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HomeMy WebLinkAbout#04 - Fire Sprinkler Code DATE: November 9, 2021 DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM: Proposed Text Amendments of Lake Elmo’s City Code, Chapter 151 Building Regulation FROM: Dustin Kalis, Fire Chief John Taylor, Building Official BACKGROUND: With the recent additions of a new fire chief, fire inspector and building official, several code amendments have been identified. These amendments align with the current policy direction, code interpretation and code enforcement of both fire and building departments. In May 2005, the city approved the adoption of Building Code Chapter 1306, Subpart 3 new buildings. With the adoption of this chapter, new buildings constructed after this code adoption were required to have a fire sprinkler system installed, with several exceptions that were dependent on the occupancy classification and gross square footage. Building Code Chapter 1306 is an optional code section that each municipality may adopt. Chapter 1306 authorizes optional provisions for the installation of on premises fire suppression systems. Per Chapter 1306, if the City adopts the chapter, the chapter must be adopted with the selection of either subpart 2 or 3, without amendment. The complete Chapter 1306 is attached to this staff report. In July 2016, the building official at the time submitted a consent agenda item with limited information stating city ordinances related to building and fire code have been updated to reflect current state code language and statutes. This amended code language repealed Chapter 1306, Subpart 3 New buildings and the city stopped the enforcement of that building code chapter and also removed the Minnesota State Fire Code enforcement authority from the fire chief and gave the enforcement authority to the building official. This code amendment will amend the current city code as follows: • Reinstate the optional building code Chapter 1306, Special Fire Protection Systems. • Give Minnesota State Fire Code enforcement authority back to the fire chief or the chief’s duly authorized representative. This code authority is critical as the fire department conducts inspections, and performs fire alarm and fire sprinkler plan reviews. • Amend current code language to better align with the fire and building department’s current procedures and policies. ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Should the City Council approve the amended City Code as presented by the Fire and Building Departments? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: The adoption of this optional building code chapter is a joint request between the Lake Elmo Fire and Building Departments. The adoption and implementation of the State Building Code falls under the responsibility of the Building Department, however this optional section will benefit the Fire Department and the City of Lake Elmo. The potential improvement of fire protection and safety to the occupants, visitors, owners and first responders is the key benefit. Staff recommends adoption of Chapter 1306. 0020 Municipal Option Subpart 2 of the Minnesota State Building Code. Subpart 2 includes both new and existing buildings. Existing buildings will only be impacted when change of occupancy occurs. FISCAL IMPACT: There are no fiscal impacts. OPTIONS: Provide direction to staff on the selection of State Building Code adoption of the municipal option of chapter 1306. Ordinance would be brought to future council meeting for adoption. 1) Prepare to adopt Chapter 1306, Subpart 2 for existing and new buildings 2) Prepare to adopt Chapter 1306, subpart 3 for new buildings only 3) Do not prepare to adopt Chapter 1306 ATTACHMENTS: A: Ordinance Amendments B: Chapter 1306 Minnesota State Building Code C: Chapter 1306 Example Diagrams D: Occupancy Classifications E: Fire Department Policy Examples § 151.041 FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION. (A) State fire code adopted. The Minnesota State Fire Code, as adopted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry pursuant to M.S. Ch. 299F.011, including all of the amendments, rules and regulations established, and appendix chapters as outlined below, adopted and published from time to time by the Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety, through its fire marshal division is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated in this section as completely as if set out in full. A master copy of the most current and enforceable code book will be kept on hand and available for reference at the fire department. A person desiring a permit as required by the Minnesota State Fire Code shall submit an application to the Fire Code Official along with any fee required by the city fee schedule. (1) Appendices. Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, and P are hereby adopted by the City of Lake Elmo. Under the direction of the Fire Code official, only particular appendices will be enforced. A published document is updated on an annual basis which includes specific details pertaining to appendices. (B) State stature adopted. Minnesota State Stature, as adopted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, pursuant to M.S. Ch. 1306.0020 Subp. 2. is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated in this section as completely as if set out in full. (B) Appendix chapters adopted. The following appendix chapters as identified in the Minnesota State Fire Code are hereby adopted and incorporated: (1) Appendix C: Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution; (2) Appendix D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads; (3) Appendix H: Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions; (4) Appendix I: Fire Protection Systems—Noncompliant Conditions; (5) Appendix K: Fires or Barbeques on Balconies or Patios; and (6) Appendix L: Emergency Responder Radio Coverage. (C) Use of the terms of the Fire Code. Wherever the word “jurisdiction” is used in the Minnesota State Fire Code, it shall mean the City of Lake Elmo. Where the term “fire code official” is used in the Minnesota State Fire Code, it shall mean the city’s Building Official. Fire Chief. (D) Duties and responsibilities of the Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official or his or her authorized representative shall have the following duties and responsibilities: (1) Enforcement of the provisions of this section; May order the establishment of fire lanes on public or private property as may be necessary in order to ensure that the travel of fire equipment is not be impeded or interfered with, and that access to fire hydrants and buildings is not blocked off. When a fire lane has been ordered to be established, it shall be marked by a sign bearing the words “No Parking - Fire Lane” or a similar message. If the sign is in private property, it shall be erected and maintained by the property owner at the property owner’s expense. Such sign must be installed within 30 days after notification by the Fire Code Official that a fire lane must be established. Thereafter, no person shall park a vehicle or otherwise occupy or obstruct the fire lane; and (2) (1) Enforcement of the Minnesota State Fire Code and applicable State Statutes. (2) Enforcement of Fire Department Code Interpretation Policy Data sheets. (iii) Keeping on file with the city all statutes and regulations applicable to this section. (E) Fire inspections. In order to ensure the health, safety, and public welfare, the city will inspect new and existing facilities in accordance with an established fire department policy. A fire service fee will be charged in accordance with the city’s fee schedule for new construction, additions and alterations where a building permit is required. (F) Lock boxes. Lock boxes are required on all new commercial structures in the city. They shall meet the following requirements: (l) The lock box must be mounted in an easily accessible location near the main entrance of the structure or as otherwise approved in writing by the Fire Chief; (2) The lock box must contain all keys necessary to gain access to the commercial structure as well as access to interior areas of the structure; and (3) The Fire Chief must be contacted when access to a lock box is requested by the property owner in order to change keys for various building locks. (G) Hazardous material list. With respect to commercial properties, the property owner must provide the Fire Chief with the following information related to hazardous materials and chemicals on the property. This information must be updated annually and when shipments of new or seasonal hazardous materials or chemicals are received on the property. (1) A list of all hazardous materials and chemicals stored in the structure(s) and on the property; (2) A drawing to scale which provides the quantities of the materials and chemicals; and (3) A material data sheet for each hazardous material or chemical. (F) Hazardous materials. (1) A list of all hazardous materials and chemicals stored in structure(s) and on the property shall be submitted to the Fire Department in accordance to SARA Tier II Reporting, including 302 and 312 classifications. (G) Fire Department Code Interpretation Policy Data Sheets. The Lake Elmo Fire Department regularly publishes and maintains a specific set of interpretation policy data sheets that outline how the fire department understands and enforces particular sections of the Minnesota State Fire Code. Such interpretations are considered ordinance. A copy of each particular interpretation policy data sheet will be provided in any case where it is requested or enforced. § 151.001 STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTED. The Minnesota State Building Code, as adopted by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry pursuant to M.S. Ch. 326B, including all of the amendments, rules and regulations established, adopted and published from time to time by the Minnesota Commissioner of Labor and Industry, through its Building Codes and Standards Unit, is hereby adopted by reference with the exception of the optional chapters, unless specifically adopted in this section. including chapter 1306 with options 1306.0020, subpart 2. The state building code is hereby incorporated in this article as if fully set out in this section. The Minnesota State Building Code is hereby incorporated in this section as if fully set out herein and shall be known as the “Lake Elmo Building Code.” (Ord. 97-121, passed 7-15-2003; Am. Ord. 97-157, passed 5-17-2005; Am. Ord. 97-171, passed 5-26-2006; Am. Ord. 08-147, passed 7-19-2016) 1 CHAPTER 1306 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY SPECIAL FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 1306.0010 GENERAL. 