HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 16027ORDINANCE NO l ~~J`~) /
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT WORTH FIRE CODE, BY ADOPTING
THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS
AND AMENDING SECTIONS 13-1 AND 13-2 OF ARTICLE I AND APPENDIX VIII OF
CHAPTER 13, FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF FORT WORTH (1986), AS AMENDED• PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE
OF PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF FEES THEREOF• PROVIDING FOR THE
INSPECTION OF BUILDINGS PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION
THEREOF• PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE PRO-
VIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICA
TION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER, PROVIDING FOR ENGROSSMENT AND
ENROLLMENT AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
WORTH, TEXAS
SECTION 1
Section 13 1 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is amended to read as follows
Sec. 13-1 2003 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ADOPTED
(a) Code. The Fire Code of the Crty of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to con-
form to the 2003 edition of the International Fire Code, of the International Fire Code In-
stitute, as amended hereby and the same as amended hereby is hereby adopted as the Fire
Code of the Crty of Fort Worth from the effective date thereof.
(b) Appendices. The following provisions of the Appendices to the 2003 edition of the In-
ternational Fire Code, as amended hereby are hereby specifically adopted as amended as
part of the Fire Code of the Crty of Fort Worth.
Appendix B -Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings
Appendix E -Hazard Categones
Appendix G -Cryogenic Fluids -Weight and Volume Equivalents
Appendix H -Commercial Inspections, Operational Permits and False Alarms
(local amendment)
Appendix I Installation of Fire Service Features, Fire Protection Systems, and
other construction permits (local amendment)
Appendix J Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Parks (local amendment)
Appendix K Mobile Fueling Permit Fees (local amendment)
Appendix L Existing Structures (local amendment)
(c) One copy of the 2003 edition. of the International Fire Code, including the Appendices
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thereto, marked Exhibit A, zs incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the
office of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspection.
(d) Any errata corrections published by the International Fire Code Institute for the 2003 In-
ternational Fire Code, as they are discovered, are considered as part of this code.
SECTION 2.
That Section 13-2 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) is hereby amended to read as fol-
lows.
Sec. 13-2. Amendments.
(a) The 2003 edition of the International Fire Code, including the Appendices thereto (Ex
hibrt A') is hereby amended as provided m this Section. One (1) copy of such amendments is
specifically incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary
for permanent record and inspection.
(b) The 2003 edition of the International Fire Code is hereby amended by revising the fol
lowing sections as follows
Chapter 1
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101
GENERAL
Section 101 1 -Change to read as follows
101 1 These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth, heremaf
ter referred to as `this code.
SECTION 102
APPLICABILITY
Section 102 3 -Change to read as follows
Section 102.3 Change of use or occupancy No change shall be made in the use or occupancy
of any structure that would place the structure m a different division of the same group of occu-
pancy or m a different group of occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the
requirements of this code, the Building Code and other codes as applicable. Subject to the ap-
proval of the code official, the use or occupancy of an existing structure shall be permitted to be
changed and the structure is allowed to be occupied for purposes m other groups without con-
forming to all the requirements of this code, the Building Code, and other applicable codes for
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those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on hfe and fire risk, than
the existing use.
Section 102 4 -Change to read as follows
102.4 Application of other codes. The design and construction of new structures shall comply
with this code, the Building Code, and other codes as applicable; and any alterations, additions,
changes m use or changes m structures required by this code which are within the scope of other
codes shall be made m accordance therewith.
Section 102 S -Change to read as follows
102.5 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code relating to the construction, repair altera-
tion, addition, restoration and movement of structures, and change of occupancy shall not be
mandatory for historic buildings where such buildings are fudged by the building official to not
constitute a distinct hfe safety hazard.
Section 102 6 -Change to read as follows
102.6 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced m this code
shall be those that are listed m Chapter 45 and such codes, when specifically adopted, and Stan
dards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each
such reference. Where differences occur between the provisions of this code and the referenced
standards, the provisions of this code shall apply Whenever amendments have been adopted to
the referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be considered
to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC Electrical Code shall
mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
SECTION 103
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION
Section 103 2 -Delete this Section in its entirety
SECTION 104
GENERAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 104 6 -Change to read as follows
104.6 Official records. The code official, as authorized, shall maintain official records as
required by this section for a minimum period of time as required by the laws of the State of
Texas.
SECTION 105
PERMITS
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Section 1051 1-Change to read as follows
105.1.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the fire
department. Permit fees shall be as defined m Appendix H, and m Appendix I. Issued per
mats shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily avail-
able for inspection by the code official.
Section 1051 2 -Change to read as follows
105.1.2 Types of Permits.
2. Construction permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or
modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by Section 105 7
Section lOS 1 3 -Change to read as follows
105.1.3 Permits for the same location or project. Whenever more than one type fire
protection system is to be installed at the same location, each type of system shall require a
separate permit. When more than one permit is required for the same location or project,
the code official is authorized to
Consolidate such permits into a single permit provided that each provision is
fisted m the permit.
2 Determine the number of construction permits of the same type based on the
number of building permits issued, construction schedule for completion and oc
cupancy and impact on plan review and inspection processes.
Section 1051 4 -Add to read as follows
105.1.4 Operational permit fees. A fee as specified m Appendix H, Inspection Sched
ule and Procedures of Fire Inspection Permits and Fees, shall be charged for permits re
qu~red by Secrion 105 6 or permit renewal. Operational permit fees shall be paid pnor to is-
suance of the permit. Any person, business owner or manager who fails to pay the required
permit fees within aforty-five (45) day penod 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.
Section 105 1 S -Add to read as follows
105.1.5 Construction permit fees. Upon application for a construction permit, the ap-
plicant shall be required to pay all fees associated with the specific permit as specified m
Appendix I, or agree to have such fees posted m the prearranged billing account with the
fire department to be billed monthly Account balance shall be paid within 21 days of the
billing date.
Page 4
Section 105 2 -Change to read as follows
105.2 Application. Application for operational permit(s) shall be made to the fire department
m such form and detail as prescribed by the fire department.
Application for construction permit(s) shall be made to the fire department. For new buildings,
the applicant shall be required to present the name and street address of the fob site as stated on
the building permit and the information necessary for fee calculation. For existing buildings, the
applicant shall be required to present the name and street address of the fob site as stated on the
current Certificate of Occupancy and the information necessary for fee calculation. Plans need
not be submitted at the time of application. A building permit will not be issued until all appro-
priate construction permits required by Section 105 7 and Appendix I are obtained.
Section 105 3 -Change to read as follows
105.3 Conditions of permit. A permit shall constitute permission to maintain, store or han-
dle materials, or to conduct processes regulated by this code; or to install equipment utilized in
connection with such activities, or to install or modify any fire protection system or equipment or
any other construction, equipment installation or modification m accordance with the provisions
of this code where a permit is required by Section 105 6 and Section 105 7 Such permission
shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of this
code or other applicable regulations or laws of the ~unsdiction.
Section 105 31-Change to read as follows
105.3.1 Expiration. An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, re
newed, or revoked or for such a period of time as specified m the permit.
When the building official has deemed that a building permit application has been aban-
doned, the construction permits required by Section 105 7 and issued by the fire department
for that building permit will become void and invalid. Construction permits for fire protec
lion systems shall expire 180 days after the estimated completion date provided at time of
application.
Section 105 3 2 -Add to beginning of Section to read as follows
105.3.2 Extensions. Where the building official issues an extension of the building per
mrt application, the fire department will provide the same extension to the construction per
mrts required by Section 105 7 and issued for that building permit.
Section 105 3 3 -Delete.
Section 105 3 4 -Delete.
Section 105 3 7 -Change to read as follows
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105.3.7 Information on the permit. The code official shall issue all permits required
by this code on an approved form furnished for that purpose. The permit shall contain a
general description of the operation or occupancy and its location and any other informa-
tion required by the code official.
Section 105 4 -Change to read as follows
105.4 Construction documents. Construction documents for fire protection systems shall be
m accordance with this section.
105.4.1 Submittals. Submittals are required for the following fire protection systems
Fire sprinkler systems with 21 or more sprinklers installed or tenant finish.
2 Fire alarm systems with five or more devices installed or tenant finish.
Underground fire mains for all installations except where underground piping that
serves both fire and domestic purposes (such as to an apartment building sprinkler
system) and does not have a fire department connection attached.
4 Alternative fire-extinguishing systems with one or more nozzles installed.
Standpipe systems with one or more users installed.
6 Smoke control systems.
Section 105 5 -Add to bottom of list to read as follows
8 The installer or contractor has failed to make reasonable progress on work for
which a construction certificate previously has been issued.
9 A permit has failed to pay all prior fees assessed in accordance with Appendix I.
10 Any of the provisions set forth in Appendix I have been violated.
Section 105 6 4 -Carnivals and Fairs -Delete.
Section 105 610 -Covered Mall Buildings -Delete.
Section 105 613 -Dry Cleaning Plants -Delete.
Section 105 614 -Exhibits or Trade Shows -Delete.
Section lOS 616 -Fire Hydrants and Valves -Delete.
Section lOS 617 -Add the following sentence to the end of paragraph S
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This shall include tanks, fines, monitor wells and other appurtenances of the tank system.
Section 105 6 28 -Change to read as follows
105.6.28 LP Gas. An operational permit shall be required for the storage and use of LP
Gas.
EXCEPTIONS
1 A permit ns not required for individual containers with a 500-gallon (1893 L)
water capacity or less serving occupancies m Group R 3
2 A permit ns not required for temporary use of individual containers with 125-
gallon (473 L) water capacity or less.
Section 105 6 31-Change to read as follows
105.6.31 Trench burning. An operational permit shall be required for all trench burning
and such burning shall be conducted m accordance with Section 307 1
Section lOS 6 35 -Add an Exception as follows
EXCEPTION Churches and places of worship used solely for worship
Section lOS 6 39 -Delete.
Section 105 6 48 -Add to read as follows
105.6.48 Special operational permit. The chief ns authonzed to requnre and nssue a
special operational pemm~t for any operatnon not fisted elsewhere m this section if rt ns de-
termined bythe chief that an operatnon has the potential for presenting a hazardous condn
tion and should continue only wrath the ability to track and monitor the situation that a
pemm~t will provnde.
Section 1 DS 6 49-Add to read as follows
105.6.49 Mobile fueling. A separate permit ns required for each mobile refueling
apparatus utilized for the purpose of transfernng fuel m accordance with thus section. A
separate permit ns required for each sate where mobile refueling operations take place m
accordance with this section. Notwithstanding the requirements set out m Section 105
the fees for mobile refueling permits are as set forth m Appendix K
Section 105 7 -Change to read as follows
105.7 Required construction permits. The code official ns authonzed to nssue permits
for work as set forth nn Sectnons 105 7 1 through 105 7 12. It shall be unlawful for any per
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son, firm, or corporation to perform mstallahon or tenant fimsh of any fire protection sys-
tem without first having obtained a permit from the fire department. Permits shall only be
issued to fire protection system contractors m accordance with Appendix I. Permits shall
not be required for maintenance
EXCEPTIONS
Permits shall not be required for installation of tenant fimsh or fire protection
when.
1 1 Not more than ten (10) sprinklers are installed or relocated.
1.2 Special agent systems are self-contained and do not require auxiliary
controls or piping to operate.
2. Underground fire main that serves both fire and domestic purposes (such as to an
apartment building sprinkler system) and does not have a fire department connec
tion or fire hydrant(s)
Section 105 7 4 -Change to read as follows
105.7.4 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required where
there is only installation or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, hockey
pumps, controllers, and generators. Where fire pumps and related equipment are installed
or modified as part of a fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground fire main, a
separate permit is not required. The fee for this installation or modification will be included
m the appropriate permit fees as specified m Appendix I. Maintenance performed m accor
dance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
Section 105 7 8 -Change to read as follows
105.7.8 LP-Gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to
an LP-Gas system.
EXCEPTION
1 A Permit is not required for the temporary installation or use of individual con-
tainers with 125 gallon (473 L) water capacity or less.
Section 105 713 -Add to read as follows
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105.7.13 Underground fire mains. A construction permit is required for the installation
or modification of an underground water main that supplies a fire protection system. This
includes underground piping that serves both fire and domestic purposes (such as to an
apartment building sprinkler system) and has a fire department connection attached to the
fire sprinkler system. A separate permit is required for each contractor Each permit will
specifically describe the underground fire main installation or modification. Maintenance
performed m accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not re
quire a permit.
Section 105 714 -Add to read as follows
105.714 Smoke control systems. Construction permits are required for smoke control
systems as specified in Section 909 Maintenance performed in accordance with this code
is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
Section 105 715 -Add to read as follows
105.715 Access control systems. Construction permits are required for the installation
or modification of an electronic access control system. A separate permit is required for
the installation or modification of a fire alarm system that maybe connected to the access
control system.
SECTION 106
INSPECTIONS
Section 106 2 1 -Add to read as follows
106.2.1 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized
by permit to notify the fire department that such work is ready for inspection. The code of
facial is authorized to require that every request for inspection be filed not less than three
(3) working days before such inspection is desired. It shall be the duty of the person re
questing any inspection to provide access to and means for proper inspection of such work.
SECTION 108
BOARD OF APPEALS
Section 108 -Change to read as follows
108.1 Board of Appeals. The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals shall act
on fire code related matters commensurate with the provisions of the Fort Worth Building Code.
Applications for appeals shall be made to the Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Ap-
peals. (See the Building Code.) All references to the `Board shall be deemed to refer to the
Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals.
Section 109 3 -Change to read as follows
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109.3 Violation penalties. 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 more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) for each offense. Each
day that a violation or circumstance not m compliance with the provision of this code is permit
ted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 111 4 -Change as follows
111 4 Failure to comply Any person who shall continue any work after having been served
with a stop work order except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a viola-
tion or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000)
Chapter 2
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
_ Building Code -Add to read as follows
BUILDING CODE Building Code shall mean the International Building Code as adopted by
this ~unsdiction.
Electrical Code -Add to read as follows
ELECTRICAL CODE Electrical Code shall mean the National Electrical Code as adopted by
this ~unsdichon. For the purposes of this code, all references to NFPA 70 and the ICC Electrical
Code shall be assumed to mean the Electrical Code as defined herein.
Energy Code -Add to read as follows
ENERGY CODE Energy Code shall mean the International Energy Code as adopted by this
~unsdichon.
Fire Prevention Code (Fire Code) -Add to read as follows
FIRE PREVENTION CODE (FIRE CODE). Fire Prevention Code, or Fire Code, shall mean
the International Fire Code as adopted by this ~unsdiction.
Fire Watch -Change to read as follows
FIRE WATCH. A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveil-
lance of a building and portion thereof by one or more approved individuals for the purpose of
Page 10
identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm
of fire, and notifying the fire department.
Fuel Gas Code -Add to read as follows
FUEL GAS CODE Fuel Gas Code shall mean the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by
this Jurisdiction and shall be considered as part of the Plumbing Code. (See Plumbing Code.)
high-Rise Building -Add to read as follows
HIGH RISE BUILDING A building having floors used for human occupancy located more
than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Mechanical Code -Add to read as follows
MECHANICAL CODE Mechanical Code Shall mean the International Mechanical Code as
adopted by this Jurisdiction.
Occupancy Classification -Change definitions as follows
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION For the purposes of this code, certain occupancies are
defined m accordance with Chapter 3 of the Building Code.
Plumbing -Add to read as follows
PLUMBING For the purpose of using the International Plumbing Code, as adopted, shall
mean. The practice, materials and fixtures utilized m the installation, maintenance, extension and
alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances and plumbing appurtenances, within or ad-
J acent to any structure, m connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, venting
systems, and public or private water supply systems. Not included m this definition are installa-
tions of chilled water piping and connection with refrigeration, process and comfort cooling; hot
water piping m connection with building heating; and piping for fire protection systems.
Plumbing Code -Add to read as follows
PLUMBING CODE Plumbing Code shall mean the International Plumbing Code and the In
ternational Fuel Gas Code as adopted by this Jurisdiction. The term `Plumbing Code applies to
both codes as one combined code
Residential Code -Add to read as follows
RESIDENTIAL CODE Residential Code shall mean the International Residential Code as
adopted by this Jurisdiction.
Self-Service Storage Facility -Add to read as follows
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SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY Real property designed and used for the purpose of
renting or leasing individual storage and removing personal property on aself-service basis.
Chapter 3
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE
SECTION 307
OPEN BURNING
Section 3071- Change to read as follows
307.1 Open burning. 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 bonfires and fires used for
ceremonial purposes.
EXCEPTIONS
Burning may be conducted for purposes of cooking or heating in a device desig
nated for such purpose by the manufacturer Incinerators shall comply with Sec
bons 603 8 and 1007 1
2. When approved by the code official, burning wrthm an approved trench burner
may be permitted provided a standby firefighter is present if required by the code
official. A permit shall be acquired as specified m Section 307 4.2 and approved
safety measures shall be employed.
Section 307 2 -Change to read as follows
307 2 Trench burns. Trench burns shall be conducted in air curtain trenches and in accor
dance with Section 307 4.2
Section 307 2 1 -Change to read as follows
307.2.1 Attendance. Trench burns shall be constantly attended until the fire is extin-
guished. Aminimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a
minimum 4-A rating or other approved on site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt,
sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate uhhzation.
Section 307 2 2 -Change to read as follows
Page 12
307.2.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the code official in accor
dance with Section 105 6 prior to trench burning. Application for such approval shall only
be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the trench burn is
to be kindled.
Examples of state or local law or regulations referenced elsewhere in this section may include
but not be hmrted to the following:
1 Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission guidelines and/or restrictions.
2 State, county or local temporary or permanent bans on open burning.
3 Local written policies as established by the code official.
Section 307 3 -Delete.
Section 307 3 1 -Delete.
Section 307 3 2 -Delete.
Section 307 4 -Delete.
SECTION 308
OPEN FLAMES
Section 308 3 2 -Change Exception S to read as follows
The flame must be completely enclosed. Any opening for air supply must not be
more than 0.375 inch diameter The candle must be located in the holder so that
there is a minimum of 2 inches between the top of the flame and any combustible
material that might be placed on top of the holder
SECTION 311
VACANT PREMISES
Section 311 4 -Change to read as follows
311 4 Removal of combustible and hazardous materials. Upon vacating or abandoning
any premises, the owner and occupant thereof shall be jointly and severally responsible for re
moving 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 condition.
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When the fire department initiates removal of such materials described m this section, the owner
and occupant shall be liable for any and all expenses accrued for this service
EXCEPTION This section shall not apply to materials in heating, air-conditioning,
and refrigeration systems installed m accordance with Chapter 6 or exempted herein.
SECTION 315
MISCELLANEOUS COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS STORAGE
Section 31 S 3 3 -Add to read as follows
315.3.3 Agricultural products and combustible fibers. The outdoor storage of hay
straw combustible fibers or other similar product within 50 feet of a building or other
combustible storage is prohibited. All exposed surfaces of such agricultural product storage
shall be covered by a tarpaulin or similar cover which has been rendered flame retardant.
Section 316 -Add Section to read as follows
SECTION 316
REMOVAL OF DEBRIS OR PARTIALLY BURNED BUILDING
AFTER A FIRE
316.1 Removal of debris or partially burned building after a fire. The owner or person
having under his control or m his possession upon any premises any hay straw bales of wool,
cotton, paper or other substances which have been rendered useless or unmarketable by reason
of any fire on such premises, or any debris resulting from such fire shall remove the same from
such premises wrthm forty-eight hours after notice to do so has been given by the code official.
316.2 Burned or partially burned structure. Whenever any building or other structure is
partially burned, the owner thereof or the person in charge or control thereof, within ten days of
ter notice from the code official, 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 ex
tent that rt is rendered incapable of being repaired, the owner of the property upon which same is
located or the person in control thereof, within ten (10) days after notice from the code official,
shall remove from the premises all of the remaining portion of the building or structure.
Page 14
Chapter 4
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
SECTION 401
GENERAL
Section 401 3 -Change to read as follows
401.3 Reporting of emergencies and false alarms. In the event of a fire or discovery of a
fire, smoke, or unauthorized release of flammable or hazardous materials on .any property the
owner or occupant shall immediately report such condition to the fire department. The code offs
cial shall be immediately notified when an unauthorized discharge becomes reportable under
state, federal, or local regulations.
Provisions shall be made for controlling and mingahng unauthorized discharges. Any person,
firm, or corporation responsible for any unauthorized discharge shall institute and complete all
actions necessary to remedy the effects of such unauthorized discharge, whether sudden or grad
ual, at no cost to the City of Fort Worth. When deemed necessary by the code official, clean-up
may be initiated by the fire department or by an authorized individual or firm. All costs associ
ated with such clean-up shall be borne by the owner operator or other person responsible for the
unauthorized discharge
SECTION 405
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
Table 405 2 Fire and Evacuation Drill Frequency and Participation Change to read as fol
lows
Group or
Occu anc Frequency Participation
Grou A Quarterly Em loyees
Grou E Monthly All occu ants
Group I Quarterly Each Shift Employees
Grou R 1 Quarterly Each Shift Em loyees
Group R-4 Quarterly Each Shift Em loyees
High-rise Quarterly All occu ants
SECTION 408
USE AND OCCUPANCY RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Section 408 3 2 -Change to read as follows
Page 15
408.3.2 Documentation. The operator of premises housing an educational occupancy
shall maintain a written report of each fire dell in the office of the operator of the premises
and, when requested, provide the code official with a copy of the written report of each
dell.
Section 408 3 S -Add to read as follows
408.3.5 Manner of drill. The operator of the premises housing an educational occu-
pancy shall conduct fire dells in a manner that will effect all students to immediately leave
the structure upon heanng the fire dell signal. A roll call by class shall be conducted out
side the structure and doors are to be closed as each area is evacuated.
