November 18, 2025, Item #10
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
CONTACT:
SUBJECT:
Summary:
AG EN DA REPORT City of Poway
November 18, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Brian Mitchell, Fire Chief
Julie Procopio, Director of Development Servicq
Kevin Parker, Senior Planner
858-668-4656 or [email protected]
Andy Loperena, Deputy Fire Marshall
858-668-4471 or [email protected]
CITY COUNCIL
Approval of an Ordinance of the City of Poway, California, Amending Poway Municipal Code Title 15 to Adopt by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes with Local Amendments
On December 6, 2022, the City Council adopted the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes (CBSC). These codes, which are adopted by reference, are being replaced by the 2025 Edition of the CBSC. The 2025 Edition codes will go into effect on January 1, 2026. The purpose of this Ordinance is to update the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) to reference the current State-mandated code edition and to incorporate local amendments which address the City's specific needs based on zoning regulations and unique climate, topography, and geography. This proposed Ordinance includes the State required fire and life safety codes and practices from the CBSC.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended the City Council take public input, close the public hearing and introduce the Ordinance (Attachment A) for first reading by title only, waiving further reading and schedule the adoption of the ordinance for the December 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
Discussion:
The CBSC is published by the California Building Standards Commission every three years to include fire, building, electrical, residential, plumbing, mechanical, energy and green building standards.
Every three years, the City then adopts these codes by reference in Title 15 of the PMC, titled "Building and Construction." The last time the City updated its codes was in 2022, to adopt the 2022 Edition.
The California Health and Safety Code Section 17922 requires that each jurisdiction in the State adopt 1 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
The
California
Health
and
Safety
Code
Section
17922
requires
that
each
jurisdiction
in
the
State
adopt
the
most
recent
edition
of
the
CBSC
within
180
days
of
publication
. The
2025
CBSC
was
published
on
July
1,
2025.
The
Statewide
effective
date established
by
the
California
Building
Standards
Commission
for
the
2025
CBSC
is
January
1,
2026.
If
not
adopted
by
the
jurisdiction,
it will
have
the
force
of
law
on
January
1,
2026.
When
adopting
the
CBSC,
a
jurisdiction
may
establish
more
restrictive
standards
reasonably
necessary
based
on
climatic,
geologic
or
topographic
conditions.
The
2025
CBSC
is
based
on
the
2024
International
Building
Code,
the
2024
International
Residential
Code,
the
2024
International
Existing
Buildings
Code,
the
2024
International
Fire
Code,
the
2024
Uniform
Plumbing
Code,
the
2024
Uniform
Mechanical
Code
and
the
2023
National
Electrical
Code.
The
California
Fire
Code
(CFC)
is
the
state
of
California's
model
Fire
Code
with
its
administrative
authority
being
derived
from
the
Health
and
Safety
Code.
Since
its
inception,
the
CFC
has
become
internationally
recognized
for
its
role
in
affirmatively
addressing
the
issues
related
to
fire
prevention,
fire
protection,
firefight
safety
and
public
safety.
The
Office
of
the
State
Fire
Marshal
is
responsible
for
publishing
the
code
text
complete
with
changes
reflecting
new
philosophies,
engineering
knowledge,
and
technological
applications.
Once
the
State
Fire
Marshal
adopts
the
CFC,
it
becomes
effective
throughout
the
State
of
California
for
all
cities,
counties
and
fire
districts
. In
addition,
local
adoption
is
necessary
in
order
to
amend
the
model
code
to
reflect
specific
challenges
unique
to
that
region
or
to
implement
revisions
necessary
to
provide
fire
protection
consistent
with
a
community's
ability
to
prevent,
respond
to,
or
mitigate
fire,
building
or
safety
hazards.
The
purpose
of
this
Ordinance
is
to
update
the
PMC
to
the
current
State-mandate
code
editions,
which
are
adopted
by
reference,
with
local
amendments.
The
Ordinance
(Attachment
A)
is
provided
in
strike
out/underline
format.
The
proposed
Ordinance
includes
the
adoption
of
the
following
codes
published
by
the
California
Building
Standards
Commission
and
placed
in
the
following
Chapters
of
the
PMC:
California
Building
Standards
Code
2025
California
Administrative
Code
2025
California
Building
Code
2025
California
Wildland-Urban
Interface
Code
2025
California
Electrical
Code
2025
California
Residential
Code
2025
California
Plumbing
Code
2025
California
Mechanical
Code
2025
California
Energy
Code
2025
California
Historical
Building
Code
2025
California
Existing
Building
Code
2025
California
Green
Building
Standards
Code
2025
California
Referenced
Standards
Code
2025
California
Fire
Code
PMC
Chapter
Chapter
15.02 Chapter
15.04 Chapter
15.05 Chapter
15.08 Chapter
15 .10
Chapter
15.12 Chapter
15.16 Chapter
15 .18
Chapter
15.19 Chapter
15.21 Chapter
15.22 Chapter
15.23 Chapter
15.24 The
2025
CBSC
establishes
the
Wildland-Urban
Interface
(WUI)
Code
which
applies
to
properties
in
the
High
and
Very
High
Fire
Severity
Zones
and
locally
established
WUI
area
. To
align
with
the
CSBC,
the
proposed
Ordinance
moves
language
pertaining
to
WUI
regulations
from
the
Poway
Fire
Code
Section
(15.24.100)
to
the
new
WUI
Code
(PMC
15.05).
Additional
revisions
to
the
PMC
are
recommended
for
better
alignment
with
the
CBSC,
to
clarify
current
policy
and
to
improve
safety.
2 of
49 November 18, 2025, Item #10
Some notable revisions include the following:
Code Revisions to Clarify Current Standards and Policies • Clarifies construction permits are required for removal, addition or reconfiguration of fire sprinkler systems when five or more sprinkler heads are affected in commercial structures and two or more in residential structures.
• Clarifies the requirement for installing improvements to support turning around fire apparatus vehicles on driveways and providing turnouts when exceeding 300 feet in length. • Clarifies Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit addressing requirements. • Adds options for inclusion of fire mitigation walls and fences where applicable. • Provides landscape plan requirements for new buildings and building expansions within the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and/or WUI area as currently required in the Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual for properties within the Very High Fire Severity Zone.
Additions and Deletions to Improve Safety and Align with CBSC • Clarifies Hazardous Materials Permit requirements including a Hazardous Material Management Plan and Inventory Statement.
• Requires operational permits for farmers markets, holiday lots/events and street fairs/parades.
• Removes certain residential fire sprinkler requirements (including Inspector Test Valve, Alarm bell and pressure gauge) in favor of requirements that better align with the CSBC and NFPA Standards.
• Requires auxiliary power for water tank pumps serving fire sprinkler systems in the non-water service rural areas.
• Add provisions for voluntary (not required) fire alarm systems to include manual pull station at building lobby for alarm activation on egress, a smoke detector protecting the main fire panel, an annunciator panel in building lobby for first responders and a document cabinet for the approved plans.
Projects with building permit applications submitted after January 1, 2026, will be affected by the new CBSC and the provisions of this Ordinance which will be effective January 2, 2026, thirty days after the second reading of the Ordinance on December 2, 2025. Building permits in plan check prior to January 1, 2026, will not be subject to the new regulations. However, the defensible space requirements of the WUI Code will apply to existing buildings in the Very High Fire Hazard Area. The WUI Code applies to new construction or building modifications in both High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as well as areas identified by the City as WUI Areas.
Environmental Review:
3 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
This project is exempt from the provIsIons of the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) in that it entails the adoption of State-mandated Building Codes, with minor local amendments and there is no possibility that this activity will have an effect on the environment.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
Public Notification:
A notice of Public Hearing was published in the Poway News Chieftain on Thursday, November 6, 2025, and Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Attachments:
A. Proposed Ordinance
Reviewed/Approved By:
Assistant City Manager
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Reviewed By:
Alan Fenstermacher
City Attorney
Approved By:
Ch~
City Manager
November 18, 2025, Item #10
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
POWAY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING POWAY MUNICIPAL CODE
(PMC) TITLE 15, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODES, WITH LOCAL
AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, On December 6, 2022, the City Council adopted the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes. These codes, which are adopted by reference, have recently been replaced by the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code. This Ordinance amends Chapter 15.02 (Administrative Code), 15.04 (Building Code), 15.05 (Wildland Urban Interface Code), 15.08 (Electrical Code), 15.10 (Residential Code), 15.12 (Plumbing Code), 15.16 (Mechanical Code), 15.18 (Energy Code), 15.19 (Historical Building Code), 15.21 (Existing Building Code), 15.22 (Green Building Code), 15.23 (Referenced Standards Code) and
15.24 (Fire Code) of the Poway Municipal Code (PMC). The 2025 Edition codes will go into effect on January 1, 2026. The California Building Standards Commission published the 2025 California Building Standards Code which is based on the 2024 International Building Code, the 2024 International Residential Code, the 2024 International Existing Buildings Code, the 2024 International Fire Code, the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code, the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code. The purpose of this Ordinance is to update the PMC to the current State-mandated code edition and to incorporate local amendments which address the City's specific needs based upon zoning regulations and unique climate, topography and geography;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Poway finds that the City of Poway has certain climatic, geographic and topographic features that can have a deleterious effect on emergency services such as fire protection and emergency medical services; WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Poway finds that the modifications and changes to the 2025 California Fire Code are reasonably necessary because of the local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions incorporated by reference herein as Exhibit 1; WHEREAS, certain amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code are necessary to mitigate said deleterious effects to the extent possible; WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958 requires that jurisdictions adopt building regulations that are substantially the same as those adopted by the California Building Standards Commission; and contained in the California Building Standards Code; WHEREAS, Sections 50022.1 through 50022.10, inclusive, of the California Government Code provide authority for cities to adopt state codes, or portions of state codes, by reference; WHEREAS, code amendments adopted by the State of California shall take precedence over the 2024 International Fire Code language. The 2024 International Fire Code language shall be used for those code sections not adopted by the State; 5 of 49 ATTACHMENT A
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
WHEREAS, local amendments adopted by the City of Poway shall take precedence over both the 2024 International Fire Code and 2024 California Fire Code provisions; WHEREAS, and on November 18, 2025, the City Council held a duly advertised public hearing to solicit comments from the public, both for and against, relative to this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has read and considered the agenda report for the proposed project and has considered other evidence presented at the public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POWAY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The above recitations are true and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Council finds that local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions, including the terrain; high summer month temperatures; population growth rate; housing and occupancy conditions and needs; and the environment existing in the City of Poway constitute conditions which require that the California Building Standards Code be modified as set forth herein.
