15-C-21 - 2012 International Fire Code AdoptionORDINANCE NO. 15 -C -21
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ CHAPTER 30, FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION BY
AMENDING EXISTING INTERNATIONAL CODES AND ADOPTING NEW
INTERNATIONAL CODES.
WHEREAS, the Texas Local Governmental Code empowers the cities to enact fire
codes and regulations and provide for their administration, enforcement, and amendment; and
WHEREAS, the regulation of fire safety codes by the City of Schertz (the "City ") is
necessary to protect the public health and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City desires to protect the safety and welfare of the
citizens of the City through regulation of construction activities fire safety compliance in the
City; and
WHEREAS, the City has previously adopted multiple international codes; and
WHEREAS, more recent international codes have been adopted by the International
Code Committee; and
WHEREAS, City Staff has undertaken a review of the newly adopted international codes
as compared to the City's existing codes; and
WHEREAS, City Staff recommends adopting the international codes provided for herein
along with certain amendments; and
WHEREAS, City Staff presented the international codes provided for herein along with
their amendments to the City Planning and Zoning Commission (the "P &Z ") on July 22, 2015
and
WHEREAS, the P &Z voted to recommend approval of the provisions regulating
construction activities set forth herein at the P &Z meeting on July 22, 2015 ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the regulation of construction
activities and fire safety compliance in the City, as set forth herein, is in the best interests of the
City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
Section 1. Chapter 30, "Fire Prevention and Protection" of the Code of Ordinances, City
of Schertz, Texas, Articles II, IV, V and VI are hereby amended.
Section 2. Amendments. Chapter 30 "Fire Prevention and Protection" of the Code of
Ordinances, City of Schertz, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:
ARTICLE II. FIRE MARSHAL
Sec. 30 -22. — Responsibilities. Is amended to read.
The Fire Marshal must be a state - certified peace officer. The Fire Marshal, and his designee,
shall perform such duties as prescribed by law and other ordinances. The Fire Marshal shall be
the authority having jurisdiction concerning nuisances, arson, fire prevention and /or fire code
matters.
ARTICLE IV. FIRE WORKS CODE. Is amended as follows.
Section 30 -64. — Fireworks prohibited
(a) Except as provided hereinafter, it shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture,
assemble, store, transport, sell, offer or have in possession with intent to sell, use,
discharge, ignite, or otherwise set in action any fireworks within the corporate limits of
the city.
(b) Except as provided hereinafter, it shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture,
assemble, store, have in possession with intent to use, discharge, ignite, or otherwise set
in action any fireworks within 5000 feet outside of the City's corporate limits.
(c) Packaged or unopened fireworks cannot be confiscated by the municipal authority,
Sec30 -67. — Seizure and disposal. Repealed.
ARTICLE V. — FIRE PREVENTION CODE
Sec. 30 -81. - Fire Prevention Code adopted. Is amended to read.
The International Fire Code, 2012 Edition (IFC- 2012), as amended, revised and corrected, including
Appendices B, C, D, F, H, I, and all future editions, revisions, amendments, and corrections, published by
the International Code Council (ICC), one copy of which is on file with the city secretary, is hereby
adopted and incorporated by reference as the Fire Prevention Code of the City of Schertz, subject to and
including by reference such amendments as herein shall appear.
Sec. 30 -82 — Amendments
The International Fire Code, 2012 Edition (IFC -2012) is hereby amended as stated below.
Section [A] 101.1 is amended to read as follows:
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of City of Schertz, hereinafter
referred to as "this code ".
Section [A] 102.9 is amended by adding 102.93 Fire Chief Authorization as follows:
[A] 102.9.1 Fire Chief Authorization The Fire Chief is authorized to make and enforce such
rules and regulations for the prevention and control of fires and fire hazards as may be necessary
from time to time to carry out the intent of this Code.
Section 104 GENERAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES, is amended by adding
Section [A] 104.1.1 entitled Authority of the Fire Chief and the Fire Department and Section [A]
104.1.2 entitled Additional Duties and Police Powers of Fire Department Members as follows:
[A] 104.1.1 Authority of the Fire Chief and the Fire Department. The Fire Chief is duly
authorized to act by any means he deems necessary to protect life and property from fire hazards.
The Fire Chief may delegate his power to any other member of the Fire Department.
[A] 104.1.2 Additional Duties and Police Powers of Fire Department Members. In addition to
the duties required or prescribed for members of the Fire Department in connection with the
regular functions of such department, when so required by order of the City Manager in case of
riots, floods, or other public emergencies or catastrophes or public danger of any sort, and all fires
by order of the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief, or any Captain or Lieutenant of the
Fire Department, each and all members of the Fire Department shall be and become vested with
full Police powers and shall perform all duties required for the protection of persons or property
or the preservation of public safety, peace and order.
Section [A] 104.3 Right of Entry, is amended by adding subsection [A] 104.3.2 entitled Photographic
Documentation to read as follows:
[A] 104.3.2 Photographic Documentation. Members of the Fire Department making such
examinations or inspections shall have the right, with proper credentials, and be authorized to
take a reasonable number of photographs or videotapes for evidence and for records for use by
the Fire Department to study hazards and scientific control for fire safety.
Section [A] 105.4.2 Information on construction documents is amended by adding Section [A] 105.4.2.2
entitled Occupancy Classification Letter as follows:
[A] 105.4.2.2 Occupancy Classification Letter. Two copies of a completed "Occupancy
Classification Letter" (a.k.a. "Commodities Letter ") or other approved Fire Protection report shall
be submitted to the City for buildings or portions thereof that are to be used for any of the
following purposes:
1. Warehousing or storage
2. Retail including rack display of products
3. Hazardous material storage and /or use
4. Manufacturing
The Occupancy Classification Letter is required to be submitted
1. with the building permit submittal documents when seeking a building permit,
2. to the Fire Inspector during a Certificate of Occupancy inspection, or
3. at any other time when required by the fire code official.
The Occupancy Classification Letter is to be prepared by the owner and /or tenant of the
building/space in question or a registered design professional. It is to be signed, dated and on
company letterhead. If the Occupancy Classification Letter is prepared by a registered design
professional representing the owner and /or tenant of the building/space in question, the letter is to
be countersigned by the owner and /or tenant. The Occupancy Classification Letter is to be kept
on site at all times. Prior to a change in 1) the type or amount of hazardous material(s) used or
stored, 2) the type or amount of storage or storage height or method, or 3) the manufacturing
process, a revised Occupancy Classification Letter is to be submitted to the Fire Chief or his
designee for review.
Section 105.6 Required operational permits is amended by adding Section 105.6.47 Food Booths, and
Section [A] 105.6.48 entitled Mobile Food Establishments as follows:
[A] 105.6.47 Food Booths.
An operational permit is required for the operation of a food booth. For permit to operate a food
booth, see Section 320.
[A] 105.6.48 Mobile Food Establishments.
An operational permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a mobile food
establishment. Small, light weight vendor push carts, as determined by the fire code official, are
not covered under this section. For permit to operate a Mobile Food Establishment, see Section
321.
Section [A] 105.7. 11 LP -gas is hereby amended as follows:
[A]105.7.11 LP -gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an
LP -gas system that contains 120 gallons or more. Maintenance performed in accordance with this
code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
Section [A] 110.2 Evacuation is amended by adding [A 110.2.1 Removal of Occupants:
[A] 110.2.1 Removal of Occupants. A member of the Fire Department is authorized to require
the removal of occupants at a location when actual occupancy exceeds the permitted or posted
occupant load. A person commits an offense if he refuses to obey an order to vacate.
Section 111.4 (IFC -2012) Failure to comply. Such provision is hereby amended to read as
follows: .
Section 111.4 (IFC -2012) Failure to comply "Any person who shall continue any work after having
been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove
a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a violation of Class C Misdemeanor. Punishable by
fine not to exceed $2000 per day and per offense"
SECTION 202, GENERAL DEFINITIONS is amended by adding definitions and modifying
existing ones as follows:
SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Change of Occupancy is amended to read as follows:
Change of Occupancy. A change in the purpose or level of activity, to include change of —
ownership, within a building that involves a change in application of the requirements of this code.
