HomeMy WebLinkAbout1088 08-25-1992ORDINANCE NO. 1088
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6 -1 "FIRE
PREVENTION CODE - ADOPTED; DEFINITIONS;
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER; AMENDMENTS."
OF ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL" OF CHAPTER 6
"FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION" OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF EULESS,
TEXAS, AS AMENDED, ADOPTING THE 1991
EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE;
PRESCRIBING REGULATIONS GOVERNING
CONDITIONS HAZARDOUS TO LIFE AND
PROPERTY FROM FIRE OR EXPLOSION; MAKING
CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO SAID 1991 UNIFORM
FIRE CODE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE;
PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EULESS, TEXAS:
I.
SECTION 6 -1 OF ARTICLE 1 OF CHAPTER 6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF EULESS,
TEXAS, IS HEREWITH AMENDED TO HEREAFTER BE AND READ AS FOLLOWS:
Sec. 6 -1. Fire Prevention Code Adopted.
(1) CODE ADOPTED. There is hereby adopted by the City Council for the purpose
of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and
property from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the Uniform
Fire Code recommended by the International Fire Code Institute and the
International conference of Building Officials being particularly the 1991
edition thereof including Appendix I -A through C, Appendix II -A, II -D,
II -E, Appendix III -C, Appendix IV -B, Appendix V -A, Appendix VI -D, save and
except such portions as are hereafter deleted, modified or amended by this
chapter, copies of which Uniform Fire Code are on file in the office of the
City Secretary and the same are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as
if set out at length herein and the provisions thereof shall be controlling
within the limits of the city.
(2) DEFINITIONS. Whenever and wherever used in the Uniform Fire Code the
following terms shall have the meanings hereinafter ascribed thereto.
1. Wherever the word "jurisdiction" is used in the Uniform Fire
Code, it shall be held to mean the City of Euless.
2. Wherever the term "corporation" is used in the Uniform Fire Code,
it shall be held to mean the attorney for the City of Euless,
Texas.
3. Wherever the terms "Fire Prevention Engineer ", "Fire Prevention
Officer" or "Fire Marshal" are used, they shall be held to mean
"Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention."
(3) ENFORCEMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION CODE. The Fire Code shall be administered
and enforced by the Fire Marshal. The Fire Chief shall appoint, on the
basis of qualifications, one of the classified fire personnel to perform
the duties of fire prevention and such person shall be known as the Chief
of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and shall perform those duties herein
assigned to the Fire Marshal, Fire and Arson Investigator, Fire Inspector
or Fire Prevention Engineer. Other personnel may be assigned by the Fire
Chief as needed or required to perform one or more of such functions, to
hold one or more of such positions and /or assist personnel assigned to or
holding one or more such positions.
(4) DISTRICTS. The establishment of limits or districts, having to do with the
storage of hazardous or explosive materials referred to within the Uniform
Fire Code shall be as follows:
1. The limits referred to in Section 79.501 of the Uniform Fire Code
in which flammable or combustible liquid storage in outside above
ground tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the entire
City of Euless; it being the intention of this body to entirely
prohibit outside above ground bulk storage of Class I and Class
II flammable or combustible liquids;
2. The limits referred to in Section 79.1001 of the Uniform Fire
Code in which flammable or combustible liquid in outside above
ground tanks for private use on farms, rural areas, construction
sites and earth - moving projects is hereby established as follows;
it being the intention of this body to prohibit permanent storage
of Class I and Class III flammable and combustible liquids in
above ground tanks except for the temporary storage of Class I
and Class II flammable or combustible liquids for temporary
storage subject to review and approval of the Fire Marshal.
3. The limits referred to in Section 82.104(a) of the Uniform Fire
Code in which bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas is re-
stricted, are hereby established as the entire City of Euless; it
being the intention of this body to entirely prohibit the bulk
storage of liquified petroleum gas within the corporate limits of
the City of Euless. For the purpose of this code, bulk storage
shall be defined as the aggregate capacity of any one installa-
tion exceeding a 2,000 gallon water capacity. The limits for
liquefied petroleum gas in other districts shall be as follows;
residential zone districts shall be limited to an aggregate water
gallon capacity not to exceed 250 gallons subject to safeguarding
and distance restrictions; commercial and industrial zone dis-
tricts shall be limited to an aggregate water gallon capacity not
to exceed 2,000 gallons subject to safeguarding and distance
restrictions.
4. The limits referred to in Section 77.107(a) of the Uniform Fire
Code in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 2 of 18
prohibited, hereby are established as being the entire City of
Euless; it being the intention of this body to entirely prohibit
the storage of explosives and blasting agents within the corpo-
rate limits of the City of Euless.