SECTION 3: The City Council hereby approves this ordinance and amends certain sections of the Poway Municipal Code (PMC) as specified below. Removals are indicated with strikethroughs and additions are indicated with underline.
SECTION 4: This project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3) in that it entails the adoption of State-mandated Building Codes, with minor amendments, and there is no possibility that this activity will have an effect on the environment.
SECTION 5: Chapters 15.02, 15.04, 15.05, 15.08, 15.10, 15.12, 15.16, 15.18, 15.19,
15.21, 15.22, 15.23, and 15.24, of the PMC shall be amended as follows:
Chapter 15.02
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Sections:
15.02.010 Adoption of the California Administrative Code, Part 1, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.02.010 Adoption of the California Administrative Code, Part 1, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference herein that certain document known as the California Administrative Code, Part 1, Title 24 of the ~2025 California Code of Regulations, published by the California Building Standards Commission. Said document is adopted without change for the purpose of establishing the administration, organization, and enforcement of rules and regulations for the ~2025 California Code of Regulations adopted by the City. All provisions of the California Administrative Code, 6 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
~2025 Edition, are referred to, adopted and made a part of this code, as though fully set forth herein.
Sections:
15.04.010
15.04.020
15.04.030
15.04.040
15.04.050
15.04.060
Chapter 15.04
BUILDING CODE
Adoption of the California Building Code, Part 2, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
Findings.
Deletions, revisions, and additions to the ~2025 California Building Code.
Section 105.2 amended.
Table 1505.1 amended.
Appendices C, H and I adopted.
15.04.010 Adoption of the California Building Code, Part 2, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Building Code, for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of buildings and structures, the ~2025 California Building Code, Part 2, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California State Health and Safety Code Section 18901 et seq. which is based on the International Building Code, ~2024 Edition, including those appendix chapters adopted by this chapter. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter and Chapter 15.02 PMC, all erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and structures within the City of Poway shall be in conformance with the ~2025 California Building Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission, which is based on the International Building Code, ~2024 Edition, and the adopted appendix chapters, published by the International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
15.04.020 Findings. The City of Poway has many large brush-covered hillsides. The City is subject to frequent Santa Ana conditions consisting of dry gusting winds, which create extreme fire dangers. The City Council specifically finds that these geographic and topographic conditions necessitate greater fire protection than that provided by the ~2025 California Building Code.
Therefore, this chapter alters the International Building Code, ~2024 Edition, to require more fire-retardant roof coverings.
15.04.030 Deletions, revisions and additions to the ~2025 California Building Code.
Deletions, revisions and additions to the ~2025 California Building Code shall be as set forth in PMC 15.04.040 through 15.04.060.
15.04.040 Section 105.2 amended. Section 105.2, exemption 2, of the ~2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
7 of 49
105.2 Work Exempt from Permit.
Building:
1. One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the floor area does November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2), except that a permit is required for any structure located in the Very High Fire Hazard Zone.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high.
15.04.050 Table 1505.1 Amended. Table 1505.1 of the 200-22025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
IA IB
A A
TABLE 1505.1
MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATION
FOR TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV
A A A A A
VA VB
A A
15.04.060 Appendices C, H and I adopted. Appendices Chapters C, H and I of the 200-22025 California Building Code, are adopted.
Appendix I Patio Covers of the 2025 California Building Code is amended to read as follows:
1104.1 Height. Patio covers shall be limited to one-story structures not more than 16 feet in height.
Sections:
15.05.010
15.05.015
15.05.020
15.05.030
15.05.040
15.05.050
Chapter 15.05
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
Adoption of the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, Part 7, Title 24 of
the California Code of Regulations.
Deletions, Revisions, and Additions
Administration
Definitions
Wild land Urban Interface Areas
Fire Protection Requirements
15.05.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, Part 7, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
The City of Poway adopts by reference the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, to include Appendix B, F, and G as published by the International Code Council, except those portions that are deleted, modified, or amended by this chapter. One copy of the above-mentioned code has been and is now filed in the office of the City Clerk or the fire code official, City of Poway, and the same is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein. From the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Poway.
15.05.015 Deletions, revisions and additions.
8 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
15.05.015 Deletions, revision and additions. Deletions, revisions and additions to the 2025 California Fire Code. Deletions, revisions and additions to the 2025 California Fire Code shall be set forth in PMC 15.05.020 through 15.05.050.
15.05.020 Administration.
Section 102.9 Repeal of conflicting ordinances, resolutions or motions is added to read:
102.9 Repeal of conflicting ordinances, resolutions or motions. All former ordinances, resolutions, motions or parts thereof that are conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or of the Code or standards hereby adopted are repealed.
Section 104.2.3 Modifications is added to read:
104.2.3 Modifications. Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided that the code official shall first find that one or more special individual reasons make the strict letter of this code impractical, that the modification is in conformance with the intent and purpose of this code, and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of the written request and action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered into the files of the code enforcement agency.
Section 108.1 Fees is added and modified to read:
108.1 Fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid.
Section 109.3 Compliance with orders and notices is added and modified to read:
109.3 Compliance with orders and notices. A notice of violation issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, the owner's authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation pertains. It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any lawful order issued pursuant to this Code by the City Attorney or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 109.3. 7 Violation penalties is added and modified to read:
109.3. 7 Violation penalties. A violation of any provision of this Code, or failure to comply with orders or conditions issued pursuant to this Code, shall constitute a misdemeanor or (in the discretion of the prosecuting attorney) an infraction, in any event as set forth in Chapter 1.08 PMC. In addition to any criminal penalties any violation may also be enforced by civil action, and shall be subject to civil and administrative penalties, as set forth in Chapters 1.08 and 1.10 PMC.
Section 112.1 Means of appeals is added and modified to read:
9 of 49
112.1 Means of appeals. Whenever the fire code official has denied a permit or other entitlement, or when it is alleged that a mistake has been made in the interpretation or application of the code, the applicant may appeal the decision of the fire code official to November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
the City Manager by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the decision. If the appeal is denied by the City Manager, the City Manager's decision may be appealed to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the City Manager's decision and paying of the appeal fee set forth in the City's Master Fee Schedule for administrative appeals.
Section 113.4 Failure to comply is modified to read:
113.4 Failure to comply. It is unlawful for any person to continue any work after having been served with a stop-work order, except such work expressly identified in the stop-work order as necessary to correct a violation or unsafe condition.
Section 114 Cost recovery is added to read:
114.1 Cost recovery. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expenses of any emergency response and/or enforcement action by the City of Poway to protect the public from criminal or negligent activities, and from fire or hazardous substances.
Section 114.2 Reimbursement is added to read:
114.2 Reimbursement. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13000 et seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law and thereby requires the jurisdiction to provide an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the agency for the costs incurred. In accordance with Government Code Sections 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 or any drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or civil aircraft caused by that influence, proximately causes any incident and thereby requires the agency to provide an emergency response, shall reimburse the agency for the cost incurred.
Section 114.3 Expense recovery is added to read:
114.3 Expense recovery. The fire code official may impose a fee for recovery of expenses incurred to enforce the fire prevention provisions of this code. Such expense recovery fees shall be established by a resolution of the City Council.
15.05.030 Definitions.
The following definitions are added or modified to Section 202:
10 of 49
Fire Hazard. Anything that increases or could cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire; or anything or act, which could obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department; or egress of occupants in the event of fire.
Fire Protection Plan {FPP). The FPP is a document prepared for a specific project or development proposed in the wildland-urban interface fire area that describes ways to November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
minimize and mitigate potential loss from wildfire exposure, with the purpose of reducing impact on the community's fire protection delivery system.
Fuel Break. A strategically located area where the volume and arrangement of highly flammable native vegetation has been permanently modified or replaced to limit fire intensity, fire severity, rate of spread, crown fire potential and/or ember production. Fuel breaks may divide fire-prone areas into smaller areas for easier fire control and to provide access for firefighting.
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.
Heritage Tree. Any mature tree or mature stand of trees designated by the City Council as having historic or cultural significance.
Highly Flammable Native Vegetation. Species that provide large fuel loads such as sumac, native oak, chamise, grassland, chapparal, coastal sage scrub and sage. It does not include low-fuel-load species such as toyon, yucca, lemonade berry and other similar types of plants.
15.05.040 Wildland-Urban Interface Areas.
Section 301.3 Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones is added to read:
301.3 Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The City of Poway designates the fire hazard severity zones as recommended by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
Section 301.3.1 Parcel identification is added to read:
301.3.1 Parcel identification. Any parcel that is within one or more fire hazard severity zones or is partially included in a fire hazard severity zone shall be considered to be entirely within the most restrictive of the fire hazard zones identified.
Section 301.3.2 Display of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and identified Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Areas is added to read:
301.3.2 Display of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and identified Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Areas. The maps have been duly noticed and posted as required by law and are available for public viewing at the office of the City Clerk or on the City of Poway website.
15.05.050 Fire Protection Requirements.
Section 602.1 General is modified to read:
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November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
602.1 General. The Development Services Department or the FAHJ may require an applicant to include a parcel map, subdivision map, minor development review application, development review, specific plan or major use permit in order to submit a Fire Protection Plan (FPP) as part of the approval process.
The Fire Protection Plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
Section 602.2 Contents is modified to read:
602.2 Contents. The Fire Protection Plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, geography, aspect, fuel types, climatic and fire history.
The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statues and applicable local ordinances, whichever are more restrictive.
The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. Additionally, the plan shall address travel time to nearest serving fire station, structural ignitability, structure setback and fire protection systems and equipment. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project's specific wildfire risk and recommend measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area being addressed. The plan shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.
603.1 General is modified to read:
603.1 General. Planting of vegetation for new landscaping shall be selected to reduce vegetation in proximity to a combustible structure and to maintain vegetation as it matures.