Fire Lane is amended to read as follows:
Fire Lane. Shall mean any area appurtenant to entrances or exits of a building deemed necessary
by the Fire Chief or his designee to remain free and clear of parked vehicles for access to such
building in case of fire or other emergency and designated by him as such, and may include
sidewalks, driveways, portions of parking lots, or any other area adjacent to or near building
entrances or exits, or any fire hydrant.
Fire Watch is amended to read as follows:
FIRE WATCH. Qualified individuals are defined as State Certified Fire Inspectors assigned to
the Fire Prevention Division of the City of Schertz, or, if approved by the Fire Marshal, Texas
Certified Firefighters, Peace Officers, individuals employed by a private security firm, or other
designated individuals whose sole duty when assigned a fire watch is to perform constant patrols of
the premises and keep watch for signs of unwanted fire. A written log must be maintained and
personnel must have at least one approved means of notifying the fire department of fire or other
emergencies.
Foster Care Family Home is added as follows:
FOSTER CARE FAMILY HOME shall mean a single independent residential occupancy that is
the primary residence of the caregiver and licensed by the state to provide twenty four (24) hour care
for six or fewer children (including those related to the caregiver) up to the age of eighteen (18)
years.
Mobile Food Establishment is added as follows:
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall mean a mobile food operation using any heat
producing equipment to cook, fry, or warm products for consumption from a motorized vehicle,
towable trailer, or watercraft.
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION. For the purposes of this code, certain occupancies are defined
as follows:
[BG] Residential Group R -3 is amended to add the following:
[BG] Residential Group R -3. Residential Group R -3 occupancies where the occupants are
primarily permanent in nature and not classified as Group R -1, R -2, R -4 or I, including:
Foster Care Family Homes
Special Event is added as follows:
SPECIAL EVENT shall mean an indoor or outdoor event that, in the opinion of the Fire Code
Official or their designee, meets any of the following criteria:
follows:
1. Constitutes a use or occupant load ordinarily not permitted by the face of the Certificate of
Occupancy.
2. Requires the means of egress to be altered from a configuration that was previously
approved by the Building Code Official, Fire Code Official, or their designee (e.g.,
installation of booths, curtains, partitions, tables /chairs, etc. or the locking of select doors to
limit access to portions of a building or area).
3. Poses a condition that compromises any life safety systems that were previously approved by
the Building Code Official, Fire Code Official, or their designee (e.g., reduced lighting,
increased sound levels, installation of alternate interior finishes, etc.).
4. Poses a condition that reduces the effectiveness of public safety services of any kind (e.g.,
Conditions that result in reduced access to fire hydrants, sprinkler riser /pump rooms, Fire
Department Connections, etc.)."
Section 307.1 General is amended by adding Section 307.1.2 Carrying Burning Materials as
307.1.2 Carrying Burning Materials. No person in the city shall carry or cause to be carried, in
any street or other thoroughfare, any burning coal or firebrands, unless the same is shut up in a
covered vessel.
Section 307.4 Location. Such provision is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 307.4 Location The location and conditions for open burning shall be in accordance
with rules established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and in effect
at the time the permit is issued. Location and conditions shall be further restricted, as follows:
1. Forecasted wind speed of 15 mph or less;
2. Open burning shall not be allowed in residential areas on lot sizes less than three (3)
acres;
3. Open burning shall not be allowed on days subject to an "Air Quality Health Alert" or
other air quality warning."
4. Failure for permit holder to keep a control burn under control through negligence,
which activates an emergency response by Fire Department will require the permit
holder to pay for the cost of the fire response in accordance to fees set forth in
Exhibit -l- Fee Schedule.
Section 308.1.4 Open ; flame cooking devices is amended by deleting exception 2 and 3 and
renumbering as follows:
308.1.4 Open -flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open -flame cooking devices
shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) or combustible
construction.
Exceptions:
1. One- and two- family dwellings.
Section 308 OPEN FLAMES is amended by adding Section 308.5 entitled Fire Hazard
Prohibited as follows:
308.5 Fire Hazard Prohibited. In Group R, Division 1 & 2 occupancies, a person shall not
construct, erect, install, maintain or use any incinerator or barbecue pit or so burn any
combustible material as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use or burning thereof or as
to endanger the life or property of any person thereof.
The use or burning of any such devices under the following conditions shall constitute a fire
hazard and is strictly prohibited:
1. Within 10 linear feet of any combustible surface, including but not limited to decks, porches,
balconies, walls, or verandas.
2. Beneath any balcony, porch, roof overhang, deck, or veranda.
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS is amended by adding a new Section 319
PARADE FLOATS to read as follows:
SECTION 319
PARADE FLOATS
319.1 Decorative Materials. Decorative material on parade floats shall be noncombustible or
flame retardant.
319.2 Fire Protection. Motorized parade floats and towing apparatus shall be provided with a
minimum 2 -A, 10 -B:C -rated portable fire extinguisher readily accessible to the operator.
319.3 Exhaust Pipes. Motorized float exhaust pipes must be extended past the exterior of the
float and be clear of all decorative material.
319.4 Escape Hatch. Motorized floats shall be equipped with a quick escape hatch from interior
driver compartments.
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS is amended by adding a new Section 320 FOOD
BOOTHS as follows:
SECTION 320
FOOD BOOTHS
320.1 Permits. For permit to operate a food booth, see Section 105.6.47. It shall be unlawful to
operate a food booth without a permit.
320.2 Fire Extinguishers. One 2A -10 BC fire extinguisher shall be required for all food booths.
Booths containing deep fat fryers shall have a class K portable fire extinguisher for up to four
fryers having a maximum cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds each. For every additional
group of four flyers having a maximum cooking capacity of 80 pounds each, an additional class
K extinguisher will be required. For individual fryers exceeding 6 square feet in surface area,
class K extinguishers will be installed in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. All
fire extinguishers shall have a current (within a year) inspection sticker from a licensed
extinguisher company or provide proof that the extinguisher is new (store receipt).
320.3 Location. Food booths utilized for cooking shall have a minimum of 10 feet clearance on
two sides. Booths shall not be placed in fire lanes unless otherwise approved by the fire code
official. Booths shall not be placed within 10 feet of amusement rides or devices.
320.4 Cooking equipment location. Barbeque pits shall not be located within 10 feet of
combustible materials. Barbeque pits shall not be located under the food booth canopy.
320.5 Acceptable Cooking Sources. The following are the only approved cooking sources for
food booths:
1. Wood or charcoal
2. Propane
3. Natural Gas
4. Electricity
320.6 Generators. Fuel tanks shall be of adequate capacity to permit uninterrupted operation
during normal operating hours. Generators shall be isolated from contact with the public. Storage
of gasoline is not allowed in or near generators or food booths.
320.7 Decorations. All decorative material shall be at least six feet away from any open flame,
cooking element, or heat source or be flame resistant.
320.8 Escape route. All concession stands shall have a minimum of a three ft. aisle for
emergency escape.
320.9 Propane. All equipment used in conjunction with propane tanks must be UL Listed for the
purposes in which they will be used. Tanks shall be secured to prevent falling. Tanks shall only
be white or aluminum in color. Only one spare tank will be allowed in a food booth. Emptied
propane tanks are to be removed from the site immediately after use. Regulators shall be attached
to the tanks as close as possible. Leaks can be detected using a soap and water solution. Tank
shutoff valves and /or additional shutoff valves shall be accessible and away from the cooking
appliance(s). Propane tanks shall not be within five feet of an ignition source. Propane tanks shall
not be located within 10 feet of a building door or window.
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS is amended by adding a new Section 321
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS to read as follows:
SECTION 321
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
321.1 Permits.
321.1.1 It shall be unlawful to operate mobile food establishments without a permit as required
by Section 105.6.48. Annual mobile food establishment permits must be displayed in a visible
location in or on the mobile food establishment.
321.1.2 Mobile food establishments left on site for more than 24 hours at carnivals, fairs,
festivals, or other public events will be subject to Food Booth permit requirements, inspections,
and fees as set forth in Section 320 and Section 105.6.47 of this code in addition to any fees
associated with the annual mobile food establishment permits.
321.2 Fire Extinguishers - Fire extinguishers are required in mobile food establishments in
accordance with sections 321.2.1 through 321.2.4
321.2.1 All mobile food vendors shall have at minimum one (2A10BC) portable fire
extinguisher mounted in a conspicuous place within the kitchen area.
