HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 9281r
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ORD I NANC E NO . ~-~iff
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AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 15, "FIRE CODE," OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS ( 1964) , P,S AMENDED,
' AND ADOPTING IN ITS PLACE THE 19$2 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM
FIRE CODE AND THE 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FT RE CODE
STANDARDS, WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS THERETO, AS THE FIRE CODE
OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE
VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET
:FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER;
PROVIDING FOR ENGROSSMENT AND ENROLLMENT; AND NAMING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
;e (a) 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
The Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and
amended to conform to the 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code of
the International Conference of Building Officials and the Western
Fire Chief's Association, as amended hereby, and the same as amended
hereby is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth
from the effective date hereof.
(b) APPENDIC ES SPECIFICALLY ADOPTED.
The following Appendices to the 1982 edition of the Uniform
Fire Code, as amended hereby, are hereby specifically adopted as
part of the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth: Appendices I-B,
II-A, II-B, II-C, IV-A, V-A, VI-A, VI-C and Appendices III-A, III-C
and VII-A are hereby created and adopted.
(C) 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE STANDARDS
ADOPTED.
The 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code Standards of the
International Conference of Building Officials and the Western Fire
Chief's Association, as amended hereby, is hereby adopted as a part
of the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth.
Three copies of the 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, in-
cluding the Appendices thereto, marked Exhibit "A", and three copies
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of the 1982 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code Standards, marked
Exhibit "B", are incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed
in the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspec-
tion.
SECTION 2.
The 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, including the
Appendices thereto (Exhibit "A") and the 1982 edition of the Uniform
Fire Code Standards (Exhibit "B") are hereby amended and certain
portions are added thereto as shown in Exhibit "C" attached hereto.
Three copies of Exhibit "C" are specifically incorporated herein by
reference and shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for
permanent record and inspection.
SECTION 3.
Building Code Standard numbers 38-1, 38-2 and 38-3 and Appendix
Chapters 1 and 2 of the 1982 edition of the Uniform Building Code,
as adopted and amended in Ordinance No.~~, "Building Code of the
City of Fort north," are hereby incorporated by reference and made a
part of the Fire Code of the City of Fort north for all purposes
relating to fire safety, including enforcement of ail provisions as
set out in this Fire Code. These sections shall be filed in the
office of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
SECTION 4.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordi-
nances and of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas (1964), as
amended, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct
conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such Code, in
which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances and such Code
are hereby repealed. Chapter 15 of the Code, as amended, is express-
ly superseded by the terms of this ordinance.
SECTION 5.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council
that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of
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this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitu-
tional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of
this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City
Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTION 6.
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, en-
large, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish,
equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure in the City
or cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any of
the provisions of this Code. Any person, firm or corporation who
violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who
resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Code with
respect to fire safety shall be fined not more than One Thousand
Dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation is
permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 7.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, are
expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of
Chapter 15 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, as amended, or any
other ordinances affecting construction and fire safety, which have
accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance; and, as
to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil
and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordi-
nances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be pro-
secuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION $.
This ordinance constitutes a digest and revision of the Fire
Code of the City of Fort Worth, as provided in Section 2,
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Chapter XXV, and Section 9, Chapter XXVII, of the Charter of the
City of Fort Worth. The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth,
Texas, is hereby authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet
form for general distribution among the public, and the operative
provisions of this ordinance, as so published, :shall be admissible
in evidence in all courts without further proof than the production
thereof, as provided in Chapter XXV, Section 3, of the Charter of
the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 9.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth is hereby directed
to engross and enroll this ordinance by copying the caption, penalty
clause and effective date in the minutes of the City Council and by
filing the ordinance in the ordinance records of the City.
SECTION 10.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby
directed to publish the caption, penalty clause and effective date
of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the
City of Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Art. 1176b-1, Revised
Civil Statutes of Texas.
SECTION 11.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30)
days after its passage and publication, and it is so ordained.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
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City Attorney
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EFFECTIVE:
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EXHIBIT "C"
I. THE 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE (EXHIBIT "A") IS
HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 2.102
Sec. 2.102. The chief, with the approval of the administrator,
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. Three certi-
fied copies of such rules and regulations shall be filed with the
City Secretary and shall be in effect thirty days following the last
public notice, and additional copies of Exhibit C shall be kept in
the office of the fire department for distribution to the public.
SECTION 2.104
Sec. 2.104.(a) Designation and term of chief of the bureau of
fire prevention. One officer of the fire department shall be desig-
nated as the deputy chief of fire prevention, who shall be chief of
the bureau of fire prevention. He shall hold office in accordance
with the provisions of the Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service
Act. This officer may also be known as fire marshal.
(b) Unchanged.
SECTION 2.105
Sec. 2.105. Authority of fire personnel to enforce codes re-
lating to fire safety. The chief and members of the fire department
shall have all powers to enforce the provisions of this code as are
consistent with the laws of the State of Texas. Such personnel shall
have concurrent jurisdiction to enforce provisions of the Fort Worth
Building Code which relate to fire safety.
SECTION 2.201
Sec. 2.201.(a) The Fire Department shall inspect, as often as
may be necessary, all buildings and premises, including such other
hazards or appliances as the chief may designate for the purpose of
ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions which would
reasonably tend to cause fire or contribute to its spread, or any
violation of the purpose or provisions of this code and of any other
law or standard affecting fire safety.
(b) All buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe
or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire
hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in rela-
tion to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health or
public welfare, by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster damage or abandonment as speci-
fied in this code or any other effective ordinance, are, for the
purpose of this section, unsafe buildings. All such unsafe buildings
are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by
repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the
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procedure specified in the code and ordinances of the City of Fort
Worth, and other applicable laws of the State of Texas.
SECTION 2.202
Sec. 2.202.(a) Iaivestigations. The fire Department shall inves-
tigate promptly the cause, origin and circumstances of each and
every fire occurring in the jurisdiction involving loss of life or
injury to person or destruction or damage to property and, if it
appears to the bureau that such fire is of suspicious origin, it
shall take immediate charge of all physical evidence relating to the
cause of the fire and shall pursue the investigation to its conclu-
sion.
(b) Unchanged.
SECTION 2.204
Sec. 2.204.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Unchanged.
(c) The chief or fire marshal may order the operation or use
stopped, or the evacuation, of any premises, building or vehicle or
portion thereof which has or is a fire hazard.
(d) Unchanged.
SECTION 2.205
Sec. 2.205.(a) Service of orders and notices; responsibility
for violations. Any order or notice authorized or required by this
code shall be given or served upon the owner, operator, occupant or
other person responsible for the condition or violation either by
verbal .notification, personal service, or by delivering the same to
and leaving it with some person of suitable age and discretion upon
the premises; or, if no such person is found on the premises, by
affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place on the door to the
entrance of said premises and by mailing a copy thereof to such per-
son by registered or certified mail.
(b) The owner, occupant or person in charge of any building or
premises where any violation of this code or other ordinances of the
City of Fort Worth relating to fire safety is found shall be prima
facie responsible for such violation.
SECTION 2.302
Sec. 2.302. The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of
Appeals shall act on fire code rel ted matters commensurate with the
provision of Ordinance Number G~~~of the City of Fort Worth.
SECTION 2.303
Sec. 2.203.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Recognized standards. Whenever this code is inapplicable
for any reason to any situation involving the protection of persons
and property from the hazards of fire and explosion, the materials,
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methods of construction, installations, practices or operations
necessary to provide such protection shall, to a reasonable degree,
be in accordance with nationally recognized and accepted standards,
principles and tests and generally recognized and well-established
methods of fire prevention and control. The following standards are
intended for use as a guide in the design, fabrication, testing and
use of equipment regulated by this code z
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE
1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018
ANSI STANDARDS
ANSI B31 American National Standard Code for Pressure Piping
AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
2101 "L" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037
API .STANDARDS
12-B Specification for Bolted Tanks for Storage of Production
Liquids, 12th Edition, January, 1977
~ 620 Recommended Rules for Design and Construction of Large
Welded, Low Pressure Storage Tanks, June, 1978
650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage, 6th Edition, 1979
12-D Specification for Field Large Welded Tanks for Storage of
Production Liquids, 8th Edition, January, 1977
12-F Specification for shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Produc-
tion Liquids, 7th Edition, January, 1977
2000 Venting Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks, 2nd
Edition, December, 1973
1615 Installation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems,
1979
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
ASTM STANDARDS
ASTM D3425-78 Plastic Containers for Petroleum Products
ASTM D5-78 Penetration of Bituminous Materials
ASTM A395-74 Ferritic Ductile Iron Pressure Retaining Castings
for Use at Elevated Temperatures
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
345 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017
ASME STANDARDS
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
FIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
Section I--Power Boilers, 1980
Section VIII, Division 1 or 2--Pressure Vessels, 1980
UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
Section VIII, Division 1 or 2--1974
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS, Bureau of Explosives
1920 "L" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
AAR CIRCULARS
17-D Tank Car Loading Racks, October 30, 1978
17-E Tank Car Loading Racks, October 30, 1978
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC.
333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Illinois 60062
UL STANDARDS
UL 25 Meters for Flammable and Combustible Liquids and LP Gas,
June 25, 1979
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UL 30 Metal Safety Cans, March 15, 1977
UL 58 Standard for. Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and
Combustible Liquids, October 29, 1976
UL 79 Power Operated Pumps for Petroleum Products Dispensing
Systems, June 25, 1975
UL 80 Standard for Steel Inside Tanks for Oil-burner Fuel,
July 14, 1980
UL 87 Power Operated Dispensing Devices for Petroleum Products,
November 3, 1980
UL 142 Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and
Combustible Liquids, December, 1972
UL 330 Gasoline Hose, August 21, 1978
UL 525 Flame Arresters for Use of Vents of Storage Tanks for
Petroleum Oil and Gasoline, August 25, 1980
UL 842 Valves for Flammable Liquids, 1980
UL 21 LP Gas Hose
UL 51 Power Operated Pumps for Anhydrous Ammonia and LP Gas
UL 125 Valves for Anhydrous Ammonis and LP Gas
UL 132 Safety Relief Valves for Anhydrous Ammonia and LP Gas
UL 144 Pressure Regulating Valves for LP Gas
UL S65 Liquid-Level Gauges and Indicators for Anhydrous Ammonia
and LP Gas
UL 567 Pipe Connectors for Flammable and Combustible Liquid and
LP gas
UL 569 Pigtails and Flexible Hose Connections for LP Gas
UL 644 Container Assemblies for LP Gas
UL 674 Electric Motors and Generators
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REGULATIONS
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Chapter 1 (Department of
Transportation Regulations)
SECTION 3.101
Sec. 3.101. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects,
or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of
the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
fined not less than five dollars nor more than one thousand dollars
for each offense. Each day that a violation or circumstance not in
compliance with the provision of this code is permitted to exist
shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 4.101
Sec. 4.101. (1) through (18.E.) Unchanged.
(18.F.) To change the. type of contents stored in any flammable
or combustible liquid tank to a material other than that for which
the tank was designed and constructed.
(19) through (37) Unchanged.
(38) Places of assembly. To operate a place of assembly as de-
fined in Article 9.
EXCEPTION: Churches and places of worship used solely
for worship.
(39) through (43) Unchanged.
(44) Tire recapping and outdoor tire storage. To operate tire
capping or rebuilding plants or store more than 50 tires.
(45) and (46) Unchanged.
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(47) Fire Alarm System. To have within or to install a fire
alarm system in any occupancy except single or two-family dwell-
ings. Such permit must be obtained by the installer. Such systems
shall be considered fire protection equipment for purposes of this
code.
(48) Fire Sprinkler System. To have within or to install a fire
sprinkler system in any occupancy except single or two-family dwell-
ings. Such permit must be obtained by the installer. Such systems
shall be considered fire protection equipment for purposes of this
code.
(49) Fire Protection Equipment Contractor. To install, main-
tain, service or modify any type of fire protection equipment for
use in other than single or two-family dwellings, including but not
limited to fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers and standpipe
systems, provided, however, that no City certification shall be
required for fire sprinkler contractors.
EXCEPTION: Single station smoke detectors and munici-
pal water supplies.
(50) Standpipe System. To have within or to install a standpipe
system in any occupancy. Such permit must be obtained by the in-
staller. Such systems shall require certification testing bi-
annually, and shall be considered fire protection equipment for the
purposes of this Code.
(51) Special Hazard. To continue any special hazard as deter-
mined by the chief.
SECTION 4.102
Sec. 4.102.
(a) Unchanged.
(b) A permit issued under this code (except a permit to install
fire protection equipment) shall continue until revoked or for not
more than one year following the date of issuance, except that those
permits that specify a designated time period for expiration shall
expire as designated on the permit. A permit shall not be transfer-
able and any change in use, occupancy, operation or ownership shall
require a new permit.
(c) Unchanged.
(d) A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be charged for
permits required by Sec. 4.101 or permit renewal except as follows:
1. Fire Alarm System - no charge
2. Fire Sprinkler System - no charge
3. Standpipe System - no charge
4. Fire Protection Equipment Contractor - no charge
(e) The chief is authorized to withhold the issuance of a per-
mit to install fire protection equipment to any authorized installer
until such time as the installation for which a permit has been
issued previously has been completed or at least prosecuted in an
efficient manner, or if such installer has consistently failed,
after notice, to correct defective conditions resulting from impro-
per installations for which permits have previously been granted.
SECTION 4.105
Sec. 4.105. Permits shall at al
on the premises designated therein
inspection by an officer of the fir
authorized persons.
1 times be conspicuously posted
and at all times be subject to
e or police department or other
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SECTION 9.105
Sec. 9.105. The definition of the term corrosive liquids is
amended to read as follows:
CORROSIVE LIQUIDS are those liquids which, when in contact with
living tissue, will cause destruction or irreversible alterations of
such tissue by chemical action. Examples include acid, alkaline, or
caustic materials.
SECTION 9.106
Sec. 9.106. The following definition is added to those appear-
ing in Sec. 9.106:
DESIGNATED HIGH PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE AREA (High-Piled
Combustible Stock) is that area within a building which is designed,
intended, proposed or actually used for such storage.
