HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 136361997 UFC ADOPTION PACKAGE
ORDINANCE NO.~~~o ,_
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1997 UNIFORM FIRE CODE WITH
AMENDMENTS BY REPEALING AND AMENDING SECTIONS 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, AND
13-4 OF ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 13, "FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,"
OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, (1986); 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; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM;
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; PROVIDING
FOR ENGROSSMENT AND ENROLLMENT; AND PROVIDING AN I; FECTIVE
DATE.
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CI 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.
Section 1~-1. 1997 Edition Of The Uniform Fire Code Adopted.
(a) Code. The Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth rs hereby revised and amended to conform
to the 1997 edition of the Uniform .Fire Code, Volumes I and II of the International Fire
Code Instntute, as amended hereby, and the same as amended hereby rs hereby adopted as
the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth from the effective date thereof.
(b) Appendices. The following provisions of the Appendix to the 1997 edition of the Uniform
Fire Code, as amended hereby, are hereby specifically adopted as amended as part of the
Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth.
Appendix I-C, Stairway Identification,
Appendrx II-B, Protection of Flammable And Combustible Lrqurd Tanks rn Locations
Subject to Flooding;
Appendix II-C, Marnnas;
1
Appendix II-E, Hazardous Materials Management Plans And Hazardous Materials
Inventory Statements;
Appendrx II-F, Protected Aboveground Tanks For Motor Vehicle Fuel-Dispensing
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Stations Outside Buildings,
Appendix III-A, Fire Flow Requirements For Buildings,
Appendix III-C, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire-Protection
Systems,
Appendix IV-A, Interior Floor F'imsh,
Appendix IV-B, Christmas Trees,
Appendix V-A, Nationally Recogmzed Standards of Good Practice
Appendix VI-B, Hazard Ranking
And the following Appendices are hereby created and adopted,
Appendix VII-A, Inspection,
Appendix VII-B, Installation of Fire Protection Systems;
Appendix VIII, Mobile Home And Recreational Vehicle Parks,
(c) One copy of the 1997 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, Volumes 1 and 2, ncluding the
Appendices and Standards thereto, marked Exhibits "A" and "B" respectively, are
incorporated herenn by reference and shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for
permanent record and nnspection.
(d) Any Errata corrections published by the International Fire Code Institute for the 1997
Umform Fire Code, as they are discovered, are consndered as part of this code
SECTION 2.
Section 13-2 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) (except Appendix VIII, Mobile Home
and Recreational Vehicle Parks which remains as ns) ns amended to read as follows
I. The 1997 edition of the Umform Fire Code, including the Appendices and Standards
thereto (Exhibits "A" and "B") are hereby amended as provided in this Section. One (1)
copy of such amendments are specifically incorporated herenn by reference and shall be
filed in the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and nnspection.
II. The 1997 edition of the Umform Fire Code is hereby amended by revising the following
sections as follows
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ARTICLE 1
ADMINISTRATION
Section 103- Inspection And Enforcement
*Section 103.1.4 -Change to read as follows.
Section 103.1.4 -Appeals. The Constiuctton and Fire Preventton Board of Appeals shall act on
fire code related matters commensurate with the provisions of Section 105 of the Building Code.
Section 103.2 -Authority for Inspection and Enforcement.
*Section 103.2.1.2 -Change to read as, follows.
Section 103.2.1.2 -Fire Prevention Bureau Personnel And Police. The Chief and members of
the Fire Department shall have all powers to enforce the provisions of this code as are consistent
with the laws of the State of Texas. Such personnel shall have concurrent jurisdiction to enforce
provisions of the Fort Worth Building Code which relate to fire safety When requested and
authorized to do so by the Chief, the Chief of Police may assign such available police officers and
the Code Compliance Supervisor may assign such available Code Compliance Officers as may be
necessary to assist the fire department to enforcing provisions of this code.
*Section 103.2.2.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 103.2.2.2 -Fire Marshal. One officer of the Fire Department shall be designated as the
Deputy Chief of Fire Preventton, who shall be Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. He shall
hold office in accordance with the provisions of the Firemen's and Policemen's Civil Service Act.
This officer may also be known as Fire Marshal.
Section 103.3 -Inspection.
*Section 103.3.1.1- Chan e as,follows.
Section 103.3.1.1- Authority to Inspect. Change "fire prevention bureau" to "fire department."
Section 103.3.2 -New Construction And Alterations.
*Section 103.3.2.2 -Change to read as, ollows.
Section 103.3.2.2 -Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work
authorized by permit or Installation Certificate to notify the Chief that such work is ready for
inspection. The Chief is authorized to require that every request for inspection be filed not less
than three (3) working days before such tnspectton is desired. Such requests may be by telephone
or m wntmg.
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It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspection to provide access to and means for
proper inspection of such work.
*Section 103.4.2 -Add the following~aragraph to the end of this section.
Section 103.4.2 -Service Of Orders And Notices.
The owner, occupant, or person to charge of any building where any violation of this code or
other ordinances of the City of Fort Worth relating to fire safety is found shall be puma facie
responsible for such violations.
Section 105 -Permits
*Section 105.2.2 -Change to read as, ollows.
Section 105.2.2 - Expiration. A pertrut issued under this code shall continue until revoked or for
not more than one year following the date of issuance, except that those perrruts that specify a
designated time penod for expiration shall expire as designated on the permit. A perrrut shall not
be transferable and any change m use, occupancy, operation or ownership shall require a new
permit.
*Section 105.2.3 -Add this section to read ase ollows.
Section 105.2.3 -Compliance.
Section 105.2.3.1 - Fee. A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25 00) shall be charged for permits
required by Section 105 8 or perrrut renewal.
Section 105.8 -Permit Required.
Section 105.8.a.5. -Automobile Wrecking Yard. Delete.
Section 105.8.c.6. -Combustible Material Storage. Delete.
Section 105.8.d.1. -Dry Cleaning Plants. Delete.
Section 105.8.f.1. -Fire Hydrants and Water-Control Valves. Delete
Section 105.8.f.3.6. -Add the following sentence to the end of the Section.
This shall include tanks, fines, monitor wells and other appurtenances of the tank system.
Section 105.8.0.3. -Ovens, Industrial Baking Or Drying. Delete
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Section 105.8.p.1. -Parade Floats. Delete
*Section 105.8.p.2 -Add an exception as follows.
Section 105.8.p.2. -Places of Assembly.
EXCEPTION: Churches and places of worship used solely for worship
Section 105.8.x.1. -Radioactive Materials. Delete
Section 105.8.x.2. -Refrigeration Equipment. Delete
*Section 105.8. t. 2 -Change to read as ollows.
Section 105.8.t.2. -Tire Storage.
Tire recapping, tare and tare byproduct storage To operate tare recapping or rebuilding plants or
to store tires or tare byproducts more than 6 feet high or m a total area greater than 2,500 square
feet or to any quantity greater than 10,000 cu. ft.
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS AND ABREVIATIONS
Section 207-F. *The following definition is added to those appearing in Section 207 F
FIRE MARSHAL is the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Section 214-M. *Change the definition of "Mechanical Code" to read as ollows•
Mechanical Code is the International Mechanical Code as adopted by this ~unsdictton.
Section 220-5. *Add a definition, or "Self-Service Storage Facility" as follows•
Self-Service Storage Facility is real property designed and used for the purpose of renting or
leasing tndtviduah storage and removing personal property on aself-service basis.
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ARTICLE 9
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS AND WATER SUPPLY
Section 901.2.2 Plans.
*Section 901.2.2.1- Change to read as follows.
Section 901.2.2.1- Fire Apparatus Access.
Upon application for a building permit, fire lanes required by this section shall be designated on a
site plan and two (2) sets of said plans shall be submitted to the Chief for approval.
*Section 901.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 901.3 -Timing of Installation. When fire protection facilities, including fire access
roadways and fire hydrants, are required to be installed for any structure or development, such
facilities shall be installed, tested, and approved prior to the time of which construction has
progressed beyond completion of the foundation of any structure.
EXCEPTION. 1. When alternate methods of protection, as approved, are
provided, the requirements of Section 901 3 may be modified or waived.
2. The steel framework on Type I and II buildings may be constructed prior to acceptance.
See Section 902, Section 903 2, and Appendix III-B
*Section 901.4.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 901.4.1- General. Marking of fire apparatus access roads, addresses, and fire protection
equipment shall be in accordance with Section 901 4 See Section 902.2 3 for fire apparatus road
markings.
*Section 901.4.4 -Change to read as follows•
Section 901.4.4 -Premises Identification. Approved addresses 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 must increase, radiating from the Tarrant County Court House in all
directions, with even numbers on the right and odd numbers on the left. Numbering
will coincide with neighboring streets going in the same directions.
2 Each building within a business must have its own umque street address if located
away from the main building. Emergency vehicles must be able to differentiate from
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the street address which building has a problem. No building numbers in addition to
main business addresses are acceptable.
3 A strip complex can use a street addressing system OR a suite addressing system to
identify each business m the building. Either must follow the numbering system as
described in Item 1
4 Private street names approved by the fire department are acceptable and may not
conflict with similarly named streets. They will be addressed following the number
system as described in Item 1
~ 5 The fire department has the final authority in 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) cannot
be used.
8 Circular streets may be required to have directional names (e.g. N Main, S Main) to
prevent duplication of addresses.
9 All occupancies except R-3 occupancies and apartment houses shall have numbers
with a minimum height of six (6) inches and a mimmum stroke of one (1) inch.
10 R-3 occupancies and apartment houses with three (3) or less units shall have numbers
with a rrurumum height of three (3) inches with a minimum stroke of'h inch.
11 Apartment houses with 4 or more units shall have the building's full address and
apartment numbers as shown in Figure 901 4 4 The sign shall be attached to the
building, which must be a contrasting color
12 All buildings must have their own street address.
APARTMENT BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN
(1) NUMBERS AND LETTERS MUST CONTRAST WITH BACKGROUND
(2) BACKGROUND MUST CONTRAST THE BUILDING
(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
BUILDING THEY MUST BE ON A SIGN
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Figure 901.4 4 i,2,~,a
6 2r O 1
MAIN DRIVE~~
APTS. 1 - 2r4
6201 -21 (ODD)
6201 MAIN DRIVE
6201 MAIN DRIVE
APTS 1-31 (ODD)
6201
6201 6201
APTS 1-15
APTS 1-15 -
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' Numbers and letters must contrast with background.
z Background must contrast with building.
s Numbers alone may not be acceptable; full street address must be included
except where rt is obvious that the building is on a specific street.
a Numbers and letters shall not be attached dtrectly to the building.
They must be on a sign.
Section 902 -Fire Department Access.
Section 902.2 -Fire Department Access Roads.
*Section 902.2.1 -Change to read as follows•
Section 902.2.1 -Required Access. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided in accordance
with Sections 901 and 902 2 for every facility/buildmg hereafter constructed or moved into or
within the lunsdiction when any portton of the facility or any portion of an extenor wall of the
first story of the building is located more than 150 feet (45,720 mm) from fire apparatus access as
measured by an approved route around the extenor of the building or facility The path of
measurement shall be along a nurumum of five (5) feet wide unobstructed pathway around the
external walls of the structure. See also Section 902 3 for personnel access to buildings.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. When buildings are completely protected with an approved automatic fire spnnkler
system, the provisions of Sections 902.2.1 and 902.2.2 may be modified by the
Chief. In no case shall any portion of an extenor wall of the first story be more
than 300 feet from a dedicated street or fire lane
2. Unchanged
3. When there are not more than two (2) Group R, Division 3, Group U
Occupancies, or Group M Occupancies, the requirements of Sections 902.2.1 and
902.2 2 may be modified by the Cluef.
4. When, m the opinion of the Cluef, an occupancy change or addition to a building
does not create a greater hazard than already exists, the Chief may reduce the
requirements of this section.
<Balance of this section to remain uchanged>
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*Section 902.2.1.1 -Add to read as follows•
Section 902.2.1.1 -Fire Department Connections. Fire department sprinkler or standpipe
connections shall be within 50 feet of a dedicated street or fire apparatus access road.
*Section 902.2.1.2 -Add to read as follows•
Section 902.2.1.2 -Buildings More Than 55 Feet in Height. A building which ns more than
fifty-five (55) feet in height shall be accessible by a dedicated street or fire apparatus access road
that ns 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 902.2.2 -Specifications.
*Section 902.2.2.1- Change to read as,follows:
902.2.2.1- Dimensions. The rrimmum unobstructed width of a fire lane shall not be less than 20"
feet (6096mm), except in umfied residential construction, where the minimum shall not be less
than 26 feet, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet (4267mm)
EXCEPTION: 1. Vertical clearance may be reduced, provided such reduction does not
nmpair access by fire apparatus and sngns are installed and maintained mdncatmg the
established vertncal clearance when approved.
2. Vertical clearances or widths shall be increased when, in the opinion of the Chief,
vertical clearances or widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.
*Section 902.2.2.2 -Change to read asfollows.
902.2.2.2 -Surface. Fire lanes shall be designed and maintained to support a 12,500 pound wheel
loadnng. The surface shall be designed to provide all-weather driving capability
*Section 902.2.2.3 -Change to read as follows.
902.2.2.3 -Turning Radius. The rririmum inside turning radius shall be 25 feet, and the
minimum outsnde turning radius shall be either 51 feet nn unified residential construction or 45 feet
otherwise
*Section 902.2.2.4 -Change to read as follows.
902.2.2.4 -Dead Ends. All dead-end fire lanes nn excess of 150 feet in length shall be provnded
with a turnaround meetnng the requnrements of Figure 902.2.2 4 The cul-de-sac design shall be
used unless the Chief permits the use of alternate designs.
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*Section 902.2.2.6 -Change to read as follows.
902.2.2.6 -Grade. Grade nnclnne of fire lanes shall not exceed 10%
*Section 902.2.3 -Change to read as,follows.
902.2.3 -Marking. Either approved striping or signs shall be provided and manntanned for fire
apparatus roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof, or both.
(1) Striping -Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked by painted lines of red
traffic paint six inches (6") m width to show the boundaries of the lane The words
"NO PARKING FIRE LANE" shall appear nn four inch (4") white letters at 25 feet
intervals on the red border markings along both sides of the fire lanes.
(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")
wade and snx ranches (6") high statnng "Tow-Away Zone." Sngns shall be painted on
a white background wrath letters and borders nn red, usnng not less than two ranch
(2") lettering. Sngns shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and the
bottom of the sign shall be snx feet, six ranches (6' 6") above finished grade Sngns
shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50') apart. Signs may be installed on
permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the Fire Chief.
Figure 902.2.2.4
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25'R
25'R
Section 902.2.4 -Obstruction And Control Of Fire Apparatus Roads.
*Section 902.2.4.1- Change to read as ollows.
