
doors, and the doors shall remain unlocked until the fire alarm system has been reset.
5. Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided,
shall automatically unlock the doors. The doors shall remain unlocked until the fire
alarm system has been reset.
6. Entrance doors in buildings with an occupancy in Group A, B, E or M shall not be
secured from the egress side during periods that the building is open to the general
public.
7. Building must be equipped with an approved automatic smoke detection system.
Unless otherwise required by other portions of this code, an approved smoke detection
system is not required when the building or tenant space is equipped with an automatic
sprinkler system:
Section 1015; add new section 1015.7 to read as follows:
1015.7 Electrical Rooms. For electrical rooms, special exiting requirements may apply.
Reference the electrical code as adopted.
Section 1016; add new section 1016.2.2 to read as follows:
1016.2.2 Group F-1 and S-1 increase. The maximum exit access travel distance shall
be 400 feet (122 m) in Group F-1 or S-1 occupancies where all of the following are met:
1. The portion of the building classified as Group F-1 or S-1 is limited to one story in
height;
2. The minimum height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab
or deck is 24 feet (7315 mm); and
3. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Section 1018.1; add exception 6 to read as follows:
{previous text unchanged]
6. In Group B office buildings, corridor walls and ceilings within single tenant
spaces need not be of fire-resistive construction when the tenant space corridor
is provided with system smoke detectors tied to an approved automatic fire
alarm. The actuation of any detector shall activate alarms audible in all areas
served by the corridor.
Section 1018.6; amend to read as follows:
1018.6, Corridor Continuity. All corridors shall be continuous from the point of entry to
an exit, and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms. {Remainder unchanged}
Ordinance No.3488
Page 27 of 36
(Exception unchanged}
Section 1026.6; amend exception 4 to read as follows:
Exceptions: {Exceptions 1 through 3 unchanged}
4. Separation from the open-ended corridors of the building... {remaining text
unchanged}
Section 1028.1.1.1; delete.
Section 1029.1; amend to read as follows:
1029.1 General. In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, provisions
shall be made for emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R and I-1.
{Remainder unchanged}
Exceptions:
{Exceptions 1 through 3 unchanged.}
4. In other than Group R-3 occupancies, buildings equipped throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Section 1030.2; change to read as follows:
1030.2 Reliability. Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be
continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the
case of fire or other emergency. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any
purpose that interferes with a means of egress.
Section 1103.3; add sentence to end of paragraph as follows:
Provide emergency signage as required by Section 607.2.
Section 1103.5; add Section 1103.5.3 to read as follows:
1103.5.3 Spray booths and rooms. Existing spray booths and spray rooms shall be
protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with
Section 2404.
Section 2304.1; change to read as follows:
2304.1 Supervision of dispensing. The dispensing of fuel at motor fuel-dispensing
facilities shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Conducted by a qualified attendant; and/or,
Ordinance No.3488
Page 28 of 36
2. Shall be under the supervision of a qualified attendant; and/or
3. Shall be an unattended self-service facility in accordance with Section 2304.3.
At any time the qualified attendant of item Number 1 or 2 above is not present, such
operations shall be considered as an unattended self-service facility and shall also
comply with Section 2304.3.
Section 2401.2; delete this section.
Table 3206.2, footnote j; change text to read as follows:
j. Where areas of buildings are equipped with early suppression fast-response (ESFR)
sprinklers, manual smoke and heat vents or manually activated engineered
mechanical smoke exhaust systems shall be required within these areas.
Section 3310.1; add sentence to end of paragraph to read as follows:
When fire apparatus access roads are required to be installed for any structure or
development, they shall be approved prior to the time of which construction has
progressed beyond completion of the foundation of any structure.
Section 5601.1.3; change to read as follows:
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of
fireworks are prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Only when approved for fireworks displays, storage and handling of fireworks
as allowed in Section 5604 and 5608.
2. The use of fireworks for approved fireworks displays as allowed in Section
5608.
Section 5703.6; add a sentence to read as follows:
5703.6 Piping systems. Piping systems, and their component parts, for flammable and
combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Sections 5703.6.1 through 5703.6.11.
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank
and piping systems.
Section 5704.2.9.5; change Section 5704.2.9.5 and add Section 5704.2.9.5.3 to read as
follows:
Ordinance No.3488
Page 29 of 36
5704.2.9.5 Above-ground tanks inside of buildings. Above-ground tanks inside of
buildings shall comply with Section 5704.2.9.5.1 through 5704.2.9.5.3.