SECTION 9.108
Sec. 9.108. The following definition is added to those appear-
ing in Sec. 9.108:
FIRE MARSHAL is the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
SECTION. 9.110
Sec. 9.110. The definition of the term HIGH-PILED STORAGE shall
be instead entitled "High-Piled Combustible Storage," without other-
wise altering the definition of that term.
The following definition shall be added to those appearing in
Sec. 9.110:
HIGH-RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS are those systems that have storage
over 40 feet in height, the placement of rack is such that aisles
are not provided as required by Sec. 81.108, stock handling is auto-
mated and the rack storage area has no occupant load.
SECTION 9.121
Sec. 9.121. The following definition is added to those appear-
ing in Sec. 9.121:
SKID TANK is a portable or semiportable container with steel
runners or skids.
SECTION 9.124
Sec. 9.124. The following definition is added to those
appearing in Sec. 9.124:
VAPORIZER is a device for vaporizing liquids.
SECTION 10.207
Sec. 10.207(a) Required Construction. Every building hereafter
constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way
of access roadways with an approved all weather driving surface of
not less than twenty (20) feet of unobstructed width except in
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Unified Residential Districts as defined by the City of Fort Worth
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance where twenty (20) feet of all weather
driving surface and twenty-six (26) feet of unobstructed width is
required. Such roadways shall have a minimum turning radius of
twenty (20) feet measured to the inside edge of the designated fire
lane, be capable of supporting the imposed loads of fire apparatus,
and have a minimum clear vertical height of fourteen (14) feet. Dead
end Fire Department access roads in excess of one hundred (100) feet
in length shall be provided with a turn around for Fire Department
apparatus which may consist of a one-hundred (100) foot diameter
circle or other approved means. Grades in excess of 20 percent will
not be approved.
EXCEPTION: When there is a special grouping of not more
than two Group R Division 3 or M occupancies as defined in
the Building Code, the requirements of this section may be
modified when, in the opinion of the Chief, firefighting
or rescue operations would not be impaired.
(b) Obstructing. The required width of access roadways shall
not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles.
Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, the owner, manager, or per-
son in charge of any building to which fire access roadways have
been approved by the Chief or his authorized representative shall
post and maintain curb markings consisting of painted lines of red
traffic paint four inches in width onto which the words "No
Parking - Fire Lane" are stenciled with white paint in an approved
manner at twenty-five (25) foot intervals and/or approved traffic
signs which are posted and maintained in conspicuous places along
such fire access roadways. Such sign must be twelve {12) inches wide
and eighteen (18) inches high stating "No Parking - Fire Lane" with
a companion sign twelve (12) inches wide and six (6) inches high
stating "Tow-Away Zone" and with a white background onto which red
lettering, symbols, and border have been affixed. Signs shall be
mounted at 6 feet and 6 inches above finished grade measured to the
bottom of the "Tow-Away" sign. Drawings and samples of such signs
may be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Standards for
mounting, including but not limited to the height above grade at
which such signs are to be mounted, shall be adopted by the Chief
and Director of Transportation of the City of Fort Worth.
The Chief or Chief of Police or their duly authorized represen-
tative is authorized to cause fire access roadways to be maintained
free of obstruction at all times by issuance of citations, removal
and impoundment of a vehicle in violation, by both a citation
issuance and impoundment, or by orders to remove any obstruction
immediately.
(c) Extent. The fire access roadway shall be extended to meet
all of the following provisions:
1. Fire lanes shall be within one hundred and fifty (150) feet of
all portions of the exterior walls of the first story.
2. for buildings four stories or more, fire lanes shall be not
less than fifteen ( 1 5 ) feet nor more than twenty-five ( 25 ) feet
from the inside curb of said fire lane to one (1) full side or
not less than one-half the length of any two (2) sides of the
building.
3. Fire lanes shall be within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any
fire department standpipe connection.
EXCEPTIONS: (1) The provisions of 1 above may be
reduced or modified by the Chief when an approved
automatic sprinkler or standpipe system is installed.
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For High-piled combustible storage access, see Section 81.109.
(d) Oversizing. The Chief shall have the authority to require
an increase in the minimum access widths where such width is not
deemed adequate for fire or rescue operations.
(e) Bridges. Where a bridge is required to be used as access
under this section, it shall be constructed and maintained in
accordance with the applicable sections of the Building Code and
using design live- loading sufficient to carry the imposed loads of
fire apparatus.
(f) Maintenance. All dedicated fire access roadways shall be
maintained and kept in a state of good repair at all times by the
owner, manager, or person in charge of the premises to which the
roadway provides required access.
No owner, manager, or person in charge of any premises served
by a required fire access roadway shall abandon or close such fire
access roadway without written permission from the Chief.
It is hereby declared unlawful for any person to attempt to or
in fact alter, destroy, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any
sign designating a fire lane or tow-away zone erected under the
terms of this section without written permission by the Chief.
(g) Prior to issuance of a building permit or commencement of
construction of any required fire access roadway, two (2) plot plans
indicating designated fire access roadways and information required
by Sec. 10.301(c) shall be submitted to the Building Department of
the City of Fort Worth for review by the Chief. The Chief will
either approve or disapprove the designated .fire lanes and indicate
necessary markings of curb striping and/or signs. One copy of an
approved plan will be retained by the Chief.
(h) Installation shall be timed in accordance with Sec.
10.307(4).
SECTION 10.208
Sec. 10.208. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on
all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly
visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.
Said numbers shall contrast with their background.
Required numbers shall not be less than four (4) inches on new
dwellings in buildings housing less than four (4) dwelling units, or
six (6) inches in any other type of occupancy. Within Unified
Residential Districts as described by the City of Fort Worth
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, each apartment building must bear a
sign which is conspicuously posted on a side of the said building
with street access and states the building's full street address and
apartment numbers within said building if more than one building
share the same street address. Signs shall contain letters and
numbers not less than six (6) inches in height with a one (1) inch
stroke.
EXCEPTION: These buildings which have premises identifi-
cation installed prior to the adoption date of this ordi-
nance may continue without modification when approved by
the Chief.
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SECTION 10.209
In any building which contains an elevator, any building or
complex which contains a fire alarm system, or when access to or
within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured
openings, or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or
firefighting purposes, the chief shall require a key box to be in-
stalled in an accessible location approved by the chief. The key box
shall be a type approved by the Chief and shall contain keys to gain
necessary access to any areas required by the Chief, keys to eleva-
tors, and keys to the f ire alarm control panel and manual f ire alarm
actuating devices. When installed for the primary purpose of provid-
ing access to the fire alarm system serving an apartment complex,
the key box shall be placed at the exterior entrance of the property
manager's office which shall be suitably marked as such.
EXCEPTION: Where 24 hour guard or management service is
provided, these requirements may be waived by the Chief.
SECTION 10.301. INSTALLATION
Sec . 10.301. (a) . Type Required . The ch ief shal 1 des ignate the
type and number of fire appliances to be installed and maintained in
and upon all buildings and premises in the jurisdiction other than
private dwellings. This shall be done according to the relative
severity of probable fire, including the rapidity with which it may
spread.. Such appliances shall be of a type suitable for the probable
class of fire associated with such building or premises and shall
have approval of the chief.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with U.F.C.
Standard No. 10-1.
Permits for fire protection equipment contractors and fire pro-
tection systems shall be as specified in Sec. 4.101. No fire protec-
tion equipment, including but not limited to fire alarms and
standpipe systems, shall be installed by any person or group of
persons who does not possess a valid Fire Protection Equipment
Contractor's Permit, or, in the case of fire sprinkler systems, who
is not duly licensed by the State of Texas to perform such
installations.
EXCEPTION: Equipment for single or two family dwellings,
single station smoke detectors, and municipal water sup-
plies.
(b) Unchanged..
(c) Giater Supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying
required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all
premises upon which buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter
constructed . Prior to issuance of a building permit or commencement
of construction of any required water supply components, two (2)
plot plans indicating designated locations of fire hydrants, loca-
tions and sizes of water mains, available water flow information,
and information required by Sec. 10.207 (g) shall be submitted to the
Building Department of the City of Fort Worth for review by the
Chief. The Chief will either approve or disapprove the designated
water supply components and locations. One copy of an approved plan
will be retained by the Chief.
Water supply may consist of water mains, elevated tanks, pres-
sure tanks, or static water reservoirs equipped with approved fire
pumps capable of supplying the required fire flow. In setting the
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requirements for fire flow, the Chief may be guided by the standard
published by the Insurance Services Office, "Guide for Determination
of Required Fire Flow, 1980 Edition."
All fire hydrants shall be accessible to the Fire Department appa-
ratus by roadways meeting the requirements of Sec. 10.207.
Fire Hydrants shall be installed in accordance -with the following
criteria:
(i) For all one and two family residences, excluding town-
houses, fire hydrants must be installed with no more than
1000 feet of space (500 foot radius spacing) between
hydrants along a direct horizontal line. No portion of
said residences shall exceed 800 feet hose lay distance,
using the route of access which fire department personnel
would travel between the hydrant and the building.
ii) For all other land uses (except one and two family resi-
dences) including townhouses and apartments, fire hydrants
must be installed with not more than 600 feet of space
(300 foot radius spacing) between hydrants along a direct
horizontal line. No portion of any structure shall exceed
500 feet hose lay distance, using the route of access
which fire department personnel would travel between the
hydrant and the structure.
iii) A fire hydrant shall be installed. no more than 150 feet
from the Fire Department connections for a standpipe sys-
tem.
iv) All fire hydrants must be installed at least two feet, but
not more than nine feet from the curb face of a paved
street or edge of a designated approved fire access road-
way.
v) All fire hydrants must be installed such that the center
of the main outlet on the front of the hydrant is not less
than 18 inches nor more than 48 inches above grade level.
vi) Only national standard three-way hydrants are approved.
vii) All hydrant threads must match those in use by the City of
Fort Worth Fire Department.
viii) Where fire hydrants are installed on a metered water sup-
ply or are not owned by the City of Fort Worth, said
hydrants shall be maintained in satisfactory operating
condition and be kept free of obstructions.
ix) All fire hydrants hereafter installed shall be marked with
an approved pavement marker.
(d) Timing of Installation. When fire protection facilities,
including fire access roadways and fire hydrants, are required to be
installed for any structure or development, such facilities shall be
installed, tested and approved prior to the time of which construc-
tion has progressed beyond completion of the foundation of any
structure. When alternate methods of protection, as ,approved by the
Chief, are provided, the above may be modified or waived.
(e) Approval and Testing. All fire alarm systems, fire hydrant
systems, fire-extinguishing systems (including automatic sprink-
lers), wet and dry standpipes, basement inlet pipes, and other
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fire-protection systems and pertinents thereto shall meet the
approval of the fire department as to installation and location and
shall be subject to such periodic tests as required by the Chief.
Plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Fire Department
for review and approval prior to construction.
See Sec. 10.207(g) and Sec. 10.301(c).
SECTION 10.302. Maintenance
Sec. 10.302.(a) General. All sprinkler systems, fire hydrant
systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm systems, portable fire extin-
guishers, smoke and heat ventilators, smoke-removal systems and
other fire-protective or extinguishing systems or appliances shall
be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be
replaced or repaired where defective. Fire-protective or extinguish-
ing systems coverage, spacing and specifications shall be maintained
in accordance with recognized standards at all times. Such systems
shall be extended, altered or augmented as necessary to maintain and
continue protection whenever any building so equipped is altered,
remodeled or added to. All additions, repairs, alterations and ser-
vicing shall be in accordance with recognized standards.
EXCEPTION: Systems not required by this or any other code
need not be extended, altered nor augmented.
Sod a-acid, foam, loaded stream, antifreeze and water fire ex-
tinguishers of the inverting type shall not be recharged or placed
in service for fire protection use.
(b) Systems in High-rise Buildings. The building owner shall be
responsible for assuring that the fire and life safety systems re-
quired by Sections 1807 and 1907 of the Uniform Building Code shall
be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Unless other-
wise required by the Chief, quarterly tests of such systems shall be
conducted by qualified persons approved by the Chief. A written
record shall be maintained and be made available to the inspection
authority.
(c) A stock of spare sprinkler heads and a sprinkler wrench
shall be maintained immediately adjacent to the sprinkler system
control valve in accordance with the following schedule:
i) less than 300 heads; not less than 6 spare heads
ii) 300-1000 not less than 12 spare heads
iii) more than 1000 not less than 24 spare heads
SECTION 10.307
Sec. 10.307.(a) Fire Alarm systems shall comply with the re-
quirements of Appendix III-C.
SECTION 10.308
Sec. 10.308.(a) General. All fire extinguishing systems re-
quired in this code or the Building Code shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements of this -article.
All fire hose threads used in connection with fire extinguish-
ing systems shall be National Standard hose thread or as approved by
the fire department.
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All fire extinguishing systems shall be reviewed and approved
by the chief prior to installation. Plans shall be submitted and
tests conducted in accordance with Sec. 10.308.(b).
Fire pumps required by this code shall be in accordance with
Building Code Standard No. 38-3.
(b) Approvals. All fire-extinguishing systems, including auto-
matic sprinkler systems, Classes I, II and III combined standpipes,
Halon systems and other special automatic extinguishing systems, and
basement pipe inlets shall be approved and shall be subject to peri-
odic tests as may be required. Fire protection sprinklers and stand-
pipes shall be installed in accordance with the Building Code. At
least two copies of plans for installation shall be submitted to the
Chief prior to installation, and those corrections necessary shall
be incorporated into the installation. All systems shall be in-
spected by the Chief prior to acceptance. All systems utilizing a
municipal water connection shall be required to be inspected during
a 200 psi hydrostatic test prior to burial of the piping. Upon com-
pletion of the system installation, the Bureau of Fire Prevention
shall be contacted for final inspection. A condition of approval of
all required Halon systems shall be satisfactory passage of a full
discharge test utilizing an approved test gas prior to final accep-
tance of the system. The location of all fire department hose con-
nections shall be approved by the Chief.
(c) Unchanged.
(d) Unchanged.
SECTION 10.309
Sec. 10.309.(a) Where required, automatic fire extinguishing
system shall be installed in the occupancies and locations set forth
in this section.
For special provisions on hazardous chemicals and magnesium and
calcium carbide, see Section 10.301 and 45.208 and Articles 48, 49
and 8 0 .