Section 902.2.4.1 -General. The required width of access roadways shall not be obstructed m
any manner, including parlang of vehicles. The Cluef or Chief of Police or their duly authorized
representative is authorized to cause fire access roadways to be maintained free of obstructions at
all times by issuance of citations, removal and impoundment. of a vehicle or obstruction m
violation, by both a citation issuance and impoundment, or by orders to remove any obstruction
immediately
Entrances to roads, trails or other accessways which have been closed with gates and barners m
accordance with Section 902.2 4 2 shall not be obstructed by parked vehicles
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EXCEPTION: Except as prohibited by other ordinances and when approved by the
Chief, gates may be installed that restnct access to the fire lane provided that at least one
entrance is either left unobstructed (no gate) or an electncally operated gate is installed
that can be operated with a key switch (Knox KS-2 switch) The switch shall be installed
on the column or post near the .electrical control box (preferably on the nght hand side)
When the switch is operated, the gate shall remain to the open position until manually
reset. A manual override shall be provided to be used m case of power outage Additional
gates may be manually operated gates that have a Knox padlock installed to permit fire
department access.
*Section 902.4 -Change to read as follows.
Section 902.4 -Key Boges. 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 opemngs, or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or
firefighting purposes, a key box shall be installed to an accessible location approved by the Cluef.
The key box shall be a type approved by the Chief and shall contain keys to gam necessary access
to any areas required by the Chief, keys to elevators, and keys to the fire alarm control panel and
manual fire alarm actuating devices. When required by the Chief or Section 8001 6, matenal
safety data sheets shall be included m the key box. When installed for the pnmary purpose of
providing access to the fire alarm system serving an apartment complex, the key box shall be
placed at the extenor entrance of the property manager's office which shall be suitably marked as
such.
EXCEPTION: Where 24-hour guard or management service is provided, these
requirements may waived by the Cluef.
Section 903 -Water Supplies and Fire Hydrants
*Section 903.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 903.2 -Required Water Supply for Fire Protection. An approved water supply
capable of supplying required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all prerruses upon
which buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed. Pnor to issuance of a building
pernut or commencement of construction of any required water supply components, two (2) plot
plans tndicattng designated locations of fire hydrants, locations and sizes of water mains, available
water flow information, and tformation required by Section 902 shall be subrrutted to the
Department of Development for review by the Cluef. The Chief will either approve or disapprove
the designated water supply components and locations. One copy of an approved plan will be
retained by the Cluef.
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*Section 903.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 903.3 -Type of Water Supply. Water supply may consist of water mains, elevated
tanks, or static water reservoirs equipped with approved fire pumps capable of supplying the
required fire flow In setting the requirements for fire flow, the Chief shall use
Appendix III-A.
Section 903.4 -Fire Hydrant Systems.
*Section 903.4.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 903.4.2. -Required Installations. All fire hydrants shall be accessible to the Fire
Department apparatus by roadways meeting the requirements of Section 902
Fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with the following criteria.
(1) For all R-3 occupancies, excluding unified residential construction, fire hydrants
shall be installed such that there is no more than 1,000 feet (500 foot radius) of
space between hydrants along a direct horizontal line No point on a building shall
exceed an 800 foot hose lay distance using the route of access which Fire
Department personnel would travel between the hydrant and the building.
(2) For all other land uses (except one- and two-family residences), including unified
residential construction, fire hydrants shall be installed such that there is no more
than 600 feet (300 foot radius) of space between hydrants along a direct horizontal
line No point on any structure shall exceed 500 feet hose lay distance, using the
route of access which Fire Department personnel would travel between the hydrant
and the structure.
(3) Afire hydrant shall be installed no more than 150 feet from Fire Department
connections for a standpipe system, 300 feet from Fire Department connections for
a sprinkler system, and 300 feet from Fire Department connections for a 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
access roadway
(5) 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.
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(7) Ail hydrant threads must be compatible with those m use by the City of Fort Worth
Fire Department.
(S) Where fire hydrants are installed on a metered water supply or are not owned by
the City of Fort Worth, said hydrants shall be maintained to 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
* Section 903.4.2.1 -Add Section 903.4.2.1 to read as follows.
Section 903.4.2.1 -Fire Hydrant Markers. All fire hydrants hereafter installed shall be marked
with an approved pavement marker
ARTICLE 10 - FIItE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Section 1001- General
*Section 1001.1- Add the following to the end of the Section.
Section 1001.1 -Scope. Fire protection equipment required by this code shall be listed for the
intended use and destgn by a nationally recognized laboratory
*Section 1001.3 - Change the Section as follows.
Section 1001.3 Plans. Complete plans and specifications for fire alarm systems fire-
extmguislung systems, including automatic sprinklers and wet dry standpipes, halon system and
other spectal types of automatic fire-exttnguislung systems; basement pipe inlets; and other fire-
protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subrrutted to the Chief prior to system
installation. The installing contractors shall subrnit three (3) sets of folded drawings and
specifications required by this subsection for review to accordance with Appendix VII-B
Plans and specifications for fire. all fire protections systems shall include
1 Company name, state fire alarm contractor's number, and City of Fort Worth perrrut
number
2 Fire alarm planner's name and state license number
3 Onginal signature of the fire alarm planner, certtfymg that the plans are m compliance
with this ordinance
4 Property name and address
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Plans and specifications for fire all fire alarm systems shall include, but not limited to
1 Site and floor plans diagramming the layout of buildings, exiting systems, and alarm
equipment locations. Drawings shall be scaled or dimensioned.
2 Equipment data sheets on all system components and devices, including compatibility
listings.
3 Monitoring provisions and trouble signal imtiating circumstances
4 Type of primary power; type of stand-by/emergency power; schematic user diagram,
including alarm receiving circuits, alarm sending ctrcutts, control ctrcutts, etc , design provisions
for fire alarm zones, battery calculations, voltage drop calculations
5 Operational sequences descriptions of all interconnected systems from alarm imtiation
until reset.
*Section 1001. S.1- Change the first paragraph to read as follows.
Section 1001.5.1 -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 systems, and other fire
protective or extinguishing systems or appliances shall be maintained m an operative condition at
all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective.
Balance of Section to remain the same.
*Section 1001.5.2 -Add the following to the end of the Section.
Section 1001.5.2 -Inspection and Testing. The Chief 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 Chief.
Section 1003 -Fire Extinguishing Systems
Section 1003.1 -Installation Requirements
*Section 1003.1.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1003.1.1 -General. Fire extinguishing systems shall be installed in accordance with the
Building Code and Section 1003
Fire extinguishing systems required by this article shall only be installed by contractors possessing
an installation certificate for installation of fire protection equipment according to Appendix VII-
B of this Code.
Fire hose threads used in connection with fire-extinguisling systems shall be national standard
hose threads or as approved by the Clief.
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The location of Fire Department hose connections shall be approved by the Chief.
In buildings used for high-piled storage, fire protection shall be nn accordance with Article 81
*Section 1003.1.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1003.1.2 -Standards. Fire protection systems shall comply with the appropriate Umform
Building Code Standards and National Fire Protection Association Standards. (See UBC Standard
9-1)
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Automatic fire-extingunslung systems not covered by the Building
Code shall be approved and installed in accordance with approved standards.
2 Unchanged.
3 Automatic sprinkler systems nn Group R Occupancies four (4) stones or less may
be in accordance with Building Code requirements for residential sprinkler
systems (See UBC Standard 9-3 )
4 Automatic sprinkler systems in one-and two_family dwellings and manufactured
homes may be in accordance with U.B C Standard 9-7
5 Where sprinklers are installed in electrical rooms, they shall be separated from the
building's main sprinkler system by apre-action valve This valve shall be
connected to fire detection device(s) in the electrical room. Sprinkler piping shall
remain dry until the fire detection device activates and opens the pre-action valve.
Detection devices shall have a minimum temperature rating of 165 degrees
Fahrenheit. Sprinkler head(s) shall be of a type to remain closed until sufficient
heat ns present to open them. The sprinkler(s) shall have a mimmum temperature
rating of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkler heads in electrical rooms shall be
protected wrath a lasted guard over the head. Sprinkler heads may be installed in
electrical rooms without the pre-action valve, fire detection device, and guard if
approved tamperproof sprinkler heads are nnstalled nn place of standard heads.
Water supply as requnred for such systems shall be provided in conformance with supply
requnrements of the respective standards; however, every fire protection system shall be designed
with a 5 psi margin of safety
Section 1003 -Fire Extinguishing Systems
*Section 1003.1.3 -Change to read ase ollows.
Section 1003.1.3 -Modifications. When residential sprinkler systems as set forth in the Building
Code (see LI.B C Standard 9-3 and Standard 9-7) are provided, exceptions to, or reductions in
Building Code requnrements based on the installation of an automatic fire-extnngunshing system are
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 17 10/16/98
not allowed. Allowable tradeoffs for, or increases nn, Building Code provisions based on the
installation of an automatic fire-extmgunsling system are not allowed.
EXCEPTION: Reductions are allowed for the following provisions
1 Section 708 3 1 1 3 of the Building Code, draft stops nn floor-ceiling assemblies.
2 Section 708 3 1.2 1 of the Building Code, draft stops nn attics.
3 Section 708 3 1.2 2 of the Building Code, draft stops nn attics.
*Section 1003.2.2 -Item #S. Change to read as follows, Items #6, #7. Add to read as follows.
Section 1003.2.2 -All occupancies except Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies.
Throughout all buildings with a floor level, other than penthouses nn compliance with
Section 1511 of the Building Code, that is located fifty-five (55) feet (16764mm) or more
above the lowest of fire department access.
EXCEPTION: Open parking structures.
6 High Piled Combustible Storage. For any building with a clear height exceeding 15 feet,
see Section 8101
7 Spray Booths and Rooms. New and existing spray booths and spraying rooms shall be
protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.
*Section 1003.2.6.4 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1003.2.6.4 -Group H, Division 5 Occupancies. Aircraft hangars shall be classified by
group and type, and shall be provided with afire-extinguishing system as specified by UBC
Standard 9-4
(*Note Any classification of construction type under UBC Standard 9-4 shall be for use
with that standard only and shall have no bearing on the construction type used nn con~unctnon
with any other provision of tlis code.)
*Section 1003.2.9 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1003.2.9 -Group R, Division 1 Occupancies. An automatic spnnkler system shall be
installed throughout every apartment house three (3) or more stones nn height or containing 16 or
more dwellnng units, every congregate resndence three (3) or more stones nn henght, or havnng an
occupant load of more than 10, and every hotel three (3) or more stones nn henght or contaiing
20 or more guest rooms Resndentnal or quick-response standard sprinklers shall be used nn the
dwellnng umts and guest room portions of the building.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 18 10/16/98
*Section 1003.2.10 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1003.2.10 - Group S Occupancies
Section 1003.2.10.1 -Self-Service Storage Facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
installed throughout all self-service storage facilities.
EXCEPTION: One-story self-service storage facilities; that have no interior
corridors, with aone-hour fire-rated occupancy separation wall installed between every
storage compartment.
*Section 1003.2.10.2 -Add to read as follows:
Section 1003.2.10.2 -Group S, Division 5 Occupancies. Aircraft hangars shall be classified by
group and type, and shall be provided with afire-extinguishing system as specified by UBC
Standard 9-4
(*Note Any classification of construction type under UBC Standard 9-4 shall be for use with that
standard only and shall have no bearing on the construction type used in conjunction with any
other provision of this code )
*Section 1003.4. Item #4. Subparagraph 4.4 -Change to read ase ollows.
Section 1003.4 Permissible Sprinkler Omissions
4 4 Other approved fire-protection equipment is installed in such areas.
Section 1004 -Standpipes
*Section 1004.3 -Change third and fourth paragraphs to read as follows.
Section 1004.3 -Location of Class I Standpipe Hose Connections.
There shall be a two-way outlet above every roof line on every standpipe when the roof has a
slope of less than 4 umts vertical in i2 units horizontal (33 3% slope)
EXCEPTION: Where the stairway extends to the roof, the two-way outlet may be
located at the topmost floor landing.
In buildings where more than one standpipe is provided, the standpipes shall be interconnected at
the bottom.
All class 1 standpipes shall be
1 Water filled at all times, or
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 19 10/16/98
2 Supervised with a trurumum of 10 psig and a maximum of 40 pstg air pressure with
a lugh/low alarm.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 20 10/16/98
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Section 1007 -Fire Alarm Systems
*Section 1007.1.1 -Add the ollowing to the end of the section.
Section 1007.1.1 -Fire alarm systems required by this article shall only be installed by contractors
possessing an installation certificate for installation of fire protection equipment according to
Appendix VII-B of this Code.
(a) Equipment. Fire alarm equipment, devices and systems shall be fisted for their intended use
by a nationally recognized laboratory Manual fire alarm boxes shall be an approved double action
type When installed in an exterior location, the devices shall be listed and approved for that use.
Information provide by the fire alarm control panel when a signal(s) is received from a device or
other system equipment shall include the location of the signal(s) in a manner as specific as the fire
alarm system allows. The location description of the signal(s) shall be distinct English, not in
code, providing the location of the device to fire department personnel.
(b) Acceptance Tests. Upon completion of a system, a satisfactory test of the entire installation
shall be made in the presence of the Chief.
(c) Installation Certification. Upon completion of the installation, the contractor shall provide
the Chief with one copy of a Texas State Fire Marshal's Certificate certifying that the system has
been installed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
(d) Location and Security. The alarm control unit, remote annunciator panel, and access keys
to locked fire alarm equipment shall be installed and maintained in a location approved by the
Chief. See also Section 902 4
(e) Operating Instructions. Written operation instructions are to be ,provided at the control unit.
In the case of multiple zones, a map with all zones clearly delineated shall be included.
Section 1007.2.4 - Group E Occupancies.
Section 1007.2.4.1 -General. Unchanged.
*Section 1007.2.4.1.1 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.4.1.1 -Manual Fire Alarm Boges. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed
adjacent to every exit and in the main office. In Division 1 occupancies, devices shall be installed
in break-glass enclosures.
EXCEPTION: In Division 1 occupancies, comdor smoke detectors may be installed in
lieu of the manual devices at exit locations.
Section 1007.2.4.2 -Smoke Detectors
*Sections 1007.2.4.2.3 through 1007.2.4.2.4 -Add to read as follows.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 22 10/16/98
Section 1007.2.4.2.3 -Group E, Division 1 Occupancies. Heat or smoke detectors shall be
installed nn mechanical, electrical, and storage rooms.
Section 1007.2.4.2.4 -Group E, Division 3 Occupancies. In Division 3 Occupancies, system
smoke detectors shall be nstalled nn all areas capable of being occupned.
EXCEPTION: in Division 3 Occupancies with an occupant load of 12 or less, multn-
statnon smoke detectors shall be installed nn all areas occupned by children. These smoke
detectors must be hard wired into the buildnng electrical system and nnterconnected so that
actuatnon of any one unit results nn the actuatnon of the audible alarms of all units.
Supenvnsnon through control units and/or annunciator panels shall not be requnred.
*Sections 1007.2.4.4 through 1007.2.4.8 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.4.4 -Sprinkler Systems. If sprinkler or other fire protection systems are
provided wnthnn the building, such systems shall be connected to the fire alarm system.
Section 1007.2.4.5 -Alarm Indicating Devices. Alarm nndncatnng devices shall be installed such
that they are sufficiently audible to be recognizable throughout the buildnng as a fire alarm sngnal.
Section 1007.2.4.6 -Control Units. Control units and annunciator panels shall be located nn the
main office The annunciator shall not be concealed.
Section 1007.2.4.7 -Zoning. Zoning shall be arranged such that not more than 10,000 square
feet if the area is served by a single zone unless such a larger area is contained in a single room, in
which case the room shall serve as a zone. Additionally, not less than one zone per floor level
shall be peimitted.