1306.0020 MUNICIPAL OPTION. 1306.0030 REQUIREMENTS. 1306.0040 STANDARD. 1306.0050 SUBSTITUTE CONSTRUCTION. 1306.0060 EXEMPTION. 1306.0070 REPORTING. 1306.0010 GENERAL. This chapter authorizes optional provisions for the installation of on-premises fire suppression systems that may be adopted by a municipality in addition to the State Building Code.If the municipality adopts them,the sprinkler system requirements of this chapter become part of the State Building Code and are applicable throughout the municipality.This chapter,if adopted,must be adopted without amendment. Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0020 MUNICIPAL OPTION. Subpart 1.Requirement.The sprinkler system requirements of this chapter,if adopted,must be adopted with the selection of either subpart 2 or 3,without amendment. Subp.2.Existing and new buildings.Automatic sprinkler systems for new buildings,buildings increased in total floor area (including the existing building),or buildings in which the occupancy classification has changed,must be installed and maintained in operational condition within the structure. The requirements of this subpart apply to structures that fall within the occupancy classifications established in part 1306.0030,items A to D. Exception:The floor area of minor additions that do not increase the occupant load does not have to be figured into the square footage for occupancy classifications established in part 1306.0030,items A to D. Subp.3.New buildings.Automatic sprinkler systems for new buildings,additions to existing buildings,or buildings in which the occupancy classification has changed must be installed and maintained in operational condition within the structure.The requirements of this subpart apply to structures that fall within the occupancy classifications established in part 1306.0030,items A to D. Exception:The floor area of minor additions that do not increase the occupant load does not have to be figured into the square footage for occupancy classifications established in part 1306.0030,items A to D. Copyright ©2007 by the Revisor of Statutes,State of Minnesota.All Rights Reserved. 1306.0050 SPECIAL FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 2 Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;32 SR 6;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0030 REQUIREMENTS. For purposes of this chapter,area separation,fire barriers,or fire walls do not establish separate buildings.Gross square footage (gsf)means the floor area as defined in the International Building Code. The floor area requirements established in items A to D are based on the gross square footage of the entire building and establish thresholds for these requirements.The following occupancy groups must comply with sprinkler requirements of this chapter,unless specified otherwise: A.Group A-1,A-2,A-3,and A-4 occupancies; Exception:air inflated structures,and open picnic shelters. B.Group B,F,M,and S occupancies with 2,000 or more gross square feet of floor area or with three or more stories in height; Exception:S-2 open parking garages,aircraft hangars,salt storage sheds,and group "M"detached canopies. C.Group E occupancies with 2,000 or more gross square feet of floor area or with two or more stories in height; D.Group E day care occupancies with an occupant load of 30 or more. Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;32 SR 6;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0040 STANDARD. Automatic sprinkler systems must comply with the applicable standard referenced in the State Building Code.If a public water supply is not available,the building official and fire chief shall approve the use of an alternateon-site source of water if the alternate source provides protection that is comparable tothat provided by a public water supply.If an adequate alternate water supply sufficient for hose stream requirements is provided or available,the building official and fire chief may permit the water supply requirements for the hose stream demands to be modified. Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0050 SUBSTITUTE CONSTRUCTION. The installation of an automatic sprinkler system,as required by this chapter,would still allow the substitution of one-hour fire-resistive construction as permitted by the International Building Code,Table 601,footnote d. Copyright ©2007 by the Revisor of Statutes,State of Minnesota.All Rights Reserved. 3 SPECIAL FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0060 EXEMPTION. The building official,with the concurrence of the fire official,may waive the requirements of this chapter if the application of water has been demonstrated to constitute a serious life,fire,or environmental hazard,or if the building does not have an adequate water supply and the building is surrounded by public ways or yards more than 60 feet wide on all sides. Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0070 REPORTING. A municipality must submit a copy of the ordinance adopting this chapter to the Department of Labor and Industry,Construction Codes and Licensing Division.The ordinance does not go into effect until: A.a signed electronic,faxed,or paper copy of the ordinance has been received by the division; and B.the ordinance has been approved by the division. An ordinance is deemed automatically approved by the division if the municipality has not been informed that the ordinance has not been approved within ten working days of the division's receipt of the ordinance. Statutory Authority:MS s 16B.59;16B.61;16B.64;326B.101;326B.106;326B.13 History:27 SR 1479;32 SR 6;L 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61;art 13 s 4 Published Electronically:July 11,2007 1306.0100 [Repealed,27 SR 1479] Published Electronically:July 11,2007 Copyright ©2007 by the Revisor of Statutes,State of Minnesota.All Rights Reserved. OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS - MN State Fire Code – 2020 Group A – Assembly (50 or more persons): • A-1 – Theaters (performing arts, fixed seats) • A-2 – Dining and drinking (bars, restaurants, clubs) • A-3 – Auditoriums, gymnasiums, museums, worship, libraries, recreation, amusement, etc. • A-4 – Arenas, swimming pools, tennis courts (indoor spectator seating) Group B – Business: • Professional services • Offices • Clinics (including outpatient) • Motor vehicle showrooms • Electronic data processing • Assembly – less than 50 persons Group E – Educational (through 12th grade): • Pre-school • K–12 • Adult Day Care (occupants capable of escape) • Day Care – older children (see I-4 for younger) Group F – Factory/Industrial: • Group F-1 – Moderate Hazard (combustible materials): – Aircraft – Automobiles – Boats – Metals – Rugs – Woodworking Group F-2 – Low Hazard – Not a significant fire risk (mostly non-combustible materials): – Non-alcoholic beverages – Brick & Masonry – Ceramic products – Glass – Gypsum – Ice – Metal Products (fabrication & assembly) Group M – Mercantile: – Stores - Retail/wholesale stores - Sales rooms - Motor vehicle fuel dispensing (no repairs) Group S – Storage: Group S-1: moderate hazard (combustible): – Combustible materials – Vehicle repair garages Group S-2: low hazard (non-combustible): – Metal items – Glass, ceramic, food products – Parking garages LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy Proudly Serving Neighbors and Friends Title: Fire Alarm Systems Number: 2.01 Version: 1 Original Date: 5-4-2021 Last Revised: 9-10-2021 Approved By: Purpose: To outline provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code and provide clear and concise interpretations as to its enforcement in the City of Lake Elmo. Furthermore, to enhance the code by creating standards through policy. Section 1 – Applicable Codes a) Minnesota State Fire Code b) NFPA 72 c) Lake Elmo Ordinances Section 2 – General Considerations a) All fire alarm systems shall be installed in accordance to NPFA 72 under the Minnesota State Fire Code. b) Fire alarm systems in occupancies in which they are not required are not allowed. a. Exception: existing non-required and partial systems are allowed but cannot automatically dial the fire department for dispatching. i. This shall include residential systems. c) Addressable fire alarm systems shall be accompanied with addressable dialers. a. Exception: existing non-addressable dialers can remain. Any updated to the fire alarm system voids this exception. d) Occupancies that do not require a fire sprinkler system, but have installed other fire protection systems, such as (but not limited to) kitchen hood suppression, shall have a fire alarm system. This system must provide general evacuation notification to all occupants and send an alarm signal to a Central Station Monitoring Center for fire department dispatch. Section 3 – Fire Alarm Control and Annunciator Panels a) A FAAP shall be installed at the main entrance and at the fire sprinkler riser (when applicable) a. Exception: when the FACP is installed in plain view in or near the main entrance a FAAP is not required. b) FACPs and FAAPs shall operate with a key enable switch. Key pad passcode enable panels are not allowed. LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy Proudly Serving Neighbors and Friends Section 4 – Initiation Devices a) A smoke detector must be installed within 10 feet of the FACP. b) A manual pull station must be installed at the FACP. Section 5 – Notification Devices a) All building and/or tenant spaces are required to have at least one horn/strobe installed where notification is not required by the Code. b) Activation of the fire alarm shall sound a general evacuation signal. c) Strobes must remain active when the fire alarm system is “silenced” d) Horn decibel rating must never surpass 110 or 15 decibels greater than ambient, whichever is lowest. Section 6 – Alarm Signals a) Alarm signal identification must be clear and accurate. b) Examples: a. Waterflow - Wet b. Wafterflow – Dry c. Waterflow – Kitchen d. Fire Alarm – Smoke e. Fire Alarm – Heat f. Fire Alarm – Pull Station c) Do not include “Zone” or other non-essential information. Section 7 – Appeals a) Appeals or requests to amend this Statement Policy should be made directly to the Fire Chief of