9B
Date: October 21, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David Dumais, Fire Chief
By: Richard Kazandjian, Fire Marshal | [email protected] Subject: Fire – Conduct Public Hearing, Adopt RESOLUTION Justifying Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code, Adopt ORDINANCE Adopting 2025 California Fire Code, and Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Fire Chief that City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the 2025 California Fire Code; and
2. Adopt a RESOLUTION justifying amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code; and
3. Adopt an ORDINANCE adopting the 2025 California Fire Code; and
4. Determine the Ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations; and
5. Approve an Ordinance Summary for publication.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
The State of California adopts Fire code establishing minimum Fire standards throughout the state typically every three (3) years. These codes are reflective of the most current Fire Service practices and technology and are based on a set of "model codes" published by various independent organizations. Memberships of these organizations include Fire Code officials, Fire engineers, Fire industry representatives, and others who provide input into the contents of these "model codes." The State then analyzes the "model codes" and adopts them with amendments to become the California Fire Code.
The State of California publishes this code of minimum standards that become effective 180 days after publication. The code currently being adopted was published in July 2025 and will become effective January 1, 2026. Local jurisdiction may either accept the California Fire Code as it stands or amend and adopt the California Fire Code with more restrictive requirements to address local conditions.
The Torrance Fire Department has a Code Review Team that reviews and analyzes the proposed changes to the "model codes" throughout the three-year code adoption cycle. At the end of the 1 City Council
October 21, 2025
cycle, the Code Review Team analyzes the California Fire Code published by the State of California and amends this code as necessary to address local conditions. The attached resolution contains the amendments proposed by the Torrance Fire Department. Once the resolution is approved, an ordinance that adopts the California Fire Code by reference will incorporate City of Torrance amendments to address local conditions and is known as the Torrance Fire Code. Copies of the proposed ordinance will be available for public review in the City Clerk's office.
State law specifies the procedure by which local cities may amend and adopt the State Fire Code.
This procedure requires that the ordinance be brought before City Council three times. The first step of the adoption process is to officially set a date for the public hearing. On September 23, 2025, Council approved to set the public hearing for October 21, 2025. The second step will be to hold a public hearing on the date set by City Council (October 21st, 2025) to allow for public input and to adopt the ordinance, and to approve the resolution and findings. That is the purpose of tonight's recommended action. The final step is the second and final reading of the ordinance.
This occurs at the third City Council meeting. The intent of this process is to give the public and building industry time to review and comment on the City's proposed code amendments.
After completion of the process, the updated Fire Code and Standards of the City of Torrance will be applied to regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances and conditions, and materials and devices in the buildings and premises in the City of Torrance. The process will be completed on or prior to the mandated effective date of January 1, 2026. These codes will continue the high standard of fire and life safety that the City has maintained.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The proposed ordinance was reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). Both ordinances are exempt pursuant to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3) because the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The proposed ordinances maintain the status quo and prevents changes in the environment pending the completion of the contemplated municipal code review. Because there is no possibility that the ordinances may have a significant adverse effect on the environment, the adoption of either one is exempt from CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution with Exhibit 1
2. Ordinance
3. Ordinance Summary
4. Proof of Public Hearing Notice
2 ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, FINDING AND DECLARING
THE EXISTANCE OF UNIQUE GEOLOGIC,
TOPOGRAPHIC, AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS IN THE
CITY OF TORRANCE JUSTIFYING AMENDMENTS TO
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE
CODE, INCLUDING CERTAIN APPENDICES.
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance Fire Department has the responsibility for the enforcement of fire codes and regulations within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Torrance Fire Department has determined that the 2025 California Fire Code, does not adequately address all specific geologic, Topographic, and climatic conditions in this regard in the City; and
WHEREAS, certain amendments and additions to the State Fire Code are needed to address unique requirements within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City adopts by reference the 2025 California Fire Code with those amendments; and
WHEREAS, in Section 17958.7, as amended by Chapter 645 of the State of California Health and Safety Code the State requires findings of fact be made to support any such local amendments with the California Building Standards Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE that the statements attached as Exhibit 1 of this resolution in support of the enumerated City of Torrance local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code are sufficient and valid pursuant to Section 17958.7 of the State of California Health and Safety Code. The Council further resolves that the Fire Chief be directed to keep a certified copy of this resolution, with attachment, in his office for examination as a public record; and to file additional certified copies with the California Buildings Standards Commission.
INTRODUCED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 21st day of October, 2025.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________
Patrick Q. Sullivan, City Attorney
By __________________________ _____________________
Rebecca Poirer, MMC City ClerkTatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney Mayor George K. Chen
3 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of INTRODUCED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this ____ day of ______ 2025.
Mayor George K. Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Patrick Q. Sullivan, City Attorney
Tatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk
4 City Council of the City of Torrance Resolution No. _______ EXHIBIT 1
Findings in Support of City of Torrance
Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code
General
The City of Torrance amendments to the portion of the International Fire Code, known as the California Fire Code, 2025 edition, enumerated below apply to the regulation of buildings and structures on private residential, commercial, and industrial property in the City. The adoption of these amendments is consistent with the standard of safety the City has maintained by assuring state-of-the-art design, and allowing construction using the latest approved technological advances. These amendments further the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan by maintaining pro-active fire codes consistent with a Safe and Secure Community.
Climatic
The City of Torrance is located in a region given to climatic conditions such as high, dry winds known as “Santa Ana’s” which create unfavorable fire conditions. Also occasional periods of dense coastal fog, make it extremely difficult to respond to emergencies in a timely manner.
Geological
Torrance is located in a potentially high-activity seismic zone, Seismic Zone 4, as determined by the Building Standards Commission and is subject to seismic events which could hamper the Fire Department’s ability to provide emergency services throughout the City. After a large seismic event, the potential for multiple fires occurring simultaneously will tax available firefighting resources. Built-in fire protection will assist in extinguishing or controlling fires in larger structures, which will increase the availability of firefighting resources after seismic activity.