Section 1007.2.4.8 -Supervision. If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved
monitoring agency, a sign shall be located above each pull station which states "Local Alarm
Only, Call Fort Worth Fire Department, 9-1-1" and contatns the address of the property The sngn
shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
Section 1007.2.9.1 -New Group R Occupancies.
*REPLACE 1007.2.9.1.1 THRU 1007.2.9.1.6 WITH NEW SECTIONS' 1007.2.9.1.1
THROUGH 1007.2.9.1.3 AND DELETE SECTIONS 1007.2.9.1.4 THROUGH 1007.2.9.1.6
Section 1007.2.9 1.1 -General. Group R, Division 1 Occupancies shall be provided with an
approved fire alarm system in apartment houses three (3) or more stories in henght or containing
16 or more dwelling units, in hotels three or more stones in henght or contamm~g 20 or more guest
rooms, and in congregate resndences three (3) or more stones in henght or having an occupant
load of 20 or more. Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate a continuous or
pulsating alarm on all alarm indicating devices m the building until manually reset and ndentifies, in
the manner prescribed by this section, the zone from which the alarm sngnal originated.
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Afire alarm system is not requnred in apartment houses not over two
stories m henght wrath one-hour fire resistive constiuction throughout, and each mdtvidual
1997 iJFC Amendments - BFP 23 10/16/98
dwelling unit has an exit directly to a public way, exit court, or yard, extenor stairway or
extenor exit balcony
2 Afire alarm system is not required nn one and two-story apartment houses
contamm~g less than sixteen (16) dwelling units.
3 A separate fire alarm system ns not required nn other than lughnse buildings which
are protected throughout by an approved fire spnnkler system conforming to the
Building Code and U.B C Standard 9-1 and having an approved local alarm.
4 High-nse buildings shall comply with Sectton 1007.2 12.2 and this section.
A. Detection devices
(i) Group R, Division 1 Occupancies (with intenor corndors) The
alarm system for Group R, Division 1 Occupancies having common
intenor exit corndors or lobbies serving as a required exit shall
consist of not less than an approved and listed system-type smoke
detector installed within such corndors or lobbies nn accordance
with U.F C Standard 10-2 and listed spacing lnrrutatnons. When
activated, such detectors shall initiate an alarm which ns audible
throughout the building.
EXCEPTION: In lighnse buildings, the alarm signal shall be m
accordance wrath Section 1007.2 12.2
(ii) Common areas wnthnn Group R, Dnvnsnon 1 occupancies. Approved
and lasted system-type automatic rate-of--nse heat detectors shall be
installed within common areas such as recreational rooms, laundry
rooms, closets, exit ways, and furnace rooms of buildings
contaimng Group R, Division 1 occupancies. The detectors shall be
installed on the ceiling or wall of such rooms in accordance wrath the
manufacturer's installation instructions and, when activated, shall
imtiate an alarm which is audible throughout the building.
EXCEPTION: In highnse buildings, the alarm signal shall be in
accordance wrath Section 1007.2.12 2
(iii) Group R, Division 1 occupancies without intenor exit corndors or
intenor exiting systems. Approved and fisted system-type automatic
rate-of--nse heat detectors shall be installed in the main living area
of each umt. The detectors shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instiuctions and, when activated, shall
initiate and alarm which is audible throughout the building.
EXCEPTION: In highnse buildings, the alarm signal shall be in
accordance with Section 1007 2 12 2
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 24 10/16/98
B Alarm indicating devices shall be located m each sleeping room and m
other locations to be sufficiently audible throughout the building.
C Control umts and annunciators, when required, shall be located at a main
building entrance or at a 24-hour desk, if provided. When such umts are
installed outside, weather-tight enclosures shall be required. If the
annunciator is not located at a 24-hour desk, a red strobe light shall be
placed above the entrance providing the most immediate access to the
annunciator, except for outside annunciators, which shall have the strobe
light directly above the annunciator Annunciators shall not be concealed. If
no annunciator is required, the control unit may be concealed, provided
that if a trouble signal is not readily evident because of the unit location, a
yellow flashing light shall be prorrunently displayed outside the area where
the control umt is located as a remote trouble signal. A sign shall be
adjacent to the fight stating: "FIRE ALARM TROUBLE-CALL
MAINTENANCE "The sign shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
EXCEPTION: In highrise buildings, annunciators and control units shall
be located in the fire control room.
D Zones shall be as follows
(i) Apartments with breezeway style A single zone (non-annunciating)
control unit shall be used for each building. A red strobe light shall
be located on the face of the building, at the eaves, adjacent to each
set of exit stairs. The light(s) may be powered by an auxiliary set of
contacts on detectors. Only the light adjacent to that area where a
firefighter must enter the building to find the initiating device will
flash dunng the alarm.
(ii.) Hotels, motels, or apartments (non-breezeway) A multiple zone
control unit with annunciator is required and shall be zoned not less
than one zone per floor per building.
E. If the system is not centrally supervised by an approved monitonng agency
or 24-hour desk, a sign shall be located above each pull station which
states "LOCAL ALARM ONLY, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 9-1-1," and shall contain the address of the property
protected. The sign shall have a mimmum dimension of 4 inches.
If a 24-hour desk is provided for momtonng, a single sign may be placed at
the telephone operator's switchboard or the constantly attended location
stating: "WHEN FIlZE ALARM SOUNDS, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 9-1-1," and contaimng the address of the building
protected by the alarm in lieu of the above requirements. The sign shall
have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
F Afire department Knox Key Box shall be located on an outside wall
1997 UFC Amendments - BEP 25 10/16/98
adjacent to the leasing office in an approved location. This box shall
contain all fire alarm control keys. See also Section 902.4
Section 1007.2.9.1.2 -Group R, Division 3 Occupancies. Group R, Division 3 Occupancies
which are used by more than ten (10) persons, not related by blood or mamage, and congregate
residences, shall be provided with system smoke detectors protecting each sleeping area which
connects to an approved automatic fire alarm system capable of alerting all occupants.
Section 1007.2.9.1.3 -Smoke Detectors. Group R occupancies shall be provided with single
station, hard wired smoke detectors to protect each sleeping area as required by the Building
Code.
*Sections 1007.2.9.2.5 through 1007.2.9.2.7 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.9.2.5 -Existing One And Two-Family Dwellings. All existing one- and two-
family dwellings which are sold or altered, repaired, renovated or improved in any manner
requiring a building permit shall be provided with smoke detectors as required m the Building
Code The owner of any dwelling which is sold or repaired in violation of this subsection shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor
Section 1007.2.9.2.6 -Mobile Homes. Mobile homes which are sold, rented, remodeled, or
relocated within or into the City of Fort Worth shall have a smoke detector provided in
accordance with the provisions of the Building Code
Section 1007.2.9.2.7 -Rented or leased residential occupancies.
(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term dwelling umt shall include the following:
A. All one-family, two family, and multi-family dwellings, including mobile
homes.
B 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
(2) All dwelling umts which are currently rented, leased or sub-leased or are hereafter
rented, leased, or sub-leased shall be provided with smoke detectors which meet
the requirements of the Building Code, except that such detectors may be 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.
(3) Duty to inspect and repair
A. Upon commencement of a tenant's possession of a dwelling unit contaimng
a smoke detector, the landlord shall have a duty to test the smoke detector
to venfy that it is to working order Upon installation of a smoke detector
by a landlord after commencement of the tenant's possession of a dwelling
1997 LJFC Amendments - BFP 26 10/16/98
unit, the landlord shall have a duty to test the smoke detector to venfy that
rat ns m good working order Documentation venf}nng compliance with this
provision shall be submntted to the Chief upon request.
B 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 of the tenant has given notice to the landlord of malfunction
or has made a request to the landlord for inspection or repair The notice to
the landlord need not be nn wntnng unless written notice ns required nn the
Rental Agreement. The landlord shall comply wrath the tenant's request for
inspection and repair within a reasonable time, considering the availability
of material, labor and utilities.
C A landlord shall not have a duty to repair a smoke detector of the damage
or malfunction ns caused by the tenant or the tenant's family, guest or
invitee dunng the term of the rental agreement or any renewal or extension
penod of the rental agreement. Provided, however, a landlord shall have a
duty to repair or replace a smoke detector covered by this subsection of the
tenant pays nn advance for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement,
nncludnng labor, matenals, taxes, and overhead.
D A landlord shall have satisfied the duty to inspect or repair a damaged or
malfunctioning smoke detector nf, after a test of the smoke detector, the
test mdncates that the smoke detector ns m good working order
E. After commencement of possessnon by the tenant of a dwelling unit, the
landlord shall have no duty to provnde 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 possessnon by
the tenant.
(4) A person commits an offense of as landlord of a dwelling unit that person.
A. Fails to nnstall a smoke detector nn complnance wrath this sectnon, or
B Fails to test or repair a smoke detector nn complnance wrath this section, or
C Allows a dwelling umt to be occupied without obtamm~g documentatnon
signed by both the landlord (or lus authonzed representatnve) and the
tenant verifynng compliance wrath this sectnon. This documentatnon shall be
fixnnnshed to the Chief on request.
Section 1007.2.12.2 -High-rise buildings.
*Section 1007.2.12.2.1 -Change to read asfollows~
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 27 10/16/98
Section 1007.2.12.2.1 General. Occupancies, each having floors used for human occupancy
located more than 55 feet (16,764 mm.) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access,
shall be provided with an automatic fire alarm system and a communication system in accordance
with Section 1007 2 12 2 Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate an alarm
signal on the alarm floor, the floor above and the floor below, and identify on an annunciator the
zone from which the alarm signal onginated. For Group R Occupancies in highnse buildings, see
Section 1007.2 9 1 1
Section 1007.2.12.2.2 -Automatic Fire Alarm. System.
*Section 1007.2.12.2.2. Item #4 -Change to read as follows.
(4) In Group I and Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, system smoke detectors shall be
located in all common comdors in accordance with UFC Standard 10-2 and their
listing. Single station detectors shall be installed to protect all sleeping areas and
patient rooms as prescribed in the Building Code for apartment or hotel guest
rooms.
*Section 1007.2.12.2.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.12.2.3 -Emergency Voice Alarm-Signaling System.
Alarm indicating devices shall consist of an alarm and communications system which is connected
such that damage to any terminal unit or speaker will not render more than one zone of the system
inoperative. The voice alarm and public address system may be combined.
The operation of any alarm initiating device, including pull stations, detectors, etc. shall cause
operation of the alarm system which will give two repetitions of a whooping tone followed by an
approved voice message directing occupants' evacuation. This message shall be repeated until
manually reset. The system shall be supervised to cause the activation of an audible trouble signal
in the central control station upon interruption or failure of the audio path, including amplifiers,
speaker wrong, switches, and electrical contacts, and shall detect open circuits, shorts, and
grounds which irught impair the function of this system. The system shall be designed to be heard
clearly by all occupants within the building or designated portion thereof and as is required for the
public address system and it shall be established for a selective or general basis to the following
terminal areas.
1 Elevators
2 Rooms and tenant spaces over 1,000 square feet
3 Elevator lobbies
4 Comdors
5 Dwelling units or guest rooms in R-1 occupancies
6 Exit stairways
A manual ovemde for emergency voice communication shall be provided for all paging zones.
The emergency voice alarm-signaling system shall be designed and installed in accordance with
the Building Code and UFC Standard 10-2
1997 iJFC Amendments - BFP 28 10/16/98
Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate an alarm signal on the alarming floor,
the floor above, and the floor below and identify on an annunciator the zone or address from
which the alarm signal ortgmated.
*Section 1007.2.12.2.4 -Change to read as, ollows.
Section 1007.2.12.2.4 -Fire Department Communication System. Atwo-way, approved fire
department communication system shall be provided for fire department use It shall operate
between the central control station and elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency standby power
rooms, fire pump room, and inside stairways at each floor level. Fire phones may either be placed
m a break-glass or key operated enclosure at each of the above locations or not less than five
portable telephone handsets shall be located in the central control station.
*Section 1007.2.12.2. S -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.12.2.5 -Fire Control Room. Afire control room for fire department operations
shall be provided. The location and accessibility of the fire control room shall be approved by the
fire department. The fire control room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by
not less than cone-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. The room shall be a rninimum of
ninety-six (96) square feet with a minimum dimension of eight (8) feet. It shall contain the
following as a rninimum.
1 The voice alarm and public address system panels
2 The fire department communications panel.
3 Fire detection and alarm system annunciator panels.
4 Annunciator visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are
operational.
5 Status indicators and controls for air-handling systems.
6 Controls for unlocking all stairway doors simultaneously
7 Spnnkler valve and water flow detector display panels.
8 Emergency and standby power status indicators.
9 A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone
system.
10 Fire pump status indicators.
11 Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building
core, means of egress, fire protection systems, firefighting equipment and fire
department access.
12 Work table
*Section 1007.2.12.6 -Change to read as ollows
Section 1007.2.12.6 -Corridors In Otl'ice Uses. When required by the Building Code for
1997 LJFC Amendments - BFP 29 10/16/98
corridors nn lieu of one-hour corndor construction, smoke detectors shall be installed wtthnn office
corridors nn accordance with their listing. The actuation of any detector shall activate alarms
audible nn all areas served by the corridor See UBC Section 1004 3 4 3, Exception 4 and 6
*Sections 1007.2.12.10 through 1007.2.12.16 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.2.12.10 -Manual Devices. Manual alarm-actuating devices shall be installed
adjacent to each exit from each floor level, and at nurse stations, guard stations, telephone
operator switchboards and similar areas. Manual devices shall be nn accordance with Section
1007 1 1(c)
Section 1007.2.12.11 -Control Units And Annunciators. Control units and annunciators shall
be located nn the fire control room. Control units shall either be supervised by an approved
motutornng agency or by personnel at an approved constantly attended location. If a 24-hour desk
ns provided for monitornng, a single sign shall be placed at the telephone operators' switchboard or
the .constantly attended location stating: "WHEN FIRE ALARM SOiINDS, CALL FORT
WORTH FIRE DEPARTMENT, 9-1-1" and containing the address of the building protected by
the alarm maybe perrnutted. The sign shall have a minimum dimension of 4 inches.
Section 1007.2.12.12 -Zones. Zones shall be arranged such that not less than one zone per floor
level ns provided and which will give a distinct signal for water flow detection.
Section 1007.2.12.13 -Control Circuits. Control circuits to be operated upon alarm activation
shall include but not be lmm~ted to the following:
(1) Automatic elevator recall.
(2) Air handling systems shall be shut off or placed nn 100 percent exhaust mode on
the fire floor, the floor above, and the floor below
EXCEPTION: When an approved smoke control system ns installed.
(3) Stairwell pressurization.
(4) Remote door unlocking.
(5) Smoke or fire doors which are automatic closing.
Section 1007.2.12.14 -Key Box. When required by the Cluef, a fire department key box shall be
provided containing all fire alarm control keys. See also Section 902 4
Section 1007.2.12.15 -Existing Highrise Buildings. Effective as specified nn the Building Code
Appendix Chapter 34, Division II, hnghrnse occupancies shall be provided with a fire alarm system.
Actuation of any automatic or manual device shall initiate an alarm signal on the alarming floor,
the floor above, and the floor below, and shall ndentnfy the zone from which the alan-m signal
orignnated.