For high-piled combustible stock, see Article 80.
Regardless of the provisions of this section, all Group R,
Division 1, Occupancies three stories or more in height, with in-
terior exiting systems, and all occupancies four stories or more in
height, shall be sprinklered throughout the building.
(b) through (g) Unchanged.
SECTION 10.312
Sec. 10.312.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Unchanged.
(c) Location of Class I Standpipes. There shall be a Class I
standpipe outlet connection at every floor level above the first
story of every required stairway and on each side of the wall adja-
cent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit. Outlets at stairways
shall be located within the exit enclosure or, in the case of smoke-
proof enclosures, within the vestibule or exterior balcony, giving
access to the stairway.
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EXCEPTION: In buildings equipped with an approved auto-
matic sprinkler system, risers and laterals which are not
located within an enclosed stairway or smokeproof enclos-
ure need not be enclosed within fire-resistive construc-
tion.
There shall be a two-way outlet above the roofline on every
standpipe when the roof has a slope of less than 4 inches in 12
inches.
EXCEPTION: Standpipes located in stairways conforming to
Section 3306(0) of the Building Code may have the two-way
outlet located at the topmost floor landing.
In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the
standpipes shall be interconnected at the bottom.
(d) Unchanged.
(e) Unchanged.
SECTION 10.315.
Sec. 1 0.31 5. (a) Unchanged .
(b) Unchanged.
(c) Type of System. The system used for protection of
commercial-type cooking equipment shall be either a system listed
for application with such equipment or an automatic fixed pipe sys-
tem that is specifically designed for such application.
All systems shall comply with the requirements of the
Mechanical Code and this code. Listed systems shall be installed in
accordance with their listing. Other systems shall be of an approved
design and shall be of one of the following types:
1. Automatic sprinkler system.
2. Dry chemical extinguishing system.
3. Carbon dioxide extinguishing system.
4. Liquid-agent (other than water) extinguishing system.
When carbon dioxide systems are used, there shall be a nozzle
at the top of the ventilating duct. Additional nozzles symmetrically
arranged to give equal distribution shall be installed within verti-
cal ducts exceeding 20 feet and horizontal ducts exceeding 50 feet.
In carbon dioxide systems, dampers shall be installed at either the
top or the bottom of the duct. The dampers shall be arranged to
operate automatically in the event that the extinguishing operates.
When the damper is installed at the top of the duct, the top nozzle
shall be immediately below the damper. The quantity of carbon diox-
ide in the system shall be sufficient to protect all hazards venting
through a common duct simultaneously.
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical and liquid-agent (other than
water) systems shall be interconnected to the fuel or current supply
so that the fuel or current is automatically shut off to all equip-
ment under the hood when the system is actuated.
(d) through (f) Unchanged.
ARTICLE 10
Division V, Sections 10.501 through 10.504, are added to
Article 10, to read as follows:
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Division V
Emergency Plans and Fire Drills
Sec. 10.501. High-Rise Buildings. (a) The operator of a
premises which has floors used for human occupancy located more than
75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
shall draft an emergency plan to be located in the Fire Control Room
to contain a diagram showing:
1) All means of egress from each floor.
2) Locations of doors which provide access to safe floor areas
from the stairwell under emergency conditions.
3) The location of:
i) fire command or central control station;
ii) fire alarm systems, components and control panels;
iii) fire extinguishing systems and valves thereto;
iv) smoke control systems and controls thereof;
v) fire department communications equipment, and
vi) other information required by the Chief.
(b) The plan shall include provisions for staff participation
in fire emergencies to ensure safe evacuation of all occupants with
special attention given to handicapped occupants.
(c) Emergency diagrams may be required by the Chief to be
posted in conspicuous locations detailing exit diagrams or other
similar information or instructions.
(d) Fire drills shall be conducted at regular intervals to
ensure proper operation of the emergency plan in a fire emergency or
at intervals required by the Fire Marshal.
Sec. 10.502.(a) Hotels and Motels. Every hotel and motel having
interior exits shall post and maintain on the room side of every
guest room door a sign depicting the layout of the floor on which
the room is a part, the location of the room on that floor, the
exits from that floor, the route to the nearest exit and fire
extinguisher locations.
(b) Fire drills and emergency plans shall be in accordance with
Section 10.501(b), (c) and (d).
Sec. 10.503.(a) Educational Occupancies. The Fire Marshal may
require a quarterly fire drill at any educational institution.
The operator of premises housing an educational institution
shall:
1) Conduct one classroom fire drill each quarter;
2) Maintain a written report of each fire drill in the office
of the operator of the premises; and
3) When required, provide the Fire Marshal with a copy of the
written report of each fire drill.
(b) The operator of premises housing an educational institution
shall conduct fire drills in a manner requiring:
1) All students to immediately leave the structure upon hear-
ing the fire drill signal;
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2) A roll call by classes outside the structure; and
3) Doors to be closed as each area is evacuated.
Sec. 10.504. Elevators. A sign shall be posted adjacent to
every elevator call switch panel on every floor of a building con-
taining elevators which states:
"IN FIRE EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE ELEVATORS -- USE EXIT STAIRS",
or graphically depicts this message in an approved manner. Such sign
shall have a minimum dimension of 3 inches.
SECTION 11.101
Sec. 11.101. It shall be unlawful to burn or cause to be burned
any combustibles including uncut grass, weeds, timber, rubbish,
leaves, or other natural or synthetic materials on any street,
alley, lot or premises. Such prohibited fires shall include bon
fires and fires used for ceremonial purposes.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Burning may be conducted in an approved
incinerator, for purposes of cooking or heating in a
device designated for such a purpose by the manufacturer.
Incinerators shall comply with Section 11.105.
2. When approved by the Fire Marshal, burninq within an
approved trench burner may be permitted provided a stand-
by firefighter is present if so desired by the Fire
Marshal. A permit must be acquired as specified in
Section 4.101, and approved safety measures must be em-
ployed.
SECTION 11..117
Sec. 11.117 is added to Chapter 11, to read as follows:
Barbecue Pits and Portable Cooking Grills
Sec. 11.117 (a) Barbecue Pits
(1) The operator of a premises where barbecue pits are used
for cooking or heating of food shall provide and maintain
the pit with construction of masonary or metal or separa-
tion from the enclosed areas acessible to the public by
one hour construction.
EXCEPTION: one-hour construction shall not be required if
the pit construction incorporates:
i) automatic ventilation and air supply control; and
ii) insulated construction adequate to restrict exterior pit
surface temperature to 160°F; and
iii) a design adequate to prevent the exposure of the fire
box to grease drippings.
(2) Where the barbecue pit is inside the building, an
approved smoke tight, non combustible ventilation hood
shall be installed in accordance with the mechanical
code. The hood shall be if~i~talled no more than 18 inches
above the pit, extend not Less l-.han 12 inches beyond each
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side of the pit,
pipe discharging
structure.
and be connected to an approved exhaust
at least 3 feet above the top of the
(3) The barbecue pit shall be protected by an approved extin-
guishing system designed to meet the criteria of
Sec. 10.315 of this code, and the mechanical code or
having fixed water discharge openings inside the pit with
manual controls located outside the pit enclosure.
(4) The barbecue pit shall have nearby a metal container with
a tight fitting metal cover for the storage of used
grease.
(5) No combustible storage shall be placed within 10 feet of
the pit unless separated from the pit by a one-hour fire
resistive partition.
(b) Portable cooking grills shall not be operated within ten
(10) feet of any combustible structure, including balconies.
SECTION 11.411
Sec. 11.411. Upon vacating or abandoning any premises, the
owner and occupant thereof shall jointly be responsible for removing
any and all noxious and hazardous material or waste matter which has
been deposited, allowed to come to rest or permitted to accumulate
thereon, and such premises shall be left in a clean and neat condi-
tion.
When the Fire Department initiates removal of such materials
described in this section, the owner and occupant shall be liable
for any and all expenses accrued for this service.
ARTICLE 11
Division v, Sec. 11.501, is added to Article 11, to read as
follows:
Division V
Removal of Debris or Partially Burned Building after Fire
Sec. 11.501.(x) The owner or person having under his control or
in his possession upon any premises any hay, straw, bales of wool,
cotton, paper or other substances which have been rendered useless
or unmerchantable by reason of any fire on such premises or any
debris resulting from such fire must remove the same from such prem-
ises within forty-eight hours after notice to do so has been given
by the Chief.
(b) Whenever any building or other structure is partially
burned, the owner thereof or the person in charge or control there-
of, within ten days after notice from tYie Chief, shall remove from
the premises all refuse, debris, charred and partially burned lumber
and material. If such building or other structure is burned to such
an extent that it is rendered incapable of being repaired, the owner
of the property upon which same is located or the person in control
thereof, within ten days after notice from the Chief shall remove
from the premises all of the remaining portion of the building or
structure.
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5BCTION 24.113
Sec. 24.113.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Every vehicle used for towing aircraft shall be equipped
with at least one fire extinguisher having a minimum 20-B:C classi-
fication as designated in U.F.C. Standard No. 10-1.
(c) Every welding apparatus shall be equipped with at least one
fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C as desig-
nated in U.F.C. Standard No. 10-1.
(d) Every aircraft refueler shall be equipped with a minimum of
two 20-B:C fire extinguishers, as determined in U.F.C. Standard No.
10-a. A fire extinguisher shall be readily accessible from either
side of the vehicle.
(e) At every aircraft service station there shall be at least
one fire extinguisher having a minimum 10-B:C classification, as
designated in U.F.C. Standard No. 10-1, and it shall be so located
that no pump or dispenser shall be more than 75 feet from one such
extinguisher.
(f) Use of any fire extinguisher equipment under any circum-
stances shall be reported to the manager of the airport and the
chief immediately after use.
SECTION 25.116
Sec. 25.116. Standby Firemen. Whenever, in the opinion of the
Chief, it is essential for public safety in any place of public
assembly or any other place where people congregate due to the num-
ber of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, dis-
play, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall employ
one or more experienced firemen, as required and approved by the
Chief, to be on duty at such place. Said firemen shall be subject to
the Chief's orders at all times when so employed and shall be in
uniform and remain on duty during the times such places are open to
the public, or when such activity is being conducted. Before each
performance or the start of such activity, said firemen shall in-
spect the required fire appliances provided to see that they are in
proper place and in good working order, and shall keep diligent
watch for fire during the time such place is open to the public or
such activity is being conducted and take prompt measures for extin-
guishment of_ fires that may occur. Firemen shall not be required or
permitted, while on duty, to perform any other duties than those
herein specified.
The Chief may also require the use of standby firemen in accor-
dance with the provisions of this section when automatic fire detec-
tion or protection systems are out of service.
SECTION 28.105
Sec. 28.105. It shall be unlawful to store hay, straw, or other
similar agricultural products adjacent to buildings or combustible
material unless a cleared horizontal distance not less than 50 feet
is maintained between such storage and combustible material and
buildings. All exposed surface area of such storage shall be covered
by a tarp or similar cover which has been rendered flame retardant
by an approved method or treatment. A permit shall not be required
f_or such storage.
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Storage shall be limited to 100 tons each. Either sn approved
one-hour occupancy separation constructed as specified in the
Building Code or a clear space of 20 feet shall be maintained be-
tween such stacks.
SECTION 28.107
Section 28.107 is added to Article 28, to read as follows:
Sec. 28.107. Any outdoor storage of combustible fibers shall be
covered entirely by a tarp or similar cover rendered flame retardant
by an approved method or treatment.
SECTION 30.104
Sec. 30.104.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided at each
building in accordance with UFC Standard No. 10-1.
SECTION 30.105
Sec. 30.105.(a) Unchanged.
(b) Portable fire extinguishers or hose supplied from a suit-
able water system shall be provided within reach of any machine pra-
ducing shavings or sawdust. Extinguishers shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions of UFC Standard No. 10-1.
ARTICLE 31
The title of Article 31 shall be amended to read as follows:
"TIRE-REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE"
SECTION 31.101
Sec. 31.101. General. Tire-rebuilding plants and tire storage
shall conform to all other applicable requirements of this code as
well as to the following provisions.
SECTION 31..102
Sec. 31.102. Permits. For permits to operate a tire-recapping,
tire storage or rebuilding plant, see Section 4.101.
SECTION 31.107
Sec. 31.107 shall be added to Article 31, to read as follows:
Sec. 31.107. Outdoor tire storage is prohibited.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. Outdoor tire storage may be per-
mitted when used in conjunction with a tire-rebuilding,
tire-recapping, or tire handling operation and less than
50 tires are stored within the boundary of any contiguous
properties owned by the same person or pc,_sons.
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2. Outdoor tire storage may be permitted when in conj unc-
tion with a tire-rebuilding, tire-recapping, or tire
handling operation and 50 or more tires are stored with-
in the boundary of any contiguous properties owned by the
same person or persons if such tires are suitable for re-
capping or rebuilding and if:
(a) The property is zoned for industrial use, and
(b) The ground surface covering in the areas used for and adjacent
to storage areas for 60 feet in any direction are hard surfaced
and kept free of grass, weeds, debris, etc., and
(c) The perimeter of the storage area is enclosed by a fence not
less than 6 feet in height to restrict access by unauthorized
persons, and
('d) Tires are not stored within twenty feet of any structure or
property line, and
(e) Storage configurations are piles not to exceed 625 square feet
in area with a maximum dimension of 50 feet, a maximum height
of 10 feet and a minimum separation between piles of 20 feet;
or in racks no more than 50 feet in length and 10 feet in width
with a minimum aisle separation between racks of 10 feet.
SECTION 31.108
Section 31.108 shall be added to Article 31, to read as fol-
lows:
Sec. 31.108. Indoor tire storage shall be permitted only in
buildings which are sprinklered in accordance with Article 81. Six
feet shall be considered critical pile height for tire storage.
SECTION 34.103
Sec. 34.103. The storage of combustibles shall be in accordance
with Article 28 of this code. No smoking or open flame shall be per-
mitted in any area where combustible fibers or other combustible
waste materials are stored or handled. NO SMOKING signs shall be
provided in accordance with Article 13. Tire storage shall be in
accordance with Article 31.
ARTICLE 78
FIREWORKS
Sec. 78.101. Definition. For definition of FIREWORKS, see
Section 9.108.