Chapter 5
FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
SECTION 501
GENERAL
Section S01 4 -Change to read as follows
501.4 Timing of installation. When fire access roadways, fire lanes, and fire hydrants are
required to be installed for any structure or development, they shall be installed, tested, and ap-
proved poor to the time of which construction has progressed beyond completion of the founda-
tion of any structure.
EXCEPTIONS
The steel framework on Type I, and
2 The concrete slab tilt walls and roof assembly of Type II buildings without roof
mg materials.
SECTION 502
DEFINITIONS
.Add definition to read as follows
PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAIN Private fire service main, also known as underground fire
main, is that pipe and its appurtenances on private property
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1 Between a source of water and the base of the user for water-based fire protection
systems.
2 Between a source of water and inlets to foam making systems.
3 Between a source of water and the base of private hydrants or monitor nozzles.
4 Used as fire pump suction and discharge piping.
5 Beginning at the inlet side of the check valve on a gravity or pressure tank.
SECTION 503
FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
Section 503 1 1-Add the following sentence to the first paragraph as follows
Except for single or two-family residences, the path of measurement shall be along a
minimum of a five feet (5') wide unobstructed pathway around the external walls of the
structure.
Section 503 1 2 1 -Add to read as follows
503 1.2.1 Buildings more than 55 feet in height. A building which is more than
fifty five (55) feet m height shall be accessible by a dedicated street or fire apparatus
access road that is not less than fifteen (15) feet nor more than twenty five (25) feet
from the inside curb to the building face along at least one-half of the length of two
sides of the building.
Section 503 2 1 -Change to read as follows
503.2.1 Dimensions. The minimum unobstructed width of a fire lane shall not be less
than 20 feet, except in multi family complexes, where the minimum shall not be less than
26 feet, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet.
Section 503 2 2 -Change to read as follows
503.2.2 Authority The code official shall have the authority to require an increase in
the minimum access widths and vertical clearances where they are inadequate for fire or
rescue operations.
Section 503 2 3 -Change to read as follows
503.2.3 Surface. Fire lanes shall be designated and maintained to support a 12,500
pound wheel loading. The surface shall be designed to provide all weather driving capabil
qty
Section 503 2 4 -Change to read as follows
Page 17
503.2.4 Turning radius. The minimum inside turning radius shall be 25 feet, and the
minimum outside radius shall be either 51 feet m multi family complexes or 45 feet other
wise.
Section 503 2 S -Change to Yead as follows
503.2.5 Dead ends. All dead-end fire lanes in excess of 150 feet in length shall be pro-
vided with a turnaround meeting the requirements of Figure 503.2.5 The cul-de-sac design
shall be used unless the code official permits the use of alternate designs.
Figure 503.2.5
50' I ~-
25'R
50' 25'R 25'R
~- ~ 20'
50 5'R
D'
Page 18
Section 503 2 7 -Change to read as follows
503.2.7 Grade. Grade incline of fire lanes shall not exceed 10%.
Section 503 3 -Change to read as follows
503.3 Marking. Approved striping or signs shall be provided and maintained for fire appara-
tus roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs and stnpmg shall be
maintained m a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when neces-
sary to provide adequate visibility
Striping. Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked by painted lines of red traf
fic paint six inches (6") m width to show the boundaries of the lane. The words
`NO PARKING FIRE LANE" shall appear m four inch (4 ') white letters at 25
feet intervals on the red border markings along both sides of the fire lanes. Where
a curb is available, the striping shall be on the vertical face of the curb See Figure
503 1
2 Signs. Shall read `NO PARKING FIRE LANE" and shall be twelve inches (12")
wide and eighteen inches (18") high with a companion sign twelve inches (12")
wide and six inches (6") high stating `TOW AWAY ZONE. Signs shall be
painted on a white background with letters and borders m red, using not less than
two inch (2 ') lettering. Signs shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and
the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches (6 6") above finished grade.
Signs shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50') apart. Signs may be installed
on permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the code official.
Figure 503 1
CORRECT II
Page 19
a - '~'-~
Section 503 4 -Change to read as follows
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be
obstructed m any manner including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clear
ances established m Section 503.2 1 and any area marked as a fire lane as described in Section
503.3 shall be maintained at all times.
Section 503 6 -Change to read as follows
503.6 Security gates. Except as prohibited by other ordinances and when approved by the
code official, gates may be installed that restrict access to the fire lane provided that at least one
entrance is either left unobstructed (no gate) or an electrically operated gate is installed that can
be operated with a key switch. The switch shall be installed on the column or post near the elec
trical control box (preferably on the right hand side) When the switch is operated, the gate shall
remain m the open position until manually reset. A manual ovemde shall be provided to be used
in case of power outage. Additional gates maybe manually operated gates that have an approved
padlock installed to permit fire department access.
SECTION 505
PREMISES IDENTIFICATION
Section SOS 1 -Change to read as follows
505 1 Premises identification. Approved address shall be provided for all new and existing
buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting
the property as follows.
1 Street numbers shall increase, radiating from the Tarrant County Court House m
all directions, with even numbers on the right and odd numbers on the left. Num-
bering will coincide with adjacent streets going m the same direction.
2 Each building within a business shall have its own unique street address if sepa-
rate from the main building. Emergency response vehicles shall be able to differ
entiate from the street address the building where the emergency is located.
3 A strip complex may be addressed using either a street addressing system or a
suite addressing system as approved by Fire Department Addressing Manage
merit.
4 Private street names approved by the fire department are acceptable and shall not
conflict with similarly named streets. They shall be addressed following the num-
ber system as described in item number 1
Page 20
5 The fire department has the final authority m issuing street names and addresses.
6 Streets that are spelled differently but have a similar pronunciation as existing
streets are not acceptable
7 Streets with similar names but differing types (e.g., Elm St. Elm Rd., Elm Cir )
shall not be used.
8 Circular streets may be required to have directional names (e.g. N Mam, S
Main) to prevent duplication of addresses.
9 All occupancies except R 3 Occupancies and apartment houses shall have num-
bers with a minimum height of six (6) inches and a minimum stroke of one (1)
inch. Numbers shall contrast with the sign background.
10 R 3 Occupancies and aparment houses with three (3) or less amts shall have
numbers with a minimum height of three (3) inches with a minimum stroke of
inch.
11 Apartment houses with 4 or more amts shall have the buildings .full address and
apartment numbers as shown m Figure 505 1 The sign shall be attached to the
building. Letters and numbers must contrast with the attached sign. Signs must be
clearly visible from the corresponding street.
12 Apartment numbers for each apartment amt shall be displayed on the front door
of the apartment amt. The numbers shall be no less than three inches tall with
inch stroke. See Figure 505.2.
13 All buildings must have their own street address.
14 Letters and fraction shall not be used for commercial or residential addressing. Resi
dential addressing shall increase by four (4) Oversized residential lots (1 acre and
larger) shall increase by eight (8) or more. Strap business centers shall increase by
two (2) for every twenty-five (25) feet of frontage.
15 In commercial establishments with a common roof, each business must also post the
address or suite number on the rear door The minimum height of the rear door ad-
dress shall be four (4) inches with a half inch (1/2") stroke.
Multi-family/Unified Residential Building Identification Sign
1 Numbers and letters must contrast with background
2 Background must contrast with the building
Page 21
.- . .,
3 Full street address must be included except where it is obvious that the building is on
a specific street.
4 Numbers and letters shall not be attached directly to the building. They must be on a
sign.
5 Approved street signs shall identify internal pnvate streets.
FIGURE 505.1
6201
MAIN DRIVE
6 inch height (min.)
~~~~
4 inchheight(mia)
1/2 inch stroke
4 inch height (min.)
1R inch stroke
Bldg. 2
Apts. 1 24
TWO SIGN
METHOD
6201
MAIN DRIVE
Building 2
200 - 230
4 inch height (mia)
1/2 inch stroke
6 inchheight (mia)
i ~-sa~oke
4 i~h height (min.)
1/Z inch stroke
4 inch height (mia)
1/~ inch stroke
4 inch height (mia)
1/2 inch stroke
Page 22
TABLE 505.2
Fort Worth Fire Prevention Apartment Addressing System
Building 1
Below grade or 1St Floor 100 through 109 up to 10 amts on this floor
1St Floor 110 through 119 up to 10 units
2na Floor 120 through 129 up to 10 amts
3ra Floor 130 through 139 up to 10 amts
Building 12
Below grade or 1St Floor 1200 through 1209 up to 10 amts
1St Floor 1210 through 1219 up to 10 amts
2na Floor 1220 through 1229 up to 10 amts
3ra Floor 1230 through 1239 up to 10 amts
Extended buildings (Greater than 10 units per floor) will require a single building to
be split in half to accommodate unit numbers.
In a given building, it is desired that units be matched vertically
For Building Four (4)
Below grade apt. or 1st Floor 400
1St floor apt. or directly above grade 410
2na floor apt., directly above 1 t floor 420
3ra floor apt. directly above 2„a floor 430
Building number Floor number Apartment number
3 1 0
12 2 4
Examples above• Apt. 310 is in building 3 on the 1st Floor
Page 23
Apt. 1224 is m building 12 on the 2"a Floor
SECTION 506
KEY BOXES
Section 5061 -Change to read as follows
506.1 Key boxes. 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 hfe saving or fire-
fighting purposes, a key box shall be installed m an accessible location approved by the code of
facial. The key box shall be a type approved by the code official and shall contain keys to gain
necessary access to any areas required by the code official. Keys to elevators, fire alarm control
panels, and safety data sheets shall be included m the key box. When installed for the primary
purpose of providing 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 and shall be suitably
marked as such.
SECTION 508
FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES
Section 508 4 1 -Add to read as follows
508.4.1 Water supply test date. Water supply test used for hydraulic calculations of
fire suppression systems shall be conducted within one year of sprinkler plan submittal.
Section 508 S 1-Change to read as follows
508.5.1 Required installations. All fire hydrants shall be accessible to the fire depart
merit apparatus by roadways meeting the requirements of Section 503
Fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with the following criteria.
For all R 3 and Group U Occupancies, fire hydrants shall be installed such that
there is not more than 1 000 feet (500 foot radius) of space between hydrants
along a direct horizontal line. No point on a building shall exceed a 600-foot hose
lay distance using the route of access that fire department personnel would travel
between the hydrant and the building.
Page 24
2. For all other land uses including multi family complexes, fire hydrants shall be
installed such that there is no more than 600 feet .(300-foot radius) of space be
tween hydrants along a direct horizontal brie. No point on any structure shall ex
ceed 500 feet hose lay distance, using the route of access that fire department per
sonnel would travel between the hydrant and the structure.
A fire hydrant shall be installed no more than 150 feet from fire department con-
nections for a standpipe system, and 300 feet from fire department connections
for a sprinkler and/or combined system.
4 All fire hydrants shall be installed at least two (2) feet, but not more than mne (9)
feet, from the curb face of a paved street or edge of a designated approved fire ac
cess roadway
All fire hydrants shall 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.
6 Only National Standard three way hydrants that open in the clockwise direction
are approved.
7 All hydrant threads must be compatible with those m use by the Crty of Fort
Worth Fire Department.
8 Where fire hydrants are installed on a metered water supply or are not owned by
the Crty of Fort Worth, said hydrants shall be maintained m satisfactory operating
condition and kept free of obstructions.
9 All private hydrants shall be painted red and shall be properly maintained by the
property owner
Chapter 7
FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 704
FLOOR OPENINGS AND SHAFTS
Section 704 -Delete.
Page 25
Chapter 8
INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS
AND FURNISHINGS
SECTION 803
FURNISHINGS
Section 803 3 2 -Add to read as follows
EXCEPTION Corndors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in-
stalled in accordance with Section 903.3 1 1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
Section 803 4 2 -Add to read as follows
EXCEPTION Corndors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in-
stalled in accordance with Section 903.3 1 1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
SECTION 804
DECORATIVE VEGETATION
Section 8041 1 -Add to read as follows
804.1.1 Restricted occupancies. Natural cut trees shall be prohibited in Group A, B E,
I l I 2, I 3 I-4 M, R 1 R 2, and R-4 Occupancies.
EXCEPTIONS
1 Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in-
stalled maccordance with Section 903.3 1 1 or 903.3 1.2 shall not be prohibited m
Groups A, E, M, R 1 and R 2
2 Trees shall not be prohibited inside private dwelling amts of Group R 2 Occupan-
cies.
Section 804 1 4 -Add to read as follows
804 1.4 Flame retardance. Trees shall be properly treated with an approved flame re
tardant.
EXCEPTION Flame retardance shall not be required inside private dwelling units
of Group R 2 Occupancies.
Section 8041 S -Add to read as follows
Page 26
804.1.5 Tags. Trees shall bear a tag stating date of placement in public building, type of
flame retardant treatment used, name of the person who applied the flame retardant, name
of the person affixing the tag, and of designated person making daily tests for dryness.
Chapter 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION 901
GENERAL
Section 901 1-Change to read as follows
901 1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection systems are
required and shall apply to the design, installation, inspection, operation, testing and r~amtenance
of all fire protection systems. Fire protection equipment required by this code shall be listed or
approved for the intended use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
Section 901 2 -Change to read as follows
901.2 Construction documents. The code official shall have the authority to require con-
struction documents and calculations for all fire protection systems and to require permits be is-
sued for the mstallahon, rehabilitation or modification of any .fire protection system. Construc-
tion documents for fire protection systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to
system installation. Submittal of plans, specifications, and appropriate calculations for fire pro-
tection systems and appurtenances shall be made to the fire department by a licensed fire protec-
tion systems contractor
Section 901 2 1-Change to read as follows
901.2.1 Statement of compliance. Before requesting final approval of the instal-
lation, where required by the code official, the installing contractor shall furnish the re
quired state certificates of testing and installation or a written statement to the code offs
cial that the subs ect fire protection system has been installed m accordance with approved
plans and has been tested in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, appropriate
installation standards and state requirements. Any deviations from the design standards
shall be noted and copies of the approvals for such deviations shall be attached to the
submitted documents.
Section 901 4 S -Add to read as follows
901 4.5 Contractor requirements. Fire protection systems required by this chapter
Page 27
,j
shall only be installed by licensed fire protection system contractors possessing construc
tion permit for installation of fire protection equipment according to Section 105 and Ap-
pendix I.
Section 901 4 6 -Add to read as follows
901.4.6 Special installation requirements. The following special installation require
merits shall. be met.
Fire hose threads used m connection with fire-exhnguishmg systems shall be Na-
tional Standard hose threads or as approved by the code official.
2 The location of fire department hose connections shall be approved by the code
official.
3 In buildings used for high-piled storage, fire protection shall be provided in ac
cordance with Chapter 23
Section 901 S -Change to read as follows
901.5 Installation acceptance testing. Fire detection and alarm systems, fire exhnguishmg
systems, fire hydrant systems, fire standpipe systems, fire pump systems, private fire service
main, and all other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subject to accep-
tance tests as contained in the installation standards and as approved by the code official. The
code official shall be notified before any required acceptance testing.
Section 901 S 1 -Delete.
Section 901 6 -Change to read as follows
901 6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The building owner and/or occupant shall be
responsible for assuring that all fire sprinkler systems, fire hydrant systems, standpipe systems,
fire alarm systems, portable fire extinguishers, smoke and heat ventilators, smoke removal sys-
tems, and other fire protective or extinguishing systems or appliances are maintained in an opera-
tive condition at all times, and are replaced or repaired where defective 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
vicmg shall be m accordance with this chapter Non-required fire protection systems and equip-
ment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed.
The code official may require the testing of any fire protection or extinguishing system, at the
owner's expense, when evidence is found to indicate possible impairment of the system. All tests
and inspections required herein shall be conducted by persons approved by the code official.
Section 901 7 -Change to read as follows
Page 28
.~.
901 7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service or m
the event of an excessive number of accidental activations, the fire department and the code offs
cial shall be notified immediately and, where required by the code official, the building shall ei
ther be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected
by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification
of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected
premises and keep watch for fires.
SECTION 902
DEFINITIONS
Section 902 1 -Fire Alarm Control Unit -Change as follows
FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL (FACP). A panel with the control circuits necessary to
(a) furnish power to a fire alarm system, (b) receive signals from alarm initiating devices and
transmit them to audible alarm indicating appliances and accessory equipment; and (c) electn
cally supervise the system installation wrong and primary power Each fire alarm control panel
and all components on the system side of the control panel shall be considered to be a separate
system. May also be called a fire alarm control unit.
Section 902 1 -Special Agent System -Add to read as follows
SPECIAL AGENT SYSTEM. A system of electrical and/or mechanical devices which are de
signed to extinguish a fire by discharging a chemical agent other than water Such systems shall
include but not be limited to halogenated and carbon dioxide systems. Each control panel and all
components on the system side of the control panel shall be considered to be a separate system.
Systems required by the Mechanical Code shall be in accordance with that code.
Section 902 1 -Tenant Finish -Add to read as follows
TENANT FINISH. The relocation of existing devices or addition of new devices which are
necessary to maintain an existing level of protection m an area. This does not include projects
with the installation of new fire sprinkler users or fire alarm control panels. The addition of new
devices into previously unprotected areas is considered a new installation.
SECTION 903
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.1.2 -Changed to read as follows.
Page 29
903 1.2 Residential systems. Reductions to Building Code provisions, commonly referred to as
`building code tradeoffs, shall not apply to systems installed m accordance with NFPA 13R or
13D unless authorized as specified m Section 903 1.2 of the Building Code. When `tradeoffs"
are used m the building design that are not authorized for NFPA 13R or 13D systems, the sprin-
kler installation shall be m accordance with NFPA 13
For clarification of the appropriate system, the sprinkler designer/installer should consult the
building designer Section 903 1.2 of the Building Code and the appropriate plan reviewer
Residential sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R shall include attic sprinkler
protection m buildings of three or more stones.
903.1.3 -Add Section 903.1.3 as, ollows.
903.1.3 Usage of Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cables in combustible build-
ings. When combustible construction of four (4) or more stones are wired with Type
NM, Type NMC and Type NMS cable, as permitted by the Electrical Code Section
334 10 see Section 903.3 1 1.2 requirements for sprinkler heads in the combustible
floor/ceiling assemblies.
903.2 -Delete exception.
903.2.7 -Changed to read as, ollows.
903.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed m accordance with Section
903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R 1 R 2 and R-4 fire area
as specified in Sections 903.2 7 1 903.2.7.2.
903.2.7.1 Group R 1 and R 2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughout buildings with a Group R 1 or R 2 fire area.
Exceptions
1 Where no portion of the R 1 or R 2 fire area is located higher than the second
story nor in a basement, and such R 1 or R 2 use complies with all of the follow
mg conditions
a. The building when used as boarding house, hotel or motel contains less
than 20 guest rooms.
b The building when used as apartment contains less than 8 dwelling units.
c The building when used as a convent, dormitory or monastery contains
less than 20 occupants.
d. The building when used as fraternities or sororities has an occupant load
of 10 or less.
e. The building used as timeshare property State of Texas Type E (Large fa-
cility), or any other use shall comply with the appropriate numbers fisted
above dependant upon whether dwelling umts, guest rooms, etc are in the
Page 30
design.
2. A residential sprinkler system installed m accordance with Section 903.3 1.2 shall
be permitted in buildings, or portions thereof, of Group R 1 and R 2 in accor
dance with the limitations of Section 903 1.2
903.2.7.2 Group R-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings with a Group R-4 fire area with more than eight occupants.
Exception An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3 1.2 shall be allowed in Group R-4 facilities in accordance
with the hmrtahons of Section 903 1.2
903 2 8 3 -Added to read as follows
903.2.8.3 Commercial major repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout buildings used for mayor repair garages of commercial trucks or
buses where the fire area exceeds 5 000 square feet (464 m2)
903 2 8 4 -Added to read as follows
903.2.8.4. Self-service storage facility An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout all self-service storage facilities. System design shall be based on Ordinary
Group II.
Exception One story self-service storage facilities, that have no interior corndors, with a
one hour fire barner wall installed between every storage compartment.
903 2 9 -Changed to read as follows
903.2.9 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout build-
ings classified as enclosed parking garages m accordance with IBC Section 406 4 where
one of the following conditions exists
1 Buildings two or more stones m height, including basements, with a fire area con-
taining an enclosed parking garage exceeding 10 000 square feet (929 m2)
2 One-story buildings with a fire area containing an enclosed garage exceeding
12,000 square feet (1115 m2)
903.2.9 1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be pro-
vided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial trucks or buses where the fire
area exceeds 5 000 square feet (464 m2)
Page 31
.~-
Exception Commercial parking garages that comply with the opening require
merits of an open parking garage as specified in IBC Section 406.3 may comply
with the requirements as specified m Section 903.2.9
903.2.10.3 -Changed to read as, ollows.
903.2.10.3 Buildings over 55 feet in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout buildings with a floor level, other than penthouses in compliance with Building Code
Section 1509 that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access.
Exceptions
1 Delete
2 Open parking structures m compliance with Section 406.3
3 Delete
903.2.10.4 -Added to read as_ ollows.
903.2.10.4 Spray Booths and Rooms. New and existing spray booths and spra}nng rooms shall
be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.
903.3.1.1.1-Changed to read as follows.
903.3.1 1.1 Exempt locations. When approved by the fire code official, automatic sprinklers
shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected
with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will re
spond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any
room merely because rt is damp, offire-resistance rated construction or contains electrical
equipment.
1 Any room where the application of water., or flame and water constitutes a serious
life or fire hazard.
2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature
of the contents, when approved by the fire code official.
