2002-057S:\Our Documents\Ordinances\02\lntemational Fire Code2.doc
ORDrNANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 29 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, 2000 EDITION; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS
THERETO; RE-ESTABLISHING PERMIT FEES; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $2,000 FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF; REPEALING FIRE LANE
ORDINANCE NO. 87-168; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE REPEALING
ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1: That Article I of Chapter 29 of the Code of Ordinances is amended to read
as follows:
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 29-1. International Fire Code - Adopted.
There is hereby adopted by the City of Denton, Texas for the purpose of prescribing regulations
governing conditions hazardous to life and property fxom fire and explosion, that certain Codes
and Standards known as the International Fire Code, including Appendices A-G, and the
Uniform Fire Code Standards, published by the International Fire Code Institute and
International Conference of Code Council, being particularly the 2000 editions thereof and
whole thereof, save and except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended by
Section 29-2 of this ordinance. A copy of said Fire Code and Standards is now filed in the office
of the City Secretary, and is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length
herein, and from the date on which this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be
controlling within the limits of the City of Denton and within 5,000 feet thereof, where specified
therein.
Section 29-2. Amendments.
The International Fire Code, as adopted in Section 29-1, is hereby amended as follows:
A. By the amendment of the International Fire Code as follows:
**Section 101.1 changes to read as follows:
Section 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Denton,
herein after referred to as "this code".
**Section 101.2 add second paragraph to read as follows:
The provisions of this code shall supplement any and all laws relafmg to fire safety and shall
apply to all persons without restriction, unless specifically exempted.
**Section 102.4; change to read as follows:
Section 102.4 Application of other codes. The design and construction of new structures shall
comply with this code, and other codes as applicable; and any alterations, additions, changes in
use or changes in structures required by this code which are within the scope of this and other
codes shall be made in accordance therewith.
**Section 102.6; change to read as follows:
Section 102.6 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this
code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 45 and such codes, when specifically adopted, and
standards shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of
each such reference. Where differences occur between the provisions of this code and the
referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Whenever amendments have been
adopted to the referenced codes and standards, each reference to said code and standard shall be
considered to reference the amendments as well. Any reference to NFPA 70 or the ICC
Electrical Code shall mean the Electrical Code as adopted.
**Section 103.1; add second paragraph to read as follows:
Section 103.1. Under the chief's direction, the fire department is authorized to enforce all
ordinances of the jurisdiction pertaining to: 1. The prevention of fires,
2. The suppression or extinguishments of dangerous or hazardous fires,
3. The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials,
4. The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire
alarm systems and fire-extinguishing equipment,
5. The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes,
6. The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and
in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction,
7. The maintenance of means of egress,
8. The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire and unauthorized
releases of hazardous materials, and
9. The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of explosions.
For authority related to control and investigation of emergency scenes, see Section 104.
**Section 103.1.2; add section to read as follows:
Section 103.1.2 Department of Fire Prevention personnel and Police. The chief and
members of the Department of Fire Prevention shall have the powers of a police officer when
pc~orming their duties under this cede.
**Section 103.2; add section to read as follows:
Section 103.4.2 Liability. The code is amended by adding a third paragraph to read as follows:
All regulations provided in this Code are hereby declared to be governmental and for the benefit
of the general public. Any member of the City Council, any city official or employee, or any
member of the Building Code Advisory Board charged with the enforcement if this code, acting
for the City in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself personally liable, and
he is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may occur to persons or
Page 2
property as a result of any action required or pemaitted in the discharge of his duties. Any
lawsuit brought against such official or employee because of such act performed by him in the
enfomement of any provisions of this Code shall be represented by the City of Denton through
its designated attorney until the final adjudication of the proceedings.
**Section 104.10; amend section to read as follows:
Section 104.10 Investigations. The code official, the fire department or other responsible
authority shall have the authority .to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire,
explosion or other hazardous condition. Information that could be related to trade secrets or
processes shall not be made part of the public record except as directed by a court of law.
**Section 104.10.2 add section to read as follows:
Section 104.10.2 Hazardous Materials. The code official is authorized to investigate the cause,
origin, and circumstances of any unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.
**Section 104.10.3 add section to read as follows:
Section 104.10.3 Explosives. The code official is authorized to investigate the cause, origin, and
circumstances of explosions, explosives handling, manufacturing, and usage of explosive
materials.