321.2.2 Mobile food vendors with portable generators shall have a (3A40BC) portable fire
extinguisher.
321.2.3 All portable fire extinguishers shall be serviced, inspected, and tagged annually. .
321.2.4 In addition to any other required fire extinguisher, all mobile food vendors who deep fat
fry shall have a class K portable fire extinguisher for up to four fryers having a maximum
cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds each. For every additional group of four flyers having a
maximum cooking capacity of 80 pounds each, an additional class K extinguisher will be
required. For individual fryers exceeding six square feet in surface area, class K extinguishers
will be installed in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations.
321.3 Use of LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas usage shall comply with sections 321.3.1 through
321.3.5.
321.3.1 L.P. Gas containers shall be located and secured on the exterior of the mobile food
establishment, open to atmosphere or if containers are kept in compartment, said compartment
must be separate from the interior food preparation area. Access must be from the exterior of
the unit and compartment floor and exterior door must be vented to the atmosphere.
321.3.2 All mobile units with propane shall post a "NO SMOKING" sign next to or directly
above the propane bottle and visible to the public. Such sign shall be posted with a minimum of
four inch lettering.
321.3.3 Any hose used to pipe L.P. Gas to a device shall be listed by UL, FM, or other approved
agency and listed specifically for LP Gas service. All couplings, fittings, and any other devices
shall meet the requirements for LP Gas Service as outlined in the International Fuel Gas Code,
NFPA 58 and 54, or be deemed unapproved and removed from service.
321.3.4 LPG tanks shall be located outside the mobile food establishment a minimum of five
feet from the primary means of egress.
321.4 Baffles and Closures
321.4.1 All deep -fat fryers shall have a steel baffle between the flyer and surface flames of an
adjacent appliance or shall maintain a 16 inch separation distance. The baffle, if installed, shall
be eight inches in height.
321.5 Emergency Egress. Emergency egress shall comply with Sections 321.5.1 through
Section 321.5.2.2
321.5.1 Mobile food establishments shall have a clear, unobstructed height over the aisle -way
portion of the unit of at least 74 inches from floor to ceiling, and a minimum of 30 inches of
unobstructed horizontal aisle space.
321.5.2 Should travel distance from any portion of the interior exceed 10 feet, the mobile food
establishments shall have a minimum of two exits located remote from each other and so
arranged as to provide a means of unobstructed travel to the outside of the vehicle.
321.5.2.1 A secondary means of egress shall be located remote of the main exit door, with an
unobstructed minimum passage of 24" X 24 " to the outside. The bottom of this secondary
means of egress shall not be more than four feet above the vehicle floor or a readily accessible
horizontal surface capable of supporting a weight of 300 pounds minimum opening to the
outside.
321.5.2.2 The latch mechanism of any exit facility shall be operable by hand, and shall not
require the use of a key or special knowledge for operation from the inside. The secondary exit
shall be labeled with the word 'EXIT" with two inch minimum letters on contrasting
background.
321.6 Generator Refueling
321.6.1 Refueling of generators shall be performed in an approved location not less than 20 feet
from the mobile food establishment. Fuel shall be stored in a UL or FM approved flammable
liquid safety container in an approved location. Generators shall be grounded in an approved
method. Generators shall not be refueled in areas occupied by the public.
Section 405.2 Frequency is amended by adding a new Section 405.2.1 Fire Drill Records to read as
follows:
405.2.1 Fire Drills for E Occupancies. The operator of premises housing an E Occupancy
shall conduct fire drills:
1. Without warning;
2. In a manner requiring:
a. all students to immediately leave the structure upon hearing the fire drill
signal;
b, a roll call by classes outside the structure; and
c. doors to be closed as each area is evacuated;
3. In a manner simulating fire conditions;
4. In a manner prohibiting students from running or playing;
5. If approved, in a manner permitting security persons to remain inside the structure during
drills;
6. Which include:
a. Complete checks of each section of the structure;
b. The use of varying evacuation routes;
c. Occasional simulation of blocked exits;
d. Provisions for calling the fire department; and
e. The use of varying drill times;
7. During weather which does not pose a health threat to students;
8. As an exercise in discipline and procedure, rather than speed; and
9. By pulling a manual pull station.
Section 405.2 Frequency is amended by adding a new Section 405.2.2 Fire Drills for E
Occupancies to read as follows:
405.2.2 Fire Drills for E Occupancies. FIRE CHIEF'S POWER TO ORDER FIRE DRILL. The
Fire Chief may require a fire drill at any E Occupancy at any time.
Section 503.1.1 Buildings and facilities is amended by adding Section 503.1.1.1 Access from
adjacent lot as follows:
503.1.1.1 Access from adjacent lot. Where fire apparatus access roads for a building or
buildings are provided from an adjacent lot, a fire lane easement or ingress /egress easement is
required to be recorded on the adjacent lot's plat that is providing the common access. The
adjacent lot's plat is to clearly show the easement graphically.
Exception: In lieu of the graphical easement, a note may be placed on the plat that, at a
minimum, states, the following: "Ingress and egress shall be provided between all adjacent lots
for adequate fire department vehicle access per the City of Schertz Fire Code. The cross access
shall not be blocked nor may this note be taken off the plat without written permission from the
City of Schertz Director of Development Services and the Schertz Fire Department Fire
Marshal."
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions is amended by adding Section 503.2.1.2 Mountable Curbs are
added to read as follows:
503.2.1.2 Mountable Curbs. Mountable curbs are permitted when approved by the Fire Marshal.
Section 503.2.3 Surface is amended by adding a second paragraph to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface. Drivable grass surfaces, or other alternative drivable surfaces, are permitted
when approved by the Fire Marshal or his designee and in accordance with all of the following
conditions:
1. Sealed documents indicating compliance with the provisions of 503.2.3 shall be submitted by
a registered design professional for review.
2. The drivable grass surface, or alternative drivable surface, shall not be used as the primary
access to the site.
3. The surface shall be capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at
least 75,000 pounds.
4. Blue traffic reflectors shall be provided on each side of the surface every 20 feet to clearly
mark its boundaries. Vegetation on and surrounding the surface shall be maintained such that
said reflectors are visible at all times.
5. Sod is not permitted to be placed over the drivable base.
6. If the surface proposed is to be used as the aerial apparatus access road for the facility,
concrete curbing, or other approved edging, shall be installed along both sides of the portion
to be used as such for enhanced lateral stability. A registered design professional shall design
said curbing. Sealed drawings of the design shall be provided to the Fire Department and
Development Services for review.
If sand or other free - flowing fill is used as a main structural component for the surface,
concrete curbing or other approved edging shall be installed along both sides of the surface
for material containment. A registered design professional shall design such curbing. Sealed
drawings of the design shall be provided to the Fire Department and Development Services
for review.
A signed letter from the manufacturer shall be provided to the Fire Marshal certifying that
the installation meets all requirements in the manufacturer's installations prior to issuance of
the Certificate of Occupancy.
8. The surface shall be maintained in proper working order at all times when utilized as a
required fire lane. Should the surface become damaged or fall into disrepair, the Fire Marshal
or his designee shall be authorized to require the repair and re- certification of said surface.
Section 503.2.4 Turning radius is amended by adding a second paragraph to read as follows:
503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be
determined by the fire code official.
The turning radii of a fire apparatus access roadway shall require a minimum of 50 feet outside
radius and a minimum of 25 feet clear distance to the inside radius on all turns in excess of 30
degrees.
Section 503.2. S Dead Ends is amended to read as follows:
503.2.5 Dead Ends. Dead -end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be
provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus. Turn arounds
approved by the Fire Marshal or as permitted by Appendix D are acceptable.
Exception: Where the building is equipped throughout with an approved sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3, the maximum length of dead -end fire
apparatus access roads shall be increased to 200 feet. This increase shall not be applicable to
Groups H and I Occupancies, buildings with occupancies having High -Piled Combustible Storage
and high -rise buildings.
Section 503.2.7 Grade is amended to read as follows:
503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 12 %.
Section 503.3 Markings is repealed and replaced with a new Section 503.3 Markings as
follows:
503.3 Markings. Such provision is hereby amended to read as follows:
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
shall be replaced or repaired necessary to provide adequate visibility.
503.3.1 Striping — Fire apparatus access roads shall be continuously marked by painted
lined 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 twenty five feet (25') 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 and horizontal of the
curb.
