HomeMy WebLinkAbout1833 ORDINANCE NO. 1833
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING ARTICLE VI
OF CHAPTER 8.04 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE, ADOPTING BY REFERENCE, TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS, THE 2013
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX
CHAPTER 4 AND APPENDICES A, B, BB, C, CC, F, H, I, J,
K, L, M, AND N.
CITY ATTORNEY SUMMARY
This Ordinance adopts and amends the 2013 California Fire
Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9,
adopted by the State of California and effective on
January 1, 2014.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Article VI of Chapter 8.04 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is
hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
ARTICLE VI
FIRE CODE
Section:
8.04.500 California Fire Code—Adopted.
8.04.510 California Fire Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
SECTION 2. Section 8.04.500 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.500 California Fire Code—Adopted.
That certain document, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, being
marked and designated as the 2013 California Fire Code, California Code of
Regulations Title 24, Part 9, including Appendix Chapter 4, Appendices A, B, BB, C,
CC, F, H, I, J, K, L, M and N thereto, except as hereinafter modified, are hereby
adopted by reference as the Fire Code of the City of Palm Springs pursuant to
Government Code Section 50022.1 et seq.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 2
SECTION 3. Section 8.04.510 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows:
8.04.510 California Fire Code—Additions, Amendments and Deletions.
The California Fire Code adopted herein by reference is hereby modified by the
following additions, amendments and deletions:
1) Amend Chapter 1, Division II Administration, subsection 101.1, Title, to read as
follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of Palm Springs,
hereinafter referred to as "this code".
2) Amend subsection 101.4, Severability, to read as follows:
101.4 Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or
phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional,
such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality
of the remaining portions of this ordinance, it being expressly declared that this
ordinance and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and
phrase thereof would have been adopted, irrespective of the fact that one or
more other section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase be
declared invalid or unconstitutional.
3) Amend subsection 103.4. Liability, to read as follows:
103.4 Liability. Any liability against the Palm Springs Fire Department or any
officer or employee shall be as provided for in California Government Code and
case law. Fire suppression, investigation and rescue or emergency medical costs
are recoverable in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections
13009 and 13009.1.
4) Amend subsection 109.4, Violation penalties, to read as follows:
109.4 Violation penalties. The provisions of Title 1 of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code shall be applicable to and govern the enforcement of this Title.
Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be
deemed a separate offense. The imposition of one (1) penalty for one (1)
violation shall not excuse the violation, or permit it to continue. All such persons
shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a
reasonable time. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to
prevent the enforced removal or correction of prohibited conditions.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 3
5) Amend subsection 111.4, Failure to comply, to read as follows:
111.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having
been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed
to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be in violation of this
code.
6) Amend Section 202, General Definitions, by adding the following definition:
FIVE MINUTE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TIME: The Five-Minute Fire
Department Response Time is defined as the time the fire station or response
personnel receive notification of a call for emergency service, allowing one-
minute for "firefighter turnout" and four-minutes for travel on paved streets. The
Palm Springs Fire Department Five-Minute Response Time Map is identified in
Appendix M.
7) Add new section 319,Parade floats, to read as follows:
SECTION 319 - PARADE FLOATS
319.1 Decorative materials. Decorative materials on parade floats shall be
non-combustible or flame retardant.
319.1.1 Combustible Clearance. A 12" minimum clearance of decorative
materials shall be maintained around vehicle and/or generator exhaust
pipe(s).
319.2 Fire Protection. Motorized parade floats and towing apparatus shall be
provided with a minimum 2A 10B:C rated portable fire extinguisher readily
accessible to the operator.
319.3 Portable Generators. Portable generators shall be secured from tipping
and subject to approval by the fire code official.
8) Add new subsection 503.1.1.1, Gates, to read as follows:
503.1.1.1 Gates. When barriers are installed that cause the distance from an
approved fire department access road to exceed the maximum distance allowed
in Section 503 herein, a gate shall be provided in the barrier to maintain the
required fire department access. The gate shall be a minimum four (4) feet in
width and be equipped with a key box and/or lock accessible from both sides in
accordance with Section 506 herein.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 4
9) Amend subsection 503.2.3, Surface, to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained
to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus (73,000 lbs. GVW) and shall be
surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
10) Amend subsection 503.2.4, Turning radius, to read as follows:
503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access
road shall be determined by the fire code official. Fire access road turns and
corners shall be designed with a minimum inner radius of 25 feet and an outer
radius of 43 feet.
11) Amend subsection 503.2.5, Dead ends, to read as follows:
503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus roads in excess of 150 feet in
length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.
The City of Palm Springs has two approved turn around provisions. One is a cul-
de-sac with an outside turning radius of 43 feet from centerline. The other is a
hammerhead turnaround meeting the Palm Springs Public Works and
Engineering Department standard dated 9-4-02.
12) Add new subsection 503.2.9, Aerial fire access roads, to read as follows:
503.2.9 Aerial fire access roads. Buildings or portions of buildings or facilities
exceeding 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access shall be provided with approved fire apparatus access roads capable of
accommodating fire department aerial apparatus. Overhead utility and power
lines shall not be located within the aerial fire apparatus access roadway.
13) Add new subsection 503.2.10, Width, to read as follows:
503.2.10 Width. Fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum
unobstructed width of 26 feet in the immediate vicinity of any building or portion
of building more than 30 feet in height.
14) Add new subsection 503.2.11, Proximity to building, to read as follows:
603.2.11 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes for
buildings or facility exceeding 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire
department vehicle access shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet and a
maximum of 30 feet from the building and shall be positioned parallel to one
entire side of the building.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 5
15) Amend subsection 503.6, Security gates, to read as follows:
503.6 Security gates. Secured automated vehicle gates or entries shall utilize
a combination of a Tomar StrobeswitchT', or approved equal, and an approved
Knox key electric switch when required by the fire code official. Secured non-
automated vehicle gates or entries shall utilize an approved padlock or chain
(maximum link or lock shackle size of '% inch) when required by the fire code
official.
Gate arms securing parking lots and parking structures shall be equipped with a
fire department approved dual-keyed Knox key electric switch. When activated,
the arm or arms shall open to allow fire and law enforcement access.
Approved security gates shall be a minimum of 14 feet in unobstructed drive
width on each side with gate in open position.
In the event of a power failure, the gates shall be defaulted or automatically
transferred to a fail safe mode allowing the gate to be pushed open without the
use of special knowledge or any equipment. If a two-gate system is used, the
override switch must open both gates.
If there is no sensing device that will automatically open the gates for exiting, a
fire department approved Knox electrical override switch shall be placed on each
side of the gate in an approved location.
A final field inspection by the fire code official or an authorized representative is
required before electronically controlled gates may become operative. Prior to
final inspection, electronic gates shall remain in a locked-open position.
16) Add new subsection 506.3, Height, to read as follows:
506.3 Height. The nominal height of Knox lock box installations shall be 5 feet
above grade.
17) Add new subsection 510.4.3, Palm Springs Fire Department Radio
Communications, to read as follows.
510.4.3 Palm Springs Fire Department Radio Communications.
510.4.3.1 Features and requirements. All new buildings, four stories in
height or taller and all subterranean levels of parking structures or existing
altered buildings over 20% shall meet the City of Palm Springs Public
Safety Radio System Coverage Specifications as stated in Chapter 11.03
of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 6
18) Add new subsection 901.6.1.1, Approval required, to read as follows:
901.6.1.1, Approval required. Prior to the removal of any fire protection system,
approval shall be obtained from the fire code official.
19) Amend subsection 903.2, where required, to read as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings
and structures shall be provided in locations described in Sections 903.2.1
through 903.2.22 as amended by this code. For purposes of this code subsection
regarding building size, fire resistive construction shall not be considered for
purposes of reducing the gross fire area of that building.
Exceptions: (1) Group U Occupancies of non combustible construction;
and (2) Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-combustible
construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in any building,
regardless of gross fire area, which is built beyond a five-minute fire department
emergency response time as defined in Section 202.
Exceptions: (1) Group U Occupancies of non combustible construction;
and (2) Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-combustible
construction.
An approved automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed in every Group A
Occupancy per 903.2.1 including those that result from a change of use in an
existing building or portion thereof.
Exception: Group A-2 occupancies.
20) Delete subsection 903.2.1.1 Group A-1
21) Amend subsection 903.2.1.2, Group A-2, to read as follows:
903.2.1.2, Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for
Group A-2 occupancies where one of the following conditions exist:
1. The fully enclosed area exceeds 3,000 square feet. For the purposes of
this section, the term `fully enclosed area" means an area enclosed by fire
walls, fire barriers, or walls extending from floor to ceiling but does not
include patio areas included solely within the horizontal projection of the
roof or floor next above.
2. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet.
3. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 7
4. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge
serving such occupancies.
5. The structure exceeds 5,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area
containing a Group A-2 occupancy, and is separated into two or more
buildings by fire walls of less than four hour resistance rating without
openings.