**Section 105.7.13 add section to read as follows:
Section 105.7.13 Gas and Oil Wells. To operate gas and oil wells in the incorporated city limits
of Denton, Texas. See Ordinance 2001-465 and 2001-466
**Section 108.1; change section to read as follows:
Section 108.1. Appeals. The code is amended to read as follows:
In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the code
official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby
created a board of appeals consisting of members who are qualified by experience and training to
pass on matters pertaining to this code and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The code
official shall be an ex officio member of said board but shall have no vote on any matter before
the board. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the governing body and shall hold office
at its pleasure. The board shall adopt roles of procedure for conducting its business, and shall
render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the code
official.
**Section 109.3; change section to read as follows:
Section 109.3 Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall
fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do
work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the cede official, or of a
permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty ora misdemeanor offense
punishable by a fine of not more than $2000.00. Each day that a violation continues after due
notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
**Section 110.4; change section to read as follows:
Section 110.4. Abatement. The code is amended to read as follows:
Page 3
Any person operating or maintaining any occupancy, premises or vehicle subject to tiffs Code
who shall permit any fire hazard to exist on the premises under their control or who shall fail to
take immediate action to abate a fire hazard when ordered or notified to do so by the code
official or his duly authorized representative shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and
every day or portion thereof which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is
committed or continued.
**Sections 202; change to read as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION is the Office of the City Fire Marshal.
CODE OFFICIAL is the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal or other designated authority charged by the
applicable governing body with the duties of administration and enforcement of the code, or a
duly authorized representative.
FIRE DEPARTMENT is the City of Denton Fire Department.
HIGH-RISE BUILDING is a building having floors used for human occupancy located more
than 55 feet (16,764 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
JURISDICTION is the City of Denton, Texas
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY. Is real property designed and used for the purpose
of renting or leasing individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storing and
removing personal property on a self-service basis.
STANDBY PERSONNEL. Is qualified fire service personnel, approved by the Fire Chief.
When utilized, the number required shall be as directed by the Fire Chief. Charges for utilization
shall be as normally calculated by the jurisdiction.
**Section 307.2; change to read as follows:
Section 307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the code official in accordance
with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife
management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or open burning a bonfire.
Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the
land upon which the fire is to be kindled. Examples of state or local law, or regulations
referenced elsewhere in this section may include but not be limited to the following:
1. Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission guidelines and/or restrictions.
2. State, County or Local temporary or permanent bans on open burning.
3. Local written policies as established by the Code Official.
**Section 307.3; change to read as follows:
Section 307.3 Location. The location for open burning shall not be less than 300 feet (15,440
mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire t~om spreading to
within 300 feet (15,440 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
Page 4
1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4,572mm) fi.om a structure.
2. The minimum required distance f~om a structure shall be 25 feet (7,620mm) where the
pile size is 3 feet (914mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height.
**Section 307.3.1; change to read as follows:
Section 307.3.1. Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 300 feet (15 440 mm) of a
structure or combustible material unless the bonfire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions
which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7,620mm) of a structure shall be eliminated
prior to ignition.
**Section 307.3.2; change to read as follows:
Section 307.3.2. Recreational Fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 300 feet of
a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions
which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7,620mm) of a structure shall be eliminated
prior to ignition.
**Add Section 307.3.3 to read as follows:
Section 307.3.3 Trench Burns. Trench burns shall be conducted in air curtain trenches and in
accordance with Section 307.2.
**Section 307.4; change to read as follows:
Section 307.4 Attendance. Open burning, trench burns, bonfires or recreational fires shall be
constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher
complying with Section 906 with a minimum of 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire
extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water track, shall be
available for immediate utilization.
**Section 307.5; change to read as follows:
Section 307.5 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking
devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of
combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. One- and two-family dwellings.
**Section 503.1.1; change to read as follows:
Section 503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be
provided for every facility, building, or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into
within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this
section and shall extend to within 100 feet (30,488 mm) of all portions of the facility or any
portion of the exterior wall of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route
around the exterior of the building or facility as measured by maximum hose distance or an
approved route around exterior of the building.
Exception: The code official is authorized to increase the dimension fi.om 100 feet (30,488 mm)
to not more than 150 feet (45,720mm) where:
Page 5
The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1. l, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3.
Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed due to location on property,
topography, waterways, non-negotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an
approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
**Section 503.1.1; add the following sentence to the first paragraph:
Except for single- or two-family residences, the path of measurement shall be along a minimum
of a ten feet (10') wide unobstructed pathway around the external walls of the structure.