3 Generator and transformer rooms, under the direct control of a public utility sepa-
rated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceilmg assem-
blies having afire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Add Section 903.3.1.1.2 as follows.
903.3.1.1.2 Usage of Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cables in combustible
buildings. When combustible construction of four (4) or more stones are wired with
Page 32
~r
... -~ r
Type NM, Type NMC and Type NMS cable, as permitted by the Electrical Code Section
334 10 any NFPA 13 exception or alternate that would eliminate the installation of
sprinkler heads m the floor/ceiling assemblies shall not be utilized.
Exception. Hotel,, Motel and Apartment uses of Group R 1 and R 2 are permitted
to utilize any such exception or alternate.
903.3.1.2 -Changed to. read as, ollows.
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.. Where allowed in buildings of Group R, up to and in-
cluding four stones in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout m accor
dance with NFPA 13R. However when `building code tradeoffs" that are not authorized for
NFPA 13R systems are used m the building design, the sprinkler installation shall be m accor
dance with NFPA 13 (See Section 903 1.2)
Residential sprinkler systems installed m accordance with NFPA 13R shall include attic sprinkler
protection m buildings of three or more stones.
903.3. S -Added second para~ ph to read as follows.
Every fire protection system shall be designed with a 5 psi safety factor Water supply
test used for hydraulic calculations of fire suppression systems shall be conducted within
one year of fire protection plan submittal.
903.3.7 - Changed to read as, ollows.
903.3.7 Fire department connections. The location of fire department connections shall
be in accordance with Section 912 and shall be approved by the fire code official.
Section 903 3 71 Add to read as follows
903.3.7.1 Locking FDC Caps. New sprinkler installations shall be equipped with lock
mg fire department connection caps as approved by the code official. Existing sprinkler
installations will require approved locking fire department connection caps to be installed
when directed by the code official.
903 4 -Added second paragraph to read as follows
Sprinkler and standpipe system water flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap to the
sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more than 45 sec-
onds. All control valves m the sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be .electrically supervised.
Page 33
903 4 2 -Added second paragraph to read as follows
Alarm devices, such as water motor gongs, installed outside of building shall be installed
as close as practicable to the fire department connections. Adjacent to the alarm shall be
a sign which states `When alarm sounds, call Fort Worth Fire Department, 9-1 1 and
which contains the address of the property The minimum sign dimension shall be 9
inches.
903.6 -Changed to read as~ ollows.
903.6 Existing buildings. The provisions of this section are intended to provide a reasonable de
gree of safety m existing structures not complying with the minimum requirements of this code
by requiring installation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system regardless of the date of con-
struction or installation.
SECTION 904
ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
Section 9041- Add to end of Section 9041 to read as follows
9041 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems not covered by the reference standards
of this section shall be designed and installed in accordance with approved standards.
SECTION 905
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
905.1.1 Added to read as follows.
905.1.1 Locking Fire Department Connection Caps. New Class I and Class III stand-
pipe systems shall be equipped with approved locking caps on all fire department connec-
tions. Existing Class I and Class III standpipe systems shall have approved locking fire
department connection caps installed when required by the code official.
905 3 3 -Change to read as follows
905.3.3 Covered mall buildings. A covered mall building shall be equipped throughout
with a Class I automatic wet standpipe system where the mall exceeds 10 000 square feet
(929 mz) m area per story Standpipes shall be provided where any portion of the build-
ing's interior area is more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) of travel, vertically and horizon-
tally from the nearest point of fire department vehicle access. Covered mall buildings
not required to be equipped with a standpipe system by this section shall be equipped
Page 34
{':F°"~,a~rr,,~.awmr°~',...;~!~~. .ri.. .. - '"sx- ~'•;w.~. .r .,-~+~--,.°,o-.w
with Glass I hose connections connected to a system sized {remainder of section un-
changed}
905.8.1- Added to read as follows.
905.8.1 Manual dry standpipe systems shall be supervised with a minimum of 10 psig
and a maximum of 40 psig air pressure with ahigh/low alarm.
SECTION 907
FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
Section 9071 4 -Add as follows
907.1 4 Design standards Fire alarm systems with 30 or more initiating devices shall
be addressable fire detection systems. Fire alarm systems with 50 or more smoke detec
tors shall be intelligent addressable fire detection systems.
907.1.4.1 Existing systems. Existing fire alarm systems shall comply with section
907 1 4 when the total fire system device addition or replacement, within a 24
month penod, exceeds 30% of the total device count of the onginally installed fire
system.
Existing buildings shall comply with Section 907 1 4 within 12 months of permit
application. The owner of the existing building may request, m writing to the Au-
thority Having Jurisdiction, approval to extend the 12-month compliance re
quirement.
Section 907 2 1 -Change as follows
907.2.1 Group A. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed m Group A occupancies
having an occupant load of 300 or more. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for r`
assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E
occupancy Group A occupancies non-fire system related sounds and visual signals shall
be automatically disabled by the fire alarm system upon fire alarm activation.
Section 907.2.2.1 Add as follows
907.2.2.1 Corridor smoke detection When a fire alarm system is used as a reduction to
fire-resistant corndors, as provided for in Section 1016 1 exception #5 the occupant load
exceptions of Section 907.2.2 shall not be used to exempt the required installation.
Page 35
Section 907 2 3 -Change as follows
907.2.3 Group E A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies.
Fire Alarm Control Umts shall be located m the main reception office.
Section 907 2 3 Exceptions 2 -Change as follows
2 Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group E occupancies where all the
following apply
2 1 Interior corndors are protected by smoke detectors.
2.2 Auditoriums, cafeterias, libraries, gymnasiums and the like are pro-
tected by smoke sensing detectors or automatic sprinklers.
2.3 Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat
detectors or automatic sprinklers.
2 4 No change.
2.5 No change.
2 6 No change
Section 907 2 31 Add as follows
907.2.3.1 Group E daycares. An automatic and a manual fire alarm system shall be in-
stalled mGroup E daycares with an occupant load of more than 12 Smoke detectors shall
be installed in corndors, sleeping rooms and common areas. Heat detectors shall be in-
stalled in kitchens.
907.2.3 1.2 Group E daycares with an occupant load of not more than 12
children. Interconnected 120VAC (with battery backup) single station smoke de
tectors shall be installed in corridors, sleeping rooms and common areas. All
smoke detector audible signals shall sound when one smoke detector is activated.
Exception. Smoke detectors are not required m kitchens and rest rooms.
Section 907 2 6 -Change to read as follows
907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system
shall be installed in Group I occupancies. corndors and areas open to corndors shall be
equipped with an automatic smoke detection system.
Section 907 2 61 -Change to read as follows
907.2.6.1 Group I 2 corndors and areas open to corndors shall be equipped with an
automatic smoke detection system.
Section 907 2 8.2 -Change to read as follows
Page 36
., .. ~-
907.2.8.2 Automatic fire alarm system. A smoke detection system shall be installed
throughout all common mtenor corndors serving guestrooms.
Section 907 2 9 -Change subparagraph 3 to read as follows
3 The building contains more than 8 dwelling amts or sleeping amts.
Section 907 2 91-Add as follows
907.2.9.1 Automatic fire alarm system. A smoke detection system shall be installed
throughout all common mtenor corndors serving dwelling units or sleeping units.
Exception. A corndor smoke detection system is not required m buildings
without mtenor corndors.
Section 907 2 12 -Change to read as follows
907.2.12 Buildings over 75 feet in height. Buildings having floors used for human oc
cupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle ac
cess shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and an emergency voice/alarm
communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
EXCEPTIONS
1 Delete
2. Open parking garages m accordance with Section 406.2 of the Building Code
3 Buildings with an occupancy in Group A 5 in accordance with Section 303 1
of the Building Code.
4 Low-hazard special occupancies m accordance with Section 503 1.2 of the
Building Code.
5 Buildings with an occupancy m Group H 1 H 2 or H a m accordance with
Section 415 of the Building Code.
Section 907 2 12 2 4 -Add as follows
907.2.12.2.4 Pre-recorded automatic voice message. The voice instruction message re
quired by section 907.2.12.2 shall bepre-recorded, automatically activated and notify the
occupants m the English and Spanish language. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall
approve the pre recorded voice message.
Section 907 2 12 3 -Change as follows
907.2.12.3 Fire department communication system.
An approved two-way fire department communication system designed and installed m
accordance with NFPA 72 shall be provided for fire department use. It shall operate be
tween a fire command center compl}nng with Section 509 and elevators, elevator lobbies,
emergency and standby power rooms, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge, and inside en-
closed exit stairways. The fire department communication device shall be provided at
Page 37
a ~.~~
each floor level within the enclosed exit stairway A minimum of five portable handsets
shall be located m the fire command center
Section 907 2 12 3 -Delete exception.
Section 907 3 1 1 Delete exceptions
Section 907 3 1 8- Change to read as follow
907.3.1.8 Group R-4 Single or multiple smoke alarms shall be installed m accordance
with Section 907.2.10 1.2.
Section 907 3 1 8- Delete exceptions
Section 907 3 1 9- Add to read as follows
907.3.1.9 Group A 2 Existing Group A 2 occupancies shall install a fire alarm system in
accordance with Section 907.2 1
Section 907 3 1 9 Add to read as follows
907.3.1.9 High-rise buildings. Existing high-nse buildings shall comply with the City of
Fort Worth Fire Code Amendment Section 907.2.12.2 4 within two years of adoption of
this code.
Section 907 4 -Change to read as follows
907.4 Manual 1~re alarm boxes Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed m accordance with
Sections 907 4 1 through 907 4.5 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be an approved double action
type.
Section 907 4 1 Delete exception
Section 907 61-Add to read as follows
907.6.1 Installation. Fire alarm system wrong shall be installed in such a manner that the
failure of any single initiating device will not interfere with the normal operation of any
other initiating device on the same circuit. Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) shall be Class
A Style `D" Signaling Lme Circuits (SLC) shall be Class A Style `6" and Notifica-
tion Appliance Circuits (NAC) shall be Class `B Style `Y" as defined m NFPA 72
EXCEPTION Altered, upgraded or replaced fire alarm systems may match
ongmal installation circuit wrong style.
Page 38
Section 907 9 -Change to read as follows
907.9 Zones. Each floor shall be zoned separately and a zone shall not exceed 22,500 square feet
(1860 m2) The length of any zone shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in any direction. A
separate zone or address point for water flow detection shall be provided for each water flow de-
vice.
Section 907101 Change Exception 1 to read.
1 Visible alarm notification appliances are not required m alterations, upgrades or replace
ment of a fire alarm system.
Section 907101 Add Exception 3 to read.
3 Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required m Group I 2 operating rooms.
Section 907 21 -Add to read as follows
907.21 Rented or leased residential occupancies. For purposes of this section, the term
dwelling unit shall include the following:
1 All one family two-family and multi family dwellings, including manufactured
homes.
2 All one family two-family and multi family dwellings where one or more rooms
are rented for use as permanent residence under a single lease.
907.21.1 Smoke detectors. All dwelling units which are currently rented, leased or sub-
leased, or are hereafter rented, leased, or sub-leased shall be provided with smoke detec
tors which meet the requirements of the Building Code, except that such detectors maybe
battery operated. Those occupancies which are leased for the first time or to a new lessee
shall have smoke detectors installed pnor to occupancy by the lessee. The smoke detector
purchase and installation shall be the sole responsibility of the landlord.
907.21.2 Duty to inspect and repair Upon commencement of a tenant's possession of a
dwelling unit containing a smoke detector the landlord shall have a duty to test the
smoke detector to venfy that it is m working order Upon installation of a smoke detector
by a landlord after commencement of the tenant's possession of a dwelling unit, the land-
lord shall have a duty to test the smoke detector to venfy that it is in good working order
Documentation venf}nng compliance with this provision shall be submitted to the code
official upon request.
907.21.2.1 Notice of malfunction. Dunng the term of the rental agreement or any
renewal 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 malfunction or
Page 39
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 m the rental agreement. The
landlord shall comply with the tenant's request for inspection and repair within a reason-
able tune, considering the availability of material, labor and utilities.
907.21.2.2 Cause of malfunction. 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
farruly guest or mvrtee during the term of the rental agreement or any renewal or exten-
sion 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 repair or replacement, including labor maters
als, taxes, and overhead.
907.21.2.3 Testing. 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
907.21.2.4 Battery replacement. After commencement of possession by the tenant
of a dwelling umt, the landlord shall have no duty to provide replacement batteries for
a battery operated smoke detector which was m good working order according to a
test of the smoke detector at the time of commencement of possession by the tenant.
907.21.3 Offense. A person commits an offense if, as landlord of a dwelling umt, that
person.
1 Fails to install a smoke detector in comphance with this section, or
2. Fails to test or repair a smoke detector in comphance with this section, or
3 Allows a dwelling umt to be occupied without obtaimng documentation signed by
both the landlord (or lus authorized representative) and the tenant verifying compliance
with this section. This documentation shall be furnished to the chief on
request.
..
I
has made a request to the landlord for inspection or repair The nonce to the landlord
need not be m writing unless written notice is required m the rental agreement. The
landlord shall comply with the tenant's request for inspection and repair wrthm a reason-
able time, considering the availability of material, labor and utilities.
907.21.2.2 Cause of malfunction. 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 guest or mvrtee during the term of the rental agreement or any renewal or exten-
sionperiod 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 repair or replacement, including labor materi
als, taxes, and overhead.
907.21.2.3 Testing. 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 m good working order
907.21.2.4 Battery replacement. 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 according to a
test of the smoke detector at the time of commencement of possession by the tenant.
907.21.3 Offense. A person commits an offense if, as landlord of a dwelling unit, that
person.
1 Fails to install a smoke detector m comphance with this section, or
2 Fails to test or repair a smoke detector in compliance with this section, or
3 Allows a dwelling unit to be occupied without obtaining documentation signed by
both the landlord (or his authorized representative) and the tenant verifying comphance
with this section. This documentation shall be furnished to the chief on
request.
SECTION 909
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS
Section 909 S 3 add to read as follows
909.5.3 Corridors and Exit Passageways. When smoke control is required, and when
required to have protected openings, the construction of corridors and exit passageways
shall also comply with these provisions as a smoke barrier
EXCEPTION When the corridor or exit passageway has a positive pressure dif
ference between it and the neighboring spaces that complies with the provisions of this
section, only a negative pressure difference shall be required between the corndor or exit
passageway and the pressurized exit enclosure of Section 909.20 5
Page 40
However if the corndor or exit passageway is placed m negative pressure relative to its
neighboring spaces, then the pressure differences between the corndor or exit passage
way and the vestibule or pressurized exit enclosure shall comply with the provisions of
this section.
Section 90918.8, changed to read as follows
90918.8 Special inspections for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested
m accordance with this section and as directed by the Code Official_
SECTION 912
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
912 2 -Added paragraph to read as follows•
Fire Department Connection shall be located within 50 ft. of a dedicated street or fire apparatus
access road and shall be within 300 ft. hose lay distance of the nearest fire hydrant. For stand-
pipe systems, fire department shall be within 150 ft. of the fire hydrant. Each building shall be
equipped with its own fire department connections.
Chapter 10
MEANS OF EGRESS
IBC SECTION 1002
Section 1002 definitions are changed and added to read as follows
STAIRWAY EXTERIOR. A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required
structural columns, beams, handrails and guards in accordance with Section 1022.3 The ad~oin-
ing open areas shall be m direct contact with either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides
of the exterior stairway need not be open.
Any stairway at the end of an open ended corndor that is pulled into the building shall be consid
ered an exterior stair if m compliance with both of the following provisions
1 When using switchback stairs, such that the outside edge of the outside landing is no
more than 5 feet inside the exterior walls.
2. When using straight run stairs, individually or m conjunction with a switchback stair
such that the bottom riser is no more than 1 foot inside the exterior walls.
OPEN ENDED CORRIDOR. A corndor that is open to the outside at the exterior of the build-
ing, leading directly to an exterior stairway at each end with no intervening doors or enclosures.
Page 41
SECTION 1003
Section 10031 add 10031 1 and 100312 to read as follows
1003.1 1 Additional means of egress components. When additional elements, ><ncluding but
not hmrted to extra stars or doors, are provided, they shall comply with the provisions of Sec
bons 1003 through 1012, except that ex>t signs are not requ>red for additional doors.
Any additional means of egress element, including but not limited to, doors, open stairs, enclosed
stars or exterior stairs, provided to comply with any means of egress provision shall be consid-
ered as a required element.
1003 1.2 Separation of multiple egress elements. When more than one egress element is pro-
vided or under Sect>on 1003 1 1 becomes a required element from an area or floor to comply
with any provision of this code, mcludmg but not hmrted to doors and open or enclosed stars,
such elements shall remain separated as requ>red by Section 1014.2 1 1014.2.2 and 1018
throughout their pathway until discharged at separate exterior locations.
TABLE 1004 1.2
Table 10041 2 add the following category
Gymnasiums/Sport Area
When dedicated for sporting nt n1Y Tota] umber of sport participants, ches, rid other ory
personnel
When able for ther nts, .g. graduation emonies, em- 15 et
bly meetings, parties, etc. (includes chool gyms)
SECTION 1008
Section 10081 add a sentence to the first paragraph to read as follows
Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the Fire Code Official.
(See Sect>on 1027.2)
Section 1008 1 3 4 changed to read as follows
1008.1.3.4 Access-controlled egress doors/Electronic locking devices. Devices that restrict or
control access or exiting through the use of an electrical or electronic means present specific
Page 42
hazards. These devices include but are not hmrted to magnetic locks, electric strikes, electrical
doorknobs(mcludes levers), card readers, motion detectors and electronic panic hardware.
Regardless of the location of the device or the level of security desired, the ability to exit at the
option of the individual, not the controlling authority must always be provided.
Exceptions
1 Locations for occupants needing self protection because of reduced mental ca-
pacities such as mental hospitals or Alzheimer care as further specified in Section
1008 1.3 4.2.
2. Locations where national security interest are presented with approval of the
Construction and Fire Prevention Board.
(Note. For nterior locations ch elevator lobbies, cludes passage nto rid through the tenant
space being ed to provide to the stairway If through the ed is of desired,
other iting method ch provided public idor to the stairway should be utilized.)
1008.1.3.4.1 General. Electronic locking devices installed m such a manner that the method of
unrestricted exrtmg reties upon electricity or electronics instead of mechanical means shall com-
ply with the provisions as set forth herein. General guidelines for such installation shall be as
follows
1 Access to exits, even in non-fire situations, shall be available to all individuals, even those
individuals that are considered as unauthorized. Manually activated release mechanisms shall
be made available. For specific provisions and exceptions, see Section 1008 1.3 4.2
2. For emergency situations, buildings must be provided with an automatic release mechanism
as specified in Section 1008 1 3 4 3
3 Once released, the door shall swing freely as a push/pull door For specific provisions and
exceptions, see Section 1008 1.3 4 4
4 Request to exit buttons, break glass boxes and emergency pull boxes, with their required
signs, shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1008 1.3 4.2 and 1008 1.3 4 5
5 All devices used in a fire rated/fire door situation shall be approved for such use.
1008.1.3.4.2 Access to exits/Manual release mechanisms. Passage through the secured door
shall be provided.
(Note. Under al umstances, passage by ndividuals the ide, going to the utside, made
ilable. Controls ally stalled to prevent uthorized ntry Examples of ch stallations
the lobby ntrance doors where iting by pushing the it button.)
Normal passage shall be provided with the use of an approved button installed in accordance
with Section 1008 1.3 4.5 Other acceptable normal release methods may include options as fol
lows
Page 43
1 Pushing on or making contact with an approved electromc release bar Such bars must be
installed such that they will fail m the released position should the electrical connection with
the bar be lost.
2. Use of an approved motion detector Upon detection of an approach, the device will unlatch.
When using a motion detector a release button in accordance with Section 1008 1.3 4.5 is
still required to be installed m case of failure or inaccurate detection of the motion device.
When access to the exits requires passage through the device, manual release mechanisms shall
be made available.
(Note. Examples of ch stallations that must provide manual ide method follows
1 Elevator lobbies full floor tenants Access to the it stairs ntrolled rid the it path through
the device rid tenant space. To permit to the stairs, manual ide system must be stalled.
2 Warehouses/factories where employees equired to nter rid it through point. Use of other
building its ndesired rid ntrolled. A manual ide system must still be stalled at the
trolled its.
3 Secured systems where employee ngress/egress monitored at all ed doors A manual ide
system must still be stalled at ach door
4 Occupancies like jewelry stores where the desire to buzz ntry rid it. Buzzing ntry eptable.
Buzzing it may be ed but manual ide system must still be stalled at the door)
When passage of individuals is undesired, unless other approved exits are available, access at the
option of the individual shall be provided. Acceptable release methods may include options as
follows
An emergency pull box or a break glass emergency box maybe located adjacent to the door
to activate the release m an emergency Choice of box must be approved by the Fire Chief so
as not to be confused with any other alarm boxes. An approved sign shall be adjacent to the
box with the appropriate message such as `Pull to Open Door" or `Break Glass to Open
Door
2 When approved by the Building Official, a release button will not be required for buildings
provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout with monitored 24-hour
security personnel on site, if a means for two-way communication with security such as in-
tercom or telephone is provided in an approved location. Controls shall be provided at the
security station for unlatching the electromc device. The two-way communication system
shall be wired through a supervised circuit as defined m the Fire Code.,
3 In I Occupancies provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout, the re
lease button will not be required provided a control for releasing the device is provided at a
nurse station and a deactivation method, e.g. a keyed control, a control pad, or card reader is
provided at the door and staff is supplied with the appropriate tool or knowledge to operate
the release mechanism.
1008.1.3.4.3 Automatic release mechanisms. Electronic locking devices shall have automatic
releasing that complies with the following:
1 Automatically release upon activation of the smoke detection or fire alarm system, if pro-
vided. The control devices shall remain unlocked until the system has been reset.
