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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.d. Fire Code & Building Code Revisionsa� O 2875 -145TH ST. W, ?lose�I [ avi ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA 55068 612-423-4411 TO: Mayor Knutson Councilmembers: Napper Tucker Walsh Willard FROM: Stephan Jilk, Administrator/Clerk DATE July 31, 1987 RE Fire Code & Building Code Revisions Ron Wasmund and Bernie Szczesniak have individually and jointly considered the need to consider changes in the city code to cover the use of charcoal grills on decks and patios and the sprinkling of certain structures in the city all in consideration of tighter regulation of the construction and use of buildings. Both feel that the following should be done (1) Adopt an ordinance prohibiting or restricting the use of outdoor cooking grills on patio decks, balconies or rooftops in multiple family dwellings. (2) Adopt an ordinance, along the lines of the Uniform Fire Code, to require the sprinkling of commercial, industrial and wood framed multiple -family structures over two stories in height. Bernie has suggested looking ,at requiring the sprinkling of residential structures. The "other issue brought up by both is that if these ordinances are adopted, they must be accompanied 'by`enforcement language to insure that requirements can be followed up on. Please review the attached recommendations; and if the Council feels this type of enforcement and regulation is warranted, we will put together a draft of the code change needed. smj 111 i 2875 -145TH ST. W. �JG lJ ROSEMnUNT, MINNESOTA 55068 J 612- 423-4411 TO: STEVE JILK, ADMINISTRATOR FROM: RON WASMUND, BUILDING OFFICIAL DATE: JULY 15, 1987 SUBJ: FIRE ORDINANCES I have reviewed and met briefly with Bernie Szczesniak to discuss the proposed ordinance changes to the Fire Codes. I feel very strongly that an ordinance regulating the use of outdoor cooking devices is needed. The potential for disaster is very great anytime a cooking grill is used on a patio deck, rooftop or balcony. When these devices are used in multi -family structures neighbors are always at the mercy of the carefulness and conscientiousness of the user. We have been very fortunate to not have experienced any major loss in Rosemount to date. That can be partially attributed to the fewmulti-family dwellings existing. Now would be an excellent time to adopt such ordinance resulting in relatively low impact to existing occupancies. I will work closely with the fire department to establish definitions of decks, patios, grade, multi -family, etc. as well as specific ordinance language. I would also recommend that we adopt an ordinance or resolution requiring sprinkler systems be installed in existing commercial,' industrial and wood framed multi -family structures over two stories in height. In addition or conjunction with the sprinklering I would like to see Appendix 1-A of the 1982 , Uniform Fire Code be adopted to amend Section 6-1-1- of the Rosemount City Code, This appendix covers Life Safety Requirements for all existing buildings. I have attached a copy of this for your information. Items number II and III in Bernie's memo are needed hand in hand. To determine compliance with the fire codes, inspections must be made. To insure compliance is gained a method of follow through such as ticketing must be defined by ordinance. I have attached section 6-1 of Rosemount City Code. I don't find any specific mention of tickets, however 6-1-6 does address penalties. Dean and I will be working with the City Attorney to outline a specific citation policy and procedure for code violations, the Fire Code could be addressed at the same time. Based upon the attorney's recommendations the City may want to limit the ticketing powers to designated people such as Building Official, Zoning Administrator, Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. Fire Ordinances July 15, 1987 While residential sprinklering would be ideal for the community as a whole in terms of insurance ratings, the limited urban service area with municipal water could create an enforcement nightmare since private wells may not have sufficient supply or pressure to operate a system. I don't think that residential sprinklering is practical at this time. One more ordinance need comes to mind as I write this memo. I would like to discuss the licensing and inspection of rental properties. Every year it seems we get more and more properties which are being rented or leased. Without trying to stereotype but enable to protect neighbors safety and pride of ownership, annual licenses and inspections could bridge a gap that now exists for occupied property. All of these items will take careful consideration and time to draft. Twill work closely with the fire department, the council and the attorney to provide what I can in the form of model ordinances and building code considerations. Please keep me informed as developments occur. cc: Dean Johnson Bernie Szczesniak Bob Turek i 1982 EDITION APPEI6I A APPENDIX Division REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO EXISTING BUILDINGS APPENDIX 1-A LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS 1. GENERAL (a) Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide a reasonable degree of safety to persons occupying existing buildings that do not conform with tite minimum requirements of this code by providing for alterations to such existing buildings. EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3 or Croup M Occupancies. (b) Effective Date. Within 18 months after the effective date of this appendix, plans for compliance shall be submitted and approved, and within 19 months thereafter the work shall be completed or the building shall be vacated until made to conform. (c) Alternate Materials and Methods. Alternate materials and methods may be used, provided such materials or methods comply with the spirit and intent of this appendix. The chief may