5704.2.9.5.1 {No change.}
5704.2.9.5.2 {No change.}
5704.2.9.5.3 Combustible liquid storage tanks inside of buildings. The maximum
aggregate allowable quantity limit shall be 3,000 gallons (11 356 L) of Class II or Ill
combustible liquid for storage in protected aboveground tanks complying with Section
5704.2.9.7 when all of the following conditions are met:
1. The entire 3,000 gallon (11 356 L) quantity shall be stored in protected above-
ground tanks;
2. The 3,000 gallon (11 356 L) capacity shall be permitted to be stored in a single
tank or multiple smaller tanks;
3. The tanks shall be located in a room protected by an automatic sprinkler system
complying with Section 903.3.1.1; and
4. Tanks shall be connected to fuel-burning equipment, including generators,
utilizing an approved closed piping system.
The quantity of combustible liquid stored in tanks complying with this section shall not
be counted towards the maximum allowable quantity set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1), and
such tanks shall not be required to be located in a control area. Such tanks shall not be
located more than two stories below grade.
Section 5704.2.11.5; add a sentence to read as follows:
5704.2.11.5 Leak prevention. Leak prevention for underground tanks shall comply with
Sections 5704.2.11.5.1 through 5704.2.11.5.3. An approved method of secondary
containment shall be provided for underground tank and piping systems.
Section 5704.2.11.5.2; change to read as follows:
5704.2.11.5.2 Leak detection. Underground storage tank systems shall be provided
with an approved method of leak detection from any component of the system that is
designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 30 and as specified in Section
5704.2.11.5.3.
Section 5704.2.11.5; add Section 5704.2.11.5.3 to read as follows:
5704.2.11.5.3 Observation wells. Approved sampling tubes of a minimum 4 inches in
diameter shall be installed in the backfill material of each underground flammable or
Ordinance No.3488
Page 30 of 36
combustible liquid storage tank. The tubes shall extend from a point 12 inches below
the average grade of the excavation to ground level and shall be provided with suitable
surface access caps. Each tank site shall provide a sampling tube at the corners of the
excavation with a minimum of 4 tubes. Sampling tubes shall be placed in the product
line excavation within 10 feet of the tank excavation and one every 50 feet routed along
product lines towards the dispensers, a minimum of two are required.
Section 5706.5.4; delete Section 5706.5.4.5 and replace with the following:
5706.5.4.5 Commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing. Dispensing of Class
II and III motor vehicle fuel from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles
located at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments is
allowed where permitted, provided such dispensing operations are conducted in
accordance with Sections 5706.5.4.5.1 through 5706.5.4.5.3.
5706.5.4.5.1 Site requirements.
1. Dispensing may occur at sites that have been permitted to conduct mobile
fueling.
2. A detailed site plan shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The
site plan must indicate:
a. all buildings, structures, and appurtenances on site and their use or
function;
b. all uses adjacent to the property lines of the site;
c. the locations of all storm drain openings, adjacent waterways or wetlands;
d. information regarding slope, natural drainage, curbing, impounding and
how a spill will be retained upon the site property; and,
e. The scale of the site plan.
3. The Code Official is authorized to impose limits upon: the times and/or days
during which mobile fueling operations are allowed to take place and specific
locations on a site where fueling is permitted.
4. Mobile fueling operations shall be conducted in areas not generally
accessible to the public.
5. Mobile fueling shall not take place within 15 feet (4.572 m) of buildings,
property lines, or combustible storage.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 31 of 36
5706.5.4.5.2 Refueling Operator Requirements.
1. The owner of a mobile fueling operations shall provide to the jurisdiction a
written response plan which demonstrates readiness to respond to a fuel spill,
carry out appropriate mitigation measures, and to indicate its process to
properly dispose of contaminated materials when circumstances require.
2. The tank vehicle shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local,
State and Federal requirements. The tank vehicle's specific functions shall
include that of supplying fuel to motor vehicle fuel tanks. The vehicle and all
its equipment shall be maintained in good repair.
3. Signs prohibiting smoking or open flames within 25 feet (7.62 m) of the tank
vehicle or the point of fueling shall be prominently posted on 3 sides of the
vehicle including the back and both sides.
4. A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 40:BC shall be provided on the
vehicle with signage clearly indicating its location.