Page 44
_ ~; .
When the area of concern has a sprinkler system, automatically release upon activation of a
waterflow alarm or trouble signal. The control devices shall remain unlocked until the sys-
tem is reset.
3 Automatically release upon loss of electrical power to the building or to the electronic de
vice. Locking mechanisms shall not be provided with emergency backup power such as gen-
erators or batteries.
Automatically release upon activation of a manual release mechanism as specified m Section
1008 1 3 4.2 and as further specified m Section 1008 1.3 4 5
(Note. When ity still desired after the automatic elease of the system, when positive latching
ary for fire door stallation, it still possible to maintain ity provided the appropriate ombi-
ation of devices stalled. As ample, of panic hardware doorknobs that provide mechanical
iting at all times, but do of function from the xterior nless electronically ctivated, will still provide
ed door It will provide the equired manually iting but ntry by rd code not ilable ntil
the system ets
No ch provision be ed when passage through the device ary for is to the it. As
ample, when the elevator lobby ed from the it stairs by full floor tenant, upon utomatic
ctivation those devices must elease rid be provided through the tenant space to the stairs. A
manual locking system of be stalled to ity )
1008.1.3.4.4 Door swing freely/Single exit motion. Doors shall swing freely when the device is
released.
(Note. It is equired that the exit motion equire my one ctivity With normal doors, ctivity push-
ng the mechanical panic bar turning the mechanical doorknob With electronic device, one motion
pushing the button, therefore, pushing the button rid pushing panic bar turning doorknob would
be two ctivities.
An eptable alternative to motion detector (push button still equired). The motion detector
will elease .the device upon approach rid turning the doorknob ow just ctivity The push button
my ary should the motion device fail.
Another option to electronic panic bar One motion, pushing the bar for iting but
ntry ntrolled. Or of electronic doorknob where iting always mechanical but the ntry
ide does of ngage without electronic ctivation.)
Exception When doors are required to have positive latching, the Building Offi
cial and Fire Chief shall determme•
1 If a double motion to exit, i.e. the release of the electronic device then the op-
eration of a door knob or push bar is an acceptable exit means, or
2 If the latch should be designed to fail m the secure position, or
3 Whether to deny the usage of the locks.
1008.1.3.4.5 Request to exit buttons/Break glass boxes/ Emergency pull boxes. Exit buttons,
break glass boxes and emergency pull boxes shall be installed as follows:
Page 45
1 Button The release button shall be red in color and at least a 2 Mushroom Switch or 2
Square Lexan Palm Button.
2. Location The button, break glass box or emergency pull box shall be located 40 inches
(1016 mm) to 48 inches (1219 mm) vertically above the floor and within 5 feet (1524 mm) of
the secured doors. Ready access shall be provided to the manual unlocking device.
3 Sign An approved sign shall be adjacent to the button, break glass box or emergency pull
box with the words `Push to Exit" or 'Pull to Exit" as applicable. Sign lettering shall be
white on a red background and at least one (1) inch (25 mm) in height and shall have a stroke
of not less than one-eighth (1/8) inch (3.2 mm)
4 Activation When operated, the manual unlocking device shall result in direct interruption
of power to the device, independent of the access control system electronics, and the device
shall remain unlocked for a minimum of 10 seconds. It shall not be required that the release
mechanism be constantly held, such has holding down the button, to get out.
(Note. When buzzing omeone ut, holding down the button eptable, however the manual elease
device stalled at the door those equired the upancy rig buzzing, shall of equire stant
holding down to it.)
Time Delay• Exit devices shall not posses a time delay option. (If time delay is approved as
a variance, compliance with Fire Code Section 907.2.15 and Building Code Section
1008 1 8 6 shall also be required.)
Section 10081 8 6 delete. (See Section 10081 3 4 S item S)
Section 10081 8 7 change exception #2 to read as follows
2. This section shall not apply to doors arranged in accordance with Section 403 12 or
approved access-controlled doors of Section 1008 1.3.2
SECTION 1010
Section 10101 add a sentence to exception #3 to read as follows
This exception applies to parking spaces installed along the vehicle ramp The portion of the ve-
hicle ramp from the parking space to the next landing can only be used as an exit access for those
spaces along the ramp between landings. Otherwise, as per Section 406.2.5 the vehicle ramp
shall not serve as an exit element.
SECTION 1011
Section 1011 2 add a sentence to read as follows
Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.
Section 1011 4 changed to read as follows
Page 46
1011.4 Internally illuminated exit signs. Internally illuminated exit signs shall be fisted and
labeled and shall be installed m accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and Sections
1101 5 1 1011 5.3 and 2702 Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.
SECTION 1016
Section 1016.1 add an exception #S to read as follows
5 In Group B office buildings, corndor walls and ceilings need not be of fire
resistive construction within office spaces of a single tenant when in compliance
with the following:
a. the occupant load of the tenant space does not exceed 100• or
b the building is equipped with an approved fire alarm system in accordance
with Section 907.2.2 and smoke detectors are installed within the corndor
c. See also Section 1016.5 exception 3
IBC TABLE 1016.1
Table 10161 add a footnote d" in the title and after the table as follows
With spnn-
kler sys-
tem ,a
d. Corridors of Groun B Occupancies need not be of fire resistive construction when the entire stow in
which the s ace is located is a ui ed with an automatics rinkler s stem throu hout.
Section 1016.5 change to read as follows
1016.5 Corridor continuity Comdors shall be continuous from the point of entry to an exit,
and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms.
{exception unchanged, exception 2 added to read as follows }
2 When the corndor within an individual tenant space is not required to be fire-
resistance-rated, rt is permitted to pass through open office/business spaces provided the
exit path is clearly marked through the office/business area to the point of exit.
SECTION 1018
Section 10181 changed to read as follows
Page 47
1018.1 Minimum number of exits. All rooms and spaces within each story shall be provided
with and have access to the minimum number of approved independent exits as required by Ta-
ble 1018 1 based on the occupant load, except as modified in Section 1018.2 For the purposes
of this chapter occupied roofs shall {remainder of section unchanged}
Section 1018 2 change item #1 to read as follows
1 Buildings described m Table 1018.2, provided that the building has not more than one
level below the first story above grade plane. The single exit permitted under this table
must be enclosed m a rated enclosure and extend to the exterior of the building or be
separated from the interior of the building.
Exception When the single means of egress stairway complies with any of the follow
mg exceptions, rt need not be enclosed or separated.
a. Section 1019 exceptions 1 2, 3 5 6& 7
b Section 1022, exception 1
SECTION 1019
Section 10191 add an exception #10 to read as follows
9 An exterior stair at the end of an open-ended comdor shall be protected from
the mtenor of the building as specified m this section. Such enclosure and
separation door shall not be required across the comdor Protection on the ex
tenor walls, as specified m Section 1019 1 4 shall also be required when any
portion of the stair extends outside of the exterior wall line.
SECTION 1022
Section 1022 4 changed to read as follows
1022.4 Side yards. The open areas ad~oimng exterior exit ramps or stairways shall be in direct
contact with either yards, courts or public ways, the remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed
by the exterior walls of the building.
Exception Any stairway at the end of an open ended comdor that is pulled into the
building shall be considered an exterior stair if m compliance with both of the follow
mg provisions
1 When using switchback stairs, such that the outside edge of the outside landing is
no more than 5 feet inside the exterior walls.
2. When using straight run stairs, individually or m conjunction with a switchback
stair such that the bottom user is no more than 1 foot inside the exterior walls.
Page 48
Section 1022 6 changed to read as follows
1022.6 Exterior ramps and stairway protection. Exterior exit ramps and stairways shall. be
separated from the interior of the building as required m Section 1019 -1- Openings shall be hm-
rted to those necessary for egress from normally occupied spaces.
{Exceptions remain unchanged}
SECTION 1023
Section 1023 1 add a sentence to the first paragraph to read as follows
Exceptions #1 and 2 fisted below cannot be used together m a manner that would ehmmate pro-
viding 50% of the means of egress to be protected as exit enclosures that continue to the exterior
or protected from the interior of the building.
SECTION 1024
Section 10241 changed to read as follows
1024.1 General. Occupancies in Group A shall comply with this section.
SECTION 1025
Section 1025 1 change the last sentence of paragraph to read as follows
Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley yard or exit court.
Chapter 11
AVIATION FACILITIES
SECTION 1104
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
Section 11041 1 -.Add to read as follows
1104.1 1 Transferring fuel in hangars. Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be
dispensed into or removed from the fuel system of an aircraft within an aircraft hangar
Page 49
EXCEPTION When approved by the code official, fueling and de fueling of air
craft inside a repair hangar for the specific purpose of evaluating the integrity of the aircraft
fuel system may be conducted when sufficient safeguards are provided. These may include
enclosed secondary containment of the fueling system, vapor monitoring with automatic
shutoffs for the system, leak detection, drainage, spill control, and automatic fire protection
adequate to protect the hazard. Fueling and de fueling operations utilizing refueling units
are prohibited inside hangars.
Section 1104 3 -Change to read as follows
1104.3 Cleaning parts. Aircraft engines and parts of aircraft shall not be cleaned with Class I
or II liquids m an aircraft hangar or within 50 feet of another aircraft, building, or hangar unless
cleaning is in accordance with Section 3405.3 6
Chapter 14
FIRE SAFETY DURING
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
SECTION 1413
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Section 1413 1 -Change to read as follows
1413.1 Completion before occupancy In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is
required by this code or the Building Code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a build-
ing or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved.
Chapter 15
FLAMMABLE FINISHES
Page 50
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'qx.~ '-.. .w ..~, .,.. .. ... ...~-. ..,~.._.... .. _ ,.s:~ cam.,.... .,~a...e-~::,-...~-. _-;;-a,.~.-..
SECTION 1504
SPRAY FINISHING
Section 1504 6 -Change to read as follows
1504.6 Fire protection. New and existing spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by
an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9 which shall also
protect exhaust plenums, exhaust ducts, and both sides of dry filters when such filters are used.
For installation of automatic spnnklers in ducts, see Section 1504.2.5 and the Mechamcal Code.
Chapter 19
LUMBER YARDS AND WOODWORHING FACILITIES
Section 1903 2 2 -Add to read as follows
1903.2.2 Woodworking (or cabinet) shop. Where more than three fixed or table mounted
pieces of dust producing equipment exist, each fixed or table mounted piece shall be connected
to a dust collection system, in accordance with this section and Sections 510 and 511 of the Me
chamcal Code, and interconnected such that the dust collection is automatically activated when-
ever the equipment is on.
Chapter 23
HIGH PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
SECTION 2302
DEFINITIONS
Section 2302 - Add a second paragraph to the definition of High-Piled Combustible Storage
to read as follows
Any building classified as Storage Group S Occupancy exceeding 2,500 sq ft. that has a clear
height in excess of 12 feet, making it possible to be used for storage in excess of 12 feet, shall be
considered to be high-piled storage and shall comply with the provisions of this section. When a
specific product cannot be identified, a fire protection system shall be installed as for Class IV
commodities to the maximum pile height.
Page 51
SECTION 2306
GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY FEATURES
Section 2306 2 1 -Add to read as follows
2306.2.1 Speculative buildings. Speculative buildings that are greater than 12,000
square feet that measure 12 feet or more from the floor to the bottom of the roof system
shall be considered as containing Class IV commodities for the purpose of determining fire
protection.
Section 2306.41 add section to read as follows
2306.4.1 Group S Occupancy Building classified as S occupancy that exceeds 12,000
sq.ft. and has a clear height m excess of 12 feet, making it possible to be used for storage
in excess of 12 feet, shall be considered to be high-piled storage and shall comply with
the provisions of Chapter 23
Section 2306 8 -Change to read as follows
2306.8 Fire department hose connections. Where exit passageways are required by the
Building Code for egress, a Class I standpipe system shall be provided in accordance with Sec
tion 905 When approved by the code official, Class I standpipe'hose connections maybe located
at fire department access doors.
SECTION 2505
TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE
Section 25051- Change to read as follows
2505.1 Outdoor tire and tire byproduct storage. Outdoor tare and tare byproduct storage is
prohibited.
EXCEPTIONS
Outdoor tare storage maybe permitted when m conjunction with a tare rebuilding,
tare recapping, or tare handling operation and less than 50 tires are stored within
the boundary of any continuous properties owned by the same person or persons.
2 Outdoor tare storage may be permitted when m conjunction with atire-rebuilding,
tare recapping, or tare handling operation and 50 or more tires are stored within the
boundary of any contiguous properties owned by the same person or persons if
such tires are suitable for recappmg.or rebuilding and if•
Page 52
2 1 The ground surface covering m the areas used for and adjacent to stor
age areas or 60 feet in any direction are hard surfaced and kept free of
grass, weeds, debris, etc. and
2.2 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
2.3 Tires are not stored within fifty feet of any structure or property line;
and
2.4 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 m racks no
more than 50 feet m length and 10 feet m width with a minimum aisle
separation between racks of 10 feet, and
3 New or recapped tires displayed for purposes of sale.
Section 2505 2 -Delete.
Section 2505 3 -Delete.
Section 2505 4 -Delete.
Section 2505 S -Delete.
Section 2505 6 -Delete.
Section 2505 7 -Delete.
Section 2505 8 -Delete.
SECTION 2507
FENCING
Section 2507 -Delete.
Chapter 27
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 2703
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Page 53
Section 2703 61-Add to read as follows
2703.6.1 Sign size requirements. Signs required in Section 2703.5 and 2703 5 1 that are
located inside a building shall have text characters that are a minimum of four inches m
height. Signs required m Section 2703 5 and Section 2703.5 1 that are located outside of a
building shall have text characters that are a minimum of six inches m height.
Chapter 33
EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
SECTION 3301
GENERAL
Section 3301 1 3 -Change to read as follows
3301 1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of
fireworks are prohibited.
EXCEPTION The use of fireworks for display as permitted in Section 3308
Section 3301 21-Change to read as follows
3301.2.1 Sale and retail display No person shall construct a retail display nor offer for
sale explosives, explosive materials, or fireworks.
Sections 3301 2 2 and 3301 2 4 2-Delete.
Section 3301 8 -Add to read as follows
3301.8 Aiding minors to violate article. 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 con~unc
lion with, or m any manner instigate or aid a minor m the commission of possessing, selling, of
fering 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
Section 3301 9 -Add to read as follows
3301.9 Signaling devices. This article shall not apply to the possession or use of signaling de-
vices for current daily consumption by railroads, vessels and others requiring them, or to the pos-
session, sale, or use of normal stocks of flashlight compositions by photographers or dealers m
photographic supplies, or to the possession or use of flares or rockets for military or police pur
poses, or any auto flares, or paper caps containing not in excess of an average of twenty-five one
hundredths (25/100ths) of a gram of explosive content per cap, and toy pistols, toy canes, toy
Page 54
.. . ,,.
guns, or other devices for use of such caps, the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all
times.
Section 3301 10 -Add to read as follows
3301 10 Territorial applicability 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 hmrts for a distance of five thousand feet unless such
area is within the corporate hmrts of another municipality
SECTION 3308
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Section 3308 2 -Change to read as follows
3308.2 Fireworks application and permit. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess,
use, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, give away transport, or discharge fireworks of ariy descrip-
tion, provided, however that the code official shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and
regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by artisans m
pursuit of their trade. Every such use or display shall be handled by a competent operator ap-
proved by the code official, and shall be of such character and so located, discharged, or fired as
m the opinion of the code official after proper investigation so as not to be hazardous to property
or endanger any person. No permit granted shall be transferable.
The code official shall not approve any application for permit for supervised public display of
fireworks unless he or she finds that:
The applicant has filed m the City Secretary's Office a certificate showing the ap-
plicant has secured, and agrees to keep m force during the term of the permit, a
policy providing for bodily injury and property damage insurance m 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
2. That the applicant has covenanted and agreed in wasting to indemnify hold harm-
less, and defend at its own expense, the City of Fort Worth, it's officers, agents
and employees from and against any and all claims or suits for property damage
and/or personal m~ury including death, or whatsoever kind of character whether
real or asserted, arising out of, or m connection with, the execution, performance
or attempted performance of fireworks at a public display whether or not caused,
Page 55
in whole or m part, by alleged negligence of officers, agents or employees of the
City of Fort Worth, and the applicant hereby assumes all liability and responsibil
sty for any and all claims or suits for property damage and/or personal m~ury in-
cluding death, or whatsoever kind of character whether real or asserted, arising
out of, or in connection with, the execution, performance, or attempted perform
ance 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 covenants and agrees, and does hereby indemnify and hold
harmless the City of Fort Worth from and against any and all injuries, damage, or
destruction of City property arising out of or m connection with, directly or mdi
rectly all acts or omissions of applicant, his officers, agents, employees, contrac
tors, subcontractors or invitee, or caused by alleged negligence in whole or in part
by officers, agents or employees of the City and
3 The application for the permit was made m writing at least fifteen (15) days prior
to the date of display m accordance with Section 105 6 15 and
4 The applicant has included m the application for permit the names of the organs
zahon sponsoring the display together with the names of persons actually m
charge of the firing of the display and
5 The applicant has included m the application for permit the date and time of day
at which the display is to be held, and
6 The applicant has included m the application for permit the exact location planned
for the display and
7 The applicant has included m the application for the permit a description setting
forth the age, experience, and physical characteristics of the persons who are to do
the actual discharging of the fireworks, and
8 The applicant has included m application for permit the number and kinds of
fireworks to be discharged, and
9 The applicant has included m the application for permit the manner and place of
storage of such fireworks prior to the display and
10 The applicant has included m the application for the permit a diagram of the
grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fire
works are to be discharged, the location of the buildings, highways, and other
lines of communication, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained,
and the location of all nearby trees, communication or telephone fines, or other
overhead obstructions, and
11 The applicant has included m the application for permit all licenses and permits
issued and required by the Texas State Fire Marshal s Office.
Page 56
,~,,
Section 3308 21-Change to read as follows
3308.2.1 Displays. In addition to the requirements of Section 403 permit applications
for outdoor fireworks displays using Division 1.3G fireworks shall include the following:
The code official shall approve the application and issue the permit for the public
display of fireworks if he finds that: the applicant has complied with the applica-
ble provisions for this article; the discharge, failure to fire, faulty finng, or fall-out
of any fireworks or other objects will not endanger any person, buildings, struc
tures, forests, or brush, and the fireworks are tb be fired more than 200 feet from
the nearest building, public highway railroad, or other means of travel,: and 50
feet from the nearest above ground telephone or communication tine, tree, or
other overhead obstruction. In no case shall the code official issue a permit for a
display to be held within six hundred (600) feet of a school, theater church,. hos-
pital, or similar institution.
2 All fireworks that fire a projectile shall be so set up that the projectile will go into
the air as nearly as possible m 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 m such a manner that the falling residue from the projectile will fall
into said body of water
3 Any fireworks that remain unfired after the display is concluded shall be immedi
ately disposed of or removed m a manner safe for the particular type of fireworks.
The debns from the discharged fireworks shall be properly disposed of by the op-
erator before 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 m 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 penod of daylight
which follows.
4 No fireworks display shall be held dunng any windstorms m which the wind
reaches a velocity of more than twenty (20) miles per hour
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 code official.
6 The approval of any application and issuance of any permits by the code official
shall m no way be construed as an assumption of responsibility or liability by the
City for any damages or in~unes to persons or property ansmg out of or incident
to the discharge of fireworks at a public display
Section 330811- Delete
Page 57
Chapter 34
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
SECTION 3401
GENERAL
Section 3401 3 -Change to read as follows
3401.3 Referenced documents. The applicable requirements of Chapter 22, Chapter 27 other
chapters of this code, the Building Code, and the Mechanical Code pertaining to flammable liq
uids shall apply Installers of underground tanks should reference the guidelines of the informa-
tion booklet `Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids" published by the
Fire Department.
SECTION 3403
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Section 3403 6 - Add a sentence to read as follows
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and pip-
ing systems.
SECTION 3404
STORAGE
Section 3404 2 7 S S 1 -Change to read as follows
3404.2.7.5.5.1 Class 1 liquids. For Class I liquids other than crude oil and
asphalt, the fill pipe shall be designed and installed in a manner which will
minimize the possibrhty of generating static electricity by terminating wrthm 6
inches (152 mm) of the bottom of the tank.
Section 3404 2 9 4 1 -Add to read as follows
3404.2.9 4.1 Location of storage tanks inside buildings. Above-ground stor
age tanks for the storage of Class I, II„ or IIA liqurd motor fuels are allowed to be
located m buildings. Such tanks should be located m special enclosures comply-
ing with section 2206.2 6 m a liquid storage room or a liquid storage warehouse
complying with Chapter 34 or shall be listed and labeled as Protected Above
Ground Tanks.
Page 58
Section 3404 2 9 S -Change to read as follows
3404.2.9.5 Above-ground tanks outside of buildings. Above-ground tanks out
side of buildings shall comply with Sections 3404.2.9 5 1 through 3404.2.9 5 4
Section 3404 2 9 S 4 -Add to read as follows
3404.2.9.5.4 Above-ground storage tanks located outside, above grade.
Above ground tanks located above grade shall not be used for the storage of Class
I, II, or IIIA hgmd motor fuels except as provided by this section.
