User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides general requirements for asphalt kettles, combustible waste material, ignition sources, motion picture projection rooms and film, open burning, recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, open flames, powered industrial trucks and equipment, smoking, vacant premises, vehicle impact protection, fueled equipment, indoor displays, miscellaneous storage, outdoor pallet storage, hazards to fire fighters, roof gardens and landscaped roofs, laundry carts and mobile food preparation vehicles. These are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the occupancy and maintenance of all structures and premises for precautions against fire and the spread of fire and general requirements of fire safety.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.14] Fire Hazard.
No person, including but not limited to the State and its political subdivisions, operating any occupancy subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall permit any fire hazard, as defined in this article, to exist on premises under their control, or fail to take immediate action to abate a fire hazard when requested to do so by the enforcing agency.
Note: "Fire Hazard" as used in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations means any condition, arrangement, or act which will increase, or may cause an increase of, the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service of preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire; or which may obstruct, delay, or hinder, or may become the cause of obstruction, delay or hindrance to the prevention, suppression, or extinguishment of fire.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.19(a) through (g)] Housekeeping.
Every building or portion of a building governed by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in a neat orderly manner, free from any condition that would create a fire or life hazard or a condition which would add to or contribute to the rapid spread of fire. Provisions shall be made for the proper storage and disposal of waste materials and rubbish consistent with the following:
- (b) All combustible waste material and rubbish shall be stored in approved containers or shall be stored in a manner approved by the enforcing agency as being consistent with standard fire prevention practices until such waste material and rubbish is removed from the premises or otherwise disposed of in a proper manner.
- Containers with a capacity exceeding 5.33 cubic feet (40 gallons) (0.15 m3) shall comply with the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 304.3.
- Wastebaskets and linen containers in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies shall comply with the provisions of California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9, Section 808.
- (c) Approved self-closing metal containers or listed disposal containers by an approved testing or listing agency shall be provided and maintained in all rooms or locations where oily rags, oily waste, paint rags, or similar materials subject to spontaneous ignition are used, or are stored temporarily. Such containers shall be emptied daily.
- (d) Ashes shall not be placed in, on, or near combustible material, but shall be placed in approved metal containers, until removed from the premises or otherwise properly disposed of.
- (e) No dry vegetation shall be permitted to exist within 20 feet of any building or occupancies subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations.
- (f) Except when permitted by the enforcing agency, boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, transformer and switchgear vaults and electrical panel rooms, shall not be used for storage.
- (g) Electric motors, filters on heating equipment, and grease hoods shall be checked periodically and kept clean and maintained in a safe operating condition.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
Asphalt (tar) kettles shall not be located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of any combustible material, combustible building surface or any building opening and within a controlled area identified by the use of traffic cones, barriers or other approved means. Asphalt (tar) kettles and pots shall not be utilized inside or on the roof of a building or structure. Roofing kettles and operating asphalt (tar) kettles shall not block means of egress, gates, roadways or entrances.
Fuel containers shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the burner.
Exception: Containers properly insulated from heat or flame are allowed to be within 2 feet (610 mm) of the burner.
An operating kettle shall be attended by not less than one employee knowledgeable of the operations and hazards. The employee shall be within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of the kettle and have the kettle within sight. Ladders or similar obstacles shall not form a part of the route between the attendant and the kettle.
There shall be a portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 40-B:C rating within 25 feet (7620 mm) of each asphalt (tar) kettle during the period such kettle is being utilized. Additionally, there shall be one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 3-A:40-B:C rating on the roof being covered.
Asphalt (tar) kettles shall be equipped with tight-fitting lids.
Hi-boys shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Hi-boys shall be limited to a capacity of 55 gallons (208 L). Fuel sources or heating elements shall not be allowed as part of a hi-boy.
Roofing kettles shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
Ground kettles shall not be fired or used while mounted on the bed of trucks, except if the truck body is all metal construction and the kettle is securely attached to the bed by adequate bolts or by welding of the legs to body of truck. Patch kettles shall not be permitted for use while mounted on the bed of the truck.
All improved streets shall be protected from damage by use of sand or other noncombustible materials under roofing kettles. Streets shall be cleaned of all excess tar and other debris upon completion of work.
Piping to roof shall conform to the following:
- Piping or tubing used to transfer heated material to the roof shall be Schedule 40 or equivalent. Flexible steel piping shall be of an approved type. Flexible piping shall not be used anywhere in the system except at the connection immediately adjacent to the pump or kettle and shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in length.
- Remote-operated bypass valves used in a single supply line system shall be of a fail-safe type that opens automatically if the control line or lanyard fails.
- All piping shall be firmly supported at not more than 12-foot (3658 mm) intervals.
Fuel containers that operate under air pressure shall not exceed 20 gallons (76 L) in capacity and shall be approved.
Combustible waste material creating a fire hazard shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.07(a)] Clearances.
- General. No combustible material shall be placed or stored within 10 feet of any building or structure.
Accumulations of wastepaper, wood, hay, straw, weeds, litter or combustible or flammable waste or rubbish of any type shall not be permitted to remain on a roof or in any court, yard, vacant lot, alley, parking lot, open space, or beneath a grandstand, bleacher, pier, wharf, manufactured home, recreational vehicle or other similar structure.
Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas shall be in accordance with Section 322 and Chapter 49.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.07(b)] Clearances.
- (b) Ground Clearance. The space surrounding every building or structure shall be maintained in accordance with the following:Any person that owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains any building or structure in, upon, or adjoining any mountainous area or forest-covered lands, brush covered lands, or grass-covered lands, or any land which is covered with flammable material, shall at all times do all of the following:
- Maintain around and adjacent to such building or structure a firebreak made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 30 feet on each side thereof or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. This section does not apply to single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery, or similar plants which are used as ground cover, if they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any building or structure.
- Maintain around and adjacent to any such building or structure additional fire protection or firebreak made by removing all bush, flammable vegetation, or combustible growth which is located from 30 feet to 100 feet from such building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, as may be required by the enforcing agency if he finds that, because of extra hazardous conditions, a firebreak of only 30 feet around such building or structure is not sufficient to provide reasonable fire safety. Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from such building or structure and less than 18 inches in height above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Remove that portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe.
- Cut and remove all dead or dying portions of trees located adjacent to or overhanging any building.
- Maintain the roof of any structure free of leaves, needles, or other dead vegetative growth.
- Provide and maintain at all times a screen over the outlet of every chimney or stovepipe that is attached to any fireplace, stove, or other device that burns any solid or liquid fuel. The screen shall be constructed of nonflammable material with openings of not more than 1/2 inch in size.
- Vegetation around all applicable buildings and structures shall be maintained in accordance with the following laws and regulations:
- Public Resources Code Section 4291.
- California Code of Regulations Title 14 - Natural Resources, Division 1.5 - Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, "General Guideline to Create Defensible Space."
- California Government Code Section 51182.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9.
Spaces underneath grandstand and bleacher seats shall be kept free from combustible and flammable materials. Except where enclosed in not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction in accordance with the California Building Code.
Spaces underneath grandstands and bleachers shall not be occupied or utilized for purposes other than means of egress except where equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.1.5.1, or separated with fire barriers and horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 1029.1.1.1.
Upcodes Diagrams
Hazardous refuse received from outside sources or generated as a result of a process or activity shall be removed from the working area and safely stored or otherwise safely processed as often as necessary to prevent a fire hazard.
No person owning or having charge or control of any premises shall allow hazardous refuse to drift, blow or otherwise be dispersed into or onto adjoining property or public ways.
No person owning or having control of any premises shall allow any hazardous refuse to be present thereon that, by reason of its proximity to buildings or structures, would constitute a fire hazard to life or property.
Storage of combustible rubbish shall not produce conditions that will create a nuisance or a hazard to the public health, safety or welfare.
Hazardous refuse shall be properly stored or disposed of at the end of each working day and before vacating a building or premises and whenever necessary to prevent unsafe accumulations.
Hazardous refuse and recycling materials shall be stored as follows:
- In approved noncombustible containers or bins equipped with tightly fitting covers.
- In approved noncombustible outdoor storage bins located a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any building or building opening.Exception: Approved noncombustible storage bins may be located adjacent to a minimum 1- hour wall and a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from any building opening.
- In rubbish rooms or recycling rooms constructed of a minimum 1-hour fire barrier. Rubbish rooms shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
- In isolated areas acceptable to the Chief.
Every industrial, commercial, residential, institutional, educational and assembly occupancy shall provide a specifically designated room or area, in or on the premises, where approved hazardous refuse storage facilities are maintained awaiting disposal, removal or approved processing.
Hazardous refuse and recycling materials shall not be stored as follows:
- The storing or disposing of hazardous refuse and recycling materials on any public street, alley, sidewalk, parkway, park recreation area, easement, firebreak, fire road, walkway or freeway, except in authorized areas, bins or containers posted or marked for such use, is prohibited.
- The storing or disposing of hazardous refuse and recycling materials on any parcel of land or premises that is not owned, rented, leased or otherwise legally controlled by the person, party or firm responsible for the storage or disposal is prohibited.
- The dumping, disposing or littering of hazardous refuse and recycling materials onto any premises, except an authorized waste material processing plant, licensed public dump or sanitary fill, is prohibited.
- The use of a room or suite of rooms for the storage of hazardous refuse and recycling materials in any occupancy, except as provided for in Section 304.2.1 for the specific purpose, is prohibited.
- The use of rubbish chutes for the storage of hazardous refuse and recycling materials is prohibited. Every rubbish chute shall terminate in a rubbish room or approved noncombustible container outside of a building of sufficient capacity to receive the entire volume of hazardous refuse being dumped in the chute.
- The use of combustible containers to receive hazardous refuse and recycling materials from rubbish chutes in lieu of rubbish rooms is prohibited.
- Nothing in this section shall be deemed to waive any of the requirements in Chapter 6 of the LAMC Public Works and Property Code, or any regulation of the Department of Public Works that regulates the hours of the day during which garbage receptacles are permitted on public streets.
Combustible rubbish, and waste material kept within or near a structure shall be stored in accordance with Sections 304.3.1 through 304.3.4.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.19(b) and (c)] Housekeeping.