(1) Manual alarm actuating devices shall be nstalled adjacent to each exnt from each
floor level, and at guard stations and buildnngs operator switchboards and shall be
in accordance wrath Section 1007 1 1 (c) and iJFC Standard 10-2
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 30 10/16/98
i;
(2) System smoke detectors shall be located as follows.
A. In every elevator lobby;
B In Group B, Division 2 Occupancies, system smoke detectors shall be
located in all common corndors when the corridor does not have the
required fire resistive rating called for by the Building Code, Appendix
Chapter 34, Division II. Detectors shall be located according to their listing
and UFC Standard 10-2
C In Group R, Division 1 Occupancies, system smoke detectors shall be
located m accordance with Section 1007 2 9 1 lA, their hstmg and UFC
Standard 10-2 Single station detectors shall be installed to protect all
sleeping areas as prescribed in the Building Code Battery powered
detectors may be installed when hard wired detectors were not required at
the time of construction.
(3) Sprinkler system water-flow detectors, when approved, shall cause an alarm upon
detection of water flow for more than 15 seconds.
(4) Alarm indicating devices shall be installed such that they are sufficiently audible to
be recogmzable in an alarming zone as a fire alarm signal. In buildings classified as
Group B, Division 2 or buildings classified as Group R, Division 1, m Height Zone
1 of Building Code, Appendix Chapter 34, Division II, bells or horns are
permitted. In Group R, Division 1 occupancies higher than Height Zone 1, an
occupant voice notification system shall be provided in accordance with Section
1007.2 12.2 3
A. Control umts and annunciators shall be located in the fire control room,
and a duplicate annunciator shall be located either at a constantly attended
location or in a common corridor adjacent to a main entrance. The
duplicate annunciator shall not be concealed.
B Control umts shall either be supervised by an approved momtoring agency
or by personnel at an approved constantly attended location. If a 24-hour
desk is provided for momtoring, a single sign shall be placed at the
telephone operators' switchboard or the constantly attended location,
statmg• "WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, CALL FORT WORTH FIRE
DEPARTMENT, 9-1-1," and contaimng the address of the building
protected by the alarm. The sign shall have a miiumum dimension of 4
inches.
(5) Zones shall be arranged such that not less than one zone per floor is provided and
which will give a distinct signal for water flow detection.
(6) Control circuits to be operated upon alarm activation shall include but not be
hrruted to the following:
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 31 10/16/98
A. Automatic elevator recall,
B When corridor smoke detection is provided m accordance with Section
1007.2 12 15 (2-B), air handling systems shall be shut off or placed to 100
percent exhaust mode on the fire floor;
C Stairwell pressurization when provided,
D Remote door unlatching when provided,
E. Smoke or fire doors which are automatic closing when provided.
(7j When required by the Chief, afire department key box shall be provided,
containing all fire alarm control keys. See also Section 902 4
Section 1007.2.12.16 -Annunciation Identification. Control panels in the fire control room
shall be permanently identified as to function. Alarm, supernsory and trouble signals as required
m Items 3 and 7 in Section 1007.2 12 2 5 shall be annunciated m compliance with Section 1007 m
the fire control room by means of an audible and visual indicator For purposes of annunciation,
zoning shall be m accordance with the following:
1 When the system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered
separately
2 Each floor shall be considered a separate zone When one or more sprinkler risers
serve the same floor, each riser shall be considered a separate zone
EXCEPTION When more than one user serves the same system on the floor
1007.3.1 Design Standards.
*Section 1007.3.1 - Add a second paragraph and exception to read as follows.
All alarm systems, new or replacement, serving 50 or more alarm actuating devices, shall be
addressable fire detection systems. Alarm systems serving more than 75 smoke detectors or more
than 200 total alarm activating devices shall be analog intelligent addressable fire detection
systems.
EXCEPTION: Existing systems need not comply unless the total system remodel or
expansion initiated after January 1, 1998 exceeds 30% of the building. When cumulative
building remodel or expansion exceeds 50%, the building must comply within 18 months
of permit application.
*Section 1007.3.3.1 -Add Item #3 to read as ollows.
Section 1007.3.3.1 -Manual Fire Alarm Boxes.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 32 10/16/98
3 Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double action type.
* Sections 1007 3.3.8 and 1007.3.3.9 -Add to read as, follows.
Section 1007.3.3.8 -Wiring. All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner that the
failure of any single alarm-actuating device will not interfere with the normal operation of any
such devices. All systems shall be Class "A" wired with a minimum of six feet separation between
supply and return loops. IDC -Class "A" style - E - SLLC Class "A" Style 6 -notification Class
"B" Style X.
Section 1007.3.3.9 -Flow Detectors And Electronic Monitoring. 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 15 seconds. All control valves in the
sprinkler and standpipe systems except for fire department hose connection valves shall be
electrically supervised to imtiate a trouble signal at the central control station upon tampering.
The fire pump system shall also be supervised for "power available," "phase reversal," and "pump
rumm~g" conditions by trouble signal on distinct circuits. See UBC Standard 9-3
*Sections 1007.3. S and 1007.3.6 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1007.3.5 -Maintenance of Systems. All fire alarm systems shall be maintained in an
operative condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired when 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, repair,
alterations and servicing shall be in accordance with this Article An approved log shall be kept on
premises to indicate when this system was checked and/or serviced, and a tag issued by the Fire
Department or approved contractor indicating test dates shall be placed in the control umt. This
tag shall not be removed.
Section 1007.3.6 -Tampering With Fire Alarm System. Any person who willfully and
maliciously tampers with, molests, inures, or breaks any fire protection equipment, fire protection
installation, fire alarm apparatus, wire, or sounds any false alarm of fire, by means of any fire
alarm system or signal or by any other means or methods, is guilty of a misdemeanor
ARTICLE 11 -GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Section 1102 -Incinerators, Open Burning and Commercial Barbecue Pits.
Section 1102.3 Open Burning
*Section 1102.3.1- Change to read as follows.
Section 1102.3.1 -General.
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.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 33 10/16/98
Such prohibited fires shall include bonfires and fires used for ceremonial purposes.
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Burning may be conducted for purposes of cooking or heating nn a
device desngnated for such a purpose by the manufacturer Incinerators shall comply wrath
Sectnon 1102
2 When approved by the Clief, burning wntlun an approved trench burner may be
permitted provnded a standby firefighter is present of required by the Cluef. A pernnit shall
be acqunred as specnfied nn Sectnon 105 8 0 1 and approved safety measures shall be
employed.
*Section 1102. S - Change to read as follows.
Section 1102.5 -Commercial Barbecue Pits.
Section 1102.5.1 -Location.
(1) The operator of a prenruses where barbecue pats are used for cooknng or heating of
food shall provide and maintain the prat wrath construction of masonry or metal or
separatnon from the enclosed areas accessible to the public by one-hour
construction.
EXCEPTION: One-hour construction shall not be required of the prat construction
incorporates
A. Automatic ventilation and air supply control, and
B Insulated construction adequate to restrict exterior pit surface temperature
to 160 degrees, and
C A design adequate to prevent the exposure of the fire box to grease
drippings.
(2) Where a barbecue prat ns inside a building, an approved smoke-tight, non-
combustible ventilation hood shall be installed in accordance with the Mechanical
Code. The hood shall be installed not more than 18 inches above the prat, extend
not less than 12 inches beyond each side of the pit, and be connected to an
approved exhaust duct discharging at least 3 feet above the top of the structure.
(3) The barbecue prat shall be protected by an approved extinguishing system designed
to meet the criteria of Sectnon 1006 of thus code, and the Mechanical Code
(4) The barbecue pit shall have nearby a metal container with a tight fitting metal
cover for the storage of used grease.
(5) No combustible storage shall be placed wntlun 10 feet of the pit unless separated
from the pit by a one-hour fire-resistnve partrtnon.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 34 10/16/98
*Section 1102.6 -Add to read ase ollows.
Section 1102.6 -Portable Cooking Grills. Portable cooking grills shall not be operated within
ten (10) feet of any combustible structure.
Section 1103.3.6 - *The title of Section 1103.3.6 shall be amended to read as follows
"Tire Rebuilding, Tire Storage, and Tire Byproducts"
*Section 1103.3.6.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1103.3.6.1 -General. Tire rebuilding plants, tare storage; and tare byproducts shall
conform to all other applicable requirements of this code as well as to the following provisions.
Outdoor tare storage shall be in accordance with Section 1103 3 6 3
*Section 1103.3.6.2 -Change to read as,follows.
Section 1103.3.6.2 -Permits. For perrruts to operate a tare recapping, tare storage, or rebuilding
plant, see Section 105 8
*Section 1103.3.6.3 -Change to read as, follows.
Section 1103.3.6.3 -Outdoor Tire And Tire Byproduct Storage. Outdoor tare and tare
byproduct storage is prohibited.
EXCEPTIONS: (1) Outdoor tare storage may be perrrutted when in conjunction with a
tare rebuilding, tare recapping, or tare handling operation and less than 50 tires are stored
wrtlun the boundary of any continuous properties owned by the same person or persons.
(2) Outdoor tare storage may be perrrutted when m conjunction with atire-rebuilding,
tare recapping, or tare handling operation and 50 or more tires are stored wrtlun the
boundary of any contiguous properties owned by the same person or persons if such tires
are suitable for recapping or rebuilding and if:
A. The ground surface covering m the areas used for and adjacent to storage
areas or 60 feet m any direction are hard surfaced and kept free of grass,
weeds, debris, etc ,and
B The perimeter of the storage area is enclosed by a fence not less than 6 feet
m height to restrict access by unauthorized persons; and
C Tires are not stored wrtlun twenty feet of any structure or property line;
and
1997 LJFC Amendments - BFP 35 10/16/98
D 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
mimmum separation between piles of 20 feet; or in racks no more than 50
feet in length and 10 feet in width with a mimmum aisle separation between
racks of 10 feet.
(3) New or recapped tires displayed for purposes of sale
*Section 1103.3.6.4 -Add to read ase ollows.
Section 1103.3.6.4 -Indoor Tire Storage. Indoor tire storage six feet and over shall be
considered high-piled combustible storage and protected in accordance with Article 81
*Section 1110.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1110.2 -Removal of Combustible and Hazardous Materials. Upon vacating or
abandomng any premises, the owner and occupant thereof shall be jointly and severably
responsible for removing any and all noxious and hazardous material or waste matter which has
been deposited, allowed to come to rest, or permitted to accumulate thereon, and such premises
shall be left in a clean and neat condition.
When the fire department imtiates removal of such materials described in this section, the owner
and occupant shall be liable for any and all expenses accrued for this service.
*Section 1110.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1110.3 -Maintenance of Vacant Buildings and Properties. Every person owning or in
charge or control of any vacant building shall remove therefrom all accumulations of flammable or
combustible waste or rubbish and shall securely lock, barricade, or otherwise secure all doors,
windows, and other opemngs thereof.
When the fire department initiates removal of waste or securing of openings described in this
section, the owner and all persons in control of the building shall be liable for any and all expenses
accrued for this service.
*Section 1110.4 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1110.4 -Removal of Debris or Partially Burned Building After a Fire.
(1) The owner or person having under his control or in his possession upon any
premises any hay, straw, bales of wool, cotton, paper, or other substances which
have been rendered useless or unmerchantable by reason of any fire on such
premises, or any debris resulting from such fire shall remove the same from such
premises within forty-eight hours after notice to do so has been given by the Cluef.
(2) Whenever any building or other structure is partially burned, the owner thereof or
the person in charge or control thereof, within ten days after notice from the Cluef,
1997 iJFC Amendments - BFP 36 10/16/98
shall remove from the premises all refuse, debris, charred and partially burned
lumber, and material. If such building or other structure ns burned to such an extent
that nt us rendered incapable of being repaired, the owner of the property upon
which same ns located or the person nn control thereof, wntlun ten (10) days after
notice from the Cluef, shall remove from the premises all of the remaining portion
of the building or structure.
Section 1112 -Maintenance Of Interior Wall And Ceiling Finishes
*Section 1112 -Add the following paragraph to read asfollows.
In sprinkled buildnngs, all ceiling materials requnred for proper sprinkler operatuon shall be unstalled
and mauntauned to prevent fire penetratnon and mauntaun the untegrity of the sprinkler system.
ARTICLE 12 -MAINTENANCE OF EGRESS AND EMERGENCY ESCAPES
Section 1201 -General
*Section 1201.1- Add the following to the end of the Section
Section 1201.1 -Scope. Equupment or materials requnred by thus code for means of egress shall
be lasted for the untended use and design by a natnonally recognized laboratory
ARTICLE 13 -EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Section 1302 -Reporting of Emergencies and False Alarms
*Section 1302.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1302.2 -Reporting Emergencies
(1) In the event of a fire or dnscovery of a fire, smoke, or unauthorized release of
flammable or hazardous materials on any property, the owner or occupant shall
immeduately report such condition to the fire department.
(2) The Chief shall be nmmednately notufied when an unauthorized dnscharge becomes
reportable under state, federal, or local regulatuons.
(3) Provnsnons shall be made for controllnng and mutigatung unauthorized duscharges.
(4) Any person, firm, or corporatuon responsible for any unauthorized dnscharge shall
nnstntute and complete all actuons necessary to remedy the effects of such
unauthorized dnscharge, whether sudden or gradual, at no cost to the Cnty of Fort
Worth. When deemed necessary by the Cluef, clean-up may be unituated by the fire
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 37 10/16/98
department or by an authorized individual or firm. All costs associated with such
clean-up shall be borne by the owner, operator, or other person responsible for the
unauthorized discharge
Section 1303 -Emergency Plans and Procedures
Section 1303.1 -General
*Section 1303.1.1- Add to read as follows.
Section 1303.1.1 High-rise Buildings. (a) The operator of a prermses which has floors used for
human occupancy located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access shall provide an approved emergency plan to be located to the Fire Control Room to
contain a diagram showing:
(1) All means of egress from each floor
(2) Locations of doors whttch provide access to safe floor areas from the stairwell
under emergency conditions.
(3) The location of:
A. fire command or central control stations, and
B fire alarm systems, components and control panels, and
C fire exttnguisling systems and valves thereto, and
D smoke control systems and controls thereof; and
E. fire department commumcattons equipment; and
F other information required by the Chief.
(b) The plan shall include provisions for staff participation m fire emergencies to
ensure safe evacuation of all occupants with special attention given to disabled
occupants.
(c) Emergency diagrams may be required by the Chief to be posted m conspicuous
locations detailing exit diagrams or other similar information or instructions.
(d) Fire drills shall be conducted at least annually to ensure proper operation of the
emergency plan to a fire emergency The Chief may require additional fire drills at
his discretion.
*Section 1303.3.3 - Change to read asfollows.
Section 1303.3.3 - Group E Occupancies.
(a.) The operator of premises housing an educational occupancy shall.
(1) Conduct one fire drill each quarter
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 38 10/16/98
(2) Maintain a written report of each fire drill In the office of the operator of
the premises, and
(3) When required, provide the Fire Marshal wtth a copy of the written report
of each fire drill.
(b) The operator of prernuses housing an educational occupancy shall conduct fire
drills in a manner requiring:
(1) All students to Immediately leave the structure upon hearing the fire drill
signal, and
(2) A roll call by classes outside the structure, and
(3) Doors to be closed as each area Is evacuated.