3404.2.9.5.4.1 Class I liquid motor fuels and fuels dispensed into mo-
tor vehicles. Above ground tanks used for outside, above grade storage
of Class I liquid motor fuels shall be listed and labeled as Protected
Above-Ground Tanks and be in accordance with Chapter 34 Above
ground tanks used for outside above grade storage of Class II and IIIA
hgmd motor fuel that is dispensed into motor vehicles (at a service station
type filling station) shall be listed and labeled as Protected Above-Ground
Tanks and be m accordance with Chapter 34
EXCEPTION
1 Double wall steel tanks with a capacity of 1000 gallons or less
of Class II or Class IIIA motor fuels may be allowed when ap-
proved by the code official and installed m accordance with Table
2206.2.3
3404.2.9.5.4.2 Class II or IIIA liquid motor fuels. Above ground tanks
used for above grade storage of Class II or IIIA liquid motor fuels are al
lowed to be protected above ground tanks or when approved by the code
official, other above-ground tanks that comply with Chapter 34 Tank lo-
cations shall be m accordance with Table 2206.2.3 Tanks containing mo-
tor fuels shall not exceed 12,000 gallons (45 420 L) m individual capacity
or 48 000 gallons (181 680 L) m aggregate capacity Installations with the
maximum allowable aggregate capacity shall be separated from other such
installations by not less than 100 feet (30401V1)
EXCEPTION
1 Non-protected secondary containment tanks installed in fixed
installations (such as fuel supply for emergency generators) with a
capacity of 1000 gallons or less may be installed with minimum
distance of 5 feet to a building and 15 feet to a property line as al
lowed in NFPA Table 2.3.2.1 1(b)
Section 3404 2 I1 S - Add a sentence to read as follows
Page 59
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground
tank and piping systems.
Section 3404 211 S 3 -Add to read as follows
3404.2.11.5.3 Dry sumps Approved sampling tubes of a minimum 6 inches in
diameter shall be installed in the backfill material of each underground flammable
or combustible liquid storage tank. The tubes shall extend from a point 12 inches
below the average grade of the excavation to ground level and shall be provided
with suitable surface access caps. Each tank site shall provide a sampling sump at
the corners of the excavation with a minimum of 4 sumps. Sampling tubes shall be
placed m the product line excavation wrthm ten (10) feet of the tank excavation and
one every fifty (50) feet routed along product fines toward the dispensers. A mini
mum of two are required.
.Section 3404 2 11 S 4 -Add to read as follows
3404.2.11.5.4 STP (sub-pumps) sumps and dispenser pans. Approved sumps
shall be installed around the sub-pumps and approved dispenser pans or sumps shall
be installed under the dispensers. The sumps around the sub-pumps shall be liquid
and vapor tight and shall be electronically monitored. The dispenser pans or sumps
shall be liquid tight and shall be electronically monitored.
Section 3404 211 S S -Add to read as follows
3404.2.11.5.5 Secondary containment. An approved method of secondary con-
tainment shall be provided for underground tank systems, including tanks, piping and
related components.
Section 3404 2 14 1 -Change to read as follows
3404.2.14.1 Removal. Removal of aboveground and underground tanks shall be in
accordance with all of the following:
1 Flammable and combustible liquids shall be removed from the tank and con-
nectmg piping.
2. Piping at tank openings which is not to be used further shall be disconnected.
3 Piping shall be removed from the ground.
Page 60
EXCEPTION Piping is allowed to be abandoned m place where the code official
determines that removal is not practical. Abandoned piping shall be capped and safe
guarded as required by the code official.
4 Tank openings shall be capped or plugged, leaving a 0 125 inch to 0.25-mch-
diameter (3.2 mm to 6 4 mm) opening for pressure equalization.
5 Tanks shall be purged of vapor and inerted prior to removal.
6 Before any tank is removed from a premise, the tank shall be labeled and the
manifest of transportation shall be filed with the Fire Department. The label
mg shall include the pnor contents of the tank, the address that the tank was
removed from, and the date that the tank was removed.
SECTION 3406
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Section 3406 S 4 Change to read as follows
3406.5.4 Dispensing from tank vehicles and tank cars. Dispensing from tank vehicles
and tank cars into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles shall be prohibited unless allowed by
and conducted m accordance with Sections 3406 5 4 1 through 3406 5 4.5 4 and appendix
K.
Sections 3406 S 4 S through 3406 S 4 S 4 Add to read as follows
3406.5.4.5 Commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing. Dispensing of
Class II and III motor vehicle fuel from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles
located at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments is al
lowed where permitted, provided such dispensing operations are conducted m accordance
with Sections with Sections 3406.5 4.5 1 through 3406 5 4 5 4
3406.5.4.5.1 Site requirements.
1 Dispensing may occur at sites that have been permitted to conduct mobile fueling.
2 A detailed plan shall be submitted with each application for a permit. The site
plan must indicate
a. all buildings, structures, and appurtenances on site and their uses or function,
b all uses adjacent to the property lines of the site;
c. the locations of all storm drain openings, adjacent waterways or wetlands,
d. information regarding slope, natural drainage, curbing, impounding and how a
spill will be retained upon the site property and,
e. the scale of the site plan.
Page 61
3 The Code Official is authorized to impose limits upon. the times and/or days dur
ing which mobile fueling operations are allowed to take place, and specific loca-
tions on a site where fueling is permitted.
4 Mobile fueling operations shall be conducted in areas not generally accessible to
the public
5 Mobile fueling shall not take place within 15 feet (4 572m) of buildings, property
lines, or combustible storage.
3406.5.4.5.2 Refueling Operator Requirements
1 The owner of a mobile fueling operations shall provide to the ~urisdichon a writ
ten response plan which demonstrates readiness to respond to a fuel spill, carry
out appropriate mitigation measures, and to indicate its process to properly dis-
pose of contaminated materials when circumstances require.
2. The tank vehicle shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 385 and Local,
State and Federal requirements. The tank vehicle s specific function shall include
that of supplying fuel to motor vehicle fuel tanks. The tank vehicle and rts
equipment shall be maintained in good repair
3 Signs prohibrtmg smoking or open flames within 25 feet (7 62m) of the tank vehi
cle or the point of fueling shall be prominently posted on 3 sides of the vehicle in-
cluding the back and both sides.
4 Afire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 40:BC shall be provided on the ve
hicle signage clearly indicating rts location.
5 The dispensing nozzles and hoses shall be of an approved and listed type.
6 The dispensing hose shall not be extended from the reel more than 100 feet
(30 48m) m length.
7 Absorbent materials, non-water absorbent pads, a 10 foot (3 048m) long contain-
ment boom, an approved container with lid, and anon-metallic shovel shall be
provided to mitigate a minimum 5 gallon fuel spill.
8 Tanker vehicles shall be equipped with a fuel limit switch such as a count back
switch, hmrtmg the amount of single fueling operation to a maximum of 500 gal
ions (1893 L) between resettmgs of the limit switch.
Exception Tankers utilizing remote emergency shut-off device capability
where the operator constantly Carnes the shut-off device which, when activated,
immediately causes flow of fuel from the tanker to cease
9 Persons responsible for dispensing operations shall be trained in the appropriate
mitigating actions m the event of a fire, leak, or spill. Training records shall be
maintained by the dispensing company and shall be made available to the Code
Official upon request.
10 Operators of tank vehicles used for mobile fueling operations shall have m their
possession at all times an emergency communications device to notify the proper
authorities in the event of an emergency
3406.5.4.5.3 Operational Requirements
Page 62
1 The tank vehicle dispensing equipment shall be constantly attended and operated
only by designated personnel who are trained to handle and dispense motor fuels.
2. Pnor to beginning dispensing operations, precautions shall be taken to assure igm
tion sources are not present.
3 The engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during dispensing opera-
tions.
4 Night time fueling operations shall only take place m adequately lighted areas.
5 The tank vehicle shall be positioned with respect to vehicles being fueled so as to
preclude traffic from driving over the delivery hose and between the tank vehicles
and the motor vehicle being fueled.
6 During fueling operations, tank vehicle brakes shall be set, chock blocks.shall be
in place and warning lights shall be in operations.
7 Motor vehicle fuel tanks shall not be topped off.
8 The dispensing hose shall be properly placed on an approved reel or in an ap-
proved compartment Pnor to moving the tank vehicle.
9 The Code Official and other appropriate authorities shall be notified when a re
portable spill'or unauthorized discharge occurs.
3406.5.4.5.4 Fees Not withstanding the requirements set forth in Section 105 the
fees for mobile refueling permits are as set forth m Appendix K.
Chapter 38
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
SECTION 3803
INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT
Section 3803 1 -Change to read as follows
3803.1 General. Liquefied petroleum gas equipment shall be installed in accordance with the
International Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 58, and `Safety Rules, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Provision
of the Railroad Commission of Texas LP Gas Division, Docket 1 except as otherwise provided
m this chapter
SECTION 3804
LOCATION OF CONTAINERS
Page 63
Section 3804 2 1-Add to read as follows
3804.2.1 Residence, Spa and pool heaters. Where natural gas service is not available,
LP gas containers are allowed to be used for the fuel supply Such containers shall not ex
ceed 500-gallon water capacity See Table 3804.3 for location of containers.
Chapter 45
REFERENCED STANDARDS
Change NFPA 72 reference as follows
NFPA 72, 2002Edrtion
Add to read as follows
NFPA 255 2000 Edition
NFPA 430 2000 Edition
Appendix A
Appendix A -Delete.
Appendix B
SECTION B105
FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
Section BIOS 1-Change to read as follows
B105.1 One- and two-family dwellings. The minimum fire flow requirements for one and
two- family dwellings that have a fire area which does not exceed 2,500 square feet shall be 750
gallons per minute, and 1 000 gallons per minute for fire areas 2,500 square feet up to 3,600
square feet. Fire flow and flow duration for dwellings that have a fire area m excess of 3 600
square feet shall not be less than that specified m Table B 105 1
EXCEPTION A reduction in required fire flow of 50 percent, as approved, is al
lowed where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler sys-
tem in accordance with Chapter 9 of the Fire Code
Page 64
'}P.'.. ' . A cv~~n
TT'eYvw~ryzY~.w pT. ~.z ..T~...r+.`: r:
Appendix C
Appendix C -Delete.
Appendix D
Appendix D -Delete.
Appendix F
Appendix F -Delete.
Appendix H-Create to read as follows
Appendix H
COMMERCIAL INSPECTIONS, OPERATIONAL PERMITS
AND FALSE ALARMS
SECTION H101
GENERAL
H101 1 The fire inspections for all commercial establishments (defined as all buildings, facih
ties, and structures, including but not limited to residential structures except one and two-family
residential dwellings) shall be m accordance with this Appendix and Section 105 Permits, and
Section 106, Inspections, of the Fire Code. The annual fire inspection of mobile home recrea-
tional vehicle parking facilities will be m accordance with Appendix J of this code.
SECTION H102
CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION
H102.1 General. A Certificate of Inspection will be issued by the fire department in accor
dance with Section 102 of this Appendix. A Certificate of Inspection will be issued only after all
inspection procedures have been followed m accordance with Section 103 of this Appendix, In-
spection Procedures, and all fees have been paid in accordance with Section 104 of this Appen-
dix, Fees for Inspections and Operational Permits.
H102.1 1 Required Certificate of Inspection for buildings less than four stories in
height. The occupant of every commercial establishment shall be required to have a valid
certificate of inspection.
EXCEPTION An owner or manager of a building less than four stones m height
may request that the building he/she manages or owns receive a valid Certificate of Inspec
tion for the entire building, structure, or facility including all tenants spaces. The building
Page 65
e . Y .. .~.. a '~'`:; "'C.: ~•rt::.. 'rsn
owner must provide after hours contact information that is current and acceptable for all
tenants in the building. The owner or his designee must have access to all tenant spaces in
case of an emergency Where there is a significant difference m occupancy classifications
among the tenant spaces, the chief reserves the authority to require separate Certificates of
Inspection for those spaces.
H102.1.2 Required Certificate of Inspection for buildings of four stories or more in
height. The owner building manager or property manager representative of any building
with four or more occupied floors existing above street level shall be required to have a
valid Certificate of Inspection for the entire building, structure, or facility
H102.2 Expiration. A Certificate of Inspection shall be valid until a subsequent inspection
takes place or until revoked, provided, however that possession of a Certificate of Inspection
shall not exempt a commercial establishment from remspection or citation for violations occur
ring during the period of time between inspections.
H102.3 Transfer of Certificate of Inspection. A Certificate of Inspection shall not be trans-
ferable, and any change in use or occupancy of the maJor portion of the building or operation
shall require a new Certificate of Inspection.
H1.02.4 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 rt authorizes is
lawful.
H102.5 Retention of Certificate of Inspection. Certificates of Inspection shall at all times be
kept on the premises designated therein and shall at all times be posted m a conspicuous location
and be subject to inspection by an officer of the fire or police department or other authorized per
sons.
H102.6 Revocation of Certificate of Inspection. Any Certificate of Inspection issued under
this code maybe suspended or revoked when it is determined by the chief that one or more of the
following has occurred.
The Certificate of Inspection was used by someone other than to whom rt was issued.
2. The Certificate of Inspection was used for a location other than that for which it was
issued.
3 Any of the conditions or limitations set forth m the certificate have been violated.
4 The possessor of the certificate fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with any order or
notice served upon him under the provisions of this code within the time period pro-
vided therein.
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5 There has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to a material fact m the
plans, specifications, or documentation on which the certificate was based.
6 There has been a change in the use or occupancy classification of the building for
which a Certificate of Inspection has been issued.
SECTION H104
FEES FOR INSPECTIONS AND OPERATIONAL PERMITS
H104.1 General. Fees for fire inspections and operational permits will be m accordance with
Section 104 of this Appendix. Fees for the inspection of mobile home and recreational vehicle
parking facilities will be m accordance with Appendix J of this code.
H104.2 Fees for fire inspections. Afire inspection fee will be charged not more than once per
calendar year for a fire inspection of all occupancies requiring a Certificate of Inspection as set
forth in Section 102 of this Appendix. These fees shall be paid before a Certificate of Inspection
is issued. The fees for fire inspection will be the sum of the base fee as set forth in Table H104 1
and the multiple-story fee as set forth in H104.2.1
Table H104.1 Base Fees for Fire Inspections
Number of Square Feet
of Floor Area in Building
or Business
Base Fee
Less than 5;000 $35 00
5,001 - 10,000 $40 00
10,001 - 25,000 $50 00
25,001 - 50,000 $65 00
50,001 - 75,000 $95 00
75,001 - 100,000 $125 00
Greater than 100 000 $125 00 plus $20 00 for each additional
50,000 s ft. or ortion thereof
H104.2.1 Multiple-story fee. An additional fee of $5 00 per floor will be added to the
base fee for inspection of buildings with four or more occupied floors above the street
level.
Page 67
H104.2.2 Shopping malls. 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 mdi
vidual tenant spaces will be assessed fees based on the square footage of the individual
space.
H104.3 Fees for operational permits. The fee for all operational permits will be as set forth m
Table H104.2 Fees for Mobile Fueling Permits will be m accordance with Appendix K.
Table H104.2
Fees for Operational Permits
IFC Section O erational Permit Fee Amount
105 61 Aerosol Products $50 00
105 6.2 Amusement Buildings $100 00
105 6.3 Aviation Facilities $50 00
105 6 5 Battery Systems $50 00
105 6 6 Cellulose nitrate film $50 00
105 6 7 Combustible Dust Producing O erations $50 00
105 6 8 Combustible Fibers $50 00
105 6 9 Com ressed Gases $50 00
105 6 11 Cryogenic Fluids $50 00
105 6 12 Cutting and Welding $50 00
105 6 15 Ex losives $50 00
105 6 17 Flammable and Combustible Li uids $50 00 Re air and u grades
105 6 18 Floor Finishing $50 00
105 6 19 Fruit and Crop Ri emng $50 00
105 6.20 Fumigation and Thermal Insecticide
Fogging $50 00
105 6.21 Hazardous Materials $250 00
105 6.22 HPM Facilities $250 00
105 6.23 High-Piled Storage $50 00
105 6.24 Hot Work O erations $50 00
105 6.25 Industrial Ovens $50 00
105 6.26 Lumber Yards and Woodworking Plants $250 00
105 6.27 Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehi
cles/E ui merit in Assembly Buildings $50 00
105 6.28 LP-Gas $50 00 Repairs and modifications
105 6.29 Magnesium $50 00
105 6.30, Miscellaneous Combustible Storage $50 00
105 6.31 Trench Burning $50 00
105 6 32 O en Flames and Torches $50 00
105 6.33 O en Flames and Candles $50 00
105 6.34 Organic Coatings $50 00
105 6.35 Places of Assembly $50 00 -Occupant Load < 300
$100 00 -Occupant Load 301 1000
Page 68
$250 - Occu ant Load > 1000
105 6.37 Pyrotechnic S ecial Effects Matenal $50 00
105 6 38 Pyroxylin Plastics $50 00
105 6 40 Repair Garages and Motor Fuel
Dispensing Facilities $50 00
105 6 41 Roofto Heh orts $50 00
105 6 42 S raying and Di ing $50 00
105 6 43 Storage of Scrap Tires and Tire Byprod
ucts $250 00
105 6 44 Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents,
and Cano ies $50 00
105 6 45 Tire Rebuilding Plants $50 00
105 6 46 Waste Handling $100 00
105 6 47 Wood Products $50 00
105 6 48 S ecial Operational Permit $50 00
105 6 49 Mobile Fueling See Appendix K
SECTION H105
FEES FOR FALSE ALARMS
H105.1 General. Fees will be assessed to commercial establishments for excessive false
alarms m accordance with Section 105 of this Appendix.
H105.2 Definitions. For the purpose of this Appendix the following definitions shall apply in
addition to those m Section 202, General Definitions, and Section 902, Definitions, of the Fire
Code.
H105.2.1 False alarm. For the purpose of this section, a false alarm is defined as an
alarm which causes the emergency response by the fire department and which is imhated
by one of the following:
1 Afire alarm system malfunction.
2. Improper maintenance of a fire alarm or an automatic fire suppression system.
3 Improper use or misuse of a fire alarm system or an automatic fire suppression
system.
4 Damage to a fire alarm system or automatic fire suppression system due to care
lessness while performing other procedures in the building.
Page 69
5 The imtiation of a fire alarm system dunng construction, pamhng, or other proce
dare m which care should have been taken to protect mrtiatmg devices from send-
ing afalse signal.
H105.3 Procedure. The procedure used to assess false alarm complaints and application of the
fees contained herein will be m accordance with Section H105.3
H105.3 1 Review of Incident Reports. False alarm incidents will be reviewed by the
Fire Prevention Bureau on a regular basis to determine if those incidents meet the cntena
stated in Section H105.2.1 of this Appendix.
H105.3.2 Notification. Upon the review of a false alarm incident report, a member of the
Fire Prevention Bureau will venfy the validity of the complaint. The owner or manager of
the premises m question will then be issued a wntten notice to take measures to correct any
problem that maybe causing the false alarms. The notice will state that future false alarms
at the referenced address, which occur wrthm twelve months of the ongmal complaint, will
cause the owner or manager of the establishment to be invoiced in accordance with Section
105 4 of this Appendix, Fees.
H105.3.3 Invoice for false alarms. An invoice will be mailed to any establishment for
all reported false alarms which occur after the written notification m accordance with Sec
tion 105.3.2 of this Appendix is issued, and which occur before a penod of twelve months
has passed since the wntten notification. The invoice will be m accordance with Section
105 4 of this Appendix, Fees.
H105.4 Fees. A fee in accordance with Table H105 1 will be assessed for each false alarm re
ported to the Fire Prevention Bureau after wntten notification is issued m accordance with Sec
tion 105.3.2 of this Appendix.
Table H105 1
Number of False Alarms in a 12
Month Period Fee Amount
1 - 2 No Fee /Warning
Only
3 $100 00
4 $200 00
5 $400 00
6 $800 00
7 $900 00
8 $1500 00
Page 70
SECTION H106
OVERPAYMENT OF FEES
H106.1 Overpayment of fees. All business owners requesting reimbursement of overpayments
on inspection fees must notify the Fire Department no later than one year from the actual date of
inspection. Requests must be written and mailed to Fire Administration -Revenue Group 1000
Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Telephone requests will not be accepted. The
request must contain appropriate documentation of overpayment, such as copies of both sides of
the canceled check. Requests must include the business name, address (including suite number if
applicable) and a contact person s name and telephone number
Appendix I -Create to read as follows
Appendix I
INSTALLATION OF FIRE SERVICE FEATURES,
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION
PERMITS
SECTION 101
GENERAL
I101.1 The installation of fire service features and fire protections systems shall be in accor
dance with this Appendix and Section 105 Permits, Section 106, Inspections, Section 503 Fire
Apparatus Access Roads, and Section 508, Fire Protection Water Supplies, of the Fire Code.
SECTION I102
FEES
I102.1 General. Upon application for a construction permit m accordance with Section 105
for fire protection systems, the applicant shall be required to pay all fees associated with the in-
stallation or tenant finish work as specified in Table I102 1
Page 71
I102.1 1 Pre-engineered extinguishing systems. Construction permit fees for these
systems shall be one half of the fees designated in Table I104 1 for `Other Suppression
Systems.
I102.2 Penalty Fees specified in Table I104 1 will be doubled if a contractor starts installa-
tion or tenant finish work without a valid permit.
I102.3 Additional plan review When the original plans have been reviewed and found to be
acceptable, an additional plan review fee of $150 00 shall be charged to the fire protection sys-
tem contractor for each additional plan revtew conducted.
I102.4 Resubmittal plan review When the original plans have been reviewed and found to
be unacceptable, a fee equivalent to one-half of the permit fee will be charged for the second
plan review and each subsequent review until the plans are found to be acceptable.
TABLE I102.1
FEES BASED ON TYPE OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
TYPE PERMIT FEES OTHER FEES
New Sprinkler Installations:
11 to 20 sprinklers $225 00
21 to 100 sprinklers $375.00
$75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
Over 100 sprinklers $375 00 plus $75 00 for each addi- tional inspections after 2 inspection.
tional 100 sprinklers fraction
thereof in ess of 100
With fire pump $375 00 additional
With foam $75.00 additional
Each additional floor $60 00
New Underground Installation $150 00 $75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
tional ins ections after 2 ins ection.