22) Delete subsection 903.2.1.3 Group A-3
23) Delete subsection 903.2.1.4 Group A-4
24) Delete subsection 903.2.1.5 Group A-5
25) Amend item 1 of subsection 903.2.3, Group E, to read as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 3,000 square feet in area.
26) Amend the exception to item 2 of subsection 903.2.3 Group E, to read as follows:
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area
or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom
throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level
and the fire area does not exceed 3,000 square feet.
27) Amend items 1 and 3 of subsection 903.2.4, Group F-1, to read as follows:
1. Where a Group F-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. Where the combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors,
including any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
28) Amend items 1, 3, 4 and 5 of subsection 903.2.7, Group M, to read as follows:
1. Where a Group M fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. Where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including
any mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered
furniture and mattresses exceeds 3,000 square feet.
5. The structure exceeds 3,000 square feet, contains more than one fire area
containing a group M occupancy and is separated into two or more
buildings by fire walls of less than 4-hour fire-resistance rating.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 8
29) Amend items 1, 3 and 4 of subsection 903.2.9, Group S-1, to read as follows:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any
mezzanines, exceeds 3,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial trucks or buses
where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
30) Amend items 1, 2 and 4 of subsection 903.2.9.1, Repair garages, to read as
follows:
1. Buildings two or more stories in height, including basements, with a fire
area containing a repair garage exceeding 3,000 square feet.
2. One-story buildings with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding
3,000 square feet.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial trucks or buses
where the fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet.
31) Amend subsection 903.2.10, Group S-2 enclosed parking garages, to read as
follows:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy, as
classified in accordance with section 406.6 of the California Building Code, where
one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 3,000 square feet; or
Exception: Group S-2 carports — 100% open on all sides of non-
combustible construction.
2. Where the enclosed parking garage is located beneath other groups.
32) Amend subsection 903.2.10.1, Commercial parking garages, to read as follows:
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial trucks or buses where
the fire area of the enclosed parking garage exceeds 3,000 square feet;
33) Add new subsection 903.2.20, Group B, to read as follows.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 9
903.2.20 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
all new buildings containing a Group B occupancy that exceeds 3,000 square
feet.
34) Add new subsection 903.2.21, Group C, to read as follows:
903.2.21 Group C. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
all new buildings containing a Group C occupancy that exceeds 3,000 square
feet.
35) Add new subsection 903.2.22, Group F-2 to read as follows:
903.2.22 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided
throughout all new buildings containing a Group F-2 occupancy that exceeds
3,000 square feet.
36) Amend subsection 903.3.8 ,Floor control valves, to read as follows:
903.3.8 Floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves,
check valves, water flow detection assemblies and main drains shall be provided
at the point of connection to the riser on each floor in buildings three or more
stories in height unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. Valve
locations will be determined and approved by the fire code official.
37) Add new subsection 903.6.1, Increased square footage, to read as follows:
903.6.1 Increased square footage. Any existing building or structure
undergoing construction or alteration which adds square footage exceeding the
total floor area as prescribed in Section 903.2, shall require an approved
automatic fire sprinkler system.
Exceptions: (1) One and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes;
and (2) additions to occupancies equating to fifteen (15) percent or less of
total floor area. Fire sprinkler requirements for these occupancies shall be
determined based on California Fire Code Table B105.1 — Minimum
Required Fire Flow For Buildings.
38) Add new subsection 907.2.11.6, Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, to read as
follows:
907.2.11.6 Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Upon sale of any residential
dwelling and factory-built housing, the seller shall have installed therein,
permanently wired or battery powered approved detectors of products of
combustion other than heat only, commonly known as "smoke detectors." The
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required to be State Fire Marshal
approved and listed. The seller must obtain certification from the Palm Springs
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 10
Fire Department of the installation and proper operation prior to close of sale of
property. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be maintained as originally
approved at the time of construction, or remodel.
39) Amend subsection 907.2.13, High-rise buildings, to read as follows:
907.2.13 High-rise buildings. High-rise buildings and buildings having occupied
floors located more than 60 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in
accordance with 907.2.13.1 and emergency voice/alarm communication systems
in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
40) Amend subsection 907.2.19, Deep Underground buildings, to read as follows:
907.2.19 Deep underground buildings. All underground buildings shall be
equipped throughout with a manual fire alarm system, including an emergency
voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with section
907.5.2.2.
41) Delete "Exception" to subsection 914.2.1, Automatic sprinkler system.
42) Delete "Exception" to subsection 914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system.
43) Add new subsection 1103.10, Increased Hazard Class in Change of Use, to read
as follows:
1103.10 Increased Hazard Class in Change of Use. An approved fire alarm
system shall be installed in existing, non-sprinklered buildings when a change of
use occurs resulting in a higher hazard classification.
44) Add new section 5609, "Safe and Sane" and Dangerous Fireworks, to read as
follows:
SECTION 5609 —
"SAFE AND SANE" AND DANGEROUS FIREWORKS
5609.1 Prohibition. The manufacture, sale, possession, storage, handling or
use of "safe and sane" fireworks as currently defined in the California Health and
Safety Code section 12529 or "dangerous fireworks" as currently defined in the
California Health and Safety Code section 12505 or thereafter amended by state
statute is prohibited in the City of Palm Springs. The provisions of this section do
not apply to fireworks displays conducted in accordance with the provisions of
any permit issued by the Palm Springs Fire Department.
5609.2 Seizure of fireworks. Any authorized City of Palm Springs fire code
official, peace officer or other city official authorized to enforce the Palm Springs
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 11
Municipal Code may seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed at the expense
of the owner all prohibited fireworks and explosives. This will include all persons,
firms or corporations, who manufacture, sell, possess, store, handle or use any
prohibited fireworks or explosives as currently described in the California Fire
Code sections 5601 and 5608.
45) Add new section 5610, Explosives, to read as follows:
SECTION 5610 — EXPLOSIVES
5610.1 Prohibition. The manufacture, sale, possession, storage, handling or
use of non-permitted "explosives" as currently defined in Title 19 of the California
Code of Regulations, Section 1550 or thereafter amended by state law is
prohibited in the City of Palm Springs.
46) Add item 4 to subsection 5704.2.11.2, Location, to read as follows:
4. The installation of underground combustibletflammable liquid tanks is
hereby prohibited in all residential districts. The fire official may
authorize installation of underground combustibletflammable liquid
tanks in agricultural, commercial and manufacturing districts.
47) Amend subsection 6101.1, Scope, of Appendix B, to read as follows:
B101.1 Scope. The procedures for determining fire-flow requirements for
buildings or portions or buildings hereafter constructed shall be in accordance
with this appendix. This appendix does not apply to structures other than
buildings. Additions to buildings equating to 15% or less increase in square
footage will not require fire flow analysis.
48) Delete subsection B104.2, Area separation, of Appendix B.
49) Add Appendix "U, Palm Springs Fire Department Development Guidelines.
50) Add the following language to Appendix "U:
A copy of the Palm Springs Fire Department Development Guidelines is on file
with the City Clerk.
51) Add Appendix "M", Palm Springs Fire Department Five Minute Response Time
Map.
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 12
52) Add the following language to Appendix "M":
The Five-Minute Fire Department Response Time is the time the fire station or
response personnel receive notification of a call for emergency service, allowing
one-minute for "firefighter turnout' and four-minutes for travel on paved streets.
The map, the Palm Springs Fire Department five-minute response time for
emergency service, is on file with the City Clerk.
53) Add Appendix "N", City of Palm Springs Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map.
SECTION 4. OPERATIVE DATE. The provisions of this Ordinance shall
become operative on January 17, 2014, which is the effective date of the 2013 edition of
the California Fire Code, enacted by the State of California.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall
certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same, or the
summary thereof, to be published and posted pursuant to the provisions of law and this
Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage.
SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of
this ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
The City Council of the City of Palm Springs, hereby declares that it would have passed
this ordinance and each section of subsection, sentence, clause and phrase thereof,
irrespective of the clauses or phrases being declared invalid.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY
COUNCIL THIS 181h DAY OF DECEMBER, 2013.
STEP EN P. POUGNE , MAYOR
ATTEST:
AMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 1833
Page 13
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do
hereby certify that Ordinance No. 1833 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was
introduced at a regular meeting of the Palm Springs City Council on
November 20, 2013, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on
December 18, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Lewin, Councilmember Mills,
Mayor Pro Tem Hutcheson, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, California. �zDIZO
2013 California Fire Code
Appendix L
PALM SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
•
•
r
PALM SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
300 NORTH EL CIELO ROAD
PALM SPRINGS, CA, 92262
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU CONTACTS
DEPUTY CHIEFIFIRE MARSHAL JIM WEBB (760)323-8187 Iames.webbQoalmsmingaca.aov
PLANS EXAMINER II BOB ROSE (760)323-8184 robert.rose@oalmsorinasca.aov
FIRE PREVENTION SECRETARY JANET VINES-MOTT (760) 323-8186 ianet:vines-mt0oalmsorinasca:aov
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCOPE $
WATER AGENCY/DISTRICT CONTACTS. 5
PLANS AND PERMITS 6
PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS 7
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS- NFPA 13 . 10
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS- NFPA 13R . �{
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS- NFPA 13D . 17
INSPECTIONS AND TESTS . 20
EMERGENCY ACCESS&GATES z,
FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS 72
PHOTOVOLTAIC GUIDELINES ?