Where conflicts occur between the provisions of this section, the most restrictive shall ~
603.2 Application is modified to read:
603.2 Application. All new plantings of vegetation in State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and/or Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Area shall comply with Sections 603.3 through 603.4.2.1.
603.3 Landscape plans is modified to read:
12 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
603.3 Landscape plans. Landscape plans are required for new residential developments, residential custom homes, production tract homes, multi-family residential, and commercial buildings. Landscape plans may be required whenever there is a change in the building footprint. The landscape plan shall include development and maintenance requirements for the fuel modification zones adjacent to combustible structures and roadways and provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety. The fire code official is permitted to expand the distance of the fuel modification zones based on project location, surrounding vegetation, and topography. The fire code official is also permitted to reduce the distance of the fuel modification zones based on implemented fire mitigation measures.
The landscape plan shall be submitted and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit.
603.3.1 Contents is modified to read:
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603.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall contain all the following:
1. A Vegetation Management Plan.
2. Identification of all parcel boundaries.
3. Identification of all structures.
4. Identification of parcel boundary and top of slope setbacks.
5. Identification of biological conservation and open space easements.
6. Delineation of the 5-foot, 30-foot, and 100-foot fuel modification zones from all combustible structures.
7. Identification of noncombustible ground covering within the Oto 5-foot Zone 0.
8. Identification of fire-smart vegetation ground covering / vegetation and irrigation within the 5 to 30-foot Zone 1.
9. Identification of the trimmed and maintained vegetation within the 30 to 100-foot Zone 2.
10. Identification of existing vegetation to remain and proposed new fire-smart vegetation.
11. Identification of all roadways and driveways.
12. Identification of 10-foot roadway/ driveway clearing with either noncombustible ground covering or fire-smart vegetation.
13. Identification of irrigated areas.
14. Identification of fire mitigation measures.
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
15. A plant legend with botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols.
16. Identification of fire hydrants and water tanks with standpipe connections.
17. Identification of the water meter and lateral location and sizes.
18. Identification of the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) tank.
19. Identification of a scale.
20. Identification of a compass.
603.4 Vegetation is modified to read:
603.4 Vegetation. All new vegetation shall be fire-smart vegetation in accordance with this section.
Exception: Trees classified as non fire-smart vegetation complying with Section 603.4.2.1.
To be considered fire-smart vegetation, vegetation must meet at least one of the following:
1. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation in an approved book, journal or listing from an approved organization.
2. Be identified as fire-smart vegetation as a licensed landscape architect with supporting justification.
3. Plants considered fire-smart vegetation and approved by the local enforcing agency.
4. Plants identified as fire-resistant in the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
603.4.2 Trees is modified to read:
603.4.2 Trees. Trees shall be managed as follows within the 30-foot zone (9144mm) of a structure:
1. New trees shall be planted and maintained so that the tree's drip line at maturity is a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any combustible structure.
2. The horizontal distance between canopies of new trees and canopies of adjacent trees shall not be less than 20 feet (6096mm).
3. Existing trees shall be trimmed to provide a minimum separation of 10 feet (3048 mm) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 1299.03.
603.5 Fuel modification zones is added to read:
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November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
603.5 Fuel modification zones. Within 100 feet of each combustible building or structure, or as determined by the fire code official, all new vegetation shall be planted and irrigated fire-smart vegetation and all existing vegetation shall be modified as described below:
Zone 0. (0 to 5 feet). This zone shall consist of the area under and around combustible buildings or structures and measures from the exterior wall surface or edge, patio, deck, or other attachments and extending out to 5 feet. This zone shall be constructed of continuous hardscape or non-combustible ground covering materials. The use of natural mulch and other combustible materials shall be prohibited.
Zone 1. (5 to 30 feet). This zone shall consist of 25 feet of planted and irrigated fire-smart vegetation from 5 to 30 feet or to the property line, whichever is closer. Vegetation in this zone shall be planted and irrigated in accordance with Section 603.4 and the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual. The fire code official is authorized to require extended zone 1 planting and irrigation as fire mitigation when 100-feet of fuel modification cannot be achieved.
Zone 2. (30 to 100 feet). This zone shall consist of 70 feet of trimmed and maintained vegetation from 30 to 100 feet, or to the property line, whichever is closer. Highly flammable native vegetation in this zone shall be trimmed and maintained 6 to 12 inches maximum in height with the required tree canopy spacing and in accordance with the Section 603.4 and the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Figure 603.5 Fuel Modification Zone Measurements and Criteria is added to read:
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Exceptions:
Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground cover, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.
At the discretion and with the review and approval of the fire code official, the dimensions of fuel modification zones may be reduced and or modified where November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
construction with non-combustible materials in accordance with CWUIC Chapter 5 or other approved fire mitigation measures are implemented.
Section 603.6 Fuel modification of combustible vegetation from sides of roadways is added to read:
603.6 Fuel modification of combustible vegetation from sides of roadways. Combustible vegetation in the area within 10 feet from each side of a driveway or of a public or private road adjacent to the property shall be modified to be cleared, covered in a noncombustible ground covering, or planted and irrigated with fire-smart vegetation to establish safe fire apparatus access.
604.1 General is modified to read:
604.1 General. Hazardous vegetation and fuels shall be managed to reduce the severity of potential exterior wildfire exposure to buildings and to reduce the risk of fire spreading to buildings as required by applicable laws and regulations.
Defensible space shall be managed around all buildings and structures in the Local Responsibility Area (LRA) as described in Sections 604.2 through 604.5. 604.2 Application is modified to read:
604.2 Application. Buildings and structures located in the following areas shall maintain the required hazardous vegetation and fuel management:
1. Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
2. Land designated as a Wild land Urban Interface Area
604.3 Requirements is modified to read:
604.3 Requirements. Hazardous vegetation and fuels around all buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws are regulations:
1. Public Resources Code, Section 4291
2. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3, Section 1299.03
3. California Government Code, Section 51182
4. California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 1, Section 3.07
Section 604.3.1 Good Neighbor/ Neighborhood Protection is added to read:
604.3.1 Good Neighbor/ Neighborhood Protection. When a structure is less than 100 feet from a property line and hazardous vegetation on an adjacent improved or unimproved parcel is deemed to be a fire hazard to the structure, the responsible person where the fire hazard exists shall be responsible for removing the fire hazard in that area that is within 16 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
100 feet of the structure. The determination for appropriate clearance distances will be made by the fire code official based upon a visual inspection of the parcel and shall consider all factors that place the property or structure at risk from an approaching fire.
These factors shall include local weather conditions, fuel types, topography, and the environment where the property or structure is located.
Section 604.3.2 Highly Flammable Native Vegetation is added to read:
604.3.2 Highly Flammable Native Vegetation. Highly flammable native vegetation shall only be reduced by mowing or trimming the vegetation to a height of 6 to 12 inches, leaving the plant root intact to stabilize the soil. Native vegetation may not be reduced by clearing, brushing or grubbing and may not be removed to bare soil. Native vegetation may not be removed beyond the fuel modification zone without a permit.
Section 604.3.3 Exceptions is added to read:
604.3.3 Exceptions. The following types of vegetation may require an administrative clearing permit and shall not be subject to reduction or removal pursuant to this chapter without the prior approval of the fire code official:
1. Heritage Trees.
2. Vegetation within streambeds, banks, and vernal pools.
3. Vegetation located within a recorded Biological Conservation Easement. In the case of vegetation that is within any habitat area that is required to be removed pursuant to this chapter shall be mitigated in kind by the property owner at a 1: 1 ratio.
605.1 General is added and modified to read:
605.1 General. Chimneys serving fireplaces, barbecues, or decorative heating appliances shall be provided with an approved spark arrestor.
606.2 Location of containers or tanks is added and modified to read:
606.2 Location of containers or tanks. LP-gas containers or tanks shall not be located within fuel modification zones O or 1.
Exceptions:
1. LPG tanks are permitted to be placed within fuel modification zone 1 when fire mitigated with CMU block fire wall or fire rated metal or precast fence. 608.2 General is modified to read:
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608.2 General. All parcels shall provide a minimum 30-foot (9144 mm) setback for all buildings or structures from property lines, biological conservation easements, open space easements, and the center of a road, except as provided for in Sections 608.2.1.
Exceptions:
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
1. If a legally permitted building or structure is located within 30 feet of the property line and does not meet current setback requirements (legal nonconformingt the existing setback distance of that structure may be used as the required setback for any new attached accessory structures or additions to the building or structure.
2. No other exceptions to the Building Sitting and Setbacks are permissible except for where local setbacks are pre-empted by State law.
608.2.1 Setback reduction is modified to read:
608.2.1 Setback reduction. A reduction in the minimum setback shall be based upon practical reasons, which may include but are not limited to parcel dimensions or size; topographic limitations; Development density requirements or other Development patterns that promote low-carbon emission outcomes; sensitive habitat; or other site constraints and shall provide for an alternative method to reduce structure-to-structure ignition.
At the discretion, and with review and approval of the fire code officiaL the setback dimensions may be reduced where construction with non-combustible materials in accordance with CWUIC Chapter 5 or other approved fire mitigation measures are implemented such as, but not limited to:
1) Noncombustible CMU block fire walls; or
2) Metal or precast fire rated fencing; or
3) Extended hardscape landscaping; or
4) Noncombustible construction per CWUIC Chapter 5.
608.3 Structure setback from slope is added to read:
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608.3 Structure setback from slope. Single-story structures shall be set back a minimum of 15-feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof. A single-story structure shall be less than 12-feet above grade.
A two-story structure shall be setback a minimum of 30-feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof.
Structures greater than two stories may require a greater setback when the slope is greater than 2 to 1.
Exceptions:
1. At the discretion, and with review and approval of the fire code officiaL the setback dimensions may be reduced where construction with non-combustible materials in accordance with CWUIC Chapter 5 or other approved fire mitigation measures are implemented such as, but not limited to:
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Sections:
15.08.010
Ordinance No.
1) The structure is constructed with a noncombustible exterior wall adjacent to the slope, no openings adjacent to the slope, no combustible attachments to the exterior wall adjacent to the slope, and no roof eaves adjacent to the slope.