Every building or portion of a building governed by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in a neat orderly manner, free from any condition that would create a fire or life hazard or a condition which would add to or contribute to the rapid spread of fire. Provisions shall be made for the proper storage and disposal of waste materials and rubbish consistent with the following:
- (b) All combustible waste material and rubbish shall be stored in approved containers or shall be stored in a manner approved by the enforcing agency as being consistent with standard fire prevention practices until such waste material and rubbish is removed from the premises or otherwise disposed of in a proper manner.
- Containers with a capacity exceeding 5.33 cubic feet (40 gallons) (0.15 m3) shall comply with the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 304.3.
- Wastebaskets and linen containers in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies shall comply with the provisions of California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9, Section 808.
- (c) Approved self-closing metal containers or listed disposal containers by an approved testing or listing agency shall be provided and maintained in all rooms or locations where oily rags, oily waste, paint rags, or similar materials subject to spontaneous ignition are used, or are stored temporarily. Such containers shall be emptied daily.
Materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition, such as oily rags, shall be stored in a listed disposal container. Contents of such containers shall be removed and disposed of daily.
Containers with a capacity exceeding 5.33 cubic feet (40 gallons) (0.15 m3) shall be provided with lids. Containers and lids shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of combustible materials with a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m2 where tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation.
Exception: Wastebaskets complying with Section 808.
Dumpsters and containers with an individual capacity of 1.5 cubic yards [40.5 cubic feet (1.15 m3)] or more shall not be stored in buildings or placed within 5 feet (1524 mm) of combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines.
Exceptions:
- Dumpsters or containers that are placed inside buildings in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
- Storage in a structure shall not be prohibited where the structure is of Type I or IIA construction, located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from other buildings and used exclusively for dumpster or container storage.
- Dumpsters or containers that are located adjacent to buildings where the exterior area is protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Dumpsters with an individual capacity of 1.0 cubic yard [200 gallons (0.76 m3)] or more shall not be stored in buildings or placed within 5 feet (1524 mm) of combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines unless the dumpsters are constructed of noncombustible materials or of combustible materials with a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m2 where tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation.
Exceptions:
- Dumpsters in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
- Storage in a structure shall not be prohibited where the structure is of Type I or IIA construction, located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from other buildings and used exclusively for dumpster or container storage.
Clearance between ignition sources, such as luminaires, heaters, flame-producing devices and combustible materials, shall be maintained in an approved manner.
Hot ashes, cinders, smoldering coals or greasy or oily materials subject to spontaneous ignition shall not be deposited in a combustible receptacle, within 10 feet (3048 mm) of other combustible material including combustible walls and partitions or within 2 feet (610 mm) of openings to buildings.
Exception: The minimum required separation distance to other combustible materials shall be 2 feet (610 mm) where the material is deposited in a covered, noncombustible receptacle placed on a noncombustible floor, ground surface or stand.
Open-flame warning devices shall not be used along an excavation, road, or any place where the dislodgment of such device might permit the device to roll, fall or slide on to any area or land containing combustible material.
It shall be unlawful to deliberately or through negligence set fire to or cause the burning of combustible material in such a manner as to endanger the safety of persons or property.
Acts or processes that have caused repeated ignition of unwanted fires shall be modified to prevent future ignition.
For the purpose of Section 305.5, the term "fire" shall mean a hostile fire that is not confined to a place intended for the confinement of fire, or that has escaped from such place of confinement.
Any person who, in any residential or institutional occupancy, by any means whatsoever, through carelessness or negligence, sets fire to or causes the burning of any bedding, furniture, rug, curtain, drape, or other house or household furnishings or fittings or any part of such residential or institutional occupancy, in such manner as to endanger the safety of any person or property, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The owner, manager or person in control of each residential or institutional occupancy shall post or cause to be posted conspicuously in the lobby of each establishment a printed notice with the wording "FIRE REGULATIONS" in not less than 14 point boldface type and the text of Section 305.5.1.2 in not less than 12 point boldface type, and shall also post such notice, or cause such notice to be posted, in each unit of occupancy within such establishment designed or intended for the use of or used by transients, and at such other locations as may be directed by the Chief.
Violation of Sections 305.5.1.1 through 305.5.1.3 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
Use of metal cutting blades for grass or brush clearance shall be limited to those that are nonferrous/nonsparking.
The provisions of this section shall apply when grass or brush clearance operations are being conducted in accordance with Section 322.1 in areas within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), as defined in Figure 4908.1.1.
A first violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A second and all subsequent violations of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.00 of the LAMC, including prosecution as an infraction or prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, any violator convicted under this section that caused a fire may be liable for any civil cost recovery associated with the fire, as permitted by law.
Electric arc, xenon or other light source projection equipment that develops hazardous gases, dust or radiation and the projection of ribbon-type cellulose nitrate film, regardless of the light source used in projection, shall be operated within a motion picture projection room complying with Section 409 of the California Building Code.
Storage of cellulose nitrate film shall be in accordance with NFPA 40.
Use of cellulose nitrate film shall be in accordance with NFPA 40.
A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with Sections 307.1.1 through 307.5.
Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Exception: Prescribed burning for the purpose of reducing the impact of wildland fire when authorized by the fire code official.
A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.8 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land on which the fire is to be kindled.
Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.
Where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.
The location for open burning shall be not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of any structure.
Exceptions:
- Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a structure.
- The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet (7620 mm) where the pile size is 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height.
A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Not fewer than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
The Chief may issue a special permit pursuant to Section 105.8 to allow outdoor burning for the following purposes only:
- The instruction of public employees in the methods of fighting fires.
- On property used for industrial purposes for the instruction of employees in methods of fire fighting.
- For public gatherings under legitimate sponsorship of civic, fraternal, religious or other similar organizations.
- For cooking in or upon the ground.
No exterior fireplace, barbecue device or other fuel-burning device intended for use for cooking or entertainment shall be deemed to be restricted by the terms of Section 307.6. The use of such outdoor fireplaces, barbecues and other similar devices for the burning or disposal of combustible waste or other unwanted combustible material is prohibited.
No person shall construct, erect, install, locate, equip, maintain or use any incinerator, exterior fireplace or barbecue device, or burn any combustible material so as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use, or burning thereof, or as to endanger the life or property of any person thereby.
A person shall not take or utilize an open flame or light in a structure, vessel, boat or other place where highly flammable, combustible or explosive material is utilized or stored. Lighting appliances shall be well-secured in a glass globe and wire mesh cage or a similar approved device.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.25(a) and (b)] Open Flame Devices.
- Exceptions:
- Fuel burning elements of approved appliances shall not be considered as open flame devices.
- Upon approval of the enforcing agency, open flame devices may be used under the following conditions.
- Under no circumstances shall hand held open flame devices such as exposed candles be permitted for any purpose in any occupancy within the scope of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations.
A person shall not throw or place, or cause to be thrown or placed, a lighted match, cigar, cigarette, matches, or other flaming or glowing substance or object on any surface or article where it can cause an unwanted fire.
A person utilizing a torch or other flame-producing device for removing paint from a structure shall provide not less than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers, each with a minimum 2-A rating, or a water hose connected to the water supply on the premises where such burning is done. The person doing the burning shall remain on the premises 1 hour after the torch or flame-producing device is utilized.
Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters and gas-fired heaters shall not be located on or near decorative material or similar combustible materials.
Torches and other devices, machines or processes liable to start or cause fire shall not be operated or used in or on wildfire risk areas, except by a permit in accordance with Section 105.6 secured from the fire code official.
Flame-employing devices, such as lanterns or kerosene road flares, shall not be operated or used as a signal or marker in or on wildfire risk areas.
Exception: The proper use of fusees at the scenes of emergencies or as required by standard railroad operating procedures.
Portable open-flame devices fueled by flammable or combustible gases or liquids shall be enclosed or installed in such a manner as to prevent the flame from contacting combustible material.
Exceptions:
- LP-gas-fueled devices used for sweating pipe joints or removing paint in accordance with Chapter 61.
- Cutting and welding operations in accordance with Chapter 35.
- Torches or flame-producing devices in accordance with Section 308.4.
- Candles and open-flame decorative devices in accordance with Section 308.3.
Sky lanterns shall be prohibited in the City of Los Angeles.
Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, adequate safeguards have been taken, participants in religious ceremonies are allowed to carry hand-held candles. Hand-held candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted.
Flammable or combustible liquids used in the preparation of flaming foods or beverages shall be dispensed from one of the following:
Containers shall be secured to prevent spillage when not in use.
The serving of flaming foods or beverages shall be done in a safe manner and shall not create high flames. The pouring, ladling or spooning of liquids is restricted to a maximum height of 8 inches (203 mm) above the receiving receptacle.
Flaming foods or beverages shall be prepared only in the immediate vicinity of the table being serviced. They shall not be transported or carried while burning.
Permits shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 prior to engaging in the following activities involving open flame, fire and burning:
Open-flame devices such as exposed candles shall not be permitted in any Group A, E or I occupancy except by authority of a special permit from the Chief pursuant to Section 105.8.
Open-flame devices shall not be used in a Group A occupancy.
Exceptions:
- Open-flame devices are allowed to be used in the following situations, provided that approved precautions are taken to prevent ignition of a combustible material or injury to occupants:1.1. Where necessary for ceremonial or religious purposes in accordance with Section 308.1.7.1.2. On stages and platforms as a necessary part of a performance in accordance with Section 308.3.2.1.3. Where candles on tables are securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases and the candle flames are protected.
- Heat-producing equipment complying with Chapter 6 and the California Mechanical Code.
- Gas lights are allowed to be used provided that adequate precautions satisfactory to the fire code official are taken to prevent ignition of combustible materials.
Open-flame decorative devices shall comply with all of the following restrictions:
- Class I and Class II liquids and LP-gas shall not be used.
- Liquid- or solid-fueled lighting devices containing more than 8 ounces (237 ml) of fuel must self-extinguish and not leak fuel at a rate of more than 0.25 teaspoon per minute (1.26 ml per minute) if tipped over.
- The device or holder shall be constructed to prevent the spillage of liquid fuel or wax at the rate of more than 0.25 teaspoon per minute (1.26 ml per minute) when the device or holder is not in an upright position.
- The device or holder shall be designed so that it will return to the upright position after being tilted to an angle of 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from vertical.Exception: Devices that self-extinguish if tipped over and do not spill fuel or wax at the rate of more than 0.25 teaspoon per minute (1.26 ml per minute) if tipped over.
- The flame shall be enclosed except where openings on the side are not more than 0.375-inch (9.5 mm) diameter or where openings are on the top and the distance to the top is such that a piece of tissue paper placed on the top will not ignite in 10 seconds.