Topographical
The City is affected topographically by extremely long delays in response times due to the location of active railways, which effectively “cuts the City to two” by blocking major east/west throughways at Torrance Blvd., Carson Street, Arlington Avenue and Sepulveda Blvd. simultaneously. Traffic and circulation congestion is an artificially created, obstructive topographical condition, which is common throughout the City.
Some or all of these conditions can and do cause the Fire Department to be delayed when responding to emergencies. Extended response times may allow fires to grow beyond the control of initial attack fire suppression resources and it is for these reasons that the Fire Department finds it necessary to amend certain sections of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to Section 17958.7 as amended by Chapter 645 of the State of California Health and Safety Code, the following expressed findings support the City of Torrance amendments to the California Fire Code, 2025 edition.
For example:
5 City Council of the City of Torrance Resolution No. _______ EXHIBIT 1
1.11.4.6 Fees. The fire department is authorized to collect fees for permits and other services, including the review of plans and new business inspections. Fees shall be paid by the applicant prior to issuance of permits. Fire department fees shall be subject to change based upon the producer’s price index.
§ 202 Definitions of the California Fire Code are amended to and/or modify the following definition.
Fire Chief. The Chief Officer of the Fire Department serving the jurisdiction.
Fire Code Official. The fire chief or other member of the fire department appointed by the fire chief charged with the administration and enforcement of this code.
Operational Fire Permit. An official document or certificate issued by the Torrance Fire Department which authorizes performance of a specific activity.
§ 503.3 Fire Lane Marking/Signage. In accordance with California Vehicle Code the designation shall be indicated (1) by a sign posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the designated place clearly stating in letters not less than one inch in height that the place is a fire lane (2) by outlining or painting the place in red and, in contrasting color, marking the place with the words “NO PARKING FIRE LANE”, which are clearly visible from the vehicle, or (3) by a red curb or red paint on the edge of the roadway upon which clearly marked the words “NO PARKING FIRE LANE”. The Chief shall have the authority to designate fire apparatus access roads on private property.
§ 901.11 Problematic Systems. In the event of a failure of a fire-protection system or with 2 or more alarms in a 2 week period of accidental activations where there is no evidence of a situation requiring a response, the Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide fire watch personnel until the system is repaired.
§ 901.12 Firewatch. Per Section 901.11 the Fire Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide a fire watch with personnel acceptable to the Fire Chief until documentation is provided that the system is repaired and is operational.
Such individuals shall be provided with at least one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises, keep and maintain a log and keep watch for fires.
§ 903.3.8 Limited Area Sprinkler Systems. Partially Sprinklered Buildings are prohibited. Fire sprinkler coverage shall be throughout the entire structure.
Exception: Protection for specific appliances and/or hazards. 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5 are intentionally deleted.
6 City Council of the City of Torrance Resolution No. _______ EXHIBIT 1
§ 5601.7 Seizure of Fireworks. All fireworks including “State approved” shall be illegal in the City of Torrance. The fire code official shall have the authority to seize, take and remove fireworks and/or safe and sane fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used or handled in violation of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Division 1, Chapter 6 and Health and Safety Code, Chapter 9.
EXCEPTION: When permits are issued for such use.
§ 5601.7.1 Financial Responsibility. See section 104.11.45Financial Responsibility for cost recovery of enforcement of section 5608.1.7. Fireworks maybe identified as hazardous waste by the State of California; violators may be responsible for any disposal fees.
7 ORDINANCE NO. XXXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE
TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE CALIFORNIA
FIRE CODE.
The City Council of the City of Torrance does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1
That Arficles 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Chapter 5 of Division 8 of the Torrance Municipal Code are hereby amended as follows:
“ CHAPTER 5-FIRE PREVENTION
ARTICLE 1 - FIRE CODE
85.1.010 THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTED.
That porfion of the State Building Standards Code, known as the California Fire Code, 2025 Edifion, published by the Internafional Code Council and the California Building Standards Commission with errata, including Appendices A, B, BB, C, D, E and F, the table of contents and the index, as modified and amended, is adopted and hereby collecfively declared to be the Torrance Fire Code for the purpose of regulafing and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from condifions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Torrance, providing for the issuance of permits and collecfion of fees. To ensure compliance with AB 130 the exisfing 2022 Torrance Fire Code ordinance (Ordinance 3856) including provisions, regulafions and requirements applicable to Group R occupancies (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3 AND R-4) shall remain unamended and confinue in full force and effect as originally adopted. No changes, amendments or delefions apply to Group R Occupancies . Not less than one (1) copy of said code and standards as modified, deleted or amended shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk.
8 ATTACHMENT 2
ARTICLE 2 - AMENDMENTS TO THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION Exisfing 2022 Torrance Fire Code ordinances (Ordinance 3856) associated with Group R occupancies shall be maintained and not modified or changed.
85.2.010 FEES. [ADMINISTRATIVE]
Chapter 1, Division I, Secfion 1.11.6, Fees, of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
1.11.4.6 Fees. The fire department is authorized to collect fees for permits, fire inspecfions and other services, including the review of plans, annual fire inspecfions and new business inspecfions. Fees shall be paid by the applicant prior to issuance of permits. Fire department fees shall be subject to change based upon the producer’s price index.
85.2.020 CHAPTER 1 – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION. [ADMINISTRATIVE] Chapter 1, Division II, is adopted with Secfions 103.1, 104.1.1, 104.12, 104.12.1, 104.12.2, 105,112 and 113.4 to be amended to read in their enfirety as follows: [Climafic, Topographical and Geological]
Secfion 103.1 Creafion of Agency.
The Torrance Fire Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official. The funcfion of the agency shall be the implementafion, administrafion and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
Secfion 104.1.1 Adopfion of the Torrance Fire Department Fire Prevenfion Standard Operafing Guidelines
The Torrance Fire Department Fire Prevenfion Standard Operafing Guidelines has been created and adopted to serve as instrucfions and interpretafions of the adopted Fire Code. The Torrance Fire Department Fire Prevenfion Standard Operafing Guidelines shall be a published document, amended from fime to fime to provide current instrucfion and interpretafion.