2) Noncombustible CMU block fire wall is installed at the top of slope; or
3) Metal or precast fire rated fencing is installed at the top of slope; or 4) There exists no open wildland fuel area directly adjacent to the structure and the slope is directly adjacent to developed parcels with fuel management principles in place.
5) The fire code official determines the hazard to be minimal.
Chapter 15.08
ELECTRICAL CODE
Adoption of the California Electrical Code, Part 3, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.08.010 Adoption of the California Electrical Code, Part 3, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Electrical Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the installation, alteration or repair of electrical systems and permit requirements and inspection thereof, the ~2025 California Electrical Code, Part 3, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, which is based on the National Electrical Code, 200G2023 Edition. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter and Chapter 15.02 of the City of Poway Municipal Code, all installation, alteration or repair of electrical systems within the City of Poway shall be in conformance with the ~2025 California Electrical Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission, which is based on the National Electrical Code, 200G2023 Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02269.
Sections:
15.10.010
15.10.020
15.10.030
15.10.040
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Chapter 15.10
RESIDENTIAL CODE
Adoption of the California Residential Code, Part 2.5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
Findings.
Deletions, revisions and additions.
Section R105.2 amended.
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
15.10.050
15.10.060
Section R902.1.2 amended.
Appendices AH, AX, and AZ BF, Cl and CJ-adopted.
15.10.010 Adoption of the California Residential Code, Part 2.5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as City Residential Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway, for the construction, alteration or repair of use and occupancy, location and maintenance of detached one-and two family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane and permit requirements and inspection thereof, ~2025 California Residential Code, Part 2.5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code published by the California Building Standards Commission which is based on the International Residential Code published by the International Code Council, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
15.10. 020 Findings. The City of Poway has many large brush-covered hillsides. The City is subject to frequent Santa Ana conditions consisting of dry gusting winds, which create extreme fire dangers. The City Council specifically finds that these geographic and topographic conditions necessitate greater fire protection than that provided by the ~2025 California Residential Code. Therefore, this chapter alters the California Residential Code to require more fire-retardant roof coverings.
15.10.030 Deletions, revisions and additions. Deletions, revisions and additions to the ~2025 California Residential Code shall be as set forth in PMC 15.10.040 through 15.10.060.
15.10.040 Section R105.2 amended. Section R105.2, exemptions 1 and 2, of the ~2025 California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
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R105.2 Work Exempt from Permit.
Building:
1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet {1,829 mm2134mm) high.
15.10.050 Section R902.1 amended.
Section R902.1 of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
R902.1 Roof covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A, roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section or where the roof is less than 3 feet (914mm) from a lot line.
Class A roofing required by this section to be listed and shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790
15.10.050 Section R902.1.2 amended.
Section R902.1.2 of the California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
R902.1.2 Roof coverings in all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A.
15.10.060 Appendices AH, AX and AZ BF, Cl and CJ adopted.
Appendices AH, AX and AZ BF.Cl and CJ-of the ~2025 California Residential Code is amended to read as follows:
BF104.1 Height. Patios covers are limited to one-story structures not exceeding 16 feet in height Sections:
15.12.010
15.12.020
Chapter 15.12
PLUMBING CODE
Adoption of the California Plumbing Code, Part 5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
Appendices G and I adopted.
15.12.010 Adoption of the California Plumbing Code, Part 5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Plumbing Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of all plumbing, gas or drainage piping and systems or water heating or treating equipment in or on any building or structure or outdoors on any premises or property, the ~2025 California Plumbing Code, Part 5, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et seq. which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, 20042024 Edition. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter and Chapter 15.02 of the City of Poway Municipal Code, all construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of all plumbing, gas or drainage piping and systems or water heating or treating equipment within the City of Poway shall be in conformance with the ~2025 California Plumbing Code published by the California Building Standards Commission which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, 20042024 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 20001 Walnut Drive South, Walnut, California, 91789-2825.
15.12.020 Appendices G and I Adopted. Appendices G and I of the California Plumbing Code are adopted.
Chapter 15.16
MECHANICAL CODE
Sections:
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November 18, 2025, Item #10
15.16.010
Ordinance No.
Adoption of the California Mechanical Code, Part 4, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.16.010 Adoption of the California Mechanical Code, Part 4, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Mechanical Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of any heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances, the ~2025 California Mechanical Code, Part 4, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et seq. which is based on the Uniform Mechanical Code, 20242024 Edition. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter and Chapter 15.02 of the City of Poway Municipal Code, all erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of any heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators or other miscellaneous heat producing appliances shall be in conformance with ~2025 California Mechanical Code, published by the California Building Standards Commission and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
Sections:
15.18.010
Chapter 15.18
ENERGY CODE
Adoption of the California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.18.010 Adoption of the California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Energy Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the conservation of energy the ~2025 California Energy Code, Part 6, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et seq. and the California Energy Code, ~2025 Edition. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter and Chapter 15.02 of the City of Poway Municipal Code, all construction of buildings where energy will be utilized shall be in conformance with the ~2025 California Energy Code and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, including the California Energy Code, ~2025 Edition, published by the California Energy Commission.
Sections:
15.19.010
Chapter 15.19
HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
Adoption of the ~2025 California Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.19.010 Adoption of the ~2025 California Historical Building Code, Part 8, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City's Historical Building Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway to provide alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of designated historic buildings, the 20022025 California Historical Building Code, Part 22 of 49
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
8, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the ~2025 California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et seq. (authorized by Health and Safety Code Sections 18950 through 18961 ).
Chapter 15.21
EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Sections:
15.21.010 Adoption of the 2002:2025 California Existing Building Code, Part 10, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.21.010 Adoption of the 2002:2025 California Existing Building Code, Part 10, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City's Existing Building Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway to provide alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of existing buildings, the ~2025 California Existing Building Code, Part 10, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the ~2025 California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 18901 et seq, which is based on the ~2024 International Existing Buildings Code.
Sections:
15.22.010
Chapter 15.22
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
Adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.22.010 Adoption of the California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. There is adopted and incorporated by reference herein as the City Green Building Standards Code for the purpose of prescribing regulations in the City of Poway for the enhancement of the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encourage sustainable construction practices the 2002:2025 California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, a portion of the California Building Standards Code, as defined in the California Health and Safety code, Section 18901 et seq, and the California Green Building Standards Code. Except as otherwise provided by this Chapter and Chapter 15.02 of the City of Poway Municipal Code, all construction of buildings shall be in conformance with the ~2025 California Green Building Standards Code and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, including the California Green Building Standards Code 2002:2025 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission.
Sections:
15.23.010
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Chapter 15.23
REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE
Adoption of the 2002:2025 California Referenced Standards Code, Part 12, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
15.23.010 Adoption of the ~2025 California Referenced Standards Code, Part 12, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The California Referenced Standards Code, ~2025 edition, Chapter 15.23 is adopted by reference without change to Buildings and Construction Title
15. Sections:
15.24.010
15.24.015
15.24.020
15.24.030
15.24.040
15.24.050
15.24.060
15.24.070
15.24.080
Chapter 15.24
FIRE CODE
Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code, Part 9, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
Deletions, revisions and additions.
Administration.
Definitions.
General precautions against fire.
Fire service features.
Building services and systems.
Fire sprinkler systems.
Construction requirements for existing buildings. Fire alarm and detection systems.
15.24.090 Fire safety during construction.
15.24.100 Wild land urban interface fire area. Repealed.
15.24.105 Hazardous Materials -General Provisions.
15.24.110 Fireworks display.
15.24.120 Chapter 80 Referenced Standards.
15.24 .130 Appendix B, fire flow requirements for buildings. Repealed. +1 ac5 ,,+2~4 ,....._ 144H-0--C-HOHnfH+I i1c-nct~. Repealed.
15.24.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations.
15.24.010 Adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations. The City of Poway adopts by reference the 202~§. California Fire Code, including Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendices B, C, E, F, H, I and O including Sections 305, 307, 308, as published by the International Code Council, except those portions that are deleted, modified or amended by this chapter. One copy of the above-mentioned code has been and is not filed in the office of the City Clerk or the fire code official, City of Poway, and the same is adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein.
From the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Poway.
15.24.015 Deletions, revisions and additions.
15.24.015 Deletions, revision and additions. Deletions, revisions and additions to the 2025 California Fire Code. Deletions, revisions and additions to the 2025 California Fire Code shall be set forth in PMC 15.24.020 through 15.24.140.
15.24.020 Administration.
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Ordinance No.
Section 102.1M Repeal of conflicting ordinances, resolutions or motions is added to read:
102.1~ Repeal of conflicting ordinances, resolutions or motions. All former ordinances, resolutions, motions, or parts thereof that are conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance or the Code or standards hereby adopted are repealed. Wherever a conflict exists in this chapter, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.
Section 104.-92.4 Modifications is modified added and modified to read:
104.-92.4 Modifications. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the fire code official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the fire code official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impracticable, and the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The applicant's request for a modification shall state the specific section(s) for which a modification is requested, material facts supporting the contention of the applicant, the details of the modification or mitigating measure proposed and, if applicable, a map showing the proposed location and citing of the modification or mitigation measure. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the department of fire prevention.
Section 105.6.53 Christmas tree lots is added to read:
105.6.53 Christmas tree lots. ,A,n operational permit is required to operate a Christmas tree Im-with or 'Nithout flameproofing services.
Section 105.5.13 Dry cleaning is added to read:
105.5. 13 Dry cleaning. An operational permit is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry cleaning equipment.
Section 105. 5.22 Hazardous materials is added to read:
105.5.22 Hazardous materials. An operational permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.5.22.
Section 105.5.30 LP-gas is added and modified to read:
105.5.30 LP-gas. An operational permit is required for the storage and use of LP-gas.
Section 105.5.33 Miscellaneous combustible storage is added to read:
105.5.33 Miscellaneous combustible storage. An operational permit is required to store in any building or on any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (70 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, combustible pallets, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar combustible material.
Section 105.5.35 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities is added to read:
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November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
105.5.35 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. An operational permit is required for the operation of automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities.
Section 105.5.37 Open flames and torches is added to read:
105.5.37 Open flames and torches. An operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch, or to use a torch or open-flame device in a wildfire risk area.