- Chimneys shall be made of noncombustible materials and securely attached to the open-flame device.Exception: A chimney is not required to be attached to any open-flame device that will self-extinguish if the device is tipped over.
- Fuel canisters shall be safely sealed for storage.
- Storage and handling of combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57.
- Shades, where used, shall be made of noncombustible materials and securely attached to the open-flame device holder or chimney.
- Candelabras with flame-lighted candles shall be securely fastened in place to prevent overturning, and shall be located away from occupants using the area and away from possible contact with drapes, curtains or other combustibles.
Where approved, open-flame devices used in conjunction with theatrical performances are allowed to be used where adequate safety precautions have been taken in accordance with NFPA 160.
Open flame, fire and burning in Group R occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 308.1 through 308.1.6.3 and Section 308.4.1.
Candles, incense and similar open-flame-producing items shall not be allowed in sleeping units in Group R-2 dormitory occupancies.
A person shall not utilize or allow to be utilized, an open flame in Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1, R-4 occupancies or any Licensed Care Facilities.
No open flame or flameproducing device shall be located, maintained or used in any hazardous atmosphere unless specifically approved by authority of a special permit from the Chief pursuant to Section 105.8.
Flame throwers and artisan use of flame-producing devices shall be in compliance with Sections 308.7.1 through 308.7.3.
No person shall sell or offer for sale, or rent or offer for rent, or use, operate, demonstrate or discharge any flame thrower anywhere or at any time within the Municipality, except as approved by the Chief.
No person shall throw, toss, fling, project or propel any flammable material when ignited, with an igniter or intended to be ignited toward or to any aiming point or auxiliary aiming point, except by express permission of the Chief.
The provisions of this section shall not be deemed to apply to flame-producing or heating devices normally used by artisans in the pursuit of their trade.
Powered industrial trucks and similar equipment including, but not limited to, floor scrubbers and floor buffers, shall be operated and maintained in accordance with Section 309.2 through 309.7.
Powered industrial trucks used in areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with the California Electrical Code shall be listed and labeled for use in the environment intended in accordance with NFPA 505.
Battery chargers shall be of an approved type. Combustible storage shall be kept not less than 3 feet (915 mm) from battery chargers. Battery charging shall not be conducted in areas open to the public.
Ventilation shall be provided in an approved manner in battery-charging areas to prevent a dangerous accumulation of flammable gases.
Battery-charging areas shall be provided with a fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 having a minimum 4-A:20-B:C rating within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the battery charger.
Powered industrial trucks using liquid fuel, LP-gas or hydrogen shall be refueled outside of buildings or in areas specifically approved for that purpose. Fixed fuel-dispensing equipment and associated fueling operations shall be in accordance with Chapter 23. Other fuel-dispensing equipment and operations, including cylinder exchange for LP-gas-fueled vehicles, shall be in accordance with Chapter 57 for flammable and combustible liquids or Chapter 61 for LP-gas.
No person shall operate an industrial truck in areas where flammable liquids or Class II combustible liquids are used, stored or processed without the vehicle being equipped and maintained in accordance with NFPA 505.
Smoking shall be prohibited where conditions are such as to make smoking a hazard, and in spaces where flammable or combustible materials are stored or handled.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.32(a) and (b)] Smoking.
- Smoking shall not be permitted in any Group E Occupancy as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2, except as provided in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, subsection (b), below.
- The governing board of any school district maintaining a community college or high school may adopt rules and regulations permitting the smoking and possession of tobacco on the campus of a community college or high school or while under the authority of school personnel by pupils of the community college or high school; provided that such rules and regulations shall not permit students to smoke in any classroom or other enclosed facility which any student is required to occupy or which is customarily occupied by nonsmoking students. Areas designated for smoking shall be approved by the enforcing agency.
NOTE: See Section 48901 of the Education Code relating to the smoking or possession of tobacco by pupils.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.32(d)] Smoking.
- (d) Smoking shall be prohibited in any patient room of a Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy utilizing air-induced mattresses. "No Smoking — Open Flame" signs shall be installed as specified in NFPA 99B, Hypobaric Facilities, 2005 edition.
The fire code official is authorized to order the posting of "No Smoking" signs in a conspicuous location in each structure or location in which smoking is prohibited. The content, lettering, size, color and location of required "No Smoking" signs shall be approved.
Exception: In Group I-2 occupancies where smoking is prohibited, "No Smoking" signs are not required in interior locations of the facility where signs are displayed at all major entrances into the facility.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.32(c)] Smoking.
A posted "No Smoking" sign shall not be obscured, removed, defaced, mutilated or destroyed.
Smoking shall not be permitted nor shall a person smoke, throw or deposit any lighted or smoldering substance in any place where "No Smoking" signs are posted.
Where smoking is permitted, suitable noncombustible ash trays or match receivers shall be provided on each table and at other appropriate locations.
Lighted matches, cigarettes, cigars or other burning object shall not be discarded in such a manner that could cause ignition of other combustible material.
Where the fire code official determines that hazardous environmental conditions necessitate controlled use of smoking materials, the ignition or use of such materials in mountainous, brush-covered or forest-covered areas or other designated areas is prohibited except in approved designated smoking areas.
Where conditions exist that are found to make smoking a hazard in any area on piers, on wharves, in industrial plants or in open spaces where combustible materials are stored or handled, the Chief shall direct the owner or occupant, in writing, to post "No Smoking" signs on each building, structure, room or place in which smoking shall be prohibited. The Chief shall designate specific safe locations, if necessary, in any place in which smoking may be permitted. Such signs shall be in contrasting color, with lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height.
Buildings, structures and premises for which an owner cannot be identified or located by dispatch of a certificate of mailing to the last known or registered address, which persistently or repeatedly become unprotected or unsecured, which have been occupied by unauthorized persons or for illegal purposes, or which present a danger of structural collapse or fire spread to adjacent properties shall be considered to be abandoned, declared unsafe and abated by demolition or rehabilitation in accordance with the California Property Maintenance Code and the California Building Code.
Storage and lease plans required by this code shall be revised and updated to reflect temporary or partial vacancies.
Violation of Sections 311.1 through 311.1.2 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
Exterior and interior openings open to other tenants or unauthorized persons shall be boarded, locked, blocked or otherwise protected to prevent entry by unauthorized individuals. The fire code official is authorized to placard, post signs, erect barrier tape or take similar measures as necessary to secure public safety.
Fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times.
Exceptions:
- Where the premises have been cleared of all combustible materials and debris and, in the opinion of the fire code official, the type of construction, fire separation distance and security of the premises do not create a fire hazard.
- Where approved by the fire code official, buildings that will not be heated and where fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, fire alarm and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply), provided that the building does not have contents or storage, and windows, doors and other openings are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.
- Where approved by the fire code official, fire alarm and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service in seasonally occupied buildings: that will not be heated; where fire protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures; where fire areas do not exceed 12,000 square feet (1115 m2); and that do not store motor vehicles or hazardous materials.
Fire-resistance-rated partitions, fire barriers and fire walls separating vacant tenant spaces from the remainder of the building shall be maintained. Openings, joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 7.
Violation of Sections 311.2 through 311.2.3 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
Persons owning, or in charge or control of, a vacant building or portion thereof, shall remove therefrom all accumulations of combustible materials, flammable or combustible waste or rubbish and shall securely lock or otherwise secure doors, windows and other openings to prevent entry by unauthorized persons. The premises shall be maintained clear of waste or hazardous materials.
Exceptions:
- Buildings or portions of buildings undergoing additions, alterations, repairs or change of occupancy in accordance with the California Building Code, where waste is controlled and removed as required by Section 304.
- Seasonally occupied buildings.
Violation of Section 311.3 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
Persons owning or having charge or control of a vacant building containing hazardous materials regulated by Chapter 50 shall comply with the facility closure requirements of Section 5001.6.
Violation of Section 311.4 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
Any vacant or abandoned buildings or structures determined to be unsafe pursuant to Section 111 of this code relating to structural or interior hazards shall be marked as required by Sections 311.5.1 through 311.5.5.
Placards shall be applied on the front of the structure and be visible from the street. Additional placards shall be applied to the side of each entrance to the structure and on penthouses.
Placards shall be 24 inches by 24 inches (610 mm by 610 mm) minimum in size with a red background, white reflective stripes and a white reflective border. The stripes and border shall have a 2-inch (51 mm) minimum stroke.
Placards shall bear the date of their application to the building and the date of the most recent inspection.
The design of the placards shall use the following symbols:
- □ This symbol shall mean that the structure had normal structural conditions at the time of marking.
- ⧅ This symbol shall mean that structural or interior hazards exist and interior fire-fighting or rescue operations should be conducted with extreme caution.
- ⌧ This symbol shall mean that structural or interior hazards exist to a degree that consideration should be given to limit fire fighting to exterior operations only, with entry only occurring for known life hazards.
- Vacant marker hazard identification symbols: The following symbols shall be used to designate known hazards on the vacant building marker. They shall be placed directly above the symbol.4.1. R/O—Roof open.4.2. S/M—Stairs, steps and landing missing.4.3. F/E—Avoid fire escapes.4.4. H/F—Holes in floor.
The use of these symbols shall be informational only and shall not in any way limit the discretion of the on-scene incident commander.
Unoccupied tenant spaces in covered and open mall buildings shall be:
- Kept free from the storage of any materials.
- Separated from the remainder of the building by partitions of not less than 0.5-inch-thick (12.7 mm) gypsum board or an approved equivalent to the underside of the ceiling of the adjoining tenant spaces.
- Without doors or other access openings other than one door that shall be kept key locked in the closed position except during that time when opened for inspection.
- Kept free from combustible waste and be broomswept clean.
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Vehicle impact protection required by this code shall be provided by posts that comply with Section 312.2 or by other approved physical barriers that comply with Section 312.3.
Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:
- Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
- Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
- Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch (381 mm) diameter.
- Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
- Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
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Barriers, other than posts specified in Section 312.2, that are designed to resist, deflect or visually deter vehicular impact commensurate with an anticipated impact scenario shall be permitted where approved.
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Fueled equipment including, but not limited to, motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, portable generators and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated or repaired within a building.
Exceptions:
- Buildings or rooms constructed for such use in accordance with the California Building Code.
- Where allowed by Section 314.