2
SCOPE
This guideline has been developed to assist development applicants, architects and contractors
in determining the minimum requirements for fire protection systems, emergency access/gates,
fire apparatus access roads and solar photovoltaic systems. It will provide the minimum design,
installation, testing, and inspection procedures in the City of Palm Springs based on the
following:
• Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 and Chapter 11.02 of Title 11.
• Califomia Fire Code 2013 Edition — CCR Title 24, Part 9, adopted as hereinafter
modified including Appendix Chapter 4, Appendix A, B, BB, C, CC, F, H, 1, J, K, L, M
and N.
• California Code of Regulations(CCR)-Title 19.
• Calffomia Building Code 2013 Edition- CCR Title 24, Part 2.
• FM—Factory Mutual Global
• National Fire Protection Association Standards - adopted and/or most recent Editions
including but not limited to:
NFPA 2: Hydrogen Technologies Code, 2011 Edition
NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam
NFPA 12: Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 12A: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family
Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
NFPA 13R: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up
to and Including Four Stories in Height
NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
NFPA 15: Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection
NFPA 16: Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray
Systems
NFPA 17: Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 17A: Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
NFPA 22: Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection
NFPA 24: Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their
Appurtenances
NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire
Protection Systems
NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
NFPA 30A- Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
NFPA 3013: Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products
NFPA 32: Standard for Drycleaning Plants
NFPA 33: Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials
3
NFPA 34: Standard for Dipping, Coating and Printing Processes Using Flammable or
Combustible Liquids
NFPA 37: Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas
Turbines
NFPA 51: Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for
Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
NFPA 51B: Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting,and Other Hot Work
NFPA 52: Vehicular Gaseous Fuel Systems Code
NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code
NFPA 55: Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code
NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
NFPA 59A: Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG)
NFPA 70: National Electric Code
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code®
NFPA 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 86: Standard for Ovens and Furnaces
NFPA 88A: Standard for Parking Structures
NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
NFPA 92A Standard for Smoke Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences
NFPA 9213: Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Spaces
NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking
Operations
NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA 111: Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA 140: Standard on Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages,
Approved Production Facilities, and Production Locations
NFPA 160: Standard for the Use of Flame Effects Before an Audience
NFPA 204: Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting
NFPA 221: Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls
NFPA 232: Standard for the Protection of Records
NFPA 241: Standard for Safeguarding Construction,Alteration, and Demolition Operations
NFPA 400: Hazardous Materials Code
NFPA 407: Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing
NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars
NFPA 410: Standard on Aircraft Maintenance
NFPA 434: Code for the Storage of Pesticides
NFPA 520: Standard on Subterranean Spaces
NFPA 560: Standard for the Storage, Handling, and Use of Ethylene Oxide for Sterilization
and Fumigation
NFPA 664: Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and
Woodworking Facilities
NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency
Response
NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning
Equipment
NFPA 731: Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems
NFPA 750: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
NFPA 853: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems
NFPA 909: Code for the Protection of Cultural Resources Properties - Museums, Libraries,
and Places of Worship
4
NFPA 914: Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures
NFPA 1123: Code for Fireworks Display
NFPA 1126: Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience
NFPA 1141: Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Suburban
and Rural Areas
NFPA 1142: Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting
NFPA2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
• UL—Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction in determining compliance with the above codes and
standards shall be the Palm Springs Fire Department. The fire code official may waive or modify
these requirements based on unforeseen circumstances or other mitigating factors.
WATER AGENCY/DISTRICT CONTACTS SERVICING PALM SPRINGS
Service Area Service Area
Palm Springs south of Interstate 10 Palm Springs north of Interstate 10
Desert Water Agency Mission Springs Water District
1200 S. Gene Autry Trail 66575 2""Street
Palm Springs, CA 92264 Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
(760) 323-4971 (760) 329-6448
www.dwa.org www.mswd.org
1.0 WATER AGENCY/DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS
1.1 Contractors or developers will contact the Water Agency/District and request the
following information to facilitate designing private fire service mains and fire sprinkler
systems:
• Water service size, material type and schedule.
• Length of service,fittings and valves installed.
• Water meter manufacturer, model and size(if fire service is metered)
• Backfiow manufacturer, model, size and arrangement.
1.2 The Water Agency/District will assist the Fire Prevention Bureau in providing flow
information for water mains or fire hydrants:
• Static pressures.
• Dynamiciresidual pressures.
• Gallons per minute.
• Water main size and configuration.
Fire Hydrant Identification Numbers used in testing and street address or location
description. Indicate Fire Hydrant Identification Number where pressure readings
were taken.
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• The Fire Prevention Bureau attempts to conduct water flow capability tests and
static pressure readings once each week with a Water Agency/District
representative. Contractors are required to call 760-323-8186 to request water
hydrant flow tests and static pressure readings.
2.0 PLANS.AND PERMITS
2.1 When there are significant changes in occupancy, water supply, storage heights, type
and quantity of storage, storage configurations, Tenant Improvements or any other
changes which may affect the fire sprinkler system design, the owner, tenant or
contractor shall submit plans and secure permits.
2.2 Complete plans for private fire service mains or fire sprinkler systems should be
submitted for approval well in advance of installation. Plan reviews can take up to 20
working days. Submit a minimum of three (3) sets of drawings for review. Upon
approval,the Fire Prevention Bureau will retain one set.
2.3 Plans shall be submitted to:
City of Palm Springs
Building and Safety Department
3200 E.Tahqultz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Counter Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM—6:00 PM
A minimum $208.00 deposit for Plan Check and Inspection Fees is required at the time
of Plan Submittal. The final fee is based on fees established by Resolution of the Palm
Springs City Council.
2.4 Complete listings and manufacturer's technical data sheets for all system materials shall
be included with plan submittals. All system materials shall be UL listed or FM approved
for fire protection service and approved by the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to
installation.
2.5 Plans shall indicate all necessary engineering features, including all hydraulic reference
nodes, pipe lengths and pipe diameters as required by the appropriate codes and
standards. Plans and supportive data (calculations and manufacturer's technical data
sheets)shall be submitted with each plan submittal. Complete and accurate legends for
all symbols and abbreviations shall be provided on the plans.
The contractor shall submit a copy of their California Contractors License, Workers
Compensation Insurance Certificate and Palm Springs Business License with each
submittal. Contractors License and Workers Compensation Insurance shall be verified
with the Contractor's License Board. The following contractors shall install the
appropriate system components:
(A) General Engineering Contractor.
(C-16) Fire Protection Contractor.
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(C-34) Pipeline Contractor.
(C-36) Plumbing Contractor.
2.6 "As Built Drawings and Calculations"will be required when there is a significant deviation
from approved drawings and calculations.
2.7 The Fire Prevention Bureau will determine the fire flow requirements, number of fire
hydrants, and hydrant spacing.
3.0 PRIVATE.FIRE*SERY[CE MAIN
3.1 NFPA 24 shall establish the minimum requirements for the installation of private fire
service mains and their appurtenances supplying automatic sprinkler systems, open
sprinkler systems, water spray fixed systems, foam systems, private hydrants, monitor
nozzles or standpipe systems with reference to water supplies, private hydrants and
hose houses.
3.2 Private fire service mains shall be not less than eight (8) inches in diameter when
serving private fire hydrants and fire sprinkler systems.
3.3 Piping with a minimum rating of class 200 installed to NFPA 24 standards is required for
all private fire service mains.
3.4 All thrust blocks on private fire service mains, private fire hydrant lines and fire sprinkler
laterals shall be calculated as required by NFPA 24, or use Water Agency/District
Drawings. Calculations shall be submitted and the resulting dimensions of thrust blocks
shall be shown on the plans: Restrained Joint Systems are allowed in lieu of thrust
blocks. Minimum design working pressure shall be 200 PSI. Special design
considerations may be required with high static pressures or lines in which fire pumps
are installed.
3.5 Private fire service mains when supplying three (3) or more fire hydrants shall be
designed with a looped water supply.
3.6 In order to isolate the fire sprinkler underground lateral from any private fire hydrant
system, a non-indicating listed underground gate valve with an approved roadway box
shall be required.
3.7 Non-indicating listed underground gate valves with approved roadway boxes shall be
required to sectionalize no more than two commercial buildings, three residential
buildings or two private fire hydrants in private fire service mains. Any deviation will
require the Fire Prevention Bureau approval.
3.8 On site fire hydrants and Fire Department Connections located less than three (3) feet
behind the face of a curb or when no curb is provided shall be protected by guard posts
set in concrete to the following specifications:
• Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches in diameter and concrete filled.
• Spaced not more than 4 feet between posts on center.
• Set not less than 3 feet deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch
diameter.
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• Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet above ground.