**Section 503.1.2; change to read as follows:
Section 503.1.2 Additional Access. The code official is authorized to require more than one fire
apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle
congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
The fire marshal is hereby authorized and empowered to establish and designate fire lanes as he
deem necessary for the proper ingress and egress of emergency vehicles. Any fire lane
designated by the Fire Marshal shall become effective as of the date he so designates.
**Section 503.1.4; add the following to read as follows:
Section 503.1.4. Existing Fire Lanes. Any fire lane that has been established prior to passage of
the ordinance fi~om which this article is derived and designated by the fire marshal or that has
been established by a separate ord'mance shall be a fire lane for all intents and purposes and shall
be mainta'med as required by this code.
**Section 503.1.5; add the following to read as follows:
Section 503.1.5. Maintenance Generally.
(a) The code official shall report any negligent surface conditions, markings, or signs to the
owner or person in control of property upon which a fire lane exists and shall issue
instructions for repair.
(b) It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in control of property upon which a fire lane
has been designated or exists to fail to maintain the surface of the fire lane in good
condition, f~ee of potholes and other non-approved obstructions.
(c) It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in control of property on which a fire lane has
been designated or exists to fail to maintain any marking of the fire lane as required by
this Code in a condition which is not clearly legible.
**Section 503.2.4.; change to read as follows:
Section 503.2.4. Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road
shall be a minimum of 35 feet (10.6 m) inner radius and 55 feet (16.7 m) exterior radius or shall
be determined by the code official.
**Section 503.2.8; add section to read as follows:
Section 503.2.8. Fire Lane Site Plan.
(a) When fire lanes are required in accordance with the provisions of this article, the owner,
builder, or developer shall submit a fire lane site plan measuring eight and one half (8-½)
Page 6
inches by eleven (11) inches to the code official prior to issuance of a building permit. A
copy of each approved fire lane site plan shall be kept on file with the fire department.
(b) Construction of the building shall not begin until the fire lane site plan has been
submitted and approved by the code official.
**Section 503.3; change to read as follows:
Section 503.3 Marking. Where required by the code official, approved striping or, when
allowed by code official, signs, or both, or other approved notices shall be provided for fire
apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs or notices
and striping shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or
repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
(1) Striping - Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked by painted lines of red traffic paint six
inches (6") in width to show the boundaries of the lane. The words '`NO PARKING FIRE
LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" shall appear in four inch (4") white letters at 20 feet
intervals on the red border markings along both sides of the fire lanes.
(2) Signs - shall read "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" and shall
be 12" wide and 18" high. Signs shall be painted on a white background with letters and borders
in red, using not less than 2" lettering. Signs shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and
the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches (6'6") (1.98 m) above finished grade. Signs
shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50 feet) (15.2m) apart. Signs may be installed on
permanent buildings or walls or as approved by the code official.
**Section 503.4; change to read as follows:
Section 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall
not be obstructed by persons in any manner, including parking, stopping, or standing any non-
emergency vehicle, whether attended or unattended, in a fire lane. The minimum widths and
clearances established in Section 503.2.1 and any area marked as a fire lane as described in
Section 503.3 shall be maintained at all times. The operator of a premise shall maintain, free of
obstruction, all fire lanes on his premises. No person may mark, post or otherwise identify a
non-fire lane private vehicular passageway as a fire lane or in such a manner as tends to create
confusion as to whether the passageway is a fire lane. Any unauthorized vehicle on a fire lane is:
(1) Subject to removal by the operator of the premises, with the expense of removal and
storage to be borne by the register of the owner of the vehicle,
(2) Subject to citation, as well as removal, by the fire marshal or a police officer, and
(3) Prima facie evidence that the person in whose name the vehicle is registered is guilty of a
violation of the parking provisions of this section.
**Section 508.5.1; Delete exceptions 1 and 2:
**Section 605.4.1; amend to read as follows:
Section 605.4.1 Power Tap Design. Relocatable power taps shall be of the polarized or
grounded type, equipped with overcurrent protection and shall be listed and not exceed 6 feet in
length.
Page 7
**Section 605.4.3; amend to read as follows:
Section 605.4.3 Installation. Relocatable power tap cords shall not extend through walls,
ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical
damage. The cord shall not exceed 6 feet (1.82 m) in length.
**Section 605.5.1; amend to read as follows:
Section 605.5.1 Power Supply. Extension cords shall be plugged directly into an approved
receptacle, except for approved multiplug extension cords, shall serve only one appliance.