New Fire Alarm Installation.
1 to 4 initiating devices $225 00
5 to 25 total devices $375 00
$75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
Over 25 total devices $375 00 plus $75 00 for each addi- tional inspections after 1 inspection.
tional 100 devices fraction
thereof in excess of 25
Page 72
Each additional panel $60 00
Each additional floor $60 00
Other New Suppression Systems:
(Halon, CO2i Dry Chermcal, FM
200, Intergen, etc.)
1 to 5 nozzles $375.00 $75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
Over 5 nozzles tional inspections after 1 inspection.
$375 00 plus $50 00 per nozzle over
5 nozzles.
Bottle $45 er bottle
New Standpipe Systems:
1 to 3 rs $525 00
4 or more isers $750 00 $75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
With fire um
$375 00 additional tional inspections after 2 inspection.
Existing Standpipe Systems
Tests:
Testing by Fire Dept. Not applicable
1 to 3 isers
$450 test fee
4 or more isers $600 test fee
T sting by others:
1 to 3 risers
$50 witness fee
4 or more isers $100 witness fee
New Smoke Control Systems $375.00 $75 00 per hour fee for any addi-
tional ins ections after 1 ms ection.
Compressed Gas Tanks (Installa- $100 00
tion -See 105 7.2
Flammable and Combustible $250 00
Liquids Tanks (Installation and
Removal See 105 7.5
Hazardous Materials Facility $250 00
(Installation /Construction) See -
01576
Industrial Ovens -See 105 7 7 $50 00
LP Gas Tanks/F ilities (Installa- $50 00
tion -See 105 7.8
Private Fire Hydrants (Installa- $50 00
tion -See Y05 7.9
Temporary Membrane Struc $50 00
ture, T nts, and Canopies (Con-
struction -See 105 7 12
Access Control Systems
1 to 4 devices $ I50 00
5 to 25 devices $200 00
More than 25 devices $200 00 Plus $75 00 for ch 100
Page 73
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devices over 25 fraction thereof.
Create Appendix J as follows
Appendix J
MOBILE HOME AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS
SECTION J101
GENERAL PROVISIONS
J101 1 Definitions. For the purpose of this division,. certam words and phrases are defined
and certam provisions shall be construed as set forth herein, unless rt is apparent from the context
that a different meaning is intended. When terms are not defined in this section, they shall have
the meanings set forth in Article 2 of the Fire Code.
ARTERIAL STREET An internal street m a recreational vehicle park that services more than
two hundred (200) lots, without limitation on its length.
COLLECTOR STREET An internal street m a recreational vehicle park, other than a minor
street, that services up to two hundred (200) lots, without limitation on its length.
CONSTRUCTION PLAN A graphic representation, drawn to scale, m a horizontal plane, de
hneatmg the outline of the land included m the plan and all proposed use locations, with accurate
dimensions indicating the relation of each use to that adjomrng and to the boundary of the prop-
erty
DRIVEWAY A minor entranceway off an internal street of a mobile home park into an off
street parking area serving one (1) or more manufactured homes.
HOT WATER. Water with a temperature at the outlet of no less than one hundred ten (110)
degrees Fahrenheit.
HUD-CODE MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure constructed on or after June 15 1976,
according to the rules of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight (8) body feet or more
m width or forty (40) body feet or more m length, or when erected on site, is three hundred
twenty (320) or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be
used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utih
ties, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-condrtiomng, and electrical systems. The term does
not include a recreational vehicle as that term is defined by 24 CFR § 3282 8(g).
INTERNAL STREET A private way which affords the principal means of access to lots or
auxiliary buildings within a mobile home park or recreational vehicle park.
Page 74
LOT A plot of ground within a mobile home park or recreational vehicle park as indicated on
the construction plan, which is designed to accommodate one (1) manufactured home or recrea-
tional vehicle respectively
MANUFACTURED HOME. A HUD-code manufactured home or a mobile home and collec
tively means and refers to both.
MANUFACTURED HOME ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. Any structural addition to a
manufactured home or mobile home park lot which includes awnings, cabanas, carports, Florida
rooms, porches, ramadas, storage cabinets and buildings, and similar appurtenant structures.
MINIMUM BUILDING STANDARDS CODE. That article of the `Buildings" chapter of the
City Code so designated.
MINOR STREET An internal street m a recreational vehicle park that is less than five hun-
dred (500) feet m length and that services fifty (50) or fewer drive-through lots zf the street is
one way twenty-five (25) or fewer lots if the street is one way and vehicles must back into or
out of lots, one hundred (100) lots or fewer if the street is two-way or fifty (50) lots or fewer if
the street is two-way and vehicles must back into or out of lots.
MOBILE HOME. A structure that was constructed before June 15 1976 transportable m one
(1) or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight (8) body feet or more m width or
forty (40) body feet or more in length, or when erected on site, is three hundred twenty (320) or
more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwell
mg with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and in-
cludes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems.
MOBILE HOME PARK. A unified development of lots arranged on a tract of land under
common ownership, which has been planned and improved for the placement of two (2) or more
manufactured homes for non-transient occupancy
OFF-STREET PARHING SPACE. An area a minimum of nine (9) feet m width and eighteen
(18) feet m length which is designed for the parking of a motor vehicle, which is located upon a
mobile home park lot or within a common parking and storage area, and which has unobstructed
access to an internal street.
PERMANENT FOUNDATION A manufactured home stand constructed per the requirements
of the Texas Department of Labor and Standards.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A vehicle which is (a) built on a single chassis, (b) four hun-
dred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections, (c) self
propelled or permanently towable by an automobile or light duty truck; (d) designed primarily
not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping,
travel, or seasonal use; and (e) required by Texas law to have a valid vehicle registration when
traveling upon public streets. It shall not include a manufactured home.
Page 75
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK. A unified development on a tract of land under com-
mon ownership designed primarily for transient service, on which recreational vehicles of the
general public are parked or situated.
SCREENING DEVICE. (a) a masonry or wooden wall or fence, (b) a woven wire or chain link
fence with weather resistant steps woven through the mesh to form a solid screen, (c) a woven
wire or chain link fence with evergreen shrubs forming a sight screen, or (d) a solid evergreen
hedge forming a sight screen.
SERVICE BUILDING. A structure housing toilet, lavatory and such other facilities as maybe
required by this division.
SEWER CONNECTION The connection consisting of all pipes, fittings, and appurtenances
from the dram outlet of a manufactured home or recreational vehicle to the inlet of the corre
sponding sewer service riser pipe of the sewage system servicing a mobile home park or recrea-
tional vehicle park.
SEWER SERVICE RISER PIPE. That portion of a sewer service which extends vertically to
the ground elevation and terminates at a lot.
WATER CONNECTION The connection consisting of all pipes, fittings, and appurtenances
from the water user pipe to the water inlet pipe of the distribution system within a manufactured
home or recreational vehicle.
WATER RISER PIPE. That portion of the private water system serving a mobile home or rec-
reational vehicle park, which extends vertically to the ground elevation and terminates at a des-
lgnatedpoint at a lot.
ZONING ORDINANCE. The comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City of Fort Worth.
SECTION J201
MOBILE HOME PARK STANDARDS
J201 1 Applicability Except as provided by Section 2 of this Division, all mobile home
parks and manufactured homes shall be constructed and maintained m accordance with this diva
Sion, the minimum Building Standards Code, and all other applicable provisions of the City
Code. If the provisions of this Division and the provisions of Appendix E of the Plumbing Code
conflict, the more restrictive provision shall take precedence. Any reference to `mobile home
elsewhere in the City Code shall mean `manufactured home as defined by this appendix.
J201.2 Development requirements.
This section applies to the construction and maintenance o£
1 1 All mobile home parks built after May 18, 1970• and
Page 76
1.2 All extensions or additions made after May 18, 1970 to any mobile home
park.
2 A mobile home park or portion of a mobile home park regulated by this section shall
be constructed and maintained m compliance with the following:
1 1 Location. A mobile home park shall have no less than thirty (30) manufac
tared home lots and shall be located only on sites zoned for mobile home
parks. pursuant to the zoning ordinance.
1.2 Minimum site requirements.
J201.2.1 Each lot shall provide a minimum area of thirty five hundred (3,500) square
feet; however no lot shall have dimensions less than forty (40) feet on the narrow dimen-
sion or eighty (80) feet on the long dimension.
J201.2.2 Setbacks and space requirements
1 Front yard setback. On each lot, the minimum front yard setback for manufac
tared homes shall be ten (10) feet from the nearest corner of the manufactured
home to the nearest boundary line of the internal street. On each lot, the minimum
front yard setback for manufactured home accessory structures shall be ten (10)
feet from the nearest corner of a manufactured home accessory structure to the
nearest boundary line of the internal street.
2 No manufactured home shall be closer than ten (10) feet to any property line nor
closer than twenty five (25) feet to the property line ad~oinmg a public street.
3 The minimum distance between manufactured homes at any point shall be ten
(10) feet.
J201.2.3 Height regulations for occupied structures
1 The height limit for any structure intended for occupancy m the mobile home park
shall be thirty five (35) feet.
2 The average height of the manufactured home frame above the ground elevations,
measured at ninety (90) degrees to the frame, shall not exceed three (3) feet.
J201.2.4 Exposed ground surfaces shall be paved, covered with stone screenings or other
solid material, or protected with a vegetative growth that is capable of preventing soil ero-
sion and elimination of dust.
J201.2.5 All ground surfaces shall be graded and equipped to drain all surface water in a
safe and efficient manner
Page 77
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J201.2.6 Unless provided m current manufactured home models, storage facilities with a
minimum capacity of two hundred (200) cubic feet per lot maybe provided on the lot or m
compounds located within one hundred (100) feet of each lot. Where provided, storage fa-
cilities shall be designed m a manner that will enhance the appearance of the park and shall
be faced with masonry porcelainized steel, baked enamel steel or other material equal in
fire resistance, durability and appearance.
J201.2.7 The area of each lot shall provide adequate support and drainage for place-
ment of a manufactured home.
SECTION J202
PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
J202.1 At each mobile home park, no more than one (1) existing residential structure may be
retained or one (1) new residential structure constructed for occupancy by the owner or operator
of the park.
J202.2 An existing residential structure located on a mobile home park may be converted to a
clubhouse, community center or service building for use by the residents of the mobile home
park. A structure so converted shall meet Building Code standards for public occupancy applica-
ble to the proposed use
J202.3 Internal streets and parking.
J202.3.1 Internal streets and all traffic control devices and street name signs within a
mobile home park shall be privately owned, built, and maintained. Internal streets shall be
designed for safe and convenient access to all spaces and to common facilities.
J202.3.2 Internal streets shall be kept open and free of obstruction to allow emergency
vehicles to have access to all areas of the mobile home park.
J202.3.3 Internal streets in a mobile home park shall be constructed and maintained to
specifications established by City Code. They shall be kept free of cracks, holes, and other
hazards. Internal streets shall be designed by a professional engineer m accordance with
good engineering practices, and such design shall be approved by the chief before acon-
struchonpermit is issued for a mobile home park.
J202.3.4 Except when the requirements of Chapter 5 of the Fire Code are more strict,
internal street dimensions and on- and off-street parking shall conform to the following
minimum requirements.
4 1 An internal street or common address route shall be provided to each lot. In-
ternal streets shall be continuous and connect with other internal streets or
with public streets, or shall be provided with a cul-de sac having a minimum
diameter of one hundred (100) feet. An internal street ending m a cul-de-sac
shall not exceed five hundred (500) feet m length.
Page 78
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4.2 An internal street roadway shall have a minimum width of thirty (30) feet if
each lot to which it provides access contains a minimum of two (2) off-street
parking spaces. On-street parking shall be permitted on one (1) side of the
street.
4.3 An internal street roadway shall have a minimum width of thirty-six (36) feet
if any lot to which it provides access contains one (1) or no off-street parking
spaces. On-street parking shall be permitted on both sides of the street.
4 4 On all sections of an internal street where parking is prohibited under this sec
lion, the owner or operator of the mobile home park shall erect and maintain
traffic control signs and street markings prohibiting parking pursuant to the
requirements of Chapter 5 of the Fire Code.
4.5 Each off-street parking space shall be hard-surfaced with all-weather material,
and located to ehmmate interference with access to parking areas provided for
other manufactured homes and public parking in the mobile home park.
4 6 All internal streets shall be named, and all manufactured homes shall be num
bered to conform with block numbers on adjacent public streets. All street
name signs and house numbers shall be of reflective material. Street name
signs shall be of a color and size contrasting with those used for public streets.
Street name signs and address numbers shall comply with Fire Code require
merits for size and placement.
4 7 Internal streets shall intersect ad~ommg public streets at approximately ninety
(90) degrees and at locations which will ehmmate or minimize interference
with traffic on such public streets.
4 8 Each mobile home park shall contain a common usage off-street parking area
or areas with an aggregate minimum total of one hundred fifty (150) square
feet per lot in the park.
4.9 Each internal street shall be provided with street lighting. Light standards shall
have a height and spacing to ensure an average illumination level of not less
than 0.2 foot candles.
4 10 A person commits an offense if the person parks a vehicle m violation of a
sign or markings posted pursuant to this section.
SECTION J203
TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES
J203.1 Each mobile home park tenant shall maintain the tenant's manufactured home and lot in
compliance with the following:
Page 79
J203.1.1 The manufactured home shall be properly placed on its stand and anchored to a
permanent foundation. All uhhhes shall be properly installed m accordance with the in-
structions of the park's owner or operator and in accordance with the City Code. The build-
ing official has the nght to refuse to issue all permits to hook a manufactured home up to
utilities until the tenant or owner or operator of the park shows proof that the manufactured
home has been anchored in accordance with state regulations.
J203.1.2 A noncombustible skirting shall be installed around the manufactured home.
Such skirting may include any vents, screens, and/or openings necessary for utility and me
chanical system hookups.
J203.1.3 The skirting, and any porches, stairways, awnings and other additions shall be
constructed, installed, and maintained in good repair All requirements of the Building
Code pertaining to single family dwellings for like structures or additions shall be applica-
ble
J203.1.4 The space beneath a manufactured home shall not be used for storage.
J203.2 A person commits an offense if the person is a mobile home park tenant and knowingly
fails to maintain the person s manufactured home and lot in compliance with this section.
J203.3 A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a mobile home park and
knowingly allows or suffers a violation of this section by a tenant.
SECTION J204
WATER SUPPLY
J204.1 An accessible, adequate, safe and potable supply of water under pressure shall be pro-
vided meach mobile home park for domestic purposes. Connection shall be made to the public
water system.
J204.2 The water supply system of a mobile home park shall be connected by pipes to all
manufactured homes, buildings, and other facilities requiring water with water flowing under
pressure to each connection at all times.
J204.3 Service lines, valves, and user pipes shall be insulated pursuant to the Plumbing Code.
SECTION J205
SEWAGE DISPOSAL
J205.1 Each mobile home park shall be provided with a sewage disposal system that complies
with all federal, state, and local laws. Septic tanks for the disposal of sewage shall not be permit
ted.
Page 80
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J205.2 Each manufactured home stand shall be provided with a sewer user pipe conforming to
each of the following requirements
J205.2.1 The pipe shall have a minimum diameter of four (4) inches.
J205.2.2 The pipe shall be located on each stand so that the sewer connection to the
manufactured home dram outlet will approximate a vertical position.
J205.2.3 The pipe shall be plugged when no manufactured home occupies the space.
J205.2.4 Surface drainage shall be diverted away from the pipe
SECTION J206
ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICE
J206.1 All electrical wiring, power distribution lines, and telephone lines m a mobile home
park shall be installed underground and in compliance with the Electrical Code.
SECTION J207
GAS SERVICE
J207.1 At each lot provided with piped gas the outlet shall be equipped with an approved cut
off when not in use so as to prevent accidental discharge of gas.
J207.2 Liquefied petroleum gas systems may be installed only if an available natural gas sys-
tem is more than one thousand (1 000) feet from the mobile home park.
SECTION J208
RECREATIONAL AREAS
J208.1 Each mobile home park shall have at least one (1) recreation area which conforms to
the following:
J208.1 1 A minimum of five (5) percent of the gross site area of the park shall be devoted
to recreational facilities, and located m a central location. [In large mobile home parks, the
recreation area(s) may be decentralized.] Community buildings and community use facile
ties, including adult recreation and child play areas, swimming pools, and drying yards,
may be included m computing the area of recreational facilities. However vehicle parking
areas shall not be used in such computation.
J208.1.2 When playground space for children is provided, rt shall be protected from traf
fic, thoroughfares and parking areas. It shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and free
of safety hazards.
Page 81
J208.1.3 A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a mobile home park
and knowingly fails to build, operate, or maintain the park m compliance with this section.
SECTION J209
FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION
J209.1 Each mobile home park owner or operator shall ensure that its park staff is instructed in
the use of park fire protection equipment and in the staffs specific duties in the event of a fire.
J209.2 The fire chief may make panted safety instructions available to all mobile home park
owners or operators for distribution to their tenants.
SECTION J210
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES IN MOBILE HOME PARKS
J210.1 A maximum of five (5) percent of the gross area of a mobile home park may be deli
Gated to overnight or short term use by recreational vehicles.
J210.2 Such portion of the mobile home park shall be clearly delineated and shall comply with
all requirements of this appendix for recreational vehicle parks except the requirement of a
minimum number of spaces.
J210.3 A person commits an offense if the person knowingly occupies a recreational vehicle in
a mobile home park m excess of a total of fourteen (14) days within any six-month period.
J210.4 A person commits an offense if the person owns or operates a mobile home park and
knowingly allows or suffers a violation of this section by another person.
SECTION J301
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK STANDARDS
J301.1 Applicability All recreational vehicle parks shall be constructed and mamtamed m
accordance with this appendix, the minimum Building Standards Code, and all other applicable
provisions of the City Code. If the provisions of this appendix and the provisions of Appendix E
of the Plumbing Code conflict, the more restrictive provision shall take precedence.
J301.2 Development requirements. Except when otherwise approved by the city as part of a
planned development, all recreational vehicle parks and extensions and additions to recreational
vehicle parks shall be constructed and mamtamed m compliance with the following require
merits.
J301.2.1 Location. A recreational vehicle park shall have a minimum of fifty (50) rec
reational vehicle spaces.
J301.2.2 Minimum site requirements
Page 82
2.1 A recreational vehicle park shall not exceed a density of twenty five (25) lots
per acre of gross site area.
2.2 Each lot shall have a minimum of one thousand (1 000) square feet.
J301.2.3 Recreational vehicles shall be separated from each other and from all other
structures by at least ten (10) feet. For the purposes of such measurement, any accessory to
a recreational vehicle, such as an awning or individual storage facility shall be considered
as part of the recreational vehicle.
J301.2.4 No recreational vehicle shall be closer than twenty (20) feet to the property line
ad~oimng a public street, nor closer than fifteen (15) feet to any property line on which the
abutting property is zoned A (one family residential) through D (apartment) as defined m
the Zoning Ordinance.
J301.2.5 Each lot shall provide adequate support and drainage for the placement of the
recreational vehicle.
J301.2.6 Exposed ground surfaces m all parts of a recreational vehicle park shall be
paved, covered with stone screening or other solid material, or protected with a vegetative
growth that is capable of preventing soil erosion and elimination of dust.
J301.2.7 The ground surface in all parts of a recreational vehicle park shall be graded and
equipped to drain all surface water m a safe and efficient manner
SECTION J302
PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
J302.1 At each recreational vehicle park, no more than one (1) existing residential structure
may be retained or one (1) new residential structure constructed for occupancy by the owner or
operator of the park.
J302.2 An existing residential structure located on a recreational vehicle park may be con-
verted to a clubhouse, community center or service building for use by the guests of the park. A
structure so converted shall meet Building Code standards for public occupancy applicable to the
proposed use.
SECTION J303
INTERNAL STREETS AND PARKING
J303.1 Internal streets and all traffic control devices and street name signs wrthm a recreational
vehicle park shall be privately owned, built, and maintained. Internal streets shall be designed for
safe and convenient access to all lots and to common facilities. If any portion of the recreational
vehicle park is intended for overnight occupancy only the internal streets should be arranged to
accommodate drive through lots.
Page 83
J303.2 Internal streets shall be kept open and free of obstruction to allow emergency vehicles
to have access to all areas of the recreational vehicle park.
J303.3 Internal streets shall be constructed and maintained to specifications established by City
Code. They shall be kept free of cracks, holes, and other hazards. Internal streets shall be de
signed by a professional engineer m accordance with good engineering practices, and shall be
approved by the fire chief before a construction permit is issued for the park.
J303.4 Except when the requirements of Chapter 5 of the Fire Code are more strict, internal
street dimensions and on-street parking shall conform to the following minimum requirements
J303.4.1 Minor street roadways shall have minimum widths as follows
No parking .20 feet
Parking one side only .28 feet
Parking both sides 36 feet
J303.4.2 Collector street roadways shall have minimum widths as follows
No parking .24 feet
Parking one side only .29 feet
Parking both sides .36 feet
J303.4.3 Arterial street roadways shall have the same minimum widths as collector
streets. Additionally arterial streets shall be provided with sidewalks to ehmmate the use of
the roadways by pedestrians.
J303.4.4 Dead-end streets shall be no longer than five hundred (500) feet, and shall be
provided at the closed end with a turnaround having a diameter of not less than one hun-
dred (100) feet.
