COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Scott Hartman, Deputy Fire Chief
SUBJECT:Title
Adopt Ordinance No. 21-1271 to Amend the Local Amendments to the 2018 International Fire Code Regarding Automatic Sprinkler Systems for R Occupancies (Scott Hartman)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A
PURPOSE:
Adopt Ordinance No. 21-1271 amending the local amendments to the 2018 International Fire Code, specifically to amend Section 903.2(8) regarding automatic sprinkler systems for R Occupancies.
BACKGROUND:
Lake Havasu City adopts various international and national building codes and then provides specific amendments to those codes to meet local needs. The adoption of these codes and the local amendments are done by reference, which requires declaring the amendment documents as public records.
The Fire Department reviews these amendments to the code when an issue arises to ensure that the local amendments are consistent with the code and meet the needs of the community. A recent review has determined one section of the amendments specific to Single Family Dwellings needed revising. The statement “Homes built on multi-family lots and/or residential developments” has been removed. Upon further review, it was determined that these requirements are addressed in other sections of both the International Fire Code and the International Building Codes as well as City Code, and do not require a separate amendment. Single Family Dwellings built on multi-family lots will be treated the same as those built on R1 lots with respect to what is allowed. Existing residential developments will continue to follow the requirements as outlined in the 2018 International Fire Code, specifically Section D107.1 One or Two-Family Residential Developments.
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments.
Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exceptions:
1. Where there are more than 30 dwelling units on a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or903.3.1.3, access from two directions shall not be required.
2. The number of dwelling units on a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Municipalities with well-enforced, up-to-date codes provide a safer community in which to live and work. The fire code address conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling, or use of hazardous materials, and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Ordinance No. 21-1271
Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2018 Edition of the International Fire Code - as revised.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move to adopt Ordinance No. 21-1271 amending the Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2018 International Fire Code and declaring the revised amendments a Public Record.