9 Authority at Fire and Other Emergencies
Secfion 104.12 General
The Fire Chief or Officer of the Fire Department in charge at the scene of a fire or other emergency, including such fires and emergencies at industrial facilifies where a private fire brigade or a private fire department is established, involving the protecfion of life or property or any part thereof, shall have the authority to direct such operafions as necessary to exfinguish or control any fire, perform any rescue operafions, invesfigate the existence of suspected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardous condifions or situafions or of taking any acfion necessary in the reasonable performance of duty. Command and control of the emergency shall be the responsibility of the Torrance Fire Department, with cooperafion and technical or professional input provided by appropriate private sector employees and/or management. In the exercise of such power, the Fire Chief is authorized to prohibit any person, vehicle, vessel, or thing from approaching the scene and is authorized to remove or cause to be removed or kept away from the scene any vehicle, vessel or thing which could impede or interfere with the operafions of the fire department and, in the judgment of the Fire Chief, any person not actually and usefully employed in the exfinguishing of such fire or in the preservafion of property in the vicinity thereof.
Secfion 104.12.1 Financial Responsibility
Any person who personally, or through another, willfully, negligently, or in violafion of law, possesses, sells and/or sets off illegal or "State approved" fireworks, sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or aftended by him/her to escape from his/her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored, disposed of, or transported in a manner not in accordance with this Code, State law or nafionally recognized Standards, allows any hazardous materials to escape from his/her control, allows confinuafion of a violafion of this Code is liable for the expense of fighfing the fire including fire invesfigafion or for the expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense will be charged against that person.
Secfion 104.12.2 Authority of Peace Officers
In enforcing the provisions of the California Fire Code, California Building Code, California Health & Safety Code, California Penal Code, California Vehicle Code and the Torrance Municipal Code and such laws, orders, rules and regulafions, variances and standards in connecfion therewith, the Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, Fire Prevenfion Manager, Senior Fire Prevenfion Specialist and the Fire Prevenfion Specialist are hereby given the powers of peace officers.
10 Secfion 105, Permits shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
105.5.10 Covered and Open Mall Buildings. To use a covered mall in the following manner:
1. Placing or construcfing temporary kiosks, displays booths, concession equipment or the like in the mall.
2. To use a mall as a place of assembly.
3. To use open-flame or flame-producing devices.
4. To display any liquid- or gas-fueled powered equipment.
105.6.26 Christmas Tree Lots. To operate a Christmas tree lot.
105.6.27 Daycare, Commercial. To operate any nonresidenfial building used for day care purposes for more than six children/persons or any residenfial building used for day care for more than 14 persons.
105.6.28 Daycare, Large family. To operate a home-owner operated residence as a large family day care home for nine to 14 persons, for periods less than 24 hours per day.
105.6.29 Fireworks. For permits for fireworks.
105.6.30 General Use. When in the opinion of the Fire Chief a permit is required for an acfivity, use or process that is not covered by any other permit.
11 105.6.31 Group R-2.1. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or parts thereof housing clients, on a 24-hour basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons, live in a supervised residenfial environment that provides personal care services.
This occupancy may contain more than six non-ambulatory and/or bedridden clients. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Assisted living facilifies such as: Residenfial Care Facilifies, Residenfial Care Facilifies for the Elderly (RCFE’s), Adult Residenfial Facilifies, Congregate Living Health Facilifies, Group homes, Residenfial Care Facilifies for the Chronically Ill, and Congregate Living Health Facilifies for the Terminally Ill, Halfway houses, Community Correcfional Center, Community Correcfion Reentry Center, Community Treatment Programs, Work Furlough Programs, and Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilifies.
105.6.32 Group I-2. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservafion or classified as non-ambulatory or bedridden.
This group shall include, but not limited to, the following: Hospitals, Nursing homes (both intermediate care facilifies and skilled nursing facilifies), Mental hospitals and Detoxificafion facilifies.
105.6.33 Group I-2.1. Ambulatory Care Facility. A healthcare facility that receives persons for outpafient medical care that may render the pafient incapable of self-preservafion and where each tenant space accommodates more than five such pafients. 105.6.34 Group I-3. This occupancy shall include building or porfions of buildings and structures that are inhabited by one or more persons who are under restraint. An I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are restrained.
This group shall include, but not limited to, the following: Prisons, Jails, Reformatories, Detenfion centers, Correcfional centers and Juvenile Halls. 105.6.35 Group I-4, Day Care Facilifies. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures occupied by persons of any age who receive custodial care for less than 24 hours by individuals other than parents or guardians, relafives by blood, marriage or adopfion and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. Places of worship during religious funcfions are not included.
105.6.36 Radioacfive Materials. To store or handle at any installafion more than 1 micro curie (37,000 Becquerel) of radioacfive material not contained in a sealed source or more than 1 mill 12 curie (37,000,000 Becquerel) of radioacfive material in a sealed source or sources, or any amount of radioacfive material for which a specific license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required.
105.6.37 Residenfial Care Facility. To operate a Residenfial Care Facility where no medical care is provided.
Secfion 112 Means of Appeals
Secfion 112 Board of Appeals shall be omifted.
Secfion 113.4 Violafion Penalfies
Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violafion of the approved construcfion documents or direcfive of the fire code official, or of a permit or cerfificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1000.00 dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violafion confinues after due nofice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
85.2.030 DEFINITIONS. [ADMINISTRATIVE]
Secfion 202, Definifions, of the California Fire Code is amended to add or modify the following definifions:
Fire Chief. The Chief Officer of the Fire Department serving the jurisdicfion.
Fire Code Official. The Fire Chief or other member of the fire department appointed by the Fire Chief charged with the administrafion and enforcement of this code.
Operafional Fire Permit. An official document or cerfificate issued by the Torrance Fire Department which authorizes performance of a specific acfivity.