• Located not less than 3 feet from the fire hydrants, post indicator valves and Fire
Department connections.
• All guard posts shall be painted yellow. (Rust-Oleum safety yellow #2149 or
equivalent).
3.9 The installing contractor shall provide a completed "Contractors Material & Test
Certificate for Underground Piping"as required by NFPA 24(2013 edition).
Double Check Detector Assemblies(Private)
3.10 All Double Check Detector Assemblies shall be UL listed/FM approved for fire protection
service in compliance with NFPA 24.
3.11 All Double Check Detector Assemblies shall be installed with two tamper switches and
electrically monitored at a LIL listed central station service, when there are:
20 or more fire sprinkler heads.
• Fire sprinkler supervision and alarm,fire alarm or security systems are installed.
3.12 All Double Check Detector Assemblies shall be provided with a chain and breakaway
security lock.A key shall be kept in the spare sprinkler head box and KNOX key box.
3.13 Reduced pressure zone assemblies or reduced pressure detector assemblies shall not
be installed in private fire service mains and fire sprinkler systems.
Fire Department Connections
3.14 Fire Department Connections shall be installed at apparatus access roads in locations
approved by the Fire Prevention Bureau. Check with the Fire Prevention Bureau prior to
plan submittal. The Fire Department Connection shall extend between 30" and 36"
above finished grade.
3.15 Fire Department Connections shall be visible, accessible, and installed in approved
locations downstream of all Double Check Detector Assemblies. Fire Department
connections shall be located within 30 feet of a public fire hydrant. Exceptions may be
made by the fire code official.
3.16 Fire Department Connections shall be equipped with KNOX locking protective caps.
Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau Secretary at(760)323-8186 for a KNOX Application
Form.
3.17 When the total sprinkler system demand, including hose allowance, is less than 1,000
G.P.M., the Fire Department Connection riser shall be 4" in nominal diameter and shall
have a standard 2-way threaded 2'W connection.
3.18 When the total sprinkler system demand, including hose allowance, is 1,000 GPM to
1,199 G.P.M., the Fire Department Connection riser shall be 6" in nominal diameter and
shall have a standard 3-way threaded 2'%"connection.
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3.19 When the total sprinkler system demand, including hose allowance, is greater than 1,200
G.P.M., the Fire Department Connection riser shall be 6" in nominal diameter and shall
have a standard 4-way threaded 2'h"connection.
3.20 In a building complex,where two or more buildings are served, the identification of which
building is served by separate Fire Department Connections; the Fire Prevention Bureau
will require signs of substantial construction to be posted at each Fire Department
Connection identifying the respective buildings served. The minimum letter size shall be
1"on a contrasting background.
3.21 Fire Department Connections shall be painted red (Rust-Oleum Safety Red # 2163 or
equivalent).
3.22 Fire Department Connection piping shall be ductile iron from the private fire service main
to the Fire Department Connection check valve above ground. The pipe from the Fire
Department Connection check valve to the Fire Department Connection shall be
galvanized steel pipe. The NFPA 13R Fire Department Connection piping shall be
copper from the private fire service main.
Fire Hydrants(Private)
3.23 Commercial fire hydrants with 4" x 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" outlets are required when fire flow
demand is.1,500 GPM or greater. Residential fire hydrants with 4" x 2 '/" outlets are
required when the fire flow demand is less than 1500 GPM. Existing residential fire
hydrants that are located within 250' of a residential property line do not need to be
upgraded to commercial fire hydrants if that hydrants can provide the required fire flow.
3.24 Private fire hydrants shall be painted red (Rust-0leum Safety Red#2163 or equivalent).
3.25 Blue reflective markers shall be installed to identify location of fire hydrants. These
markers shall be visible from both directions of vehicle travel.
3.26 Hydraulic calculations shall be provided for all private fire hydrant systems. Calculations
shall be calculated back to the point of the flow test. The fire hydrant system shall meet
the fire flow requirements as required by the California Fire Code(2013 Edition).
3.27 When the private fire service main serves both fire sprinkler system(s) and private fire
hydrant(s), the hydraulic calculation shall include the fire hydrant flow rate with
associated private fire hydrant(s) and fire sprinkler flow rate for a minimum design of 20
PSI residual pressure for the fire hydrant(s).
Water Plans and Water Main Installation(Private)
3.28 Provide the following notes on private the fire service water main plans:
FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTES:
1. The installation of the private fire service mains shall comply with:
• NFPA 24
• California Building Code(2013 Edition).
• California Fire Code(2013 Edition).
9
• Palm Springs Fire Prevention Development Guidelines,Appendix L
2. No combustibles shall be delivered to building job site prior to the water mains
and fire hydrants being operational.
3. The following inspections are required.•
• Thrust block pre-pour,bench, and backfiff inspection.
• Underground hydrostatic test-200 PSI for two hours.
• Underground flush.
• Underground final. A completed and signed "Contractors Material& Test
Certlficate for Underground Piping"form per NFPA 24(2013 Edition)
• All inspections will be conducted on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Sprinkler
contractors must request inspections through the project Superintendents.
TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS CALL the Fire Prevention Bureau at (760)
323-8186 AT LEAST 48 H,�OfIRS PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED INSPEC77NN
DATEAND TIME. Inspections are completed Tuesday and Thursday.
4. All Double Check Detector Assemblies shall be installed with two tamper
switches and electrically monitored at a UL listed central receiving station
service, when there are.
• 20 or more fire sprinkler heads.
• Fire alarms or security systems installed.
5. Ductile iron underground piping shall be installed beginning five feet from a
building and continue into the building.
6. No joints shall be installed under the building.
7. The civil engineer who designed the water system hereby certifies that this water
system is in accordance with the requirements as prescribed by the Fire
Prevention Bureau, the California Fire Code(2013 Edition) and NFPA 24.
8. Breakaway spools or breakaway bolts are required.
4.0 FIRE S�RINKLER SYSTEMS NFP„13
Controls
4.1 All control valves shall be UL Listed indicating valves,
4.2 All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps,tanks,
water levels and temperatures,critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all
sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit and
monitored at a UL listed central station service.
4.3 An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm (Wheelock horn/strobe with WBB back box or
equal) shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. A
second hom/strobe shall be installed in the interior of the building in a normally occupied
location. In multiple suite buildings, additional interior homtstrobes shall be installed in all
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suites with 50 or more occupant load. Power shall be provided from a fire alarm control
unit.
4.4 A dedicated electrical circuit with a circuit breaker lock shall be required for the listed fire
alarm control unit.
Fire S rinider Risers(NFPA 1
3)
4.5 When more than one fire sprinkler riser is served by a single private fire service main
lateral, a separate system riser with a UL Listed indicating control valve, riser check
valve, water flow indicator and main drain is required for each fire sprinkler riser.
4.6 In mufti-story buildings, each floor shall have a sectional riser with a UL Listed indicating
control valve, riser check valve,water flow indicator and main drain.
4.7 In order to provide access to the riser for future maintenance and repair, all fire sprinkler
system riser locations shall provide with a minimum 18" clearance to each side and to
the front of the riser. If a riser is to be concealed by means of a wall or closet, access to
the riser shall be provided by means of a door with minimum dimensions of 7-6"x 6'-8".
Piping and Hangers(NFPA 13)
4.8 Threaded steel pipe shall have a minimum wall thickness of"Dyna-Thread" or Schedule
30 for branch lines less than 2 1/2"and Schedule 40 for all other piping.
4.9 Rolled groove and welded steel pipe shall have a minimum wall thickness of Schedule
10.
4.10 The discharge area for the main drain and inspector's test valve shall be protected with a
concrete splash pad to prevent damage to landscaping during periodic testing or other
appropriate means.
4.11 Trapeze hangers shall be installed according to NFPA 13. The acceptable trapeze
methods as outlined in NFPA 13 shall be Schedule 10, Schedule 40 or angles. All other
methods will not be accepted unless a structural engineer or the architect of record
provides to the Fire Prevention Bureau calculations and diagrams wet stamped and
signed for each application.
4.12 Where a beam or joist thickness will not accommodate a fastener of a required length, a
through bolt with the required diameter of the bolt and washer will be acceptable. All-
thread rod is not acceptable for the required bolt
4.13 Lag bolts and screws are not acceptable for seismic bracing.
4.14 Seismic sway bracing shall use Schedule 40 pipe as a minimum.
Design(NFPA 13)
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4.15 For commercial and industrial "Shell Buildings", with the potential for high-pile storage
and/or wherein no specific end use is identified at the time of plan check, the sprinkler
system shall provide a minimum density of.45 GPWsquare foot for a 2,000 square foot
design area. 286 deg. F sprinkler heads shall be used in these buildings. Roof coverage
over mezzanine areas shall also be built to this standard. Any deviation from this
requirement will require the Fire Prevention Bureau approval.
4.16 It is incumbent upon the sprinkler system designer to advise the building owner that the
above density and design area are minimums for shell buildings; and that increases in
sprinkler protection may be required based on future occupancy hazard classification,
storage commodity classification, and storage configuration according to NFPA 13 and
the California Fire Code(2013 Edition).
