HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Adoption of 2009 International Fire Code ORDINANCE NO. 4045
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF
AMES,IOWA, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 8 AND ENACTING A NEW
CHAPTER 8 THEREOF,FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2009
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS;
REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A PENALTY;AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
repealing Chapter 8 and enacting a new Chapter 8 as follows:
CHAPTER 8
DIVISION I
ADOPTION
Sec.8.101. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The 2009 Edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) as published by the International Code Council, including
Appendix Chapters B,Fire Flow;D,Fire Apparatus Access Road;and E,Hazard Categories;is hereby adopted by the
City of Ames,Iowa,for the purpose of prescribing regulations pertaining to conditions hazardous to life from fire and
explosives,together with the deletion,additions and modifications hereinafter stated.
DIVISION II
AMENDMENTS,ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
Sec.8.201.PERMITS.
Delete Section 105 of the International Fire Code relating to permits,except,add the following text:
Section 105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or
modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system.Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered a modification and does not require a permit.
Section 105.7.5 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction permit is required for
installations of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment.Maintenance performed in
accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
Sec.8.202.AMENDMENTS
(1) Amend Section 307.4.3,Portable Outdoor Fireplaces,by deleting the exception and inserting the
following in lieu thereof:
Recreational fires are permitted in approved containers,such as chimineas.Such fires shall be located more than 15 feet
from any structure,including decks,porches,roofs,garages,sheds,and fences.The immediate area within 15 feet of the
fire shall be clear of combustible materials, such as weeds,shrubs,and furniture.
(2) Amend Section 308.1.4,Open-flame cooking devices,by deleting the text and inserting the following
in lieu thereof:
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated or located on combustible balconies or
within 10 feet of combustible construction.Exceptions:Such devices are permitted in(1)one and two family dwellings;
and(2)where buildings,balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
(3) Amend Section 503.2.4,Turning radius,by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Radius.The inside turning radius of a 20 foot wide fire apparatus road shall be a minimum of 20 feet,and the outside
turning radius of such road or lane shall be a minimum of 50 feet.
(4) Amend Section 503.4,Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads,by deleting the text and Inserting
the following in lieu thereof:
Where fire apparatus access roads are established and are signed or marked as required by the fire chief, parking or
obstructing in any manner of those roads shall be prohibited. The fire chief,traffic engineer and police chief or their
representatives are authorized to enforce this subsection by the issuance of citations,or removal and impoundment of
the obstructions,or both.Exception:Attended vehicles may be stopped in a fire apparatus access road for loading and
unloading.
(5) Amend Section 506.1,Where required,by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof:
Knox®brand key boxes are required for new buildings equipped with monitored fire alarms,sprinkler systems,or as
otherwise ordered by the fire code official.Key boxes shall be installed in an approved location and shall contain keys
to gain necessary access for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes.
(6) Amend Section 508,Fire command center,by adding the following general provision:
The requirements of this section shall be at the discretion of the fire chief.
(7) Amend Section 903.4,Sprinkler system monitoring and alarms,by adding the following exception:
Water supply valves that are locked in the open position.
(8) Amend Section 903.4.2,Alarms,by inserting the following text:
Approved audible devices shall be connected to every automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm
devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed
in the system.Alarm devices shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location and can be required
on the interior of the building in an approved location.Where a fire alarm system is installed,actuation of the automatic
sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
(9) Amend Section 905, Standpipe systems,by adding the following general provision:
The requirements of this section shall be at the discretion of the fire chief.
(10) Amend Section 907.2.9,Group R-2,by adding the following text at the end of the subsection:
Notwithstanding the exceptions noted herein,an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout all interior
corridors serving sleeping units.
(11) Add the following local provision:
ZONING DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN BURIED OR
UNDERGROUND TANKS IS PROHIBITED.
Installation of underground flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks is prohibited in the following zoning districts:
RL,RM,RH,RLP,UCRM,F-S,F-VR,S-HM Zoning Districts.The fire chief,or designees,will have the authority to
alter or allow installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to
topographical conditions,nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings,capacity of proposed tanks,and degree of fire
protection to be provided and available.Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes.This section
shall not apply to underground heating oil installations.
(12) Add the following local provision:
ZONING DISTRICTS IN WHICH STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN OUTSIDE
ABOVE GROUND TANKS IS PROHIBITED.
The limits in which the storage of flammable or combustible liquids is restricted are hereby established as follows:RL,
RM,RH,RLP,UCRM,F-S,F-VR,S-HM Zoning Districts.The fire chief,or designees,will have the authority to alter
or allow installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to
topographical conditions, nature of occupancy,proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed tanks and degree of fire
protection to be provided and available.Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes.This section
shall not apply to heating oil installations.
(13) Add the following local provision:
ZONING DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS ON STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES.
The limits in which storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted,are hereby established as follows:RL,RM,RH,RLP,
UCRM, F-S, F-VR, S-HM Zoning Districts. The fire chief, or designees, will have the authority to alter or allow
installations in prohibited zones after the consideration of special features including but not limited to topographical
conditions,nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings,capacity of proposed tanks,and degree of fire protection
to be provided and available.Any installation shall be in compliance with state and local codes.
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DIVISION III
SPRINKLER SYSTEM RETROFIT
Sec.8.301 EXISTING BUILDINGS TO HAVE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(1) The following terms as used in this article shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this
section.
Automatic Sprinkler System An automatic sprinkler system within the meaning of this section shall consist of piping
designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards,that includes a suitable water supply,and which is
activated by heat or the products of combustion,to discharge water over the fire area.
Fire Chief means the Fire Chief of the Ames Fire Department or said Fire Chief s designee.
High-Rise buildings shall mean buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access.