MANUFACTORING, SALE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED;
PUBLIC DISPLAY PERMIT APPROVED AND ISSUANCE; NOT CITY LIABILITY
`~ Sec. 78.102. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess,
use, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, give away, transport, or
discharge fireworks. of any description; provided, however, that the
Fire Chief of the City of Fort Worth shall have the power to adopt
reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for
supervised public displays of fireworks by artisans in pursuit of
their trade.
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Every such use or display shall be handled by a competent
operator approved by the Fire Chief, and shall be of such character
and so located, discharged, or fired as in the opinion of the Fire
Chief after proper investigation so as not to be hazardous to
property or endanger any person. No permit granted hereunder shall
be transferable.
The Fire Chief shall not approve any application for permit for
supervised public display of fireworks unless he finds that:
(a) The applicant has filed in the City Secretary's office a
certificate showing that the applicant has secured and agrees to
keep in force during the term of the permit a policy providing for
bodily injury and property damage insurance in the amounts as
follows:
Property Damage, per accident ...............$100,000
Personal Injury or Death, Per
Person ................................$100,000
Personal Injury or Death, per accident......$300,000
Such insurance policy shall provide that it cannot be canceled
or amended without at least thirty (30) days notice to the City
Secretary; and
(b) That the applicant has convenanted and agreed in writing to
indemnify, hold harmless and defend at its own expense, the City of
Fort Worth, its officers, agents and employees from and against any
and all claims or suits for property damage and/or personal injury,
including death, of whatsoever kind or character, whether real or
asserted, arising out of or in connection with the execution, per-
formance or attempted performance of fireworks at a public display
whether or not caused, in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of
officers, agents or employees of the City of Fort Worth; and the
applicant hereby assumes all liability and responsibility for any
and all claims or suits for property damage and/or personal injury,
including death, or whatsoever kind or character, whether real or
asserted, arising out of, or in connection with, the execution, per-
formance, or attempted performance of fireworks at a public display,
whether or not caused in whole or in part, by alleged negligence of
officers, agents or employees of the City of Fort Worth. Applicant
likewise convenants and agrees, and does hereby indemnify and hold
harmless, the City of Fort Worth from and against any and all in-
juries, damage or destruction of City property arising out of, or in
connection with, directly or indirectly, all acts or omissions of
applicant, his officers, agents, employees, contractors, subcontrac-
tors or invitees, or caused by alleged negligence in whole or in
part, of officers, agents or employees of the City; and
(c) The application for the permit was made in writing at least
fifteen (1 5 ) days prior to the date of display in accordance with
Sec. 4.101 and,
(d) The applicant has included in the application for permit
the names of the organization sponsoring the display together with
the names of persons actually in charge of the firing of the dis-
play; and,
(e) The applicant has included in the application for permit
the date and time of day at which the display is to be held; and,
(f) The applicant has included in the application for permit
the exact location planned for the display; and,
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(g) The applicant has included in the application for the per-
mit a description setting forth the age, experience, and physical
characteristics of the person who are to do the actual discharging
of the fireworks; and,
(h) The applicant has included in the application for permit
the number and kinds of fireworks to be discharged; and,
(i) The applicant has included in the application for permit
the manner and place of storage of such fireworks prior to the dis-
play; and,
(j ) The applicant has included in the application for the per-
mit a diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held
showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the
location of all buildings, highways and other lines of communica-
tion, the lines behind the audience will be restrained, and the
location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone lines or other
overhead obstruction.
Sec. 78.103. (a) Use and Handling . The Fire Chief shall approve
the application and issue the permit for the public display of
fireworks if he finds that: the applicant has complied with the
applicable provisions of this article; the discharge, failure to
fire, faulty firing, or fall-out of any fireworks or other objects
will not endanger person, buildings, structures, forests, or brush;
and, the fireworks are to be fired more than 200 feet from the
nearest permanent building, public highway, railroad, or other means
of travel; and 50 feet from the nearest above ground telephone or
telegraph line, tree, or other overhead obstruction. In no case
shall the Fire Chief issue a permit for a display to be held within
six hundred (600 ) feet of a school, theater, church, hospital , or
similar institution.
(b) All fireworks that fire a projectile shall be so set up
that the projectile will go into the air as nearly as possible in a
vertical direction; provided, however, that where such fireworks are
to be fired beside a lake or other large body of water, they may be
directed in such a manner that the falling residue from the
deflagration will fall into said body of water.
(c) Any fireworks that remain unfired after the display is
concluded shall be immediately disposed of or removed in a manner
safe for the particular type of fireworks. The debris .from the
discharged fireworks shall be properly disposed of by the operator
before the he leaves the premises. The operator, upon the conclusion
of the display, shall make a complete and thorough search for any
unfired fireworks or pieces thereof which have failed to fire or
function and shall dispose of them in a safe manner. The search
shall be instituted at the earliest possible time following that
conclusion of the display, but in no event later than the first
period of daylight which follows.
(d) No fireworks display shall be held during any windstorm in
which the wind reaches a velocity of more than twenty ( 20 ) miles per
hour.
(e) All fireworks articles and items at places of display shall
be stored in a manner and in a place secure from fire, accidental
discharge, and theft, and in a manner approved by the Fire Chief.
(f) The approval of any application and issuance of any permit
by the Fire Chief shall in no way be construed as an an assumption
-21-
of responsibility or liability by the City for any damages or in-
juries to persons or property arising out of or incident to the dis-
charge of fireworks at a public display.
AIDING MINORS TO VIOLATE ARTICLE
78.104 No parent or guardian of a minor shall furnish money or
a thing of value to a minor for the purchase of fireworks or
encourage, act in conjunction with or in any manner instigate or aid
a minor in the commission of possession, selling, offering for sale,
giving away, using, transporting or manufacturing fireworks within
the city. The commission of the offense by the minor on the property
under the control or owned by the parent or guardian shall be prima
facie proof that the relation or guardian was instigating or aiding
the minor.
EXCEPTIONS
78.105. This article shall not apply to the possession or use
of signaling devices for current daily consumption by railroads,
vessels and others requiring them; or to the possession, sale or use
of normal stocks of flashlight compositions by photographers or
dealers in photographic supplies; or to the possession or use of
flares or rockers for military or police purposes; or the possession
or use of fireworks for a public display held pursuant to a permit
granted by the Fire Chief; or any auto flares; or paper caps con-
taining not in excess of an average of twenty-five one hundredths
(25/100ths) of a grain of explosive content per cap, and toy
pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices for use of such caps,
the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times.
TERRITORIAL APPLICABILITY
.,.---.
Sec. 78.106 The provisions of this article shall be applicable
within the corporate limits of the city and also within the area
immediately adjacent and contiguous to the city limits and extending
outside the city limits for a distance of five thousand feet unless
such area is within the corporate limits of another municipality.
SECTION 79.101
Sec. 79.101.(a) The storage, use, dispensing and mixing of
flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with this
article, except as otherwise provided in other laws or regulations.
Installers of underground tanks should reference the guidelines of
the "Information Bulletin - Storage and Handling of Flammable and
Combustible Liquids" published by the Fire Prevention Bureau of the
Fort Worth Fire Department. This article also applies specifically
to all flammable and combustible liquids as defined in Section
79.102, except those that are solid at 100°F or above. When heated,
sprayed or mixed, Class II or Class III liquids may assume the
characteristics of lower flash point liquids. Under such conditions,
the appropriate provisions of this article for the actual flash
point shall apply.
(b) Unchanged.
(c ) Unchanged .
-22-
SECTION 79.115
Sec. 79.115. Change of contents. Prior to a change in contents,
the chief may require testing of a tank.
Underground tanks shall not contain petroleum products
containing mixtures of a nonpetroleum nature without evidence of
compatibility. This shall include ethanol or methanol blends.
SECTION 79.201
Sec. 79.201.(a) through (f) Unchanged.
(g). Storage cabinets. 1. General. When provisions of this code
require that liquid containers be stored in storage cabinets, such
cabinets and storage shall be in accordance with this section.
Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters on
contrasting background, FLAMMABLE -- KEEP FIRE AWAY.
(g) 2. through 4. Unchanged.
SECTION 79.901
Sec. 79.901. This division applies to both automotive and
marine service stations. It is the intent of this division to
prohibit service stations open to the public at bulk plants unless
such use is in compliance with the provisions of this division and
completely separated by a fence or similar barrier from the area in
which bulk operations are conducted.
SECTION 79.902
Sec. 79.902.(a) Unchanged.
(b) General Provisions. Class I liquids shall be stored in
closed containers, or in tanks located underground or in special
enclosures as described in Section 79.902(c). Class II and Class
III-A liquids shall be stored in containers or in tanks located
underground or in special enclosures as described in Section
79.902.(c) A connection shall not be made between any aboveground
tank and any underground tank.
The temporary use of portable or semi-portable tanks in
conjunction with the dispensing of Class I, II, or III-A liquids
into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or other motorized equipment
shall only be permitted on construction sites. Such installations
must have specific approval of the Fire Marshal.
(c) Special Enclosures. Stationary tanks used for the fueling
of motor vehicles shall not be installed in any manner other than
underground.
(d) through (h) Unchanged.
SECTION 79.1204
Sec. 79.1204.(a) through (c) Unchanged.
(d) Bonding. Bonding shall be in accordance with Section
79.807(a) 3.
-23-
(e) through (1) Unchanged.
(m) Bonding to Underground Tanks. An external bond-wire
connection or bond-wire integral with a hose is required for the
transferring of flammable liquids into underground tanks.
EXCEPTION: When transferring through closed connections.
ARTICLE 81
ARTICLE 81 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
Scope
Sec. 81.101. This article shall apply to the storage of high-
piled combustible material, high-rack storage systems and specula-
tive buildings which are capable of containing high-piled
combustible material. Factors such as method and height of stock
piling, combustibility of materials, fuel load and rate of heat
release, areas and size of piles, aisles, automatic fire-
extinguishing systems, smoke-removal systems, fire protection and
fire separations are considered in setting forth the provision of
this article. In the absence of specific provisions in the article,
U.F.C. Standard No. 81-1 shall apply.
DEFINITIONS
Sec. 81.102. For definitions of COMMODITY, DESIGNATED HIGH-
PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE AREA (High-piled Combustible Stock) ,
HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE AND HIGH-RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS, see
Article 9.
PERMITS
Sec. 81.103. For permits to use buildings for high-piled com-
bustible storage, see Section 4.101.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF CONTENTS
Sec. 81..104. Commodity classification shall be as defined and
in accordance with the following:
Class I Commodity is a commodity which is essential noncombus-
tible products on wooden or nonexpanded polyethylene solid deck
pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-
thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without
pallets. Examples of Clads I Commodities include but are not limited
to the following:
Appliances, electrical
Beer or wine, up to 20 percent alcohol
Cement in bags
Ceramics
Dairy products in nonwax-coated containers
Dry insecticides
Foods in noncombustible containers
Frozen foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables
containers
Glass
Glycol in metal cans
Gypsum board
Inert materials, bagged
Insulation, noncombustible
Metal products
in nonplastic trays or
-24-
Class II Commodity is Class I products in slatted wooden
crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or
equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets.
Examples of Class II Commodities would include, but are not limited
to, the following:
Beer or wine up to 20 percent alcohol in com-
bustible containers
Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs in car-
tons
Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in cartons
Class III Commodity is a commodity of wood, paper, natural
fiber cloth, or Group .C plastics or products thereof, with or with-
out pallets. Products may contain limited amount of Group A or B
plastics. (Metal bicycle with plastic handles, pedals, seats and
tires are an example of a commodity with a limited amount of plas-
tics.) See U.F.C. Standard No. 81-1 for classification of Groups A,
B and C plastics. Examples of Class III Commodities would include,
but are not limited to, the following
Combustible fiber-board
Cork, baled
Feed, bagged
Fertilizers, bagged
Furniture (Wood, natural fiber, upholstered,
non-plastic or wood or metal with plastic
padded and covered arm rests. )
Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal cans
Lumber (stored flat)
Mattresses (excluding foamed rubber and foamed
plastics)
Nonflammable liquids in plastic containers
Paints, oil base., in metal cans
Paper and pulp, horizontal storage
Paper, waste, baled
Pillows (excluding foamed rubber and foamed
plastics)
Plastic-coated paper food containers
Plywood
Rags , baled
Rugs, (no foamed backing)
Sugar, bagged
Wood, baled
Wood doors, frames and cabinets
Yarns ( natural f fiber and viscose )
Class IV Commodity is Class I, II or III products containing an
appreciable amount of Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated car-
tons and Class I, II and III products in corrugated cartons with
Group A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics
and free-flowing Group A plastics are also included in this class.
Examples of Class IV Commodities would include, but are not limited
to, the following:
Alcohol (over 20 percent but under 80 percent)
in cans, or bottles in cartons
Clothing, synthetic or nonviscose
Furniture, plastic upholstered
Furniture, wood or metal with plastic covering
and/or padding
Glycol in combustible containers
Linoleum products
Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in combustible
container
Lumber ( stored vertical )
Paints, oil base in combustible containers
-2 5-
Pharmaceuticals, alcoholic elixirs, tonics,
etc.
Rubber goods
Rugs, foamed back
Shingles, asphalt
Thread or yarn, synthetic or nonviscose
Class V commodities are high-hazard products presenting special
Fire hazards beyond these of Class I, II, III or IV. Examples of
Class V Commodities would include, but are not limited to, the fol-
lowing
Aerosol (flammable)
Alcohol 80 percent or higher in bottles in car-
tons
Lacquers (which dry by solvent evaporation) in
metal cans or cartons
Mattresses, foamed rubber or foamed plastics
Pallets and flats ( idle combustible)
Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal storage
Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical storage
Paper and pulp, rolled, vertical storage (un-
handed)
Pillows, foamed rubber and foamed plastics
Plastic products in cartons (ABS, styrene, poly-
ethylene)
Plastic, foamed urethane and polystyrene
Pyroxylin
Rubber tires
NOTE: Plastic materials listed within each com-
modity classification are assumed to be not
modified for improved combustibility charac-
teristics. Use of flame retarding modifers or
the physical form of the material may change the
classification.