**Section 605.5.4; amend to read as follows:
Section 605.5.4 Grounding. Extension cords shall be grounded.
** Section 803.3.2 and Section 803.4.2; add an exception to read as follows:
Exception: Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be limited to 50 percent of the wall area.
**Section 804.4; amend to read as follows:
Section 804.4 Vegetation. Decorative vegetation shall be flame resistant or flame retardant.
Such flame resistance or flame retardance shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer
in an approved manner.
**Section 804.1.1; add a second exception to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups
A,E,M,R-1 and R-2.
2. Trees shall not be prohibited inside private dwelling units of Group R-2 Occupancies.
**Section 901.7; change to read as follows:
Section 901.7 Systems out of service. Where a required fire protection system is out of service
or in the event of an excessive number of accidental activations, the fire department and the code
official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the code official, the building shall
either be evacuated or an approved fire watch standby personnel shall be provided for all
occupants left unprotected by the shut down until the fire protection system has been returned to
service. Where utilized, fire watches standby personnel shall be provided with at least one
approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform
constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
**Section 902.1; add definition of "Fire Area" to read as follows:
FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior
walls or fire-resistance-rated horizontal assemblies of a building.
**Section 902.1; under "Standpipe, Types of" definition, amend "Manual dry" by adding
a sentence to read as follows:
The system must be supervised as specified in Section 905.2.
Page 8
**Section 903.2; add section to read as follows:
Section 903.2. Required Installations of Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems. An
automatic fire extinguishing system shall be instailcd and maintained in each occupancy as
required by the provisions of Section 903.
**Section 903.3.1.1.; amend to read as follows
Section 903.3.1.1. Fire Extinguishing Systems shall comply with N.F.P.A. Standard 13, latest
edition.
**Section 903.1.2; change to read as follows:
Section 903.1.2. Residential systems. Unless specifically allowed by this code or the
International Building Code, residential sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA
13D or NFPA 13R shall not be recognized for the purposes of exceptions or reductions,
commonly referred to as "trade-offs", permitted by other requirements of this code. In addition,
residential sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R must include attic sprinkler
protection to be recognized for the purposes of such trade-offs permitted by other requirements
of this code. Sprinkler piping for multifamily developments shall separate from the domestic
service and be dedicated for fire sprinkler service only.
**Sections 903.2.1.1,903.2.1.2, 903.2.1.3 and 903.2.1.4; change to read as follows:
Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a fire
area containing a Group A-1 occupancy Occupancies where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m^2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
4. The fire area contains a multi theater complex.
Section 903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a fire
area containing a Group A-2 occupancy Occupancies where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5 m^2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a fire
area containing a Group A-3 occupancy Occupancies where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m^2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
P~e9
Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a fire
area containing a Group A-4 occupancy Occupancies where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m^2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.
**Section 903.2.7; change to read as follows:
Section 903.2.7 Group R-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
buildings with a Group R-1 fire area. Sprinkler protection shall be provided throughout all
combustible concealed and attic spaces.
**Section 903.2.8; change to read as follows:
Section 903.2.8 Group R-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings with a Group R-2 fire area where any of the following conditions apply:
1. The R-2 is located more than two stories in height, including basements; or
2. The building contains having more than 16 dwelling units; or
3. The building contains fraternities and sororities.
Exception: A residential sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be
permitted in buildings, or portions thereof, of Group R-2.
**Add Sections 903.2.10.2 and 903.2.10.3 to read as follows:
903.2.10.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires
exceeds 10,000 cubic feet (283 m^3) shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
903.2.10.3. Self-service storage facility. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout all self-service storage facilities greater than 7,500 square feet (696.8 m^2).
**Section 903.2.12; amend 903.2.12.3 and add 903.2.12.4 and 903.2.12.5 as follows:
903.2.12.3 Buildings over 55 feet in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
throughout buildings with a floor level, other than penthouses in compliance with Section 1509
of the International Building Code, having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet
(16,764 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Section 903.2.12.4 High-Piled Combustible Storage. For any building with a clear height
exceeding 12 feet (4,572 mm), see Chapter 23 to determine if those provisions apply.
Section 903.2.12.5 Spray Booths and Rooms. New spray booths and spraying rooms shall be
protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.
**Section 903.2.12.6; Add section to read as follows:
Section 903.2.12.6; General.