AMENDMENTS. Amendments to the Uniform Fire Code. The Uniform Fire Code,
as herein adopted, is amended in the following respects to read as
hereinafter indicated:
1. Section 2.105 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
The Chief of the Bureau of the Fire Prevention and members of the
Fire Prevention Bureau and members of the fire department as
designated by the Fire Chief, shall have the powers of police
officers in performing their duties under this Code. They shall
have the power to issue citations for offenses tending to cause
fires or to make fire fighting more difficult including, but not
limited to, the following offenses:
a. Failure to maintain proper marking of designated fire lanes
and /or fire zones.
b. Parking of motor vehicles or otherwise obstructing any
properly marked fire lanes.
c. Parking within a prohibited distance from a fire hydrant or
Fire Department connection.
d. Any offense defined in this chapter or under this uniform
Fire Code or its related codes i.e., Building Code, Mechani-
cal Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, or Adopted NFPA
Standards.
2. Section 2.304 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by
adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
(c) Most current year edition of the National Fire Protection
Association Recognized Standards on file.
3. Amend Article 4, Section 4.108 1.1, liquified petroleum gases, to
read as follows:
Except for portable containers of less than twenty -five (25)
gallon water capacity, to install or maintain any LP gas
container, tank or vehicle which is used for the transportation
of LP gas. Where a single container or the aggregate capacity of
interconnected containers is over 100 gallon water capacity, the
installer shall submit plans for such permit, See Article 82.
4. Amend Article 4 by adding a new Section, 4.109 to read as fol-
lows:
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 3 of 18
PERMIT FEES:
(A) No permit shall be issued unless the applicant has first
paid at the Bureau of Fire Prevention, the fee required
therefor as set forth in Chapter 1 1/2 of this code.
(B) Consolidation of permits. Where permits are consolidated as
outlined in Section 4.106, the permit fee shall be the sum
of all fees for all uses so consolidated.
(C) Uses in existence at the time of adoption of this code and
having no previous permit shall be subject to the provisions
of this Article Four requiring a permit. Any change in
operation requiring a new Certificate of Occupancy as
outlined in the Building Code shall void such permits
issued.
(0)
Permits shall have an expiration date not to exceed one (1)
year from the date of issuance. Temporary permits shall be
valid for a period of time as set forth therein by the Fire
Marshal.
(E) Permits issued, and for which the activity, operation,
practice, or function is still in existence and which are
not renewed within 30 days after expiration shall accrue a
penalty fee as set forth in Chapter 1 1/2, to be levied in
addition to the regular fee schedule. See fee ordinance..
(F) Permit fee(s) shall be doubled if owner, operator, or
contractor has begun work or caused such activity, opera-
tion, practice or function to begin without first obtaining
a permit.
(G) After hours inspections:
(1) An inspection may be scheduled after normal duty hours,
such as weekends or after 5:00 p.m. (1700 hours) by
special arrangement with the Fire Marshal.
(2) A fee per hour shall be paid in advance for the special
inspection. See fee ordinance. The total advance
payment shall be determined by the Fire Marshal as that
number of total man -hours necessary to perform the
inspection or service.
Payment shall not be pro -rated in amounts less than one
(1) hour increments.
(6) Section 2.303 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby redesignated as Subsection
2.303(a) and such section is futher amended by adding new paragraphs(b),
(c) and (d) to read as follows:
(3)
1088 4
Ordinance No. , Page of 18
(b) The Board of Appeals referenced to in paragraph (a) shall be
the Euless Zoning Board of Adjustment.
(c) The Fire Marshal or designated representative shall serve as
an ex officio member of the board when required.
(d) A decision of the Board may be appealed to the City Council
provided:
(1) The appeal must be made within thirty (30) days after
rendition of the Board's decision, and;
(2) The appeal must be perfected by written request to the
office of the City Secretary.
(7) Article 1 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by adding a new
Section 1.104 as follows:
(a) Compliance Certification. A notarized letter may be re-
quired by the Fire Marshal that certifies compliance with
the Fire Code or recognized standards regarding the techni-
cal installations of fire protection and /or notification
equipment, systems or its operation thereof.
(b) Notarized letters may be required for the following:
1. Automatic fire alarm systems
2. Automatic fire extinguishing systems
3. Storage /use of hazardous materials
4. Fire protection equipment maintenance and /or sprinkler
5. Flame retardant applications
6. Liquified gas installations and operations
7. Flammable and combustible installations and operations
8. Radioactive materials storage and appliances
9. Emergency power systems and appliances
10. Life safety systems, devices and operation
(c) The Letter of Certification shall be on company letterhead,
signed by an authorized agent acceptable to the Fire Mar-
shal, and filed before final approval of the systems instal-
lation and operation.