503.3.2. Signs- Signs, when approved by the fire code official, shall read "NO PARKING
FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" and shall be twelve inches (12 ") wide and
eighteen inches (18 ") high. Signs shall be on a white background with letters and borders in red,
using not less than two inch (2 ") tall 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. Signs may be installed on
permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 503.6 Security gates is hereby amended by adding the following language and adding a
new Section 503.6. -1 Direction of Swing to read as follows:
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall
be approved by the fire chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved
means of emergency operation to include a fire department specific key switch, lock, or box.
Upon loss of power to electric gate operators, a secondary power source or clearly marked and
identified manual release shall be provided. The security gates and the emergency operation shall
be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in
accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed
and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200.
503.6.1 Direction of Swing. Security gates installed across a Fire Apparatus Access Road shall
swing in the direction of travel towards the building or open horizontally to avoid backing up of
Fire Apparatus and to allow for an expedited response.
SECTION 503 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS is amended by adding Sections 503.7
Fire Marshal Authority to Designate Fire Lanes, 503.8 Summons to be Issued for Parking Violation,
503.9 Removal of Vehicle by Property Owner, 503.10 Removal of Vehicle by Fire Chief, and 503.11
Abandonment of Fire Lane to read as follows:
503.7 Fire Marshal Authority to Designate Fire Lanes. The Fire Marshal is hereby authorized
to designate fire lanes on designated premises where such areas must be free of parked vehicles
and other obstructions to provide ready access to buildings therein, in case of fire or other
emergencies. The Fire Marshal's designation of such fire lanes does not obviate the owner of such
property of their responsibility to maintain the area. Further, owners of the private property or
their designated representative may request that additional fire lanes be designated by the Fire
Marshal.
503.8 Summons to be Issued for Parking Violation. A summons or notice to appear in answer
to a charge of parking in violation of this section specifying the location of the fire lane in which
such violation occurred and the date and time of such violation, may be issued by any police
officer or any inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Fire Department.
503.9 Removal of Vehicle by Property Owner. Except an authorized emergency vehicle, the
owner of private property, or their agent, may have any motor vehicle that is parked in a legally
designated fire lane removed and stored at either their own expense or that of the vehicle
operator.
The owner of the premises, or their agent, who has a vehicle removed and stored, is not liable for
damages incurred as a result of removal or storage, if the vehicle is removed by a vehicle wrecker
service insured against liability for property damage incurred in towing vehicles and is stored by
a storage company insured against liability for property damage incurred in the storage of
vehicles.
503.10 Removal of Vehicle by Fire Chief. Any vehicle parked in any designated fire lane may
be removed at the vehicle owners' expense upon the authorization of the Fire Chief under the
following conditions:
When the vehicle is in violation by parking in a fire lane, or
When a vehicle blocks the ingress /egress of a business, theater, night club, apartment
complex, gymnasium or a place of assembly, or
When a vehicle's presence threatens the life safety of the public by impeding the ability
of the fire apparatus and emergency medical equipment to respond to an emergency.
The Fire Chief shall cause such vehicle to be removed by the towing service operating under a
contract with the city and shall further cause such vehicle to be impounded in one of the Police
Department Vehicle Storage sections.
503.11 Abandonment of Fire Lane. No owner, manager or person in charge of any premises
served by a required fire lane shall abandon or close any such fire lane without the written
permission of the Fire Marshal.
Section 505.1 Address Numbers is amended 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. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a
minimum of six inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). For buildings with
individual suites, the suite numbers shall be a minimum of four inches high with a minimum stroke
width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be
provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by
means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or
other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained.
SECTION 505 PREMISES IDENTIFICATION is amended to add sections 505.3, 505.3.1 and
505.4 as follows:
505.3 Multi- Building Complexes. Office, industrial and apartment complexes shall be identified
by name and number on a display board at the main entry roadway.
505.3.1 Multi- Address Complexes. Office and industrial complexes with multiple
addresses contained within shall post all addresses so that they are visible from
505.5 Tenant identification. Each occupied tenant space provided with a secondary exit to the
exterior or exit corridor shall be provided with tenant identification by business name and
address. Letters and numbers shall be posted on the corridor side of the door, be plainly legible
and shall contrast with their background.
Exception: Tenant identification is not required for anchor stores.
SECTION 506 KEYBOXES, is amended to add Sections 506.2.1 Key Box Access and Removal
of Keys and 506.3 Key Box Location and Contents as follows:
506.2.1 Key Box Access and Removal of Keys. The Fire Department shall have the only key to
the key box. Removal of any key by other than the authorized Fire Department personnel shall be
a violation of this Code.
506.3 Key Box Location and Contents. Required key boxes shall be located as follows and as
approved by the Fire Marshal:
1. Between eight feet and 10 feet to the side of the main entrance level to the building
and near fire riser room, or as approved by the Fire Marshal.
The key box shall contain designated keys essential to emergency operations including, but not
limited to, the following:
Elevator keys capable of accessing all floors in the building
Stairway keys
Fire control station keys
4. Alarm System keys
Section 507.3 Fire flow, is amended to read as follows and Section 507.3.1 Fire Flow for Rural
Isolated Areas is added to read as follows:
507.3 Fire flow. Fire Flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall
be as per Appendix B of the International Fire Code or other approved method as determined by
the Fire Marshal. When utilizing Table C105.1 to determine number and distribution of fire
hydrants, and the flow requirement falls between the values on the table, the flow requirement
shall be rounded up to meet the higher value.
Section 507.4 Water supply test is amended to read as follows:
507.4 Water supply test. Adequacy of the water supply shall be determined by an approved flow
test that is conducted on the fire hydrants nearest the project site unless otherwise approved by the
Code Official. The flow test shall be as follows:
1. The flow test shall have been conducted no more than 12 months prior to the date of
construction document submittal to the City of Schertz.
2. The flow test shall be conducted in accordance with the 2010 edition of NFPA 291,
Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, and any other
applicable local, state, or national standards and /or requirements.
3. The flow test results shall be submitted with the construction documents.
4. If the water supply piping is not yet constructed, hydraulic calculations for the proposed
piping design shall be submitted. The calculations shall be based on the flow test conducted
on the fire hydrants nearest the project site and shall verify that the piping design provides
the minimum require fire flow at no less than 25 psi residual. Upon completion of
construction and prior to final certificate of occupancy, a flow test shall be conducted to
verify the results of the calculations.
Section 507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks is amended by adding Section
507.5.3.1 Private fire service main as follows:
507.5.3.1 Private Fire Service Main. Private fire mains as used in this Code are the pipe and its
appurtenances on private property between Schertz, other public water system, or other sources of
water and the base elbow of private fire hydrants or the rise for automatic sprinkler or standpipe
systems. When connected to a public water system, the private fire main begins at a point
designated by the public water utility. When connected to a gravity tank or pressure tank, the
private fire main begins at the inlet side of the tank check valve.
Section 507.5.5 Clear spaces around hydrants is amended to read as follows:
507.5.5 Clear space around hydrants. A 3 -foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained
around the circumference of fire hydrants, except as otherwise required or approved. The clear
space around hydrant and the access to the hydrant will be no more than eight percent slope.
Section 507.5 Fire Hydrant Systems is amended by adding Sections 507.5.7 Design Criteria for
Water Mains and 507.5.8 Fire Hydrant Installation Criteria as follows:
507.5.7 Design Criteria for Water Mains.
1. Where the fire service mains are used to supply required fire hydrants, the mains shall be
sized to flow the required fire flow as determined by Section 507.3.
2. Where the fire service mains are used to supply required fire hydrants plus fire sprinkler
and /or fire standpipe systems, the mains shall be sized to flow the larger of the fire hydrant
flow demand as determined by Section 507.3, the fire sprinkler demand as determined by
Section 903.3 or the fire standpipe demand as determined by Section 905.2.
3. The required number of fire hydrants for the fire flow determined by Section 507.3 shall be
specified in Appendix C, Table C105.1.
4. When sizing the fire service main, the distribution of the fire flow among the required fire
hydrants (as determined by item no. 1 or 2 above) shall be as determined by the Fire
Marshal, but in most cases shall have no less than 1,000 gpm at the hydraulically remote fire
hydrant with the remaining fire flow equally distributed among the remaining required fire
hydrants.
