CHAPTER 9.02: FIRE PREVENTION
Section
California Fire Code Adoption and Amendments
9.02.005 The 2018 International Fire Code with the 2019 California Fire Code adopted by reference
9.02.010 Violations and penalties
9.02.015 Amendments, additions, deletions, and substitutions
9.02.020 Amendments; Chapter 1 of the California Fire Code
9.02.025 Amendments; Chapter 2 of the California Fire Code
9.02.030 Amendments; Chapter 4 of the California Fire Code
9.02.035 Amendments; Chapter 5 of the California Fire Code
9.02.040 Amendments; Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code
9.02.045 Amendment; Chapter 20 of the California Fire Code
9.02.050 Amendment; Chapter 23 of the California Fire Code
9.02.055 Amendment; Chapter 48 of the California Fire Code
9.02.060 Amendments; Chapter 57 of the California Fire Code
9.02.065 Amendment; Appendix C of the California Fire Code
9.02.070 Amendment; Appendix D of the California Fire Code Administrative Assessment Cost Recovery Program
9.02.300 Definitions
9.02.305 Hazardous materials cleanup
9.02.310 False alarms; violations
9.02.315 Re-inspections
9.02.320 Penalties
9.02.325 Appeals
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
9.02.400 Designation of very high fire hazard severity zone
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
§ 9.02.005 THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE WITH THE 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTED BY REFERENCE.
A. The City Council hereby adopts all chapters, certain amendments, additions, deletions and exceptions to the 2018 International Fire Code, with errata, incorporating Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations known as the 2019 California Fire Code, with errata, including the 2019 Fire Code Chapter 1 as amended, Chapter 2 as amended, Chapter 4 as amended, Chapter 5 as amended, Chapter 9 as amended, Chapter 20 as amended, Chapter 23 as amended, Chapter 48 as amended, Chapter 57 as amended, Appendix Chapter 4, Appendix B, Appendix BB, Appendix C as amended, Appendix CC, Appendix D as amended, Appendix E, Appendix F, Appendix G, Appendix H, Appendix I, and Appendix N as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, Chapter 9.02, the Zoning Code, as set forth in Title 17 of this Code, and any other City regulations relating to existing zoning, fireworks, building trades, is hereby adopted. The provisions of the International Fire Code, with errata, California Fire Code, and Fire Code Appendices, as indicated above, shall be applicable in the City and referred to as the "Fire Code of the City of Culver City." B. One copy of the Fire Code of the City of Culver City shall be available in the Culver City Fire Prevention office for public inspection.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.010 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.
A. No person shall violate any provision or fail to comply with the requirements of the Fire Code of the City of Culver City, hereinafter referred to as the "Fire Code." Any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of the Fire Code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished in accordance with § 1.01.035 and § 1.01.040 of this Code.
B. In addition to the penalties herein provided above, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any provision of the Fire Code, shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated as such, and each day such condition continues, shall be regarded as a new and separate offense. (Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.015 AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS.
The Fire Code is amended as provided in this Subchapter. (Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.020 AMENDMENTS; CHAPTER 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Section 104.1.1 Fire Prevention Standard Operating Policy Manual. A Fire Code Departmental Policy Manual, known as the Culver City Fire Prevention Standard Operating Guidelines has been created and adopted to serve as instructions and interpretations of the adopted Fire Code. The Policy Manual shall be a published document, maintained in the Fire Prevention office, and amended from time to time to provide current instruction and interpretation.
Section 105.1.1.1 Permit Fees. Permit Fees shall be adopted by resolution of the City Council.
Section 105.6.3.1 Aviation. An operational permit is required for all types of aircraft that are flying, hovering, landing, lifting, filming, parking, or similar activities.
Section 105.6.14.1 Permits to Conduct Displays of Fireworks Granted by City Council. The City Council, by resolution, upon written application as provided in this Subchapter and subject to the provisions of this Subchapter, may grant two (2) permits to conduct a public display of fireworks in a calendar year, each display to occur on a separate date. The City Council may by resolution, grant an additional special permit for a public fireworks display sponsored by the City.