Section 105.5.38 Open flames and candles is added to read:
105.5.38 Open flames and candles. An operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.
Section 105.5.41 Places of assembly is added to read:
105.5.41 Places of assembly. An operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly
Section 105.5.46 Refrigeration equipment is added to read:
105.5.46 Refrigeration equipment. An operational permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6.
Section 105.5.47 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities is added to read:
105.5.47 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities. An operational permit is required for operation of repair garages.
Section 105. 5.49 Spraying or dipping is added to read:
Section 105.5.49 Spraying or dipping. An operational permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24.
Section 105.5.50 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts is added to read:
105.5.50 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts. An operational permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) of total volume of scrap tires, and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.
Section 105.5.54 Wood products is added to read:
105.5.54 Wood products. An operational permit is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 m3).
Section 105.5.55 Temporary heating or cooking in tents or membrane structures is added to read:
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November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
105.5.55 Temporary heating or cooking in tents or membrane structures. An operational permit is required to operate temporary heating or cooking equipment within tents or membrane structures.
Section 105.5.60 Farmers Market is added to read:
105.5.60 Farmers Market. An operational permit is required to operate a farmers market.
Section 105.5.61 Holiday lot/event is added to read:
105.5.61 Holiday lot/event. An operational permit is required to operate a holiday lot or event.
Section 105.5.62 Street fair/parade is added to read:
105.5.62 Street fair/parade. An operational permit is required to operate a street fair or parade.
Section 15.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems is added to read:
105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic sprinkler system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
Exceptions:
1. A construction permit is not required when one of the following conditions is met:
a. When fewer than five sprinkler heads are modified, added or removed to a commercial sprinkler system.
b. When fewer than two sprinkler heads are modified, added or removed to a residential sprinkler system.
Section 105.6.2.2 Construction documents is added to read:
105.6.2.2 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be submitted in accordance with Section 901.2.
Section 108.1 Fees is added and modified to read:
108.1 Fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid.
Section 1142.1 Means of appeals is added and modified to read:
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1142.1 Means of Agppeals procedure established. Whenever the fire code official has denied a permit or other entitlement, or when it is alleged that a mistake has been made in the interpretation or application of the code, the applicant may appeal the decision of the fire code official to the City Manager by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the decision. If the appeal is denied by the City Manager, the City Manager's November 18, 2025, Item #10
Ordinance No.
decision may be appealed to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk within 30 days of the City Manager's decision and paying of the appeal fee set forth in the City's Master Fee Schedule for administrative appeals.
Section 113.3.2 Compliance with orders and notices is added and modified to read:
113.3.2 Compliance with orders and notices. A notice of violation issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, the owner's authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation pertains. It is unlawful for any person to fail to comply with any lawful order issued pursuant to this Code by the City Attorney or by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 1124.4 is added and modified to read:
11~.4 Violation penalties. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this Code or standards hereby adopted by reference as a part of this Code, or to fail to comply vvith any la•Nful order issued pursuant to this Code, or to violate any permit or condition of approval issued pursuant to this Code. It is further unla1Nful for any person to fail to comply with any lmvful order issued pursuant to this Code by the City Attorney or by a court of competent jurisdiction. A violation of any provision of this Code, or failure to comply with orders or conditions issued pursuant to this Code, shall constitute a misdemeanor or (in the discretion of the prosecuting attorney) an infraction, in any event as set forth in Chapter .L.Q§_ PMC. In addition to any criminal penalties any violation may also be enforced by civil action, and shall be subject to civil and administrative penalties, as set forth in Chapters .L.Q§_ and i..1Q PMC. A violation of any provision of this Code, or failure to comply with orders or conditions issued pursuant to this Code, shall constitute a misdemeanor or (in the discretion of the prosecuting attorney) an infraction, in any event as set forth in Chapter 1.08 PMC. In addition to any criminal penalties any violation may also be enforced by civil action, and shall be subject to civil and administrative penalties, as set forth in Chapters 1. 08 and 1.10 PMC.
Section 1 G416.1 a Cost recovery is added to read:
1G4.1§.13 Cost recovery. The purpose of this section is to establish authority to obtain reimbursement from responsible individuals for the expenses of any emergency response and/or enforcement action by the City of Poway to protect the public from criminal or negligent activities, and from fire or hazardous substances.
Section 1G4.1§.4-ai Reimbursement is added to read:
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1 G416.4-ai Reimbursement. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13000 et seq., an individual who acts negligently or in violation of the law and thereby requires the jurisdiction to provide an emergency response to a danger posed by a fire or hazardous substance shall be liable for reimbursement to the agency for the costs incurred. In accordance with Government Code Sections 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 or any drug, and whose negligent operation of a motor vehicle, boat or vessel, or civil aircraft caused by that influence, proximately causes any incident and thereby requires the agency to provide an emergency response, shall reimburse the agency for the cost incurred.
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Section 1~1§.3,..9 Expense recovery is added to read:
1~16.3,..9 Expense recovery. The fire code official may impose a fee for recovery of expenses incurred to enforce the fire prevention provisions of this code. Such expense recovery fees shall be established by a resolution of the City Council.
15.24.030 Definitions.
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The following definitions are added or modified to Section 202:
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same property as a single-family dwelling in a residential zone. The unit shall meet the definition of an ADU in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
Defensible Space. An area abutting and/or adjacent to a structure 11✓here material capable of allowing a fire to spread has been treated, cleared, or modified to slow the rate and intensity of fire spread to provide defense from an advancing 1Nildfire and to create an area for fire suppression operations to occur.
Fire Apparatus Access Road or Fire Access Roadway. A road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station to a facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, public street, private street, parking lot lane, access roadway, and driveway.
Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction (FAHJ). The designated entity providing enforcement of fire regulations as they relate to planning, construction, and development. This entity for the City of Poway also provides fire suppression and other emergency services.
Fire Department. Any regularly organized fire department regularly charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection to the jurisdiction.
Fire Hazard. Anything that increases or could cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire; or anything or act, which could obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department; or egress of occupants in the event of fire.
Fire Protection Plan (FPP). The FPP is a document prepared for a specific project or development proposed in the wildland urban interface fire area that describes ways to minimize and mitigate potential loss from wildfire exposure, with the purpose of reducing impact on the community's fire protection delivery system.
Fuel Break. An area, strategically located for fighting anticipated fires, where the native vegetation has been permanently modified or replaced so that fires burning into it can be more easily controlled. Fuel breaks divide fire prone areas into smaller areas for easier fire control and to provide access for fire fighting.
Fuel Modification Zone. A strip of land •.vhere combustible vegetation has been thinned or modified or both and partially or totally replaced with approved fire resistant and/or November 18, 2025, Item #10
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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 frGRt-
Hazardous Fire Area. Any geographic area designated by the FAHJ because the type and condition of vegetation, topography, weather and structure density increase the probability that the area will be susceptible to wildfire.
Heritage Tree. Any mature tree or mature stand of trees designated by the City Council as having historic or cultural significance.
Highly Flammable Native Vegetation. Species that provide large fuel loads such as sumac, native oak, chamise, grassland, chapparal, coastal sage scrub and sage. It does not include low fuel load species such as toyon, yucca, lemonade berry, and other similar types of plants.
Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Areas in which the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing fires is the responsibility of the City.
Nonrequired (Voluntary) Systems and Components. Additional safety or notification features to an existing fire alarms system, installed by a building owner at their own request, even though not mandated by code. These voluntary systems must be documented on record drawings. The installer is responsible for defining their features based on the owner's goals and ensuring they are correctly installed, tested, and maintained to comply with code requirements.
Open Space Easement. Any right or interest in perpetuity or for a term for years in open space land, as that term is defined in Government Code section 51051, acquired by the County, a city or a nonprofit organization where the instrument granting the right or interest imposes restriction on use of the land, to preserve the land for public use or enjoyment of the natural or scenic character of the land.
Response Time. The elapsed time from the fire department's receipt of the first alarm to •.vhen the first fire unit arrives at the scene.
Structure. Includes any of the following: (1) buildings designed primarily for human use, including attached structures such as garages; or (2) buildings designed to house large animals. "Structure" does not include sheds, storage buildings, or detached garages that are not designed for human use or the housing of large animals.
Travel Time. The estimated time it would take for a responding agency to travel from the fire station to the furthest structure in a proposed development project, determined by measuring the safest, most direct, appropriate, and reliable route with consideration given to safe operation speeds for heavy fire apparatus.
15.24.040 General precautions against fire.
Section 304.1.4.§ Outdoor carnivals and fairs is added to read:
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304.1.4§ Outdoor carnivals and fairs. Outdoor carnivals and fairs shall only be conducted on grounds free of combustible vegetation or trimmed to the satisfaction of the FAMJ fire code official.
Section 32-904.1.6 Declaration of public nuisance is added to read:
Section 32-904.1.6 Declaration of public nuisance. All highly flammable chaparral vegetation, and dead or dying trees or shrubs, growing upon the streets, sidewalks, or upon private property within the City, which by reason of their size, manner of growth, and location constitute a fire hazard to any structure, improvements, crops or other property, are declared by this chapter to be a public nuisance. A dead or dying tree or shrub shall not be classified as a public nuisance unless the tree or shrub is in a condition that constitutes a fire hazard. All vegetation which constitutes a public nuisance pursuant to this section shall be reduced or removed as determined necessary by the Director of Development Services or Fire Marshal. Highly flammable native vegetation shall be reduced as described in 4907.4.1 604.3.2.
Section 32-904.1.6.1 Abatement of public nuisance is added to read:
Section 32-904.1.6.1 Abatement of public nuisance. If the responsible person fails or neglects to abate the nuisance, abatement may be completed in accordance with Section
8.76 of the Poway Municipal Code.
Section 305.6 Rockets, model aircraft and similar devices is added to read:
305.6 Rockets, model aircraft and similar devices. Rockets, model airplanes, gliders, balloons, sky lanterns, floating luminaries or similar devices powered with an engine, propellant, open flame, or other feature liable to start or cause a fire shall not be projected into or across hazardous fire areas or areas identified as a fire hazard severity zone without prior approval of the fire code official.