- Storage of equipment utilized for maintenance purposes is allowed in approved locations where the aggregate fuel capacity of the stored equipment does not exceed 10 gallons (38 L) and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
The fire code official is authorized to require removal of fueled equipment from locations where the presence of such equipment is determined by the fire code official to be hazardous.
Vehicles powered by flammable liquids, Class II combustible liquids or compressed flammable gases shall not be stored within the living space of Group R buildings.
No person shall use or operate an internal combustion engine on or near grain, hay, grass or brush-covered land, or where flammable fibers are stored, manufactured or processed, unless the engine is equipped with an approved spark arrester that complies with the requirements of the United States Forest Service's Standard for Spark Arresters for Internal Combustion Engines (Standard 5100-1B, July 1991).
Spark arresters and the exhaust systems of engines or vehicles subject to this section shall be maintained in effective working order and not be affixed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
Fixtures and displays of goods for sale to the public shall be arranged so as to maintain free, immediate and unobstructed access to exits as required by Chapter 10.
The display of highly combustible goods, including but not limited to fireworks, flammable or combustible liquids, liquefied flammable gases, oxidizing materials, pyroxylin plastics and agricultural goods, in main exit access aisles, corridors, covered and open malls, or within 5 feet (1524 mm) of entrances to exits and exterior exit doors is prohibited where a fire involving such goods would rapidly prevent or obstruct egress.
Liquid-fueled or gaseous-fueled vehicles, boats or other motorcraft shall not be located indoors except as follows:
- Batteries are disconnected except where the fire code official requires that the batteries remain connected to maintain safety features.
- Fuel in fuel tanks does not exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (19 L) (whichever is least).
- Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering.
- Vehicles, boats or other motorcraft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.
No person shall exhibit, store or use any motor vehicle, marine craft or aircraft engine in any assembly occupancy except by authority of a special permit from the Chief pursuant to Section 105.8.
Storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 through 315.6. Outdoor pallet storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 and 315.7.
Exception: Wood and wood composite pallets stored outdoors at pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities and complying with Section 2810.
A permit for miscellaneous combustible storage shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.
Storage of materials in buildings shall be orderly and stacks shall be stable. Storage of combustible materials shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur.
Storage shall be maintained 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the ceiling in nonsprinklered areas of buildings or not less than 18 inches (457 mm) below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings.
Exceptions:
- The 2-foot (610 mm) ceiling clearance is not required for storage along walls in nonsprinklered areas of buildings.
- The 18-inch (457 mm) ceiling clearance is not required for storage along walls in areas of buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3
Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, electrical equipment rooms or in fire command centers as specified in Section 508.1.5.
Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 13/4 inches (44.5 mm) in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.
Exceptions:
- Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
- Group R-3 and Group U occupancies.
Every building used for storing combustibles shall be divided into storage piles within single storage areas by providing main aisles and side aisles.
Exception: Storage piles within a single storage area of 5,000 square feet (465 m2) or less may be divided by side aisles, provided no storage pile is greater than 15,000 cubic feet (425 m3).
There shall be no materials stored within a storage pile more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from a main aisle and not more than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a side aisle; and further, any storage pile over 50 feet (15 240 mm) in length shall be bordered on at least two sides by main aisles. Any storage pile shall be limited to a maximum length of 100 feet (30 480 mm).
Storage shelving or racks more than 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Building Code) and the requirements of this article.
The height of piles of materials, tiers of shelving or racks shall be maintained in ratio to the width of the aisles. With minimum main or side aisle width, the height shall not exceed 15 feet (4572 mm). When the height is increased, the main and side aisles shall be increased in width 3 inches (76 mm) for each foot of increased height.
Wood pallets and/or nonexpanded polyethylene solid deck pallets shall be stored no higher than 6 feet (1829 mm). Each pallet pile (four individual stacks of pallets) shall be separated from other pallet piles by a minimum distance of 8 feet (2438 mm) and from the storage of other commodities by 25 feet (7620 mm).
A clearance of at least 18 inches (457 mm) shall be maintained between stored materials and lighting fixtures.
An unobstructed clearance of at least 2 feet (610 mm) shall be maintained between stored materials that may swell or expand with the absorption of water, and building walls.
Materials that are particularly susceptible to water damage shall be stored on skids, dunnage, pallets or elevated platforms, maintaining at least 4 inches (102 mm) of clearance from the floor.
Stored materials shall be arranged so as to allow drainage of floor areas through floor drains or wall scuppers.
Motorized material-handling equipment shall be of a type designed for use in accordance with the hazards of the location in which it is used in compliance with NFPA 505. It shall be serviced, repaired and stored in other than single storage areas.
An area used for nonstorage activities shall be separated from the storage area by a minimum distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) when nonstorage activities include repairing of crates, boxes and containers and repacking operations.
Aisle maintenance shall conform to the following:
- Aisles and entrances shall be kept free of storage and equipment not being handled or operated.
- Storage piling and blocking shall be maintained to prevent materials from accidentally falling into aisles or clearance areas.
- Stored materials shall not be piled so as to create overhanging or bridging of main aisles or side aisles.
- Hazardous refuse shall be removed from aisles and properly stored or disposed of in accordance with Section 304 of the CFC.
Storage area prohibitions shall comply with Sections 315.3.12.1 through 315.3.12.6.
The use of a building roof for the storing, processing, producing, packing or packaging of any type of materials is prohibited.
Exception: Buildings that have been specifically planned and constructed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Building Code) to utilize roof areas for such purposes.
The storing or keeping of any combustible merchandise, materials or equipment in any subfloor area, attic, boiler room, mechanical room, heating equipment room, water heater closet or electrical panel room in a manner that would create or constitute a fire hazard is prohibited.
There shall be no enclosed usable space under stairways in an exit enclosure (enclosed stair shafts serving three or more stories), nor shall the open space under such stairways be used for any purpose.
Exception: Space under exterior stairways and interior stairways shall not be used for any purpose except when the usable space under stairs is enclosed and walls and soffits are protected on the enclosed side as required for 1-hour fire-resistive construction in accordance with Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Building Code).
The placing or arranging of any combustible materials in any single storage area in a manner that may cause or contribute to spontaneous heating of the material is prohibited.
The placing or arranging together in any single storage area of materials having incompatible characteristics is prohibited.
The storage of combustible material in basements shall be prohibited except in basements that are protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Plumbing Code). Such material shall not be stored in a manner that creates a fire hazard.
Outside storage of combustible materials shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.
Exceptions:
- The separation distance is allowed to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) for storage not exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
- The separation distance is allowed to be reduced where the fire code official determines that hazard to the adjoining property does not exist.
Where buildings are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage, display and handling of combustible materials under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.
Storage in the open shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.
All yards required by Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Building Code) shall be maintained unoccupied and unobstructed by the storage of combustible materials.
Single storage areas shall be regulated as follows:
- Areas shall be separated from property lines, streets, alleys or public way by side aisles.
- Areas shall be separated from other single storage areas by an access driveway.
- Single storage areas shall be divided into storage piles by means of access driveways, main aisles and side aisles.
- Each single storage area shall have access to a public street and the width of such access shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
- Storage piles within single storage areas shall be not more than 1,500 square feet (139 m2) in ground area.
- All storage piles shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of travel to access driveways.
- Storage piles shall be within 65 feet (19 812 mm) of a main aisle.
- Storage piles shall be a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm) from openings in buildings.
- Main aisles shall be accessible to access driveways.
- Storage piles shall be a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm) from buildings having exterior walls of less than 2 hour fire-resistive construction.
Stored material shall be arranged to facilitate and promote drainage away from such stored materials and buildings.
Maintenance and housekeeping in outside storage areas shall conform to the following:
- Material-handling equipment shall be serviced, repaired and stored in nonstorage areas.
- No person shall smoke, throw or deposit any lighted or smoldering substance in any place where "No Smoking" signs are posted or in any other place where smoking would occasion or constitute a fire hazard. The owner or operator or person in charge or control shall be responsible for the control of smoking. Areas shall be designated where smoking is permitted and equipped with receptacles for smoking refuse. "No Smoking" and "Smoking Permitted" signs shall be posted where appropriate.
- Aisles, driveways and entrances shall be kept free of storage and equipment not being handled or operated.
- Stored or piled materials shall be maintained in such a manner as to prevent displacement into aisles or adjacent areas.
- Stored materials shall not be piled so as to create overhanging or bridging of driveways, main aisles or side aisles.
Storage located underneath high-voltage transmission lines shall be in accordance with Section 316.6.2.
Storage is prohibited in plenums. Abandoned material in plenums shall be deemed to be storage and shall be removed. Where located in plenums, the portion of abandoned cables that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building shall be identified for future use with a tag or shall be deemed storage and shall be removed.
Pallets stored outdoors shall comply with Sections 315.7 through 315.7.7. Pallets stored within a building shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 32.
Where buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage of pallets under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.
Pallet storage shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.
Pallet storage shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.
Pallet stacks shall be arranged to form stable piles. Individual pallet piles shall cover an area not greater than 400 square feet (37 m2).
Pallets shall be all wood, with slatted or solid top or bottom, with metal fasteners, or shall be plastic or composite pallets, listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996. Plastic pallets shall be both solid and gridded deck, independent of the pallet manufacturing process, type of resin used in fabrication or geometry of the pallet.
In addition to the other requirements of this section, pallet stacks and piles shall be separated in accordance with Sections 315.7.6.1 and 315.7.6.2.
SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN WOOD PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS
| WALL CONSTRUCTION | OPENING TYPE | WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | ||
| ≤ 50 Pallets | 51 to 200 Pallets | >200 Pallets | ||
| Masonry | None | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Masonry | Fire-rated glazing with open sprinklers | 2 | 5 | 20 |
| Masonry | Fire-rated glazing | 10 | 5 | 20 |
| Masonry | Plain glass with open sprinklers | 10 | 5 | 20 |
| Noncombustible | None | 10 | 5 | 20 |
| Wood with open sprinklers | — | 10 | 5 | 20 |
| Wood | None | 15 | 30 | 90 |
| Any | Plain glass | 15 | 30 | 90 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN PLASTIC PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS
| WALL CONSTRUCTION | OPENING TYPE | PLASTIC PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | ||
| ≤ 50 Pallets | 51 to 200 Pallets | >200 Pallets | ||
| Masonry | None | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Masonry | Fire-rated glazing with open sprinklers | 10 | 20 | 50 |
| Masonry | Fire-rated glazing | 15 | 40 | 100 |
| Masonry | Plain glass with open sprinklers | 15 | 40 | 100 |
| Noncombustible | None | 15 | 40 | 100 |
| Wood with open sprinklers | — | 15 | 40 | 100 |
| Wood | None | 30 | 80 | 150 |
| Any | Plain glass | 30 | 80 | 150 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
SEPARATION FROM OTHER PALLET PILES AND ON-SITE STORAGE (WOOD PALLETS)
| WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | |||
| ≤ 50 Pallets | 51 to 200 Pallets | >200 Pallets | |
| Between pallet piles | 7.5 | 15 | 45 |
| Other on-site storage | 7.5 | 15 | 45 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Pallet stacks and piles shall be separated from buildings in accordance with Table 315.7.6(1) for wood pallets and Table 315.7.6(2) for plastic pallets.