*Sections 1303.3.3.1 through 1303.3.3.2 -Delete.
Section 1303.3.5 -Group R, Division 1 Occupancies.
*Section 1303.3.5.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1303.3.5.1 -Fire Drills. Fire drills and emergency plans shall be in accordance with
Section 1303 1 1, (b ), (c ), and (d.)
*Section 1303.3.5.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 1303.3..5.2 -Means Of Egress Diagrams. Every hotel and motel having Interior exits
shall post and maintain on the room side of every guest room door a sign depicting the layout of
the floor on which the room is a part, the location of the room on that floor, the exits from that
floor, the route to the nearest exit, and fire extinguisher locations.
*Section 1303.7 -Add to read as follows.
Section 1303.7 - Elevators. A sign shall be posted adjacent to every elevator call switch panel on
every floor of a building containing elevators which states
"IN FIRE EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE ELEVATORS -USE EXIT STAIItS"
or graphically depicts this message in an approved manner Such sign shall have a mimmum
dimension of three (3) inches. Signs of the same size, with the same message, shall be provided at
the same location for persons who are sight-impaired. Signs may be combined.
1997 LTFC Amendments - BFP 39 10/16/98
ARTICLE 24 - AHtPORTS, HELIPORTS AND HELISTOPS
Section 2401.2 -Permits. Delete
Section 2401.4 -Transferring Fuel.
Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be dispensed into or removed from the fuel system of
an aircraft within an aircraft hangar
*Section 2401.4 -Add Exception to read as follows.
EXCEPTION. When approved by the Cluef, fueling and defiaelmg of aircraft 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 wrth automatic shutoffs
for the system, leak detection, drainage, spill control, and automatic fire protection
adequate to protect the hazard. Fueling and defiaeltng operations utilizing refizeler units are
prohibited inside hangars.
Balance to remain unchanged.
*Section 2401.6 -Change and Add exception to read as follows.
Section 2401.6 -Cleaning Parts. Aircraft engines and parts of aircraft shall not be cleaned with
Class I or II liquids m an aircraft hangar or wrthm 50 feet of another aircraft, building, or hangar
EXCEPTION• Parts cleaning operations may be conducted m accordance wrth Section
7903 2 Z 1
*Section 2401.15 -Change to read as~follows.
Section 2401.15. -Regulations Not Covered. Regulations not specifically contained herein
pertaining to airports, aircraft hangars, and appurtenant operations shall comply with nationally
recognized standards. See U.F C Standard 24-1 and applicable Federal Aviation Adrrunistration
Guidelines.
*Section 2402.2.5 -Change to read as follows.
Section 2402.2.5 -Dispensing Hoses And Nozzles. Hoses shall be designed for the transferring
of hydrocarbon liquids The length of hose shall be hrnited to the actual needs of the individual
transfer apparatus. Such hose shall be equipped wrth an approved shutoff nozzle. Fuel transfer
nozzles shall be of self closing type, designed to be actuated by hand pressure only Notches and
other devices shall not be used for holding a nozzle valve handle m open position. Such nozzles
shall be equipped with a bonding cable complete with proper attachment for aircraft to be
serviced.
*Section 2402. S. 2 -Change to read as,follows.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 40 10/16/98
Section 2402.5.2 -Garaging. Aircraft refueler umts shall be stored outside of, and not less than
50 feet from, any building at a location approved by the manager of the airport and the Cluef.
Aircraft refixeler umts shall not be stored or parked m any location that would endanger a building
should a fuel leak occur
Section 2402.7 -Loading and Unloading Delete
Section 2402.8 Fueling and Defueling
*Section 2402.8.3 -Add Exception #2 to read as, ollows.
Section 2402.8.3 -Transfer Personnel. During fuel transfer operations, a qualified person shall
be m control of each transfer nozzle and another qualtfied person shall be to munediate control of
the fuel-pumping equipment to shut off or otherwise control the flow of fuel from the time fueling
operations are begun until they are completed.
EXCEPTIONS (1) For underwmg refueling, the person stationed at the point of fuel
intake is not required.
(2) For overwmg refueling, when fueling nozzle is equipped with an approved automatic I
shutdown device, the person stationed at the fuel pumping equtpment is not required.
ARTICLE 25 -PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
Section 2501.17 -Candles And Other Open-Flame Devices.
*Section 2501.17 -Add the following to end of section to read as ollows.
The candle must be located m the holder so that there is a rrummum of 2 inches between the top
of the flame and any combustible material that trught be placed on top of the holder
ARTICLE 28 -STORAGE AND HANDLING OF COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS
*Section 2806 -Change to read as follows.
Section 2806 -Storage of Agricultural Products. The storage of hay, straw, or other similar
agricultural 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 tarpaultn or similar
cover which has been rendered flame retardant.
*Section 2806.1 -Add to read as follows.
Section 2806.1 -Outdoor storage of combustible fibers shall be covered entirely by a tarpaulin or
1997 LTFC Amendments - BFP 41 10/16/98
:x
similar cover which has been treated with a flame retardant.
ARTICLE 32 -TEMPORARY MEMBRANE STRUCTURES, TENTS AND CANOPIES
Section 3217 -Flammable and Combustible Liquids
*Section 3217.2 -Change to read as follows.
Section 3217.2 -Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage. Flammable or combustible
liquids and LP-gas shall not be stored m a tent or temporary structure or less than 50 feet from
such structures.
The storage and dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids are prohibited m a tent, canopy,
or temporary membrane structure
LP-gas is prohibred m a tent or temporary membrane structure
ARTICLE 35 -COVERED MALL BUILDINGS
Section 3504 -General Requirements
*Section 3504.3 -Change to read ase ollows.
Section 3504.3 -Fueled Equipment. Liquid or gas fueled appliances, tools, apparatus, craft or
vehicles shall not be located m a mall.
*Section 3504.3 -Delete Exception 1 & 2 and replace to read as follows.
EXCEPTIONe When approved by the Clief, liquid or gas fueled appliances, tools,
apparatus, craft, or vehicles are allowed to be displayed wrtlin the mall under the
conditions set forth m Sections 2505 1 through 2505 3 4
ARTICLE 45 -APPLICATION OF FLAMMABLE FINISHES
Section 4502 -Spray Finishing
Section 4502.8 -Fire-protection Equipment
*Section 4502.8.1- Change to read as follows.
Section 4502.8.1 -General. New and existing spray booths and spraying rooms shall be
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 42 10/16/98
protected by an approved automatic fire exttnguishung system. Such systems shall be extended to
protect exhaust plenums, exhaust ducts, and both sides of dry filters when such filters are used.
For installation of automatic sprinklers to ducts, see the Mechamcal Code
ARTICLE 52 -MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL DISPENSING STATIONS
Section 5202 -Flammable and Combustible Liquid Motor Vehicle Fuel-Dispensing
Stations
Section 5202.3 -Storage of Fuel.
*Section 5202.3.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 5202.3.3 -Fueling From Portable Tanks. The temporary use of portable or setm-
portable tanks m con~unctton with the dispensing of Class I, II, or III-A liquids into the fuel tanks
of motor vehicles or other motorized equipment shall only be permitted on construction sites.
Such installations must have the specific approval of the Clief.
Section 5202.3.6 -Special Enclosures.
*Section 5202.3.6 -Add Number (8) to read as~follows.
(8) Stationary tanks used for the fueling of motor vehicles shall not be installed m any
manner other than underground.
EXCEPTION: Aboveground tanks may be considered to some locations if the
tank and location meet the specific approval of the Chtef. These tanks shall not
exceed 6,000 gallons capacity and shall be constructed to accordance with iI.L.
Subject 2085
Section 5202.3.8 -Testing Or Leak-Detection Devices.
*Section 5202.3.8 -Add second paragraph to read ase ollows.
All leak-detecting devices existing on a property shall be matntatned to an operative condition at
all times. Removal of existing devices shall be only upon approval of the Chief. Keys to all locking
devices shall be readily available at all times on the prermses.
Section 5202.13 -Vapor Recovery
*Section 5202.13.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 5202.13.1 -General. Thts section shall apply to all vapor recovery and processing
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 43 10/16/98
~... ~;.. ,,r... ,}.... ,-sin =a~~;:.F ,,.,:;„~;,~.. _..... ..,.}..,,.- ,~~;
systems. No person shall transfer or allow the transfer of gasoline from any delivery vessel into a
storage tank with a nominal capacity greater than 1,000 gallons unless displaced vapors are
processed by a vapor recovery system.
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Containers used exclusively for the fueling or implements of
agriculture.
2 Storage tanks equipped with external floating roofs, internal floating roofs, or their
equivalent.
3 Stationary containers of norrunal capacity less than 2,000 gallons (7,571 liters) if
installed before December 1, 1976
4 Stationary storage tanks located at a facility which dispenses less than 12,000 gallons
(454,249 titers) of gasoline per year
Section 5202.13.2 -Vapor-Balance Systems.
*Section 5202.13.2.6 -Add to read as follows•
Section 5202.13.2.6 -Special Provision for Gasoline Tanks. When a vapor balance system is
used to comply with Section 5202 13 1, the system shall meet the following conditions
A. Vapor-tight return tine is connected before gasoline can be transferred into the
storage container
B No gasoline leaks exist anywhere in the liquid transfer system.
C The vapor return line's cross-sectional area is at least one-half of the product drop
line's cross-sectional area.
D The only atmospheric emission during gasoline transfer into the storage container
is through a storage container vent line equipped either with an orifice no greater
than 3/4-inch (1 9 cm.) internal diameter or a pressure vacuum relief valve set to
open at a pressure of no less than 8 ounces per square inch (3 4KPa)
E. The delivery vessel is kept vapor-tight at all times (except when gauging) until the
captured vapors are discharged to a loading facility with vapor recovery
equipment.
F Gauge pressure in the tank-vehicle tank does not exceed 18 inches of water (4 5
Pa) or vacuum exceeds 6 inches of water (1 5 KPa)
G Readings less than 100% of the lower explosive lirrut (LEL measured as propane)
at 1 inch (2 5 cm.) from potential leak sources when measured with a combustible
gas detector
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 44 10/16/98
ARTICLE 61-OIL BURNING EQUIPMENT
Section 6106 -Portable Unvented Oil-burning Heating Appliances
*Section 6106.3 -Change to read as follows, Exception remains unchanged.
Section 6106.3 -Location. The use of listed portable unvented oil buriung heating appliances
shall be linuted to supplemental heating m Group B, Div~s~ons 1 and 3, and Group M
Occupancies.
ARTICLE 78 -FIREWORKS AND PYROTECHNIC SPECIAL EFFECTS MATERIAL
*Article 78 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7801 -General
Section 7801.1 -Definitions. For definition of "FIREWORKS," see Section 207-F
MANUFACTURING, SALE OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED, PUBLIC
DISPLAY PERMIT APPROVED AND ISSUANCE, NOT CITY LIABILITY
Section 7802 -Fireworks
Section 7802.1 -General. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, use, manufacture, sell,
offer for sale, give away, transport, or discharge fireworks of any description, provided, however,
that the Chief shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of
pernuts 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 approved by the Cluef, and
shall be of such character and so located, discharged, or fired as m the opinion of the Chief after
proper investigation so as not to be hazardous to property or endanger any person. No pertmt
granted thereunder shall be transferable
The Chief shall not approve any application for perrnit for supervised public display of fireworks
unless he finds that.
(a) The applicant has filed m the City Secretary's Office a certificate showing the
applicant has secured, and agrees to keep m force during the term of the perrrut, a
policy providing for bodily m~ury and property damage insurance in the amounts as
follows
Property Damage, Per Accident $100,000
1997 IJFC Amendments - BFP 45 10/16/98
Personal Injury or Death, Per Person
Personal Injury or Death, Per Accident
$100,000
$300,000
Such insurance policy shall provide that it cannot be canceled or amended without
at least thirty (30) days' notice to the City Secretary; and
(b) That the applicant has covenanted and agreed m wasting to indemnify, hold
harmless, and defend at its own expense, the Casty of Fort Worth, it's officers,
agents and employees from and against any and all clanms or suns for property
damage and/or personal injury, including death, or whatsoever kind of character,
whether real or asserted, arising out of, or in connection wrath, the execution,
performance or attempted performance of fireworks at a public display whether or
not caused, m whole or m part, by alleged negligence of officers, agents or
employees of the Casty of Fort Worth, and the applicant hereby assumes all liability
and responsibility for any and all clanms or suits for property damage and/or
personal injury, 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 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
m~uries, damage, or destruction of City property arising out of, or m connection
with, directly or indirectly, all acts or omissions of applicant, his officers, agents,
employees, contractors, subcontractors or invitee, or caused by alleged negligence
nn whole or in part, of officers, agents or employees of the City; and
(c) The application for the permit was made m writing at least fifteen (15) days prior
to the date of dnsplay nn accordance with Section 105 8, and
(d) The applicant has included in the application for permit the names of the
organization sponsoring the display together with the names of persons actually nn
charge of the firing of the display; and
(e) The applicant has included in the application for peanut the date and tame of day at
which the dnsplay ass to be held, and
(f) The applicant has included m the application for permit the exact location planned
for the display; and
(g) 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
(h) The applncant has included nn application for permit the number and kinds of
fireworks to be discharged, and
(i) The applicant has included m the application for permit the manner and place of
storage of such fireworks prior to the display; and
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 46 10/16/98
(j) The applicant has included m the application for the perrnit a diagram of the
grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the
fireworks are to be discharged, the location of the buildings, highways, and other
fines of communication, the lines behtnd which the audience will be restrained, and
the location of all nearby trees, communication or telephone lines, or other
overhead obstructions, and
(k) The applicant has included m the application for pertmt all licenses and perrnits
issued and required by the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office
Section 7802.4 -Displays
(a) The Chief shall approve the application and issue the perrmt for the public display
of fireworks if he finds that. the applicant has complied with the applicable
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, structures,
forests, or brush, and the fireworks are to 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 ltne, tree, or other
overhead obstruction. In no case shall the Chief issue a perrrut for a display to be
held within six hundred (600) feet of a school, theater, church, hospital, or similar
institution.
(b) All fireworks that fire a projectile shall be so set up that the projectile will go into
the air as nearly as possible 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 in such a manner that the falling residue from the projectile will fall into
said body of water
(c) Any fireworks that remain unfired after the display ~s concluded shall be
immediately disposed of or removed to a manner safe for the particular type of
fireworks. The debns from the discharged fireworks shall be properly disposed of
by the operator before he leaves the prernises. 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 to a safe manner The search shall be instituted at the earliest possible time
following that conclusion of the display, but m no event later than the first penod
of daylight which follows.
(d) No fireworks display shall be held during any windstorms m which the wind
reaches a velocity of more than twenty (20) miles per hour
(e) All fireworks articles and items at places of display shall be stored m a manner and
to a place secure from fire, accidental discharge, and theft, and m a manner
approved by the Clief.