the City of Lake Elmo. b) At any time, a Fire Code Official, as appointed by the Fire Chief, holds the right to amend or approve variances to this policy. c) The Lake Elmo Fire Chief can be contacted by calling 651-770-5006. LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy Proudly Serving Neighbors and Friends Title: Minnesota 1306 Enforcement Number: 2.07 Version: 1 Original Date: 09-20-2021 Last Revised: 09-20-2021 Approved By: Purpose: To outline provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code and provide clear and concise interpretations as to its enforcement in the City of Lake Elmo. Furthermore, to enhance the code by creating standards through policy. Applicable Codes: Minnesota State Fire Code Minnesota State Statures Section 1 – Adoption a) 2005-2016. The City of Lake Elmo previously adopted Minnesota State Stature M.S. Ch. 1306.0020 Subp. 2 and enforced its provisions between 2005 and 2016. b) 2021. The City of Lake Elmo has currently adopted Minnesota State Stature M.S. Ch 1306.0020 Subp. 3 and enforces its provisions completely. Section 2 – Enforcement a) Existing Buildings. Buildings built between 2005 and 2016 are hereby required to maintain sprinkler coverage as outlined in the code. b) New buildings. Buildings built after the adoption of 1306 are hereby required to maintain sprinkler coverage as outlined in the code. Section 3 – Appeals a) Appeals or requests to amend this Interpretation Policy should be made directly to the Fire Chief of the City of Lake Elmo. a) At any time, a Fire Code Official, as appointed by the Fire Chief, holds the right to amend or approve variances to this policy. a) The Lake Elmo Fire Chief can be contacted by calling 651-770-5006. LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy 1 Title: Emergency Vehicle Access Number: 2.8 Version: 3 Original Date: 10-12-2021 Last Revised: 10-20-2021 Approved By: Purpose: To outline provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code and provide clear and concise interpretations as to its enforcement in the City of Lake Elmo. Furthermore, to enhance the code by creating standards through policy. Applicable Codes: Minnesota State Fire Code Lake Elmo Ordinances Minnesota State Statures Section 1 – General Considerations a) Generally. The City of Lake Elmo enforces standards set forth in the Minnesota State Fire Code. Specifically, as defined below, the City and Fire Department pay special attention to the following sections. b) Where required. When required, fire apparatus access roads shall be constructed and made serviceable prior to vertical construction and shall remain serviceable during construction. Section 2 – Surface a) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all weather driving capabilities. Section 3 – Construction and Rating a) Construction. Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface (other approved surface must be approved by the Fire Code Official prior to construction). b) Rating. Access roads shall be capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing up to 75,000 pounds (34 050 kg). LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy 2 Section 4 – Dimensions a) Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm). Section 5 – Obstructions a) Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times. Section 6 – Grade a) Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department’s apparatus which shall not exceed 10 degrees based on angel of approach. Section 7 – Gates a) “Gates” for the purposes of the policy includes chains, chain link, and swinging gates. b) Gates. As set forth in Policy 2.02 “Key Boxes, Locks, and Gate Switches”, the City of Lake Elmo requires that any locked access gate be: i) Controlled by an electronic controller and have installed a KNOX key operated emergency access switch, or i) Be accessible by use of a KNOX key operated paddle lock, which can be locked in sequence to owner supplied locks for emergency access. LAKE ELMO FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Code Policy 3 Section 8 – Physical Appearance a) Signage. Gates or Emergency Access Only entrances must be clearly marked as such. b) Clearance. Gates or Emergency access areas must be maintained as all times or as soon as possible, especially after snow fall. c) Fire Lane Signs. Fire Lane signs shall specifically read “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE.” Physical appearance of the sign shall be consist of: a white reflective background, red reflective lettering, and a red reflective outline. Dimension of the sign are 12W x 18H minimum. d) Fire Lane Curb. Fire lane curb, where required or designated by the Fire Code Official, shall be painted yellow. Generally, fire lanes are required near but not lamented to: fire hydrants serving the building, near building features accessible by the fire department, or others as defined by the Fire Code Official. Section 10 – Appeals a) Appeals or requests to amend this Interpretation Policy should be made directly to the Fire Chief of the City of Lake Elmo. b) At any time, a Fire Code Official, as appointed by the Fire Chief, holds the right to amend or approve variances to this policy. c) The Lake Elmo Fire Chief can be contacted by calling 651-770-5006.