Pallets shall be separated from other pallet piles and other storage in accordance with Table 315.7.6(3) for wood pallets and Table 315.7.6(4) for plastic pallets.
Pallets shall not be stored underneath high-voltage transmission lines, elevated roadways or elevated railways.
Trapdoors and scuttle covers, other than those that are within a dwelling unit or automatically operated, shall be kept closed at all times except when in use.
Vertical shafts shall be identified as required by this section.
Outside openings that can be reached by the fire department and that open directly on a hoistway or shaftway communicating between two or more floors in a building shall be plainly marked with the word SHAFTWAY in red letters not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high on a white background. Such warning signs shall be placed so as to be readily discernible from the outside of the building.
Door or window openings to a hoistway or shaftway from the interior of the building shall be plainly marked with the word SHAFTWAY in red letters not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high on a white background. Such warning signs shall be placed so as to be readily discernible.
Exception: Marking shall not be required on shaftway openings that are readily discernible as openings onto a shaftway by the construction or arrangement.
The intentional design or alteration of buildings to disable, injure, maim or kill intruders is prohibited. A person shall not install and use firearms, sharp or pointed objects, razor wire, explosives, flammable or combustible liquid containers, or dispensers containing highly toxic, toxic, irritant or other hazardous materials in a manner that could passively or actively disable, injure, maim or kill a fire fighter who forcibly enters a building for the purpose of controlling or extinguishing a fire, rescuing trapped occupants or rendering other emergency assistance.
Wires, cables, ropes, antennas, or other suspended obstructions installed on the roof of a building having a roof slope of less than 30 degrees (0.52 rad) shall not create an obstruction that is less than 7 feet (2133 mm) high above the surface of the roof.
Exceptions:
- Such obstruction shall be permitted where the wire, cable, rope, antenna or suspended obstruction is encased in a white, 2-inch (51 mm) minimum diameter plastic pipe or an approved equivalent.
- Such obstruction shall be permitted where there is a solid obstruction below such that accidentally walking into the wire, cable, rope, antenna or suspended obstruction is not possible.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.05(b)] Fire Department Access and Egress. (Roofs).
- (b) Roofs. No person shall install or maintain any security barrier such as barbed wire fencing, razor wire fencing, chain link fencing, or any other fencing material, cable, aerial, antenna, or other obstruction on the roof of any commercial establishment in such a manner as to obstruct or render egress or access hazardous in the event of fire or other emergency.
Exception: Guy wire, rods and aerial antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of seven feet or more between the roof and said obstruction. Guy wire or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.
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No person shall install or maintain any wire, barbed wire, razor ribbon, fence, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on any building roof, parapet wall or openings in an exterior wall required for Fire Department access, in such a manner as to obstruct access or egress, or cause a hazardous condition in the event of fire or other emergency.
Exceptions:
- Guy wires, rods, or aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees, provided there is full clearance of 7 feet (2134 mm) or more between the roof and said obstruction.
- Guy wires or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.
- Metal bars, grilles, grates or similar products manufactured to restrict entry through windows or exterior doors may be installed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the LAMC (Building Code).
- Buildings located within 8 feet (2438 mm) of utility poles or similar structures that could otherwise be used to gain access to the building's roof, balcony or similar surfaces. Such obstruction may extend to where the surfaces are more than 8 feet (2438 mm) from the pole or access structure but shall extend no farther.
Violation of Section 316.4.2 shall be subject to penalties and minimum fines as prescribed in Section 110.4 and Table 110.4.
No person shall cause to be placed, stored or maintained upon any roof or balcony any hazardous materials or any material or object that may interfere with egress or Fire Department operations in case of fire or other emergency.
No person shall obstruct required access passageways on the roof surface. An unobstructed passageway for use by the Fire Department shall be provided through or around any approved structures or equipment installations on the roof surface. One access passageway shall be provided for every 50 feet (15 240 mm) length or fraction thereof of roof surface. Passageways shall be at least 3 feet (915 mm) wide and have at least 7 feet (2134 mm) of overhead clearance.
Any security device or system that emits any medium that could obscure a means of egress in any building, structure or premise shall be prohibited.
Structures and outdoor storage underneath high-voltage transmission lines shall comply with Sections 316.6.1 and 316.6.2, respectively.
Structures shall not be constructed within the utility easement beneath high-voltage transmission lines.
Exception: Restrooms and unoccupied telecommunication structures of noncombustible construction less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in height.
Outdoor storage within the utility easement underneath high-voltage transmission lines shall be limited to noncombustible material. Storage of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, flammable and combustible liquids is prohibited.
Exception: Combustible storage, including vehicles and fuel storage for backup power equipment serving public utility equipment, is allowed, provided that a plan indicating the storage configuration is submitted and approved.
Rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Sections 317.2 through 317.5 and Sections 1505 and 1507.16 of the California Building Code.
Rooftop garden or landscaped roof areas shall not exceed 15,625 square feet (1450 m2) in size for any single area with a maximum dimension of 125 feet (39 m) in length or width. A minimum 6-foot-wide (1.8 m) clearance consisting of a Class A-rated roof system complying with ASTM E108 or UL 790 shall be provided between adjacent rooftop gardens or landscaped roof areas.
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For all vegetated roofing systems abutting combustible vertical surfaces, a Class A-rated roof system complying with ASTM E108 or UL 790 shall be achieved for a minimum 6-foot-wide (1829 mm) continuous border placed around rooftop structures and all rooftop equipment including, but not limited to, mechanical and machine rooms, penthouses, skylights, roof vents, solar panels, antenna supports and building service equipment.
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Supplemental irrigation shall be provided to maintain levels of hydration necessary to keep green roof plants alive and to keep dry foliage to a minimum.
Excess biomass, such as overgrown vegetation, leaves and other dead and decaying material, shall be removed at regular intervals not less than two times per year.
The fire code official is authorized to require a maintenance plan for vegetation placed on roofs due to the size of a roof garden, materials used or where a fire hazard exists to the building or exposures due to the lack of maintenance.
Fueled equipment stored on roofs and used for the care and maintenance of vegetation on roofs shall be stored in accordance with Section 313.
Laundry carts with an individual capacity of 1 cubic yard [200 gallons (0.76 m3)] or more, used in laundries within Group B, E, F-1, I, M and R-1 occupancies, shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or materials having a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m2 at a flux of 50 kW/m2 where tested in a horizontal orientation in accordance with ASTM E1354.
Exceptions:
- Laundry carts in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Laundry carts in coin-operated laundries.
Road tunnels, bridges and other limitedaccess highways that are state owned shall comply with NFPA 502.
This section sets forth the minimum fire and life safety requirements for the removal of asbestos-containing materials, including, but not limited to, fire protective coatings.
The following words or groups of words, when used in this section, shall be defined as follows:
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT. Removal of any asbestos-containing material.
ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIAL (ACM). Any material containing 1-percent or more dry weight asbestos.
CONTAINMENT AREA. Any area where critical barriers are taped and access is not possible without respiratory protection.
JOB START. The beginning of the abatement job, which involves the taping of critical barriers.
HEPA FILTER. High-efficiency particulate air filter.
NEGATIVE AIR MACHINE. A filtering machine that has the primary purpose of maintaining a negative atmosphere in the containment area during the asbestos abatement process.
SCAQMD. South Coast Air Quality Management District.
VAT. Vinyl asbestos floor tile.
The Fire Department and Department of Building and Safety will, at their discretion, inspect the work sites for compliance with the requirements contained in this section. All approvals are subject to field inspection.
A Fire Department Specific Action or Project Permit listed in Section 105.7 is required to conduct any asbestos removal that reduces the fire resistiveness of any building, or results in the removal of 100 square feet (9.29 m2) or more of asbestos-containing material (ACM). Residential dwelling structures of four units or fewer shall be exempt. For the purpose of this regulation, ACM, which is expressed in linear feet, shall be computed and reported as a total equivalent surface area in square feet.
The licensed contractor performing the asbestos abatement shall obtain the required permit and shall pay all required fees.
A permit for asbestos abatement is good for 180 days from the date of issuance and only for the specific project for which it is issued. Any project that is not completed within that period of time shall require a new permit.
Three 81/2 inch by 11 inch (216 mm by 279 mm) copies of a plot plan depicting all areas undergoing abatement, drawn to scale, shall be provided by the contractor at the time of permit application.
The following shall be included in the drawing:
- Each drawing must show the entire floor area, with north indicated at the top, and clearly indicate the area(s) undergoing abatement by outlining in red.
- All entrances and exits for each containment area must be shown. Any exit that is blocked by the containment shall have the word "BLOCKED" printed next to it.
- Location of each negative air machine shall be indicated.
- Location of the negative air machine emergency shutoff switch shall be shown.
- Location of emergency Fire Department protective entry clothing shall be shown.
Permits for asbestos abatement shall be obtained at the Engineering counter of the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety at least 10 calendar days prior to the beginning of the job.
Before accepting an application for any permit required by Section 320, the Department will collect the fees established by the most current cost-recovery schedule published as provided by Section 106.6.3 and applicable thereto. Fees established by the procedure set forth in Section 106.6.3 shall apply to permits for all occupancies at a flat rate of $300, plus nine cents per square foot of ACM abated over 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2).
Notification and maintenance of information shall be in accordance with Sections 320.5.1 through 320.5.3.1.1.
The licensed contractor performing the abatement process shall submit to the Los Angeles Fire Department three properly completed copies of the SCAQMD Rule 1403 Notification Form or separate sheets containing the same information at the time of application for the permit to remove the ACM.