J303.4.5 Entrances and exits to a recreational vehicle park shall be designed for safe and
convenient traffic movement from adjacent public streets onto internal streets. Entrances
and exits from a recreational vehicle park shall not be through a residentially zoned distract,
nor require traffic movement to or from the park through a residentially zoned district.
J303.4.6 On all sections of an internal street where parking is prohibited under this sec-
tion, the owner or operator of the recreational vehicle park shall erect and maintain traffic
control signs and street markings prohibiting parking pursuant to the requirements of Chap-
ter 5 of the Fire Code.
J303.4.7 Each internal street shall be provided with street hghtmg. Light standards shall
have a height and spacing to ensure an average illumination level of not less than 0.2 foot
candles.
Page 84
J303.4.8 A person commits an offense if the person parks a vehicle m violation of a sign
posted pursuant to this section.
SECTION J304
USE OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLE LOTS
J304.1 Recreational vehicle park lots shall be occupied only by recreational vehicles.
J304.2 Lots shall be rented only on a daily or weekly basis.
J304.3 The owner or operator of a recreational vehicle park shall not permit a guest or a rec
reational vehicle to remain m the park longer than sixty (60) consecutive days.
SECTION J305
WATER SUPPLY
J305.1 An accessible, adequate, safe and potable supply of water under pressure shall be pro-
vided meach recreational vehicle park for domestic purposes. Connection shall be made to the
public water system.
J305.2 The water supply system of a recreational vehicle park shall be connected by pipes to
all lots, buildings, and other facilities requiring water with water flowing under pressure to each
connection at all times.
J305.3 Service lines, valves, and user pipes shall be insulated pursuant to the requirements of
the Plumbing Code.
SECTION J306
SEWAGE DISPOSALS
J306.1 Each recreational vehicle park shall be provided with a sewage disposal system that
complies with all federal, state, and local laws. Septic tanks for the disposal of sewage shall not
be permitted.
J306.2 Individual sewer connections shall conform to the following:
J306.2.1 If individual sewer connections are provided, they shall consist of at least a
four inch (4 ') diameter sewer user pipe. A sewer user pipe located at a lot shall be in-
stalled so that the sewer connection to the recreational vehicle dram outlet will be func
tional and sanitary
J306.2.2 Sewer riser pipes shall be plugged when a recreational vehicle does not occupy
the lot.
J306.2.3 Surface drainage shall be diverted away from the riser pipe.
Page 85
SECTION J307
ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICE
J3071 Each recreational vehicle park shall contain an electrical wrong system installed and
maintained in compliance with the Electrical Code.
J307.2 All electrical wiring, main power distribution fines, and telephone fines shall be m-
stalled underground.
J307.3 Individual electrical connections provided at recreational vehicle spaces shall include
an approved disconnecting device and overcurrent protective equipment.
J307.4 A public telephone shall be installed and maintained in each recreational vehicle park,
located in a well lighted area, and accessible to park guests twenty four (24) hours a day seven
(7) days a week.
SECTION J308
NATURAL GAS SYSTEMS
J308.1 Each recreational vehicle park lot provided with piped gas shall have an approved man-
ual shutoff valve installed upstream of the gas outlet. The outlet shall be equipped with an ap-
proved cutoff to prevent accidental discharge of gas when the outlet is not m use.
SECTION J309
SERVICE AND AUXILIARY BUILDINGS
J309.1 This section shall apply to all service buildings, recreation buildings, management of
faces, repair shops, storage areas, sanitary facilities, laundry facilities, indoor recreation areas,
commercial buildings supplying essential goods or services for park tenants, and other similar
buildings m recreational vehicle parks.
J309.2 All service and auxiliary buildings shall be located to be convenient to the recreational
vehicle lots they service and shall be kept clean.
J309.3 Each park shall contain one (1) or more service buildings providing separate sanitary
facilities for men and women.
J309.3.1 No lot space shall be located farther than five hundred (500) feet from such a
service building.
J309.3.2 The entrances to such buildings shall be clearly marked to show which gender
the facilities serve.
Page 86
..:.
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J309.3.3 Fixtures shall be provided at the following ratio per twenty (20) lots or fraction
thereof:
Toilets Men (1) /Women (2)
Urinals Men (1)
Lavatories Men (1) /Women (1)
Showers Men (1) /Women (1)
J309.3.4 Each building providing sanitary fixtures shall contain at least one (1) slop sink.
J309.3.5 If male and female sanitary facilities are housed within the same structure, they
shall be separated by walls extending from the floor to the ceiling.
J309.3.6 Toilets shall be located in separate compartments equipped with self-closing
doors. Shower stalls shall be individual and equipped with self-closing doors. If dressing
compartments are provided, each compartment shall be equipped with a stool or a bench.
The rooms shall be screened to prevent direct view of the interior when the exterior doors
are open.
J309.4 Hot and cold water shall be furnished to every lavatory sink, bathtub shower and
laundry fixture. Cold water shall be furnished to every water closet and urinal.
J309.5 Illumination levels shall be maintained as follows
J309.5.1 General seeing tasks. Five (5) foot candles.
J309.5.2 Laundry room work area. Forty (40) foot candles.
J309.5.3 Toilet room, m front of mirrors Forty (40) foot candles.
J309.6 Each recreational vehicle park shall contain waste disposal stations for the sole purpose
of removing and disposing of wastes from recreational vehicle holding tanks m a clean, efficient
and convenient manner The design of these stations is subject to the approval of the director of
the Department of Water Except as provided in subsection (g), waste disposal stations shall meet
the following:
J309.6.1 Each waste disposal station shall consist of a drainage basin constructed of im
pervious material, containing a disposal hatch and self-closing cover and related washing
facilities. Such units shall be provided on the basis of one (1) for every one hundred (100)
lots or fraction thereof.
J309.6.2 Waste disposal stations shall be located a minimum of fifty (50) feet from any
lot. They shall be blocked from view by a screening device.
Page 87
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J309.6.3 The disposal hatch of each waste disposal station umt shall be connected to the
park sewage disposal system. Facilities for washing holding tanks and the station area shall
be connected to the park water supply system.
J309 7 In lieu of or m addition to community waste disposal stations, a recreational vehicle
park may provide waste disposal facilities at each lot. The design of such facilities shall comply
with all applicable city codes, and shall be subject to the approval of the building official and the
director of the Department of Water
SECTION J310
FIRE SAFETY INSTRUCTION
J310.1 Each recreational vehicle park owner or operator shall ensure that its park staff is in-
structed mthe use of park fire protection equipment and m their specific dunes m the event of a
fire.
J310.2 The chief may make printed safety instructions available to all recreational vehicle park
owners or operators for distribution to their guests.
SECTION J401
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
J401.1 A person commits an offense if the person knowingly constructs, alters, or extends a
mobile home park or recreational vehicle .park without a valid permit to do so issued by the
building official.
J401.2 Applications for construction permits shall be made on standard forms provided by the
building official, and shall contain at a minimum the following:
J401.2.1 Name and address of applicant;
J401.2.2 Location and legal description of the park; and
J401.2.3 Two (2) copies of a construction plan conforming with the requirements of Sec
lion 2 of this Division, and drawn at a minimum scale of•
3 1 One (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet for sites under thirty (30) acres or
3.2 One (1) inch equals two hundred (200) feet for sites of thirty (30) acres or more.
J401.3 The application shall be accompanied by a permit fee calculated by the building official
as required by the pertinent codes.
J401.4 The building official may not issue a permit to the applicant until the building official
has reviewed the application for a permit and is satisfied that the proposed plan meets the re-
quirements of this appendix.
Page 88
J401.5 If the building official determines that a permit should be denied, the building official
shall notify the applicant of the decision. The applicant may appeal the denial to the Construction
and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals pursuant to the procedure set forth in the Building Code
J401.6 A permit is subject to the terms and conditions of the Building Code.
SECTION J402
CONSTRUCTION PLAN
J402.1 A construction plan shall show the following:
The area and dimensions of the tract of land, idenhf}nng its location and bounda-
ries,
2. The number location, and size of all manufactured home and recreational vehicle
lots,
3 The location, width, and specifications of driveways, roadways, and walkways,
4 The location and details of lighting, public telephones, and electrical and gas sys-
tems,
The location and specifications of water and sewer lines and sewer service riser
pipes,
6 The location and specifications of all buildings constructed or to be constructed
within the park;
7 Existing and proposed topography of the park;
8 The location of fire mains including the size of the main, fire hydrants, and fire
extinguishment equipment, and available fire flow and
9 Such other information as maybe reasonably required by the departments review
mg the construction plan.
SECTION J403
MODIFICATION OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
J403.1 In addition to its authority under the Building Code, the Construction and Fire Preven-
tion Board of Appeals may authorize m specific cases a modification of certain requirements of
this appendix, as enumerated m subsection (c) of this section, if such modification is not contrary
to the public interest. In reaching its decision, the board shall determine that a literal enforcement
of the regulations will create an unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty in the development
Page 89
of the affected property that the situation causing the unnecessary or practical difficulty is
unique to the affected property and is not self imposed, that the relief sought will not inure the
permitted use of adjacent property and that the granting of the modification will be in harmony
with the spent and purpose of this appendix. Any modification shall tennmate automatically
when the penod of use specified in the board's order has expired, or when the use ceases to be in
full compliance with any condition imposed by the board.
J403.2 Before obtaining a building penmt under this division, and after submitting a construc
lion plan, the developer or owner of a mobile home park or recreational vehicle park may apply
to the board in wasting for a modification. The application and the heanng before the board shall
meet the requirements of the Building Code. An application for a modification shall not stay the
requirements of this article.
J403.3 Modifications maybe granted on the following requirements.
J403.3.1 The minimum number of manufactured home lots m a mobile home park.
J403.3.2 The minimum square footage and minimum dimensions of manufactured home
spaces.
J403.3.3 The minimum number of recreational vehicle spaces m a recreational vehicle
park.
J403.3.4 The minimum square footage of recreational vehicle spaces.
J403.3.5 The minimum distance between recreational vehicles.
J403.3.6 The minimum per acre density of recreational vehicle spaces.
J403.3 7 The type, number and location of sanitary facilities in a recreational vehicle
park.
J403.3.8 The connection of a park's water supply to the public water system.
J403.3.9 The number of permanent residential structures m a park.
SECTION J501
INSPECTION FEES
J501.1 An annual fee is hereby charged to the owner of each mobile home park and recrea-
tional vehicle park located within the city to provide for inspections by the chief to determine
compliance with the requirements of the Fire Code and of the requirements of this appendix rela-
tive to fire safety
J501.1 1 Calculation of inspection fee. The annual inspection fee for inspections re
quired by this section are calculated as the total of the following:
Page 90
Base fee of $135 00
Additional fee of $5 00 per individual lot wrthm the park
J501.2 The fire chief shall be responsible for annually bilking the owner of each park for such
fees.
Appendix K Add to read as follows
Appendix K
MOBILE FUELING PERMIT FEES
SECTION K101
K101 1 Mobile fueling permit fees. Mobile fueling permit fees will be assessed as set
forth in Table K101 1 Permits shall renew annually Permit fees shall be reviewed on the one-
Year anniversary date ofpassa~e of this ordinance and at such times thereafter as the City
Council shall determine.
Table K101 1
Mobile Fueling Permit Fees
For Each Site For Each Refueling
Vehicle.
Initial Permit Fee $1,000 1St - 3r vehicle $200
4th - 6th vehicle $400
7th -10th vehicle $600
11 or more $800
Permit Renewal Fee $ 500 Same as initial
APPENDIX L
(Add to read as follows)
Chapter L34
Division II All Structures
Page 91
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L3417 Scope. The provisions of this division shall apply to all existing buildings. These prove
sions maybe enforced by other code enforcement divisions of this city but interpretation author
rty shall be retained by the building official.
L34171 Certificate of Occupancy Those premises not posting a Certificate of Occupancy
shall be required to comply with Section 110 of this code. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not
be withheld based on non-compliance when a building meets the ordinance under which rt was
constructed provided the non-compliance items are not considered hazardous. This provision
shall not waive the requirement to comply with any retroactive provision of any applicable ordi
nance.
L3417.2 Fire Alarms/Smoke Detectors. Regardless of the date of occupancy approved fire
alarms/smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with the following sections
1 As required by Sections 907.3 907.23 and 907.24 of the Fire Code.
2. Smoke detectors m dwelling units, congregate residences, hotel or lodging house
guest rooms, or similar residential uses of R 1 R 2, R 3 or R-4 occupancies, shall be
provided m accordance with the ordinance under which they were constructed, or m
accordance with Section 3432, whichever is more restrictive.
L3417.3 Fire-suppression systems. Fire suppressions systems shall be installed as required by
Section 903 6 3425 3 and 3430
L3410.4 Swimming Pool Barriers. Compliance shall be as listed below
1 For pools constructed on or after October 1 1993 for use with Group R, Division 3
Occupancies, see the appropriate provisions in the code in effect when the pool was
constructed as follows
a. 12-4-98 to 7 1-01 see 1997 UBC, Appendix Chapter 4 with amendments Ord
13625
b 7 1-01 to present, see IBC Chapter 31 and IRC Appendix Chapter G with
amendments, as adopted at time of constructed.
2. For pools owned, controlled, or maintained by the owner of a multiunit rental com-
plex or by a property owners association, see the appropriate state law Chapter 214
Local Government Code, Subchapter C, `Swimming Pool Enclosures" and Subtitle
A, Title 9 Health and Safety Code, Chapter 757 `Pool Yard Enclosures" which are
both adopted herein by reference.
3 For public pools, see the appropriate state law Texas Department of Health Standards
for Public Swimming PooUSpa, Sections 265 181 through 265.207 which is adopted
herein by reference. (Note• Only the applicable sections relating to pool enclosures,
Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code or Plumbing Code items are
adopted herein. Other sections, if adopted, are enforced by other city departments.)
4 For all other pools not covered by items 1 2 or 3 above, regardless of date of installa-
Page 92
n
r d _ .. ,
tion, see Chapter 31
L3418 Minimum Building Standards Code. As provided for in Section 7-67 and as further
detailed m Sections 7-87 7-88, 7-89 7 90 and 7 91 of the City Code, which is more specifically
known as the Minimum Building Standards Code, those provisions setting minimum standards
that relate to Building Code items for buildings and structures shall be considered as part of this
code.
Enforcement of these sections may be performed by other departments or divisions of the City of
Fort Worth. However as provisions of this code, final interpretation, appeals of interpretation,
requests for variances, etc. shall be handled as described in this code.
L3419 (No requirements.)
Page 93
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Chapter L34
Division III LIFE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
SECTION L3420 SCOPE
These provisions apply to .all existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this chapter
each having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the
lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exceptions 1 Group I, Division 3 Occupancies need only comply with Section
3425 1 10 of the Building Code.
2 Open parking garages m compliance with Section 406.3 of the Building Code
SECTION L3421 GENERAL
Existing high-rise buildings as specified m Section L3413 shall be modified to conform with not
less than the minimum provisions specified m Table L34-A and as further enumerated within this
division.
The provisions of this division shall not be construed to allow the elimination of fire-protection
systems or a reduction in the level of fire safety provided in buildings constructed in confor
mance with previously adopted codes.
SECTION L3422 COMPLIANCE DATA
Within eighteen (18) months after notice is given, plans and specifications for the necessary al
terations shall be filed with the Building Official for review Work on the required alterations to
the building shall commence within thirty (30) months of the date of notification and such work
shall be completed wrthm fire (5) years from the date of notification.
The Building Official may grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the
specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship The granting of an
extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing of good cause and subject to the
filing of an acceptable systematic progressive plan of correction with the Building Official.
SECTION L3423 AUTHORITY OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL
For the purpose of applying the provisions of this division, the building official shall have the
authority to consider alternative approaches and grant necessary deviations from this division as
follows.
1 Allow alternate materials or methods of compliance if such alternate materials or
methods of compliance will provide levels of fire and life safety equal to or greater
than those specifically set forth m this division.
Page 94
2 Waive specific individual requirements if rt can be shown that such requirements are
not physically possible or practical and that a practical alternative cannot be provided.
SECTION L3424 APPEALS BOARD
Appeals of the determinations of the building official m applying the provisions of this code may
be made by an appeal directed to the board of appeals as established by Section 112 of the Build
ing Code.
SECTION L3425 SPECIFIC PROVISIONS AND ALTERNATES
L3425.1 Specific Provisions. The following provisions shall apply when required by Table L34-
A.
L3425.1 1 Type of construction. (No requirements.)
L3425.1.3 Fire department communication system. A communication system acceptable to
the fire department shall be installed within the existing high- nse building to permit emergency
communication between fire- suppression personnel.
L3425.1.4 Single-station smoke detectors. Single-station smoke detectors shall be installed
within all dwelling units or guest rooms m accordance with the manufacturer's installation in-
structions. in dwelling units, the detector shall be mounted on the ceiling or wall at a point cen-
trally located in the corndor or area giving access to each separate sleeping area. When sleeping
rooms are located on an upper level, the detector shall be installed at the center of the ceiling di
rectly above the stairway within the unit. In efficiency dwelling units, hotel suites and m hotel
guest rooms, detectors shall be located on the ceiling or wall of the main room or hotel sleeping
room. When actuated, the detector shall provide an audible alarm m the sleeping area of the
dwelling unit, hotel suite or guest room in which it is located. Such detectors may be battery op-
erated.
L3425.1.5 Manual fire alarm system. An approved manual fire alarm system connected to a
central, proprietary or remote station service, or an approved manual fire alarm system that will
provide an audible signal at a constantly attended location, shall be provided as specified m Sec
tion 907.3 of the Fire Code.
L3425.1.6 Occupant voice notification system. An approved occupant voice notification sys-
tem shall be provided. Such system shall provide communication from a location acceptable to
the fire department and shall permit voice notification to a"t least all normally occupied areas of
the building.
The occupant voice notification system maybe combined with a fire alarm system, provided the
combined system has been approved and listed for such use. The sounding of a fire alarm signal
in any given area or floor shall not prohibit voice communication to other areas or floors. Coin
bmation systems shall be designed to permit voice transmission to overnde the fire alarm signal,
but the fire alarm shall not terminate in less than three minutes.
Page 95
L3425.1 7 Vertical shaft enclosures. Openings through two or more floors, except mezzanine
floors, that contain a stairway or elevator shall be provided with vertical shaft enclosure protec
tion as specified herein. Such floor openings, when not enclosed by existing shaft enclosure con-
struction, shall be protected by one-hour fire-resistive rated shaft enclosure construction. For
floor openings that are enclosed by existing shaft enclosure construction having fire-resistive ca-
pabilities similar to wood lath and plaster m good condition, 1/2 inch (12 7 mm) gypsum wall
board or approved 1/4-inch-thick (6 4 mm) wired glass is acceptable. Wired glass set in a steel
frame maybe installed in existing shaft enclosure walls but shall be rendered inoperative and be
fixed in a closed position
Openings through two or more floors for other than stairways or elevators, such as openings pro-
vided for piping, ducts, gas vents, dumbwaiters, and rubbish and linen chutes, shall be provided
with vertical shaft enclosure protection as specified for stairways and elevators.
Exception Openings for piping, ducts, gas vents, dumbwaiters, and rubbish and
linen chutes of copper or ferrous construction are permitted without a shaft enclosure,
provided the floor openings are effectively firestopped at each floor level.
L3425.1.8 Shaft enclosure opening protection. Openings other than those provided for elevator
doors m new vertical shaft enclosures constructed of one-hour fire resistive construction shall be
equipped with approved fire assemblies having afire-protection rating of not less than one hour
Openings other than those provided for elevator doors in existing vertical shaft enclosures shall
be equipped with approved 20-minute-rated fire assemblies, 1 3/4-inch (44 mm) solid wood
doors or the equivalent thereto Doors shall be either self-closing or automatic closing and auto-
matic latching.
All elevators on all floors shall open into elevator lobbies that are separated from the remainder
of the building as is required for corndor construction m the Building Code, unless the building
is protected throughout by a spnnkler system.
L3425.1.9 Manual shutoff of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems shall be equipped with manual shutoff controls
installed at an approved location when required by the fire department.
L3425.1 10 Automatic elevator recall system. Elevators shall be equipped with an approved
automatic recall system as required by Section 3003.2 of the Building Code.
L3425.1.11 Unlocked stairway doors. Exit doors into exit stairway enclosures shall be main-
tained unlocked from the stairway side on at least every fifth floor level. All unlocked doors shall
bear a sign stating ACCESS ONTO FLOOR THIS LEVEL.
Stairway doors maybe locked, subject to the following conditions
Page 96
1 Stairway doors that are to be locked from the stairway side shall have the capability
of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from an approved
location.
2 A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved
emergency service that operates continuously shall be provided at not less than every
fifth floor m each required stairway
L3425.1 12 Stair shaft ventilation. Stair shaft enclosures that extend to the roof shall be pro-
vided with an approved manually openable hatch to the exterior having an area not less than 16
square feet (1 486 m2) wrth a minimum dimension of 2 feet (610 mm)
Exceptions 1 Stair shaft enclosures complying with the requirements for pres-
surized enclosures.
2. Stair shaft enclosures pressurized as required for mechanically operated pres-
surized enclosures to a minimum of 0 15-inch water column (37 Pa) and a maximum of
0 50-inch water column (124 Pa)
L3425.1.13 Elevator shaft ventilation. Elevator shaft enclosures that extend to the roof shall be
vented to the outside with vents whose area shall not be less than 3 1/2 percent of the area of the
elevator shaft, with a minimum of 3 square feet (0.28 m2) per elevator
Exception Where energy conservation or hoistway pressurization requires that
the vents be normally closed, automatic venting by actuation of an elevator lobby detec-
tor or power failure maybe accepted.