4.17 When a shell building is built without a hard lid or T-bar ceiling, the upright fire sprinklers
shall be designed to the unfinished ceiling height and the density and design area for the
required floor area.
4.18 Fire sprinkler design shall be limited to 90 percent of the available water supply.
4.19 Non-combustible construction shall be as defined by the California Building Code (2013
Edition). Wood frame construction shall be considered combustible construction
regardless of materials used for surface covering.
4.20 Sprinklers with a temperature rating of not less than an intermediate temperature rating
are required in all main electrical panel and meter rooms. No combustible materials shall
be stored in these rooms.
4.21 Light fixtures, soffits and other potential obstructions shall not interfere with the spray
patterns of fire sprinklers. The sprinkler contractor shall insure that the type and location
of potential obstructions is considered in the design and installation of the system. The
sprinkler contractor is responsible for coordinating and resolving conflicts in coverage
patterns.
4.22 Fire sprinklers shall not be installed directly below automatic smoke and heat vents.
4.23 Inspector Test valve access panels and doors to fire sprinkler riser rooms shall have a
signs with an appropriate description.
4.24 All electrical rooms, upright sprinklers at the roof or in the attic space, non-conditioned
rooms or exterior sprinkler heads shall be 200—212 degree Fahrenheit heads.
4.25 If the attic space is less than 36 inches height and combustible construction,all upright
fire sprinkler heads shall be to TYCO CC-2,AP or equal heads per NFPA 13, Section
8.15.1.6
Plans(NFPA 13)
4.26 Complete detailed work sheets and computer hydraulic calculations as required by
NFPA 13 shall be included with all submittals for hydraulically designed sprinkler
systems. Calculations shall extend to the point at which the water supply data was
determined.
12
4.27 Water supply curves and system demand curves, including underground friction loss,
hose allowance, and applicable in-rack sprinkler demand, shall be plotted on semi-
logarithmic graph paper or computer generated graphs. Sprinkler system design,
including hose demand, shall be limited to 90 percent of the available water supply.
Water supply data may be obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau by calling 760-323-
8186.
4.28 If installed piping is six (6) inches or larger, structural load calculations will be required
for the structural elementstsystems supporting the load.
4.29 Provide separate drawings for the piping plan and reflective ceiling plan.
4.30 Provide a fire sprinkler legend including sprinkler symbol, Manufacturer, Sprinkler
Identification Number (SIN), model, style, K-factor, degree, finish, escutcheon and
quantity.
4.31 Provide the occupancy type of each room, ceiling heights and ceiling slopes with
direction, slope pitch and ceiling height at the beginning of the slope as applicable.
4.32 Provide soffit and ceiling pocket details including widths, depths and heights.
4.33 Provide Seismic Bracing Calculations on the drawings per NFPA 13 using Cp of 0.74
and Ilr Ratio of 200. Separate Seismic Bracing Calculations shall be provided for lateral
and longitudinal braces and each pipe size. Show details of the seismic bracing and
branch line restraints on the drawings. Piping individually supported by rods less than 6
in. long measured between the top of the pipe and the point of attachment to the building
structure shall not be used in lieu of seismic lateral bracing.
4.34 Hydraulic Plate information shall be included on the drawings.
4.35 Provide calculations of the Number of Sprinklers to Calculate and the Number of
Sprinklers on a Branch Line and list Assumed Remote Area Sq. Ft.
4.36 Mark on the drawings the Most Hydraulically Demanding Remote Area; and Zone of
Influence for lateral and longitudinal seismic bracing.
4.37 In order to provide access to the riser for future maintenance and repair, all fire sprinkler
system riser locations shall provide with a minimum 18" clearance to each side and to
the front of the riser. If a riser is to be concealed by means of a wall or closet, access to
the riser shall be provided by means of a door with minimum dimensions of 7-6"x V-8".
4.38 The location of the Fire Department Connection shall be within thirty(30)feet of a public
commercial fire hydrant with 4"x2'%"x2%"outlets.
4.39 All Fire Department Connections shall have KNOX locking protective caps. Contact the
fire prevention secretary at(760)323-8186 for a KNOX application form.
4.40 Pipe Schedule Design shall not be used in existing systems, extension of existing
systems and new systems.
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4.41 Provide the following notes on fire sprinkler plans:
FiRE DEPARTMENT NOTES(NFPA 13)
1. The installation of the sprinkler systems or modifications to existing sprinkler
systems shall comply with:
• NFPA 13.
• Califomie Fire Code(2013Edftion)
• California Building Code(2013Edition)
• The City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 11.02 of Title 11.
• Palm Springs Fire Department Development Guidelines,Appendix L
2. The Fire Prevention Bureau will require the following inspections and tests as a
minimum:
• Fire sprinkler piping weld inspection.
• Overhead installation and hydrostatic test—200 PSI for two hours.
• Fire sprinkler system final inspection. A completed and signed
"Contractors Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"
form per NFPA 13 is required.
• All inspections will be conducted on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Sprinkler
contractors must request inspections through the project Superintendents.
TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS CALL the Fire Prw*wuftn Bureau at (768)
323-8186 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED INSPECTION
DATEAND TIME. Inspections are conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays.
3. A dedicated electrical circuit with a circuit breaker lock shall be required for the listed
fire alarm control unit.
4. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks,
water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all
sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit
and monitored at a UL listed central station service.
5. An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm(Wheelock horWstrobe with WBB back box
or equal) shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. A
second hom/strobe shall be installed in the interior of the building in a normally
occupied location. in multiple suite buildings, additional interior horn/strobes shall be
installed in all suites with 50 or more occupant load. Power shall be provided from a
fire alarm control unit
6. The fire sprinkler branch lines shall be restrained against excessive vertical and
lateral movement by use of a wrap-around U-hook or by other approved means per
NFPA 13(2013 Edition).
5.0 FIRE SPRINJ ER�YSTUaS( MAJIM
14
Design (NFPA 13R)
5.1 The sprinkler contractor shall calculate the friction loss for all pipes, meters, valves,
fittings and other appurtenances when designing the hydraulic calculations for the NFPA
13R fire sprinkler system.
5.2 Fire sprinkler design shall be limited to 90%of the available water supply.
5.3 Fire sprinkler systems shall require a single 2 '/s' Fire Department Connection when the
building exceeds 2,000 Sq. Ft. or more than one story.
5.4 An inspector's test valve must be provided from a remote portion of the system. Orifice
size shall be the smallest orifice of any sprinkler in the system. This valve shall be a full
port ball valve with signed access panel and a copper stub outside the wall.
5.5 Access panels for fire sprinkler risers and Inspector Test valves and doors for fire
sprinkler riser rooms shall have a signs with an appropriate description.
5.6 Fire sprinkler protection is required in entrance foyers.
5.7 Fire sprinkler protection is required in any sized bathroom when a walk-in closet must
exit through a bathroom.
5.8 Garages, attics and outside mechanical and/or electrical rooms shall use commercial
Quick Response fire sprinkler heads with a 200—212 deg. F temperature rating. Garage
fire sprinkler spacing shall be 130 Sq. Ft. Garage fire sprinklers shall be designed for a
flow rate of 13 GPM with a 4.2 K factor head and 14.8 GPM for a 5.6K factor head.
5.9 Pilot heads shall be installed per NFPA 13R
5.10 Fire sprinkler protection is required for carports, garages, and similar structures,
regardless of construction, unless physically separated by a minimum of 15 feet from
dwellings or other structures.
5.11 Minimum piping size shall be one (1) inch nominal.
5.12 Light fixtures, soffits and other potential obstructions shall not interfere with the spray
patterns of sprinkler heads. The sprinkler contractor shall insure that the type and
location of potential obstructions is considered in the design and installation of the
system.The sprinkler contractor is responsible for coordinating and resolving conflicts in
coverage patterns.
5.13 All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks,
water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all
sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit and
monitored at a UL listed central station service.
5.14 An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm (Wheelock horn/strobe with WBB back box or
equal)shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location.
15
5.15 A dedicated electrical circuit with a circuit breaker lock shall be required for the listed fire
alarm control unit.
5.16 Additional exterior homistrobes shall be required when there are more than four dwelling
units per building.
5.17 Contractor shall provide a spare head box with sprinkler wrench and three spare
sprinkler Dads of each type, unless there is less than three heads of that type.
Plans(NFPA 13R)
5.18 Piping shall be detailed on drawing from public water main to riser including pipe sizes,
pipe types, pipe lengths, all fittings, all valves, water meter manufacturer and model,
back flow device manufacturer, model and size and elevations of house finished floor
relative to fire hydrant outlet where pressures were taken.
5.19 Provide a riser detail on the drawing, including a flow control valve with a tamper switch.
5.20 Provide an Inspector Test detail on drawing.
5.21 Provide a table on the drawings for piping support spacing and one and two point
sprinkler head vertical restraint spacing.