A separate letter shall be mailed by the contractor to the Fire Department within 48 hours of the completion of permitted work stating that the removal of asbestos is complete and that all removed fireproofing has been replaced, including all required respray, in a manner approved by the Department of Building and Safety. This letter shall be signed by the contractor or by any subcontractor performing the respray. If the contractor does not perform the respray, or cause the respray to be performed by a subcontractor, the contractor shall forward a letter to the Fire Department within 48 hours of the completion of the work stating that the removal of the asbestos is complete; that all required fireproofing has been replaced, if applicable, excluding respray; and the name of the contractor hired to do the respray. If the name of the contractor hired to do the respray is unavailable, the letter shall so state.
Plans described in Section 320.4 shall be kept by the contractor in a clearly identified three-ring loose-leaf binder located in the building's fire control room; at the building's staffed security desk if no fire control room exists; or, if neither of these locations exists, at a location approved by the Fire Department.
The loose-leaf binder shall be updated daily and used exclusively to provide the Fire Department with accurate emergency information. The binder shall also include an introduction page containing the information set forth in Section 57.320.5.3.1.1.
- Asbestos contractor.
- Respray contractor.
- Project consultant.
- Job superintendent.
- Start and completion dates for the abatement project, including respray.
- Regular working days and working hours.
- Job site and phone number.
All plastics, spray-on strippable coatings and structural materials used in the asbestos abatement process must be certified as fire retardant or noncombustible. This includes, but is not limited to, plastic sheeting, temporary structures, separations, supports and scaffolding. Wood that is pressure impregnated and certified as fire retardant is acceptable. All pressure-impregnated wood used shall be stamped by the approved applicator (CCR Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8, Article 5) as being fire retardant, and the stamp on the wood shall be visible upon inspection. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer shall be maintained at the job site for all fire-retardant plastics and shall be made available upon request by the Fire Department.
Exception: Tape used to hang poly and to tape critical barriers need not be fire retardant. Plexiglass used for viewing ports into the work area need not be fire retardant, provided the ports are not larger than 4 square feet and have a total aggregate area of less than 40 square feet (0.37 m2).
The asbestos abatement process shall not cause a building to have an amount of exiting less than that required for the existing occupant load. In all cases where the required exiting must be obstructed, an alternative means of exiting must be provided that is approved by the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety.
A minimum of two clearly marked exits shall be maintained from each floor during the abatement process. The second exit from a containment area may be covered with plastic upon approval of the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety. The covered exit shall be outlined with red ducttype tape, and a cutting device shall be kept immediately adjacent to the door in an obvious and readily accessible location. The cutting device shall also be surrounded by a square of red duct-type tape as described above.
At no time shall the asbestos abatement process involve, block, impede or obstruct any stairwell in a multistory building. Any asbestos abatement plan involving any stairwell must be approved by the field inspector before work is commenced on that stairwell.
At least one stairwell door shall open into a noncontaminated area of a floor under containment, regardless of the size of containment.
In multistory buildings where more than 25 percent of the floor area is undergoing abatement, or under demolition in preparation for abatement, the following shall apply:
- Asbestos abatement is permitted on a floor-by-floor basis, provided that no two consecutive floors are undergoing active abatement simultaneously. A maximum of every other floor, up to a total of three floors out of five, is permitted.
- A minimum of five clean buffer floors must separate each group from the next five-floor group undergoing abatement.
- Buffer floors must have all required fire and life safety equipment and fire protective coatings in place.
In single-story buildings, a maximum of 50 percent of the total floor space may be under active abatement at any one time. Required legal exiting shall be maintained.
Unoccupied buildings may be allowed greater latitude during the abatement process. Any variance from the provisions of this section will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to the warning signs mandated by other regulatory agencies, the following asbestos abatement signs are required, pursuant to Sections 320.9.1 through 320.9.2.2.
Additional asbestos abatement signs are required.
A standard 20 inch by 14 inch (508 mm by 3568 mm) red, black and white asbestos abatement warning sign placed in the fire control room/fire command center adjacent to the fire alarm annunciator panel.
A 12 inch by 12 inch (304.8 mm by 304.8 mm) sign with a minimum 3 inches high by 1/2 inch (76 mm by 13 mm) wide lettering on a contrasting background indicating which floors are involved in the abatement process. This sign shall be placed in the fire control room/fire command center adjacent to the fire alarm annunciator panel.
If no fire control room/fire command center exists, the warning signs required and described in Sections 320.9.1.1 and 320.9.1.1.1 shall be placed adjacent to the building's fire alarm annunciator panel, or in a location approved by the Fire Department.
An additional set of signs, as described in both Sections 320.9.1.1 and 320.9.1.1.1, shall be placed on each landing in each stairwell that leads to any floors undergoing abatement:
- Beginning two floors below the affected floor.
- On the floor above the affected floor.
Additional asbestos abatement signs are required.
A standard 20 inch by 14 inch (508 mm by 355.6 mm) red, black and white asbestos abatement warning sign placed in the fire control room/fire command center adjacent to the fire alarm annunciator panel.
If no fire control room exists, the warning signs required and described in Sections 320.9.1.1 and 320.9.1.1.1 shall be placed adjacent to the building's fire alarm annunciator panel or in an alternative location approved by the Fire Department.
Fire protective equipment shall be maintained in compliance with Sections 320.10.1 through 320.10.3.4.
A minimum of one 4A:60B:C dry-chemical extinguisher shall be maintained at each of the following locations:
- At each electrical panel.
- At each corner of the work area. Where no clear corners exist, four extinguishers shall be placed around the outermost wall of the work area so that they are evenly spread around the perimeter of the outermost wall.
- Within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the external entry to the shower room from the work area.
- Within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the external entry to the shower room from the clean room.
- The maximum distance of travel to an extinguisher shall be no greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm).
Exception: Where the total abatement containment area is less than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) and the maximum travel distance to an extinguisher is no greater than 75 feet (22 860 m), one 4A/60B:C extinguisher shall be provided.
All extinguisher locations shall be clearly identified with appropriate signage.
All existing fire detection and alarm systems shall remain in place and active. Any alteration to this equipment must be approved by both the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety. If a permit is granted for work that requires the system to be disabled, a fire watch meeting all of the requirements listed in Section 918.5 of the Fire Code must be maintained at all times as described in Section 320.18.
Existing fire alarm manual fire alarm boxes, Fire Department communication jacks and signaling systems shall be maintained in place and active. The foregoing items shall be clearly marked with signs containing lettering that is a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) high by 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide on a contrasting background. If the foregoing items are covered by plastic, each device shall be surrounded by a square of red duct-type tape. In addition, a cutting device, also surrounded by a square of red ducttype tape, shall be kept immediately adjacent to the device.
All fire and life safety systems that have been disconnected require joint acceptance by the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety upon their reconnection.
Fire-rated partitions, doors and other fire cutoffs shall not be temporarily or permanently modified without the joint approval of the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety.
In the event that a containment area impedes the normal operation of any existing elevator smoke detector, an additional temporary elevator recall smoke detector shall be installed in the containment area under permit from the Department of Building and Safety. Any such detector must be tested by the Fire Department before any abatement work begins in that area.
Communications shall be provided as required in Sections 320.11.1 through 320.11.1.3.
A minimum of one telephone shall be provided for contacting emergency personnel in containment areas greater than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2). The telephone shall be located in the clean room adjacent to the exit from the decontamination area.
If it is not practical to install a phone in the clean room, a telephone on the same floor or level is acceptable, provided that there are no doors between the telephone and the clean room that have any type of locking mechanism on them or impede access to the phone in any manner. This phone shall not be more than 100 lineal feet (30 480 mm) along the path of travel from the clean room.
In lieu of a telephone in the clean room, radio communications may be provided with personnel who have immediate access to a telephone. Radios shall be located as described in Section 320.11.1. A complete set of charged spare radio batteries shall be provided.
All alternative means of communication other than a telephone are subject to field inspector approval.
Protective entry suits shall be provided as required in Sections 320.12.1 and 320.12.1.1.
In all containment areas greater than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2), five Tyvek-type protective entry suits, rated for use in an asbestos containment area, shall be provided in the clean room.
All suits shall be extralarge and shall be kept in a red box clearly identified with white 3 inch (76 mm) letters stating, "Fire Department Emergency Use Only." The box shall be readily accessible at all times.
Viewing ports shall be at least 18 inches by 18 inches (456 mm by 457 mm) in size and shall be of clear plexiglass or other similar clear material. Opaque material is not acceptable for use as viewing ports.
A single switch or set of switches shall be provided for the emergency shutdown of all negative air equipment located in the containment area. This switch or set of switches:
- Shall be for emergency use by Fire Department personnel.
- Shall be located in a noncontaminated area near the exit from the decontamination station and shall be clearly identified using a sign with minimum 3 inch (76 mm) high by 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide lettering on a contrasting background. The sign shall read, "NEGATIVE AIR MASTER SHUT-OFF."
All temporary power for the negative air equipment from the building shall be installed and inspected under permit from the Department of Building and Safety.
All combustible rubbish and debris, including, but not limited to, properly bagged asbestos, shall be removed and properly disposed of at the end of each working day, or each 24-hour period if work is continuous 24 hours a day.
- Respray of fire protective coatings shall be completed within 15 days after receipt of the final air-monitoring clearance. All areas where fire protective coatings have been removed, including areas that have been cored or spot abated to facilitate the placement of pipe hangers, etc., shall be returned to the degree of fire resistiveness prescribed by the Department of Building and Safety.
- The building owner shall cause the respray of all fire protective coatings to be accomplished under permit from the Department of Building and Safety within 15 days of the contractor receiving final air-monitoring clearance.
In all asbestos abatement projects, regardless of size, one on-site supervisor selected by the contractor shall be designated as the Safety Coordinator and shall be responsible for the following:
Where the abatement project is 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) or more, or whenever any of the fire protective coating of the building's structural members is removed, the following shall apply:
- A person shall be selected by the contractor to function as a fire watch. The fire watch may perform only duties that are specifically related to the security and fire safety of the overall work area.
- The fire watch must inspect every area of the work site every 30 minutes during working hours for fire and life safety problems and shall continue such inspections a minimum of 30 minutes after the cessation of work.
A fire and life safety log must be maintained by the designated fire watch as follows:
- The log must be maintained from the beginning of the abatement process until the final clean air certification is received.
- When fire protective coating has been removed from structural members, the log shall be maintained until all respray is complete.
- The log shall be used solely for the recording of fire and life safety information and shall be kept at the work site in the clean room at all times. It shall be available for review by Fire Department representatives.