Page 10
I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all new buildings of noncombustible
construction, (Type I & II) which exceed three stories in height or which have more than ten
thousand (10,000) square feet (929 m^2) of floor area regardless of fire area or area
separation walls.
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all new buildings of combustible
construction, (type III, IV & V) which exceed two stories in height or which have more than
seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet (696.8 m^2) of floor area regardless of fire
area or area separation walls.
3. The owner(s) of any building shall be required to install an automatic sprinkler system at
such time as the owner(s) constructs an addition or enlargement to the building if the total
square footage of such addition, when combined with the total square footage of all previous
additions and enlargements to the building, exceeds ten thousand (10,000) square feet (929
m^2) of the total floor area, and when the total square footage of all such additions exceeds
by more than twenty-five (25) percent of the original floor area regardless of fire area or area
separation walls.
4. Automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be installed in Group U, Aircraft hangars in
accordance with N.F.P.A. Standard 409, latest edition.
**Section 903.3.1.1; amend to read as follows:
Section 903.3.1.1. NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems. Where the provisions of this code require that
a building or portion there of be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system,
sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with N.F.P.A. 13, latest edition, except as
provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1,903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3.
**Section 903.3.1.1.1; change to read as follows:
Section 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. When approved by the code official, automatic sprinklers
shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms are protected with an
approved fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or
invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because
it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire
hazard.
2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the
contents, when approved by the code official.
3. Generator and transformer rooms, under the direct control of a pubhc utility, separated from
the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire
resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
4. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications
equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines,
provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and
are separated fi:om the remainder of the building by a wall with a fire resistance rating of not less
than 1 hour and a floor/ceiling assembly with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
**Section 903.3.1.2; change to read as follows:
Page 11
Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Where allowed in buildings of Group R, up to
and including four stories in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout in
accordance with NFPA 13R, latest edition. However, for the purposes of exceptions or
reductions permitted by other requirements of this code, see Section 903.1.2.
**Section 903.3.5; change to read as follows:
Section 903.3.5 Water Supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply
with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1 and the City of Denton Water
Utility Standards. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance
with the requirements of this section and the International Plumbing Code.
Water supply as required for such systems shall be provided in conformance with the supply
requirements of the respective standards; however, every fire protection system shall be designed
with a 5 psi safety factor.
**Section 903.3.5.1.2; delete this section.
Section 903.7; change to read as follows:
Section 903.3.7. Fire department connections. The location of the fire department connection
shall be within 50 feet (15.2 m) of the fire lane and unobstructed. The location shall be approved
by the code official.
**Section 903.4; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap to the
sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more than 45
seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for fire department
hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a supervisory signal at the
central station upon tampering.
**Section 904.11.5 amend to read as follows:
Section 904.11.5. Commercial Cooking Equipment. Portable fire extinguishers shall be
provided within a 30 feet (9,144 mm) travel distance of commercial- type cooking equipment.
Cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats may be protected by a Class K
rated portable extinguisher.
**Section 905.2; change to read as follows:
Section 905.2 Installation standards. Standpipe system shall be installed in accordance with
this section and NFPA 14, latest edition.
**Section 905.3.2; delete exceptions #1 and 2.
**Section 905.3.3; amend Exceptions 1 and 2 to read as follows:
1. Open-air seating spaces with enclosed spaces.
Page 12
Class I automatic dry and semiautomatic dry standpipes or manual wet standpipes are
allowed in buildings where the highest floor surface used for human occupancy is 55
feet (16,764 mm) or less above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
**Section 905.4, item//5; change to read as follows:
5. Where the roof has a slope less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent
slope), each standpipe shall be provided with a two-way hose connection located either on the
roof or at the highest landing of stairways with stair access to the roof. An additional hose
connection shall be provided at the top of the most hydraulically remote standpipe for testing
purposes.
**Section 906.1; amend #1 to read as follows:
Section 906.1
1. In Groups A,B,E,F,H,I,M,R-1,R-2,R-4,S, and U occupancies.
**Section 907.2.1.1; amend section to read as follows:
**Section 907.2.1.1. System Initiation.
In Group A Occupancies with an occupant load of one thousand or more, is emended to read as
follows:
Section 907.2.1.1. System initiation in Group A Occupancies with an occupancy load of
three hundred (300) or more. Activation of the fire alarm in Group A Occupancies with an
occupancy load of three hundred (300) or more shall immediately initiate an approved
prerecorded message announcement using an approved voice communication system in
accordance with N.F.P.A. 72 that is audible above the embient noise level of the occupancy.