Section 105.6.14.2 Application for Permit; Conditions for Filing. An application for a permit to conduct a public display of fireworks shall be filed in compliance with all of the following:
A. Application for a permit to conduct a public display of fireworks shall be filed in the Office of the City Manager, on forms provided by the City, at least 180 days prior to the date requested for conducting the public display of fireworks.
B. The following information shall be included on the application:
1. The location of the public display of fireworks as approved by the Culver City Fire Department;
2. The location for storage of the fireworks to be displayed as approved by the Culver City Fire Department, if within the City;
3. Who, if anyone, will provide management services to the applicant for the public display of fireworks and evidence that such manager has complied with all business tax certificate requirements; and
4. Transportation routes and any other information deemed necessary by the City Council for the consideration of the application.
C. Evidence of the following types of insurance in a form with endorsements as approved by the City Attorney and in an amount as established by the City Attorney and the Fire Chief, but not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) shall be filed with the application:
1. Commercial general liability insurance; combined single limit, bodily injury and property damage, each occurrence;
2. Premises/operation liability;
3. Contractual liability, specifically referencing indemnification agreements with the City; and
4. Products liability, including completed operations liability.
D. All fees required pursuant to this Code and City Council resolution shall be paid at the time of filing the application; and
E. Evidence of compliance with any special conditions required by the Culver City Fire Department because of the location of the public display of fireworks.
Section 105.6.14.3 Conditions Governing Permit. Any permit granted to conduct a public display of fireworks shall be governed by all of the following:
A. The public display of fireworks shall be conducted by a duly licensed pyrotechnician who shall have obtained Culver City Fire Department approval no later than the last day of June of the year in which the permit is granted;
B. One public display of fireworks may be conducted on July 4th, and one may be conducted on another day.
Any fireworks display shall be conducted strictly in accordance with all regulations and conditions specified in this Subchapter and in the Council resolution granting the permit; C. Any attempt to transfer a permit to any person shall void the permit; D. The permittee shall agree, in writing, to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, representatives, and employees from any loss or liability or damages, including expenses and costs, for bodily injury or property damage sustained by any person as a result of any operation related to the permit; and E. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Subchapter shall preclude consideration of any application filed if permits have not been granted thereunder; and shall be sufficient cause of the revocation of any permit previously issued.
Section 105.6.14.4 Time Limits. The City Council, by resolution, may extend or shorten the time requirements established by this Subchapter.
Section 105.6.14.5 Rescission of Prohibition. The prohibition set forth in Chapter 56 of the California Fire Code shall not be rescinded by the City Council without the approval of a majority of the voters voting at a regular or special election.
Section 105.6.37.1 Special Events and Assemblage. A permit is required for special events and assemblages.
Section 105.6.51.1 Non-Defined Operations. An operational permit may be required after a Fire Department Review for hazards to people or property from the proposed operation, system or event.
Section 105.6.51.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in the Culver City, City Council approved fee schedule for all special event and assemblages.
Section 105.6.51.3 Special Event Application and Submittals. All special events and assemblages shall be submitted to the Fire Department for review. All applications shall have a contact name, phone number, business name, address, a plot plan, floor plan and sufficient detail and information to allow for a comprehensive evaluation. Permits, Fire Safety Officers, security, and other issues determined by the review shall be provided by the event organizer prior to allowing the event or assemblage to operate. Tents in excess of 400 square feet needed for a special event or assemblage shall meet the requirements of Chapter 31 and require a separate fire permit.
Section 109.4 Appeals. Protests and appeals from the enforcement of this Code shall be made to the Municipal Code Appeals Committee in accordance with Section 1.01.065 of the Culver City Municipal Code. (Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.025 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 2 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 2 Definitions is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 202, Existing Building/structure square footage. The existing square footage of a building/structure is defined as the remaining square footage after all demolition of the building has been completed.
