HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated September 22, 2026To:Mayor and City Council
From:Sara Van Meeteren, Building Official
Date:September 22, 2026
Subject:Chapter 8 Fire Code revisions
Item No. *
MEMO
The ordinance regarding updating the Fire Code is attached for third reading and
adoption.
ATTACHMENT(S):
244768.docx
Fire 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 8
THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF UPDATING THE
FIRE CODE REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES
OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE
EXTENT OF SUCH CONFLICT; 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 amending Chapter 8 as follows:
“CHAPTER 8 FIRE CODE
DIVISION I ADOPTION
Sec. 8.101. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The 2024 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;
E, Hazard Categories; H - HMMP and HMIS Instructions , and I - Fire Protection Systems
- Noncompliant Conditions; 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:
***
105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue
operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.34 and 105.5.36.
105.5.34 Mobile food preparation vehicles. An operational permit is required for mobile
food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden
vapors.
105.5.36 Open burning. An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining
of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground.
Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be complied with.
Exception: Recreational fires.
105.6 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue
construction permits for work as set forth in Sections 105.6.1,105.6.2, 105.6.7, and
105.6.8.
[A] 105.6.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for
installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system, other than an
automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
[A] 105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. A construction permit is required for
installation of or modification to an automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed in
accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a
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permit.
[A] 105.6.7 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction
permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and
related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered
to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
[A] 105.6.8 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required for
installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps,
controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not
considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
Sec. 8.202. AMENDMENTS.
(1) Amend Section 103.1 Creation of agency. By deleting the text and inserting
the following in lieu thereof: The Ames Fire Department is hereby created and the official
in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall
be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
(2) Amend Section 104.2.4.1 Individual Cases, by deleting the text and inserting
the following in lieu thereof: Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying
out the provisions of this code, the fire chief shall have the authority to grant modifications
for individual cases, provided the fire chief shall first find that special individual reason
makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in compliance with
the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life
and fire safety requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded
and entered in the files of the fire department.
***
(3) Amend Section 307 Opening Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable
Outdoor Fireplaces by deleting the text and inserting the following in lieu thereof: 307.1
General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained
any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with Sections 307.1.1
through 307.5.
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. The burning of garbage, refuse, and all other
combustible materials is prohibited except as specifically permitted by the fire chief as
provided in the following exceptions.
Exception:
1. Landscape waste. 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.
The burning of landscape waste shall be limited to areas located at least one-fourth
mile from any building inhabited by other than the landowner or tenant conducting
the open burning. 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.
2. Open burning on public or private property. Prescribed burning for the
purpose of reducing the impact of wildland fire, including prairies, pastures, fields,
yards and road ditches, may occur at such locations and under such conditions as
are granted advance written approval when authorized by the fire code official.
3. Training Fires. Fires set for the purpose of training of public or industrial
employees in firefighting 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.
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4. 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.
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance
with Section 105.5 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife
management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application
for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land
on which the fire is to be kindled.
307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning
shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality
management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are
followed.
307.3 Extinguishment authority. Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous
situation, upon receipt of a complaint regarding the smoke or odors from open fires, or a
required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire chief’s or their designee
is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall be not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm)
from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to
within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm)
from a structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620
mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm)
or less in height.
307.4.1 Bonfires. Bonfires are prohibited. Any uncontained fire where the pile size is
greater than 3 feet in diameter and/or greater than 2 feet in height shall be considered a
bonfire.
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620
mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread
within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet
(3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings.
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor
fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one
portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other
approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden
hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
(4) Delete Section 311.5 Placards.
***
(6) Amend Section 503.3 by inserting the following:
503.3.1 Marking Specifications.
503.3.1.1 Dimensions. The “No Parking Fire Lane” sign shall be 12 inches wide and 18
inches high.
503.3.1.2 Characteristics. The signs are to be all-season durable with red lettering on a
white background.
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503.3.1.3 Where Required. No Parking Fire Lane” signs are required in areas that meet
the following criteria:
1. Fire department access roadways less than 28 feet wide – Signs shall
be posted on both sides.
2. Fire department access roadways between 28 feet wide and 34 feet wide
– Signs shall be posted on one side only.
3. Fire department access roadways exceeding 34 feet wide – No Fire Lane
restriction signage requirement.
503.3.1.4 Installation. The NO PARKING signs shall be installed as follows:
1. One at the beginning of the restriction (one arrow pointing towards the
restriction zone).
2. One at the end of the restriction (one arrow pointing back into restricted
zone).
3. One at least every 200 ft. within the restricted area (double arrow pointing
in each direction, to indicate the continuing restriction).
4. Spaced evenly within the restriction (for straight curbs/zones). For
example, if the parking restriction zone is 400 ft. long, only one double arrow sign
is required at a distance of 200 ft. from the beginning of the restriction. If the
restriction zone is 450 ft. long, two double arrow signs are required; spaced 150 ft.
evenly from each other and from the beginning/ending signs.
