ORDINANCE NO. 626-25
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION, BASED ON THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE INCLUDING LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS Summary: This ordinance will adopt the 2025 California Fire Code including local amendments and an exemption from CEQA.
WHEREAS, every three years the State of California adopts a new California Building Standards Code which includes a new California Fire Code; and, WHEREAS, the State of California has adopted the 2025 California Fire Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code published by the International Code Council, hereinafter referred to collectively as the Fire Code; and, WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code Section 17958 permits the City of Murrieta to make such changes or modifications to the Fire Code as are reasonably necessary because of local conditions; and, WHEREAS, Health & Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City of Murrieta, before making any changes or modifications to the Fire Code, make express findings that such changes or modifications are needed due to local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Murrieta does hereby find that the City has certain climatic, geological, and topographical features that can have a deleterious effect on emergency services such as fire protection and emergency medical services; and, WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Murrieta finds that the modifications and changes to the Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions set forth herein as identified below; and, WHEREAS, in accordance with AB 130, the following changes or modifications are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were previously filed by the City of Murrieta in Ordinance 584-22 adopted December 17th, 2022, and effective prior to September 30, 2025; and, WHEREAS, Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10, inclusive, of the Government Code and Section 17922 of the Health & Safety Code, provide authority for the adoption by reference of codes, or portion of such codes.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. MUNICIPAL CODE REPEAL AND REPLACE
Chapter 15.24 of the Murrieta Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with a new Chapter 15.24 as found in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein as if set forth in full.
SECTION 2. LOCAL AMENDMENT FINDINGS
The City Council of the City of Murrieta finds that the modifications and changes to the Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions set forth herein.
Climate Considerations
The City of Murrieta located in Riverside County is located in Southern California and covers a vast and varied geographic area. The base climate in western Riverside County consists of semiarid Mediterranean weather patterns. Eastern Riverside County is a desert area with Mohave Desert temperatures and weather patterns. Those two primary areas are divided by the San Bernardino Mountain Range. Both areas outside of the mountain terrain annually experience extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry winds, which may reach speeds of 70 m.p.h. or greater, are common to the area. Examples are: Santa Ana/Foehn winds, afternoon surface-heating generated winds, and prevailing desert winds.
These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires (conflagration) which necessitates rapid identification, locating and extinguishment of all fires in the smallest stage possible. In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires are also prone to disrupt utility services throughout the County. Obstacles generated by a strong wind, such as fallen trees, street lights and utility poles, will greatly impact the response time to reach an incident scene. During these winds, the inability to use aerial type firefighting apparatus would further decrease our ability to stop fires in large buildings and place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury.
Although Riverside County and the City of Murrieta occasionally experiences periods of significant drought, the County can also experience periods of substantial rainfall. Annual rainfall varying from three inches in Blythe to over 33 inches in Pine Cove. When Riverside County does experience heavy rain, or rain over a period of days or weeks, many areas of the County are subject to flooding. Runoff from rain drains either naturally into rivers, washes, and creeks or into flood control facilities. Flash flooding is also a common problem, especially in the Coachella Valley and the easterly portions of the County. Flash flooding is typically associated with short duration, high intensity precipitation events often associated with summer thunderstorms. Such events can occur even during a drought.
Water demand in densely populated Southern California far exceeds the quantity supplied by natural precipitation; and although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. California is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million over the next quarter of a century with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation is not fully dependable. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features. It would also leave tall buildings vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of available water to floors in a fire.
These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features such as identification and notification will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems will also reduce the use of water for firefighting by as much as 50 to 75 percent.
Topographic Considerations
Natural. The topographical conditions of Riverside County vary from 300 feet below sea- level, flat desert communities, to mountains over 10,000 feet in Alpine-like areas of the San Bernardino Mountain Range. In between these areas, developable slopes of 25 percent and greater generally occur throughout the foothills. Riverside County extends from Orange County to the State of Arizona and is mixed with congested urban areas, rural lands and wild lands. A large number of sensitive habitats for various animal species and vegetation consist within large open space areas between major urban centers that impact building and structure location, which impedes emergency access and response. This variety in regions contributes to an increased emergency response time, which necessitates cooperation between local agencies.
Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout Riverside County and within the City of Murrieta.
These topographical conditions combine to create a situation, which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on• site fire- extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.
Geographic Considerations
Located within Riverside County and in the City of Murrieta are several known active and potentially active earthquake faults, including the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Elsinore Fault. In the event of an earthquake, the location of the epicenter as well as the time of day and season of the year would have a profound effect on the number of deaths and casualties, as well as property damage.