FIRE PROTECTION
Sec. 81.105. Fire Protection for buildings used for high-piled
combustible storage shall be in accordance with Table No. 81-105 and
the Building Code. Buildings which are speculative and large enough
to contain high-piled combustible materials shall be considered as
containing Class IV Commodities for the purpose of determining fire
protection.
Storage of aerosols shall only be permitted in vaults with
walls of masonry or concrete construction. Such vaults shall be
maintained with self-closing doors which remain closed at all times
except when goods are actually being transferred in or out of the
vault. No other storage shall be permitted within the vault except
aerosols.
Nationally recognized standards or guidelines as applicable may
be used when approved by the Chief.
AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGOISRING SYSTEMS
Sec. 81.106. (a) General. The design and installation of automa-
tic fire-extinguishing systems shall conform to requirements in the
Building Code and UFC Standard No. 81-1.
(b) System Design. The fire-extinguishing systems shall be de-
signed by a registered engineer or state approved designer and shall
be approved by the Chief.
-2 6-
1 i (~
S~IlORE VENTING AND REMOVAL
Sec. 81.107. (a) General . When required by Table No. 81.105,
smoke and heat vents or mechanical smoke removal systems shall con-
form to the requirements of this section.
(b) Sffioke and Heat Vents and Curtain Boards. The desig n and
installation of smoke and heat vents and curtain boards shall be as
specified in the Building Code, except as modified by the following:
1. Smoke and heat vents shall be approved and shall be operated
automatically by actuation of a heat-responsive device rated at
between 100 °F, and 220 °F above ambient. Approved smoke and heat
vents shall activate fully when the vent cavity is exposed to a
simulated fire or a time-temperature gradient that reaches an
air temperature of 500 ° within five minutes. Smoke and heat
vents shall have the capability of being opened by an approved
manual operation.
2. The minimum dimension of any smoke and heat vent opening shall
be not less than 4 feet.
3. Smoke and heat vents and curtain boards shall be installed in
accordance with Table No. 81.107.
(c ) Mechanical Smoke Removal System.. Mechanical smoke removal
system capability shall be determined by the following:
1. Curtain boards shall be provided in accordance with Table
81.107.
2. Air movement formula:
V = A x 300
V = Volume of mechanical ventilation required, in CFM
A = Area or roof vents provided in square feet in accor-
dance with Table 81.107.
3. Supply air for exhaust fans shall be provided at or near the
floor level and shall be sized to provide a minimum of 50 per-
cent of required exhaust. Openings for supply air shall be uni-
formly distributed around the periphery of the area served.
4. Fan requirements:
A. The maximum individual capacity of a fan shall be 30,000
CFM.
B. Exhaust fans shall be uniformly spaced with curtained area
and the maximum distance between fans shall not be greater
than 100 feet.
C. Thermal protection of wiring and smoke-removal fan units
shall be based upon 1000°F exposure for not less than 15
minutes.
5. Control requirements:
A. On combination comfort air-handling/smoke removal systems
or independent comfort air-handling systems, fans shall be
controlled to shut down in accordance with the automatic
shutoff requirements of the Mechanical Code or by
activation of automatic extinguishing or detection systems.
-27-
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B. Electrical service to the smoke-removal systems shall be
connected on the line side of the main electrical discon-
nect.
C . The smoke-removal system f ire department control panel shal l
be in an approved location and shall be clearly identified.
The control panel room shall be protected by not less than a
one-hour occupancy separation as defined in the Building
Code. The room shall be accessible from the exterior of the
building. Automatic sprinkler protection shall be required
in the panel room .
D. Control shall be designed for selective control of each cur-
tained area.
AISLES
Sec. 81.108. (a) General . Aisles of not less than 44 inches in
width shall be established to provide access to exits and fire
department access doors and shall comply with the following:
1. Aisles shall extend from floor to ceiling unless otherwise
approved by Chief.
2. For aisles separating storage piles, see UFC Standard No. 81-1.
3. Rack structural support may be permitted across aisles above
the 6-foot 8-inch level if it does not interfere with hose
streams or accessibility.
(b) Aisles in High-rack Storage Systems. For aisles in high-
rack storage systems, see Table No. 81.105, Footnote 1.
ACCESS TO BUILDING
Sec. 81.109.(a) Access roadways shall be provided to within 150
feet of all portions of the exterior walls of any buildings used for
high-piled combustible storage in excess of 12,000 square feet, re-
gardless of the provisions of Section 10.207 (c) .
(b) Access Doors.. For firefighting purposes, there shall be at
least one access door accessible without the use of a ladder and not
less than 3 feet in width and not less than 6 feet 8 inches in
height in each 100 lineal feet or major fraction thereof of the
exterior walls which face the access roadways required by Section
10.207(c). Metal roll-up doors are not acceptable fo r such purpose
unless approved by the Chief.
EXCEPTION: In buildings protected with an automatic fire
extinguishing system throughout and having less than
12,000 square feet of high-piled stock of Class I through
Class IV Commodity, access doors are not required.
SMALL ROSE CONNECTIONS
Sec. 81.11 0. (a) General . Small hose connections complying with
UFC Standard No. 81-1 shall be provided as shown in Table No.
81.105.
(b) Hose and Nozzles. Hose and nozzles may be omitted when
approved by the Fire Chief.
(c) Nozzle Selection. Where provided, nozzles shall be selected
for proper operation based on the hydraulic characteristics of the
automatic sprinkler system.
-28-
;,
(d) Connection Protection. Small hose connections shall be pro-
tected from damage by physical impact.
HICK-RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS
Sec. 81 .111.(a) Approvals. Prior to the use of any building
with a high-rack storage facility, the approval of the Fire Chief
shall be obtained.
HIGH-.RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS
(a) Approvals. Prior to the use of any building with a high-
rack storage facility, the approval of the Fire Chief shall be ob-
tained.
(b) Special Considerations. Installation of high-rack storage
systems will require special considerations such as separation from
other buildings, built-in fire protection and fire department access
and shall be as required by the Chief.
-29-
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ARTICLE 82.
LIQUIFIED PETROLEOM GASES
SECTION 82.101
Sec. 82.101. through 82.103. Unchanged.
Sec. 82.104. Ali liquefied petroleum gas equipment, including
such equipment installed at utility gas plants, shall be installed
in accordance with the provisions of UFC Standard No. 82-1 and UFC
Standard No. 82-2 except as required by "Safety Rules, Liquefied
Petroleum Gas Provision" of the Railroad Commission of Texas, Docket
1, which shall take precedence over all rules specified in the Fire
Code.
Sec. 82.105 through 82.113. Unchanged.
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II.
THE FOLLOWING APPENDIX SECTIONS OF THE 1982 EDITION OF THE
UNIFORM FIRE CODE (EXHIBIT "A") ARE HEREBY AMENDED, AND
APPENDICES III-A, III-C AND VII-A ARE CREATED AND ADOPTED, TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
APPENDIX III-A
REVISE APPENDIX III-A AS FOLLOWS:
DIVISION III
TESTING FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS, STANDPIPES AND
COMBINATION SYSTEMS
TEST PROCEDURES FOR FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
1. TESTING
(a) Tests of systems or devices herein regulated shall be
conducted at least every two years or when an inspection
by the Chief indicates that there is reason to believe
that the system or device would fail to operate properly
in an emergency. Fire extinguishing systems which have
been tested shall be tagged by the Chief. This tag shall
not be removed.
(b) The test established by this regulation shall be conducted
by a person approved and qualified by the Chief to perform
the full testing procedure for the particular system or
device being tested or tests shall be conducted by the
Fire Department personnel.
(c) The Chief shall be notified at least one working day in
advance of the performance of any full testing procedure
for the particular system or device being tested. When
tests are conducted by persons other than Fire Department
personnel.
(d) At the conclusion of each test, the Chief shall be noti-
fied of any fire-protection equipment that was determined
to be inoperable. When tests are conducted by persons
other than Fire Department personnel.
(e) When the fire-protection equipment is operable, the owner
or his agent shall certify its condition to the Chief in
writing, when tests are conducted by other than Fire
Department personnel.
(f) All fire department inlets and outlets must be equipped
with approved plugs or caps.
(g) When Fire Department personnel conduct the tests described
in Section 3 of this Appendix, a charge of $150 shall be
made to the owner who is responsible for remitting same to
the City of Fort Worth.
2. TEST PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(a) Notification. The concerned agency shall be notified
before supervised systems are tested.
(b) Backflow. Backflow inlet connections from the check valve
to the inlet by disassembling the check valve or blocking
the check valve open so the water will Backflow out of the
fire department connections.
(c) Control valves. All control valves shall be closed and
reopened to assure their ability to operate.
-33-
ii . rK.
(d) Alarm test. For wet systems only, open the inspector's
test valve to test the alarm bell response. When fully
opened, the response shall occur within five minutes.
When conducting such a test on a dry pipe, preaction or
deluge system, use the alarm test line.
(e) Gauge test. An approved test gauge shall be connected at
the test gauge opening to test the reliability of the
existing gauges.
(f) Flow test. Observe pressure with main drain valve
closed. Open main drain valve wide open and observe
pressure. Close man drain valve and observe how quickly
pressure is restored to determine if there are closed
valves or obstructions in water supply lines.
(g) Trip test. Dry-pipe, Preaction and Deluge Systems shall
be trip tested annually in accordance with NFPA 13A,
"Inspection Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems,"
1981.
3. TEST PROCEDURE FOR STANDPIPE SYSTEMS.
(a) Class I System. Tests performed on Class I systems shall
be conducted according to Standard Operating Procedures of
the Fire Department.
(b) Class II System. Tests performed on Class II systems shall
be conducted according to Standard Operating Procedures of
the Fire Department.
(c) Class III System. Tests performed on Class 'III systems
shall be conducted according to Standard Operating Proce-
dures of the Fire Department.
APPENDIX III-C
REVISE APPENDIX III AS FOLLOWS:
"Appendix III-C
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
1. SCOPE
This appendix governs the requirements for the installation,
use and maintenance of fire alarm systems in all occupancies as
specified herein.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this appendix is to provide a reasonable degree
of safety through early warning of a fire emergency and is predicat-
ed on the potential hazards to life and property evident in each
type of occupancy.
3. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
Where a specific provision of this appendix varies from a
general provision, the specific provision shall govern.
4. DEFINITIONS
~(a) ALARM-ACTUATING DEVICE is any manually or automatically
operated equipment which, when activated, initiates an alarm through
an alarm-indicating device.
(b) ALARM-INDICATING DEVICE is any equipment that produces an
approved alarm signal.
(c) ALARM SIGNAL is an audible or visual signal, or both,
indicating the existence of an emergency fire condition. Audible
devices may be bells, horns, chimes, speakers or similar devices.
Voice alarms and their messages shall be approved by the chief.
Visual devices may be continuous or pulsating lights, flags or other
visual indicators, as approved by the chief.
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(d) ALARM SYSTEM is a combination of approved compatible
devices with the necessary electrical interconnection and energy to
produce an alarm Signal in the event of fire or system activation.
(f) ANNUNCIATOR is any equipment which indicates the zone or
area of a building from which an alarm has been initiated, the
location of an alarm-actuating device or the operational condition
of alarm circuits of the system.
(g) APPROVED means approval by the fire chief as a result of
investigation or tests conducted by him or by reason of accepted
principles or tests by national authorities, technical or scientific
organizations.
(h) BREEZEWAY is an accessoay which is provided in apartments
which contains stairs and landings that constitute a primarily
vertical access to apartments
(i) CODED SIGNAL is an alarm signal or voice alarm which
consists of not less than three complete repetitions of the trans-
mission.
(j) COMMON CORRIDOR is any interior corridor serving more than
one tenant space.
(k) CONTROL UNIT is a unit comprising,, the controls, relays,
switches and associated circuits necessary to (1) distribute power
to a fire alarm system, (2) receive signals from alarm-actuating
devices and transmit them to alarm-indicating devices and accessory
equipment, and (3) electrically supervise the system circuitry. The
control unit may be contained in one or more cabinets in adjacent or
remote locations as approved by the chief.
(1) ELECTRICALLY SOPERVISED FIRE ALARM SYSTEM is a system
designed to transmit a trouble signal to an approved location for
any condition that prevents the required operation of a fire alarm
system or failure of its main power source.
(m) OCCOPANCY CLASSIFICATION See Sec. 9.117.
(n) PULL STATION is a manual alarm actuating device.
(o) TROUBLE SIGNAL is a distinct audible and visual signal
which indicates an abnormal condition of the system being monitored.
(p) ZONE is a building or a defined area of a building as
approved by the Fire Chief for purposes of identifying locations.
5. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
(a) General. Fire Alarm systems required by this appendix shall
only be installed by contractors possessing a permit .for installa-
tion of fire protection equipment according to Sec. 4.101 of this
Code. All information required by this section will be prepared by
qualified engineers, specialists, laboratory or fire-safety
specialty organizations acceptable to the chief and to the owner.
Correspondence required by this appendix shall be directed to Fort
Worth Fire Prevention Bureau, Fire Alarm Section, 1000 Throckmorton
St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
(b) Submittals. The Chief shall be consulted in every case to
determine compliance with fire alarm requirements. Prior to the
installation of any fire alarm system required by this Appendix, the
installing fire alarm contractor shall submit to the Chief not less
than two (2) sets of drawings and specifications required by this
subsection for review. The Chief shall designate those corrections
necessary for acceptance of the proposed installation design and
return all but one copy which will remain on record in the fire
department. No fire alarm system required herein shall be installed
without a Fire Department log number assigned to the installation
plans and compliance with correction`s required by the Chief.
The following information shall be included with all submittals:
1) General Information:
a. Company name, state fire alarm contractor's number,
and city of Fort Worth permit number.
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b. Alarm superintendent name and state license number.
c. Signature of alarm superintendent, certifying that
plans are in compliance with this ordinance.
d. Property name and address;
2) Site and floor plans diagramming the layout of buildings,
exiting systems, and alarm equipment locations. Drawings
shall be scaled or dimensioned. Any change in the exiting
systems shall be approved by the Building Official.
3) Equipment data sheets on all system components and
devices;
4) Supervision:
a. Monitoring provisions
b. Trouble signal initiating circumstances;
5) Power Supply and Circuitry:
a. Type of primary power
b. Type of stand-by/emergency power
c. Schematic riser diagram, including alarm receiving
circuits, alarm sending circuits, control circuits,
etC;
d. Design Provisions for fire alarm zones.