13 85.2.050 FIRE SAFETY AND EVACUATION PLANS. [ADMINISTRATIVE] Chapter 4, Secfion 401.10, 403.10.1 and 403.10.1.5 shall be amended and adopted to read in its enfirety as follows:
401.10 Immediate Reporfing of a Release or a Threatened Release. Any person who stores, transports, dispenses, uses, or handles hazardous materials, or any facility required by Occupafional Safety and Health Administrafion (OSHA) regulafions to prepare or maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheets (SDS), including those who store extremely hazardous substances shall provide an immediate, verbal report of any release or threatened release of a hazardous material to the City of Torrance Fire Department accessing the 911 emergency reporfing system without delay as soon as:
• a person has knowledge of the release or threatened release; • nofificafion can be provided without impeding immediate control of the release or threatened release;
• Nofificafion can be provided without impeding immediate emergency medical measures. • The immediate reporfing pursuant to subsecfion (a) of this secfion shall include, as a minimum:
• the exact locafion of the release or threatened release; • the name of the person reporfing the release or threatened release; • the hazardous materials involved in the release or threatened release; • an esfimate of the quanfity of hazardous materials involved; and • if known, the potenfial hazards presented by the hazardous material involved in the release or threatened release.
Secfions 403.10.1 through 403.10.1.5 shall be adopted.
85.2.060 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS. [TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL] Chapter 5, Fire Service Features, of the California Fire Code is adopted and/or amended to read as follows:
14 503.2.1.1 Dimensions
Secfions 503.2.1 and 503.2.1.1 Table 503.2.1-A are added to the California Fire Code to read in their enfirety as follows:
503.2.1.2 Private Roads Used for Fire Apparatus Access. The minimum width of private roads which are also used for fire apparatus access shall be in accordance with Table 503.2.1-A. The minimum required width for fire apparatus access should not be used to determine the minimum width of private roads. When approved by the Fire Chief this requirement may be modified or waived.
Table 503.2.1.2-A. Minimum Width of Private Roads Also Used for Fire Apparatus Access Locafion of Parking Minimum Road Width
Fire Access Only 20’
Public Access Road 25’
Aerial Ladder Truck Access 30’
* Measured from clear unobstructed pathway
503.3 Fire Lane Marking/Signage. In accordance with California Vehicle Code the designafion shall be indicated (1) by a sign posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the designated place clearly stafing in lefters not less than one inch in height that the place is a fire lane (2) by outlining or painfing the place in red and, in contrasfing color, marking the place with the words "NO PARKING FIRE LANE," which are clearly visible from the vehicle, or (3) by a red curb or red paint on the edge of the roadway upon which are clearly marked the words "NO PARKING FIRE LANE." The Fire Chief shall have the authority to designate fire apparatus access roads on private property.
505.1 Address Numbers. Approved address numbers and lefters must be placed on all new and exisfing buildings and units in such a locafion as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronfing such buildings and units. Numbers and lefters must be at least four (4) inches in height for residenfial, six (6) inches in height for commercial, and twelve (12) inches in height for industrial buildings and units and may not be located on doors or other areas that can be obstructed from view. The numbers and lefters will be in a color that contrasts with their background and must be in the City’s approved numbering sequence. Residenfial, commercial and industrial buildings and units that are served by an alley or a fire apparatus access roadway to the rear of the building must also have approved address numbers and lefters posted in a visible locafion near the primary door to the alley or a fire apparatus access roadway. 15 507.1 Required Water Supply. The locafion number and type of fire hydrants connected to a water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall be provided on the public street or on the site of the premises or both.
507.2.1 Private Fire Hydrants. When required, private on-site fire hydrants shall be in accordance with the locafion and spacing specified for public streets and hydrants for similar occupancies. All private hydrants shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Installafion of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances, unless required to meet public standards.
Private hydrants shall be painted yellow. When alternate materials or methods of protecfion, as approved by the Fire Chief are provided, these requirements may be modified or waived. 507.5 Fire Hydrant Systems. Secfion 507.5 Fire hydrant systems shall be omifted.
Fire hydrants shall be accessible to the fire department apparatus by roads meefing the requirements of Secfion 503.
507.5.1 Public Fire Hydrants. When required by the Fire Chief, there shall be one or more public fire hydrants installed at each street intersecfion in all developed areas of the city. The necessity for more than one hydrant located at each intersecfion on both sides of the street will depend upon required fire flows, street widths, center dividers or other physical barriers and exisfing or anficipated vehicular traffic volume.
1. In industrial, commercial, high density and mulfi-unit residenfial areas, hydrant spacing shall be approximately every 300 feet along public ways.
2. In areas where construcfion is limited to single family, duplex and triplex residenfial, hydrant spacing shall be approximately every 500 feet along public ways.
3. In all areas where street width exceeds 80 feet, appropriately spaced fire hydrants shall be required on both sides of the street.
16 85.2.070 DECORATIVE VEGETATION IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS. [CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL]
Secfion 806 of the California Fire Code is adopted and shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
Christmas Trees
806.1.1.1 Natural Cut Trees B Occupancies. Cut, natural Christmas trees shall be treated with a flame retardant material that has been approved by the California State Fire Marshal when such tree is located in Group B occupancies.
Each Christmas tree, that is required to be treated with a flame retardant material by this secfion, shall at all fime bear a tag which shows the date treated, name of the applicator, and the registrafion number of the flame retardant material.
Permit and Plan
806.5 A permit is required to establish, maintain or operate a Christmas tree lot. Applicafion for permit shall be submifted to the Fire Chief for approval. For Permits for Christmas Tree Lots and Tents, Canopies and Temporary Membrane Structures, see Chapter 31.
806.6 No person, including a holder of an unrevoked general merchandise license shall operate a Christmas tree lot without a permit issued pursuant to this secfion. A permit shall not be granted if the Fire Chief reasonably determines that the locafion or method of operafion endangers life or consfitutes a fire hazard. A permit may be revoked if the provisions of these secfions are not met or maintained.
806.7 A permit granted pursuant to this secfion shall be valid from November 15th to December 25th of the calendar year in which the permit is issued.
806.8 An applicant for a permit shall submit a dimensional plot plan of the proposed locafion with the applicafion. The plot plan shall show the locafion of the Christmas trees, buildings, 17 trailers, tents, temporary structures, aisle widths, fenced areas, emergency exits and portable fire exfinguishers.