(f) The approval of any application and issuance of any perrnits by the Chtef shall m
1997 LTFC Amendments - BFP 47 10/16/98
no way be construed as an assumption of responsibility or lnabilnty by the Cnty for
any damages or nn~urnes to persons or property arising out of or incident to the
discharge of fireworks at a public dnsplay
Section 7803 -Aiding Minors to Violate Article. No parent of guardian of a manor shall furnish
money or a thnng of value to a manor for the purchase of fireworks or encourage, act nn
con~unctnon with, or nn any manner mstngate or and a minor m commnssnon of possessnon, selling,
offering for sale, graving away, using, transporting, or manufacturing fireworks wrtlun the city The
commnssnon of the offense by the manor on the property under the control or owned by the parent
or guardian shall be prnma facie proof that the relation or guardian was mstngatmg or aiding the
manor
Section 7804 -Signaling Devices. This article shall not apply to the possessnon or use of
sngnalnng devnces for current daily consumptnon by railroads, vessels and others requnnng them, or
to the possessnon, sale, or use of normal stocks of flashinght composntnons by photographers or
dealers nn photographnc supplnes, or to the possessnon or use of flares or rockets for military or
police purposes, or any auto flares, or paper caps contamm~g not nn excess of an average of
twenty-five one hundredths (25/100ths) of a grann of explosive content per cap, and toy pnstols,
toy canes, toy guns, or other devnces for use of such caps, the sale and use of which shall be
pernutted at all tames Model rockets that can be defined by the scope of NFPA 1122 shall be
regulated by that code.
Section 7805 -Territorial Applicability. The provnsnons of this artncle shall be applicable wntlun
the corporate hmnts of the city and also wrthnn the area immediately adjacent and contiguous to
the city hnrits and extending outside the cnty hrmts for a distance of five thousand feet unless such
area ns wnthnn the corporate hmnts of another mumcnpalrty
Section 7806 -Seizure. The Chief shall senze, take, remove or cause to be removed and
destroyed at the expense of the owner, all stocks offered or exposed for sale, stored, or held nn
vnolation of this artncle
ARTICLE 79 -FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Section 7901 -General
Section 7901.1 Scope.
Section 7901.1.1 General.
*Section 7901.1.1.1 -Add to read as follows.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 48 10/16/98
Section 7901.1.1.1 (a) The storage, use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible
liquids shall be m accordance with this article, except as otherwise provided m other laws or
regulations. Installers of underground tanks should reference the guidelines of the information
booklet "Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids" published by the Fire
Prevention Bureau of the Fort Worth Fire Department.
EXCEPTIONS: 1 The transportation of flammable and combustible liquids when m
accordance with D O T regulations on file with and approved by D O T
2 Alcoholic beverages in retail sales or storage uses, provided the liquids are packaged in
individual containers not exceeding 4 liters.
3 Medicines or foodstuffs and cosmetics contaimng not more than 50 percent by volume
of water-rruscible liquids and with the remainder of the solution not being flammable, m
retail sales or storage uses when packaged in individual containers not exceeding 4 titers.
4 Liquids without flashpoints that can be flammable under some conditions, such as
certain halogenated hydrocarbons and mixtures contaimng halogenated hydrocarbons
5 The storage and display of aerosol products except flammable aerosols in containers as
maybe included under Division II. See Article 88
6 Materials which are solid at 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above
When heated, sprayed, or rruxed, Class II or III liquids can assume the characteristics of lower
flashpoint liquids. Under such conditions, the appropriate provisions of the article for the actual
flashpoint shall apply For construction requirements, see the Building Code. When flammable or
combustible liquids present multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed. See Article 80
For the purpose of this article, unstable liquids shall be treated as Class I-A liquids.
Section 7901.3 Permits and Plans.
*Section 7901.3.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7901.3.1 - Permits. A permit is required to install, operate, repair or modify pipelines,
equipment, or facilities where flammable or combustible liquids are produced, processed,
dispensed, stored, handled, or used. See Section 105
A permit is required to store, handle, transport, dispense, rriix, blend, or use flammable or
combustible liquids in excess of quantities specified in Section 105
A permit is required to remove, abandon, place temporarily out of service, or otherwise dispose of
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 49 10/16/98
a flammable or combustible liquids tank. See Section 105
A permit is required to test any new or extsttng flammable or combustible ltqutd tank or related
piping systems.
Section 7901 11.7 -Flexible Joints
*Section 7901.11.7.1 -Change to read as,follows.
Section 7901.11.7.1 -Piping, Valves, and Fittings-Flex Lines
Approved and U.L listed flexible connectors shall be installed on all underground ltqutd, vapor,
and vent piping where the piping leaves the dispensing island or location and dust before the piping
connects to underground tank fittings. Flexible connectors shall also be installed on piping that is
ngtdly supported or connected between fixed points and which is subject to thermal expansion or
differential movements.
Section 7902.1.7 -Abandonment and Status of Tanks.
*Section 7902.1.7.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7902.1.7.1 -General. Tanks taken out of service as a result of a property being
abandoned or its use changed shall be to accordance with Sectton 7902 1 7.2 3, notwithstanding
the time schedules stipulation. On other properties, tanks taken out of service shall be safeguarded
or removed to accordance with this Sectton.
Before any tank is removed from a pretntses, the tank shall be labeled (the labeling shall include
the prior contents of the tank, the address that the tank was removed from, and the date that the
tank was removed), and the manifest of transportation shall be filed with the Fire Marshal.
Section 7902.1.7.3 -Aboveground Tanks.
*Section 7902.1.7.3.2 -Change to read as follows Exception unchanged.
Section 7902.1.7.3.2 -Out of Service 90 Days. Aboveground tanks not used for a penod of 90
days shall be properly safeguarded to accordance with Sectton 7902 1 2, or shall be removed from
the property to a manner approved by the Chief.
EXCEPTION: Unchanged.
*Section 7902.1.7.3.2.1 -Add to read ase ollows.
Section 7902.1.7.3.2.1 -Reinstallation of Underground Tanks. Tanks which are to be
reinstalled for flammable or combustible ltqutd service shall comply with all of the provisions of
this arttcle See Division VI of this arttcle
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 50 10/16/98
Prior to installation of used tanks, the owner shall provide, m writing:
1 Methods used to clean or inert tank.
2 Previous contents and location of tank
3 Certification that the tank has been inspected and tested.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 51 10/16/98
~,,..
*Table 7902.5 A -Change to show as follows.
TABLE NO. 7902.5-A
EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
MAXIMUM QUANTITIES STORED PER CONTROL AREA
TYPE OF LIQUID MA3GMUM QUANTITIES STORED PER CONTROL AREA (gallons)
Group B, Division 2,
Drinking, Dining, Office
Or School Uses;
Groups A, E, I and R
OCCUPANCIES'.z All Other Uses''3,4
Flammable
Class I-A 0 305'8
Class I-B 0 605'8
Class I-C 0 905'8
Combination I-A, I-B, I-C 0 120'°'8
Combustible
Class II 0 1205'8
Class III-A 0 3305'8
Class III-B 13,2004.6 13,2006
Flammable and Combustible 0 1205••8
Combination
' Flammable and combustible liquids are allowed to be used for maintenance purposes and operation of
equipment when stored in cabinets which comply with Section 7902.5 9 Quantities not exceeding 10 gallons
are allowed to be stored outside of a cabinet when in approved containers located in a private garage or an
approved location.
z In Group A Occupancies used as classrooms or laboratories; Group B, Division 2, Occupancies used as offices,
classrooms or laboratories; Group E Occupancies; and Group I Occupancies, flammable and combustible
liquids are allowed to be stored in amounts necessary for use in demonstration, treatment or laboratory work
not to exceed the allowable quantities for "All Other Uses." When quantities exceed 10 gallons, storage shall
be in cabinets in accordance with Section 7902 5 9
3 For HPM flammable and combustible liquids, see Article 51
4 Quantities are allowed to be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets. When Footnote
No. 5 also applies, the increases for both footnotes are allowed.
5 Quantities are allowed to be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler
system. When Footnote No. 4 also applies, the increases for both footnotes are allowed.
6 Quantities allowed in a building equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system are not limited.
Combinations shall not contain more than the exempt amounts of any individual class.
8 In buildings used for wholesale and retail sales, the aggregate quantities of flammable and combustible liquids
in control areas accessible to the public are allowed to be increased to a density of one gallon per square foot
for Class I-A, and two gallons per square foot for Class I-B, Class I-C, Class II, and Class III-A liquids. The
floor area over which the density factor is applied shall be only that area actually being used for storage,
including contiguous aisle space, and shall not exceed an aggregate area of 1,500 square feet. Allowable
quantities in the flammable and combustible liquids storage area shall be uniformly distributed therein.
Section 7902.1.7 4 -Removing Tanks.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 52 10/16/98
*Section 7902.1.7.4.1 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7902.1.7.4.1 -General. Tanks shall be removed as follows
(1) Remove all flammable or combustible liquid from the tank and connecting piping,
and
(2) Disconnect piping at all tank openings, and
(3) Remove sections of connected piping which are not to be used further and cap or
plug all tank openings.
(4) The tank shall be gas freed or merted prior to removal m accordance with Division
5 Standards Appendix V-A.
(5) Before any tank is removed from a prernises, the tank shall be labeled (the labeling
shall include the prior contents of the tank, the address that the tank was removed
from, and the date that the tank was removed), and the manifest of transportation
shall be filled with the Fire Marshal.
*Section 7902.1.13.2.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7902.1.13.2.3 -Fill Pipe and Discharge Lines. Fill pipe and discharge lines shall enter
tanks only through the top Fill and discharge lines shall be sloped toward the tank. All
horizontal portions of lines shall be a rrunimum of eighteen (18) inches below finish grade
Underground tanks for Class I liquids having a capacity of more than 1,000 gallons shall be
equipped with a tight fill device for connecting the fill hose to the tank.
For Class I liquids other than crude oil and asphalt, the fill pipe shall be designed and installed m a
manner which will minimize the possibility of generating static electricity by terrninatmg wrtlun six
(6) inches of the bottom of the tank.
*Section 7902.2.7.2 -Change to read as ollows.
Section 7902.2.7.2 -Fill Pipe Openings. Fill pipe and discharge lines shall enter tanks only
through the top Fill and discharge lines shall be sloped toward the tank. All horizontal portions of
lines shall be a minimum of 18 inches below finish grade Underground tanks for Class I liquids
having a capacity of more than 1,000 gallons shall be equipped with a tight fill device for
connecting the fill hose to the tank.
For Class I liquids other than crude oil and asphalt, the fill pipe shall be designed and installed m a
manner which will rninirruze the possibility of generating static electricity by ternunatmg wrtlun 6
inches of the bottom of the tank.
Section 7902.6.5 -Overfill Protection.
*Section 7902.6. S.1 -Add to read as follows.
Section 7902.6.5.1 -General.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 53 10/16/98
(a) All owners and operators shall ensure that releases due to spills or overfills do not
occur The owner and operator shall ensure that the volume available in the tank is
greater than the volume of product to be transferred to the tank before the transfer
is made and that a person is physically present at all times during transfer to
observe the transfer
(b) All new storage systems, as well as all existing systems requiring external release
detection, shall use a spill catchment basin around the fill pipe large enough to
contain the volume of the hose In addition, all new and existing systems shall use
one or more of the following spill or overfill prevention devices
(1) A sensor for measuring the level of product in the tank, equipped with an
audible or visual alarm that is triggered when the tank is 95% full,
(2) A device designed to cause flow into the tank to shut off automatically
when the tank is 95% full.
(3) An equivalent device designed to prevent release due to spills and overfills
that is approved by the Cluef.
(c) All owners and operators of existing systems requiring overfill protection m
5202 10 2 shall use a spill catchment basin and one or more of the overfill devices
as specified in 7902 6 5 2 for each tank when permitted for repairs, but no later
than December 1, 1994
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Containers used exclusively for the fueling of implements of
agriculture
2 Storage tanks equipped with external floating roofs, internal floating roofs, or
their equivalent.
3 Stationary containers of nominal capacity less than 2,000 gallons (7,571 liters) if
installed before December 1, 1976
4 Stationary storage tanks located at a facility which dispenses less than 12,000
gallons (454,2491iters) of gasoline per year
*Section 7902.6.11 -Change to read as follows.
Section 7902.6.11 -Secondary Containment: An approved method of secondary containment
shall be provided for underground tank systems, including tanks, piping, and related components.
*Section 7902.6.12.1 -Add to read as follows.
7902.6.12.1 -Observation Wells. Approved sampling tubes of a minimum 6 inches in diameter
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 54 10/16/98
T. , _
shall be installed to the backfill material of .each underground flammable or combustible liquid
storage tank excavation. 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 mnnimum of 4
observation wells. Sampling tubes shall be placed to the product line excavation wtthtn 10 feet of
the tank excavation and one every 50 feet routed along product lines towards the dispensers, a
rninimum of two are required.
*Section 7902.6.12.2 -Add to read as follows.
Section 7902.6.12.2 - STP (sub-pumps) Sumps and Dispenser Pans. Approved sumps shall be
installed around the sub-pumps and approved dispenser pans shall be installed under the
dispensers The sumps around the sub-pumps shall be liquid and vapor tight and shall be
monitored. The dispenser pans shall be liquid tight and shall be monitored.
ARTICLE 80 -HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Section 8001.4 -Systems, Equipment and Processes.
Section 8001.4.2 -Design And Construction Of Containers, Cylinders, And Tanks.
*Section 8001.4.2 -Add the following at the end of section to read as follows.
Structural steel supports shall have a fire resnstance rating of not less than two hours, except that
soled web steel saddles need not be protected of less than 12 inches at their lowest point.
Section 8002 -Classification by Hazard
Section 8002.1 -General.
*Section 8002.1- Add the following at the end of the section to read as follows.
All hazardous wastes shall be stored and labeled by characternsttcs of the largest percentage by
volume and all other characteristncs shall be printed nmmednately below When requnred by the
Chnef, the hazardous waste materials shall be tested, at the owner's expense, to deten-mnne the
chemncal propertnes requnred for a Maternal Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
*Section 8003.1.3.3 -Change to read as follows.
Section 8003.1.3.3 -Secondary Containment For Hazardous Materials, Liquids, And
Solids. When requnred nn Sectnons 8003.2 through 8003 15, drains shall be directed to a
contannment system or other locatnon desngned as secondary contannment for the hazardous
materials lnqutds and fire-protection water, or the buildnng, room, or area shall be desngned to
provide secondary contannment of hazardous material hqunds and fire-protection water through
the use of recessed floors or liquid tight-raised sills
1997 LTFC Amendments - BFP 55 10/16/98
EXCEPTION: The provisions of this subsection may be waived when the Chief has
determined that such enforcement is preempted by other codes, statutes, or ordinances.
See Section 8001
Secondary containment shall be designed to retain the spill from the largest single container, plus
the design flow rate of the automatic fire-extinguishing system for the area of the room or area in
which the storage is located, or the system design area, whichever is smaller The containment
capacity shall be capable of containing the flow for a period of 20 minutes.
Overflow from the secondary containment system shall be provided to direct liquid leakage and
fire protection water to a safe location away from the building, valves, means of egress, fire
access roadway, ad~oimng property, or storm drams.
If the storage area is open to rainfall, the secondary containment shall be redesigned to
accommodate the volume of a 24-hour rainfall as determined by a 25 year storm. When curbs are
used, provisions shall be made for draining accumulations of groundwater or rainwater
When secondary containment is required, a monitoring method capable of detecting hazardous
material leakage from the primary containment into the secondary containment shall be provided.