The major form of direct damage from most earthquakes is damage to construction. Bridges are particularly vulnerable to collapse, and dam failure may generate major downstream flooding. Buildings vary in susceptibility, dependent upon construction and the types of soils on which they are built. Earthquakes destroy power and telephone lines; gas, sewer, or water mains; which, in tum, may set off fires and/or hinder firefighting or rescue efforts. The hazard of earthquakes varies from place to place, dependent upon the regional and local geology. Ground shaking may occur in areas 65 miles or more from the epicenter (the point on the ground surface above the focus). Ground shaking can change the mechanical properties of some fine grained, saturated soils, where upon they liquefy and act as a fluid (liquefaction).
Previous earthquakes in southern California have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings.
Road circulation features located throughout the County and the City of Murrieta also make amendments reasonably necessary. Located through the County and the City of Murrieta are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, slopes, street and storm drain design, accompanied with occasional heavy rainfall, causes roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable. There are areas in Murrieta that naturally have extended emergency response times that exceed the five- minute goal.
The table below details amendments to specific Sections of the 2025 California Fire Code and the applicable Finding for each.
Amendment
Finding
Amendment
Finding
101.1
Administrative
508.1
B2, B3, C2, C3
102.13
Administrative
508.1.3
B2, B3, C2, C3
103.1
Administrative
510.1
B2, B3, C2, C3
108.2
Administrative
510.4.2.3
B1, B2, B3
108.4.1
Administrative
510.6
B1, B2, B3
108.7
Administrative
510.6.5
B1, B2, B3
108.8
Administrative
510.6.5.1-510.6.5.4
B1, B2, B3
108.9
Administrative
901.6.3
B3, C3, C4
110.3.1
Administrative
903.2
B3, C3, C4
112.1,112.2,112.3,112.4
Administrative
903.2.10, 903.2.10.1
B3, C3, C4
113.4
Administrative
903.3.5.3
B3, C3, C4
Definitions 202
Administrative
903.4
B3, C3, C4
304.1.3
A1, A2, A4, B3
907.1.6
B3, C3, C4
307.1.1
A1, A2, A4, B3
907.5.1
B3, C3, C4
307.6
A1, A2, A4, B3
914.12 – 914.12.8.5
B3, C3, C4
307.6.1
A1, A2, A4, B3
1205.2
B2, B3
307.6.2
A1, A2, A4, B3
3307.2
B2, B3
307.6.3
A1, A2, A4, B3
5601.3.2 & 5601.3.3
A1, A2, A4
408
Administrative
5608.2
A1, A2, A4
501.1
Administrative
5614
A1, A2, A4
503.1
Administrative
5707.1
A1, A2, A4
503.1.2
Administrative
Chapter 80
A1, A2, A4
503.2.1
Administrative
Table B105.1(1)
A1, A2, A4
503.2.3
Administrative
Table B105.2
A1, A2, A4
503.6.1
A4, B2, B3
B105.4
A1, A2, A3, A4
505.1
B2, B4
SECTION 3. FIRE CODE ADOPTION
The City Council of the City of Murrieta hereby adopts as the Fire Code for the City of Murrieta Fire the 2025 California Fire Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted - Chapter 1, Division II, Chapters 3, 25, and Sections 503, 510.2, 1103.2 and Appendices A, C, H, I, N, O and P are adopted together with the City's amendments as set forth in this ordinance. This Fire Code is adopted for the protection of public health and safety. It includes definitions, provisions for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings, requirements for permits and inspection for installing or altering systems, regulations for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, equipment use and maintenance of buildings and structures, including the installation, alteration or repair of new and existing fire protection systems and their inspection and provides penalties for violation of this code. Each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of the Murrieta Municipal Code on file in the office of the Murrieta Fire Protection District are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in Exhibit "A" of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. CEQA
This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where, as here, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question would have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
SECTION 5. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 6. NOTICE OF ADOPTION
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and shall publish a summary of this Ordinance and post a certified copy of the full ordinance in the office of the City Clerk at least five (5) days prior to the adoption of the proposed ordinance; and within fifteen (15) days after adoption of the ordinance, the City Clerk shall publish a summary of the ordinance with the names of the council members voting for and against the ordinance.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2026.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___th day of ______________, 2025. ___________________________
Cindy Warren, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________
Tiffany Israel, City Attorney
I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 626-25 was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Murrieta at the regular meeting thereof, held on the ___th day of ______________, 2025, and was signed by the Mayor of the said City, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
________________________ Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
I, Cristal McDonald, City Clerk of the City of Murrieta, California further certify that Ordinance No. 626-25 was duly published according to law and the order of the City Council of said City and the same was so published in Press Enterprise, a newspaper of general circulation on the following date(s):
Adopted Ordinance: , 2025.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this _ , Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
EXHIBIT “A”
15.24.010 Adoption of the Fire Code. The City of Murrieta adopts as the Fire Code for the City of Murrieta Fire & Rescue the following: the 2025 California Fire Code based on the 2024 International Fire Code. In addition, the following provisions that are excluded in the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted - Chapter 1, Division II, Chapters 3, 25, and Sections 503, 510.2, 1103.2, and Appendices A, C, H, I, N, O and P are adopted together with the City's amendments as set forth in this ordinance. The California Fire Code and its appendix chapters will be on file for public examination in the offices of the Fire Marshal, Building Official, and the City Clerk’s office.