Locafion
806.9 No person shall use any locafion for a Christmas tree lot where dry grass, weeds, paper, combusfible waste or other combusfible materials exist. 806.10 Christmas trees shall not be located within 15 feet of any building, trailer, structure or temporary building which is not necessary to the operafion of the Christmas tree lot. 806.11 Christmas trees shall not be located within 25 feet of any facility where flammable or combusfible liquids are produced, stored, handled or dispensed.
Fire Protecfion
806.12 Portable Fire Exfinguisher. A minimum of (2) two 2-A rated fire exfinguishers shall be provided. Travel distance to fire exfinguishers shall not exceed 50 feet.
Sources of Ignifion
806.13 Smoking or open flames shall not be permifted upon any Christmas tree lot. Approved "NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted as required.
806.14 Closure of the Christmas Tree Lot. On January 5th, following the permit period, all cut, natural Christmas trees, combusfible materials, tents, trailers, temporary buildings and structures associated with the Christmas tree lot shall be removed and the locafion shall be cleaned to the reasonable safisfacfion of the Fire Chief.
85.2.080 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS. [CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL, GEOLOGICAL] Chapter 9, Secfions 901 and 903, of the California Fire Code 2022 edifion shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
901.11 Problemafic Systems. In the event of a failure of a fire-protecfion system with 2 or more alarms in a 2 week period of accidental acfivafions where there is no evidence of a situafion 18 requiring a response, the Fire Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide fire watch personnel unfil the system is repaired.
901.12 Firewatch. Per Secfion 901.11 the Fire Chief is authorized to require the building owner or occupant to provide a fire watch with personnel acceptable to the Fire Chief unfil documentafion is provided that the system is repaired and is operafional. Such individuals shall be provided with at least one approved means for nofificafion of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises, keep and maintain a log and keep watch for fires.
903.1.12 Total Coverage Fire Sprinkler Systems. Parfially Sprinklered Buildings are prohibited.
Exisfing parfially sprinklered structures shall provide sprinkler coverage in unprotected areas when vacant and/or under tenant improvements.
903.2 Where Required. Secfion 903.2 An approved automafic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be required for all occupancies. Exisfing structures with change of occupancy will ufilize Secfion 903 to determine required automafic sprinkler system coverage.
Excepfion: New detached buildings under 1,000 square feet in size subject to approval of the Fire Code Official.
903.2.8.1.1 Exisfing R-3 Occupancies. An automafic sprinkler system must be provided throughout every exisfing R-3 occupancy when a 1,000 square foot or greater addifion occurs established by the Building Code Official.
903.3.1.3.1 Protecfion of Aftached Garages. Residenfial occupancies protected by an automafic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13R or 13D must have automafic sprinklers installed in aftached garages and in other areas as required by the Torrance Fire Department. 903.3.5.3 Hydraulically Calculated Systems. The design of hydraulically calculated fire sprinkler systems shall not exceed 90% of the water supply capacity. 903.3.8 Limited Area Sprinkler Systems. Parfially Sprinklered Buildings are prohibited. Fire sprinkler coverage shall be throughout the enfire structure.
Excepfion: Protecfion for specific appliances and/or hazards. 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5 are intenfionally deleted.
19 903.3.10 Floor Control Valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detecfion assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:
1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.
3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department access.
903.4.3 Alarms. One exterior approved audible and visible device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved locafion, shall be connected to each automafic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm device shall be acfivated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuafion of the automafic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Exterior audible and visible alarm nofificafion shall be provided on NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D systems.
Excepfion: Group R-3 and R3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detecfion assemblies shall not be required.
85.2.090 SUPERVISING STATION. [GEOLOGICAL]
Secfions 907.6.6 and 909.11 of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in their enfirety as follows:
907.6.6 Fire alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be reported to an approved central, proprietary, or remote supervising stafion or the protected premise at a constantly aftended locafion in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 for recording and disposifion of signals. The supervising stafion shall be listed as either UUFX (Central Stafion) or UUJS (remote & proprietary) by the Underwriters Laboratory Inc. (UL) or shall comply with the requirements of standard FM 3011.
20 909.11 General. The smoke-control system shall be supplied with two sources of power. Primary power shall be from the normal building power systems. Secondary power shall be from an approved standby source complying Secfion 1203 of this code. The standby power source and its transfer switches shall be in a room separate from the normal power transformers and switch-gear and venfilated directly to and from the exterior. The room shall be enclosed with not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Secfion 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Secfion 712, or both.
Transfer to full standby power shall be automafic and within 60 seconds of failure of the primary power. The systems shall comply with the Electrical Code.
Excepfion: The secondary power is not required for pressurized enclosures in buildings of less than 5 floors used for human occupancy.
85.2.100 MEANS OF EGRESS. [CLIMATIC]
Secfion 1011.12 of the California Fire Code, 2022 Edifion, is hereby deleted and a new Secfion 1011.12 is added to read in its enfirety as follows:
1011.12 Exit Door to Roof. In every building four or more stories in height all required stairways shall extend to the roof surface, unless the roof has a slope greater than four in twelve.
85.2.110 ENERGY SYSTEMS. [ADMINISTRATIVE, CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL]
Chapter 12, Energy System, of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
1205.1 Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for group R-3 buildings. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for group R-3 buildings shall comply with secfions 1205.2.1.1 thorough 1205.2.1.2, secfions 1205.2.1.3, 1207.11.3 through 1207.11.4 and 1207.11.6.
21 1205.2 Set Backs for Ridge for Smoke and Heat Venfilafion. Panels/modules installed on the roofs of residenfial buildings shall be located only on one side of any ridge in order to allow for Fire Department smoke and heat venfilafion operafions. The panel/modules(s) shall be located no less than 3 feet from the ridge.
Excepfions: Where solar panels/modules are placed on both sides of any ridge they shall be spaced a minimum of 5 feet on one side and 3 feet on the other side of the ridge. 1205.2.1 Flat and Alternate Roofs. Panels and modules shall be located in a manner that provides a minimum 3-foot-side (968mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. The panels and modules shall be installed in a way that Smoke Venfilafion areas are created over common hallways and corridors to the approval.