5. The dispensing nozzles and hoses shall be of an approved and listed type.
6. The dispensing hose shall not be extended from the reel more than 100 feet
(30.48m) in length.
7. Absorbent materials, non-water absorbent pads, a 10 foot (3.048 m) long
containment boom, an approved container with lid, and a non-metallic shovel
shall be provided to mitigate a minimum 5-gallon fuel spill.
8. Tanker vehicles shall be equipped with a fuel limit switch such as a count-
back switch, limiting the amount of a single fueling operation to a maximum of
500 gallons (1893 L) between resetting of the limit switch.
Exception: Tankers utilizing remote emergency shut-off device capability
where the operator constantly carries the shut-off device which, when
activated, immediately causes flow of fuel from the tanker to cease.
9. Persons responsible for dispensing operations shall be trained in the
appropriate mitigating actions in the event of a fire, leak, or spill. Training
records shall be maintained by the dispensing company and shall be made
available to the fire code official upon request.
10.Operators of tank vehicles used for mobile fueling operations shall have in
their possession at all times an emergency communications device to notify
the proper authorities in the event of an emergency.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 32 of 36
5706.5.4.5.3 Operational Requirements.
1. The tank vehicle dispensing equipment shall be constantly attended and
operated only by designated personnel who are trained to handle and
dispense motor fuels.
2. Prior to beginning dispensing operations, precautions shall be taken to assure
ignition sources are not present.
3. The engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during dispensing
operations.
4. Night time fueling operations shall only take place in adequately lighted areas.
5. The tank vehicle shall be positioned with respect to vehicles being fueled so
as to preclude traffic from driving over the delivery hose and between the tank
vehicle and the motor vehicle being fueled.
6. During fueling operations, tank vehicle brakes shall be set, chock blocks shall
be in place and warning lights shall be in operation.
7. Motor vehicle fuel tanks shall not be topped off.
8. The dispensing hose shall be properly placed on an approved reel or in an
approved compartment prior to moving the tank vehicle.
9. The Code Official and other appropriate authorities shall be notified when a
reportable spill or unauthorized discharge occurs.
Section 6103.2.1; add Section 6103.2.1.8 to read as follows:
6103.2.1.8 Jewelry Repair, Dental Labs and Similar Occupancies. Where natural gas
service is not available, portable LP-Gas containers are allowed to be used to supply
approved torch assemblies or similar appliances. Such containers shall not exceed 20-
pound (9.0 kg) water capacity. Aggregate capacity shall not exceed 60-pound (27.2 kg)
water capacity. Each device shall be separated from other containers by a distance of
not less than 20 feet.
Section 6104.2, Exception; add an exception 2 to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. {existing text unchanged}
2. Except as permitted in 308 and 6104.3.2, LP-gas containers are not
permitted in residential areas.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 33 of 36
Section 6104.3; add Section 6104.3.2 to read as follows:
6104.3.2 Spas, Pool Heaters and other listed devices. Where natural gas service is not
available, an LP-Gas container is allowed to be used to supply spa and pool heaters or
other listed devices. Such container shall not exceed 250-gallon water capacity per lot.
See Table 6104.3 for location of containers.
Exception: Lots where LP can be off loaded wholly on the property where the tank is
located may install 500 gallon above ground.
6104.3.2 Spas, Pool Heaters and other listed devices. Where natural gas service is not
available, an LP-Gas container is allowed to be used to supply spa and pool heaters or
other listed devices. Such container shall not exceed 250-gallon water capacity per lot.
See Table 6104.3 for location of containers.
Exception: Lots where LP can be off loaded wholly on the property where the tank is
located may install 500 gallon above ground.
Appendix D:
Fire lane widths: All fire lane widths in Appendix D indicated at 20' are amended to 24'
D103.4 Dead Ends; add following:
Exception: A Cul-De- Sac when required on a dead-end fire apparatus
access roads serving single family detached dwellings may have its
diameter reduced based on criteria contained in the Public Works Design
Manual.
Section 3: Appendices B, C, D, F, H and I of the 2012 IFC Code and Commentary
(October 2011), which are adopted as a part of this Ordinance, are hereby
incorporated into this Ordinance by reference as if fully stated herein, and
a copy of each appendix is on file in the Office of the City Secretary.
Section 4: Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by fine not exceeding Two
Thousand Dollars ($2,000). Each day any such violation continues after
due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Section 5: Subject to Section 6 of this Ordinance, unless otherwise provided herein,
all provisions of this Ordinance not amended herein remain in full force
and effect.