(d) All compliance testing and final acceptance shall be wit-
nessed by the Fire Marshal or his authorized representative.
A representative of the installer shall be in attendance at
all compliance testing.
(8) Section 10.105 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by adding a new
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
(e) Fire Lanes and Fire Zones. When the Fire Marshal determines
that an area is necessary to gain immediate access to any
fire protection equipment, appliance, vault, or hydrant or
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 5 of 18
to gain access for the Fire Department entry to buildings
for the purpose of life safety, the area shall be marked or
posted as approved.
(9) Sections 10.203, 10.204, 10.205 and 10.206 are hereby combined into a new
Section 10.203 of the Uniform Fire Code to read as follows:
(a) General. Emergency access easements or roadways for fire
apparatus shall be provided and maintained in accordance
with provisions of this section.
(b) Where Required. Fire apparatus access roads or easements
shall be required for every building hereafter constructed.
Such roadway or emergency access easement shall provide for
all portions of the first story of a structure to be within
the unobstructed deployment of one hundred fifty feet (150')
of preconnected hose line from a fire apparatus, located
within said access roadway or easement. Where access
requirements cannot be fully provided, recognized fire
protection systems shall be installed as prescribed and
approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(c) More than one (1) fire apparatus road shall be provided when
it is determined that access by a single road may be im-
paired by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic
conditions or other factors that could limit access.
(d) Permissible Modifications. Clearances or widths required by
t his section may be increased when in the opinion of the
Fire Chief or the Fire Marshal, minimum clearances or widths
are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.
(e) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and
maintained in a manner to support the imposed loads of fire
apparatus. Access roadway surfaces shall be constructed of
asphalt or concrete and engineered so as to provide all
weather driving and maneuvering capabilities.
(f) Width. The minimum unobstructed width of a fire apparatus
access roadway shall be not less than twenty feet (20'),
unless such roadway parallels parking facilities on one or
more sides, in which case, such roadway or access easement
shall be not less than twenty -four feet (24') of unobstruct-
ed width. The authority having jurisdiction may increase
minimum widths when deemed necessary to provide adequate
access for protection.
(g) Vertical Clearance. All fire apparatus access roads shall
have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13
feet, 6 inches (13'6 ").
EXCEPTION: Upon approval, vertical clearance may be reduced,
provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 6 of 18
and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the
established vertical clearance.
(h) Turning Radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus
access roadway shall be set and approved by the Chief of the
Bureau of Fire Prevention. Unless otherwise stipulated,
each access roadway turning radius shall be twenty feet
(20') inside dimension, forty feet (40') outside dimension.
Turnarounds. Any such roadway or emergency access easement
more than one hundred and fifty feet (150') in length shall
either be connected to another dedicated public street or
fire lane easement, or be provided with a paved roadway
turnaround with a turning radius no less than fifty feet
(50'). (Exception: When approved, an alternate design may
be substituted for a turn around. The design shall meet
requirements established by the Fire Marshal.)
Bridges. When a bridge is required to be used as access
under this section, it shall be constructed and maintained
in accordance with the applicable sections of the building
code and using designed live loading sufficient to carry the
imposed loads of fire apparatus.
(k) Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall
not exceed the maximum approved by the authority having
jurisdiction.
(i)
(j)
(1) Obstruction. The required width of any fire apparatus
access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including
parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances
established under this section shall be maintained at all
times.
(m) Signs. When required, approved signs, fire lane striping or
other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for
fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and
prohibit the obstruction hereof, or both.
(n) Speed Bumps. No person, firm or corporation shall place,
construct, erect or maintain any speed bumps in a marked
fire lane or emergency access roadway without first obtain-
ing a permit. Such speed bumps shall be constructed as not
to exceed the height of five inches (5 ") and a rise at the
ratio of two to one. See fee ordinance.
(10) Section 10.301 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Premises Identification
Section 10.301(a). Approved numbers or address shall be placed on all new
and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 7 of 18
legible from the street or read fronting the property. Said numbers shall
contrast with their background.
1. Residential occupancies shall have numbers a minimum of four inches
(4 ") in height.
2. Multi - family, townhouses, condominiums and commercial occupancies
shall have street and /or building numbers a minimum of eight inches
(8 ") in height. When deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal, the street
and /or building numbers may be required to be of a larger size for
immediate and visible identification.