Section 202, Existing Roof Structure square footage. The existing square footage of a roof structure is defined as the remaining square footage of the roof structure after all demolition of the roof structure has been completed.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-14 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.030 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 4 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 403.11.1.5.1 Identification. Identification numbers shall be provided for all individual units in covered mall buildings, multi-unit buildings and other commercial complexes, and shall be placed in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible. The position and size of such identification numbers shall be determined by the Fire Code Official. Numbers and names shall be provided for all enclosed rooms and spaces, including service rooms, mechanical rooms, closets, and similar spaces to identify use. (Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.035 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 5 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 503.1.2.1 Difficult apparatus access. If the Fire Code Official or his/her designee determines that access for fire apparatus and equipment to any building or structure is unduly difficult, installation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be required.
504.1.1 Keysets, handles, locks and keys. As determined by a Fire Department review, all noted exterior doors shall be provided with locksets and handles for Fire Department Access. Keys for required access shall be provided by the owner and made readily available in the KNOX Box.
Section 504.5 Catwalks and Ladders. Upon review, buildings with parapets and other construction that exceeds five (5) feet from the roof may be required to provide non-combustible catwalks and ladders.
Section 504.6 Exterior Structure Requirements. All buildings with wall tops and/or parapets with soft materials, rails or other construction that creates a hazard to safe access for firefighting purposes shall have solid surfaces to support the use of ladders, firefighters with gear and other suppression equipment. Review and approval of surfaces shall be by the Fire Code Official.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.040 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 9 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 9 of the Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 901.4.1.1 An automatic fire-extinguishing (sprinkler) system shall be installed in every new building in the City, including any new residential building, hereinafter constructed or moved into the City, regardless of area separation or type of construction.
Exception: New buildings less than 500 square feet may be exempted upon approval of the Fire Code Official.
Section 901.4.1.2 Commercial, Industrial and Multi-family. In existing commercial, industrial and multi-family residential occupancies, fire sprinklers shall be required in existing and new portions of the building for height increases, area increases of 50% or more, and for any occupancy change that increases fire risk or hazard.
Section 901.4.1.3 Residential. Existing one and two family dwellings shall be required to install a full automatic fire sprinkler system in existing and new portions of the building when a story is added, more than 75% of the existing roof structure is replaced, or when the enclosed floor area is increased by more than 75%. NOTE: See Culver City Amended Chapter 2 for the definition of "EXISTING BUILDING/ STRUCTURE AND ROOF STRUCTURE."
Section 903.3.5.1 Domestic Service. Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be a minimum 1 inch water meter.
Section 903.3.8. LIMITED AREA SPRINKLER SYSTEMS DELETED, REPLACED BY new Section 901.4.7.
Partial Fire Sprinkler Systems. Where in the Fire Code or the Building Code a partial fire sprinkler system is allowed or required, the fire sprinkler system shall be installed, modified or extended to protect the entire building or structure.
Section 903.3.8.5.1 Hydraulically calculated systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity.
Section. 907.1.6 Projection Room Controls. All projection equipment and audio equipment shall be interconnected to the fire alarm system for shut down, upon an interrupt signal from the fire alarm panel, to prevent interference of all visual and audible evacuation devices and directions from the theatre staff for evacuation directions.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.045 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 20 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 20 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2001.3.1 Permits. All flight operations within the City of Culver City are required to have an approved Culver City Fire Department permit. Permits shall cover but not be limited to: flight to perform lifts, hovering, fly over, landings, filming and other operations while flying, hovering or landing.
Section 2001.3.2 Operation and review standards. Compliance with CA Fire Code Chapter 20 and CCMC 9.09 shall be used to obtain a flight permit and the requirements for flight operations and approvals. All operations shall be reviewed and approved by the Fire Department. Landing, fueling, repairs, and storage are limited. The need for providing standby personnel, Fire Safety Officers and permits for any or all activities shall be determined by the Fire Department.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.050 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 23 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 23 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2301.7 Class III-B Liquids. Where in this chapter there is a requirement for Class III-A Liquids, this same requirement shall apply to Class III-B Liquids.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.055 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 48 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 48 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 4804.6.1 Illumination. The approved perimeter aisles shall be illuminated at floor level with light fixtures spaced at intervals of not more than fifty (50) feet apart and providing a minimum light intensity of not less than (1) foot-candle. Power for the emergency light fixtures shall be supplied as required by Culver City Fire Department Regulations. All Exit and Emergency lights shall comply with the Building Code requirements for two sources of power with one of the two sources of power provided by approved batteries.