- The log shall be a bound notebook or three-ring binder and shall contain the information set forth in Section 320.18.1.1 for each working day.
- The date.
- The name and title of the assigned fire watch.
- The area assigned to each fire watch.
- The actual start and stop time of each patrol and the name of the fire watch person conducting that patrol.
- Entries describing any fire or life safety problem that was found and how it was corrected.
- A brief account of any fire incident, regardless of size, including all facts; names of individuals involved, including witnesses; how it was extinguished; and the probable cause. Included shall be the time and method of Fire Department notification.
- A statement at the conclusion of each work day, signed by the on-site Safety Coordinator, confirming that a survey of the work site has been made and any unsafe fire and life safety conditions have been rectified.
In the absence of a functioning, approved automatic fire detection system connected to the building's central alarm system in the area undergoing abatement or respray, a fire watch shall be maintained on a 24-hour basis. For this purpose, elevator smoke detectors shall not be considered an approved fire detection system.
The fire watch shall continue until the final clean air certification is received and all respray is completed in buildings where fire protective coatings have been removed.
In abatement areas protected by a functioning, approved automatic fire detection system connected to the building's central alarm system, the fire watch may be discontinued 30 minutes after the completion of each work day under the following conditions:
- The building's central alarm system must be monitored on a 24-hour basis either by building security personnel or by an alarm company at a remote location.
- No structure, separation or barriers set up for containment or other purposes shall impede the proper operation of any detection device or limit the intended area the device was installed to monitor.
- Alternative fire alarm equipment requires the approval of the Fire Department and the Department of Building and Safety.
Any work requiring the use of open flame shall require a fire watch standing by with a 4A:60B:C extinguisher until the completion of the project.
Smoking shall not be permitted inside any asbestos abatement area or within 25 feet of any asbestos abatement area. Approved "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously posted in accordance with Section 310.3. It shall be the responsibility of the asbestos abatement contractor to enforce this prohibition.
Parade floats using decorative materials attached to vehicles shall be constructed of noncombustible or flame-retardant materials and shall be safeguarded against open flame in accordance with the following provisions of this section:
- All float decorations that are 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) or less in thickness shall be flame retardant, flame-retardant treated or noncombustible. The use of materials treated with tar or petroleum-based flammable products or surfaced or covered with lacquers, highly flammable paints, cellophane and similar materials are prohibited. Paper, cloth, textiles and vegetation that may occasion or constitute a fire hazard shall be rendered flame retardant.
- The use of open-flame devices is prohibited unless approved in writing by the Chief. Smoke-producing devices must be of the nonheating type.
- Exhaust pipes shall be extended beyond the display area and shall be properly protected.
- All parade floats shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2A/B:C rating. The extinguisher shall be readily accessible to the operator.
No person who has any ownership or possessory interest in, or control of, a parcel of land shall allow to exist thereon any hazardous refuse or hazardous weeds, trees or other vegetation that, by reason of proximity to a building or structure, constitutes a fire hazard. For purposes of this section, hazardous weeds, trees or other vegetation is defined as weeds, trees or other vegetation that is in such condition and location as to provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum specific requirements previously set forth when the Chief determines that conditions exist that necessitate greater fire protection measures.
Remove from the property all dead trees, and maintain all weeds and other vegetation at a height of no more than 3 inches (76.2 mm), except as otherwise provided therein, if such weeds or other vegetation are within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of a building or structure located on such property or on adjacent property. This requirement does not apply to the maintenance of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants used as ground cover, provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire; nor does it apply to a native shrub, provided such shrub is trimmed up from the ground to one-third of its height; does not exceed 216 cubic feet (6 m3) in volume; and is spaced at a distance of not less than three times its maximum diameter but not less than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the edge of any other native shrub, building or structure, and all dead wood and other combustible material within 18 feet (5486 mm) of such shrub is removed except as previously provided.
Maintain trees that are 18 feet (5486 mm) or more in height and are within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of any building or structure or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway that is improved or used for vehicle travel or other vehicular purposes, so that no leafy foliage, twigs or branches are within 6 feet of the ground. Trees and shrubs less than 18 feet (5486 mm) shall be trimmed up to one-third of their height.
Remove any portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe.
Keep all trees, shrubs and other growing vegetation or portions thereof adjacent to or overhanging any building or structure free of dead limbs, branches and other combustible matter. Maintain 5 feet (1524 mm) of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of trees overhanging any building or structure.
Maintain the roofs of all buildings or structures free of leaves, needles, twigs and other combustible matter.
Maintain all weeds and other vegetation located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any combustible fence or an edge of that portion of any highway, street, alley or driveway improved or used for vehicular travel or for other vehicular purposes at a height of not more than 3 inches (76 mm). This shall not require the removal of trees, ornamental shrubbery or plants used as ground cover, provided such do not provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire, nor require the removal of native shrubs that meet the requirements set forth in Section 322.1.1.1.
Clear all hazardous vegetation and other combustible growth within the first 100 feet (30 480 mm) surrounding structures as required by this section. Reduce the amount and/or modify the arrangement of hazardous vegetation within the area comprising the second 100 feet (30 480 mm) for a total distance of 200 feet (60 960 mm) from any structure unless otherwise specified by the Chief. The work required shall be set forth in the Notice of Noncompliance.
Maintain all landscape vegetation, including, but not limited to, conifers (e.g., cedar, cypress, fir, juniper and pine), eucalyptus, acacia, palm and pampas grass, in such a condition as not to provide an available fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire. The Notice of Noncompliance citing violations of this subsection will specify that such landscape vegetation poses a threat to buildings or structures in the vicinity and may cause them to be indefensible, and shall describe the work required to be done.
All individuals performing grass or brush clearance activities in the VHFHSZ shall adhere to the following specific requirements:
- Grass or brush clearance operations shall not be conducted on red flag days.
- Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during their actual clearance of grass or brush.
- Individuals engaged in grass or brush clearance operations shall use an appropriate extinguishing agent immediately to extinguish a fire.
- All fires, regardless of size, shall be reported immediately via the 9-1-1 system to the Fire Department.
- A Class 2-A 2 gallon water fire extinguisher, pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle (fully open), or comparable pressurized Class 2- A extinguishing device shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation.
- Where a gasoline container is present at the site of the grass or brush clearance operation, a minimum 4A/60B:C dry-chemical fire extinguisher shall be within 10 feet of the brush clearance operation.
- A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.
- A safety strap shall be used at all times for any tool or appliance with hot exhaust. Hot exhaust shall not come in contact with any brush, grass, flash fuels or other flammable material.
A first violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A second and all subsequent violations of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.00 of the LAMC, including prosecution as an infraction or prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, any violator convicted under this section for a violation that resulted in a fire may be liable for any civil cost recovery associated with the fire, as permitted by law.
A fee shall be charged for the inspection of properties in the City of Los Angeles to determine whether a violation of this section exists. The fee shall be determined and established in the same manner as provided for in Section 106.7. Prior to any inspection occurring, however, the owner of record of each property proposed to be inspected shall receive a notice advising the owner of the intended inspection, the cost thereof, that penalties will be imposed for nonpayment within the time period specified, and that the owner will not be billed if the owner elects to follow the procedure, or any of the procedures, described in the notice within the period of time specified in the notice. Any procedure that the property owner may elect to follow must be determined by the Fire Department to be one that will provide adequate assurance to the Department that the property does not contain hazardous vegetation as defined in Section 322, a copy of which definition shall also be set forth in the notice, and that would not be unduly burdensome upon the property owner to accomplish. In the event an inspection occurs and the property owner is billed the cost of inspection, a penalty shall be imposed if the fee is not paid within the period of time specified in the billing document. Such penalty shall be 200 percent of the fee imposed, or the cost of rebilling, whichever is greater.
The Council finds that uncontrolled or high weeds, brush, plant material or other items prohibited under Sections 322.1 through 322.1.1.9 increase the danger of fire and thus constitute a public nuisance. If such condition exists, the Los Angeles Fire Department shall give notice to the owner of record to abate the nuisance within 15 days. The notice shall be either posted on the parcel or mailed to the owner or both.
The notice shall state that the owner is required to abate the nuisance and that if the nuisance is not abated by the date specified therein, the City or its contractor may enter upon the parcel of land and remove or otherwise eliminate or abate the nuisance; that upon completion of such work, the cost thereof, including administrative costs, shall become a special assessment against that parcel; and that upon City Council confirmation of the assessment and recordation of that order, a lien shall attach to the parcel to be collected on the next regular property tax bill levied against the parcel.
In the event the nuisance is not removed or otherwise eliminated or abated by the date specified in the notice, the City, or its contractor, may enter upon the parcel and remove or eliminate the nuisance. The City department that causes the nuisance to be abated shall bill the owner of record for the cost of removal, or other elimination or abatement thereof, including administrative costs. Such administrative costs shall be determined and established in the same manner as provided for in Section 106.7. An itemized written report showing the date and cost of abatement work done by the City or its contractor, together with a proposed assessment with respect to the parcel involved, shall be submitted by said department to the Board of Fire Commissioners, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Board," for its consideration.
The Board shall thereupon cause a written notice to be mailed to each owner of record. The notice shall identify the property in question and shall state that:
- A nuisance, as identified in the notice, has been abated on the property;
- A bill setting forth the cost of abatement has been mailed to the owner and a copy of the report setting forth the cost of abatement will be available for inspection at a specified location;
- The City proposes to assess the owner for the cost of abatement; and
- There will be a public hearing with respect to the proposed assessment and the amount thereof at the time, date and location designated in the notice.
The owner may appear before a hearing examiner at the time, date and location specified in the notice, or may request to appear at an alternative later time and/or date and may appear at that alternative time and/or date if so designated by the hearing examiner. Upon any such appearance, the owner will be given the opportunity to present evidence to show cause why the property should not be assessed for the cost of abatement or not be assessed in the amount specified in the bill.
Any written objections to the proposed assessment and/or requests for an alternative hearing date submitted to the hearing examiner must identify therein the parcel of property proposed to be assessed. The notice, or copy thereof, may, but need not, be used for that purpose, and in the event the hearing examiner agrees to an alternative time or date for the owner's appearance, the Department will notify the owner as to that alternative time and/or date. Written objections to the proposed assessment may be submitted to the hearing examiner but must be submitted prior to the commencement of the scheduled hearing.