(b) If structure is more than two hundred feet (200') from a
public street, the address shall also appear at the front or
main entry to the property.
(c) When deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal, the street or
building numbers may be required on more than one side of
the structure or property.
(d) Building and /or street numbers shall be located in an area
and lighted in a manner that will make them immediately
discernible as approved by the Fire Marshal. Exception:
neighborhood residential districts containing single family
detached and single family attached (duplex) dwellings.
(e) Street or Road Signs. When required by the Chief, streets
and roads shall be identified with approved signs.
(11) Amend Uniform Fire code by adding a new Section 10.306 to read as follows:
Security Gates:
(a) Definitions:
1. As used herein, a security gate shall mean any device located on
private property which prohibits access of motor vehicles to more
than one (1) residential unit or to any commercial property. It
includes, but is not limited to, a metal or wood swing railing
extended across a street, private drive or fire lane, which can
only be opened by a human operator situated on the premises or by
remote control or both.
2. Owner shall mean a person, corporation, partnership, association
or any other similar entity.
3. Light duty metal chain means a chain with the maximum diameter of
metal in the chain links being one quarter inch (1/4 "), and does
not mean high -test proof, coil chain or other heat tempered
chain, regardless of size.
4. Main gate means a security gate located on private residential
property where more than one (1) security gate exists. The owner
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page
of 18
shall designate in writing to the Fire Marshal which is the main
gate. If no designation is made, the main gate shall be so
designated and located on the property side bearing the street
address.
(b) Main Gates:
1. Main gates shall be located at least thirty feet (30') back
from the inside edge of the property line or forty feet
(40') from the edge of the roadway curb, whichever is
furthest from said roadway curb.
2. All main gates shall be electrically operated, with a manual
disconnect in case of a power failure. The manual discon-
nect is to be placed in a weathertight box, with a piano -
type hinge on one side and a KNOX weatherproof padlock and
hasp on the other side.
3. All main gates shall open with a fire department KNOX K.S.
#2 key - operated switch. The KNOX key - operated switch shall
be provided and installed by the owner. The key - operated
switch is to be located ten feet (10') from the gate, on the
left side of the approach, placed on a pedestal with the key
switch facing the fire lane. The key switch shall be no
closer than four feet, six inches (4'6 ") or no farther than
five feet, five inches (5'5 ") inches from the ground.
4. The owner shall furnish the Police Department /Fire Depart-
ment and Fire Marshal's office with the necessary number of
access codes or tenant access cards, so normal patrol and
enforcement actions can be continued.
5. The minimum fire lane width requirement of twenty feet (20')
and the minimum height clearance requirement of thirteen
feet, six inches (13'6 ") shall be maintained.
(c) Security Gates: It shall be unlawful for a security gate to be
placed within a public access or fire lane easement, unless such
gate complies with the following:
1. The minimum fire lane width requirement of twenty feet (20')
and the minimum height requirement of thirteen feet, six
inches (13'6 ") shall be maintained.
2. Security gates shall be designed and constructed in a
workman like manner. Gate materials shall be acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction.
3. Horizontal swing or sliding security gates shall be con-
structed, mounted, and maintained whereby such gates will
open fully when activated. When opened, the gates must be
equipped with a device to maintain the gate in an open
position.
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 9 of 18
4. Electrical and /or hydraulic gate devices shall be designed
in a manner that allows for an alternate method of operation
in a power -off or mechanical malfunction conditions.
5. Security gates other than the main gate shall be locked in a
manner that allows for emergency opening with a KNOX Padlock
or KNOX -key switch device.
(d) Application for security gates: A written request to install
security gates shall be submitted to the office of the Fire
Marshal with sufficient information to ensure that code compli-
ance shall be provided. Security gates may be installed only
after a permit for installation has been issued by the Fire
Marshal.
(e) Disclaimer of liability: The City hereby disclaims any and all
liabilities resulting from damages sustained by any person or
owner, either directly or indirectly, as a result of any emergen-
cy function of the City or lack thereof, where such damage is
occasioned by the noncompliance of any owner with the provisions
of this section.
(12) Section 10.403 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Fire Hydrants.
(a) The location, number and type of fire hydrants connected to a
water supply capable of delivering the required flow shall be
provided on the public street or on the site of the premises or
both to be protected as required and approved by the chief. Fire
hydrants shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by
roads meeting the requirements of Division II.
For fire safety during construction, alteration or demolition of
a building, see Section 87.103(c).