15.24.020 Section 101.1 Amended– Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Murrieta, hereinafter referred to as the Fire Code.
15.24.030 Section 102.13 Added – Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances, Resolutions, or Motions. All former ordinances, resolutions, or motions or parts thereof, conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter are repealed.
15.24.040 Section 103.1 Amended – Creation of an Agency. The City of Murrieta / Murrieta Fire & Rescue is hereby created and the official in charge therefore shall be known as the fire code official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
15.24.050 Section 108.2 A m e n d e d - Schedule of Permit Fees. Fees for services and operational permits shall be as set forth in the City of Murrieta fee schedule.
15.24.060 Section 108.4.1 Added - Fees for Working or Performing Without Necessary Permits. A person who commences any construction work regulated by the Fire Code within the City before first obtaining necessary construction permits may be fined as follows:
First offense is double fees for each building or permit required to be issued that is in violation, and a complaint is filed to the Contractors State License Board.
Second offense is double fees as indicated in item 1 above plus a $500.00 fine and a complaint filed to the Contractors State License Board.
Third offense is double fees as indicated in item 1 above plus a $1000.00 fine and a complaint filed to the Contractors State License Board.
Fourth or subsequent violations will result in a misdemeanor citation and/or additional legal action for failing to comply with the requirements of the Fire Code.
15.24.070 Section 108.7 Added - Cost Recovery. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expense of any emergency response and/or enforcement action by the Fire Department to protect the public from criminal or negligent activities, and from fire or hazardous substances.
15.24.080 Section 108.8 Added - Reimbursement Required. In accordance with Safety Code Section 13000 et. Seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law thereby requires an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the Fire Department for the costs incurred. In accordance with Government Code Section 53150 through 53158, any individual who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug or the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel or civil aircraft caused by that influence proximately cause any incident and thereby requires an emergency response shall reimburse the Fire Department for those costs incurred.
15.24.090 Section 108.9 Added - Expense Recovery. The fire code official may impose a fee for recovery of expenses incurred to enforce the provisions of the Fire Code including approved third-party billing.
15.24.100 Section 110.3.1 Added - Electronic Recordkeeping. The fire code official can require the forms for maintenance inspections of fire protection systems to be filed in electronic format as prescribed by the fire code official.
15.24.110 Sections 112.1, 112.2, 112.3 & 112.4 of the California Fire Code are deleted in their entirety and replaced with:
Section 112.1 Board of Appeals Established. In order to hear, and decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of the fire code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. After all "in-house" efforts (including a review and determination in writing by the Fire Chief) have failed to achieve resolution, a board of appeals shall be appointed on an as-needed basis by the Murrieta City Manager and shall hold office at their pleasure. The fire code official shall be an ex officio member of said board but shall not have a vote on any matter before the board. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the City Manager and fire code official.
Section 112.2 Limitations of Authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or an equivalent method of protection or safety is proposed. The board shall not have the authority to waive the requirements of this code.
Section 112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of three or five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to hazards of fire, explosions, hazardous conditions, or fire protection systems and are not public officials or employees of the City of Murrieta.
Section 112.4 Administration The fire code official shall take immediate action in accordance with the decision of the board of appeals.
15.24.120 Section 113.4 Amended - 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 fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
15.24.130 Section 202 Added - General Definitions
ALL-WEATHER SURFACE. A road surface of asphalt, concrete, or approved pavers, or an engineered surface (such as decomposed granite compacted to 95%) capable of supporting an 80,000-pound fire apparatus in all weather conditions.
FLOW-LINE. The lowest continuous elevation on a curb is defined by the path traced by a particle in a moving body of water at the bottom of the rolled curb.
FUEL MODIFICATION ZONE. A strip of land where combustible vegetation has been thinned or modified or both and partially or totally replaced with approved fire- resistant and/or irrigated plants to provide an acceptable level of risk from vegetation fires. Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat on a structure and provides valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an approaching fire front.
MID-RISE BUILDING. A building five or more stories high, but not exceeding 75 feet in height, and not defined as a high-rise building by Section 202 of the California Building Code. Measurements shall be made from the underside of the roof or floor above the topmost space that may be occupied to the lowest fire apparatus access road level.
JURISDICTION. The City of Murrieta and/or Murrieta Fire & Rescue.
15.24.140 Section 304.1.3 Amended - Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines, or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Title 24 Part 7) and the City of Murrieta Municipal Code.
15.24.150 Section 307.1.1 Amended - Prohibited Open Burning. Open burning shall be prohibited within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Murrieta.