Section 307.5 Attendance is added and modified to read:
307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and the use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with section 906 with a minimum 4- A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Section 324 .1 is added to read:
324 .1 Storage of firev.iood. Fire'Nood shall not be stored in unenclosed space beneath a building or structure, on a deck or under eaves, a canopy or other projection or overhand. In the V8f3/ high fire hazard severity zone firev1ood shall be stored at least 30 feet from any structure, be separated from the cro1Nn of any trees by a minimum of 15 feet, measured horizontally, and have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance, dovm to bare mineral soil, in all directions. Firewood not for use on the premises shall be stored so as to not pose a fire hazard.
Section 315.1.8.1 Exceptions is added to read:
315.1.8 Exceptions:
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1. Firewood piles that are completely covered in a fire resistant material are exempt.
15.24.050 Fire service features.
Section 503.2.1 Dimensions is modified to read:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed, improved width of not less than 20 feet, exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. Roadways with gated entrances, guard stations, or center medians which have separated lanes of one-way traffic shall not be less than 12 feet wide per lane. except single family residential driveways serving no more than two improved parcels containing dwelling units shall have a minimum of 16 feet of unobstructed improved width. In most cases, the City of Poway construction standards for streets (Chapter 12.20 PMC) wi+I may be more restrictive.,., and +the more restrictive standard shall apply. Vertical overhead clearance shall be a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches.
Exceptions:
1. Upon approval by the fire code official, vertical clearances or width may be reduced provided such reduction does not impair access by fire apparatus and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance.
2. Fire access roadvvays, gated entrances 111ith card readers, guard stations, or center medians, which have separated lanes of one way traffic shall be not less than 12 feet wide per lane.
2. Single-family residential driveways serving no more than two improved parcels containing dwelling units shall be permitted to have a minimum of 16 feet of unobstructed improved width.
Section 503.2.3 Surface is modified to read:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus not less than 75,000 pounds per a geotechnical report unless authorized by the -FAf4J fire code official and shall be provided with an approved paved surface so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. A paved surface shall mean asphalt, concrete, or a permeable paver system, except that decomposed granite, gravel, or equivalent is permissible for residential driveways.
Section 503.2.4 Turning radius is modified to read:
503.2.4 Turning radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be a minimum of 28 feet as measured to the inside edge of the improvement width or as approved by the fire code official.
Section 503.2.5 Dead ends is modified to read:
503.2.5 Dead ends. All dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions that allow emergency apparatus to turn around. A cul-de-sac shall be provided in residential areas where the access roadway 32 of 49
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serves more than two improved parcels. The minimum, unobstructed paved radius width for a cul-de-sac shall be 38 feet in residential areas. Dead ends of 300-feet or greater shall be provided with a turnout at halfway point and a turnaround at end locations, with turnouts every 150-feet. The fire code official shall establish a policy identifying acceptable turnarounds and turnouts for various project types.
Section 503.2. 7 Grade is modified to read:
503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access roadway shall not exceed 20 percent.
Grades exceeding 15 percent (incline or decline) shall be constructed of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC), with a deep broom finish perpendicular to the direction of travel, or equivalent, to enhance traction. Grades exceeding 10 percent shall be constructed of asphalt or PCC. Permeable paver systems, decomposed granite, gravel or equivalent shall not be permitted for used for grades exceeding 10 percent.
Section 503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure is modified to read:
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angle of departure and the angle of approach of a fire apparatus access roadway shall not exceed seven degrees (12 percent) or as approved by the fire code official.
Section 503.3 Marking is modified to read:
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words "NO PARKING-FIRE LANE" shall be provided and maintained for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof or both. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
All new public roads, all private roads within major subdivisions, and all private road easements serving four or more parcels shall be named. Road name signs shall comply with City of Poway Supplemental Engineering Standards, Street Sign Specifications.
The fire code official may require the posting of a fire access roadway where parking has obstructed reduced or could obstruct reduce the required width.
Section 503.6.1 Security gate access is modified to read:
503.6.1 Security gate access. All automatic gates across fire access roadways and driveways shall be equipped with approved, emergency key-operated switches overriding all command functions and opening the gate(s). Gates accessing more than four residences or residential lots, or gates accessing hazardous institutional, educational or assembly occupancy group structures shall also be equipped with approved emergency traffic control-activating strobe light sensor(s), or other devices approved by the fire code official, which will activate the gate on the approach of emergency apparatus with a battery backup or manual-mechanical disconnect in case of power failure.
Section 505.1 is modified to read:
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505.1 Address numbers. Approved numbers and/or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings and at appropriate additional locations as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property from either direction of approach. ,Aiddress numbers shall contrast with their background and meet the City of Po1Nay standards. Additional address numbers may be required where deemed necessary by the fire code official. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall require separate addresses. VVhen required by the fire code official, roof numbers shall be installed meeting current fire department standards.
Section 505.1.1 Accessory dwelling unit address numbers is added to read:
505.1.1 Accessory dwelling unit address numbers. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units shall require separate addresses.
Section 505.1.2 Additional address numbers is added to read:
505.1.2 Additional address numbers. Additional address numbers may be required where deemed necessary by the fire code official.
Section 505.3 Easement address signs is added to read:
505.3 Easement address signs. All easements which are not named differently from the roadway from which they originate, shall have an address sign installed and maintained, listing all street numbers occurring on that easement located where the easement intersects the named roadway. Address sign design shall meet the requirements outlined in Section 505.1. The minimum size of the numbers on that sign shall be four inches in height with a minimum stroke of 3/8 inch and shall contrast 1Nith the background.
Section 505.4 Map/Directory is added to read:
505.4 Map/Directory. A lighted directory map, meeting current fire department standards, shall be installed at each driveway entrance to multiple unit residential projects and mobile home parks where the number of units in such project exceeds 15.
Section 506.1 Key boxes is modified to read:
506.1 Key boxes. When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an accessible location. The key box shall be a type approved by the fire code official and shall contain keys to gain necessary access.
506.1 Key boxes. The fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an accessible location when:
1. Access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or firefighting purposes.
2. A structure has a central station-monitored fire detection system and/or fire sprinkler system.
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The key box shall be a type approved by the fire code official and shall contain keys to gain necessary access.
Section 506.2 Key box maintenance is modified to read:
506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official in writing and provide the new key where a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
Section 506.2.1 is added to read:
Section 506.2.1 Emergency Key Access. All central station monitored fire detection systems and fire sprinkler systems shall have an approved emergency key access box on site in an approved location. The owner or occupant shall provide and maintain current keys for the structure(s) for fire department placement in the box and shall notify the fire department in writing when the building is re keyed.
Section 507.2.2 Water storage tanks is modified to read:
507.2.2 Water storage tanks. Water storage tanks, when permitted by the fire code official, shall comply with the below requirements including Table No. 507.2.2 and be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.
Table No. 507.2.2
Gallons Per
Building Minute Water Capacity Duration
Square Feet Flow Gallons Minutes
Up to 3,600 10,000 40
3,601 to 7,700 250 15,000 60
7,701 and above 333 20,000 60
When the exposure distance is 100 feet or less from an adjacent property or the severity of the potential fire risk has been determined to exist, an increase in water storage may be required by the fire code official.
1. Tank elevation shall be equal to or higher than the fire department connection on the premises. Regardless of domestic use, all tanks shall be equipped with a device that will ensure that the tank contains the designated amount of water for fire flow duration as determined by the Fire Department. Tank size may be increased to serve multiple structures on a single parcel.
2. The supply outlet shall be at least four inches in diameter from the base of the tank to the point of outlet at the fire department connection. The fire department connection shall be at least one 4-inch National Standard Thread (male), reduced to one 2 1/2-inch National Standard Thread (male). Additional outlets may be required. 35 of 49
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3. Tanks that are supplied by municipal water, when permitted by the fire code official, shall have a capacity of 10,000 gallons provided that the sole use of these tanks is for fire protection purposes.
4. Location of fire department outlet shall be determined on the plot plan when submitted to the fire department. Consideration will be given to factors such as topography, elevations, and distance from structures, driveway access, and prevailing winds.
5. The outlet shall be located along an access roadway and shall not be closer than 50 feet or further than 150 feet from the structure.
6. All exposed tank supply pipes shall be of an alloy or other material listed for above-ground use. Adequate support shall be provided.
7. Water storage tanks shall be constructed from materials approved by the fire code official and installed per manufacturer recommendations.
8. The fire code official may require any necessary information be submitted on a plot plan for approval.
9. Vessels previously used for products other than water shall not be permitted.
15.24.060 Building services and systems.
Section 605.g.z_ 1 Residential incinerators is modified to read:
605_gz_ 1 Residential incinerators. Residential incinerators shall be prohibited.
15.24.070 Fire sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3 Installation requirements is modified to read:
903.3 Installation Requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8. The system shall be designed 10% below ("off the top") available water source pressure during peak usage.
Section 903.3.1.1.4903.3.1.1.5 System design is added to read:
903.3.1.1.4903.3.1.1.5 System design. Occupancies referred to as "spec buildings" wherein no specific end use is identified at the time of plan check, the sprinkler system shall provide a density of 0.45 gallons per minute per square-foot for a 3,000-square-foot design area.
Section 903.3.1.3.1903.3.5.1.1 Water supply design is added to read:
~.4-:-3-4903.3.5.1.1 Water Supply Design. New structures shall be equipped with a minimum one-inch water service line and one-inch water meter. 36 of 49
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903.3.5.1.2 Tank supplied fire sprinkler systems. Where fire sprinkler systems are installed outside the City water service area and are supplied by water tank and booster pump, the pump shall be equipped with auxiliary power supply.
15.24.080
systems.
Construction requirements for existing buildings. Fire alarm and detection Section 907.9.1 Nonrequired (voluntary) system and component upgrades is added to read:
907.9.1 Nonrequired (voluntary) system and component upgrades. Voluntary system and component upgrades to existing fire alarm systems shall be reviewed and approved by the fire code official.
Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the California Fire Code; the California Building Code; and relevant laws, standards, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the fire code official.
The nonrequired voluntary system shall contain all the following before approval:
1. A manual fire alarm box.
2. A remote annunciator panel in a location approved by the fire code official.
3. A smoke detector above the fire alarm control unit (FACU), fire alarm control panel (FACP), or dedicated monitoring panel.