1205.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems for Group R-3 Buildings. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for Group R-3 buildings shall comply with Secfions 1205.2.1.1, 1205.2.2 and 1205.2.3 1205.2.1.2 Setbacks at ridge. Is intenfionally deleted
1205.2.1.3 Alternafive setbacks at ridge. Is intenfionally deleted.
1207.11.3 Locafion. ESS shall be installed only in the following locafions:
1. Detached garages and detached accessory structures not associated with dwelling units.
2. Intenfionally deleted.
3. Outdoors or on the exterior side of the exterior walls located not less than 3 feet (914mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.
4. Intenfionally deleted.
ESS shall not be installed inside any aftached structure to a dwelling unit. 22 1207.11.4 Energy Rafings. Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rafing of 20kWh. The aggregate rafing structure shall not exceed:
1. Delete.
2. 80 kWh in detached garages and detached accessory structures not associated with dwelling units
3. 80 kWh on exterior walls
4. 80 kWh outdoors on the ground.
ESS Installafions exceeding the permifted individual or aggregate rafings shall be installed in accordance with Secfions 1207.1 through 1207.9 of the California Fire Code.
1207.11.6 Fire Detecfion. Is intenfionally deleted.
85.2.120 AVIATION FACILITIES. [ADMINISTRATIVE, CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL]
Chapter 20, Aviafion Facilifies, of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
2003.5 Dispensing Flammable and Combusfible Liquids. The dispensing, transferring and storage of flammable and combusfible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 23 and 57.
Aircraft motor fuel-dispensing facilifies shall be in accordance with Chapter 20.
In storage hangars built prior to 1997, the storage, use and dispensing of flammable and combusfible liquids shall be limited to one (1) gallon of flammable liquids and three (3) gallons of Class II and III-A combusfible liquids in each hangar space. Class III-B combusfible liquids in closed containers shall not exceed 25 gallons in each hangar space.
2006.4.4 Operators. Aircraft fueling vehicles shall be aftended and operated only by persons instructed in methods of proper use and operafion and who are qualified to use such fueling vehicles in accordance with minimum safety requirements. Qualified operators shall carry on their person an idenfificafion card and a City of Torrance fuel truck operators permit issued by the Fire Prevenfion Division.
23 85.2.130 PROTECTED ABOVEGROUND TANKS. [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL] Chapter 23, Secfions 2306.2.3.1 and 2306.2.3.2, are added to the California Fire Code as follows:
2306.2.3.1 Tank of a motor vehicle from protected aboveground tanks located outside buildings shall be limited to private, fleet or governmental motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stafions not open to the public and shall not be permifted except as approved by the Fire Chief on a site specific basis and shall be in accordance with this secfion and secfion 2206.2.3.2.
2306.2.3.2 Protected aboveground tanks shall have fire-resisfive protecfion rafing of not less than 2 hours.
85.2.140 MORTARS FOR AERIAL SHELL DISPLAY . [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, AND TOPOGRAPHICAL]
Chapter 56, Secfions 5601.1.3, 5601.1.3.1 and 5601.7, of the California Fire Code are added to read as follows:
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. The possession, sale, use, and/or discharge of "Safe and Sane" fireworks is prohibited.
Excepfions:
1. Storage and handling of fireworks as allowed by Secfion 5604.
2. Manufacture, assembly and tesfing of fireworks as allowed in Secfion 5606 and health and Safety Code Division 11.
24 3. The use of fireworks for fireworks displays, pyrotechnic before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in mofion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment producfions are allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Secfion 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.
5601.1.3.1 Fireworks. The manufacturing, possession, storage sale, use and handling of fireworks, including without limitafion, "Safe and Sane" fireworks, is prohibited.
Excepfions:
1. Storage of fireworks in accordance with the requirements for low order explosives in Title 19, California Code of Regulafions, Chapter 10.
2. Storage of fireworks, 1.4G in accordance with the Building Code.
3. Use and handling of fireworks for professional display in accordance with Title 19, California Code of Regulafions, Chapter 6.
5601.7 Seizure of Fireworks. All fireworks including "State approved" shall be illegal in the City of Torrance. The fire code official and police officers shall have the authority to seize, take and remove fireworks and/or safe and sane fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used or handled in violafion of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Division 1, Chapter 6 and Health and Safety Code, Chapter 9.
Excepfion: When permits are issued for such use.
5601.7.1 Financial Responsibility. See secfion 104.11.5 Financial Responsibility for cost recovery of enforcement of secfion 5601.7. Fireworks maybe idenfified as hazardous waste by the State of California; violators may be responsible for any disposal fees.
25 85.2.150 APPENDIX A – LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS. [ADMINISTRATIVE]
Appendix A, Board of Appeals of the California Fire Code, is replaced with Appendix A, Life Safety Requirements for Exisfing Buildings. Secfions A115.1, A115.3, A115.4, A115.5 and A115.6 of Appendix A of the California Fire Code are hereby added to read as follows:
A115.1 Date for Compliance. Six (6) months after nofificafion by the Torrance Fire Department or Building & Safety Department that the structure is in violafion of this chapter, every building falling within its scope shall be vacated unfil made to conform to the requirements of this secfion. The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of fime when it can be shown that the specific fime periods are not physically pracfical or pose an undue hardship. The granfing of an extension of fime for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systemafic progressive plan of correcfion with the Building Official.
A115.3 Corridors. Corridors of Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M and R, Division 1, and S Occupancies serving an occupancy load of 30 or more, shall have walls and ceilings of not less than one hour fire resisfive construcfion as required by the code. Exisfing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good condifion or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are permifted for corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy separafions when approved. Where lath and plaster is found to be deteriorafing in exit corridors, it shall be replaced or covered with 5/8 inch Type X gypsum wallboard throughout. Doors opening into such corridors shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid wood doors not less than 1 3/4 inch thick door, a 1 3/8-inch-thick solid bonded wood-core door or equivalent insulated steel door shall be permifted. Doors shall be self-closing or automafic closing by smoke detecfion. Transoms and openings other than doors from corridors to rooms shall comply with the California Building Code or shall be covered with a minimum of 3/4 inch plywood or 1/2- inch gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the room side.