Main Size:
5.1 Minimum diameter for public water mains shall be six inches in single - family
residential areas and eight inches in all other areas. Larger mains may be required to
accommodate fire flow requirements.
5.2 Private fire mains shall be hydraulically calculated.
6. Water pressure in private fire mains shall not be less than thirty-five pounds per square inch
(3 5 psi) with no hydrants in use. When hydrants are in use supplying the required fire flow,
water pressure in the main at the fire hydrant discharge level shall be not less than 25 pounds
per square inch (25 psi) residual.
7. Except for specific requirements of this code, all hydrants and mains required for private
protection shall be designed, constructed, and operated in conformance with the local water
purveyor's criteria, specifications and regulations for public fire hydrants and mains on
public streets and NFPA 24.
Section 510.5.3 Acceptance test procedure is amended to read as follows:
510.5.3 Acceptance Test Procedures. When an emergency responder radio coverage system is
required, and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system
tested to ensure that two -way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 90 percent.
Testing will be accomplished by a licensed third party contractor. The test procedure shall be
conducted as follows:
1, Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas.
2. The test shall be conducted using a calibrated portable radio of the latest brand and model used
by the agency talking through the agency's radio communications system.
3. Failure of a maximum of two nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test.
4. In the event that three of the test areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate,
the floor shall be permitted to be divided into 40 equal test areas. Failure of a maximum of four
nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test. If the system fails the 40 -area test, the
system shall be altered to meet the 90 percent coverage requirement.
5. A test location approximately in the center of each test area shall be selected for the test, with
the radio enabled to verify two -way communications to and from the outside of the building
through the public agency's radio communications system. Once the test location has been
selected, that location shall represent the entire test area. Failure in the selected test location shall
be considered failure of that test area. Additional test locations shall not be permitted.
6. The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be
kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified during annual tests.
In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner shall be required to
rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.
7. As part of the installation a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized
to ensure spurious oscillations are not being generated by the signal booster. This test shall be
conducted at time of installation and subsequent annual inspections.
Section 510 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage is amended to add sections 510.7 Five Year
Test and 510.8 Qualifications of texting personnel as follows:
510.7 Five Year Test. In addition to the annual test, the building owner shall perform a radio
coverage test a minimum of once every five years to ensure that the radio system continues to
meet the requirements of the original acceptance. The procedure set forth above shall apply to
such tests.
510.8 Qualifications of testing personnel. All tests shall be conducted, documented, and signed
by a person in possession of a current FCC general radiotelephone operator license. All test
records shall be retained at the inspected premise by the building owner and a copy submitted to
the Schertz Fire Rescue within 30 days of when the test has been conducted. In the event the test
shall fail to comply with the minimum requirements of the City, appropriate repairs shall be made
and additional tests conducted until tests meet the minimum requirements of the City. Proof of
current license shall be submitted along with third party testing.
Section 901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance is amended by adding Section 901.6.3
Maintenance Agreement as follows.
901.6.3 Maintenance Agreement. A maintenance agreement, as defined by Section 202, with a
licensed fire protection company shall be provided to the Fire Marshal for each fire protection
system at all times. Proof of a maintenance agreement shall be provided during any system
acceptance test. Agreements for testing and inspection only as defined by Section 202 shall not be
credited with having met this requirement.
A fire watch will be performed at all times that a system is taken out of service. Except for
emergencies, the fire code official shall be given 72 hours notice before a system is voluntarily
taken out of service. When, at the discretion of the Fire Chief or his designee, there is a life safety
issue, uniformed employees of the Schertz Fire Department or other fire watch personnel as
approved by the Fire Chief or his designee shall perform a fire watch. Fire watch personnel shall
be provided with at least one approved means for notification to the fire department dispatch and
their sole duty shall be to perform constant patrols and watch for safety hazards and occurrences
of fire. The cost of the fire watch shall be at the current overtime rate for fire inspections and shall
be the sole responsibility of the owner /contractor to pay. The fire watch fee shall be paid to the
City of Schertz within 30 days before final approval is granted on system work.
Section 903.1 General is amended by adding Section 903.1.3 High Volume Low Speed Fans in
new and existing buildings as follows:
903.1.2 High Volume Low Speed Fans in new and existing buildings. The use of High
Volume Low Speed (HVLS) or High Volume Low Velocity (HVLV) fans in fire sprinklered
areas of new and existing buildings shall only be permitted as follows:
1. HVLS fans are permitted in rack storage and palletized storage arrangements up to
twenty (20) feet in height in buildings with thirty (30) feet or less ceiling clearance, when
Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers are used to protect the storage array.
2. HVLS fans are permitted in light- hazard and ordinary- hazard occupancies as defined in
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
3. HVLS fans are not permitted in in sprinklered areas with palletized storage greater than
twelve (12) feet in height protected by control mode sprinklers.
4. IN all cases, HVLS fans are required to be designed and installed to shut down
automatically on any fire alarm signal. This includes automatic shut down upon sprinkler
system waterflow alarm or any manual or automatic fire alarm detection device provided
in the space.
5. In all cases, the clearance between the HVLS fans and the ceiling sprinklers and the top
of storage shall be in compliance with the obstruction and clearance rules of NFPA 13.
Exception: When a technical opinion and report is provided in accordance with Section 104.7.2,
the Fire Marshal or his designee shall analyze the opinion and report and may approved the use of
HVLS or HVLV fans in additional areas when it is determined that the effectiveness of the fire
sprinkler system is not compromised.
Section 903.2 Where Required is amended to read as follows:
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all levels of any new Group A
(Assembly), B (Business), E (Educational), F (Factory), H (Hazardous), I (Institutional), M
(Mercantile), and S (Storage) occupancies of more than 10,000 square feet or where more
than two stories in height or where the combined floor area on all floors, including
mezzanines exceeds 10,000 square feet, and throughout all R -3 (Residential) occupancies of
more than 5,000 square feet or more than two stories in height. The calculated area shall
include all occupied space and exclude garage if separated from the resident and its attic
space, by one -hour firewall (according to International Building Code -2012 ED. - Table
719.1 (2)) and also exclude any detached building.
2. Such systems shall be in compliance with International Building and Fire Codes and installed
in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 13, NFPA 13D or NFPA 13R, as
applicable. If this ordinance is in conflict with the above listed codes then the more restrictive
shall prevail.
3. The requirements of this section shall apply to existing buildings as follows:
A. Existing buildings (Except Group R -3) exceeding 10,000 square feet. Existing
buildings, other than Group R -3, with useable floor space exceeding 10,000
square feet, are exempt from automatic sprinkler requirements until such time as:
B. Any addition, renovation, remodeling, or other action results in any increase in
useable floor space; or
C. Any renovation or remodeling project involves 25% or more of the building; or
D. Any change in Occupancy Group.
E. Existing buildings (Except Group R -3) 10,000 square feet or less. Existing
buildings, other than Group R -3, with useable floor space of 10,000 square feet
or less, are exempt from automatic sprinkler system requirements until such time
as:
F. The building is modified to increase useable floor space to more than 10,000
square feet; or
G. The occupancy group changes to Group R -3 and useable floor space exceeds
5,000 square feet.
H. Existing Group R -3 buildings exceeding 5,000 square feet. Existing Group R -3
buildings with useable floor space exceeding 5,000 square feet are exempt from
automatic sprinkler requirements until such time as:
I. Any addition, renovation, remodeling, or other action results in any increase in
useable floor space; or
J. Any renovation or remodeling project involves 25% or more of the building; or
K. The occupancy group changes to other than Group R and useable floor space
exceeds 10,000 square feet.
L. Existing Group R -3 buildings 5,000 square feet or less. Existing Group R -3
buildings with useable floor space of 5,000 square feet or less, are exempt from
automatic sprinkler system requirements until such time as the building is
modified to increase useable floor space to more than 5,000 square feet.
Section 903.2.1 Group A is hereby amended by adding the following exception:
Exception: A one -story detached open pavilion consisting of only a roof and supporting
columns that meets all of the following criteria shall not require fire sprinklers.
1. The detached open pavilion is a Group A2, Group A3, or Group A4 Occupancy.
2. The detached open pavilion shall be less than 10,000 ft' in area.
3. The detached open pavilion shall be separated from adjacent structures by minimum of
30 feet.