5.22 Provide a fire sprinkler legend including sprinkler symbol, Manufacturer, Sprinkler
Identification Number (SIN), model, style, K-factor, degree, finish, escutcheon and
quantity.
5.23 Provide occupancy type of each room, ceiling heights and ceiling slopes with direction,
slope pitch and ceiling height at the beginning of the slope as applicable.
5.24 Provide soffit and ceiling pocket details including widths, depths and heights.
5.25 Provide beam details including widths, heights and spacing.
5.26 Design a looped fire sprinkler piping system where possible.
5.27 Provide location of required hom/strobes.
5.28 Provide the following notes on fire sprinkler plans:
FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTES(NFPA 13R)
1. The installation of the sprinkler system or modifications to existing sprinkler
systems shall compty with:
• NFPA 13R
• California Building Code(2013 Edition).
• California Fire Code(2013 Edition).
• The City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 11.02 of Title 11.
• Palm Springs Fire Department Development Guidelines, Appendix L.
16
2. The Fire Prevention Bureau will require the following inspections and tests as a
minimum.
• Overhead installation and hydrostatic test—200 PSI for two hours.
• Fire sprinkler system final inspection. A completed and signed
'Contractors Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping"
form per NFPA 13R is required.
TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS, CALL THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU AT
(760)323-8186 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED INSPECTION
DATE AND 77ME Inspections are conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays.
3. A dedicated electrical circuit with a circuit breaker lock shall be required for the listed
fire alarm control unit.
4. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks,
water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures, and water-flow switches on all
sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit
and monitored at a UL listed central station service.
5. An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm(Wheelock hom/strobe with WBB back box
or equal) shall be provided on the exterior of the building in an approved location. A
second horn/strobe shall be installed in the interior of the building in a normally
occupied location.
6.0 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (NFPA 13D)
Design (NFPA 13D)
6.1 A full port ball valve shall be installed at one-and two-family Dwelling units as a shut-off
valve for both domestic and fire sprinkler water supply. A shut-off valve shall be
installed for the domestic water supply after the fire sprinkler system take-off.
6.2 The sprinkler system piping shall not have a separate control valve installed.
6.3 Fire sprinkler system design shall be limited to 90 percent of the available water supply.
6.4 Fire sprinkler systems shall be combined domestic and fire sprinkler service to the
dwelling. Hydraulic calculations shall include 5 GPM domestic water demand at the
domestic water takeoff. Hydraulic calculations shall be performed with a computer
hydraulic program.
6.5 The water flow switch on the fire sprinkler system shall be electrically monitored at a UL
listed central station service when the dwelling has an approved household fire alarm or
security system.
6.6 An inspector's test valve must be provided from a remote portion of the. system. Orifice
size to be the same as the smallest sprinkler in the system. This valve shall be a full
port ball valve with signed access panel and a copper stub outside the wall.
17
6.7 Access panels for fire sprinkler risers and Inspector Test valves shall have a signs with
an appropriate description.
6.8 Fire sprinkler protection is required in entrance foyers.
6.9 Fire sprinkler protection is required in any sized bathroom when a walk-in closet must
exit through a bathroom.
6.10 Garages, attics and outside mechanical rooms shall use commercial Quick Response
fire sprinkler heads with a 200 — 212 deg. F temperature rating. Garage fire sprinkler
spacing shall be 130 Sq. Ft. Garage fire sprinklers shall be designed for a flow rate of
13 GPM with a 4.2 K factor head and 14.8 GPM for a 5.6K factor head.
6.11 Pilot heads shall be installed per California Residential Code(CRC) requirements.
6.12 All listed equipment and materials shall be installed in accordance with the terms of
their listings and the manufacturer's instructions.
6.13 Fire sprinkler protection is required for carports, garages, and similar structures,
regardless of construction, unless physically separated by a minimum of 15 feet from
dwellings or other structures.
6.14 Piping systems shall be tested in accordance with the California Plumbing Code for
multipurpose piping and NFPA 13D and manufacturer's listing and recommendations
for fire sprinkler piping.
6.15 Minimum piping size shall be one(1) inch nominal. .
6.16 Light fixtures, soffits and other potential obstructions shall not interfere with the spray
patterns of sprinkler heads. The sprinkler contractor shall insure that the type and
location of potential obstructions is considered in the design and installation of the
system. The sprinkler contractor is responsible for coordinating and resolving conflicts
in coverage patterns.
6.17 Water Flow Switch and Alarm. On non-combination systems, a water flow switch shall
be installed in every dwelling unit fire sprinkler system. The system shall include:
1. An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm (Wheelock hom/strobe# MT4-115-WH-
VFR with WBB back box or equal) shall be provided on the exterior of the
building in an approved location. The horn/strobe shall be outdoor-rated.
2. Residential Smoke Alarms (Kidde SM120X Relay / Power Supply Module
connected to multi-station Kidde smoke alarms or equal and fire sprinkler flow
switch) shall be interconnected so that operation of any smoke alarm or fire
sprinkler flow switch causes all smoke alarms within the dwelling to sound and
activate the exterior horn/strobe. The wiring of this system shall be in accordance
with Kidde SM120X Relay / Power Supply Module manual and Figure 2 (see
attached). The "120 volt device wired to turn on when alarm sounds" is the
exterior horn/strobe. The "pull for fire" device is the fire sprinkler flow
switch.
18
6.18 Contractor shall provide a spare head box with sprinkler wrench and two spare sprinkler
heads of each type, unless there is less than two heads of that type.
6.19 Prescriptive pipe size method shall not be used to design sprinkler systems.
6.20 Hydraulic calculation procedures in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be used for all
types of fire sprinkler systems.
6.21 Network fire sprinkler systems are prohibited.
Plans (NFPAI3D)
6.22 Piping shall be detailed on drawing from public water main to riser including pipe sizes,
pipe types, pipe lengths, all fittings, all valves, water meter manufacturer and model,
back flow device manufacturer, model and size and elevations of house finished floor
relative to fire hydrant outlet where pressures were taken.
6.23 Provide a riser detail on the drawing.
6.24 Provide an Inspector Test detail on drawing.
6.25 Provide a table on the drawings for piping support spacing and one and two point
sprinkler head vertical restraint spacing.
6.26 Provide a fire sprinkler legend including sprinkler symbol, Manufacturer, Sprinkler
Identification Number (SIN), model, style, K-factor, degree, finish, escutcheon and
quantity.
6.27 Provide occupancy of each room, ceiling heights and ceiling slopes with direction, slope
pitch and ceiling height at the beginning of the slope as applicable.
6.28 Provide soffit and ceiling pocket details including widths, depths and heights.
6.29 Provide beam details including widths, heights and spacing.
6.30 Design a looped fire sprinkler piping system where possible.
6.31 Provide the following notes on fire sprinkler plans:
FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTES(NFPA 13D)
1. The installation of fire sprinkler systems or modifications to existing fire sprinkler
systems shall comply with:
• NFPA 13D
• California Residential Code (2013 Edition)
• California Fire Code(2013 Edition)
• The City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 11.02 of Title 11.
• Palm Springs Fire Department Development Guidelines,Appendix L
19
2 The Fire Prevention bureau will require the following inspections and tests as a
minimum.
• Overhead installation and hydrostatic test—200 PSI for two hours.
• Final fire sprinkler and underground inspections.
TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS, CALL THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT before
12 midnight the night before the inspection @ (760) 323-6243. Inspections
are conducted Monday thru Thursday.
3. Water Flow Switch and Alarm. A water flow switch shall be installed in every
dwelling unit fire sprinkler system.The system shall include:
■ An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm (Wheelock horn/strobe # MT4-
115-WH-VFR with WBB back box or equal) shall be provided on the
exterior of the building in an approved location. The horn/strobe shall be
outdoor-rated.
■ Residential Smoke Alarms (Kidde SM120X Relay/ Power Supply Module
connected to mufti-station Kidde smoke alarms or equal and fire sprinkler
flow switch)shall be interconnected so that operation of any smoke alarm
or fire sprinkler flow switch causes all smoke alarms within the dwelling to
sound and activate the exterior homistrobe. The wiring of this system
shall be in accordance with Kidde SM120X Relay/ Power Supply Module
manual and Figure 2 (see attached). The"120 volt device wired to turn
on when alarm sounds" is the exterior horn/strobe. The"pull for fire"
device is the fire sprinkler flow switch.
7.0 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
7.1 Buildings must pass all the fire protection systems inspections prior to a certificate of
occupancy.
7.2 The Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems shall
comply with California Code of Regulations(CCR)Title 19.
7.3 The Fire Prevention Bureau shall require completed "Contractors Material and Test
Certificate for Underground Piping" per NFPA 24 and "Contractors Material and
Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping" per NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R at the time of
fire sprinkler final inspection. Aboveground sprinkler system piping and underground
piping will not pass final inspection until the Fire Prevention Bureau receives all
certificates. NFPA 13D fire sprinkler systems are exempt from the above certificates.