On the date specified in the notice or on any date thereafter to which continued, the Board of Fire Commissioners, or its designee, shall act as the City's hearing examiner and shall conduct a hearing, consider the report setting forth the cost of abatement, receive testimony from Departmental personnel and others with respect to the existence of a nuisance and cost of abatement, and consider the testimony and other evidence of property owners who appear at the hearing.
After the hearing has been closed, the hearing examiner shall prepare a report and proposed decision to be presented to the City Council based upon all of the evidence presented at the hearing. The report shall identify and include the name and mailing address of the owner of each parcel from which a nuisance was abated and for which a notice of hearing and proposed assessment had been given. The hearing examiner shall include its findings, conclusions, recommendations and proposed decision in its report to the Council with respect to each parcel, and whether the proposed assessment should be:
- (l) Confirmed in the amount set forth in the notice;
- (2) Disallowed; or
- (3) Confirmed in an amount less than that set forth in the notice.
In each event, the hearing examiner shall include the reasons for its recommendations. The report shall fairly and accurately represent the hearing proceedings, including the objections and other testimony of each party who appeared at the hearing and the hearing examiner's evaluation thereof. Upon adoption of the report by the Board, as hearing examiner, or concurrence in the report by the Board if the duly appointed hearing examiner was other than the Board, the report and proposed decision with respect to contested proposed assessments as well as the Board's recommendations and report with respect to all other proposed assessments shall be transmitted to the City Clerk's office for placement upon the Council calendar not less than 15 days after its receipt. The proposed decision in each such event shall be in such form that it may be adopted as the decision of the City Council. If the hearing was conducted by other than the Board, and after a review of the report the Board does not concur with the recommendations therein, the Board may refer the matter back to the hearing examiner for further review, and a hearing if necessary, or the Board may conduct a hearing de novo as the hearing examiner, after due notice, and prepare its own decision and recommendations for Council consideration.
Where there has been a contested proposed assessment, the Board, on behalf of and in the name of the City Council, shall concurrently cause a copy of the hearing examiner's proposed decision in the matter to be transmitted to each property owner that appeared at the hearing, along with a Fire Department telephone number and location where a copy of the hearing examiner's complete report is available for inspection. The Board shall include in its transmittal to property owners a notice of the alternative actions available to the City Council as set forth herein below and a notice that they may submit in writing to the City Clerk any information of newly discovered or additional evidence within 15 days from the transmittal date shown on the copy of the proposed decision. The City Council shall review the report and proposed uncontested assessments transmitted by the Board and shall also review the report, evidence and proposed decision received from the hearing examiner and shall by motion or resolution:
- Adopt the findings and proposed decision and confirm the assessment;
- Adopt findings and reduce the assessment set forth in the proposed decision and confirm the assessment as modified;
- Determine to hear and decide the case upon the record, and any newly discovered or additional evidence offered by the property owner; afford the property owner the opportunity to present, at a date certain, either oral or written argument before the council; adopt findings; and, based upon evidence presented, determine and confirm the amount of any assessment in the matter; or
- Refer the matter back to the hearing examiner if the Council is satisfied that information of any material newly discovered or additional evidence has been received, or that additional evidence or review is needed before a final decision is made. If the matter is so referred, the City Clerk shall return the complete file on that parcel and proposed assessment to the hearing examiner. Upon receipt thereof, the hearing examiner shall reset the matter for hearing any additional evidence, give due notice thereof and conduct the hearing for that purpose, and shall thereafter submit another report and proposed decision to the City Council for its review and decision in the same manner as heretofore described.
Whenever a report and proposed assessment decision provided for by this section has been calendared for Council consideration, the City Clerk shall retain a copy of the report and have it available for public inspection prior to and during the course of Council deliberation in the assessment proceedings.
The action of the City Council adopting a proposed decision or a modified proposed decision and an order confirming an assessment shall be final.
The cost of removal or other elimination or abatement of a nuisance from in front of or on a parcel of land shall constitute a special assessment against that parcel. After an assessment is made and confirmed by the City Council pursuant to Section 322.3, a lien shall attach to the parcel upon recordation in the Office of the County Recorder of a copy of the order confirming the assessment. The connection of such assessment and enforcement of the lien shall be in the manner provided in Sections 39578 through 39588 of the Government Code, incorporated herein by reference as set forth on the effective date of this section or as said provisions may be amended or otherwise appear in the law.
As an alternative method for the collection of the cost of abatement, the City may maintain an action of law thereof against the owner of the premises upon which the nuisance was maintained in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such cost shall be deemed a personal obligation of such owner.
Nothing contained in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude the Chief from requiring more than the minimum distances for firebreaks when the Chief determines that hazardous conditions exist that necessitate greater fire protection measures.
Under uncodified Ordinance No. 172,652, effective July 25, 1999, a moratorium was imposed until January 1, 2000, on the collection of any penalty imposed by the City for late payment of the fee charged pursuant to Section 322.2 of this code for inspection of properties to determine the existence of a violation of Section 322 of this code.
A fire on a parcel of land that is not in compliance with Section 322 is a public nuisance. If the City incurs costs either in fighting a fire on a parcel of land that was not in compliance with Section 322 at the time of the fire, or in fighting a fire that spread from that parcel, then the City shall recover the costs of abatement.
The costs of abatement shall include the costs of fighting the fire, providing rescue or emergency medical services and providing support services, including services from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Water and Power. These abatement costs shall also include any costs incurred by the City in using City and non-City personnel.
All costs incurred pursuant to this section shall be a personal obligation against the person or persons, including mortgagees, who have an obligation to comply with Section 322, recoverable by the City in an action before any court of competent jurisdiction. These costs shall include an amount equal to 40 percent of the cost to perform the actual work, but not less than the sum of $100.00, to cover the City's costs for administering any contract and supervising the work required. In addition to this personal obligation and all other remedies provided by law, the City may collect any judgment, fee, cost or charge, including any permit fees, fines, late charges or interest, incurred in relation to the provisions of this section as provided in Los Angeles Administrative Code Sections 7.35.1 through 7.35.8.
Exception: If costs are incurred by the City for or arising out of fighting a fire resulting from an event or course of events that prompted a declaration of a state of emergency, local emergency, war emergency or major disaster by the Mayor, the Governor or the President of the United States, then no lien shall be recorded against a parcel of land pursuant to this section.
This section shall regulate the storage, handling, manufacturing and packaging of matches. Matches shall conform to all other applicable requirements of this article as well as the following provisions.
Matches shall be labeled and packaged in conformance with the provisions of Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations.
Matches in excess of 50 pounds (23 kg), including the containers, shall not be stored within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any open elevator shaft, elevator shaft opening, open stairway or other vertical opening. Matches in excess of 50 pounds (23 kg), including the containers, shall not be stored within 10 feet (3048 mm) of any boiler, furnace, stove, open flame or similar source of ignition.
At wholesale establishments and other locations where containers of matches are stored in piles exceeding 100 cubic feet (2.83 m3), such containers shall be arranged so as not to exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in height nor 1,500 cubic feet (42 m3) in volume with aisles at least 8 feet (2438 mm) wide.
When matches are stored in the same room with other materials or commodities, they shall be separated by a clear space of not less than 8 feet (2438 mm).
No person shall manufacture, distribute, sell, offer for sale or possess any exploding match, any "trick" match, any blazer or wind-type match, or any type of match that will ignite spontaneously when subjected for eight consecutive hours to a temperature of 200°F (93°C) in a standard laboratory test.
In buildings or portions of buildings where matches are manufactured, packaged or stored, portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Table 906.3(1) of the CFC.
No person shall permit any fire to spread so as to endanger the person or property of another, or use or operate a welding torch, tar pot, internal combustion engine or any other device that may cause a fire unless proper removal of flammable material surrounding the operation is accomplished or such other reasonable precautions are taken that are necessary to ensure against the starting and spreading of fires.
Whenever a fire occurs in any building, or on any premises, vessel or aircraft, or in any vehicle, apparatus, process or equipment, it shall be the duty of the owner, manager, operator or person in control, upon notification or discovery of such fire and/or smoke to immediately notify the Department and furnish all required information relative to the incident. This requirement shall not be construed to forbid the owner, manager, operator or person in control of the building, premises, vessel, aircraft, vehicle, apparatus, process or equipment from using all diligence necessary to extinguish such fire prior to the arrival of the Department.
Any person upon discovering evidence of spontaneous heating or other abnormal heating of any merchandise, commodity, cargo, shipment or other material of any kind in any building, vessel, aircraft, vehicle, appliance, apparatus, tank or open stack or pile, or any person upon discovering or being apprised of an uncontrolled hazardous gas leak or hazardous material or substance spill, shall immediately notify the Department.
No person owning, operating or having charge or control of any device, appliance, apparatus, equipment, tank, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, building, structure, business, premises or other place or thing shall:
- Release or transfer any flammable liquid, any combustible liquid, any liquefied flammable gas or any other hazardous material or substance in such a manner as to give rise to a fire, explosion, panic or other hazardous condition.
- Use any tank, tank vehicle, cargo tank, tank trailer or tank car and any device, appliance, apparatus or equipment used in conjunction therewith when it is leaking or in such state of disrepair as to cause a leak.
When the transfer of any flammable liquid, any combustible liquid, any liquefied flammable gas or any other hazardous material or substance is deemed necessary by the Department to safeguard life and property from fire, explosion, panic or other hazardous condition, the transfer shall be performed under special permit obtained from the Department pursuant to Section 105.8.
Whenever alarm signals initiated by manual pull stations, smoke or heat detectors, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, or other fire protection systems are transmitted to any location on or off the premises, they shall be treated as a fire alarm and the owner, operator or person in charge or control of the building or premises shall immediately relay the alarm signal to the Fire Department.
No person owning or having charge or control of any device, appliance, apparatus, equipment, tank, vehicle, vessel, building, structure, business or premises that is in such condition as to cause a fire, explosion or life hazard shall, after having been notified in writing by the Chief that he or she must forthwith eliminate or remedy such condition or make changes, alterations or repairs as may be necessary to render the same safe and to eliminate such dangerous condition of fire, explosion or life hazard, maintain or use any such device, appliance, apparatus, equipment, tank, vehicle, vessel, building, structure, business or premises until he has complied with the terms of such notice.
Notice that a building, structure or premises is closed to entry by reason of any fire, explosion or fire hazard may be posted thereon by the Chief. When so posted, and so long as the hazardous condition exists, no person shall enter, occupy or use such building, structure or premises except under special permit from the Chief pursuant to Section 105.8.