Exception: When approved, the prerecorded announcement is allowed to be
manually deactivated for a period of time, not to exceed three (3) minutes, for the
sole purpose of allowing a live voice announcement fi:om an approved, constantly
approved station.
**Section 905.9; add a second paragraph after the exceptions to read as follows:
Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap to the
sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water flow for more than 45
seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for fire department
hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a supervisory signal at the
central station upon tempering.
**Add Section 907.1.3 to read as follows:
Section 907.1.3 Design Standards. 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 or addressable fire detection systems.
Page 13
Exception: Existing systems need not comply unless the total building remodel or
expansion initiated after the effective date of this code, as adopted, exceeds 25%
of the building. When cumulative building remodel or expansion exceeds 50% of
the building must comply within 18 months of permit application.
**Section 907.2.3; change to read as follows:
Section 907.2.3 Group E. A manual tim alarm system shall be installed in Group E educational
occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems
or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. An approved smoke detection
system shall be installed in Group E day care occupancies. Unless separated by a minimum of
100 feet (30.5 m) open space, all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, will
be considered one building for alarm occupant load consideration and intereonnection of alarm
systems.
**Section 907.2.3; change exception #1 and add exception #2 to read as follows:
1. Group E educational and day care occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50 when
provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
2. Residential In-Home day care with not more than 12 children may use interconnected
single station detectors in all habitable rooms. (For care of more than five children 2 1/2
or less years of age, see Section 907.2.6.)
**Section 907.2.12; change to read as follows:
907.2.12 High=rise buildings. Buildings 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 an emergency voice/alarm communications
system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.
**Section 907.2.12, Delete exceptions #1-5.
**Section 907.2.12.2; change the beginning paragraph to read as follows:
907.2.12.2. Emergency voice/alarm communication system. The operation of any automatic
fire detector, sprinkler water-flow device or manual fire alarm box shall automatically sound an
alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved information and directions on a general
or selective basis to the following terminal areas on a minimum of the alarming floor, the floor
above, and the floor below in accordance with the building's fire safety and evacuation plans
required by Section 404:
**Section 907.3.1.1; Delete exception #1.
**Section 907.3.1.8; amend to read as follows:
Section 907.3.1.8 Group R-2, A fire alarm system shall be installed in existing Group R-2
apartment buildings with more than three stories.
Exceptions:
Page 14
Where each living unit is separated f~om other contiguous living units by fire barriers
have a fire resistance rating of not less than ~ hour, and where each living trait has
either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging
at grade.
A separate fire alarm system is not required in buildings that are equipped throughout
with an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and having a local alarm to notify all occupants.
**Section 907.4; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
Manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double action type.
**Section 907.4.1; Delete exception
** Add Section 907.6.1 to read as follows:
Section 907.6.1 Installation. All fire alarm systems shall be installed in such a manner that the
failure of any single alarm-actuating or aiarm-indicating device will not interfere with the normal
operation of any other such devices.
**Section 907.9.2; change to read as follows:
Section 907.9.2 High-rise buildings. In buildings that have floors located more than 55 feet (16
764 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access that are occupied for human
occupancy, a separate zone by floor shall be provided for all of the following types of alarm-
initiating devices where provided: 1. Smoke detectors
2. Sprinkler water-flow devices
3. Manual fire alarm boxes
4. Other approved types of automatic fire detection devices or suppression systems.
**Section 913.4; add a second paragraph to read as follows:
The fire-pump system shall also be supervised for "loss of power", "phase reversal" and "pump
nmning" conditions by supervisory signal on distinct circuits.
**Section 1005.2.1; change to read as follows:
Section 1005.2.1 Minimum number of exits. Every floor area shall be provided with the
minimum number of approved independent exits as required by Table 1005.2.1 based on the
occupant load, except as modified in Section 1004.2.1 or 1005.2.2. For the purposes of this
chapter, occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for floors. The require number
of exists from any story, basement or individual space shall be maintained until arrival at grade
or the public way.
**Section 1005.3.2.5; change to read as follows:
Section 1005.3.2.5 Smokeproof enclosures. In buildings required to comply with the high-rise
provisions of the International Building Code or the provisions for underground buildings in the
International Building Code, each of the exits of a building that serves stories where the floor
surface is located more than 55 feet (16,764 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access or more than 30 feet (9,144 mm) below the level of exit discharge serving such
Page 15
floor levels shall be a smoke proof enclosure or pressurized stairway in accordance with the
International Building Code..