Impaired evacuation capability occupant,for the purposes of this article,shall mean an occupant that cannot reliably
evacuate a building in a timely manner because of that occupant's physical and/or mental limitations or disabilities.
(2) Retrofit Requirements.The following existing buildings shall be retrofitted with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with the current NFPA 13 or 13R standard.
(a) Existing high-rise buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest
level of fire department vehicle access.
(b) Institutions.Buildings housing more than 16 persons on a twenty-four hour basis to be cared
for or provided a supervised environment because of their physical or mental condition, including hospitals,nursing
homes,and assisted living facilities.
(c) Mobility Impaired.Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units of which eight are occupied by
one or more persons who have an impaired evacuation capability. The Fire Chief, or his/her designee, shall have the
authority to determine whether a person is an occupant with an impaired evacuation capability as aforesaid, and to
conduct a timed evacuation drill to determine the extent to which an apartment building may contain occupants with such
impaired evacuation capabilities.
(d) Dormitories.A building in which sleeping accommodations are provided for more than 16
persons,who are not related by marriage or consanguinity,in one room or a series of closely associated rooms,with or
without meals,including fraternity and sorority houses,barracks,and dormitories.
(3) Each and every existing building that comes within the scope of this section shall be retrofitted as
aforesaid not later than October 1,2011.
(4) Should a facility be unable to meet the prescribed date of October 1,2011,the owners can request up
to two extensions.Requests for extension will be heard by the Building Board of Appeals.
(a) A first request for extension must be brought to the Building Board of Appeals prior to
October 1,2010. If granted an extension for three years,the implementation period would end on October 1,2014.
(b) Should a facility be unable to meet the extended compliance date of October 1,2014,a second
request for extension must be brought to the Building Board of Appeals prior to October 1,2013.If granted an extension
for two years,the implementation period would end on October 1,2016.
(5) In order to grant an extension,the Board must find all of the following five criteria have been met:
(a) The owners have made a compelling case that they cannot be Code compliant by the
prescribed ordinance date.
(b) The owner's request for extension is based upon financial need.
(c) The owners have made substantial and unsuccessful efforts to acquire necessary funds.
(d) Complete and thorough cost estimates, construction plans, and Code compliant sprinkler
system designs have been developed.
(e) The owners have a viable plan for compliance if an extension is granted.
DIVISION IV
OPEN BURNING
Sec.8.401 OPEN BURNING.
(1) Prohibition.
The burning of garbage, refuse, leaves, landscape waste and all other combustible materials is prohibited except as
specifically permitted by the fire chief as provided in the following exceptions.
Exceptions:
(a) Landscape waste.
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Landscape waste produced in clearing,grubbing and construction operations may be burned on site at such locations and
under such conditions as are granted advance written approval of the fire chief or designee.No building materials,trade
wastes,rubber tires,material left from demolition of any structure,landscape waste originating from a different location
nor any other material may be mixed with the landscape waste when burned. Gasoline shall not be used to ignite
landscape waste
(b) Open burning on public or private property.
Open burning of prairies,pastures,fields,yards and road ditches may occur at such locations and under such conditions
as are granted advance written approval of the fire chief or designee.
(c) Training Fires.
Fires set for the purpose of training of public or industrial employees in fire fighting methods are permitted at such
locations and under such conditions as are granted in advance written approval of the fire chief or designee. When
structures are to be burned as part of the training,advance written approval must also be obtained from the State of Iowa
Department of Natural Resources.
(d) Storm damaged trees.
Downed and damaged trees, limbs, and brush may be burned, immediately following severe storm events, at such
locations and under such conditions as are granted advance approval by the fire chief,public works director,and City
Manager,as part of a declared public emergency.The site authorized and designated for such burning shall not be located
in a residential area.
(2) General Conditions for Open Burning.
(a) Fire Chief may prohibit. The Fire Chief may prohibit any or all open burning when
atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or a nuisance.
(b) Attendance of Open Fires. Open fires shall be constantly attended by an adult person until
such fire is extinguished. This person shall have a hose connected to the water supply, or other fire extinguishing
equipment readily available for use.
(c) Offensive Smoke and Odors.Upon receipt of a complaint regarding the smoke or odors from
open fires,the fire chief s designee shall investigate and have the discretion to have the fire extinguished.
DIVISION V
BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
Sec.8.501. BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS HAS JURISDICTION.
The provisions of Section 108.1 of the IFC notwithstanding,the Ames Building Board of Appeals as established and
constituted under the ordinances of the City of Ames shall have jurisdiction to determine the suitability of alternative
materials and types of construction and to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of this Fire Code,
except those relating to open burning.
The Ames Building Board of Appeals is authorized to grant two-year extensions for the implementation period for
sprinkler systems as defined in Section 8.301.
When so acting,the Fire Chief may designate an individual knowledgeable in fire safety to render professional advice
to the Board on matters related to the Fire Code.
The Building Board of Appeals, when acting pursuant to this subsection, shall have authority to review and make
recommendations on any and all proposed changes to this chapter of the Code. Recommendations shall be forwarded
to the City Council for final action.
DIVISION VI
PENALTY
Sec.8.601 PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES PERTAINING TO THE FIRE CODE.
A violation of any provision of Chapter 8,Fire Code, shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of$500
for a person's first violation thereof,and a penalty of$750 for each repeat violation.
(Ord. No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord.No. 3497, Sec. 5, 8-25-98; Ord. No. 3196, Sec. 1, 8-24-92; Ord. No.
3218,Sec. 2, 3-23-93; Ord.No. 3491, Sec. 1, 7-14-98; Ord. No. 3789, 7-27-04; Ord. No. 3924, 06-26-07)."
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a simple misdemeanor punishable
as set out by law.
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Section Three. All ordinances,or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this 28`h day of September , 2010 .
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor
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