7.4 The Fire Prevention Bureau will require the following inspections and test as a minimum:
• THRI)$T BI OCR P(��-PQ 1�jj•T13FN�'rI( ,BAQKFlI.l- (N PFS _ _CTION
All private fire service mains shall have an inspection of the areas where the
thrust blocks are to be poured prior to their installation.
20
• N H UNDERGROUND ANDYDROSTATIC TEST
All thrust blocks and joints exposed with center loading are acceptable.
Hydrostatic test is required at 200 PSI for two hours. All valves, Fire Department
Connections, fire hydrants and fire sprinkler service mains shall be installed.
Private fire service mains shall be complete and installed per approved plans.
• UNDERGROUND FLUSH
Complete flushing of underground system shall be completed before any
connection to the overhead sprinkler piping. Flushing shall be performed
according to NFPA 24, Section 10.10.2 and referenced in NFPA 13, 13D and
13R.
• FIRE 3PRINKLER PIPING WELD.INSPECTION
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, all pipes with welded fittings shall be inspected for
compliance with NFPA 13. Any pipe with welded fittings installed prior to
inspection, shall be removed and inspected on the ground. Provide at this
inspection, copies of certified records, as outlined in NFPA 13 to the Fire
Prevention Bureau.
• O�(F,�HEAD INSTALLATION AND HYDROSTATIC TEST
Hydrostatic test at 200 PSI for two hours is required and ALL AREAS MUST BE
VISIBLE. Contractor shall schedule inspections before insulating, dry walling or
installation of ceilings occurs. Inspection shall review compliance with approved
plans, spacing, hangers, seismic bracing, etc. All areas must remain visible for
any corrections from this inspection. A REINSPECTION OF CORRECTIONS
WILL BE REQUIRED.
The following is required prior to walk-through:
0 Approved drawings and hydraulic calculations available on site
0 Water service to sprinkler riser shall be installed and live
0 All HVAC registers shall be installed
0 All electrical shall be installed for lights, ceiling fans and smoke detectors
• FINAL SPRINKLER AND.UNDERGROUND INSPECTIONS
ALL CORRECTIONS FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED AND
SIGNED OFF.
7.5 A complete approved set of sprinkler system and private fire service main plans stamped
approved (wet stamp and signature) by the Fire Prevention Bureau shall be kept on the
job site at all times. INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED WITHOUT THE
APPROVED PLANS.
7.6 The permit and inspection record card (Job Card) shall be available with the approved
plans at the job site. INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE CONDUCTED WITHOUT THE
APPROPRIATE INSPECTION RECORD CARD (Job Card).
7.7 Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a
violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction.
21
Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this
guideline or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.
7.8 All inspections for NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R systems will be conducted on Tuesdays or
Thursdays. Sprinkler contractors must request inspections through the project
Superintendents. TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS CALL the Fire Prevention Bureau at
(760) 323-8186 AT LEAST 4q HOURS PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED INSPECTION
DATE AND TIME.
7.9 All inspections for NFPA 13D systems must be requested and scheduled by the project
Superintendents. TO SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS, CALL THE BUILDING
DEPARTMENT before 12 midnight the night before the inspection @ (760) 323-
8243. Inspections are conducted Monday thru Thursday.
8.0 E`MERGENQY ACCESS AGATES
General
8.1 This section has been developed to assist development applicants, architects,
contractors, and building/business owners in determining the minimum requirements for
Knox Key Switches on powered access gates, Knox Boxes for non powered gates, Knox
Box Vaults for residential &commercial facilities and minimum access gate requirements
for fire department access during emergency responses.
Plans
8.2 Plan submittals must identify all access gates and locations of Knox access switches
and Knox boxes.
Gate Access Requirements
8.3 The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved
by the fire chief during the plan check review. Where security gates are installed, they
shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the
emergency operation shall be maintained at all times.
8.4 A Knox key operated switch shall be installed at every automatic gate. Secured
automated vehicle gates or entries shall utilize a combination of a Tomar
Strobeswkch'm, or approved equal, and an approved Knox key electric switch when
required by the fire code official. Secured non-automated vehicle gates or entries shall
utilize an approved padlock or chain (maximum link or lock shackle size of/, inch)when
required by the fire code official.
8.5 Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.
Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to
comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200.
8.6 In the event of a power failure, the gates shall be defaulted or automatically transferred
to a fail safe mode allowing the gate to be pushed open without the use of special
knowledge or any equipment If a two-gate system is used, the override switch must
open both gates.
22
8.7 Gate arms securing parting lots and parking structures shall be equipped with a fire
department approved dual-keyed Knox key electric switch. When activated, the arm or
anus shall open to allow fire and law enforcement access.
8.8 If there is no sensing device that will automatically open, the gates for exiting, a fire
department approved Knox electrical override switch shall be placed on each side of the
gate in an approved location.
8.9 Approved security gates shall be a minimum of 14 feet in unobstructed drive width on
each side with gate in open position. An unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than
13 feet 6 inches(4115 mm)shall be provided and maintained at all times.
Building Access Requirements
9.10 Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured
openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting
purposes a Knox Box Vault will be required.
8.11 Knox Box locations shall be mounted at 5 feet above grade. Show locations of Knox
access controls on plan elevation views. Show requirement in plan notes. Contact the
Fire Department at(760)323-8186 for a Knox application form.
8.12 The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary
access as required by the fire code official.
8.13 Secured emergency access gates serving apartment, town home or condominium
complex courtyard must provide a key box in addition to association or facility locks. The
nominal height of Knox lock box installations shall be 5 feet above grade.
Inspection Requirements
8.14 A final field inspection by the fire code official or an authorized representative is required
before electronically controlled gates may become operative. Prior to final inspection,
electronic gates shall remain in a locked-open position.
8.15 A final field inspection by the fire axle official or an authorized representative for the
installation of Knox Box Vaults is required at time of final inspection.
9.0 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
General
9.1 This section has been developed to assist development applicants, architects,
contractors, and building/business owners in determining the minimum requirements for
the design of fire apparatus access roads for consistency with the best practices of the
fire code in the interest of public safety.
Plans
23
9.2 Detailed fire apparatus access roads shall be submitted to the Fire Department for
review and approval prior to construction. Plans shall include certification from a
Registered Professional Engineer stating the roads are of all weather construction and
capable of supporting fire apparatus weighing 73,000 Ibs G.V.W.
Requirements
9.3 Private streets shall have a minimum width of at least 20 feet, pursuant to California Fire
Code 503.2.1 however, a greater width for private streets may be required by the City
engineer to address traffic engineering, parking, and other issues. The Palm Springs
Fire Department requirements for two-way private streets, is a minimum width of 24 feet,
unless otherwise allowed by the City engineer. No parking shall be allowed in either side
of the roadway. The following text, developed in concert with Engineering, Planning, and
Fire is proposed as alternative text for the Circulation Element, page 4-5:
• Local. Primarily provides access to individual parcels of land. Minimum right-of-way is
50 feet. In Estate, Very Low and Low Density Residential neighborhoods, street
widths may be reduced to 28 feet (curb face to curb face) provided that 1) additional
off street parking is provided as determined by the City Engineer, the Fire Chief and
Director of Planning, 2) rolled or wedge curb is provided such that vehicles may park
partially out of the traveled way, and 3) pedestrian pathways or sidewalks, separated
from the curb by a minimum five foot parkway, are provided.
• Private Streets. Private streets provide access to individual parcels of land in
planned development communities approved with privately maintained access.
Access may be restricted. Private street widths shall be established based on a
hierarchy of primary and secondary streets and parking conditions such that
uninterrupted traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and emergency access is assured.
• Private Primary Streets are typically the main access street in a private development
or main 'ring road'. Private Primary Streets may provide access to individual parcels
in a planned development as well as receive traffic from Secondary Private Streets or
other parcels that do not front the street. Private Primary Streets shall be either a
minimum of 32 feet wide (curb face to curb face) to accommodate on-street parking
on one side and emergency access, or 36 feet wide (curb face to curb face)with on-
street parking on two sides.
• Private Secondary Streets provide access to individual parcels in a planned
development and do not receive traffic from other streets or other parcels that do not
front that street. Private Secondary Streets may range in width from 28 to 32 feet
(curb face to curb face) provided that 1) additional off-street (guest) parking is
provided in the area of the Secondary Street as determined by the Planning
Commission, 2) rolled or wedge curb is provided such that vehicles may park partially
out of the traveled way, and 3) pedestrian pathways or sidewalks, separated from the
curb by a minimum five foot parkway, are provided. If all three of these conditions are
NOT provided, private secondary streets shall be a standard minimum 32 feet with
parking on one side only.
• Designated fire lanes in private developments shall be not less than 24 feet wide
(curb face to curb face)with no parking on either side.
I
24
• Reduced Roadway Width: Areas with reduced roadway width (such as entry and
exit gates, entry and exit approach roads, traffic calming areas) that are under 36 feet
wide require red painted curb to maintain minimum 24 foot clear width. Red curb shall
be stenciled"NO PARKING"and"FIRE LANE"with white paint.