**Section 1108.1; add section to read as follows:
Section 1108.1. General. Aircraft hangers and Airports, Heliports, and Helistops shall be in
accordance with N.F.P.A. Standard 409, latest edition.
**Section 2203.1; change 04 to read as follows:
g4 Such that a nozzle, when the hose is fully extended, will not reach within 10 feet (3,048 mm)
of building openings.
**Section 3301.1.3; change to read as follows:
Section 3301.1.3 Fireworks. Except as provided otherwise herein, no person shall posses, store,
offer for sale, expose for sale, sale at retail manufacturer or use or explode any fireworks within
the city limits or within five thousand (5,000 fl) (1,524 m) thereof.
Exceptions:
1. Only when approved for fireworks displays, storage and handling of fireworks as provided
permitted in Section 3304 and 3308.
2. The use of fireworks for approved display as permitted in Section 3308.
**Section 3308.5.3; amend by the addition of the following section:
Marking of Shell. Each aerial shell shall have printed directly on its outer casing the following
minimum warning 1/8-inch high letters, which contrast to the background
WARNING
EXPLOSIVES CLASS "C"
FIREWORK
DO NOT HANDLE- CALL "911'
**Section 3308.12; add new section as follows:
Section 3308.12 Ignition. Aerial shells shall be ignited by lighting the tips of fuses by an
electrical ignition source except when manual ignition is approved by the Fire Marshal.
Operators shall not place any part of their bodies over the throat of the mortar.
**Section 3402; add new def'mitions to read as follows:
FUEL LIMIT SWITCH is a mechanism, located on a tank vehicle, which limits the quantity of
product dispensed at one time.
MOBILE FUELING is the operation of dispensing liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel
tanks of motor vehicles. Mobile Fueling may also be known by the terms Mobile Fleet Fueling;
Wet Fueling; and Wet Hosing.
**Section 3403.6; add a sentence to read as follows:
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and
piping systems.
Page 16
**Section 3404.2.11.5; add a sentence to read as follows:
An approved method of secondary containment shall be provided for underground tank and
piping systems.
**Section 3404.2.11.5.2; change to read as follows:
3404.2.11.5.2 Leak detection. Underground storage tank systems shall be provided with an
approved method of leak detection fi.om any component of the system that is design and installed
in accordance with NFPA 30.
**Amend Section 3406.5.4.1 to read as follows:
3406.5.4.1 Dispensing From Tank Vehicles and Tank Cars/Mobile Refueling. Dispensing
from tank vehicles and tank cars/mobile refueling into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles shall be
prohibited unless allowed by and conducted in accordance with Sections 3406.5.4.1 through
3406.5.4.4.
Section 3803.2.1.5 add sentence to read as follows:
Standby personnel shall be present during demonstrations.
**Section 3804.2; add an exception 02 to read as follows:
Exceptions:
1. In particular installations, this capacity limit shall be determined by the code official,
after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of
occupancy, and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed containers, degree of fire
protection to be provided, and capabilities of the local fire department.
2. Except as permitted in 307.5 and 3804.3.2, LP-gas containers are not permitted in
residential areas.
**Add Section 3804.3.2 to read as follows:
Section 3804.3.2 Spas and Pool Heaters. Where natural gas service is not available, LP-Gas
containers are allowed to be used to supply spa and pool heaters. Such containers shall not
exceed 250-gallon water capacity. See Table 3804.3 for location of cuntainers.
**Addition to Chapter 45 Referenced Standards
Chapter 45, Referenced Standards. All reference standards fi.om the National Fire Protection
Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, will be referenced in the fire code fi'om their latest
published edition for compliance within the Fire Code.
Create the following Sections:
Section 106.1.1. Frequency of Inspection. All owners of, occupants of, tenants of, leases of or
persons making use of any building or premises, or portions thereof, when used as nonresidential
group occupancies, including hotels, lodging houses and congregate residences, as defined by the
Building Code are required to have such buildings, premises or portions thereof inspected
annually by the Fire Marshal or his designated representative. Additionally, the Fire Marshal
Page 17
may initiate such inspections at such other times as he deems appropriate to satisfy the purposes
of this ordinance, and may additionally inspect all other premises as may be necessary, including
such other potential hazards or appliances as the Fire Marshal may designate, for the purpose of
ascertaining and causing to be corrected any condition which would reasonably tend to cause a
fire or contribute to its spread, or which may constitutes a violation of this ord'mance or any other
law or standard affecting fire safety.