6) Operational Sequences:
Describe the operational sequence of all interconnected
systems from alarm initiation until reset.
7) Additional Provisions for High-Rise:
Details on all provisions required herein for high-rise
fire alarms.
Any deviation from an approved plan must be reviewed and approved by
the Chief.
(c) Equipment. Fire alarm equipment, devices and systems shall
be approved for their intended purpose.
(d) Acceptance Tests. Upon completion of a system, a satisfac-
tory test of the entire installation shall be made in the presence
of the Chief.
(e) Installation Certification. Upon Completion of the instal-
lation, the Contractor shall provide the Chief with one copy of a
Texas State Fire Marshall's Fire Alarm Installation Certificate,
certifying that the system has been installed in accordance with the
approved plans and specifications.
(f) Operating Instructions. Written operating instructions are
to be provided at the control unit.
6. `MANUAL ALARM-ACTUATING DEVICES, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
(a) Manual alarm-actuating devices shall be an approved
double-action 'type approved for exterior use when installed in any
exterior location.
(b) A maximum travel distance between two devices shall not
exceed 200 feet, in both interior and exterior locations.
(c) Devices shall be securely mounted with the bottom of the
device not less than 3-1/2 feet nor more than 5 feet above the floor
level, in both interior and exterior locations.
7. REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS IN NEW BUILDINGS
Fire Alarm Systems shall be installed in accordance with this sec-
tion.
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A. Assembly Occupancies:
1) Group, A, Division 1, 2, and 2.1 Occu
occupant load _of at least 300, but less than 500,
ClUbS:
~ncies having an
other than night
Shall be provided with an approved manually operated fire alarm
system. Actuation of any alarm actuating device shall initiate a
continuous or pulsating alarm signal throughout the building and
identify on an annunciator the zone from which the alarm signal
initiated. The system shall be electrically supervised and install-
ed in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code
Standard number 10-2.
(a) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double
action type installed adjacent to each exit from each
floor level, and shall be in accordance with Section 6 of
this Appendix.
{b) If sprinkler or other fire protection systems are provided
within the building, such systems shall be connected to
the fire alarm system.
(c) Alarm indicating devices shall be installed such that they
are sufficiently audible to recognized throughout the
building as a fire alarm signal.
(d) Control units and annunciator panels shall be located in a
common corridor adjacent to a main entrance. Outside that
entrance a red strobe light which flashes when the alarm
is sounding shall be placed above the door. The annuncia-
tor shall not be concealed.
(e) Zoning shall be arranged such that not less than one zone
per floor level is provided.
(f) If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency, a sign shall which states "Local Alarm
Only, Call Fort Worth Fire Department, 332-2131" and con-
tains the address of the property protected by the alarm
shall be located above each pull station. The sign shall
have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
2) Group. A, any nightclub or bar use with an occupant load of
at least 200, but less than 500:
Shall be protected with an approved manually operated fire
alarm system. Actuation of any alarm actuating device shall
initiate a continuous or pulsating alarm on all alarm indicat-
ing devices in the building until manually reset. The system
shall be electrically supervised and installed in accordance
with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code Standard Number
10-2.
(a) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double
action type installed behind every service bar and adja-
cent to every exit from non-public areas, and in accor-
dance with Section 6 of this Appendix.
(b) If sprinkler or other fire protection systems are provided
within the building, such systems shall be connected to
the fire alarm system.
(c) Alarm indicating devices shall consist of horn/strobe
units located in the immediate vicinity above each pull
station or such that they are audible and visible through-
out.
(d) Control units shall be located in the area behind the disc
jockey's booth, when present, or when approved, in the
office. If a trouble signal from the control unit would
not be readily evident because of the unit location, a
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yellow flashing light shall be prominently displayed
outside the area where the control unit is located as a
remote trouble signal. A sign shall be adjacent to the
light stating, "Fire Alarm Trouble - Call Maintenance."
The sign shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
(e) Zoning shall be arranged such that not less than one zone
per floor level is provided.
(f) If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency, a sign shall which states "Local Alarm
Only, Call Fort Worth Fire Department, 332-2131" and
contains the address of the property protected by the
alarm shall be located above each pull station. The sign
shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
(g) The fire alarm shall be interfaced with the entertainment
sound system such that when the alarm sounds, the enter-
tainment/music system shall be rendered silent.
3) Group, A, Division 1, 2, and 2.1 Occupancies having an
occupant load of 500 or more:
Shall be protected with an approved manually operated fire
alarm system. Actuation of any alarm actuating device shall
initiate a continuous or pulsating alarm in an approved con-
stantly attended location until manually reset and indicate the
zone in which the alarm initiated. The system shall be elec-
trically supervised and installed in accordance with the provi-
sions of the Uniform Fire Code Standard Number 10-2.
(a) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be installed in a
break glass enclosure adjacent to every public exit and
approved double-action device shall be installed adjacent
to every exit in non-public areas. Manual devices shall
be installed in accordance with Section 6 of this Appen-
dix.
(b) If sprinkler or other fire protection systems are provided
within the building, such systems shall be connected to
the fire alarm system.
(c) Alarm indicating devices shall consist of a public address
system which is sufficiently audible to be clearly under-
stood throughout the building. The public address system
shall be equipped with an approved emergency power supply
or battery. The microphone and controls for this system
shall be located at the approved constantly attended
location, immediately .adjacent to the control unit.
(d) Control units shall be located at the approved constantly
attended location in t!he immediate vicinity of an accessi-
ble telephone. The annunciator shall not be concealed.
(e) Zoning shall be arranged such that not more than 10,000
square feet of floor area is served by a single zone,
unless such larger area is contained within a single room
in which case the room shall serve as a zone. Additional-
ly, not less than one zone per floor level will be per-
mitted.
(f) If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency, a sign shall be located above each pull
station which states, "Local Alarm Only, Call Fort Worth
Fire Department, 332-2131" and contains the address of the
property protected. The sign shall have a minimum dimen-
sion of 4 inches.
(g) When required by the, Chief, a fire department key box
shall be provided, containing all fire alarm control keys.
(h) The fire alarm shall be interfaced with the entertainment
sound system such that the entertainment/music system
shall be capable of being manually rendered silent by
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J
controls which are located in the approved constantly
attended location, immediately adjacent to the public
address system..
(i) Operation of this type system shall be as follows:
A manual pull-station is actuated and sounds a signal in
the constantly attended location; the responsible party in
charge of this location shall attempt to verify the exis-
tence of an emergency either by radio contact with other
personnel or by visual inspection from the constantly
attended location; if no emergency is evident,, other
personnel shall inspect the area where the alarm was
initiated and report back. At any time an emergency is
detected, the responsible party shall 1) notify the Fire
Department, 2) disable the sound system, 3) announce
"There has been an emergency reported in the building. DO
NOT PANIC. Please move calmly to the nearest exit." This
message shall be repeated and then additional instructions
given as necessary.
(j) Instructions for operating the constantly attended station
and action to be taken in a fire emergency shall be posted
at the constantly attended station.
(k) If an approved constantly attended location cannot be
provided, a flashing strobe light shall be located above
each pull station, all of which will flash in the event of
a pull station actuation. This signal shall be used to
notify the responsible party in charge to report to the
control equipment and initiate the aforementioned pro-
cedures.
B. Business Occupancies: - See High-Rise Occupancies
C. Educational Occupancies:
1) Group E, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies, with an occupant
load ~ of 50 or more, and all Group E, Division 3 occupan-
cies shall be provided with an approved automatic or
manually operated fire alarm system as specified in this
section. Actuation of any alarm actuating device shall
initiate a continuous or pulsating alarm on all alarm
indicating devices in the building until manually reset.
The system shall be electrically supervised and installed
in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code Standard Number
10-2.
(a) In Division 1 and 2 occupancies, manual alarm actuation
devices shall be installed in a break-glass enclosure
adjacent to every exit and in the main office. In
Division 3 occupancies, the break-glass enclosures are not
required. Manual devices shall be installed in accordance
with Section 6 of this Appendix.
EXCEPTION: When approved by the Chief, Division 1 and 2
Occupancies -with a 2-way public address system to each
classroom may have manual devices omitted from exit
locations.
(b) In Division 3 occupancies, systems .smoke detectors shall
be installed in all occupiable areas.
(c) If sprinkler or other fire protection systems are provided
within the building, such systems shall be connected to
the fire alarm system.
(d) Alarm indicating devices shall be installed such that they
are sufficiently audible to be recognizable throughout the
building as a fire alarm signal.
(e) Control units and annunciator panels shall be located in
the main office. The annunciator shall not be concealed.
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(f) Zoning shall be arranged such that not more than 10,000
square feet of floor area is served by a single zone
unless such a larger area is contained in a single room in
which case the room shall serve as a zone. Additionally,
not less than one zone per floor level shall be permitted.
(g) If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency, a sign shall be located above each pull
station which states, "Local Alarm Only, Call Fort Worth
Fire Department, 332-2131," and contains the address of
the property protected by the alarm. The sign shall have
a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
If a 24 hour desk is provided for monitoring, a single
sign may be placed at the telephone operators' switchboard
or the. constantly attended location in lieu of the above
requirement stating, "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOUNDS, CALL FORT
WORTH FIRE DEPARTMENT, 332-2131" and containing the
address of the building protected by the alarm. The sign
shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
D.
High-Rise Occupancies: (Also see Section 1807 of the Building
Code)
1) Any new high-rise occupancy required to comply with
Section 1807 of the Building Code shall be provided with
an automatic or manually operated fire alarm system.
Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate
an alarm signal on the alarming floor, the floor above,
and the floor below and identify on an annunciator the
zone from which the alarm signal originated.
(a) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be installed adjacent
to each exit from each floor level, and at nurses' sta-
tions, guards' stations, telephone operators' switchboards
and similar areas. Manual devices shall be in accordance
with Section 6 of this Appendix.
(b) System smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
(i) In every mechanical, electrical, transformer, tele-
phone, elevator, or similar equipment room.
(ii) In every elevator lobby.
(iii) In the main return and exhaust air plenum of each
air-conditioning system and in a serviceable area
downstream of the~last duct inlet.
(iv) At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serv-
ing two or more stories from a return-air duct or
plenum of an air-conditioning system. In Group R,
Division 1 occupancies, an approved smoke detector
may be used in each return air riser carrying not
more than 5000 CFM and serving not more than 10 air
inlet openings.
(v) In Group I and Group R, Division 1 occupancies,
system smoke detectors shall be located in all common
corridors at a distance of not more than 30 feet
between detectors or 15 feet from any wall. Single
station detectors shall be installed to protect all
sleeping areas and patient rooms as prescribed in
Section 1210 of the Building Code for apartment or
hotel guest rooms.
EXCEPTION: When approved by the.. Chief, single
station smoke detectors may be omitted in Group I
Occupancies.
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(c) Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall
be provided for each floor top to the sprinkler system and
shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more
than 15 seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and
standpipe systems except for fire department hose connec-
tion valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a
trouble signal at the central control station upon tamper-
ing. The fire-pump system shall also be supervised for
"power available" and "pump running" conditions by trouble
signal on distinct circuits.
(d) Alarm indicating devices shall consist of an alarm and
communications system which is connected such that damage
to any terminal unit or speaker will not render more than
one zone of the system inoperative. The voice alarm and
public address system may be combined. Communication
systems shall be as follows:
(i) Voice Alarm - The operation of any alarm initiating
device including pull stations, detectors, etc. shall
cause operation of the alarm system which will give
two repetitions of a whooping tone followed by an
approved voice message directing occupants' evacua-
tion. This message shall be repeated until manually
reset. The system shall be supervised to cause the
activation of an audible trouble signal in the cen-
tral control station upon interruption or failure of
the audiopath including amplifiers, speaker wiring,
switches, and electrical contacts, and shall detect
open circuits, shorts, and grounds which might impair
the function of the system.
The system shall be designed to be heard clearly by
all occupants within the building or designated
portion thereof and as is required for the public
address system.
(ii) Public Address System - A public address communica-
tions system designed to be clearly heard by all
occupants of the building shall operate from the
central control station. It shall be established for
a selective or general basis to the following ter-
minal areas:
o Elevators o Rooms and tenant spaces
o Elevator lobbies over 1000 square feet
o Corridors o Dwelling units or guest
o Exit stairways rooms in R-1 occupancies
(iii) Fire Department Communications System - A telephone
communications system for the exclusive use of fire
department personnel shall be installed to operate
between the central control stations and every eleva-
tor, elevator lobby, and entry to every enclosed
stairway in a selective manner. Fire phones may
either be placed in a break-glass/key operated enclo-
sure at each of the above locations or not less than
five portable telephone handsets shall be located in
the central control station.
(e) (i) Control units and annunciators shall be located in
the fire control room and a duplicate annunciator
shall be located either at a constantly attended
location or in a common corridor adjacent to a main
entrance. The duplicate annunciator shall not be
concealed.
-41-
(ii) Control units shall eithe
approved monitoring agency
approved constantly attended
r be supervised by an
or by personnel at an
location.
If a 24 hour desk is provided for monitoring, a
single sign shall be placed at the telephone opera-
tors' switchboard or the constantly attended location
stating, "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOUND, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 332-2131" and containing the address of
the building protected by the alarm may be permit-
ted. The sign shall have a minimum dimension. of 4
inches.
E.
(f) Zones shall be arranged such that not less than one zone
per floor level is provided and which will give a distinct
signal, for water flow detection.
(g) Control circuits to be operated upon alarm activation
shall include but not be limited to the following:
(i)
(ii)
Automatic elevator recall
Air handling systems shall
100 percent exhaust mode on
above, and the floor below.
Stairwell pressurization
Remote door unlatching
be shut-off or placed in
the fire floor, the floor
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Smoke or fire doors which are automatic closing
(h) When required by the Chief, a fire department key box
shall be provided, containing all fire alarm control keys.
Institutional Occupancies:
1) Group I occupancies shall be provided with an approved
automatic or manually operated fire alarm system as
specified in this section. The system shall be
electrically supervised and installed in accordance with
the Uniform Fire Code Standard Number 10-2, NFPA Standard
Number~72B-1979, 72C-1982, or 72D-1979.