4. A documentation cabinet.
After review of the occupancy type, operation, and current conditions, greater requirements may be specified at the discretion of the fire code official Exception:
1. After review and at the discretion of the fire code official, lesser requirements may be specified.
Section 1103.5 Sprinkler systems is modified to read:
1103.5 Sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through 1103.5.5 1103.5.6, and all existing buildings and structures with an existing fire sprinkler system(s) undergoing improvements and/or additions shall be provided with approved fire sprinkler protection in accordance with the appropriate NFPA design.
15.24.090 Fire safety during construction.
Section 33-1-S04.3 Flammable vegetation is added to read:
Section 3318
Fuel Modification Zones
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334S04.3 Flammable vegetation General. Any person during construction of any kind which requires a building permit and includes installation of a fuel modification zone, shall remove all flammable vegetation within the approved fuel modification zone prior to the arrival of combustible material on the site and shall maintain during the duration of the project until all elements of approved fuel modification zones are installed and approved.
15.24.100 Wildland urban interface fire area. Repealed.
Section 15.24.100 is repealed in its entirety to be replaced with Chapter 15.05 Wild land Urban Interface Code.
Section 4903 is added to read:
SECTION 4903
FIRE PROTECTION PLAN
4903.1 VVhen required. The Development Services Department or the FAHJ may require an applicant for a parcel map, subdivision map, minor development review application, development review, specific plan or major use permit for any property located in a wildland urban interface fire area to submit a Fire Protection Plan (FPP) as part of the approval process.
4903.2 Contents. The FPP shall consider location, topography, geography, aspect, combustible vegetation (fuel types), climatic conditions and fire history. The plan shall address the following in terms of compliance •.vith applicable codes and regulations, including, but not limited to, water supply, vehicular and emergency apparatus access, travel time to nearest serving fire station, structural ignitability, structure set back, ignition resistive building features, fire protection systems and equipment, impacts to existing emergency services, defensible space, and vegetation management. The plan shall recommend measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area being addressed.
Section 4904.4 is added to read:
4904.4 Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The City of Pmvay designates the fire hazard severity zones as recommended by the Office of the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Government Code Section §.11l§..
Section 4904.4.1 is added to read:
4904.4.1 Parcel Identification. Any parcel that is •.vithin one or more fire hazard severity zones or is partially included in a fire hazard severity zone shall be considered entirely within the most restrictive of the fire hazard zones identified.
Section 4904.4.2 is added to read:
4904.4.2 Display of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and Hazardous Fire Areas. The maps have been duly noticed and posted as required by law and are available for public viewing at the office of the City Clerk or on the City of Poway website. 38 of 49
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Section 4905.4 is added to read:
4905.4 General Fire Setbacks. Within Rural Residential Zones, except for noncombustible buildings and structures, buildings and structures located within a wildland urban interface area shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet from property lines and biological conservation and/or open space easements unless the Poway Municipal Code requires a greater minimum or if existing legally permitted buildings and structures are located within 30 feet of the property line (legal nonconforming), then the existing distance from the property lot line established by the nonconforming portion of the building shall be used as the required setback distance for any detached accessory structures or additions to that building. VI/hen the property line abuts a roadway, the setback shall be measured from the farthest roadway edge.
Exception:
1. VI/hen the fire code official determines the hazard from a wildland fire is not significant or when the terrain, parcel size or other constraints on the parcel make the required setback infeasible, this setback may be reduced to less than 30 feet •.vhen additional measures are employed to the satisfaction of the fire code official.
2. No other exceptions to the General Fire Setback is permissible except for where local setbacks are pre empted by State law.
Section 4905.5 is added to read:
4905.5 Structure Setback from Slope. Single story structures shall be setback a minimum 15 feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof. A single story structure shall be less than 12 feet above grade. A hvo story structure shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet horizontally from top of slope to the farthest projection from a roof.
Structures greater than two stories may require a greater setback when the slope is greater than 2 to 1.
Exceptions:
1. Structures constructed •.vith a noncombustible exterior wall adjacent to the slope, no openings adjacent to the slope, no combustible attachments to the exterior wall adjacent to the slope, and no roof eaves adjacent to the slope.
2. There exists no open wild land fuel area directly adjacent or juxtaposed to the structure, and the slope is directly adjacent to developed parcels with fuel management principles in ~
3. The fire code official determines the hazard to be minimal.
Section 4906.3 is modified to read:
4906.3. Landscape Plans. Landscape plans are required for new residential developments, residential custom homes, production tract homes, multi family residential, and commercial buildings in the wildland urban interface area. The plan shall include 39 of 49
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development and maintenance requirements for the fuel modification zone adjacent to structures and roadways, and to provide significant fire hazard reduction benefits for public and firefighting safety. Landscape plans shall be submitted and approved by the Development Services Department and the fire code official prior to the issuance of a building permit. The fire code official may expand or reduce the distance of the fuel modification zones based on project location, surrounding vegetation, and topography.
Section 4906.3 is modified to read:
4906.3.1 Contents. Landscape plans shall follo111 the submittal requirements found in the Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual and shall, at a minimum, include:
1. Delineation of the 5 foot, 30 foot, and 100 foot fuel management zones from all structures.
2. Identification of the existing vegetation to remain and proposed new vegetation.
3. Identification of all irrigated areas.
4. A plant legend with both botanical and common names, and identification of all plant material symbols.
5. Identification of ground coverings •.vithin the 5 foot and 30 foot zones
6. A readable scale
Section 4906.3.2 is added to read:
4906.3.2 Landscape Installation. All landscaping shall be installed according to the landscape plan prior to final inspection for issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Section 4906.5 is added to read:
Section 4906.5 Fuel Modification. VVithin 100 feet from each building or structure, or as determined by the fire code official, all new vegetation shall be planted and all existing vegetation shall be modified as described below.
Fuel Modification Zones.
Zone O "Immediate Zone" from O to 5 feet. This zone shall consist of the area under and around buildings or structures and measures from the exterior wall surface or edge, patio, deck, or attachments to, and extending out to 5 feet. This zone shall be constructed of continuous hardscape or non combustible materials. The use of natural mulch and other combustible materials shall be prohibited.
Zone 1 "Intermediate Zone" from 5 to 30 feet. This zone shall consist of 25 feet of planting of low grovA:h, drought tolerant and fire resistive plant species from 5 to 30 feet or to the property line, 1Nhichever is closer. Vegetation in this zone shall be irrigated and planted in accordance with the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual. 40 of 49
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Zone 2 "Extended Zone" from 30 to 100 feet. This zone shall consist of 70 feet of maintained vegetation from 30 to 100 feet, or to the property line, whichever is closer.
Vegetation in this zone shall be maintained in accordance with the City of Poway Landscape and Irrigation Design Manual.
Figure 4906.5 Measurements of Fuel Modification Distance Exceptions:
1. Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground cover, provided that they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.
2. With the approval of the fire code official, the •1.1idth of the fuel modification zone may be reduced where ignition resistant construction or other mitigation measures are implemented.
Section 4 906. 5.1 is added to read:
Section 4906.5.1 Fuel Modification of Combustible Vegetation from Sides of Roadways.
The FAHJ may require a property owner to modify combustible vegetation in the area within 10 feet from each side of the driveway or a public or private road adjacent to the property to establish a fuel modification zone.
Exception:
The FAHJ may reduce the fuel modification zone if it \Viii not impair access.
Section 4906.5.2 is added to read:
Section 4906.5.2 Inspection. The FAHJ has the right to enter private property to ensure the fuel modification zone requirements are met.
Section 4906.6 is added to read:
Section 4906.6 Community Fuel Modification. The FAHJ may require a developer, as a condition of issuing a building permit, to document, with a landscape plan, one or more fuel modification zones to protect a new community by reducing the fuel loads adjacent to a community and structures within it.
Section 4 906.6.1 is added to read:
Section 4906.6.1 Land 011.1nership. Once a fuel modification zone has been established under section 4906.6, the land on which the zone is located shall be under the control of an association or other common ownership established in perpetuity, for the benefit of the community to be protected.
Section 4907.4 is added to read:
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Section 4907.4 Defensible Space. Any person 111ho 011.1ns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains an occupied dwelling or occupied structure that is within a very high fire hazard November 18, 2025, Item #10
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severity zone or hazardous fire area shall maintain defensible space in accordance with Government Code §1.1.§l and California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 1. 5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 3, Article 3.
Section 4907.4.1 is added to read:
4907.4.1 Highly Flammable Native Vegetation. Highly flammable native vegetation shall only be reduced by mowing or trimming the vegetation to a height of 6 to 12 inches, leaving the plant root intact to stabilize the soil. Native vegetation may not be reduced by clearing, brushing or grubbing and may not be removed to bare soil. Native vegetation may not be removed beyond the fuel modification zone without a permit.
Section 4907.4.2 is added to read:
4907.4.2 Good Neighbor/ Neighborhood Protection. When a structure is less than 100 feet from a property line and hazardous vegetation on an adjacent improved or unimproved parcel is deemed to be a fire hazard to the structure, the responsible person where the fire hazard exists shall be responsible for removing the fire hazard in that area that is within 100 feet of the structure. The determination for appropriate clearance distances will be made by the fire code official based upon a visual inspection of the parcel and shall consider all factors that place the property or structure at risk from an approaching fire. These factors shall include local weather conditions, fuel types, topography, and the environment where the property or structure is located.
Section 4907.4.3 is added to read:
Section 4907.4.3 Exceptions. The following types of vegetation may require an administrative clearing permit and shall not be subject to reduction or removal pursuant to this chapter without the prior approval of the fire code official:
1. Heritage Trees.
2. Vegetation 11.iithin streambeds, banks, and vernal pools.
3. Vegetation located within a recorded Biological Conservation Easement. In the case of vegetation that is within any habitat that is required to be removed pursuant to this chapter shall be mitigated in kind by the property owner at a 1: 1 ratio.
Section 4907.8 is added to read:
4907.8 Maintenance of Defensible Space. Any person owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining a building or structure required to establish a fuel modification zone shall maintain the defensible space. The FAHJ may enter the property to determine if the person responsible is complying with this section. The FAHJ may issue an order to the person responsible for maintaining the defensible space directing the person to modify or remove non fire resistant vegetation from defensible space areas, remove leaves, needles and other dead vegetative material from the roof of a building or structure, maintain trees as required or to take other action the FAHJ determines is necessary to comply.