Section 106- Fire Inspection and Permit Fees
Section 106.2.1.1. Inspection Fees. Each inspection performed pursuant to Section 105
of this code, as amended, shall be performed free of charge. If the Fire Marshal or his designee
observes a violation of this chapter and performs a follow-up (re-inspection) inspection to
determine whether a violation or violations observed during the previous inspection have been
corrected, a fee shall be charged, and the occupant or lessee shall pay said fee w/thin 30 days of
being billed therefore as condition to continue lawful occupancy of the building or dwelling to be
inspected. Said fee shall be based upon the amount of interior area of the building leased,
occupied or used by the person. The fee shall be in the amount established, and from time to
time amended, by ordinance of City Council, a copy that shall be kept on file with the City
Secretary. Follow up inspection fees for common areas of such build'rags or premises shall be
charged to and paid by the owner in accordance with the area inspected.
Section 106.2.1.2. Permit and Permit Fees. Any permit requked by Section 105 and 106 of the
Code, as amended herein, shall be issued only upon payment of a permit fee in an amount
established, and as from time to time amended, by ordinance of the City Council, a copy of
which shall be kept on file with the City Secretary.
SECTION 2. That the fees provided for in Section 106 of the code adopted by this
ord'mance, originally adopted with the enactment of Ord'mance Number 87-196 shall be as
follows:
Building Fire Safety Follow-Up (Re-inspection) Inspection Fees provided in Section
106:
Interior Square Footage
1 to 3,000
3,001 to 6,000
6,001 to 12,000
12,001 to 18,000
18,001 to 24,000
24,001 to 100,000
over 100,000
Fee
$15.00
$25.00
$35.00
$45.00
$55.00
$65.00
$100.00
If a second follow-up (re-inspection) is required because the violation has not been
corrected, the following fees shall be charged:
Page 18
1 to 3,000 $30.00
3,001 to 6,000 $50.00
6,001 to 12,000 $70.00
12,001 to 18,000 $90.00
18,001 to 24,000 $110.00
24,001 to 100,000 $130.00
over 100,000 $200.00
The fee for an operational permit required under Section 105 of the Fire Code shall be
$200.00 per permit.
The fee for a construction permit required under Section 105 of the Fire Code shall be
$100.00.
The fee for a gas well permit and inspection for gas well development, including but
not limited to drilling a gas well, above ground gas storage tanks, piping inspections,
completion of gas well, revenue of a gas well and abandonment of a gas well is $200
per permit or $200 per inspection.
Per Section 901.6.1 of the Fire Code, a fee of $25.00 shall be assessed for each annual
inspection of automatic ext'mguishing systems (Hood Suppression Systems)
automatic fire suppression systems, and automatic fire alarm systems.
Per Section 105.6.10 of the Fire Code, a fee for a temporary sales or display booth in
covered malls shall be $25.00.
Per Section 105.7.12 of the Fire Code, a fee of $25.00 shall be assessed for a
temporary tent permit.
SECTION 3. That Fire Lane Ordinance No. 87-168 is hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. Any person who violates a provision of this ordinance shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fmc not exceeding Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00).
Each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion
thereof during which any violation of this ord'mance is committed, or continued, and upon
conviction of any such violations such person shall be punished within the limits above.
SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, phrase or word in
this ordinance, or application there of to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court
of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this ord'mance, and City Council of the City of Denton, Texas hereby declares it would have
enacted such remaining portions despite any such invalidity.
SECTION 6. That the repeal of any ordinance or any portion thereof by the
preced'mg sections shall not affect or impair any act done or right vested or accrued or any
Page 19
proceeding, suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take
effect; but every such act done, or right vested or accrued, or proceedings, suit or prosecution
had or commenced shall remain in full force and effect to all intents or purposes as if such
ordinance or part thereof so repealed shall remain in force.
SECTION 7. That this ordinance shall become effective fourteen (14) days fi.om
the date of this passage, and the City Secretary is hereby directed to cause the caption of this
ordinance to be published twice in the Denton Record Chronicle, the official newspaper of the
City of Denton, Texas, within ten (10) days of its passage.
PASSED ANDAPPROVEDthisthe /t~ dayof \./~~,2002.
~ULINE BROCK, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
HERBERT L. PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY
Page 20