EXCEPTION: High-rise buildings shall comply with the
high-rise provisions of this Appendix.
(a) In Division 1 and 2 occupancies, actuation of any auto-
matic or manual device shall initiate a zone-coded alarm
signal throughout the building and identify on an annunci-
ator the zone from which the alarm signal originated.
(b) In Division 3 occupancies, actuation of any automatic or
manual device shall initiate a zone-coded alarm signal to
selected areas of the building and identify on an annunci-
ator the zone from which the alarm signal originated.
(c) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be installed adjacent
to each exit from each floor level, and at nurses sta-
tions, guard stations, and telephone operator's switch-
boards, and shall be in accordance with Section 6.
(d) System smoke detectors shall be installed in all common
corridors. Single station smoke detectors shall be
installed in all sleeping rooms in the manner prescribed
by Section 1210 of the Building Code for hotel guest
rooms.
-42-
,, ,
EXCEPTION: When
detectors may be
(e) Alarm indicatin
visual. Audible.
be recognizable
areas, as a fire
approved by the Chief, single station
omitted.
g devices shall be both audible and
devices shall be sufficiently audible to
throughout the building, or in selected
alarm signal.
(f) (i) Control units and annunciators shall be located at a
constantly attended location or in a common corridor
adjacent to a main entrance. The annunciator shall
not be concealed.
(ii) Control units shall either be supervised by an
approved monitoring agency or by personnel at an
approved constantly attended location.
If a 24 hour desk is provided for monitoring, a sin-
gle sign shall be placed at the telephone operators'
switchboard or the constantly attended location
stating, "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOUND, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 332-2131" and containing the address of
the building protected by the alarm may be permit-
ted. The sign shall have a minimum dimension of 4
inches.
(g) Zones shall be arranged such that not more than 10,000
square feet is in a single zone and not less than one zone
per floor is provided. A distinct signal for water-flow
detection shall also be provided.
(h) When 'required by the chief, a fire department key box
shall be provided, containing all fire alarm control keys.
F. Residential Occupancies:
1) Group R, Division 1 Occupancies three or more stories in
height or containing more than 15 dwelling units in an
apartment house or containing 20 or more guest rooms in
hotels shall be provided with an approved automatic or
manual fire alarm system as described in this section.
Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate
a continuous or pulsating alarm on all alarm-indicating
devices in the building until manually reset and identi-
fies, in the manner prescribed by this section, the zone
from which the alarm signal originated.
EXCEPTION 1: A Fire Alarm system need not be instal-
led in apartment houses not over two stories in
height with one-hour fire resistive construction
throughout, including one-hour occupancy separations
between each dwelling unit and all other spaces
within the building and each individual dwelling unit
has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or
yard, exterior stairway or exterior exit balcony.
EXCEPTION 2: A fire alarm system need not be instal-
led in one and two story apartment houses containing
less than fifteen (15) dwelling units between area
separation walls.
EXCEPTION 3: A separate fire alarm system need not
be installed in buildings which are protected
throughout by an approved, supervised fire sprinkler
-43-
system conforming to the Building Code and U.B.C.
Standard No. 38-1 and having an approved local alarm.
EXCEPTION 4: High-rise buildings shall comply with
the high-rise provisions of this Appendix.
(a) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be installed adjacent
to each exit from each floor level except on ground levels
where the devices shall be located directly below devices
on upper levels. In single story buildings with outside
exits, devices shall be located prominently in central
locations. Manual devices shall also be located at the
front desk adjacent to the telephone operator's switch-
board. All manual devices shall be installed in accordance
with Section 6 of this Appendix. Alternate protection may
be permitted when approved by the Chief.
(b) Detection devices:
(i) Group R, Division 1 Occupancies (with interior corri-
dors.) The alarm system for Group R, Division 1
Occupancies having common interior exit corridors or
lobbies serving as a required exit shall consist of
not less than an approved and listed system-type
smoke detector installed within such corridors or
lobbies in accordance with the UFC Standard 10-2 and
listed spacing limitations. When activated, such
detectors shall initiate an alarm which is audible
throughout the building.. When a front desk is pro-
vided and manned 24 hours per day, smoke detectors
may be omitted from one immediate area of the desk
when approved by the Chief.
(ii) Common Areas within Group R, Division 1 Occupancies.
Approved and listed system-type automatic rate-of-
rise heat detectors shall be installed in accordance
with listed spacing limitations within common areas
such as recreational rooms, laundry rooms, offices,
kitchens, restaurants, and furnace rooms of buildings
containing Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. The
detectors shall be installed on the ceiling or wall
of such rooms in accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions and, when activated, shall
initiate an alarm which is audible throughout the
building.
(c) Alarm indicating devices shall be located such that the
alarm~is sufficiently audible in the most remote bedroom,
with all intervening doors closed. Installations deter-
mined to have inadequate audibility upon testing will be
required to be upgraded to satisfactory levels prior to
acceptance.
(d) Control units and annunciators, when required, shall be
located at a main building entrance or at a 24 hour desk,
if provided. When such units are installed outside, a
weather-tight enclosure shall be required. If the annun-
ciator is not located at a 24 hour desk, a red strobe
light shall be placed above the entrance providing the
most immediate access to the annuciator, except for
outside annunciators, which shall have the strobe light
directly above the annunciator. Annunciators shall not be
concealed.
If no annunciator is required, the control unit may be
concealed; provided that if a trouble signal is not readi-
-44-
,.
ly evident because of the unit location, a yellow flashing
light shall be prominently displayed outside the area
where the control unit is located as a remote trouble
signal. A sign shall be adjacent to the light stating,
"FIRE ALARM TROUBLE - CALL MAINTENANCE." The sign shall
have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
(e) Zones shall be as follows:
(i) Apartments - with breezeway style (see figure 7-1):
A single zone (non-annunciating) control unit shall be
used for each building. A red strobe light shall be
located on the face of the building, at the eaves,
adjacent to each vertical set of pull stations. The
light(s) may be powered by an auxiliary set of con-
tacts on pull stations and detectors. Only the light
adjacent to that area where a firefighter must enter
the building to find the initiating device will flash
during the alarm.
(ii) Hotels, Motels, or Apartments (non-breezeway)
A multiple zone control unit with .annunciator is
required and shall be zoned not less than one zone per
floor per building.
(f) If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency or 24 hour desk, a sign shall be located
above each pull station which states: "LOCAL ALARM ONLY,
CALL FORT WORTH FIRE DEPARTMENT, 332-2131," and shall
contain the address of the property protected. The sign
shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
If a 24 hour desk is provided for monitoring, a single
sign may be placed at the telephone operators' switchboard
or the. constantly attended location in lieu of the above
requirement stating, "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOUND, CALL FORT
WORTH FIRE DEPARTMENT, 332-2131" and containing the
address of the building protected by the alarm may be
permitted in lieu of the above requirements. The sign
shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
8.
(g) A fire department key box shall be located on an outside
wall adjacent to the leasing office in an approved loca-
tion. This box shall contain all fire alarm control keys.
2) Group R, Division 3 Occupancies which are used by more
than five persons, three of which are under 18 years of
age, not related by blood or marriage, shall be provided
with system smoke detectors protecting each sleeping area
which connect to an approved automatic fire alarm system
capable of alerting all occupants.
EXCEPTION: Foster homes as defined by the State of Texas.
3) Group R Occupancies shall be provided with single station,
hard-wired smoke detectors to protect each sleeping area
as required by Section 1210 of the Building Code.
4) See Section 11 for requirements for fire alarms in exis-
ting buildings.
POWER SUPPLY AND WIRING
(a) All required fire alarm systems shall have an approved
secondary power supply which shall be capable of operating
-45-
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the entire system for not less than 24 hours under non-
alarm conditions, and 15 minutes under alarm conditions.
Upon interruption of the normal power, the system shall be
automatically transferred to the secondary source of
power, and full power shall be obtained within 60 seconds
of transfer.
Except as otherwise specified, the secondary source of
power may be one of the following:
(i) Generators;
(ii) Storage batteries;
(iii) Separate electrical service from the normal service;
(iv) Separate substations of the same electrical service.
When generators are provided they shall be served by a
fuel supply sufficient to operate the system as required
by this section.
(b) Wiring shall be listed for Fire Alarm System use by an
approved testing agency. All wiring installed on exterior
locations shall be in rigid conduit. Wiring installed
inside within the 7-1/2" feet of floor level shall be in
rigid conduit or wire-mold.
-46-
r= r
FIGORE 7-1
STROBE STROBE
ZONE 1 ZONE 2
*1 ~- strobes on --~ *2
access side
TOP VIEW
(A) PARKING LOT OR STREET ACCESS
ON ONE SIDE.
(B) BREEZEWAYS CONTINUOUS THROUGH
THE BUILDING.
STROBE STROBE
ZONE 1 ZONE Z
1* 2*
*1
II_^
TOP VIEW
(A) PARKING LOT OR STREET ACCESS
ON BOTH SIDES OF BUILDING OR
BUILDINGS WITH WALKWAY ACCESS
ONLY.
(B) BREEZEWAYS CONTINUOUS THROUGH
THE BUILDING.
STROBE STROBE
ZONE 1 ZONE 2
1* 2*
- - divider - -
F..- wa 11 --~j
_ -
TOP VIEW
(A) PARKING LOT OR ST REF.T ACCESS
ON ONE OR BOTH SIllES, OR
BUILDINGS WITH ONLY WALKWAY
ACCESS.
(B) BREEZEWAYS NOT CONTINUOUS
,k3 *~ THROUGH THE BUILDINGS.
STROBE STROBE
ZONE 3 ZONE 4
-_ - ----- _._ -`- - - FBONT VIEW
*~ ~ * Q
Q
Q ~ ~
~ ~ Q
Q
(A) SAMPLE ELEVATION LOCATIONS
-47- "`
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`9. PRECEDENCE
When a fire alarm system is approved for use in combination
with a public address or other means of communication, the fire
alarm signal shall take precedence over such other communication
system upon activation of the fire alarm system.
10. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
(a) The requirements for fire alarm systems under Section 7
may be reduced upon inspection of plans, in other than high-rise,
Group I, and Group E Occupancies if the building is protected by an
approved sprinkler system with shut-off valves and water flow
devices supervised in an approved manner.
(b) All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner
that the failure of any single alarm-actuating or alarm-indicating
device will not interfere with the normal operation of any other
such devices.
11. REQUIRED INSTALLATIONS IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
(a) Effective on the adoption date of this Code, the
provisions of this appendix applicable to new occupancies shall also
apply to the following existing occupancies:
(1) All Group R occupancies other than those covered by
Section 7F(2), except that required single station smoke
detectors may be battery operated as set forth in Section
1210 of the Building Code even though such detectors were
not required at the time of the construction;
(2) Night clubs having an occupant load of over 200;
(3) Restaurants with dancing having an occupant load of over
300.
(b) Effective as specified in the Building Code Appendix 2,
high-rise occupancies shall be provided with a fire alarm system.
High-rise fire alarm systems installed in existing buildings shall
be an automatic or manually operated system. Actuation of any
automatic or manual device shall initiate an alarm signal on the
alarming floor, the floor above, and the floor below and shall
identify on an annunciator the zone from which the alarm signal
originated.
(1) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be installed adjacent
to each exit from each floor level, and at guards' sta-
tions and telephone operators' switchboards and shall be
in accordance with Section 6 of this Appendix.
(2) System smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
(i) In every elevator lobby;
(ii) In Group B, Division 2 Occupancies, system smoke
detectors shall be located in all common corridors
when the corridor does not have the required fire
resistive rating called for by the Building Code,
Appendix 2. Detectors shall be located at a distance
of not more than 30 feet between detectors or 15 feet
from any wall.
(iii) In Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, system smoke
detectors shall be located in all common corridors at
a distance of not more than 30 feet between detectors
-48-
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or 15 feet from any wall. Single station detectors
shall be installed to protect all sleeping areas as
prescribed in Section 1210 of the Building Code.
Battery powered detectors may be installed when
hard-wired detectors were not required at the time of
construction.
(3) Sprinkler system water-flow detectors, when provided,
shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more
than 15 seconds.
(4) Alarm indicating devices shall be installed such that they
are sufficiently audible to be recognizable in an alarming
zone as a fire alarm signal. In buildings classified as
Group B, Division 2 or buildings classified as Group R,
Division 1, in Height Zone I of Building Code, Appendix 2,
bells or horns are permitted. In Group R, Division I
Occupancies, higher than Height Zone I, an occupant voice
notification system shall be provided in accordance with
Section 7 D(1)(d)(i) of this Appendix.
(5) (i) Control units and annunciators shall be located in
the fire control room, and a duplicate annunciator
shall be located either at a constantly attended
location or in. a. common._.corridor adjacent to a main
entrance. The duplicate annunciator shall not be
concealed.
(ii) Control units shall either be supervised by an
approved monitoring agency or by personnel at an
approved constantly attended location.
If a 24 hour desk is provided for monitoring, a sin-
gle sign shall be placed at the telephone operators'
switchboard or the constantly attended location stat-
ing, "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOUNDS, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 332-2131," and containing the address of
the building protected by the alarm may be permit-
ted. The sign shall have a minimum dimension of 4
inches.
(6) Zones shall be arranged such that not less than one zone
per floor level is provided and which will give a distinct
signal for water flow detection.
(7) Control circuits to be operated upon alarm activation
shall include but not be limited to the following:
(i) Automatic elevator recall
(ii) When corridor smoke detection is provided in accor-
dance with Section 11(b)2(ii) of this Appendix air
handling systems shall be shut-off or placed in 100
per cent exhaust mode on the fire floor.
(iii) Stairwell pressurization when provided.
(iv) Remote door unlatching when provided.
(v) Smoke or fire doors which are automatic closing when
provided. '
(8) When required by the Chief, a fire department key box
shall be provided, containing all fire alarm control keys.
(c) All existing one and two family dwellings which are sold
or altered, repaired, renovated or improved in any manner requiring
a building permit shall be provided with smoke detectors as required
in Section 1210 of the Building Code. The owner of any dwelling
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which is sold or repaired in violation of this subsection shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor.