5. Spaced so that at least one readable sign is visible in front of a parked
vehicle from any point along the restriction (for curved curbs/zones and areas that
may present visual obstacles).
6. Set at an angle of no fewer than 30 degrees and no more than 45
degrees with the lane of traffic flow visible to approaching traffic.
503.3.1.5 Painting of Curbs or Streets. Fire lanes shall be painted with curb markings in
addition to approved signage.
***
(8) Delete Section 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices.
***
(10) Amend Section 904.4.1, Sprinkler system supervision and alarms, by
adding the following exception: Post indicator valves that are locked in the open position.
(11) Amend Section 903.4.3, Alarms, by deleting the existing text and inserting
the following text:
***
(12) Amend Section 907.2.9.4, Group R-2, notwithstanding the exceptions noted
herein, an automatic fire alarm system shall be installed throughout all interior corridors
serving sleeping units.
(13) Amend Chapter 11, Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings,
by adding the following: 1108.1 Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter shall be
completed within a time schedule approved by the fire chief. The fire chief has approved
an Ames City Council recommended completion date of July 1, 2020 for Section 1103.7.6,
Group R-2, which states that a fire alarm system, in accordance with the City of Ames
adopted fire code, shall be installed in existing Group R-2 occupancies more than three
stories in height or with more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.
***
DIVISION IV
FIRE PERFORMANCE ART
Sec. 8.401. FIRE PERFORMANCE ART.
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(1) General. The term "Fire performance art" is defined as any act (fire juggling,
fire eating, etc.) in a public or private place, which utilizes fire for entertainment purposes,
outside of a protective housing or in ways in which it travels through the air (by one person
or multiple persons). These acts do not include pyrotechnics or other open flame devices
as regulated by other code sections or permits.
(2) Permits. An operational permit in accordance with the edition of the
International Fire Code currently adopted by the City of Ames must be obtained from the
fire code official prior to the date of the fire performance art taking place.
(3) Space Considerations. A ten (10) foot distance must be maintained between
the fire-involved item and any member of an audience, any combustible
decoration/construction, and any combustible item within the immediate performance
area. A minimum ten (10) foot ceiling height is required.
(4) Extinguishing Agents. At minimum, one (1) 2A-10BC multipurpose fire
extinguisher is required for every five (5) performers at each performance. Additional fire
extinguishers may be required by the fire code official based upon the unique
circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(a) One (1) wet towel for each active fire performer must be provided and
readily available to extinguish the fire implement. The towel must be white in color
to differentiate its use from other colors that may be used to clean up flammable
or combustible liquid spills. Towels used for cleaning up flammable or combustible
liquid spills must be stored in an approved metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
(b) One (1) listed fire blanket must be provided and readily available for
every five (5) performers.
(5) Personal Safety. A five (5) gallon open-topped bucket of water must be
provided and readily available for each fire performance area.
(a) Spotter. There must be one (1) trained spotter for each performance.
The spotter must be positioned between the active fire performer and the
audience. Spotters must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. The
spotter may be a performer who is not engaged in the current performance. The
fire code official may require additional spotters based on the unique
circumstances of the performance and occupancy.
(6) Fuels. Approved common fuels used for fire performance art include: denatured
alcohol; lamp oil (odorless and smokeless); kerosene (for outdoor performances only);
stove fuel; "Shell Sol T" brand fuel; "Allume Feu" brand fuel; "Fire Water" brand fuel.
Gasoline is prohibited under all circumstances.
(a) Fuel Quantities and Storage. All fuels must be stored in their original
container(s) with the caps in place when not in use. The maximum quantity of fuel
on site must be no more than one (1) US gallon per performer.
(7) Wicks. Wick material must consist of cotton wrapped in Kevlar to prevent the
breakdown of the cotton as it burns. All synthetic wick material must be avoided.
(8) Clothing. It is recommended that the clothing worn by the performers be made
of fire resistive materials such as natural fibers or Nomex/PBI.
(9) Smoking. Smoking is prohibited within fifty (50) feet of the performance are a
and fuel storage. No smoking signs must be posted accordingly.
(10) Insurance policy required; Amount. Before an operational permit is issued for
a fire performance art, insurance is required for all special events. The applicant is required
to furnish the City of Ames with a certificate of insurance, written by a company authorized
to transact business in the state of Iowa, evidencing the following coverage:
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance with limits no less than $500,000
combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property
damage.
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The policy shall name the City of Ames as an Additional Insured and require 30 -
days written notice of cancellation. The coverage shall be as broad as the ISO
Form Number CG0001 covering commercial general liability on an occurrence
basis only.
***
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 $750 for a person’s first violation thereof, and a penalty of
$1,000 for each repeat violation.
***
”
Section Two. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Three. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage and publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , .
_____________________________ ___________________________
John A. Haila, Mayor
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Passed on:
I, Renee Hall, City Clerk of the City of Ames, Iowa, hereby certify that the
above and foregoing is a true copy of Ordinance No. ______________, passed by the
City Council of said City at the meeting held on ______________________and signed by
the Mayor on ___________________________, and published in the Ames Tribune on
___________________________.
________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk
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