Visual inspection of the primary containment is the preferred method, however, the other means
of monitoring may be approved by the Chief. Where secondary containment is subject to the
intrusion of water, a monitoring method for such water shall be provided. When monitoring
devices are provided, they shall be connected to distinct visual or audible alarms.
ARTICLE 81-HIGH PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
Section 8101.1 -Scope.
*Section 8101.1 -Add the following as a thrd~araQraph to read as follows.
Fire protection for buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with
Table 81-A and the Building Code Speculative buildings which are greater than 12,000 square
feet which measure 15 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 deterrrimng fire protection.
Section 8102.7 -Smoke and Heat Removal.
Section 8102.7.1 -General. When required by Table 81-A, smoke and heat vents or mechanical
smoke removal systems shall be provided, and shall be in accordance with this section.
*Section 8102 71 Exceptions 1 & 2 -Delete and replace with th~ollowing as read.
EXCEPTION: The requirements for smoke and heat vents and curtain boards may be
reduced or eliminated when approved by the Chief with the concurrence of the Building
Official and when in conformance with the following:
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 56 10/16/98
1 An approved ESFR sprinkler system is installed throughout the building.
2 A mechanical exhaust system is installed m accordance with this section. The
system shall be designed to be equivalent to the vent requirements m Table 81-A.
The system shall be designed and certified as substantially equivalent by an
experienced registered professional engineer approved by the Cluef.
3 Frozen food storage classified as a Class I or Class II commodity is not required to
be provided with smoke and .heat vents or mechanical smoke removal when
protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Section 8102.8 -Curtain Boards
*Section 8102.8.1 -Change to read as follows
Section 8102.8.1 -General. When curtain boards are required by Table 81-A, curtain boards
shall be provided m accordance with Section 8102 8 Also see Footnote 2, Table 81-B
EXCEPTION: Fully sprinklered Group S occupancies, storing Class I-IV commodities,
provided that a curtain board is installed between different system designs
ARTICLE 82 -LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GASES
Section 8203 -Installation of Equipment.
*Section 8203.1 -Change to read as follows
Section 8203.1 -General. All liquefied petroleum gas equipment, including such equipment
installed at utility gas plants, shall be installed m accordance with the provisions of UFC Standard
No 82-1 and iJFC Standard 82-2 except as required by "Safety Rules, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Provision" of the Railroad Commission of Texas, Docket 1
Section 8206 -Dispensing and Overfilling.
*Section 8206.4 -Add to read as follows
Section 8206.4 -Residential Areas. Liquefied petroleum gas containers designed to hold 75
gallons or less shall not be filled m residential areas.
DIVISION III
FIRE PROTECTION
APPENDIX III-A
FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 57 10/16/98
*Section 2. Definition of FIRE AREA -Change definition to read as follows
Section 2 -Definitions.
FIRE AREA is the total floor area m square feet for all floor levels within the exterior walls, or
under the horizontal projection of the roof of a building. Area separation walls, as spectfied to the
Building Code, may be considered as dividing a buildtng into separate fire areas for the purposes
of determining fire flow
*Sections 5.1 & 5.2 and respective Exceptions -Delete and replace with,following as read
Section 5 -Fire Flow Requirements For Buildings.
The minimum fire-flow requirements for one- and two-family dwelltngs shall be 750 gallons per
minute for fire areas under 2,500 square feet and 1,000 gallons per rrunute for fire areas greater
than or equal to 2,500 square feet.
EXCEPTION: Fire flow may be reduced 50 percent when the buildtng is provided with
an approved automatic sprinkler system.
The fire flow for buildings other than one- and two-family dwelltngs shall not be less than that
spectfied to Table No A-III-A-1 and as modified by Table III-A-B
EXCEPTION: The required fire flow may be reduced up to 75 percent when the building
is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, but to no case less than 1,500
gallons per nrunute
In Types I and II-F.R. construction, only the three largest successive floor areas shall be used.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 58 10/16/98
..
*Table No. III-A-B -Add to read a~ollows.
TABLE III-A-B
FIRE FLOW MULTIPLICATION FACTOR
(GPN • FACTOR}
OCCUPANY TYPE MULTIPLICATION FACTOR
B-2, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, H-6, I-1, I-2, I-3 1 00
A-1, A-2, A-2.1, B-1, B-3, R-1 0 87
A-3, A-4, B-4 0 75
E-1, E-2, E-3, M 0.50
*~pendix III-C -Amended to read as~ollows.
APPENDIX III-C
TESTING AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS, STANDPIPES,AND
COMBINATION SYSTEMS
1. TESTING
(a) Intervals. Tests of automatic fire suppression systems or devices herein regulated
shall be conducted at least once a year or when inspection by the Chief indicates
that there is reason to believe that the system or device would fail to operate
properly m an emergency Tests of standpipes herein regulated shall be conducted
at least every 5 years or when inspection by the Chief indicates that there is reason
to believe that the system would fail to operate properly m an emergency
Automatic fire suppression systems, standpipes, and combination systems which
have been tested and found to be impaired shall be tagged by the contractor and
shall contain information as shown m Figure III-D-A. This tag shall not be
removed until corrective action is taken.
(b) Testing Personnel. The test established by this regulation shall be conducted by a
person approved and qualified by the Chief to perform the full testing procedure
for the particular system or device being tested or tests shall be conducted by Fire
Department personnel
(c) Witness. The Chief shall be notified at least two working days to advance of the
performance of any full testing procedure for the particular system or device being
tested when tests are conducted by persons other than Fire Department personnel
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 59 10!16!98
(d) Notification of Inoperable Systems. At the conclusion of each test, the Chief
shall be notified of any fire protection equipment that was determined to be
inoperable when tests are conducted by persons other than Fire Department
personnel.
(e) Certification of Operable Systems. When the fire protection equipment is
operable, the approved contractor shall certify its condition to the Chief m writing.
(f) Plugs and Caps. All Fire Department inlets and outlets must be equipped with
approved plugs or caps.
(g) Fees. When Fire Department personnel conduct the tests described in Section 3 of
this Appendix, a charge of $150 shall be made to the owner who is responsible for
remitting same to the City of Fort Worth.
2. TEST PROCEDURES FOR AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
(a) Notification. The concerned agency shall be notified before supervised systems
are tested.
(b) Coverage. A thorough inspection shall be conducted to assure that sprinkler
coverage is maintained m accordance with UBC Standard 9-1
(c) Control Valves. All control valves shall be closed and reopened to assure their
ability to operate
(d) Alarm Test. For wet systems only, open the inspector's test valve to test the alarm
bell response When fully opened, the response shall occur within five minutes.
When conducting such a test on a dry pipe, pre-action or deluge system, use the
alarm test line.
(e) Gauge Test. An approved test gauge shall be connected at the test gauge opening
to test the reliability of the existing gauges.
(f) Flow Test. Observe pressure with main dram valve closed. Open main drain valve
wide open and observe pressure. Close main dram valve and observe how quickly
pressure is restored to determine if there are closed valves or obstructions in water
supply lines.
(g) Trip Test. Dry-Pipe, pre-action and deluge systems shall be trip tested annually in
accordance with NFPA 25, "Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems," current edition.
(h) Reporting. Upon completion of the inspection and test, the persons} conducting
the test shall forward a written report to the Bureau of Fire Prevention with the
following information.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 60 10/16/98
1 Name and address of the building containing the system.
2 Name, address, and contractor number of the company conducting the test.
3 List of the system deficiencies and corrective action taken, if any
4 Static pressure on the system and pressure with the main dram completely
open.
3. TEST PROCEDURE FOR STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
Tests performed on Class I and II systems by the Fire Department shall be conducted according to
Standard Operating Procedures of the Fire Department. Tests performed on Class I and II
systems by other approved testing personnel (See Appendix III-C 1(b)) shall be conducted m
accordance with the following sections of NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of
Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
• Section 3-3 Testing
• Section 3-3 1 Flow Tests
• Section 3-3 2 Hydrostatic Tests
FIGURE ffi-D-A
FRONT
DO NOT REMOVE
BACK
OWNER'S NAME AND ADDRESS
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 61 10/16/98
EQUIPMENT IlVIPAIltED
NAME, ADDRESS AND
TELEPHONE NUMBER OF
FIRM
(CERT OF REG. #)
(LICENSEE NAME)
(SIGNATURE)
(LICENSE NO.)
(DATE)
LIST OF IMI'AIltMENTS
APPENDIX 1-V-B -CHRISTMAS TREES
*Section 1 -Change to read as, follows.
Section 1 -Scope.
The use of natural or resin-bearing cut trees m all occupancies shall be m accordance with
Appendix IV-B
EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and within individual dwelling units of
Group R, Division 1 Occupancies
*~~endix Vll-A -Create to read as ollows.
DIVISION VII-A
INSPECTION
SCHEDULE AND PROCEDURES OF FIRE INSPECTION CERTIFICATES AND FEES
1 (a) Certificate of Inspection for Buildings Less Than 55 Feet in Height. The
occupant of every commercial establishment (defined as all buildings, facilities, and
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 62 10/16/98
,~ ~ - ,
structures, including but not limited to residential structures except one- and two-
family residential dwellings), shall be required to have a valid certificate of
inspection. 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 occurring during the period of time between inspections A
Certificate of Inspection shall not be transferable, and any change in use,
occupancy, or operation shall require a new Certificate of Inspection.
(b) Certificate of Inspection for Buildings of More Than 55 Feet in Height. The
owner, building manager, or property manager representative of any building more
than fifty-five (55) feet high shall be required to have a valid certificate of
inspection for the entire building, structure, or facility and 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 building from
reinspection or citation for violations occumng dunng the period of time between
inspections. A Certificate of Inspection shall not be transferable, and any change m
use or occupancy of the mayor portion of the building or operation shall require a
new Certificate of Inspection.
Such inspection shall be performed by duly authorized members of the Fort Worth
Fire Department. If no hazardous conditions or violations of the fire code are
detected at the time of the inspection, the occupant of the inspected business or the
owner or building manager of a building as provided above shall be issued a
Certificate of Inspection.
If at the time of inspection, a building is found to be not m compliance with this
code, a Certificate of Inspection will not be issued. After notification of the
violations which were detected, the owner, manager, or occupant shall be required
to remedy the conditions of violation, and a citation may be issued. The occupant,
owner, or manager shall be notified of a time at which reinspection will occur The
date of reinspection shall not be more than 30 days from the time of the original
inspection.
2 Conditions of Certificates of Inspection. The issuance or granting of a Certificate of
Inspection shall not be deemed or construed to be a perrrut for, or an approval of any
violation of any of the provisions of violate or cancel the provisions of this Code No
certificate presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this Code shall
be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful.
3 Inspection Fee. A fire inspection fee will be charged not more than once per year for a
fire inspection of any occupancy or building except private residences. Any perrruts
required by the Fire Code may require a separate inspection, and the fee for such perrruts
shall be m addition to the Certificate of Inspection fee, provided, however, that this
section shall not prohibit inspections from occurring more often than once per year
4 Retention of Certificate of Inspection. Certificates of Inspection shall at all times be
1997 LJFC Amendments - BFP 63 10/16/98
i .. .t`5!
kept on the premises designated therein and shall at all times be posted to a conspicuous
location and be subject to inspection by an officer of the fire or police department or other
authorized persons.
5 Revocation of Certificates of Inspection. Any Certtficate of Inspection issued under this
code maybe suspended or revoked when rt is deterrruned after a heanng by the Chief that.
(a) It is used by a person other than the person to whom the certificate was issued, or
(b) It is used for a location other than that for which rt was issued, or
(c) Any of the conditions or hrrutations set forth m the Certificate have been violated,
or
(d) The possessor of the Certificate fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with any order
or notice served upon loin under the provisions of this code within the time penod
provided therein, or
(e) There has been any false statement or nusrepresentation as to a material fact m the
plans, specifications, or documentation on which the certificate was based.
Whenever a change to use or occupancy of a building occurs, the existing Certificate of Inspection
shall be automatically revoked and a new Certificate of Inspection shall be required.
6 (a) The following two elements shall be used m deterrrurung the inspection fee to be
charged.
I. Number of square feet m the building
II. Number of stories m the building
(b) The inspection fee shall be developed according to the following formula.
(Total floor area feet) + (multiple story charge)
I. Charge per square foot of floor space of business, structure or facility
inspected.
Number of
Square Feet Base Fee
Less than 5,000 $20 00
5,001-10,000 $25 00
10,001 to 25,000 $30 00
25,001 to 50,000 $45 00
50,001 to 75,000 $70 00
75,001 to 100,000 $95 00
1997 LJFC Amendments - BFP 64 10/16/98
-,x -x,, ., ..~
Greater than 100,000 square feet shall be charged the base rate of $95 plus $15 for each
additional 50,000 square feet of floor area, or portion thereof.
II. Multiple Story Charge an additional charge of $5 00 per floor shall be
charged for inspection of multiple story buildings four stones or more in
height.
III. Shopping malls shall be assessed an inspection fee based on total floor area
of the public areas within the structure plus the per story charge. The
individual tenant spaces will be assessed on the basis of the square footage
of the individual space
7 Special Fees. A special fee shall be charged for those items listed below, according to the
following schedule
(a) Pernuts required by the Fire Code (see Chapter 4)
(b) Official fire reports $2 50
(c) Knox lock rentals $10 00 per month
(d) Knox lock deposits $40 00
8 Failure to Pay Inspection or Special Fees. Any person, business, owner or manager that
fails to pay the required fees resulting from a fire inspection, report, registration, rental, or
deposit within aforty-five (45) day penod from the statement date shall be guilty of a
trusdemeanor and may be issued. a citation as prescribed by the Fire Code. Each day that
the charges are delinquent shall constitute a separate offense
9 Optional Billing. Any owner or manager of a building of less than four stones and that is
occupied by multiple tenants may elect to have all Certificates of Inspection required
within his building billed directly to the owner or manager of the building. The owner or
manager must make a wntten request to the Fire Marshal that they are to be billed dtrectly
and that the owner or manager will take responsibility for the charges. Charges shall be the
same as if each tenant was billed separately
*Appendix VII-B -Create to read asfollows.
APPENDIX VII-B
INSTALLATION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
1. Definitions.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM for the purpose of this Appendix shall include the following:
Fire Alarm Svstem. A system consisting of components and circuits arranged to momtor and
annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-imtiatmg devices and to imtiate the
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 65 10/16/98
appropriate response to those signals.
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 imtiatmg devices and transmit them to
audible alarm indicating appliance and accessory equipment, and (c) electrically supervise the
system installation wiring 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. For the
purpose of fee deterrnunations (See Table VII-B-A), an additional panel includes a voice
evacuation cabinet, remote annunciator, transponder, and secondary FRCP
Fire Alarm System Device. For the purpose of fee determinations (See Table VII-B-A), a fire
alarm system devices is an imtiatmg or indicating device m the field, such as, manual pull stations,
smoke detectors, heat detectors, momtor modules, control modules, horns, speakers, bells, and
strobe lights.
Fire Sprinkler System. A system of underground and/or aboveground piping which conveys water
with or without other agents to dispersal opemngs or devices to extinguish, control, or contain
fire and to provide protection from exposure to fire or the products of combustion. Each required
alarm valve or flow detecting device and all components on the system side of the alarm valve or
flow detecting device shall be considered to be a separate system.
Fire Standkipe System. A wet or dry system of piping, valves, outlets, and related equipment
designed to provide water at specified pressures and installed exclusively for the fighting of fires.