Ordinance No.3488
Page 34 of 36
Section 6: This Ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills, except where the provisions
of this Ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances
and such Code, in which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances and
such Code are hereby repealed.
Section 7: It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases,
clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Ordinance are
severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this
Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree
of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect
any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections
of this Ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City
Council without the incorporation in this Ordinance of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
Section 8: All rights and remedies of the City of North Richland Hills are expressly
saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of any ordinances in
the Code of Ordinances of the City of North Richland Hills that have
accrued at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; and, as to such
accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal,
whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be
affected by this Ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by
the courts.
Section 9: The City Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to cause the
publication of the descriptive caption and penalty clause of this ordinance
as provided by law.
Section 10: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage
and publication as required by Section 9 herein.
AND IT IS SO ORDAINED.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 13th day of November, 2017.
CIT •• NO- H RICHL. . . HILLS
By: Am-
•Mir Trevino, Mayor
Ordinance No.3488
Page 35 of 36
ATTEST: ��a�,,"►u1CHuII,,,,,.,,,,���,:
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n
r-
act i+end 6-so', ab316-1-aalith Secr4f(c •'5"
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEtlrit". ��
UlY6-0U-C-C\A'A
Maleshia B. McGinnis, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO NTENT:
.'m• y P- '•ue, Public Safety Director
Ordinance No.3488
Page 36 of 36
Star
EPA
Arlington Citizen-Journal I The Keller Citizen 1 La Estrella
Mansfield N 4 .- Mirror I Star- Telegram Northeast ( Weatherford Star - Telegram
star - telegram.com 1 808 Throckmorton St. I Ft Worth, Tx. 76102 -6315 1 800.776.7827
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Account # Ad Number Identification PO f Amount Cols Depth
600579 0003391825 CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS ORDINANC $100.80 1 60.00 Li
Attention: THE STATE OF TEXAS
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS County of Tarrant
PO BOX 820609
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX 761820609 Before me, a Notary Public in and for
said County and State, this day
personally appeared CHRISTINE
CI r ur NuK 1 H RICHLAND HILLS LOPEZ, Bid and Legal Coordinator
ORDINANCE NO. 3488 for the Star - Telegram, published by
AN NORTH ORDINANCE RICHLAND CITY HILLS
AMENDING CHAPTER 38 OF the Star - Telegram, Inc. at Fort
THE NORTH RICHLAND HILLS Worth, in Tarrant County, Texas; and
CODE OF AND
ADOPTING ORDINANCES
2012 EDITION who, after being duly sworn, did
OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE
CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES depose and say that the attached
B, C, D, F, H AND I OF SUCH
CODE; REGULATING AND GOV clipping of an advertisement was
ERNING THE SAFEGUARDING published in the above named paper
OF LIFE AND PROPERTY FROM
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZ- on the listed dates:
STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE
MOF BS DEVICES,
AND FROM CONDITIONS HAZ-
ARDOUS TO LIFE OR PROPER- 2
Insertion(s)
TY IN THE OCCUPANCY OF
BUILDINDS AND PREMISES IN Published On:
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS; PRO- THSSUANCE OF
PERMITS E I HAZARDOUS
November 16, 2017, November 17,
USES OR OPERATIONS; PRO- 2017
(ZING PUBLICATION; AND PRO-
VIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
109.4 Violation penalties. Persons
who shall violate a provision of
this code or shall fail to comply
with any of the requirements
thereof or who shall erect, in-
stall, alter, repair or do work in
violation of the approved con-
struction documents or direc-
tive of the fire code official or
of a permit or certificate used
under the provision of this code,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
offense, punishable by a fine of
not more than $2,000.00. Each
day that violation continues af-
ter due notice has been served
shall be deemed a separate o (Principal Clerk)
fense.
Passed and approved on this 13th
day of November, 2017.
/s /Oscar Trevino SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO
Oscar Trevino - Mayor
ATTEST: BEFORE ME, THIS 20th day of
/s /Alicia Richardson November in the year of 2017
Alicia Richardson - City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LE-
GALITY:
/s /Maleshia B. McGinnis
Maleshia B. McGinnis, City Attor-
nev
Notary Public 1 �
LESLIE BUCKLEY
•,ois!y Public, State of Texas
Comm. Expires 09 -24 -2021
• °'.. N otary ID 128058260
•