Section. 4804.10 Flammable Liquids and Compressed Gases on Sound Stages. Unless approved, in writing, by the Fire Code Official, flammable liquids and compressed flammable gases shall be prohibited on television and motion picture sound stages.
Section 4804.11 Fire Department Filming and Performance Regulations. All Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Productions Locations shall comply with Culver City Fire Department Filming and Performance Regulations. Fire Department Filming Regulations are available for review at the Fire Prevention counter.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.060 AMENDMENT; CHAPTER 57 OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Chapter 57 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 5701.6 Class III-B Liquids. Where in this chapter there is a requirement for Class III-A Liquids, this same requirement shall apply to Class III-B liquids.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.065 AMENDMENT; APPENDIX C OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Appendix C is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section C101.1.2. Whenever the reference is made to Table C102.1, use Culver City Fire Department requirements of 300 foot fire hydrant spacing in commercial/industrial areas and 600 foot spacing in residential areas for Hydrant Placement, Spacing and Specifications. Maximum distance of a fire hydrant to an FDC shall not exceed 100 feet.
(Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part)) § 9.02.070 AMENDMENT; APPENDIX D OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.
Appendix D is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section D101.1.2. Use table as indicated. Upon review of a project and based on Fire Department access and water supplies, the Fire Department may change the tables to mitigate special hazards. (Ord. No. 2017-001 § 2 (part); Ord. No. 2019-014 § 2 (part))
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSESSMENT COST RECOVERY PROGRAM
§ 9.02.300 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this Subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE. The ordinances embraced in the Chapters and Sections found in "The Code of the City of Culver City, California," hereinafter referred to as "CCMC." FAILURE TO NOTIFY.
1. Pre-Test Notification Failure - failure to notify the Fire Department before proceeding with any testing of a fire alarm or fire suppression system which results in an unnecessary response.
2. Post-Test Notification Failure - failure to notify the Fire Department after completion of testing and/or maintenance of a fire alarm or fire suppression system, which results in an unnecessary response.
FALSE ALARM. The deliberate reporting of an alarm for which no fire or emergency actually exists or an alarm that is set off "needlessly" includes, but is not limited to, the triggering of an alarm by conditions that are not typical of a current or impending fire emergency.
FIRE CODE. The "Fire Code of the City of Culver City" as defined in § 9.02.005 of the CCMC.
FIRE CODE STANDARDS. Volume 2 of the "International Fire Code" published by the International Code Council.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant or potential hazard to human health and safety, to the environment, or to property if released. For the purposes of this chapter HAZARDOUS MATERIALS include, but are not limited to, hazardous materials as defined in § 9.03.105 N., O., or P. of the CCMC, and other substances known to cause harm to the environment if released such as used oil, paint, paint residues, and solvents.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE. Hazardous waste generated from a Culver City household in conducting non-commercial activities.
MUNICIPAL CODE APPEALS COMMITTEE. The committee is authorized to hear appeals of alleged violations of the CCMC. [CCMC § 1.01.065].
RE-INSPECTION. A repeat inspection for compliance after the issuance of an "Order to Comply" served by a member of the Culver City Fire Department to any person, firm or corporation to correct a Fire Code violation.
SEWER SYSTEM. All pipes, drains, channels, and other means used to transport sewage to the Hyperion Water Treatment Plant, or other City-authorized treatment facility for treatment (e.g. household or commercial drains, and the like).
STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. All pipes, drains, channels, and other means used to transport surface waters to the ocean without treatment (e.g., curbside drains, La Ballona Creek, and the like).
UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGE. A release or emission of materials in a manner which does not conform to the provisions of this code [CCMC § 9.02.005] or applicable public health and safety regulations. (Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
§ 9.02.305 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CLEANUP.
A. Violation. It shall be a violation of this Section to release hazardous materials in an unauthorized manner.
At no time shall a hazardous material be released into a street or surface where the drainage is to the storm drain system.
B. Responsibility for cleanup. The person, firm or corporation responsible for an unauthorized discharge, shall institute and complete all actions necessary to remedy the effects of such unauthorized discharge, whether sudden or gradual, at no cost to the jurisdiction. When deemed necessary by the Fire Code Official or his designee, cleanup may be initiated by the Fire Department or by an authorized individual or firm. Costs associated with such a cleanup shall be borne by the owner, operator or other operator or other person responsible for the unauthorized discharge.
C. Assessment of administrative charges. Costs are determined based on actual personnel costs plus benefits, and estimated costs of equipment per unit response, plus any other applicable expenditure. (Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
§ 9.02.310 FALSE ALARMS; VIOLATIONS.
A. Violation. It shall be a violation of this Section for:
1. Any person, firm, entity or corporation to cause or allow more than four (4) false alarms within the prior three hundred sixty-five (365) days from a facility in a residential, commercial, or manufacturing zone; or any other zone recognized by the Culver City Municipal Code.
2. An alarm company to cause or allow more than one (1) "Failure to Notify" the Culver City Police/Fire Dispatcher to testing, inspecting, or maintaining a fire suppression and/or alarm system of a specified facility within the prior three hundred sixty five (365) days. For notification requirements for maintenance, service and testing see California Fire Code Chapter 9, section 901.
3. An alarm company to cause or allow more than one (1) "Failure to Notify" the Culver City Police/Fire Dispatcher within one (1) hour after completion of testing, inspecting, or maintaining a fire suppression and/or alarm system of a specified facility, within the prior three hundred sixty-five (365) days. For notification requirements for maintenance, service and testing see California Fire Code Chapter 9, section 901.
B. Assessment of administrative charges. An administrative charge of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) will be assessed for each additional false alarm above the limits as set forth in Subsection A. (Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
§ 9.02.315 RE-INSPECTIONS.
A. Violation. It shall be a violation for any person, firm, entity or corporation to fail to comply within the prescribed time with orders to comply issued by the Culver City Fire Department.
B. Violation corrected. Where the violation has been corrected within the time period prescribed as confirmed by inspection or other proof acceptable to the Fire Marshal, the case shall not be assessed.
C. Violation not corrected. Where the violation has not been corrected within the time period prescribed by the Fire Department, any additional compliance inspection(s) shall be assessed to the violator at an administrative charge of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for the first additional inspection. If compliance is still not achieved, a further administrative charge of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per each additional inspection required shall be assessed.
(Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
§ 9.02.320 PENALTIES.
In addition to any administrative costs as described above, violations of this Section shall be punished as:
A. For the first violation in a twelve (12) month period as an infraction; B. For the second and each subsequent violation in a twelve (12) month period as an infraction or misdemeanor as determined by the City Attorney.
(Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
§ 9.02.325 APPEALS.
A. The "initial warning" cannot be appealed. Subsequent notices and orders can be appealed to the Municipal Code Appeals Committee. To contest first and subsequent notices and orders to comply, and/or the administrative fee assessment, a written objection must be filed with the City Clerk's office within ten (10) days of receipt of the appealable notice or order. The City will notify each appellant of the date and time of the scheduled informal hearing.
B. Those who wish to appeal an Order to Comply an Administrative Assessment shall follow the process set forth on the order to comply form and appropriate City procedures. (Ord. No. 2014-004 § 2 (part))
VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE
§ 9.02.400 DESIGNATION OF VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE.
A. The City Council designates a very high fire hazard severity zone as recommended by the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and as designated on a map entitled Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA - As Recommended by Cal Fire, dated September, 2011.
B. The VHFHSZ map shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s office, and in the Fire Prevention Division offices. (Ord. No. 2012-005A, § 1)