(b) Requirement for fire sprinkled buildings. Buildings that are
protected with fire sprinkler or standpipe systems shall have a
fire hydrant located within 150 feet of the fire department
connection measured by an approved route for the purpose of hose
line deployment.
(13) Section 12.110 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to be and read as
follows:
Exit Illumination.
(a) General. Except within individual dwelling units, guest rooms
and sleeping rooms, exits shall be illuminated any time the
building is occupied, with light having intensity of not less
than one (1) foot candle at floor level.
EXCEPTION: In auditoriums, theatres, concert or opera halls and
similar assembly uses, the illumination at floor level may be
reduced during performances to not less than 0.2 foot candle.
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 10 of 18
(b) Power Supply. The power supply for exit illumination shall
normally be provided by the premises wiring system. In the event
of its failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from
an emergency system where the occupant load of the occupancy is
fifty (50) or more persons. For high -rise buildings and smoke
proof enclosures, see the Building Code. Emergency systems shall
be supplied from storage batteries or an on-site generator set,
and the system shall be installed in accordance with the require-
ments of the Electrical Code.
(c) Windowless or underground areas shall be provided with an emer-
gency illumination system approved by the Fire Marshal.
(14) Section 12.111 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to be and read as
follows:
Exit Signs.
(a) Where required, exit signs shall be installed at required exit
doorways and where otherwise necessary to clearly indicate the
direction of egress.
EXCEPTION: Main exterior exit doors which obviously and clearly
are identifiable as exits.
(b) Graphics. The color and design of lettering, arrows and other
symbols on exit signs shall be in high contrast with their
background. Words on the sign shall be in block letters six
inches (6 ") in height with a stroke of not less than 3/4 inch.
Illumination. Signs shall be internally or externally illuminat-
ed by two electric lamps. When the luminescence on the face of
an exit sign is from an external source, it shall have intensity
of not less than five (5) foot candles from either lamp.
Internally illuminated signs shall provide equivalent
luminescence.
(c)
(d) Self- luminous type illumination may be approved by the Fire
Marshal, when internal or external illuminated fixtures are not
practical or applicable to the situation.
Power Supply. Power supply for exit fixture illumination shall
normally be provided by the premises wiring system. In the event
of its failure, exit sign illumination shall be from storage
batteries or on -site generator set and the systems shall be
installed in accordance with the Electrical Code and Life Safety
Code or emergency lighting provisions.
EXCEPTION: Occupancies in existence at the time of the adoption
of this provision need not comply unless changes, alterations or
repairs affect their present existence or the authorities having
jurisdiction deem compliance necessary to assure life safety
conditions.
(e)
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 11 of 18
(f) Floor -level Exit Signs. When exit signs are required by the
Building Code <see U.B.C. Section 3314(a) >, additional approved
low -level exit signs which are internally or externally illumi-
nated, or self - luminous, shall be provided in all interior exit
corridors serving guest rooms of hotels in Group R Division 1
Occupancies.
The bottom of the sign shall not be less than six inches (6 ") or
more than eight inches (8 ") above the floor level. For exit
doors, the sign shall be on the door adjacent to the door with
the closest edge of the sign within four inches (4 ") of the door
frame.
(g) Amusement Building Exit Marking. Approved directional exit
marking and exit signs shall be provided in accordance with the
Building Code. Approved low -level exit signs and directional
marking shall be located not more than eight inches (8 ") above
the walking surface and at the exit path. Such marking shall be
activated in accordance with the Building Code. See U.B.C.
Section 610(c).
(15) Section 87.103 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by the addition
of new paragraphs (r)(s) to be and read as follows:
(r) Combustible Material Storage. The storage of combustible materi-
als used for construction shall be located at a distance no
greater than one hundred feet (100') from a dedicated public
street or emergency access easement. If required, the authority
having jurisdiction may require key access as outlined in Section
10.302 of this code.
(s) Permits. The following permits are applicable to construction
projects. The use and storage of Class I, II, III, flammable or
combustible liquids; use of explosive or blasting agents; excava-
tion within ten feet (10') of a flammable liquid transportation
line; use of liquified petroleum gas, LPG; storage of lumber in
excess of 100,000 board feet; use of warming fires or portable
heating appliances; welding and cutting operations; rubbish
fires used in the process of clearing land. Refer to fee
ordinance.
(16) Section 10.507, paragraph (c)(1),(c)(3) and (d) of the Uniform Fire Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Group A Occupancies.
1. Night clubs, discos and restaurants. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed in all occupancies used for drinking
or dining when the total occupancy area exceeds five thousand
(5,000) square feet regardless of the area wall separation from
other unseparated rooms or area uses.