4. The detached open pavilion is open on at least three sides and open a minimum of 50%
of the perimeter of the area covered. In order to be considered "open" for the purpose
of this exception, an open side shall be at least 50% open with the open area uniformly
distributed to prevent the accumulation of smoke and toxic gases.
5. The detached open pavilion shall have a minimum of 300% of the total number of
required exits and a minimum of 300% of total exit minimum width or required
capacity based upon the occupant load of the pavilion.
Section 903.2.1.3 Group A -3 is hereby amended by adding a condition to read as follows:
903.2.1.3 Group A -3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing
Group A -3 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the following
conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (1115 m2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
occupancies.
4. Any Group A -3 occupancy that serves alcohol shall comply with the fire sprinkler
requirements for Group A -2 Occupancies in section 903.2.1.2.
Section 903.3.7 Fire Department Connections is amended to read as follows:
The location of fire department connections shall be in accordance with Section 912.2, as
amended.
SECTION 903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS is amended by adding a new exception
to Section 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms and a new Section 903.7 Separation from
Non - Sprinklered Areas as follows:
Exception: Valves located outside buildings or in a vault that are sealed or locked in the open
position.
903.7 Separation from Non- Sprinklered Areas. Unless otherwise exempted by the 2012
International Building Code (IBC) or 2012 International Fire Code (IFC) or required to be of a
higher fire resistive construction by the IBC or IFC, a minimum of one hour fire barrier
constructed in accordance with the 2012 International Building Code shall be between
Section 905.3.9 Building Area is amended to read as follows:
In buildings exceeding ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area per story, Class I
automatic wet or wet standpipes shall be provided where any portion of the building's interior
area is more than two hundred feet (200') 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.
follows:
Section 906.2 General requirements is amended by adding Section 906.2.2 Travel distance as
906.2.2 Travel distance. Travel distance is calculated from a point in the occupancy to the
location of fire extinguisher located on the same floor level in accordance with the maximum
distances listed in Table 906.3(1) or Table 906.3(2).
Travel distance is calculated per floor when determining travel distance to a fire extinguisher in
multi -story buildings.
SECTION 906 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS is amended by adding Section 906.5.1
Conspicuous Locations in Group R occupancies as follows:
follows:
906.5.1 Conspicuous Locations in Group R occupancies. In addition to other areas listed
herein or in NFPA10, fire extinguishers in R occupancies may also be placed in any of the
following location to satisfy the requirements:
1. On a wall in the unit;
2. Inside a closet or pantry as long as the door has a label indicating that there is a fire
extinguisher inside;
3. Inside a mechanical closet as long as the door has a label indicating that there is a fire
extinguisher insider; or
4. Inside storage closets as long as the door has a label indicating that there is a fire
extinguisher insider and there is no locking device on the door that requires a key or
combination to open it.
Section 907.1 General is amended by adding Section 9021.4 Testing of Fire Alarm Systems as
Section 907.1.4 Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. The following are required at the time of fire
alarm acceptance testing unless approved by the Fire Marshal or his/her designee:
1. The written statement required by NFPA 72, section 4.5.1.2
2. A copy of the Record of Completion as required by NFPA 72, section 4.5.2.1
3. A copy of the Texas Department of Insurance Fire Alarm Installation Certificate
4. Approved plans bearing the original stamp and signature of the fire alarm plan reviewer
5. Original permit is on site.
6. Proof of current licensing of the technician performing the tests.
7. Written approvals from the AHJ if partial installation inspections are requested by the
contractor or technician.
8. Site specific software for software based systems.
9. Written sequence of operation.
10. All testing equipment necessary to conduct the test (i.e. decibel meter, flashlight,
intelligibility meter, etc)
Section 907(IFC -2012) Fire alarm and detection Systems is amended by adding an exception to
Section 90 7.2.3 (IFC -2012) Group E, (Educational).
Exception: Group E occupancies housed in one room with an occupant load of less than 50.
Section 907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system is hereby amended to read as follows:
907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that
activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed
throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units. The automatic smoke detection system
requirement is met only by the installation of smoke or beam detectors whenever possible. If
environmental conditions do not allow the installation of smoke detectors, fire alarm heat
detectors may be used on a limited basis when approved by the fire code official.
Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have
interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door
opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.
Section 907.2.9.1 Manual Fire Alarm System is hereby amended to repeal exception 2.
Section 907.2 Where required - new buildings and structures is amended by adding Section
907.2.24 High Occupant Load as follows:
907.2.24 High Occupant Load. In addition to the requirements listed in other sections of this
Code, any occupancy having an occupant load of 1000 or more shall be provided with a manual
fire alarm system.
Exception: Open Parking Garages
Section 907.3.5 Fire Alarm Systems - Emergency Control is hereby added to read as follows:
907.3.5 Fire Alarm Systems - Emergency Control. At a minimum, the following functions,
where provided, shall be activated by the fire alarm system:
Elevator capture and control in accordance with ASME/ANSI A17.1b, Safety Code for
Elevators and Escalators.
2. Release of automatic door closures and hold open devices.
Stairwell and /or elevator shaft pressurization.
4. Smoke management and /or smoke control systems.
5. Initiation of automatic fire extinguishing equipment.
Emergency lighting control.
Unlocking of doors.
8. Emergency shutoff of gas and fuel supplies that may be hazardous provided the
continuation of service is not essential to the preservation of life.
9. Emergency shutoff of audio systems for sound reinforcement or entertainment (i.e.
music systems, systems for announcement and broadcast which are separate from
public address systems) provided that such systems are not used to issue emergency
instructions.
10. Emergency shutoff of systems used for the creation of displays or special effects (i.e.
lighting effects, laser light shows, projection equipment)
Section 907.4.2.1 Location is amended to add an exception:
907.4.2.1 Location. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1524 mm)
from the entrance to each exit. Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that travel
distance to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).
Exception: Where construction of the building prohibits the proper installation of a
manual fire alarm box (e.g. glass walls, interior brick or rock walls), a manual fire alarm
box shall be allowed to be located in the normal path of egress, where approved by the
Fire Marshal or his /her designee.
Section 907.5.1 Presignai feature, is amended to read as follows:
907.5.1 Presignal features and positive alarm sequences. A Presignal feature or Positive Alarm
Sequence as defined in NFPA 72 shall not be installed unless approved by the fire code official
and the fire department. Request to use a Presignal feature or a Positive Alarm Sequence must be
submitted in writing to the Fire Marshal and approval granted before installation. Where a
Presignal feature or Positive Alarm Sequence is provided, a signal shall be annunciated at a
constantly attended location approved by the fire department, in order that occupant notification
can be activated in the event of fire or other emergency. When approved by the fire code official,
the Presignal feature or Positive Alarm Sequence shall be implemented in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 72.
Section 907.5.2.1 Audible alarms is ainended by adding Sections 907.5.2.1.3 Testing ofAudible
Alarms in occupancies other than group R and 907.5.2.1.4 Testing of Audible Alarms in Group R
occupancies as follows:
907.5.2.1.3 Testing of Audible Alarms in occupancies other than group R. Audibility levels
for all occupancies other than Group R shall be in accordance with the public mode requirements
of NFPA 72, and shall be tested utilizing the following criteria:
1. A sound pressure level meter, which has been calibrated within the last calendar year,
and supplied by the fire alarm system installing contractor, shall be utilized to obtain
readings. The audiometer will be held five feet above floor, pointed in the direction of
the audible device.
2. All doors within the occupancy, including bathroom doors and balconies, shall be in the
closed position.
3. Levels shall be taken in the most remote areas of the occupancy first, including
bathrooms and balconies.
4. Initial readings to confirm the average ambient sound level in each area shall be taken.
5. The fire alarm system shall be activated and readings in the tested areas shall be retaken
and compared with the requirements.
907.5.2.1.4 Testing of Audible Alarms in Group R occupancies. Audibility levels for all Group
R occupancies shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 907.5.2.1.1, and shall be
tested utilizing the following criteria:
1. A sound pressure level meter, which has been calibrated within the last calendar year,
and supplied by the fire alarm system installing contractor, shall be utilized to obtain
readings. The audiometer will be held five feet above floor, pointed in the direction of
the audible device.
2. All doors within the occupancy, including the bathroom and balcony doors shall be in
the closed position.