15.24.160 Section 307.6 Added - Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, or similar devices used at Group R Occupancies. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, or similar exterior devices shall comply with this section. Exception: Barbeques, grills, and other portable devices intended solely for cooking
15.24.170 Section 307.6.1 Added - Gas Fueled Devices. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and similar devices fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building and Fire Department and the device is designed to only burn a gas flame and not wood or other solid fuel. At one-and two-family dwelling units, combustible construction and flammable vegetation shall not be located within three feet of gas-fueled devices. At all other Group R occupancies, the minimum distance to combustible construction and flammable vegetation shall be 20 feet. Where chimneys or vents are installed, they shall have an approved spark arrester as defined in California Mechanical Code, Section 221.
15.24.180 Section 307.6.2 Added - Where Prohibited. The burning of wood and other solid fuels shall not be conducted within a Very high or high fire hazard severity zone.
Exception: Approved outdoor permanent fireplaces.
15.24.190 Section 307.6.3 Added - Outdoor Fireplaces Utilizing Wood or Solid-fuels. Permanent outdoor fireplaces, not located within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, that burn wood or other solid fuel shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code with clearance from combustible construction and building openings as required therein. Fires in a fireplace shall be contained within a firebox with an attached chimney. The opening in the face of the firebox shall have an installed and maintained method of arresting sparks Chimneys shall have an approved spark arrester as defined in California Mechanical Code, Section 221.
15.24.200 Section 408 Added - Automated External Defibrillators. This Section applies to all of the following structures, as defined in Chapter 3 of Part 2, The California Building Code, of Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, of the California Code of Regulations, that are constructed on or after January 1, 2017.
Group A assembly buildings with an occupant load of 300 or more.
Group B business buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more.
Group E educational buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more.
Group F factory buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more.
Group I institutional buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more.
Group M mercantile buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more.
Group R residential buildings with an occupant load of 200 or more, excluding single-family dwelling units.
A structure described in subdivision (A) that is an occupied structure shall have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises subject to the requirements in Section 1797.196. A person or entity that acquires an AED for emergency care pursuant to this section shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from any acts or omissions in the rendering of the emergency care by use of an AED if that person or entity has complied with subdivision (b) of Section 1797.196 This chapter shall not apply to a structure in subdivision (A) that is owned or operated by any local government entity.
This chapter shall not apply to a health facility licensed under subdivisions (a), (b), (c), or (f) of Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code.
This chapter shall not be construed to apply to a structure that is vacant or under construction or renovation.
15.24.210 Section 501.1 Amended – Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures, and premises shall comply with this chapter. All features shall be in accordance with this code, national standards, the Murrieta Fire & Rescue Guidelines for Fire Department Access & Water Requirements for Commercial & Residential Development, and the Murrieta Fire & Rescue Guideline for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.
Section 503 Amended – Fire Apparatus Access Roads
15.24.230 Section 503.1 Amended - Where required. Fire apparatus access roads, including private residential driveways, shall be required for every building hereafter constructed when any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 150 feet from the closest point of an approved fire department vehicle access.
Fire apparatus access roads, except private residential driveways, shall be provided and maintained for the purposes of rapid and reliable fire apparatus access and for unobstructed traffic circulation for evacuation or relocation of civilians during a wildfire or other emergency. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in compliance with this section and the most recent edition and any amendments thereto, of public and private road standards as adopted by the City of Murrieta. The fire code official may modify the requirements of this section if the modification provides equivalent access.
15.24.240 Section 503.1.2 Amended - Additional access. The fire 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 t h e terrain, climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access. When additional fire apparatus access roads are required, the additional fire apparatus access road must be remote from the primary fire apparatus access road and be approved by the fire code official.
15.24.250 Section 503.2.1 Amended - Dimensions. The dimensions of fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with the following:
The width of an approved fire apparatus access road is measured flowline to flowline. All fire apparatus access roads shall have and maintain an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches.
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed improved width of not less than 24 feet, except for single-family residential driveways serving no more than two single-family dwellings, which shall have a minimum of 14 feet of unobstructed improved width. Any of the following, which have separated lanes of one-way traffic: gated entrances with card readers, guard stations, or center medians, are allowed, provided that each lane is not less than 16 feet wide.
Fire apparatus access roads serving multi-family structures shall have an unobstructed improved width of not less than 24 feet. The fire code official may require additional access road improvements, including 26 feet of roadway width when necessary to accommodate an Aerial Fire Apparatus.
Fire apparatus access roads serving commercial, industrial, or buildings greater than two stories shall have an unobstructed improved width of not less than 26 feet to accommodate an Aerial Fire Apparatus. The fire code official may require additional access road improvements necessary to accommodate an Aerial Fire Apparatus.
15.24.260 Section 503.2.3 Amended - Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus at 80,000 pounds and shall be hard-surfaced, paved, or concrete and suitable for fire apparatus. Pervious pavers may be used when designed, installed, and maintained to hold the imposed loads of fire apparatus at 80,000 pounds and are approved by the fire code official. In rural areas, all-weather surfaces may be utilized for fire apparatus access roads where slopes permit. All-weather surfaces must be maintained to engineered standards, failure to do so will result in violations as outlined in 15.24.120.