9.4 The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall within the limits established by the fire
code official based on the fire department's apparatus. No grade shall exceed 12%.
Grade transitions shall not exceed maximum angle of approach and angle of departure
based on the fire department's apparatus as determined by the Fire Chief.
9.5 A secondary access shall be provided for all developments with 30 or more dwelling
units.
9.6 Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided
with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus. The City of Palm
Springs has two approved turn around provisions. One is a cul-de-sac with an outside.
turning radius of 45 feet from centerline. The other is a hammerhead turnaround
meeting the Palm Springs Public Works and Engineering Department standard dated 9-
4-02.
9.7 Fire department access roads/driveways shall be provided so that no portion of the
exterior wall of the first floor of any building will be more than 150 feet from such roads.
9.8 When barriers are installed that cause the distance from an approved fire department
access road to exceed the maximum distance allowed in Section 503 herein, a gate
shall be provided in the barrier to maintain the required fire department access. The gate
shall be a minimum four (4) feet in width and be equipped with a key box and/or lock
accessible from both sides in accordance with Section 506 herein.
9.9 Mid Rise/High Rise: High-rise and mid-rise buildings shall be accessible on a minimum
of two sides. Street access shall not be less than 15 feet or more than 30 feet from the
building. Landscaping or other obstructions shall not be placed or maintained around
structures in a manner so as to impair or impede accessibility for fire fighting and rescue
operations.
Construction Requirements
9.10 Access for firefighting equipment shall be provided to the immediate job site at the start
of construction and maintained until all construction is complete. Fire apparatus access
roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet and an unobstructed
vertical clearance of not less than 13'6". Fire Department access roads shall have an all
weather driving surface and support a minimum weight of 73,000 lbs.
10.0 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION
General
10.1 This section has been developed with safety as the principal objective. The intent of this
section is to assist development applicants, architects, contractors, and
building/business owners with information that will aid in the designing, building, and
25
installation of solar photovoltaic systems in a manner that meet the objectives of both the
solar photovoltaic industry and the Palm Springs Fire Department.
Plans
10.2 Plan submittals for solar photovoltaic systems are to include all necessary markings for
emergency responders to isolate the solar electric system. Approved plans are required
prior to construction of a solar photovoltaic system.
Markings
10.3 Photovoltaic (PV) systems must be marked. Marking is needed to provide emergency
responders with appropriate warning and guidance with respect to working around and
isolating the solar electric system. This can facilitate identifying energized electrical lines
that connect the solar modules to the inverter, as these should not be cut when venting
for smoke removal.
10.4 Materials used for marking must be weather resistant. It is recommended that
Underwriters Laboratories Marking and Labeling System 969 (UL 969) be used as
standard to determine weather rating. (UL listing of markings is not required).
Main Service Disconnect
10.5 For residential applications, the marking is to be placed within the main service
disconnect. If the main service disconnect is operable with the service panel closed, the
marking is to be placed on the outside cover.
10.6 For commercial application, the marking is to be placed adjacent to the main service
disconnect in a location clearly visible from the location where the lever is operated.
10.6.1 Marking Content and Format
10.6.1.1 MARKING CONTENT: CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM
10.6.1.2 RED BACKGROUND
10.6.1.3 WHITE LETTERING
10.6.1.4 MINIMUM 3/8"LETTER HEIGHT
10.6.1.5 ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
10.6.1.6 ARIAL OR SIMILAR FONT, NON-BOLD
10.6.1.7 REFLECTIVE,WEATHER RESISTANT MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT
Marking for Direct Current Conduit, Raceways, Enclosures, Cable Assemblies, and
Junction Boxes
26
10.7 Marking is required on all interior and exterior DC conduit, raceways, enclosures, cable
assemblies, and junction boxes to alert the Fire Service to avoid cutting them. Marking is
to be placed on all interior and exterior DC conduit, raceways, enclosures, and cable
assemblies, every 10 feet, at turns and above and/or below penetrations and all DC
combiner and junction boxes.
10.7.1 Marking Content and Format
10.7.1.1 MARKING CONTENT: CAUTION: SOLAR CIRCUIT
10.7.1.2 RED BACKGROUND
10.7.1.3 WHITE LETTERING
10.7.1.4 MINIMUM 3/8" LETTER HEIGHT
10.7.1.5 ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
10.7.1.6 ARIAL OR SIMILAR FONT, NON-BOLD
10.7.1.7 REFLECTIVE, WEATHER RESISTANT MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR
THE ENVIRONMENT (durable adhesive materials may meet this
requirement)
• .
Inverters
10.8 The inverter is a device used to convert DC electricity from the solar system to AC
electricity for use in the building's electrical system or the grid. No markings are required
for the inverter.
Access, Pathways and Smoke Ventilation
10.9 Access and spacing requirements are required in order to:
• Ensure access to the roof
• Provide pathways to specific areas of the roof
• Provide for smoke ventilation opportunities area
• Provide emergency egress from the roof
10.10 Designation of ridge, hip, and valley does not apply to roofs with 2-in-12 or less pitch. All
roof dimensions are measured to centerlines.
10.11 Roof access points are to be defined as areas where ladders are not placed over
openings (i.e., windows or doors) and are located at strong points of building
construction and in locations where they will not conflict with overhead obstructions (i.e.,
tree limbs, wires, or signs).
Residential Systems -Single and Two-Unit Residential Dwellings
10.12 Plan reviews are required if a system is to be installed on the roof area of a residential
building.
27
10.12.1 Access/Pathways
a. Residential Buildings with hip roof layouts: Modules should be located in a
manner that provides one (1)three-foot (S) wide clear access pathway from
the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where modules are located. The
access pathway should be located at a structurally strong location on the
building (such as a bearing wall). (See Example 1)
b. Residential Buildings with a single ridge: Modules should be located in a
manner that provides two (2) three-foot(S) wide access pathways from the
eave to the ridge on each roof slope where modules are located. (See
Example 2)
c. Hips and Valleys: Modules should be located no closer than one and one
half(1.5)feet to a hip or a valley if modules are to be placed on both sides of
a hip or valley. If the modules are to be located on only one side of a hip or
valley that is of equal length then the modules may be placed directly
adjacent to the hip or valley. (See Example 3)
10.12.2 Smoke Ventilation
a. The modules are to be located no higher than three feet (S) below the ridge.
Commercial Buildings and Residential Housing consisting of Three (3) or More Units
10.13 If the roof configuration is similar to residential (such as in the case of townhouses,
condominiums, or single family attached buildings), the local fire department may make
a determination to apply the residential access and ventilation requirements. (See
Examples 5,6,7,8)
10.13.1 Access
a. There should be a minimum six foot (6') wide clear perimeter around the
edges of the roof. Exception: If either axis of the building is 250 feet or less,
there should be a minimum four feet (4') wide clear perimeter around the
edges of the roof.
10.13.2 Pathways should be established in the design of the solar installation. Pathways
should meet the following requirements:
a. Should be over structural members
b. Centerline axis pathways should be provided in both axis of the roof.
Centerline axis pathways should run on structural members or over the next
closest structural member nearest to the center lines of the roof
c. Should be straight line not less than 4 feet (4') clear to skylights and/or
ventilation hatches
d. Should be straight line not less than 4 feet (4') clear to roof standpipes
e. Should provide not less than 4 feet (4')clear around roof access hatch with
at least one not less than 4 feet (4') clear pathway to parapet or roof edge
28
10.13.3 Smoke Ventilation
a. Arrays should be no greater than 150 by 150 feet in distance in either axis
b. Ventilation options between array sections should be either.
1.A pathway 8 feet(8)or greater in width
2. 4 feet (4') or greater in width pathway and bordering on existing roof
skylights or ventilation hatches
3. 4 feet(4') or greater in width pathway and bordering four feet(4') x 8 feet
8''venting cutouts"every 20 feet(20')on alternating sides of the pathway
Location of Direct Current(DC) Conductors
10.14 Conduit, wiring systems, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits should be located as
close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as
possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities.
10.15 Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes should use design
guidelines that minimize total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path
from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes are to be located such
that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays.
10.16 To limit the hazard of cutting live conduit in venting operations, DC wiring should be run
in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed specs in a building and
should be run, to the maximum extent possible, along the bottom of load-bearing
members.
Non-Habitable Buildings
10.17 This guideline does not apply to non-habitable structures. Examples of non-habitable
structures include, but are not limited to, parking shade structures, solar trellises,etc.
Ground Mounted Photovoltaic Arrays
10.18 Setback requirements do not apply to ground-mounted,freestanding photovoltaic arrays.
A dear brush area often feet(10')is required for ground mounted photovoltaic arrays.
Examples of Photovoltaic Layouts
Example#1 Cross Gable Roof
29
EXAMPLE i
Diagram 1: Cross Gable Roof
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30
1 • Example#2 Cross • - with Valley
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31
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1 7* Appendix M
4,Minute Travel
Stations 441, 442;443, and 444
9 X PSDF 443 1 1 _
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Fire Stations
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Palm Springs Stations 1•�'� "J
I'! Neighboring Stations N
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