3. Ambient sound level shall be established with the television set at 50 percent of
maximum volume, showers running, bathroom exhaust systems running, and air
conditioning units running.
4. Levels shall be taken in the most remote area of the dwelling or sleeping unit first,
including bathrooms and balconies.
5. Initial readings to confirm the ambient sound level in each area shall be taken.
6. The fire alarm system shall be activated and readings in the tested areas shall be retaken
and compared with the requirements.
Section 912.3.1 Locking Fire Department Connection Caps is amended to read as follows:
SECTION 912 FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS is amended by adding Section 912.2
Fire Department Connections & Section 912.7 Fire Department Connections as follows:
Section 912.2 (IFC -2012) Fire Department Connections. "With respect to hydrants, driveways,
buildings and landscape, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and
hose connections to supply the system will not obstruct access to the building for other fire
apparatus. Fire department connections shall be located not more than 120 feet and no closer than
30 feet from the nearest fire hydrant connected to an approved water supply and shall be
approved by the fire marshal."
912.7 Fire Department Connections. Sprinkler system and standpipe fire department hose
connections shall be as follows:
1. Within forty (40) feet of a public street, approved fire lane, or access roadway;
2. Within 120 feet of an approved fire hydrant measured per hose lay criteria in Section
507.5.1.2.
3. Minimum of two feet above finished grade and a maximum of four feet above finished
grade for standard inlets and minimum of 30 inches at lowest point above finished
grade and maximum of four feet above finished grade for the five inch "Stortz" inlet;
4. The Fire Code Official shall approve the location of freestanding fire department
connections. Freestanding FDCs must be physically protected against impact per the
requirements of Section 312 or other approved means.
5. Where provided, the five inch "Stortz" inlet shall be installed at a 30 degree angle
pointing down;
6. Fire department connections for H occupancies will be freestanding remote and located
as determined by the Fire Code Official; and
SECTION 1003 GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS is amended by adding Section [B]1003.8
Special Provisions as follows:
[B]1003.8 Special Provisions. Rooms in E occupancies used for kindergarten or daycare,
children five or under, classified as an E occupancy shall not be located above or below the first
story.
Exceptions:
1. Basements or stories having floor levels located within four feet, measured
vertically, from adjacent ground level at the level of exit discharge, provided
Section [B] 1006.3 Emergency power for illumination is amended by adding Section 1006.3.2
Illumination in Group E as follows:
1006.3.2 Illumination in Group E. Group E occupancies shall have emergency lighting in
interior stairs, corridors, window -less areas with student occupancy, shops, and laboratories.
Section 1008.1.9.4 Bolt Locks is amended by removing exceptions 3, 4, and 5 to read as follows:
1008.1.9.4 Bolt Locks. Manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts are not permitted.
Exceptions:
1. On doors not required for egress in individual dwelling units or sleeping units.
2. Where a pair of doors serves a storage or equipment room, manually operated
edge or surface - mounted bolts are permitted on the inactive leaf.
Section 1103.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings is amended to read
as follows:
1103.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings that do
not have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building based upon the
existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the
exterior of the building, shall be equipped with such coverage according to one of the following:
1. Emergency responder radio coverage as required in section 510 of this code is installed
within a time frame established by the adopting authority.
2. An approved alternative method of emergency responder communication within the
building is provided within a time frame established by the adopting authority.
Section 1103.8.2 Interconnection is amended by altering the two exceptions as follows:
1103.8.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within
an individual dwelling or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a
manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The
alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening
doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations.
follows:
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where
alterations do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposes the
structure.
Section 1103.8.3 Power source is amended by adding one new exception as follows:
1103.8.3 Power source. Single- station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the
building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be
equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with
battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a
signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch
other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exception:
In all R -2 occupancies, smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated if
added to comply with 1103.8.
SECTION 2301 GENERAL is amended by adding Section 2301.7 Portable Service Stations as
2301.7 Portable Service Stations.
1. No person shall own, operate or maintain a tank used for the storage of flammable
liquids maintained on skids or a similar type stand which is designed or intended to be
used for dispensing flammable liquids into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles owned by
the public.
2. The foregoing provisions of this article are intended to prohibit the use of so- called
portable service station or similar units constructed to dispense flammable liquids to the
motoring public and designed so that the unit can be easily picked up and moved.
Section 2303.2 Emergency disconnect switches is hereby amended as follows:
2303.2 Emergency disconnect switches. An approved, clearly identified and readily accessible
emergency disconnect switch shall be provided at an approved location to stop the transfer of fuel
to the fuel dispensers in the event of a fuel spill or other emergency. An emergency disconnect
switch for exterior fuel dispensers shall be located within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of, but not less
than 20 feet (6096 mm) from, the fuel dispensers. For interior fuel- dispensing operations, the
emergency disconnect switch shall be installed at an approved location. Such devices shall be
distinctly labeled as; EMERGENCY FUEL SHUTOFF. Signs shall be provided in approved
locations and be a minimum of 18 inches high and 24 inches wide.
Section 2303.2.1 Additional Emergency disconnect switches for attended self - service is hereby
added as follows:
2303.2.1 Additional emergency disconnect for attended self - service. Attended facilities shall
have an additional emergency disconnect switch located inside the building for attendance use at
a location approved by the fire code official.
Section 2306.2.13 Inventory Control for underground tanks is amended to read as follows:
2306.2.1.1 Inventory Control for underground tanks.
Accurate daily (normal working days only) inventory records shall be maintained and
reconciled on all Class I, H or III -A liquid storage tanks for indication of possible leakage from
tanks or piping. The records shall be made available for inspection by the Fire Marshal, and
shall include, as a minimum, records showing by product: daily reconciliation between sales,
use, receipts, and inventory on hand. If there is more than one system consisting of a tank(s),
serving pump(s), or dispenser(s) for any product, the reconciliation shall be made separately for
each tank system.
1. Daily inventory shall be maintained for each tank system at each location by the operator.
The inventory records shall be kept for a minimum of the past 12 months at the premises.
2. Inventory shall be based on the actual daily measurement and recording of tank product and
water levels and the daily recording of actual sales, use and receipts. Daily measurements
shall be made by gauge, gauge stick or by readout from an automated gauging system. The
inventory records shall include a daily compilation of gain or loss. The mere recording of
pump meter reading and product delivery receipts shall not constitute adequate inventory
records.
3. The operator of the location shall be held responsible for notifying the owner or person(s) in
control of the facility to take action to correct any abnormal loss or gain not explainable by
spillage, temperature variations or both causes.
4. The Fire Marshal may require the operator of an underground tank storage system to test the
system for tightness, at the operator's expense, when accurate daily inventory records have
not been maintained as required or when in his judgment conditions indicate possible
leakage of product from the location of such tanks.
5. The Fire Marshal may require copies of Class I, Il and III -A liquid storage tank inventories,
deliveries or receipt of product sales and dip gauge stick readings or other control measures
in addition to copies of any tank tightness or line leakage test results from the station
operator, agent, or terminal management.
6. When a service station tank is found to be leaking, its contents shall be removed
immediately. If any investigations or tests indicate the source of such loss, the owner shall
take immediate action to correct the system failure and remove dangerous spillage from the
environment.
The Fire Marshal may order the closure of a Service Station by barricading if necessary and
the emptying of contents from storage tanks should the operator of a service station be
unwilling to cooperate with the Fire Department during the search for the source of such
leakage or should the Fire Marshal determine that a hazardous condition exists that merits
such action.
Section 2306.2.3 Above - ground tanks located outside, above grade is amended by adding
Sections 2306.2.3.1 Inspections, 2306 2.3.2 Required Access, and 2306.2.3.3 Fire Hydrant Access as
follows:
2306.2.3.1 Inspections. An inspection of the installation shall be conducted prior to loading the
tank with fuel.
2306.2.3.2 Required Access. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every
aboveground storage tank. The aboveground storage tank shall not be more than 150 feet from
fire apparatus access roads as measured by an approved route.
2306.2.3.3 Fire Hydrant Access. A minimum of one fire hydrant shall be provided for every
aboveground storage tank. The aboveground storage tank shall not be located more than 500 feet
from a fire hydrant as measured by an approved route.