15.24.270 Section 503.6.1 Added - Automatic opener. New motorized gates shall be provided with means to be automatically opened remotely by emergency vehicles.
15.24.280 Section 505.1 Amended - Address numbers. Approved numbers and/or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings and at appropriate additional locations, plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property when approaching from either direction. All commercial addressing shall be illuminated to be visible from the street at all hours. Single-family residential numbers shall contrast with their background and shall meet the following minimum size standards: 4" high with a ½” stroke. For buildings up to 25 feet in height, address numbers shall be a minimum of 12” high with a minimum 2” stroke. For building(s) exceeding 25 feet in height, address numbers shall be a minimum of 24” in height with a minimum 4” stroke and be placed on all sides of a structure. All address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Additional numbers shall be required where deemed necessary by the fire code official, such as rear access doors, building corners, and entrances to commercial centers. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, an approved monument, pole, or other approved sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.
15.24.290 Section 508.1 Amended – General. Where required by other sections of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code, and mid- rise buildings as defined and Group I-2 Occupancies having occupied floors located more than 55 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access and in all F-1 and S-1 Occupancies with a building footprint greater than 300,000 square feet, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.8.
15.24.300 Section 508.1.3 Amended – Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
Where a fire command center is required for a group F-1, and S-1 Occupancies with a building footprint greater than 300,000 square feet, the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet with a minimum dimension of 8 feet, where approved by the fire code official.
15.24.310 Section 510.1 Amended - Emergency Responder Communication Coverage in New and Existing Buildings. Approved in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems (ERCES) for emergency responders shall be provided in all new and existing buildings as determined by the fire code official. The ERCES, where required, shall be provided in accordance with Murrieta Fire & Rescue and Police Departments policies and guidelines.
15.24.320 Section 510.4.2.3 Amended - Standby Power. In-building emergency responder communications enhancement shall be provided with dedicated standby batteries or provided with 2-hour standby batteries and connected to the facility generator power system in accordance with Sections 1203. The standby power supply shall be capable of operating in-building emergency responder communications enhancement systems at 100-percent system capacity for a duration of not less than 24 hours.
15.24.330 Section 510.6 Amended - Maintenance. The in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system shall be maintained operational at all times in accordance with sections 510.6.1 through 510.6.5.
15.24.340 Section 510.6.5 Added - Signal Interference Mitigation. ERCES shall be installed and maintained so as not to cause harmful interference to the Public Safety Enterprise Communications (PSEC) within or beyond the building or structure served.
15.24.350 Section 510.6.5.1 Added - Automatic Shutdown. ERCES shall be equipped with automatic detection and shutdown features that deactivate amplification components upon occurrence of oscillation, feedback, or over-amplification. Automatic shutdown shall occur when system operation causes disruption or degradation of the Public Safety Enterprise Communications (PSEC).
15.24.360 Section 510.6.5.2 Added - Automatic Shutdown Supervision. Upon activation of the shutdown function, a supervisory signal shall be transmitted to the fire alarm control unit and to a constantly attended location as required by the fire code official.
15.24.370 Section 510.6.5.3 Added - Restoration of Service. Following an automatic shutdown, corrective action shall be performed by qualified personnel prior to system reset. ERCES shall not be returned to service until testing has verified that operation does not cause interference with the Public Safety Enterprise Communications (PSEC).
15.24.380 Section 510.6.5.4 Added - Prohibition. ERCES shall not be permitted to operate in any manner that degrades or impairs emergency communications as determined by Public Safety Enterprise Communications (PSEC).
15.24.390 Section 901.6.3. Amended - Records. Records of all system inspections, tests, and maintenance required by referenced standards shall be submitted and maintained in the required format and electronically as required by the fire code official.
15.24.400 Section 903.2 Amended - Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems, regardless of the occupancy classification, shall be provided throughout new buildings and structures which are 3,600 square feet or greater in size or more than two stories in height.
Exception: Group R, occupancies shall comply with sections 903.2.8 Regardless of the occupancy classification. Where Sections 903.2.1 - 903.2.21 of the California Fire Code require more restrictive requirements than those listed below, the more restrictive requirement shall take precedence.
The elimination of sprinkler protection in the following areas is subject to approval by the Fire Code Official. 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 from the remainder of the building by fire barriers consisting of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and 2-hour fire- resistance-rated floor/ ceiling assemblies.
Unless required elsewhere in this code or the California Building Code, automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be required for the following:
1. Detached Group U occupancies used for agricultural or livestock purposes, less than 5,500 square feet, and having setback distances of 50 feet or more from the property line and other buildings.
2. Detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies that are open on all sides and used for riding only - no commercial, assembly or storage uses.
3. Detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures that are open on all sides and used to shade playground equipment, temporary storage of vehicles, and dining areas with no cooking.
4. Detached Group U occupancy greenhouses less than 5,500 square feet.
5. Where determined by the Fire Chief that no major life safety hazard exists, and the fuel load does not pose a significant threat to firefighter safety or to other structures or property, automatic fire sprinklers may be exempted.
For development within the BP and Cl zoning districts or commercial or industrial buildings that are speculative in nature with no specific commodity or method of storage, the automatic fire protection system installed shall provide a minimum density coverage of 0.33/2,500 S.F. or as determined by the fire code official or their designee.
15.24.410 Section 903.2.10 Amended - Group S-2 Parking Garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages.
15.24.420 Section 903.2.10.1 Deleted - Commercial Parking Garages, is hereby deleted without replacement.
15.24.430 Section 903.3.5.3 Added - Hydraulically Calculated Systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity
15.24.440 Section 903.4 Amended - Sprinkler System Supervision and Alarms, is hereby amended by modifying item 2, deleting items 5 and 8, and renumbering the exceptions as follows:
Exceptions:
Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
Limited area systems serving fewer than 20 sprinklers.
Automatic sprinkler systems are installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where the common supply main is used to supply both the domestic and automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, pre-action, and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
15.24.450 Section 907.1.6 Added - Fire alarm control panel (FACP). The main fire alarm control panel shall be located in the same room as and share the same access as the fire sprinkler riser. The FACP shall have a minimum of 36 inches of face clearance and 6 inches of side clearance from any other wall or equipment.
15.24.460 Section 907.5.1 Amended - Tenant Notification. Notification shall be provided to the occupants in single tenant and multi-tenant buildings, (including when a tenant improvement permit is required) a single audio/visual device shall be installed in each suite, in a constantly attended location, and shall annunciate upon the activation of any fire protection system.
14.24.470 Section 914.12 Added – Mid Rise Building
15.24.480 Section 914.12.1 Added - General. A newly constructed mid-rise building shall comply with this section.
Exceptions:
Buildings used exclusively as an open parking garage.
Buildings where all floors above the fourth- floor level are used exclusively as an open parking garage.
Buildings such as a power plant, lookout tower, steeple, grain house, and other similar structures with intermittent human occupancy.
15.24.490 Section 914.12.2 Added - Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems and Standpipes. Mid-rise buildings shall be protected throughout by an automatic fire sprinkler system designed and installed in conformance with the latest edition of NFPA 13 and in accordance with the following:
A shut-off valve and a water flow alarm shall be provided for each floor. Each shut-off valve and water flow alarm shall be electronically supervised.
Mid-rise buildings shall be provided with a Class I standpipe system that is interconnected with the automatic fire sprinkler system. The system shall consist of 2.5-inch hose valves located in each stair enclosure on every floor. Two hose outlets shall be located on the roof outside of each stair enclosure that penetrates the roof. The standpipe system shall be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 14.
Fire department standpipe connections and valves serving each floor shall be located in the vestibule and located in a manner so as not to obstruct egress when hose lines are connected and charged.
15.24.500 Section 914.12.3 Added - Smoke detection. Smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with this section. Smoke detectors shall be connected to an automatic fire alarm system and shall be installed in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 72. The actuation of any device required by this section shall operate the emergency voice alarm signal system and shall operate all equipment necessary to prevent the circulation of smoke through air returns and exhaust ductwork. Smoke detectors shall be located as follows:
In every mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, unmanned computer equipment, elevator machinery, or similar room and in all elevator lobbies. Elevator lobby detectors shall be connected to an alarm verification zone or be listed as a releasing device.
In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air conditioning system. The smoke detector shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving no than 4 or more stories from a return air duct or plenum of an air conditioning system. In Group R, Division 1 and 2 occupancies, an approved smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cubic feet per minute and not serving more than 10 air inlet openings.
For Group R, Division 1 and 2 occupancies, in all corridors serving as a means of egress for an occupant load of 10 or more persons.
15.24.510 Section 914.12.4 Added - Fire alarm system. An approved and listed, automatic and manual, fully addressable, and electronically supervised fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72.
15.24.520 Section 914.12.5 Added - Emergency voice alarm signaling system. The operation of any automatic fire detector or water flow device shall automatically sound an alert tone followed by a pre-recorded voice instruction giving appropriate information and direction on a general or selective basis to the following terminal areas:
Elevators
Elevator lobbies
Corridors
Exit stairways
Rooms and tenant spaces
Dwelling units
Hotel guest rooms
Areas designated as safe refuge within the building
15.24.530 Section 914.12.6 Added - Fire Command Center. A fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided for mid-rise buildings, as defined in Section 202 of this ordinance, in accordance with Section 508.