* * **
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 12 of 18
3. Assembly areas, exhibition and display rooms. An automatic
sprinkler system shall be installed in Group A Occupancies which
have more than 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area which can be used for
exhibition, assembly or display purposes regardless of area
separations.
* * **
(d) Group B, Division 2 Occupancies. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed in all occupancies classed as Group B,
Division 2 where the floor area exceeds twelve thousand (12,000)
sq. ft. on any floor or twenty -four thousand (24,000) sq. ft. on
all floors or in Group S, Division 2 occupancies three (3) or
more stories in height, regardless of any area separations. The
area of mezzanines shall be included in determining the areas
where sprinklers are required.
(17) Section 10.501 of the Uniform Fire code is hereby amended by adding the
following paragraphs (d)(e)(f) and (g) to be and read as follows:
(d) A plan review, installation permit, and fire inspection fee shall
be paid to the Fire Marshal's Office as set forth in Chapter 1
1/2 of this Code of Ordinances.
(e) Registration of Contractors: Contractors who perform services
including, but not limited to the repairs, maintenance or instal-
lation of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fixed
chemical systems and /or portable appliances, flammable and /or
combustible tanks, lines and /or pumps shall be required to
maintain a registration with the city before performing any type
of work except those who have been specifically excluded by any
state or federal provision. Each contractor shall furnish the
Fire Marshal with written notice of contractor's permanent
business address, telephone numbers, and copies of current
business licenses or registrations.
(f) Registration fees: For a contractor's registration, a fee shall
be paid in addition to other provisions provided. The fee for
initially establishing registration data shall be as set forth in
1 1/2 of this Code of Ordinances. The annual renewal fee for
continuing the validity of registration data shall be as set
forth in 1 1/2 of this Code of Ordinances. Exception shall be
those contractors who have been specifically excluded by any
state or federal provision.
Regsitration Renewal: The license may be renewed for the ensuing
calendar year by filing a new registration and the p ayment of a
renewal fee as set forth herein. Failure to renew registration
within 30 days of expiration of same shall require a new regis-
tration and the usual fee for new registration. No refund will
be paid in the event of the revocation or surrender of any such
certificate or license.
(9)
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 13 of 18
(18) Section 10.504 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the
following paragraphs (d)(e) and (f) to be and read as follows:
(d) All fire protection systems shall be maintained in accordance
with Section 10.504(a). The Fire Marshal shall be notified of
any required fire alarm system, fire sprinkler or standpipe
system or any other type of fire protection system that is to be
out of service for a period greater than four (4) clock hours.
When systems are to be out of service for a period greater than four (4) clock
hours, and when, in the opinion of the Fire Marshal, a watch is essential for
the safety of the building's occupants, a fire watch shall be posted as directed
by the Fire Marshal. Standby personnel shall be required as provided by this
code.
(e) Occupancies having a required fire protection system shall have
and maintain a maintenance contract with a State licensed and
certified agency authorized to provide for repairs and adjust-
ments of the system as needed to keep it operable at all times.
(f)
Such maintenance contract shall provide for twenty -four hour
emergency service with not more than a two (2) hour response
time. The name of the service company and emergency phone
numbers shall be made available at the property location in a
manner that is acceptable to the Fire Marshal. A copy of the
maintenance contract shall be made available to the Fire Marshal
or his authorized representative upon request.
(19) Subsection (e) of Section 12.106 entitled "Doors" of Article 12 of the
Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to be and read as follows:
(e) Special Egress - Control Device. When approved by the Fire Mar-
shal, exit doors in Group B, Division 2 occupancies may be
equipped with approved special egress - control devices provided
the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic
fire sprinkler system and an approved automatic smoke and heat
detection system. The unlatching of special egress - control
devices may be by panic hardware, or electric button that meets
the requirements set out below. If photo electric or motion
detectors are used, they may be used in conjunction with the
button device, but not in lieu thereof. Special egress - control
devices shall be subject to the following regulations and
requirements:
1. The design and installation shall:
A. Automatically de- activate the egress - control device upon the
activation of the Fire Sprinkler System and /or the Fire
Alarm System.
Ordinance No. 1088 , page 14 of 18
B. Automatically de- activate the egress - control device upon the
loss of electrical service from the primary power source or
secondary power source, if available, to any of the follow-
ing:
(i) The Egress- Control Device;
(ii) The Smoke/Heat Fire Alarm Detection System;
(iii) The Exit illumination as required by
U.B.C.