Section 3301.3 Address numbers, is added to read as follows:
3301.3 Address numbers. Buildings under construction shall place address numbers and/or
building numbers in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting
the property with minimum six inch numbers.
Section 3314.3 Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment is hereby added as follows:
3314.3 Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system
is required, furniture, fixtures, and equipment shall not be stored in the building until the system
has been tested and approved by the fire code official and monitoring of system is active.
Exception: As approved by the fire code official.
Chapter 52 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS is hereby amended by adding section 5206 Construction
and Protection Requirements as follows:
5206 Construction and Protection Requirements.
1. Handling and storage of large quantities of waste paper, rags, or other combustible
materials shall not be allowed in a building of any type in excess of 1500 square feet
area unless the building is protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
2. Handling and storage building for waste paper, rags or other combustible materials shall
not exceed one story in height unless of Type I construction and fully protected with
approved automatic sprinkler system.
3. No loose waste paper, rags, trash or rubbish of any kind, or similar combustible
materials shall be allowed on the premises on the outside of any building.
4. Bales, waste paper, rags, and other combustibles in baled lots shall be stored in
buildings. Said buildings shall be required to have aisles when 25,000 cubic feet or
more of such materials are stored. Baled materials, if stored outside of buildings, shall
not be stored within 25 feet of any building. EXCEPTION: Baled materials may be
stored within 25 feet of a building's outside wall when a wall sprinkler curtain is
provided on the building.
Section 5003.4.1 Material Safety Data Sheet Submittal is added to read as follows:
5003.4.1 Material Safety Data Sheet Submittal. The Fire Marshal may require that information
on the nature of any and all potentially hazardous material be submitted to the Fire Department on
the Standard Material Safety Data Sheet provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational
Safety and Health Administration.
Section 5601.1.3.1 Unlawful Possession of Fireworks, 5601.1.3.2 Instigating or Aiding a Minor
to Violate the Ordinance Prohibiting Fireworks, and 5601.1.3.3 Summons to be issued for Violation of
Fireworks Ordinance are added to read as follows:
5601.1.3.1 Unlawful Possession of Fireworks. It shall be unlawful for any person to have, keep,
store, sell, offer for sale, give away, use, transport or manufacture fireworks or pyrotechnics of all
kinds in any quantity, within the corporate limits of the City.
It shall be unlawful for any person to store or manufacture fireworks or pyrotechnics of all kinds
in any quantity area extending 5000 feet beyond the City limits.
Packaged or unopened fireworks cannot be confiscated.
Exception: A state or federally licensed importer or distributor established within said 5000 foot
area prior to the enactment of this section and using area for storage or for distribution to
governmental agencies or federal or state licensees or permitees.
5601.1.3.3 Summons to be issued for Violation of Fireworks Ordinance. A summons or notice
to appear in answer to a charge of illegal possession or use of fireworks in violation of this
section specifying the location of such violation, the date and time of such violation, and the
name and address of the offender, may be issued by any Police Officer, Arson Investigator, Fire
Inspector or by any Firemen who has been assigned to citation duties by the Fire Chief.
Packaged or unopened fireworks cannot be confiscated.
Section 5601.2 Permit required is amended by adding new Section 5601.2.6 Prohibited
Explosives as follows:
5601.2.6 Prohibited Explosives. It shall be unlawful for any person to have, keep, store, sell,
offer for sale, give away, use, transport or manufacture any of the explosives listed in Section
5601.3 any quantity, within the corporate limits of the City, or to store, sell, use or offer for sale
such explosives within 5000 feet beyond the City limits unless authorized by the Fire Marshal.
Section 5704.2.122 Testing of underground tanks is amended to read as follows:
5704.2.12.2 Testing of underground tanks.
Each tank shall be tested for tightness hydrostatically or pneumatically at not less than three
pounds per square inch or not more than five pounds per square inch for 60 minutes. Pneumatic
testing shall not be used on a tank containing flammable or combustible liquids or vapors.
Section 5704.2.12.2 Testing of underground tanks is amended by adding Sections 5704.2.12.2.1
Existing Tanks and Piping and 5704.2.12.2.2 Alternate Test Method as follows:
5704.2.12.2.1 Existing Tanks and Piping.-Existing underground storage tanks and piping shall
be tested for leakage every five years at the owner's or operator's expense or when the Fire
Marshal has reasonable cause to believe a leak exists. A log or record shall be kept and the log
shall be made available for inspection by the Fire Marshal when requested. Notice of test shall be
provided in writing to the Fire Marshal by the owner or operator.
Appendix D FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS is hereby amended to read as follows:
D103.5 Fire apparatus access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall
comply with all the following criteria:
1. Where a single gate is provided, the gate width shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Where a fire apparatus road consists of a divided roadway, the gate width shall be not
less than 14 feet.
Appendix D FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS is hereby amended by amending section
D106.3 Separate Access Roads to read as follows:
D106.3 Separate Access Roads. The requirement for two separate and approved fire apparatus
access roads are met with the following conditions:
1. A minimum of two separate entrances into the complex are made from the street or public
way.
2. The distance between the two entrances are equal to not less than one half the length of the
maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a
straight line between accesses, as per 2012 IFC, section D104.3.
Exception: Where it is physically impossible to be one half the diagonal dimension apart,
the access road will be approved if the following conditions are met:
a. The two separate fire apparatus access road must be separated as far as physically and
practically possible.
b. The two separate entrances must be a minimum of 150 feet apart measured in a
straight line between accesses.
The two separate entrances are allowed to share a common path of travel on the complex
site so long as blockage in any one area of this path does not block access from both the
primary and secondary access simultaneously. The two separate entrances are allowed to
share a common path of travel on the complex site so long as blockage in any one area of
this path does not block access from both the primary and secondary access
simultaneously. Each of the two separate fire apparatus roads shall meet the requirements
of the 2012 IFC, section 503, Fire Apparatus Access Roads.
Article VI — LIFE SAFETY CODE is amended to read.
Section 30 -101 Life Safety Code Adopted.
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2015 Edition, as amended, revised and corrected, including all
future editions, revisions, amendments and corrections, published by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), one (1) copy of which is on file with the city secretary, is hereby adopted
and incorporated by reference as the Life Safety Code of the City of Schertz subject to and
including by reference such amendments as herein shall appear. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,
2015 Edition, shall be used in conjunction with the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition.
Section 3. Any person, firm, corporation or agent who shall violate a provision of this chapter,
or fail to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements thereof, or who shall erect, construct,
alter, install, demolish, or move any structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system in
violation of the detailed statement or drawings submitted and permitted thereunder, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor. Such persons shall be considered guilty of a separate offense for each
and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter is committed or continued, and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall
be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each offense unless
said violation is a violation of a regulation governing fire safety or public health and sanitation
then by a fine of not more than $2,000.00 for each offense. All such violations shall be
prosecuted in accordance with Section 1 -8 General penalty for violations of Code of Ordinances;
continuing violations of the Schertz Municipal Code of Ordinances.
Section 4. The recitals contained in the preamble hereof are hereby found to be true, and such
recitals are hereby made a part of this Ordinance for all purposes and are adopted as a part of the
judgment and findings of the Council.
Section 5. All ordinances and codes, or parts thereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent with
any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict, and the
provisions of this Ordinance shall be and remain controlling as to the matters resolved herein.
Section 6. That all rights and privileges of the City are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provision of any ordinances repealed by this ordinance which have accrued at
the time of the effective date of this Ordinances; and, as to such accrued violation 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 7. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance shall be held to be invalid, the remainder of this Ordinance and the application of
such provision to other persons and circumstances shall nevertheless be valid, and the City
hereby declares that this Ordinance would have been enacted without such invalid provision.
Section 8. It is officially found, determined, and declared that the meeting at which this
Ordinance is adopted was open to the public and public notice of the time, place, and subject
matter of the public business to be considered at such meeting, including this Ordinance, was
given, all as required by Chapter 551, as amended, Texas Government Code.
Section 9. This Ordinance shall be effective upon the date of final adoption hereof and any
publication required by law.
PASSED ON FIRST READING, the, day of , 2015.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED ON SECOND READING, the day of
2015.
CITY
ATTEST:
TEXAS
Michael R. Carpenter
r
GSecretary, Brenda Dennis
(CITY SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Secretary, Brenda Dennis
(CITY SEAL)
APPROVED AS TO FORM