15.24.540 Section 914.12.7 Added - Elevators. Elevators and elevator lobbies shall comply with Chapter 30 of the California Building Code. At least one elevator cab shall be assigned for fire department use and shall serve all floors of the building. This cab shall be provided large enough to accommodate an ambulance-type stretcher in accordance with section 3002.4 of the California Building Code.
15.24.550 Section 914.12.8 Added - Fire Department Communication System. An approved two-way fire department communication system designed and installed in accordance with the adopted edition of NFPA 72, shall be provided for fire department use per section 907.2.13.2.
15.24.560 Section 914.12.9 Added - Means of egress. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 10, egress components of mid-rise buildings shall comply with sections 914.12.8.1 through 914.12.8.5
15.24.570 Section 914.12.9.1 Added - Extent of the enclosure. Stairway enclosures shall be continuous and shall fully enclose all portions of the stairway. Exit enclosures shall exit directly to the exterior of the building or include an exit passageway on the ground floor leading to the exterior of the building. Each exit enclosure shall extend completely through the roof and be provided with a door that leads onto the roof.
15.24.580 Section 914.12.9.2 Added - Pressurized enclosures and stairways. All required stairways and enclosures in a mid-rise building shall be pressurized as specified in Section 909. Pressurized stairways shall be designed to exhaust smoke manually.
15.24.590 Section 914.12.9.3 Added - Vestibules. Pressurized stairway enclosures serving a mid-rise building shall be provided with a pressurized entrance vestibule on each floor that complies with Section 909.
15.24.600 Section 914.12.9.4 Added - Pressure differences. The minimum pressure difference between a vestibule and adjacent areas shall comply with Section 909.
15.24.610 Section 914.12.9.5 Added -Locking of stairway doors. All stairway doors that are locked to prohibit access from the interior of the stairway shall have the capability of being unlocked simultaneously, without unlatching, upon a signal from the fire command center. Upon failure of normal electrical service or activation of any fire alarm, the locking mechanism shall automatically unlock
15.24.620 Section 1205.2 Amended - Access and Pathways.
Exception 3. Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems where the BIPV systems are approved, integrated into the finished roof surface and are listed in accordance with a national test standard developed to address Section 690.12(B)(2) of the California Electrical Code. The removal or cutting away of portions of the BIPV system during firefighting operations shall not expose a firefighter to electrical shock hazards and smoke ventilation opportunity areas shall be identified.
15.24.630 Section 3307.2 Amended - Water Supply for Fire Protection. The required water supply, including water mains and fire hydrants, for fire protection, shall be installed, tested, and accepted, prior to combustible materials arriving onsite.
15.24.640 Section 5601.3.2Added - Prohibition. No person shall have in his or her possession, or keep, store, use, shoot, discharge, set off, ignite, explode, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, give or transport any fireworks, dangerous fireworks, or safe and sane fireworks, except for use as agricultural and wildlife fireworks or for use in a public display of fireworks pursuant to a permit obtained from Murrieta Fire & Rescue under the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Sections 12640-12654 and the municipal code adopted by the City of Murrieta. Any storage, use, sale, possession, and handling of fireworks 1.4G (commonly referred to as Safe & Sane) and fireworks 1.3G is strictly prohibited.
Exception: Fireworks 1.4G and fireworks 1.3G may be part of an electrically fired public display when permitted by Murrieta Fire & Rescue and conducted by a California licensed pyrotechnic operator.
15.24.650 Section 5601.3.3 Added - Seizure of Fireworks. The fire code official and his or her designee shall have the authority to seize, take, and remove all fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used, or handled in violation of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Chapter 6. Any seizure or removal pursuant to this section shall be in compliance with applicable statutory, constitutional, and decisional law.
15.24.660 Section 5608.2 Added - Firing. All fireworks displays shall be electrically fired.
15.24.670 Section 5614 Added - Explosives and blasting. Explosives shall not be possessed, kept, stored, sold, offered for sale, given away, used, discharged, transported, or disposed of except by permit from the fire code official.
15.24.680 Section 5707.1 Amened - General. On-demand mobile fueling operations that dispense Class I, II, and III liquids into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles shall be prohibited.
15.24.690 Sections 5707.2 through 5707.6 are hereby deleted without replacement.
15.24.700 NFPA 13, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 16.12.3.3 is hereby revised as follows:
16.12.3.3 Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The FDC shall contain a minimum of two 2 ½” inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more than 40 feet from a public or private hydrant. The size of the piping and the number of inlets shall be approved by the fire code official. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red. When the fire sprinkler density design requires 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2½” inlets shall be provided
15.24.710 NFPA 13R 2025 is added and adopted in its entirety.
15.24.720 NFPA 13D 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes is hereby adopted and amended or added as follows:
Section 5.1.3 is hereby added as follows:
Stock of Spare Sprinklers
Section 5.1.3.1 is hereby added as follows:
A supply of at least one sprinkler for each type shall be maintained on the premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be promptly replaced.
5.1.3.2 is hereby added as follows:
The sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers on the property.