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15.24.105 Hazardous Materials -General Provisions.
Section 5001.5.1 Permits is modified to read:
5001.5. Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and a Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) shall be required by the fire code official with the application for a permit.
15.24.110 Fireworks display.
Section 5608.1 General is modified to read:
5608.1 General. Outdoor fireworks displays, use of pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion picture, television, theatrical and group entertainment productions shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 6 and Poway Municipal Code. The Fire Chief is the Issuing Officer for any fireworks permit required by this Chapter. The Fire Chief may delegate the duties of Issuing Officer at his or her discretion.
Section 5608.1.1 Scope is modified to read:
5608.1.1 Scope. The possession, manufacture, sale, storage, use and display offireworks are prohibited in the City of Poway except as provided in the Poway Municipal Code.
15.24.120 Chapter 80 Referenced Standards.
The following referenced standard§ of the California Fire Code is modified to read:
NFPA 13D is modified to read:
Section 7.1.5 is added to read:
7.1. 5 Pressure regulating valve. When available system water pressure exceeds 150 pounds per square inch (psi), a listed/approved pressure regulating valve shall be installed at the system riser. Such valves shall be adjusted to restrict the outlet pressure to a maximum of 150 psi gauge (psig) at any flow or no flow. When such valves are installed submittal documents must include manufacturer information sheets along 1Nith charts showing the dimensions (size) and flow characteristics inlet and outlet pressures at various flows for the type of valve being installed, and the valve shall be included in the design calculations.
Exception: At the discretion of the FAHJ the contractor may install a listed/approved pressure relief valve.
Section 7.2.5 is modified to read:
7.2.5 Inspector Test. Each sprinkler system shall have a 1/2" or larger test connection 11,ith a threaded keyless valve. The valve shall be remote to the riser, located on the building exterior about five 5 feet above final grade and shall be remote from the riser. It shall be labeled with a permanent plate with minimum 1/4" lettering, contrasting with background, 43 of 49
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and stating: "INSPECTOR TEST." (Pre assembled riser assemblies 1.vith a built in Drain/Test valve shall not be accepted for inspector test valve unless approved by the FAHJ.)
Exception: Automatic fire sprinkler systems for manufactured homes installed at the factory may have the inspectors test valve located at the location as designed at the factory.
Section 7.3.4 is added to read:
7.3.4 Pressure gauge. A listed 300 psi pressure gauge shall be permanently installed at the riser.
Section 7.6 is modified to read:
7.6 Alarms. A water flow switch shall be provided and located on the sprinkler riser and shall actuate an audible fire alarm bell within 90 seconds. The fire alarm bell shall have a minimum diameter of 8 inches and be mounted on the exterior in the vicinity of the master bedroom.
Section 8.3.4 is modified to read:
8.3.4. Sprinklers shall not be required in detached garages with no habitable space, open attached porches, carports with no habitable space above, and similar structures.
However, attached and/or detached habitable garages shall be protected with quick response intermediate temperature rated sprinklers.
Section 8.3.5.1.1 is modified to read:
8.3.5.1.1. Where fuel-fired FAU is present equipment is located above occupied areas of the dv.ielling unit or on the same floor as an occupied area, at least one quick-response intermediate temperature sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment.
Section 11.2.1.1 is modified to read:
11.2.1.1 Hydrostatic Tests. System shall be hydrostatically tested at 200 psi for 2 hours.
15.24.130 Appendix B, fire flow requirements for buildings.
Section B103.3 is modified to read:
B103.3 Areas Without V¼:iter Supply Systems. For information regarding water supplies for firefighting purposes in rural areas and suburban areas in which adequate and reliable water supplies do not exist, the fire code official is authorized to utilize provisions in NFPA 1142, or the standard published by the Insurance Services Office document entitled Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow.
15.24.140 Conflict
All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict here1.vith are hereby repealed.
VVherever a conflict exists in this chapter, the more restrictive requirement shall apply. 44 of 49
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SECTION 6: This Ordinance shall be codified.
SECTION 7: Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance, or its application to any other person or circumstance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact of any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unenforceable.
EFFECTIVE DA TE: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its adoption.
CERTIFICATION/PUBLICATION: The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it or a summary of it, to be published with the names of the City Council members voting for and against the same in the Poway News Chieftain, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Poway within fifteen (15) days after its adoption and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance in the Office of the City Clerk in accordance with Government Code § 36933.
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INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, held the 18th day of November, 2025, and thereafter.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of said City Council held the 2nd day of December, 2025 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
Steve Vaus, Mayor
ATTEST:
Carrie Gallagher, CMC, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT 1
Findings Supporting the
City of Poway Amendments to the
California Fire Code, 2025 Edition:
As required by Health and Safety Code Section 17958, the Poway City Council does herewith make express findings that amendments to the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, are necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare due to certain climatic, topographic, or geographical features existing in the County of San Diego.
Findings for the City of Poway amendments to the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition.
FINDING 1
The City of Poway is situated on the slopes and at the base of the coastal mountains with drainage from the eastern portion of the City of Poway, including the San Dieguito River and Rancho Penasquitos Creek, which, when flooded, could result in conditions rendering vehicular access unduly burdensome or impossible for the Fire Department.
Further, the flood conditions described above carry the potential for overcoming the ability of the Fire Department to aid or assist in fire control, evacuations, rescues, and the emergency tasks and demands inherent in such situations. The potential for the aforementioned flooding conditions to result in limiting Fire Department emergency vehicular traffic, with resulting overtaxing Fire Department personnel, may further cause a substantial or total lack of protection against fire for the buildings and structures located within the jurisdiction.
FINDING 2
The City of Poway is situated near several known major faults, each capable of generating earthquakes of significant magnitude. These include the Rose Canyon fault the Newport- 1 nglewood fault, the Coronado Banks fault, and the Silver Strand fault, (located generally west of the City of Poway), and the Elsinore fault and Agua Caliente fault (located east of the City of Poway). These faults are subject to activity at any time, and the City of Poway is particularly vulnerable to devastation should such an earthquake occur.
The potential effects of earthquake activity include, isolating the City of Poway from the surrounding area, restricting or eliminating internal circulation due to the potential for the collapse of highway overpasses and underpasses along with other bridges in the City, or an earth slide and the potential for vertical movement rendering surface travel unduly burdensome or impossible.
FINDING 3
The City of Poway and Southern California are semi-arid regions and experience water shortages from time to time. Those shortages can have a severely adverse effect on water availability for firefighting. Fires starting in sprinkled buildings are typically controlled by one or two sprinkler heads flowing as little as 13 gallons per minute per sprinkler head activation.
Hose streams used by engine companies on well-established structure fires operate at a minimum of about 250 gallons per minute each, and the estimated water need for a typical residential fire is 1,000 to 1,500 gallons per minute, according to the Insurance Service Office and the California Fire Code.
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Under circumstances such as lack of water, infrastructure, earthquakes, and multiple and wildland fires within a community, the limited water demands of residential fire sprinklers would control and extinguish many fires before they spread from building to wildland. In such a disaster, water demands needed for conflagration firefighting probably would not be available.
FINDING 4
The topography of the City of Poway presents problems in delivery of emergency services, including fire protection. The hilly terrain has narrow, winding roads with little circulation, preventing rapid access and orderly evacuation. Much of these hills are covered with highly non fire resistive natural vegetation. In addition to access and evacuation problems, the terrain makes delivery of water extremely difficult. Some hilly areas served by water tank and pump systems are subject to failure in fire, high winds, earthquake, and other power failure situations.
FINDING 5
The seasonal climatic conditions during the late summer and fall create numerous serious difficulties regarding the control of, and protection against, fires in the City of Poway. The hot, dry weather that is typical of this area in summer and fall, coupled with Santa Ana winds and low humidity, frequently result in wildfires that threaten, or could threaten, the City of Poway.
Although some Code requirements, such as fire-resistive roof classification, have a direct bearing on building survival in a wildland fire situation, others, such as residential fire sprinklers, may also have a positive effect. In a dry climate on low humidity days, many materials are much more easily ignited. More fires are likely to occur and any fire, once started, can expand extremely rapidly. Residential fire sprinklers can arrest a fire starting within a structure before the fire is able to spread to adjacent brush and structures.
A seasonal wind also has the potential for interfering with emergency vehicle access and delaying or making impossible fire responses because of toppling of extensive plantings of dense chaparral, eucalyptus, and conifer trees. The trees are subject to uprooting in strong winds due to their relatively small root bases compared to the tree itself. The aforementioned problems support the imposition of fire-protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California Building Code or Fire Code.
FINDING 6
Due to the topography in much of the City of Poway, roadway condition, gates, angle of approach or departure, steeply sloping roadways, and grades are common. In addition, a combination of potentially severe rainstorms and ground-water retention could occur in many areas of the City where there is expansive soil. This produces a condition wherein the moisture content of the soil is sufficient, that roadways become damaged due to soil expansion and shrinkage. All-weather, paved surfaces, capable of supporting the imposed loads of fire apparatus are necessary to ensure access of emergency response personnel. These roadways, gates, approach angles, steep slopes, and grades can also make it difficult for fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles to access a site. It is, therefore, essential that these roadway accesses be provided with proper all-weather, paved surfaces, angle of approach, grades, and gate access.
FINDING 7
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The City of Poway has State Route 67, Poway Road, Scripps Poway Parkway, Pomerado Road and Espola Road as major roadways within its boundaries. Transportation vehicles carrying known toxic, flammable, explosive, and hazardous materials travel these roadways.
The potential for the release or threatened release of hazardous materials along these routes is likely given the volume that is transported within Poway city limits. Incidents of this nature will normally require all available emergency response personnel to prevent injury and loss of life and to limit or prevent environmental and property loss. Emergency personnel responding to such aforementioned incidents may be unduly impeded and delayed in accomplishing an emergency response as a result of this situation, with the potential result of undue and unnecessary risk to the protection of life and public safety and, in particular, endangering residents and occupants in buildings or structures without the protection of automatic fire sprinklers.
The aforementioned problems support the imposition of fire protection requirements greater than those set forth in the California Building Code or Fire Code. 3 49 of 49