(d) Mobile homes which are sold, rented, remodeled, or relo-
cated within or into the City of Fort Worth shall have a smoke
detector provided in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 1210 of
the Building Code.
(e) Rented or leased residential occupancies.
(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term dwelling unit
shall include the following:
(i) All one family, two family and multi-family dwe11-
ings, including mobile homes;
(ii) All one family, two family and multi-family dwellings
where one or more rooms are rented for use as a per-
manent residence under a single lease.
(2) All dwelling units which are currently rented, leased or
sub-leased or are hereafter rented, leased, or subleased
shall be provided with smoke detectors which meet the
requirements of Section 1210 of the Building Code, except
that such detectors may be battery operated in accordance
with Section 11(a)1 of this Appendix. Those occupancies
which are leased for the first time or to a new lessee
after the adoption date of this Code shall have smoke
detectors installed prior to occupancy by the lessee. The
smoke detector purchase and installation shall be the sole
responsibility of the landlord.
(3) Duty to inspect and repair.
(i) Upon commencement of a tenant's possession of a
dwelling unit containing a smoke detector, the land-
lord shall have a duty to test the smoke detector to
verify that it is in good working order. Upon instal-
lation of a smoke detector by a landlord after com-
mencement of the tenant's possession of a dwelling
unit, the landlord shall have a duty to test the
smoke detector at the time to verify that it is in
good working order.
(ii) During the term of the rental agreement or any renew-
al or extension thereof, the landlord shall have a
duty to inspect and repair a smoke detector only if
the tenant has given notice to the landlord of mal-
function or has made a request to the landlord for
inspection or repair. The notice to the landlord need
not be in writing unless written notice is required
in the Rental Agreement. The landlord shall comply
with the tenant's request for inspection and repair
within a reasonable time, considering the availabili-
ty of material, labor and utilities.
(iii) A landlord shall not have a duty to repair a smoke
detector if the damage or malfunction is caused by
the tenant or the tenant's family, guests, or invit-
ees during the term of the rental agreement or any
renewal or extension period of the rental agreement.
Provided, however, a landlord shall have a duty to
repair or replace a smoke detector covered by this
subsection if the tenant pays in advance for the
reasonable cost of the repair or replacement, includ-
ing labor, materials, taxes, and overhead.
-50-
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(iv) A landlord shall have satisfied the duty to inspect
or repair a damaged or malfunctioning smoke detector
if, after a test of the smoke detector, the test
indicates that the smoke detector is in good working
order.
(v) After commencement of possession by the tenant of a
dwelling unit, the landlord shall have no duty to
provide replacement batteries for a battery operated
smoke detector which was in good working order accor-
ding to a test of the smoke detector at the time of
commencement of possession by the tenant.
(4) A person commits an offense if as landlord of a dwelling
unit that person:
{i) fails to install a smoke detector in compliance with
this section; or
(ii) fails to test or repair a smoke detector in compli-
ance with this section.
12. MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS
All fire alarm systems shall be maintained in an operative
condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired when defec-
tive. Such systems shall be extended, altered or augmented as neces-
sary to maintain and continue protection whenever any building so
equipped is altered, remodeled or added to. All additions, repairs,
alterations and servicing shall be in accordance with this Appen-
dix. An approved log shall be kept on the premises to indicate when
the system was checked and/or serviced, and a tag issued by the Fire
Department indicating test dates shall be placed in the control
unit. This tag shall not be removed.
13. TAMPERING WITH FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Any person who willfully and maliciously tampers with, molests,
injures, or breaks any fire protection equipment, fire protection
installation, fire alarm apparatus, wire, or signal, or willfully
and maliciously sends, gives, transmits, or sounds any false alarm
of fire, by means of any fire alarm system or signal or by any other
means or methods, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
II.
ADD A NEW DIVISION VII TO THE CODE AND APPENDIX VII-A AS FOL-
LOWS
APPENDIX VII-A
DIVISION VII, INSPECTION; SCHEDOLE AND PROCEDORES OF FIRE INSPECTION
CERTIFICATES AND FEES.
1. (A) Certificate of Inspection for Buildings Less Than Four
Stories in Height. The occupant of every commercial
establishment (defined as all buildings, facilities and
structures except residential dwelling units) shall be
required to have a valid certificate of inspection. A
Certificate of Inspection shall be valid until a subse-
quent inspection takes place or until revoked; provided,
however, that possession of a Certificate of Inspection
shall not exempt a commercial establishment from reinspec-
tion or citation for violations occurring during the
period of time between inspections: A Certificate of
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Inspection shall not be transferable, and any change in
use, occupancy, or operation shall require a new Certifi-
cate of Inspection.
(B) Certificate of Inspection for Buildings of Four or More
Stories in Height. The owner, building manager, or proper-
ty management representative of any building four (4) or
more stories high shall be required to have a valid certi-
ficate of inspection for the entire building, structure,
or facility. A Certificate of Inspection shall be for the
entire building, structure, or facility and shall be valid
until a subsequent inspection takes place or until revok-
ed; provided, however, that possession of a Certificate of
Inspection shall not exempt a building from reinspection
or citation for violations occurring during the period of
time between inspections. A Certificate of Inspection
shall not be transferable, and any change in use or occu-
pancy of the major portion of the building or its opera-
tion shall require a new Certificate of Inspection.
Such inspection shall be performed by duly authorized mem-
bers of the Fort Worth Fire Department. If no hazardous
conditions or violations of the Fire Code are detected at
the time of the inspection, the occupant of the inspected
business or the owner or building manager of a building as
provided above shall be issued a Certificate of Inspec-
tion.
If at the time of inspection, a building is found to be
not in compliance with this Code, a certificate of inspec-
tion will not be issued. After notification of the viola-
tions which were detected, the owner, manager, or occupant
shall be required to remedy the conditions of violation,
and a citation may be issued. The occupant, owner or
manager shall be notified of a time at which reinspection
will occur. The date for reinspection shall not be more
than 30 days from the time of the original inspection.
2. Conditions of Certificates of Inspection. The issuance or
granting of a Certificate of Inspection shall not be deemed or
construed to be a permit for, or an approval of any violation
of any of the provisions of this Code. No certificate presuming
to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this
Code shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it
authorizes is lawful.
3. Inspection Fee. A fire inspection fee will be charged not
more than once per year for a fire inspection of any occupancy
or building except private residences. Any permits required by
the Fire Code may require a separate inspection, and the fee
for such permits shall be in addition to the Certificate of
Inspection fee, provided, however, that this Section shall not
prohibit inspections from occurring more often than once per
year.
4. Retention of Certificate of Inspection. Certificates of
Inspection shall at all times be kept on the premises designat-
ed therein and shall at all times be posted in a conspicuous
location and be subject to inspection by an officer of the fire
or police department or other authorized persons.
5. Revocation of Certificates of Inspection. Any Certificate of
Inspection issued under this code may be suspended or revoked
when it is determined after a hearing by the Chief that:
-52-
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(a) It is used by a person other than the person to whom the
certificate was issued; or
(b) It is used for a location other than that for which it was
issued; or
(c) Any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the
Certificate have been violated; or
(d) The possessor of the Certificate fails, refuses, or ne-
glects to comply with any order or notice served upon him
under the provisions of this code within the time period
provided therein; or
(e) There has been any false statement or misrepresentations
as to a material fact in the plans, specifications or
documentation on which the permit or application was
based.
Whenever a change in use or occupancy of a building occurs, the
existing Certificate of Inspection shall be automatically
revoked and a new Certificate of Inspection shall be required.
6. (a) The following two elements shall be used in determining an
inspection fee to be charged:
I. Number of Square Feet in Building
II. Number of Stories in Building
(b) The inspection fee shall be developed according to the
following formula:
(To,tal floor area fee) + (multiple story charge)
I. Charge per square foot of floor space of the busi-
ness, structure or facility inspected:
Number of Square Feet Base Fee
Less than 5,000 $ 20.00
5,001 10,000 $ 25.00
10,000 25,000 $ 30.00
25,001 50,000 $ 45.00
50,001 75,000 $ 70.00
75,001 100,000 $ 95.00
Greater than 100,000 shall be charged the base
rate of $95 plus $15.00 for each additional 50,000
square feet of floor area, or portion thereof.
II. Multiple Story Charge: an additional charge of
$5.00 per floor shall be charged for inspection of
multi-story buildings four stories or more in height.
III. Shopping malls shall be assessed an inspection
fee based on total floor area of the public areas
within the structure plus the per story charge. The
individual tenant spaces will be assessed on the
basis of the square footage of the individual space.
7. Special Fees A special fee shall be charged for those items
listed below, according to the following schedule:
(a) Permits required by the Fire Code (See Chapter 4)
(b) Standpipes testing $150.00
(c) Official fire reports 5.00
(d) Knox lock rental 10.00
(e) Knox lock deposit 40.00
-53-
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8. Failure to Pay Inspection or Special Fees. Any person, busi-
ness, owner or manager that fails to pay the required fees
resulting from a fire inspection, testing, report, registra-
tion, rental or deposit within a forty-five (45) day period
from the statement date shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
may be issued a citation as prescribed by the Fire Code. Each
day that the charges are delinquent shall constitute a separate
offense.
9. Optional Billing Any owner or manager of a building of less
than four stories and that is occupied by multiple tenants may
elect to have all Certificates of Inspection required within
his building billed directly to the owner or manager of the
building. The owner or manager must make a written request to
the Fire Marshal that they are to be billed directly and that
the owner or manager will take responsibility for the charges.
Charges shall be the same as if each tenant was billed sepa-
rately.
III.
THE 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE STANDARDS
(EXHIBIT "B") IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING THE FOLLOWING
SECTIONS AS FOLLOWS:
STANDARD 10-1: UNIFORM FIRE CODE: Selection, Installation, Inspec-
tion, Maintenance and Testing of Portable Fire Extinguishers
See Sections 10.301(a); 10.303(b); 24.113(b), (c), (d);
30.104(b); 30.105(b) and 45.209(b), 45.307(a), 79.205{a) and
79.807(c), Uniform Fire Code.
This standard, with certain exceptions, is based upon the
National Fire Protection Association Standard for Portable Fire
Extinquishers, NFPA 10-1981.
Part I of this standard contains the exceptions to NFPA
10-1981.
Part I: Admendments
Sec. 10.101. The National Fire Protection Association Standard
for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10-1981, applies to the selec-
tion, installation, inspection, maintenance and testing of portable
fire extinguishers except as follows:
(1) through (4) Unchanged.
(5) Sec. 3-2.2 is changed by amending the second sentence to
read as follows: One half of the extinguishers required by Table
No. 3-2.1 may be omitted when the building is equipped with a Class
I or III standpipe system that complies with the Uniform Fire Code.
(6) through (9) Unchanged.
Part II: is deleted.
STANDARD 81-1
Sec. 81 .101 .
(1) through (5) Unchanged.
(6) Sec. 4-3 is deleted.
-54-
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(7) through (11) Unchanged.
(12) Add an exception to Section 5-3.1 as follows:
EXCEPTION: In buildings served by a single automatic
sprinkler system, the hose stations may be supplied from
the ceiling sprinkler piping downstream of the sprinkler
control valve."
Sec. 81.102.
(1) through (8) Unchanged.
(9) Add an exception to Section 5-8 as follows:
EXCEPTION: In buildings served by a single automatic
sprinkler system, the hose stations may be supplied from
the ceiling sprinkler piping downstream of the sprinkler
control valve."
Part I-A, II-A, I-B, and II-B
Parts I-A and II-A shall be combined into a single docu-
went to be known as Standard 81-1, and parts I-B and II-B
shall be combined into a single document to be known as
Standard 81-2.
-55-
~~/f ~ ~~"~ ' City of Fort Worth, texas
CITY MANAGER 1
ACCOUNTING.2 .1~ayor and ~ouncal ~C®anrrtuni~ati®n
TRANSPORTgTlONIPUer rr. ~.~.,.,.... _
F~r2E ADMINIS
DATE ~
tgTloN.l REFERENCE
NUMBER SUBJECT AdOptiOn of the City Of Fort PAGE
12/18/84
G-6188 Worth Fire Code
:o~ 1
Background
Since 1964, the City of Fbrt Worth has been operating under the provisions of ~
the City of Fort Worth Fire Code which has been updated only minimally. Recog- ;
nixing that the nature of fire prevention and fire safety has changed signi.fi- '
cantly since that time, the fire department has completed its review of the
1982 Uniform Fire Code which is published by the International Conference of
Building Officials. The new fire code will significantly increase the level of ~
life safety provided citizens of Fort Worth in both new and existing buildings
and is designed to be ccarq~atible with the 1982 Uniform Building Code which is
also proposed for adoption at this time. The fire and building codes will
therefore correlate and eliminate many existing conflicts.
The ro sed amendments have been reviewed in three ublic heari i
p po p ngs. Addition-
ally, a sub-cceanittee which included representatives frown several organizations
such as the Building Owners and Managers' Association, Associated General Corr
tractors, and Texas Christian University, has reviewed the proposed retroactive
provisions. •The provisions included in the proposed code were recannended by
this sub-ccatmittee for adoption.
The Code's local amendments include the following:
1} revision of fire lane and fire hydrant criteria modeled after those
currently in existence;
2) anew section addressing the storage and handling of new and used ve-
hicle tires;
3) revision of the fireworks article modeled after existing criteria;
4) changes to the requirements for storage and handling. of flammable
liquids;
5) revision of the article on high-piled stock;
6) revision for clarity of the existing fire alarm ordinance; and
7) addition of new provisions for retroactive life safety requirements
for existing buildings and existing high-rise structures.
Recc~nendation
It is recamlended that the City Council adopt the 1982 Uniform Fire Code and
its appendices (Exhibit A), the 1982 Uniform Fire Ode Standards (Exhibit B),
and the local amendments to the Code and the Standards (Exhibit C).
APPROVED BY
~lTY COUNCIL
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SUBMITTED FOR 1Mt
CITY MANAGER'S
DISPOSITION 8Y COUNCIL•
PROCESSED BY ~
OFFICE BY: p APPROVED
ORIGINATING [f OTHER (DESCRIBE)
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Chief H. L. McMillen CITY SECRETARY
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORM ION
CONTACT ~On Peacock Ext. 6807
Adopted Ordinance ~!o
DATE
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