Section 5.1.3.3 is hereby added as follows:
The sprinklers shall be kept in a cabinet located where the temperature to which they are subjected will at no time exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees C).
Section 5.1.3.4 is hereby added as follows:
A sprinkler wrench shall be provided and kept in the cabinet to be used for the removal and installation of sprinklers. A separate sprinkler wrench shall be provided to ensure all styles of heads can be replaced if activated.
Section 7.1.2 is hereby revised as follows:
7.1.2 The system piping shall not have a separate control valve unless supervised by a central station, proprietary, or remote station alarm service.
7.6 - Amend 7.6 to read as follows:
7.6 Alarms. A water flow switch shall be provided and located on the sprinkler riser above the check valve. The waterflow switch shall activate the local waterflow alarm bell and the interconnected smoke alarms inside the residence. The water flow switch shall be a retarding type with a delay between 15-45 seconds before activation. Waterflow alarm bell shall have a minimum diameter of 6 inches and be mounted on the exterior of the structure.
15.24.730 NFPA 14, 2024 Edition, Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems is hereby amended as follows:
Section 9.5.1.1 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
9.5.1.1 Class I and III Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 18 inches or more than 24 inches above the finished floor. Class II Standpipe hose connections shall be unobstructed and shall be located not less than 3 feet or more than 5 feet above the finished floor.
15.24.740 NFPA 24, 2025 Edition, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances is hereby amended as follows:
Section 6.2.9* (3) and (5) is hereby deleted without replacement and (6) and (7) renumbered as follows:
Control Valves installed in a fire-rated room accessible from the exterior.
Control valves in a fire-rated stair enclosure accessible from the exterior as permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.
Section 6.2.9* (2) is hereby revised as follows:
(2) When approved by the fire code official, a wall post indicating valve may be installed on an existing structure.
Section 6.3.3 is hereby added as follows:
6.3.3 All post indicator valves controlling fire suppression water supplies shall be painted OSHA red.
Section 10.1.5 is hereby added as follows:
10.1.5 All ferrous pipe shall be coated and wrapped. Joints shall be coated and wrapped after assembly. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube. The ends of the tube shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2 inch wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Exception: 304 or 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings Section 10.3.8 Bolts is hereby added as follows:
10.3.7 Bolts. All bolts used in pipe-joint assembly shall be 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.1.1 is hereby revised as follows:
10.4.1.1 All bolted joint accessories shall be cleaned and thoroughly coated with asphalt or other corrosion-retarding material, prior to poly-tube, and after installation.
Exception: Bolted joint accessories made from 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Section 10.4.3.1 is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:
10.4.3.1 Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the pipe may run under a building to a maximum of 24 inches, as measured from the interior face of the exterior wall to the center of the vertical pipe. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 304 or 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints or it shall comply with 10.6.2.
Section 10.4.3.1.1 is hereby revised as follows:
10.4.3.1.1 Pipe joints shall not be located under foundation footings. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 304 or 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints.
15.24.750 Amended - Table B105.1 (1)
TABLE B105.1(1)
REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES
CALCULATION AREA
(square feet)
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM (Design Standard)
MINIMUM FIRE-FLOW
(gallons per minute)
FLOW DURATION
(hours)
0-3,600
No automatic sprinkler system
1,500
2 3,601 and greater
No automatic sprinkler system
Value in Table B105.1(2)
Duration in Table B105.1(2) at the required fire-flow rate, but not less than 2 hours. 0-3,600
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code or Section 313.3 of the California Residential Code 500
1/2
3,601 and greater
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code or Section 313.3 of the California Residential Code ½ value in Table B105.1(2) but
not less than 875
1 For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m
15.24.760 Amended - Table B105.1(2)
TABLE B105.2
REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM (Design Standard)
MINIMUM FIRE-FLOW
(gallons per minute)
FLOW DURATION
(hours)
No automatic sprinkler system
Value in Table B105.1(2)
Duration in Table B105.1(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 (NFPA 13) or Section 903.3.1.2 (NFPA13R) of the California Fire Code
50% of the value in Table B105.1(2) not less than 2,500 for multi-family, not less than 3,000 for commercial not less than 3,500 for industrial Duration for multi-family, 2 hours Duration for commercial, 3 hours Duration for industrial, 4 hours For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m *Or as otherwise required by the Fire Code official
15.24.770 Section B105.4 – ADDED- Projects Located in Fire Severity Zones. All new buildings constructed or installed that are located within a High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as designated by the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection or as subsequently amended, the minimum fire-flow requirements shall be increased by 500 gallons per minute (GPM) at a residual pressure of 20 psi for a minimum duration of 2 hours.
Exception. Where the entire project is constructed in compliance with the current Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Wildfire Technical Standards, the required fire flow may comply with the standard fire-flow requirements of Appendix B without modification. 01375.0025 2057449.1
01375.0025 2057449.1