2. The control button used for un- latching a single door shall be
located no more than twelve (12) inches from the door being used
for exiting and shall be placed at the unhinged side of the door
a minimum of thirty (30) inches and a maximum of forty -four (44)
inches above the floor. In the case of double doors, the loca-
tion of the unlatching device shall be reviewed and approved by
the Fire Marshal but in no case shall it be placed further than
six inches (6) from the door frame.
EXCEPTION: This provision only applies to occupancies that are
restricting egress with door locking devices. Occupancies that
restrict or control access (ingress) only need to comply with the
egress requirements established and set out in Article Twelve
(12) of the Uniform Fire code, and chapter five (5) of the NFPA
Standards 101, Life Safety Cade.
3. The unlatching shall not require more than one operation. Any
electrical egress device shall have a minimum time delay of 20
seconds before latching occurs.
4. A sign shall be located adjacent to the unlatching control device
and must read "Push to Exit ". The letters of the sign shall be
at least one inch (1 ") in height and shall have a stroke of not
less than one - eighth inch (1/8 ") with a contrasting background.
5. The button by which the unlatching device is operated shall not
be less than one and one -half inches (1 1/2 ") in diameter,
readily visible, and shall be red in color and shall not be
required to be held in for unlatching to occur.
EXCEPTION: Any button color other than red must be approved by
the Fire Marshal. Button must be contrasting in color and
readily distinguishable.
6. Where special egress - control devices with or without time delays
are installed in accordance with the U.B.C., they shall be
maintained in a workable condition.
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 15 of 18
(20) That section 10.504 entitled "Maintenance" of Article 10 of the Uniform
Fire Code, is hereby amended by adding a new paragraph (g) to be and read
as follows:
(g) 1. STATE RULES AND REGULATIONS. The Fire Marshal and /or his
authorized representative(s) shall have local enforcement
authority regarding the rules and regulations as established
by the State Board of Insurance in Article 5.43 of the Texas
Insurance Code. The rules and regulations specifically
designated for enforcement are: Article 5.43 -1,
Extinguisher Rules; Article 5.43 -2, Fire Alarm Rules;
Article 5.43 -3, Sprinkler Rules; Article 5.43 -4, Fire Works
Rules.
2. The Fire Marshal as the local authority conducting the
review on behalf of the state shall inspect the installa-
tion, maintenance, repair, or jobbing of provisions as
outlined in the rules and regulations established by the
insurance code and cause the same to be complied with.
3. The Fire Marshal and /or his authorized representative(s) may
issue to the person, firm, or corporation found in violation
any of the provisions, that is subject to the local
authority review and acceptance, a misdemeanor citation for
each violation. The penalty for each violation thereof
shall be set by the adopted and enforcing ordinance.
4. Violation of Provisions that are clearly the responsibility
of the State shall be forwarded to the enforcement authority
of the state at the earliest opportunity.
(21) Table 79.202 -A Footnote 8 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
In buildings used for wholesale and retail sales which are
protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, the aggre-
gate quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in control
areas accessible to the public are allowed to be increased to a
density of one gallon per square foot for Class I -A, and two
gallons per square foot for Class I -B, Class 1--C, Class II and
Class III -A liquids. The floor area over which the density
factor is applied shall be only that area actually being used for
storage, including contiguous aisle space. The allowable quanti-
ties in the flammable and combustible liquids storage area shall
be uniformly distributed therein. Increases provided in footnotes
numbered 4 and 5 shall not apply.
Ordinance No. 1088 , page 16 of 18
II.
That Section 6 -5 "Arson Reward" of Article I, "In General" of Chapter 6 "Fire
Protection and Prevention" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Euless,
Texas is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 6 -5. The City of Euless hereby offers a reward of five hundred dollars
(500.00) for the arrest and conviction of any person found guilty of committing
the crime of arson within the city. This reward is a standing reward offer, and
shall be paid out of the general fund of the city to the recipient, upon appli-
cation by the Fire Marshal and its approval by the City Manager
Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Euless, Texas, is hereby amended by
the addition thereto of the following new section which shall hereafter be and
read as follows:
Section 6 -74. Authority to Establish Policy Standards.
The Fire Marshal shall have authority to establish certain policy guidelines or
standards regulating various provisions of the Fire Code that are subject to the
standardization of construction methods and /or local interpretation. The Fire
Marshal shall have the authority to outline conditions for the installation and
testing of fire protection equipment and appliances and provide for code consis-
tency to rules, regulations, or laws with county, state or federal agencies.
Copies of these policy statements and interpretations are on file with the City
Secretary.
ORDINANCES REPEALED. Ordinance 888, and all ordinances amendatory thereto; are
expressly superseded by the terms of this ordinance.