When serving sprinklers, a standpipe shall be considered as a sprinkler system component.
Special A ent System. A system or electrical and/or mechanical devices which are designed to
extinguish a fire by discharging a chemical agent other than water Such systems shall include but
not be limited to halon 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 Mechamcal Code shall be in accordance with that Code and need not comply with this
Appendix.
Atrium Smoke Control S.. s~ A system of electrical or mechamcal devices which are designed
for the purpose of removing smoke from atriums as required by Section 1715 of the Building
Code
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM CONTRACTOR: Shall be any contractor who installs fire
protection system(s) and shall be licensed in accordance with the following provisions and shall
have filed such licenses with the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Fire Alarm S,, s~ Texas state licenses for sale, service and installation of fire alarm systems, and
fire alarm superintendent.
Fire Sprinkler System. Texas state licenses for sale, service, and installation of fire sprinkler
systems, and responsible managing employee
Fire Standpipe S, stem. Same as sprinkler if sprinklers are served from the same piping; otherwise,
license for plumbing in City of Fort Worth or licensed fire sprinkler contractor
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 66 10/16/98
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~ecial A eg nt System. Texas state licenses for sales, service, and installation of fire extmguislung
systems, fire extinguisher techmcian, sales, service, or installation of fire alarm systems, and fire
alarm superintendent.
Other S,, std No requirements
INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE (PERMIT) is an authorization by the Fire Prevention
Bureau for a Fire Protection Equipment Contractor to install or tenant fimsh a Fire Protection
System.
For the purpose of this Appendix, the terms Installation Certificate and Permit may be used
interchangeably
Installations shall include the imtial placement of or relocation of any components of a Fire
Protection System into areas which are not protected.
Maintenance shall include servicing or replacement with similar devices of existing components of
a Fire Protection System in the same location.
Tenant Fimsh shall include the relocation of existing devices or addition of new devices which are
necessary to maintain an existing level of protection in an area. Addition of devices into
previously unprotected areas shall be considered as installation.
2. Installation Certificate Required
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to perform installation or tenant fimsh of
any Fire Protection System without first having obtained an installation certificate from the
Bureau of Fire Prevention. Installation certificates shall only be issued to Fire Protection System
Contractors. Installation certificates shall not be required for maintenance
EXCEPTIONS: 1 Installation certificates shall not be required for installation of
tenant fimsh or fire protection when.
(a) Not more than ten (10) sprinkler heads are installed or relocated, or,
(b) Special agent systems are self-contained and do not require auxiliary
controls or piping to operate
2 Installation certificates for systems other than fire sprinkler systems may be
issued to persons other than fire protection system contractors when approved by
the Chief. The installers shall be required to possess valid licenses from the State
Fire Marshal to demonstrate their competence to install a fire protection system.
3. Conditions of Installation Certificates
A. An installation certificate shall constitute perinission to install or tenant
fimsh a fire protection system in accordance with approved plans and
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 67 10/16/98
specifications except that such permission shall not be construed as
authority to violate, cancel, or set aside any of the provisions of this Code.
B An installation certificate issued under this Appendix shall continue until
revoked or until the installation or tenant finish of the fire protection
system is completed and approved. An mstallatton certificate issued for
initial tnstallatton shall not be transferable to tenant fimsh work to the same
area. Additionally, tnstallatton certificates shall not be transferable to any
other location or fire protection system contractor
C The Chief is authorized to withhold issuance of an mstallatton certtficate to
an authortzed installer or contractor tf:
(1) The installer or contractor has failed to make reasonable progress on
work for which an tnstallatton certtficate previously has been tssued,
or
(2) Afire protectton system contractor has failed, after notice, to correct
any defective condrtton resulting from improper mstallatton, or
(3) Afire protectton system contractor has failed to pay all prior fees
assessed m accordance with this Appendix.
4. Application for Installation Certificate
Application for a fire protectton system tnstallatton certtficate shall be made to the Bureau of Fire
Prevention. The applicant shall be required to present the name and street address of the fob site
and the information necessary for fee calculation. At the time of application, plans need not be
submitted to acquire an installation certificate
5. Fees
Upon application for an tnstallatton certificate, the applicant shall be required to pay all fees
associated with the installation or tenant finish work as specified in Table VII-B-A or agree to
have such fees posted to the prearranged billing account with the Bureau of Fire Prevention to be
billed monthly Account balances shall be required to be paid within 21 days of the billing date
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 68 10/16/98
.,~,,, ~. ^ ....m -. , . . g ,~.~.
TABLE YII-B-A
FEES BASED ON TYPE OF FIItE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
TYPE PERMIT FEES OTHER FEES
Sprinkler Installations:
11 to 20 sprinklers $150
21 to 100 sprinklers $250 $50 for each additional inspection
Over 100 sprinklers $250 plus $50 for each additional 100 over 2 inspections
sprinklers or fraction thereof in excess of 100
With fire pump $250 additional
With foam $50 additional
Each additional floor $40
Underground Installation $100 $50 for each additional inspection
over 2 ins ections
Fire Alarm Installation.
1 to 4 initiating devices $150
5 to 25 total devices $250 $50 for each additional inspection
Over 25 total devices $250 plus $50 for each additional 100 devices over 2 inspections
or fraction thereof in excess of 25
Each additional panel $40
Each additional floor $40
Other Suppression Systems:
(Halon, CO2, Dry Chemical, FM 200, $50 for each additional inspection
Intergen, etc.) over 2 inspections
1 to 5 nozzles $200
Over 5 nozzles $200 plus $20 per nozzle over 5 nozzles
Bottles $30 er bottle
Standpipe Systems:
1 to 3 risers $350
4 or more risers $500 $50 for each additional inspection
With fire um $250 additional over 2 inspections
Existing Standpipe Systems Tests: Not applicable.
Testing by Fire Dept.
1 to 3 risers $450 test fee
4 or more risers $600 test fee
Testing by others.
1 to 3 risers $50 witness fee
4 or more risers $100 witness fee
Atrium Smoke Control Systems $250 $50 for each additional inspection
over 2 ins ections
Resubmittals Not a licable. See sub ara a hs D & E
Additional Tests Not a licable. See sub ara a h C
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 69 10/16/98
B Fees specified m subparagraph A, above, will be doubled if a contractor
starts installation or tenant fimsh work without a valid installation
certificate
C An additional test fee of $50 shall be charged to the fire protection system
contractor for failure to correct system deficiencies for which the fire
protection system contractor is responsible which have been cited on a
Construction Plans Evaluation Report (FD 890) or a Fire Protection
System Test Report (FD 880) by the subsequent resubtruttal or inspection
date fisted thereon.
D An additional plan review fee of $100 shall be charged to the fire
protection system contractor for each additional plan review conducted on
a system once the original plans have been reviewed and found to be
acceptable.
E An additional plan review fee equivalent to one-half of the perriut fee will
be charged for the second plan review on any one system and each
subsequent review of the same system.
6. Plan Review, Inspection, and Approval
A. Plans
All fire protection systems requiring an installation certificate shall be
installed m accordance with approved plans Any variances from approved
plans shall require approval by the Cluef. All subrruttals and plans required
by this code will be prepared by qualified engineers, specialists, laboratory
or fire-safety specialty orgamzations acceptable to the Chief and to the
owner Correspondence required by this code shall be directed to Fort
Worth Fire Prevention Bureau, 1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, Texas,
76102 Not less than three (3) sets of folded plans and specifications shall
be submitted, however, not more than one set of approved drawings shall
be returned. Subrrvttals for fire alarm systems shall be m accordance with
Article 1003 Subrruttals for sprinkler systems shall be m accordance with
Umform Building Code Standard 9-1, Section 1-9 2 as amended.
EXCEPTIONS 1 Plans shall not be required for fire sprinkler system
installation and tenant finish work of less than 20 sprinklers.
2 Plans shall not be required for fire alarm installation and tenant fimsh
work of less than 5 fire alarm devices.
B Inspections
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 70 10/16/98
It shall be the responsibility of the contractor installing fire protection
systems to notify the Bureau of Fire Prevention not less than 72 hours pnor
to required inspections. All systems shall be checked by the contractor
pnor to requesting an inspection. Systems are requtred to be tnspected as
follows
Fire Alarm Systems
Final Inspectton upon completion of installation or tenant fimsh work: All
end-of-line supervision resistors must be exposed pnor to inspection.
Fire Sprinkler System
Inspectton of Underground Ptpmg_ All Iomts are requtred to be exposed.
Rough-m Inspectton. Pnor to concealment of piping, all aboveground pipe
shall be tnspected. Piping inspections shall not be requested for less than
the entire work area of any one floor
Final Inspectton upon completton of tnstallatton or tenant fimsh work
(when work is completed and a certificate of occupancy is to be requested
for any area) All system components including tamper and flow
momtonng are required to be completed.
Special Agent Systems
Final Inspectton upon completton of installation. All end of hne supervision
resistors to be exposed pnor to inspection, full operational testing of all
components and a smoke test will be performed.
C Approval
Upon correction of all deficiencies noted in the construction plans
evaluations and system test reports and submittal of requtred State Fire
Marshal's Certification certificates to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, a
system test report shall be issued indicating approval of the system. In
buildings where fire protection systems are required, such approval shall be
required prior to the issuance of certificate of occupancy
7. Retention of Installation Certificates
Installation certificates shall at all times be conspicuously posted on premises
designated therein and at all times be subject to inspections by an officer of the Fire
Department.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 71 10/16/98
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8. Installation Certificates for the Same Location
Whenever more than one type fire protectton system is to be installed at the same
location, each type of system shall require a separate installation certificate.
9. Revocation of Installation Certificates
Any installation certificate for work on a fire protection system issued under this
Code may be suspended or revoked when tt is determined by the Chief that.
(a) It is used by a company other than the company to whom tt was issued.
(b) It is used for a location other than that for which tt was issued.
(c) The installation certtfcate holder fails, refuses, or neglects to comply with
any order or notice duly served upon him under the provtstons of tlvs Code
wrtlun the time provided therein.
(d) There has been any false statement or rrusrepresentatton as to a material
fact m the apphcatton or plans on wlttch the pertntt or apphcatton was
based.
(e) Any of the provisions set forth m this Appendix have been violated.
SECTION 3.
Section 13-3 of the Code of the Ctty of Fort Worth (1986) is amended to read as follows
Section 13-3. Effect of conflict with other ordinances.
This ordtnance shall be cumulative of all provtstons of ordinances and of the Ctty of Fort Worth
(1986), as amended, except where the provtstons of this ordtnance are to direct conflict with the
provtstons of such ordtnances and. such. Code, to which event conflicting provtstons of such
ordtnances 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
Section 13-4 of the Code of the Ctty of Fort Worth (1986) is amended to read as follows
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve,
convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure to the Ctty or cause
the same to be done contrary to or to violation of any of the provtstons of this Code Any person,
firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, otntts, neglects, or refuses to comply with or who
resists the enforcement of any of the provtstons of this Code with respect to life safety, shall be
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 72 10/16/98
.~f "'-R. '.' y
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.
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,
sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect
any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since
the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in thus ordinance
of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
SECTION 6.
All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provisions of Chapter 13 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, as amended, or
any other ordinance affecting construction and fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the
effective date of thus ordinance, and, as to such accrued vnolatnons and all pending litigation, both
cavil and criminal, whether pending m court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be
affected by thus ordinance but may by prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 7.
Thus ordinance constitutes a digest and revnsion of the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth, as
provided m Section 2, Chapter XXV, and Sectnon 9, Chapter XXVII, of the Charter of the City of
Fort Worth. The Development 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 provisions of this ordinance, as so published, shall be admissible m evidence m all courts
without further proof than the production thereof, as provided m Chapter XXV, Section 3, of the
Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
SECTION S.
The City Secretary of the Crty of Fort Worth is hereby directed to engross and enroll this
ordinance by copynng the caption, penalty clause and effectnve date in the nninutes of the City
Council and by filing the ordinance in the ordinance records of the City
SECTION 9.
The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, ns hereby directed to publish the caption,
penalty clause and effective date of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the
Crty of Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Section 52 013, Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 10.
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 73 10/16/98
This ordinance shall be m full force and effect thirty (30) days after rts passage and publication,
and rt is so ordained.
AP 0 F AND L~GALITYc
to Fj~}~
pate
c-F-~ l~.-ia-98
1997 UFC Amendments - BFP 74 10/16/98
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF MAJOR CHANGES FROM CURRENT FORT WORTH
FIRE CODE TO PROPOSED ADOPTION OF THE 1997 UNIFORM FIRE CODE
In preparing this adoption ordinance The Construction and Fire Prevention Board
of Appeals reviewed each item in the model code (1997 Uniform Fire Code with
proposed amendments) as well as our current local amendments. On October 8,1998, the
board voted to approve the 1997 Uniform Fire Code package.
The Facilities and Infrastructure Committee met on October 13, 1998 and voted to
send the package to the City Council.
The Fire Department was active in meetings held by the local Council of
Governments (COG) in developing this code. These meetings were an attempt to make
local amendments across the metroplex more uniform so that it will be easier for the
construction community to operate efficiently in each city and ,in fact, encourage
development.
The proposed ordinance, therefore, includes most of the previous local amendments and
many new amendments presented and adopted by the local Council of Governments
(COG) As a result, the proposed Fire Code reflects many of the prevailing practices in the
region.
General advantages for adopting this code are:
Adoption of this code will bring the City
of Fort Worth up to date with
technological advances in fire protection which have
occurred in the last five years.
2. It is better coordinated with State requirements
than in the past.
3 It is more development friendly due to COG additions.
The format in the 1997 Uniform Fire Code has changed greatly from the 1991 version.
Most changes are, however, editorial in nature.
Since the development community had input into the code development process through
COG and The Construction and Fire Prevention Board of Appeals, it is anticipated that
there will be a minimum of concern over any changes proposed.
The following summary explains each change in more detail.
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City of Fort Worth, Texas
n/I~Ay~r And C,aunc~l Cammun;cAt~an
DATE
11/3/98 REFERENCE NUMBER
G-12376 LOG NAME
36UFC PAGE
1 of 1
SUBJECT ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1997 UNIFORM FIRE CODE AND AMENDMENTS
THERETO
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached ordinance, constituting the 1997 Uniform
Fire Code, with local amendments, as the Fire Code of the City of Fort Worth
DISCUSSION
Public hearings for the adoption of the 1997 Uniform Fire Code were held by the Construction and Fire
Prevention Board of Appeals on September 10 and October 8, 1998 The Board voted unanimously to
approve the 1997 Code, with local amendments, at its October 8, 1998 meeting
The City Council Facilities and Infrastructure Committee approved the adoption of the 1997 Code, with
amendments, at its October 13, 1998 meeting
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION
The Finance Director certifies that no funds are required for this action
LW j
Submitted for City Manager's FUND ACCOUNT CENTER AMOUNT CITY SECRETARY
Office by: (to)
APPROVED
Libby Watson 6183 CITY CO~JNCIL
Originating Department Head:
NOV 3 1998
H.L. McMillen 6801 (from) ,1 ~
)
~
Additional Information Contact: Citq Secretary aI the
City of Fort Werth,'i'exas
H.L. McMillen 6801
Ado~sf~ ~d61~i~ ~~~