modify any of the provisions of this appendix in conformance with Section 2.301 of this code. 2. EXITS (a) Number of Exits. Every floor above the first story used for human occupancy shall have access to at least two separate exits, one of which may be an exterior fire escape complying with Subsection (d) of this section. Subject to the approval of the chief, an approved ladder device may be used in lieu of a fire escape when the construction feature or location of the building on the property make the installation of a fire escape impracticable. EXCEPTION: In all occupancies, second stories with an occupant load of Io or less may have one exit. An exit ladder device when used in lieu of a rite escape shall conform with U.B.C. Standard No. 33-3 and the following: L Serves an occupant load of 10 or less or a single dwelling unit or guest MOM. 2. The building does not exceed three stories in height. 3. The access is adjacent to an opening as specified for emergency egress or rescue or from a balcony. 4. Shalt not pass in front of any building opening below the unit being served. 305 APPENDIX 1-A 0 UNIFORM FIRE CODE 5. The availability of activating the device for the ladder is accessible only from the opening or balcony served. 6. So installed that it will not cause a person using it to be within 6 feet of exposed electrical wiring. (b) Stair Construction. All required stairs shall have a minimum run of 9 inches and a maximum rise of 8 inches and shall have a minimum width of 30 inches, exclusive of handrails: Every stairway shall have at least one handrail. A landing having a minimum 30-inch run in the direction of travel shall be provided at each point of access to the stairway. EXCEPTION: rite escapes as provided for in this section. Exterior stairs shall be of noncombustible construction. RXCF,PTION: On buildings of Types Iii, IV and V, provided the exterior stairs are constructed of wood not less than 2-inch nominal thickness. (c) Corridors. Corridors of Groups A, B, E,1, H and R, Division 1 Occupan- cies serving as an exit for an occupant load of 30 or more shall have walls and ceilings of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction as required by the Building Code. Existing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are permitted for corridor walls and ceilings and occupancy separa- tions when approved. Doors opening into such corridors shall be protected by 20- minute fire assemblies or solid wood doors not less than 1'/e inches thick. Where the existing frame will not accommodate the 1'/4-inch-thick door, a I'/s-inch-thick solid bonded wood core door or equivalent insulated steel door shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection. hansoms and openings other than doors from corridors to moms shall comply with Section 3305 (h) of the Building Code or shall be covered with a minimum of/a-inch plywood or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the room side. EXC1 rrION: Existing corridor walls, ceilings and opening protection not in compliance with the above may be continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. Such sprinkler system may be supplied from the domestic water system if it is of adequate volume and pressure. (d) Fire F,sespes. 1. Existing fire escapes which in the opinion of the chief comply with the intent of this section may he used as one of the required exits. The location and anchorage of fire escapes shall be of approved design and construction. 2. Fire escapes shall comply with the following: Access from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. All openings within 10 feet shall be protected by three-fourths-hour fire assemblies. When located within a recess or vestibule, adjacent enclosure walls shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction. Egress from the building shall be by a clear opening having a minimum dimension of not less than 29 inches. Such openings shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. The sill of an opening giving access shall be not more than 30 inches above the foot of the building or balcony. 306 1962 EDITION APPENDIX I-A Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dear) load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot and shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The pitch of the stairway shall not exceed 60 -- degrees with a minimum width of 18 inches. 7teads shall be not less than 4 inches in width and the rise between treads shall not exceed 10 inches. All stair and balcony railings shall support a horizontal force of not less than 50 pounds per lineal foot of railing. Balconies shall be not less than 44 inches in width with no floor opening other than the stairway opening greater than 1A inch in width. Stairway openings in such balconies shall be not less than 22 inches by 44 inches. 131e balustrade of each balcony shalt be not less than 36 inches high with not more than 9 inches between balusters. Fire escapes shall extend to the roof or provide an approved gooseneck ladder between the top floor landing and the roof when serving buildings four or more stories in height having rooms with less than 4:12 slope. Fire escape ladders shall be designed and connected to the building to withstand a horitiontal force of 100 pounds per lineal foot; each rung shall support a concentrated load of 500 pounds placed anywhere on the rung. All ladders shall he at least 15 inches wide, located within 12 inches of the building and shall be placed flatwise relative to the face of the building. Ladder rungs shall be 3/a inch in diameter and shall be located 12 inches on center. Openings for roof access ladders through cornices and similar projections shall have minimum dimensions of 30 inches by 33 inches. The lowest balcony shall be not more than 18 feet from the ground. Fire escapes shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching to the ground. Fire escapes shall not take the place of stairways required by the codes under which the building was constructed. Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and maintained in good working order. (e) Exit and Fire Escape Signs. Exit signs shall be provided as required by the Building Code, EXCEPTION: The use of existing exit signs may be continued when approved by the chief. All doors or windows providing access to a fire escape shall be provided with fire escape signs. 3. ENCLOSURE OF VERTICAL SHAFTS Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoist- ways, service and utility shafts, shall he enclosed by a minimum of one-hour fire- resistive construction. All openings into such shafts shall be protected with one- hour fire assemblies which shall be maintained self-closing or be automatic closing by smoke detection. All other openings shall be fire protected in an approved manner. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices may be permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F. EXCIRMONS: 1. In other than Gawp I Occupancies, an enclosure will not he required for openings serving only one adjacent lloor. 307 APPENDIX 1-A UNIFORM FIRE CODE 2. Stairways need not he enclosed in a continuous vertical shaft if each story is separated from other stories by one-hour fire-resittive construction or approved wired glass set in steel frames. in addition, all exit corridors shall be sprinklered and the openings between the corridor and occupant space have at least one sprinkler head above the openings on the tenant side. The sprinkler system may be supplied from the domestic water supply if of adequate volume and pressure. 3. Vertical openings need not be protected if the building is protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. 4. BASEMENT ACCESS OR SPRINKLER PROTECTION An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in basements or stories exceeding 1500 square feet in area and not having a minimum of 20 square feet of opening entirely above the adjoining ground level in each 50 lineal feet or fraction thereof of exterior wall on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a minimum clear dimension of 30 inches. If any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet from required openings, the basement Shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout. 5. STANDPIPES Any buildings over four stories in height shall be provided with an approved Class i or Class iii standpipe system. 6. SMOKE DETECTORS Every dwelling unit and every guest room in a hotel or lodging house used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke detectors installed in accordance with the Building Code, 7. SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES Occupancy separations shalt be provided as specified in Section 503 of the Building Code. When approved by the chief, existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2 -inch gypsum wallboard may be acceptable where one -hoar occupancy separations are required. 308 r ROSEMOUNT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA 55068 TO: BOB TUREK, CHIEF ROSEMOUNT FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM: BERNIE SZCZESNIAK, FIRE MARSHAL DATE: JUNE 26, 1987 SUBJ: FIRE ORDINANCES Referring to Steve Jilk's 6/22/87 memo regarding the above subject: ITEM I: I would recommend that the City of Rosemount adopt an ordinance prohibiting the use of any cooking device, specifically on outdoor decks for any residence exceeding a 41 -family occupancy or any building in excess of a one story above grade (ground). This is consistent with ordinances in place in several municipalities in the Twin City metro area and with what is being considered in others. ITEM II: Consistent with codes and ordinances in other municipalities (Hopkins, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Mankato, etc.), i recommend that the City of Rosemount adopt an ordinance requiring automatic sprinkler systems in all commercial occupancies and multi - residential facilities over two stories in height, regardless of type of construction. This would include all Industrial, Mercantile and Assembly occupancies. It would also include any apartments, condominium type structures, high-rise apartments, etc. The system design would have to be to NEPA 13, 231 or 2310 as the occupancy called for. In addition, the ordinance should address existing occupancies with basement tenants. In this case the ordinance should require -that all basement mercantile occupancies must be equipped with a sprinkler system. ITEM III: The current city codes give no enforcement authority for fire code violations. I recommend that an ordinance be adopted giving citation powers for fire code violations to the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal. ITEM IV: Consideration should be given to adopting a residential fire sprinkler ordinance. As ,our community grows, the built-in fire protection provided by sprinklers can help to reduce the need to expand fire services. The construction of new fire houses or staffing additional volunteers can be avoided, resulting in savings to local government. Average cost for installation of a sprinkler in a new home is $ .95 per square foot. There are some tradeoffs. to help offset costs. Examples include greater distance between hydrants, narrower street widths and smaller water lines. Also, reductions in building code requirements such as fire rated walls, separation walls and density requirements may come into play. There is precedent for such an ordinance. Salinas, California is mandating sprinklers in new developments as is Greenburgh, New York. Other municipalities include Scottsdale, 'AZ, Marueta, GA and North Hollywood, CA. If the Council would consider such an ordinance, I would be happy to assist in developing it. You will no* that I have not developed specific wording for any of the above items. If the ordinances as outlined above are considered by Council, I will assist in providing the technical wording of the ordinance.