Fire Marshal permits heretofore issued under the existing ordinances shall be
valid for the time for which they were issued under the existing Fire Code;
however, upon expiration of said date, the same shall become void.
Iv.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. That it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City
Council that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this
ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or
section of this ordinance shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional by the
valid judgement or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalid
or 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 invalid or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or
section.
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 17 of 18
V.
PENALTY FOR VIOLATION. Any person, firm or corporation violating the terms and
provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be
punished as provided in Section 1 -6 of this Code of Ordinances, and each day
that such violation continues shall be a separate offense; this penalty shall be
cumulative of all other remedies. Any such violation shall be deemed a viola-
tion of a provision governing public health and sanitation under said Section
1 -6 of this Code.
VI.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and publication as provided by the Euless City Charter and the laws
of the State of Texas.
PRESENTED AND GIVEN FIRST AND FINAL READING at a regular meeting of the Euless
City Council on the 25th day of August , 1992, by a vote of
7 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.
APPROVED:
Mara d D. Samuels, Mayor
ATTEST:
Susan Crim, ity Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 1088 , Page 18 of 18
Kim Sutter
From: Paul Smith
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 11:02 AM
To: Kim Sutter
Cc: Wes Rhodes
Subject: Policy Statement
Attachments: EFO- FMO -32 -1 2009 IFC Formal Interpretations - Policy Standards.doc
Kim,
The way I read the Ordinance (which is referenced in the attached document), I need to file this with you to "keep it
legal ". This document will be updated from time to time and contains "official" interpretations etc. of the codes until
they are formalized into ordinance form. In each case, I run the issue and proposed change before the fire chief and
city manager before the updates come to you. Plan is that in about a year we will compile all of these into an
ordinance revision as another amendment to the fire code. If you have any questions, please give me a shout.
Tha nks,
Paul
Paul Smith
Division Chief /Fire Marshal
Euless Fire Department
817 -685 -1600
Please note my new email address: psmith@eulesstx.gov
1
DISCLAIMER:
EULESS FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE
POLICY STATEMENT
Formal Interpretation and
Policy Standards for 2009 IFC
07/12
Fire Chief Wes Rhodes Fire Marshal Paul Smith
EFD -FMO 32-1
2009 International
Fire & Building Cale
as Amended
NFPA Standards
Adopted
This document is not intended to be all inclusive, but rather to be a dynamic document
to address those formal interpretations that are not found in topic specific information
lines.
The following policy standards involving the application of the provisions of the 2009
International Fire Code are invoked and in effect as included herein. The authority to
establish a policy standard is included in the Code of Ordinances under Section 34 -75.
Policy standards included herein are submitted to the city secretary after approval by
the fire chief and the city manager.
"Sec. 34 -75. - Authority to establish policy standards.
The fire marshal shall have authority to establish certain policy guidelines or
standards regulating various provisions of the fire code adopted in this chapter that are
subject to the standardization of construction methods and /or local interpretation. The fire
marshal shall have the authority to outline conditions for the installation and testing of fire
protection equipment and appliances and provide for code consistency to rules, regulations,
or laws with county, state or federal agencies. Copies of these policy statements and
interpretations are on file with the city secretary.
(Ord. No. 1088, § 14 8- 25 -92)'
Formal Standards:
Section 308.1.2 of the 2009 International Fire Code (Throwing or placing sources of ignition.) shall
include the following sentence.
"This section shall apply to dream lanterns and any similar device in which a burning object is placed in a
device which is intended to be released into the atmosphere."
Purpose: The rise in popularity of devices in which a candle is placed inside a combustible balloon or
sack type material and is released into the atmosphere creates a significant fire risk. This is due to the
open flame located inside a combustible container, being released with no control on where it will
ultimately land. This poses a risk of fire and injury to the community as a whole.
Page 1 of 2
Section 1008.1.10. of the 2009 International Fire Code shall read as follows:
"Section 1008.1.10 Panic and fire exit hardware. Doors serving a Group H occupancy and doors
serving rooms or spaces with an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be provided with a latch or lock
unless it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware. {remainder of the section to remain unchanged }"
Purpose: The 2009 International Fire Code only requires panic hardware on Group A, H and E
occupancies. This is a deviation from long established practices in the codes in effect in the city. It has
been the intent of the City government, through prior adopted codes and amendments to adopted codes, to
require all occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more regardless of occupancy type or use to be
equipped with panic or fire exit hardware. This policy statement will serve as a temporary interpretation
and application pending formal inclusion of the above described language into the WC at a future date.
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