Excepfion: Exisfing corridor walls, ceilings and opening protecfion not in compliance with the above may be confinued when such buildings are protected with an approved automafic sprinkler system throughout.
A115.4 General. Dwelling units and hotel or lodging house guest rooms that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors. Detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer’s instrucfions. 26 A115.5 Separafion of Occupancies. Occupancy separafions shall be provided as specified in the California Building Code. When approved by the Building Official, exisfing wood lath and plaster in good condifion or 1/2 inch gypsum wallboard may be acceptable where one-hour occupancy separafions are required.
Upon inspecfion, where it is found that the original construcfion or due to deteriorafion, a condifion exists where fire could spread unchecked verfically or horizontally, provide a one-hour fire separafion or repair the penetrafion to the safisfacfion of the Fire Department and the Building and Safety Department.
A115.6 Compliance Data. After nofificafion by the Torrance Fire Department or Building and Safety Department, the owner shall, subject to the following fime limits, take necessary acfions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Plans and specificafions for the necessary alterafions shall be filed with the Building Official within 18 months after the date of owner nofificafion. Work on the required alterafions to the building shall commence within 30 months of the date of owner nofificafion and such work shall be completed within five years from the date of owner nofificafion.
The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of fime when it can be shown that the specified fime periods are not physically pracfical or pose an undue hardship. The granfing of an extension of fime for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systemafic progressive plan of correcfion with the Building Official.
85.2.160 APPENDIX B AND BB – FIRE FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS. [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL]
Secfion B105.2 of Appendix B of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
B105.2 Buildings other than One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The minimum fire flow and flow durafion for buildings other than one and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table B105.1.
27 Excepfion: A reducfion in required fire flow of up to 50 percent, as approved is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automafic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Secfion 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. The resulfing fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5,677.5 L/min.) for the durafion as specified in Table B105.1.
Secfion BB105.2 of Appendix BB of the California Fire Code shall be amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
BB105.1 Buildings other than One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The minimum fire flow and flow durafion for buildings other than one and two-family dwellings shall be as specified in Table BB105.1.
Excepfion: A reducfion in required fire flow of up to 50 percent, as approved is allowed when the building is provided with an approved automafic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Secfion 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. The resulfing fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gallons per minute (5,677.5 L/min.) for the durafion as specified in Table BB105.1.
85.2.170 APPENDIX C – LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS.
Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locafions and Distribufion, of the California Fire Code is replaced with Appendix C, Life Safety Requirements for Exisfing High Rise Buildings. Secfion 1 of Appendix C of the California Fire Code is added as follows:
C101 COMPLIANCE DATA.
After nofificafion by the Torrance Fire Department or Building and Safety Department, the owner shall, subject to the following fime limits, take necessary acfions to comply with the provisions of this chapter. Plans and specificafions for the necessary alterafions shall be filed with the Fire Chief within 18 months after the date of owner nofificafion. Work on the required alterafions to the building shall commence within 30 months of the date of owner nofificafion and such work shall be completed within five years from the date of owner nofificafion.
The Fire Chief may grant necessary extensions of fime when it can be shown that the specific fime periods are not physically pracfical or pose an undue hardship. The granfing of an extension of fime for compliance shall be based upon the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systemafic progressive plan of correcfion with the Fire Chief. 28 85.2.180 APPENDIX D – FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS. [GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL] Appendix D of the California Fire Code is amended to read in its enfirety as follows:
Appendix D
Fire Apparatus Access Roads
D101 – GENERAL
D101.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 5, Secfion 503, apply unless specially modified by this appendix. This appendix is intended to provide guidelines to be considered by the Fire Chief when determining fire department access for commercial and residenfial developments when onsite access is required. Approved alternafives for fire department access include the needs of the local fire department and the following secfions.
Secfion D10 – Minimum Specificafions
D102.1 Access and Loading. Access roadways or streets shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 5, Secfion 503.2.1. Fire department access shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 25 feet. Road widths shall be as approved by the Fire Chief, or as follows:
• 20' feet wide for fire access only,
• 25' feet wide when public access,
• 30' feet wide for Aerial Ladder Truck Access
• (Measured curb to curb)
D102.2 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to ensure that all-weather driving capabilifies are maintained in accordance with CFC Secfion 503.2.3. When required by the Fire Chief, proposed alternate design criteria for an "all-weather-surface" fire department access road or street, bearing the stamp of a professional engineer shall be provided.
D103.2 Grades. Fire apparatus roads shall not exceed 8 percent in grade.
29 Excepfions:
1. The Fire Chief is authorized to allow increased steepness of grade, depending on the apparatus requirements of the fire department, when every building in the residenfial development is provided with an approved automafic fire sprinkler system.
2. The Fire Chief may allow an increase of the maximum grade when other approved fire protecfion measures are provided.
D103.4 Dead Ends. Dead end fire department access road shall be in accordance with Torrance Fire Department Operafions Manual "Fire Lanes." For the purpose of the apparatus maneuvering, the use of bulb or cul-de-sacs, hammerheads, "Y"-heads, or other methods shall be subject to the capabilifies of the fire apparatus, as required by the Fire Chief.
D103.4.1 Cul-de-sacs. Cul-de-sacs shall maintain clear and unobstructed, allowing a turning radius that is consistent with the capabilifies of the fire apparatus of the fire department, subject to the approval by the Fire Chief.
Excepfion: When alternate methods and means relafing turning around of fire apparatus are provided, the provisions of this secfion may be modified by the Fire Chief.
D103.5.1 Access-control Devices. When required fire department access is restricted by the installafion of access-control devices, such devices shall be approved by the Fire Chief, provide adequate clear width for fire department apparatus and be maintained operable at all fimes.