L3425.1 14 Posting of elevators. A permanent sign shall be installed in each elevator cab ad~a
cent to the floor status indicator and at each elevator call station on each floor reading IN FIRE
EMERGENCY DO NOT USE ELEVATOR USE EXIT STAIRS or similar verbiage approved
by the building official.
EXCEPTION Sign maybe omitted at the main entrance floor level call station.
L3425.1.15 Exit stairways. All buildings shall have a minimum of two approved exit stairways.
Exception Existing buildings that have a stairway and a fire escape, need not
construct the second stairway as required by this subsection, provided the fire escape
complies wrth all of the provisions of Section 3428 4 and the following:
Access from a comdor shall not be through an intervening room, nor shall access
to the fire escape be secured in an area that cannot be freely accessed by any occupant on
that floor
L3425.1 16 Corridor construction. Corndors serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall have
walls and ceilings of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction as required by this code.
Existing walls maybe surfaced with wood lath and plaster m good condition or 1/2 inch (12.7
mm) gypsum wallboard for corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy separations when ap-
proved.
Page 97
L3425.1 17 Corridor openings. Openings in corridor walls and ceilings shall be protected by
not less than 1 3/8-mch (35 mm) solid-bonded wood-core doors, approved 1/4-inch-thick (6 4
mm) wired glass, approved fire dampers in accordance with Section 715 or by equivalent pro-
tection m lieu of any of these items. Transoms shall be fixed closed and covered with 1/2 mch
(12 7 mm) Type X gypsum wall-board or equivalent material installed on both sides of the open-
ing.
Exception Where an approved fire alarm system is installed, which includes
smoke detection m all common comdors, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the wall
area of the room common to the corddor may be tempered glass installed in metal or
solid wood frames. The fire alarm system shall be interfaced with the HVAC system to
shut off any central HVAC unit in any area where a fire is detected and shall be installed
m accordance with the Fire Code.
L3425.1.18 Corridor door closers. Exit access doors into comdors shall be equipped with self
closing devices or shall be automatic closing by actuation of a smoke detector When spring
hinges are used as the closing device, not less than two such hinges shall be installed on each
door leaf.
L3425.1 19 Corridor dead ends. The length of dead-end comdors serving an occupant load of
more than 30 shall not exceed thirty five (35) feet.
L3425.1.20 Interior finish. The interior finish in comdors, exit stairways and extensions thereof
shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 8 of this code and the Fire Code.
L3425.1.21 Exit stairway illumination. When the building is occupied, exit stairways shall be
illuminated with lights having an intensity of not less than lfoot-candle (10 81x) at the floor
level. Such lighting shall be equipped with an independent alternate source of power such as a
battery pack or on-site generator
L3425.1.22 Corridor illumination. When the building is occupied, comdors shall be illumi
nated with lights having an intensity of not less than 1 foot-candle (10 81x) at the floor level.
Such lighting shall be equipped with an independent alternate source of power such as a battery
pack or on-site generator
L3425.1.23 Exit stairway exit signs. The location of exit stairways shall be clearly indicated by
illuminated exit signs. Such exit signs shall be equipped with an independent alternate source of
power such as a battery pack or on-site generator or shall be of an approved self illuminating
type.
L3425.1.24 Exit signs. Illuminated exit signs shall be provided m all means of egress and lo-
cated msuch amanner as to clearly indicate the direction of egress. Such exit signs shall be
equipped with an independent alternate source of power such as a battery pack or on-site genera-
tor or shall be of an approved self illuminating type.
Page 98
L3425.1.25 Emergency plan. The management for all buildings shall establish and maintain a
written fire and life safety emergency plan in accordance with Section 404 of the Fire Code that
has been approved by the chief. The chief shall develop wntten criteria and guidelines on which
all plans shall be based.
L3425.1.26 Posting of emergency plan and exit plans. Copies of the emergency plan and exit
mg plans (including elevator and stairway placardmg) shall be posted m accordance with Section
404 of the Fire Code in locations approved by the chief.
L3425.1.27 Fire drills. The management of all buildings shall conduct fire drills for their staff
and employees in accordance with Section 405 of the Fire Code. The fire department must be
advised of such dells at least 24 hours m advance. A wntten record of each dell shall be main-
tained in the building management office and made available to the fire department for review
L3425.2 Sprinkler Alternatives. The requirements of Table 34-A maybe modified as specified
by the following for existing high-rise buildings of Type I (I A), II F.R.(I B), II One hour (II A),
III One-hour (III A), IV or V One hour (V A) construction when an approved automatic sprin-
kler system is installed throughout the building in accordance with Section 903 3 1 1
Item 5 Manual fire alarm system shall not be required.
Item 6-Occupant voice notification system shall not be required, however if the building
is equipped with a public address system, the public address system shall be available
for use as an occupant voice notification system.
Item 7 Vertical shaft enclosures maybe of nonrated construction for required exit stair
way enclosures. Vertical shaft enclosures of openings in floors provided for elevators,
escalators and supplemental stairways shall not be required, provided such openings
are protected by an approved curtain board and water curtain sprinkler system.
Item 8-Protection of openings m vertical shaft enclosures may be nonrated but shall not
be less than a 13/4-inch (44 mm) solid- wood door or the equivalent thereto Closing
and latching hardware shall be provided.
Item 12-Stair shaft ventilation shall not be required.
Item 16-Existing corridor construction need not be altered.
Item 17 Door openings into corridors maybe protected'by assemblies other than those
specified m Section 3418 1 provided an effective smoke barner is maintained. Clos-
ing and latching hardware shall be provided. Protection of duct penetrations is not re
quired.
Item 19-The length of existing comdor dead ends shall not exceed the limits allowed by
Sections 3418 1 19 or 1004.3.2.3 whichever is less restrictive.
Page 99
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Item 20-Interior finish in means of egress maybe reduced by one classification but shall
not be less than Class III.
L3425.3 Basements. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in basements or
stones exceeding 1,500 square feet m area and not having a minimum of 20 square feet of open-
ing entirely above the ad~oimng ground level in each SO lineal feet or fraction thereof of exterior
wall on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a minimum clear dimension of 30
inches.
If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from required openings, the basement
shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.
L3426 - No requirements.
Page 100
Table L34-A
Occupancy Classification and Usel
ITEMS REQUIRED
Residential All Others
1 Automatic sprinklers buildings of Type II-N, II-N V-N struction See Section 3418.1 1
2. Automatic sprinklers orridors, stairways, elevator lobbies, public embly kitchens nd
doors o enin to orridors. See Section 3418.1.2
3 Fire department ommunication system adios. See Section 3418.1.3
R R
4 Single station smoke detectors. See Section 3418.1 4
R NR
5 Manual fire alarm system. See Section 34] 8.1 .5
R R
6. Occupant tification system. See Section 3418.1.6
R R
7 Vertical shaft closure walls of -hour fire See Section 3418.1 7
R R
8. Protection of openings ertical shaft closures by 20-minute-rated emblies. See Section 3418.1.8
R R
9 Manual shutoff of HVAC systems. See Section 3418.1.9
R R
10. Automatic elevator al] system. See Section 3418.1 10
R R
11 Unlocked stairway doors ery fifth floor See Section 3418.1 11
R NR
12. Stair shaft ntilation. See coon 3418.1 12
R R
13 Elevator shaft ntilation. See Section 3418.1 13
R R
14 Posting of elevators ntended for ng purposes. See Section 3418.1 14
R R
15. Minimum of two it stairways. See Section 3418.1 15
R R
16. Corridor wall struction. See Section 3418.1 16
R R
l7 Protected orridor openings with 20-minute ated emblies 1 3/4-inch (44 mm) olid-wood door
See Section 3418.1 17 R NR
18. Corridor doors equipped with elf closing devices. See Section 3418.1 18
R NR
19 Corridor dead nds limited 20 feet (6096 mm) maximum. See Section 3418.1 19
R NR
20. Interior finish ntrolled orridors, irways nd xtensions thereof. See Section 3418.1.20
R R
21 Exit irway illumination. See Section 3418.1.21
R R
22. Corridor illumination. See Section 3418.1.22
R NR
23. Exit stairway igns. See Section 3418.1.23
R R
24. Exit igns. See Section 3418.1.24
R R
25. Emergency planning. See Section 3418.1.25
R R
26. Posting of emergency structions. See Section 3418.1.26
R R
27 Fire drills. See Section 3418.1.27
R R
R Provisions equired.
NR Provisions of equired.
Required if ny floor rface ed for human upancy eds 149' above the lowest level of the fire department ehicle
Page 101
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Chapter L34
EXISTING BUILDINGS
Division IV LIFE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS OTHER THAN
HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
SECTION L3427 GENERAL
L3427 1 Purpose. The purpose of this division is to provide a reasonable degree of safety to
persons occup}nng existing buildings by providing for alterations to such existing buildings that
do not conform with the minimum requirements of this code.
Exception Group U Occupancies, those high-rise occupancies regulated by Chap-
ter L34 Division III, and Group R, Division 3 Occupancies, except that Group R, Diva
Sion 3 Occupancies shall comply with Section 3417 and 3418
L3427.2 Effective date. Within eighteen (18) months after notice is given, plans for compliance
shall be submitted to the Building Official for review Within thirty-six (36) months after notice
is given, the work shall be completed or the building shall be vacated until made to conform.
L3427.3 Alternate Materials and Methods. Alternate materials and methods maybe used,
provided such materials or methods comply with the spent and intent of this chapter
The Building Official may modify any of the provisions of this division m conformance with
Section L3423 of this code.
SECTION L3428 EXITS
L3428.1 Number of Means of Egress. Every floor above the first story used for human occu-
pancy shall. have at least two means of egress, one of which maybe an exterior fire escape com-
pl}nng with Section 3428 4
Exception In all occupancies, second stones with an occupant load of 10 or less
may have one means of egress.
L3428.2 Stair Construction. All required stairs shall have a minimum run of 9 inches (229 mm)
and a maximum rise of 8 inches (203 mm) and shall have a mmiinum width of 30 inches (762
mm) exclusive of handrails. Every stairway shall have at least one handrail. A landing having a
minimum 30-inch (762 mm) run m the direction of travel shall be provided at each point of ac
cess to the stairway
Exception Fire escapes as provided for in this section.
Page 102
T _ T..
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Exterior stairs shall be of noncombustible construction.
Exception On buildings of Types III, IV and V construction, provided the exte
nor stairs are constructed of wood not less than 2 inch (51 mm) nominal thickness.
L3428.3 Corridors. Corndors of Groups A, B E, F H, I, M and R, Divisions 1 2 and 4 and S
Occupancies serving an occupant load of 30 or more, shall have walls and ceilings of not less
than one-hour fire-resistive construction as required by this code. Existing walls surfaced with
wood lath and plaster m good condition or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or openings
with fixed wired glass set m steel frames are permitted for corndor walls and ceilings and occu
pancy separations when approved.
Doors opening into such corndors shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid wood
doors not less than 1 3/4 inches (45 mm) thick. Where the existing frame will not accommodate
the 1 3/4-inch-thick (45 mm) door a 1 3/8-inch-thick (35 mm) solid bonded wood-core door or
equivalent insulated steel door shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic clos-
ing by smoke detection. Transoms and openings other than doors from corndors to rooms shall
comply with Section 714.2.3 of this code or shall be covered with a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 1
mm) plywood or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the room side.
Exceptions 1 Existing corridor walls, ceilings and opening protection not m
compliance with the above maybe continued when such buildings are protected with an
approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. Such sprinkler system maybe supplied
from the domestic water system if it is of adequate volume and pressure.
2 Where an approved fire alarm system is installed, which includes smoke detec
lion in all common corndors serving as an exit for an occupant load of 30 or more, wall
openings may benon-protected except that doorway openings shall have self-closing
doors. The fire alarm system shall be interfaced with the HVAC unit m any area where a
fire is detected and shall be installed in accordance with the Fire Code.
L3428.4 Fire Escapes.
1 Existing fire escapes that, m the opinion of the building official, comply with the intent
of this section may be used as one of the required exits. The location and anchorage of fire es-
capes shall be of approved design and construction.
2. Fire escapes shall comply with the following:
Access from a corndor shall not be through an intervening room.
All openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be protected by three fourths-hour fire as-
semblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall not be of less
than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
Page 103
Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not
less than 29 inches (737 mm) Such openings shall be openable from the inside without the use
of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall not be more
than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor of the building or balcony
Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less
than 100 pounds per square foot (4 79 kN/ m2) and shall be provided with a top and intermediate
handrail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed 60 degrees with a minimum
width of 18 inches (457 mm) Treads shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) m width and the
rise between treads shall not exceed 10 inches (254 mm) All stair and balcony railings shall
support a horizontal force of not less than 50 pounds per lineal foot (729 5 N/m) of railing.
Balconies shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm) m width with no floor opening
other than the stairway opening greater than 5/8 inch (16 mm) m width. Stairway openings m
such balconies shall not be less -than 22 inches by 44 inches (599 mm by 1118 mm) The balus-
trade of each balcony shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) high with not more than 9 inches
(229 mm) between balusters.
Fire escapes shall extend to the roof or provide an approved gooseneck ladder between
the top floor landing and the roof when serving buildings four or more stones m height having
roofs with a slope of less than 4 amts vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3% slope) Fire escape
ladders shall be designed and connected to the building to withstand a horizontal force of 100
pounds per lineal foot (1459 N/m) each rung shall support a concentrated load of 500 pounds
(2224 N) placed anywhere on the rung. All ladders shall be at least 15 inches (381 mm) wide,
located within 12 inches (305 mm) of the building and shall be placed flatwise relative to the
face of the building. Ladder rungs shall be 3/4 inch (19 mm) in diameter and shall be located 12
inches (305 mm) on center Openings for roof access ladders through cornices and similar pro-
~ections shall have minimum dimensions of 30 inches by 33 inches (762 mm by 838 mm)
The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire es-
capes shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching to the
ground.
Fire escapes shall not take the place of stairways required by the codes under which the
building was constructed.
Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and maintained in good
working order
L3428.5 Exit and Fire Escape Signs. Exit signs shall be provided as required by this code.
Exception The use of existing exit signs maybe continued when approved by
the building official.
All doors or windows providing access to a fire escape shall be provided with fire escape signs.
Page 104
SECTION L3429 ENCLOSURE OF VERTICAL SHAFTS
Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoistways, service and
utility shafts, shall be enclosed by a minimum of one hour fire-resistive construction. All open-
ings into such shafts shall be protected with one hour fire assemblies that shall be maintained
self-closing or be automatic closing by smoke detection. All other openings shall be fire pro-
tected m anapproved manner Existing fusible link-type automatic door-closing devices maybe
permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57.2°C)
Exceptions 1 In other than Group I Occupancies, an enclosure will not be re
gmred for openings serving only one adjacent floor
2. Stairways need not be enclosed in a continuous vertical shaft if each story is
separated from other stories by one hour fire resistive construction or approved wired
glass set m steel frames. In addition, all exit corridors shall be sprinklered and the open-
ings between the corndor and occupant space shall have at least one sprinkler head above
the openings on the tenant side. The sprinkler system maybe supplied from the domestic
water supply if of adequate volume and pressure
3 Vertical openings need not be protected if the building is protected by an ap-
proved automatic sprinkler system.
SECTION L3430 BASEMENT ACCESS OR SPRINKLER PROTECTION
An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in basements or stories exceeding
1,500 square feet (139.3 m2) in area and not having a minimum of 20 square feet (1 86 m2) of
opening entirely above the ad~oming ground level in each SO lineal feet (15 240 mm) or fraction
thereof of exterior wall on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a minimum clear
dimension of 30 inches (762 mm)
If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from required openings,
the basement shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.
SECTION L3431 STANDPIPES
Any buildings over four stories m height shall be provided with an approved Class I or Class III
standpipe system.
SECTION L3432 SMOKE DETECTORS
3432.1 General. Dwelling units, congregate residences, hotel or lodging house guest rooms, or
similar residential uses of R 1 R 2, R 3 or R-4 occupancies, that are used for sleeping purposes
shall be provided with smoke detectors maintained m operable condition. Detectors shall be m
stalled in accordance with the approved manufacturer's instructions and as further specified in
this section, in 3417.2, in the Minimum Building Standards Code and in the Fire Code.
Page 105
3432.2 Power Source. Smoke detectors may be battery operated or may receive their pnmary
power from the building wrong when such wrong is served from a commercial source. Wrong
shall be permanent and without disconnecting switches other than those required for overcurrent
protection.
L3432.3 Location within Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, detectors shall be mounted on the
ceiling or wall at a point centrally located m the corndor or area giving access to each separate
sleeping area. Where sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the
center of the ceiling directly above the stairway Detectors shall also be installed m the base
ments of dwelling units having stairways that open from the basement into the dwelling. Detec
tors shall sound an alarm audible m all sleeping areas of the dwelling unit m which they are lo-
cated.
L3432.4 Location in Efficiency Dwelling Units and Hotels. In efficiency dwelling units, hotel
suites and in hotel sleeping rooms, detectors shall be located on the ceiling or wall of the main
room or hotel sleeping room. When sleeping rooms within an efficiency dwelling unit or hotel
suite are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed at the center of the ceiling directly above
the stairway When actuated, the detector shall sound an alarm audible within the sleeping area
of the dwelling unit, hotel suite or sleeping room m which rt is located.
SECTION L3433 SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES
Occupancy separations shall be provided as specified m Section 302.3 of this code. When ap-
proved bythe building official, existing wood lath and plaster m good condition or 1/2 inch
(12 7 mm) gypsum wallboard maybe acceptable where one-hour occupancy separations are re-
quired.
SECTION 3.
That Section 13 3 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986), as amended, is hereby amended
to read as follows
Sec. 13-3 Effect of Conflict with Other Ordinances.
This artrcle shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances and of the Crty of Fort
Worth (1986), as amended, except where the provisions of this ordinance are m direct conflict
with the provisions of such ordinances and such code, m which event conflicting provisions of
such ordinances and of such code are hereby repealed. Former Chapter 13 of the code, as
amended, is expressly superseded by the terms of this chapter
SECTION 4.
That Section 13-4 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986), as amended, is hereby added to
read as follows
Page 106
a.~x-va. ~~. r.,z ~. -.+~ur.,., - a 7
Sec. 13-4. Compliance with chapter required, .penalty
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter repair move, im
prove, convert, demolish, equip use, occupy or maintain any building or structure m the city or
cause the same to be done contrary to or m 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 life safety shall
be fined not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000 00) for each offense, and with respect to all
other provisions of this code shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500 00) for each
offense. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 5.
This article shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the Code of the City of
Fort Worth, Texas (1986), affecting Fire Code provisions, as amended, and shall not repeal any
of the provisions of such ordinances, except m those instances where provisions of such ordi
nances are m direct conflict with the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 6.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sen-
tence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void, ineffective, or unconstitu-
tional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent ~unsdiction, such voidness, in-
effectiveness, or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted
by the Crty Council without the incorporation m this ordinance of any such void, ineffective, or
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 7
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine .not to
exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000 00) for all violations involving fire safety or public
health and sanitation and shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500 00) for all
other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof dunng which any violation of
this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction
thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
Page 107
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SECTION 8.
All rights and remedies of the Crty of Fort Worth, Texas are expressly saved as to any and
all violations of the previous Fire Code, 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 ac
crued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or
not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted
until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 9
A copy of the 2003 International Fire Code, together with the local amendments contained
m this ordinance, shall be filed m the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and in-
spection.
SECTION 10.
The Fire Department of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby authorized to publish this
ordinance m pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the operative prove
sions of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible m evidence m all courts without fur
they proof than the production thereof, as provided in Chapter XXV Section 3 of the Charter of
the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION 11
The Crty Secretary of the Crty of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption and
Sections 1 7 9 11 and 12 of this ordinance for two (2) days m the official newspaper of the City
of Fort Worth, Texas as authorized by Section 2, Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort
Worth, Texas and by Section 52.013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 12.
This ordinance shall take effect on July 19 2004 after adoption and publication as re-
quired by law
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
Assi to City Attorney
Adopted. ~ ~ ~ 6
Effective•
Page 108
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
w
Mayor and Council Communication
COUNCIL ACTION Approved on 7/6/2004 Ordinance No 16027
DATE Tuesday July 06 2004
LOG NAME 36FIRECODE REFERENCE NO G-14419
SUBJECT
Adoption of the 2003 International Fire Code
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing the Fort Worth Fire Code
and related fees
1 Adoption of the 2003 International Fire Code with local amendments as the Fire Code. of the City of
Fort Worth
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department has been working with the Development Department, as well as the North Central
Texas Council of Governments (COG) over the past year in preparation of adoption of the most current
version of the International Fire Code Updates to existing codes are reviewed and voted on nationally on
an annual basis Every three years new sets of codes are published with the cumulative annual changes
incorporated The 2003 set of codes is the newly published set under review at the COG and by the
Development and Fire Departments.
The 2003 International Building Code was previously adopted by City Council as the Building Code of the
City of Fort Worth Adopting the same version of the International Fire Code is recommended in order to
ensure that the two codes are not in conflict regarding construction and operational issues.
During the code adoption process each City has the opportunity to add local amendments to their
adoption All local amendments recommended for the International Fire Code have been reviewed by the
Development Department and have met the approval of the Fire Prevention and Construction Board of
Appeals.
Approval of the attached ordinance will establish an effective date of July 19 2004
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION
The Finance Director certifies that this action will have no material effect on City funds
TO Fund/Account/Centers
FROM Fund/Account/Centers
Submitted for City Manager's Office b~ Joe Paniagua (6140)
Originating Department Head. Charles Gaines (6801)
Additions! Information Contact: Charles Gaines (6801)
Lo~name 36FTRF,CnT~F Pa 1 of 1