D103.6 Signs. When motor vehicle parking is allowed on access roadways, such parking shall not encroach into the fire department access roadway. When this provision is compromised or restricted, the Fire Chief is authorized to require signage to indicate parking restricfion in accordance with Secfion 503.3.
30 D103.6.4 Drainage. When subject to run-off damage, the fire Chief is authorized to require approved drainage.
D104.3 Mulfiple Access Provisions. The Fire Chief is authorized to require two or more means of access in accordance with Secfion 503.1.2.
D105 Aerial Ladder Access. When the height of a structure at the roof eaves exceeds 27 feet or the capability of the fire department to access the roof safely ufilizing ground ladders, the locafion and width of access roadways shall be such that truck mounted aerial ladders may be ufilized. Aerial ladder access shall include the ability to maneuver apparatus, deploy outriggers and provide proper climbing angles. The minimum road width shall not be less than 30 feet, or as approved by the Fire Chief.
85.2.190 APPENDIX E – FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES . [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL]
Appendix E, Hazard Categories, of the California Fire Code is replaced with Appendix E, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Secfion 1 of Appendix E of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
E101 Arficle 4, Secfion 85.4.010 Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map. Ordinance No. 3949 Adopfing the Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map to designate moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones in the City of Torrance. Exhibit 1 shall be ufilized to idenfify fire hazard severity zones in the City of Torrance.
E102 Properfies located and idenfified as Very High and High in the Fire Severity Zones Map- Exhibit 1 shall comply with the following State requirements:
VERY HIGH
AB 38 Hazard Disclosure CIV 1102.6F
Ignifion Resistant Construcfion CBC Chapter 7a
Defensible Space GC 51182
Subdivision Review Program
Subdivision Map Act
Fire Safe Regulafions
HIGH
31 • AB 38 Hazard Disclosure CIV 1102.6F
Ignifion Resistant Construcfion CBC Chapter 7a
85.2.200 APPENDIX F – HAZARD RANKING OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE IS REPLACED WITH APPENDIX N – TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR AMUSEMENT USES. [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL]
Appendix N of the California Fire Code is adopted and reassigned as Appendix F.
ARTICLE 3 - UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REGULATIONS
85.3.1 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REGULATIONS.
California Code of Regulafions, Title 23 (Waters), Division 3 (Water Resources Control Board), Chapter 16 (Underground Storage Tank Regulafions), at least one (1) copy of which is on file with the Torrance Fire Department is hereby adopted by the City Council of Torrance as the Underground Storage Tank Regulafions.
ARTICLE 4 - FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
85.4.010 FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES MAP"
The City of Torrance designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
The City of Torrance’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map, as identified in Exhibit 1 to the ordinance codified in this section, is adopted and incorporated into this Article by this reference. The official map is also located electronically on the following website: www.torranceca.gov.
32 INTRODUCED and APPROVED this 21st day of October 2025.
ADOPTED and PASSED this 4th day of November 2025.
Mayor George K. Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN, City Attorney
by:
Tatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk
Attachment:
Exhibit 1 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map
TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. XXXX
I, Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was duly introduced and approved by the City Council of the City of Torrance at a regular meeting held on the 21st day of October 2025 and adopted and passed by said Council at a regular meeting held on the 4th day of November 2025 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS
RECUSED: COUNCILMEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS
Rebecca Poirier, MMC
Date: City Clerk of the City of Torrance
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF TORRANCE )
33 34
ATTACHMENT 3
Ordinance Summary
On October 21, 2025 the City Council of the City of Torrance adopted Ordinance No. XXXX. of the City of Torrance and all other ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict therewith.
That portion of the State Building Standards Code, known as the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, published by the International Code Council and the California Building Standards Commission with errata, including Appendices A, B, BB, C, D, E and F, the table of contents and the index, as modified and amended, is adopted and hereby collectively declared to be the Torrance Fire Code for the purpose of regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Torrance, providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees. To ensure compliance with AB 130 the existing 2022 Torrance Fire Code ordinance (Ordinance 3856) including provisions, regulations and requirements applicable to Group R occupancies (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3 AND R-4) shall remain unamended and continue in full force and effect as originally adopted. No changes, amendments or deletions apply to Group R Occupancies . Not less than one (1) copy of said code and standards as modified, deleted or amended shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk.
The Torrance Fire Code was modified and amended to regulate and govern in accordance with the most current and up-to-date standards for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Torrance, and to provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor.
A majority of the changes are related to code section numbering, relocation of code sections and deletion of code sections no longer applicable . Please see the summary of substantial changes to the 2025 California Fire Code Adoption below:
85.2.080 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS. [CLIMATIC, TOPOGRAPHICAL, GEOLOGICAL] 903.1.12 Total Coverage Fire Sprinkler Systems. Partially Sprinklered Buildings are prohibited.
Existing partially sprinklered structures shall provide sprinkler coverage in unprotected areas when vacant and/or under tenant improvements.
903.2 Where Required. Section 903.2 An approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be required for all occupancies. Existing structures with change of occupancy will utilize Section 903 to determine required automatic sprinkler system coverage.
Exception: New detached buildings under 1,000 square feet in size subject to approval of the Fire Code Official.
35 85.2.190 APPENDIX E – FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES . [CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL]
Appendix E, Hazard Categories, of the California Fire Code is replaced with Appendix E, Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Section 1 of Appendix E of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
E101 Article 4, Section 85.4.010 Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map. Ordinance No. 3949 Adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map to designate moderate, high and very high fire hazard severity zones in the City of Torrance. Exhibit 1 shall be utilized to identify fire hazard severity zones in the City of Torrance.
E102 Properties located and identified as Very High and High in the Fire Severity Zones Map- Exhibit 1 shall comply with the following State requirements:
VERY HIGH
AB 38 Hazard Disclosure CIV 1102.6F
Ignition Resistant Construction CBC Chapter 7a
Defensible Space GC 51182
Subdivision Review Program
Subdivision Map Act
Fire Safe Regulations
HIGH
• AB 38 Hazard Disclosure CIV 1102.6F
• Ignition Resistant Construction CBC Chapter 7a
36 ATTACHMENT 4
37