§ 7.12. Amendments, additions, and deletions.

The 2019 California Fire Code is hereby amended as follows:

(a) Section 104.7.2, technical assistance, of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to add the following sentence to the end of the paragraph to read as follows:

When there is a fire, explosion, hazardous materials incident, or other potential life or serious property threatening situation, the fire code official can request the owner, occupant, or operator to hire a private fire protection or hazardous materials investigator, acceptable to the fire code official and at the expense of the owner or operator, to provide a full report of the incident, including, without limitation, such matters as origin, cause, circumstances or proposed solutions to the problem.

(b) Section 104.12 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

104.12 False alarms. The fire code official is authorized to assess a service charge, as set forth by resolution, against the person owning or responsible for an alarm system when a fire department response occurs as a result of the third false alarm at the same address or location within any twelve month period, and for each subsequent false alarm thereafter, or against any person who intentionally, or in violation of the law reports, or causes to be reported, a false alarm to any department of the City of Vernon that an emergency exists requiring immediate or emergency response by the City of Vernon Fire Department.

(c) Section 104.13 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

104.13 Vehicle/trailer creating hazard. Whenever it is determined by a fire code official or his representative that an unattended or attended vehicle/trailer parked or stopped upon any public street, road, alley, right-of-way, or upon private property, creates an immediate danger or fire hazard to itself, other vehicles, persons, or surrounding property, the fire code official shall request the local law enforcement agency to cause the removal of the vehicle/trailer to a safe location, and the local law enforcement agency shall cause the removal at the expense of the registered owner of the vehicle/trailer, and a notice of the removal shall be given to the registered owner as soon as feasible.

(d) Section 104.14 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

104.14 Outside obstructions. No person shall park or place any material or vehicle in any established exit way, driveway, gateway, or alleyway between buildings that would hamper the ingress of fire equipment in case of a fire, explosion, hazardous materials incident, or other potential life or serious property threatening situation. When in the opinion of the fire code official or his representative, any driveway, gateway, or alleyway between buildings is so obstructed by objects, materials, or vehicles as to impede the ingress or egress of said way, it shall be removed immediately upon order of the fire code official or his representative. When such obstruction is a vehicle, it may be removed or impounded at the owner's expense and as prescribed by law.

(e) Section 104.15 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

104.15 Fire safety officer. When in the opinion of the fire code official, it is necessary for the preservation of life and property, due to the hazardous nature of an event, production, operation, or function, the fire code official shall require the owner, agent, production company, or lessee to employ or cause the employment of one or more fire department safety officers to be on duty at such place during such activity.

(f) Section 105.1.7 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

105.1.7 Investigation fees; work without a permit. Whenever any work, operation or action for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, an investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be double the amount of the permit fee set forth in the fee schedule. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code, nor from any penalty prescribed by law.

(g) Section 105.1.1 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

105.1.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the fire code official. Issued permits shall be conspicuously displayed on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by code officials. Permit fees shall be as set forth in a fee schedule adopted by resolution by the City Council.

(h) Section 105.6.25 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

105.6.25 Lumber yards, woodworking plants, and pallet storage. A permit is required for storage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333ft3) (236m3), or outside pallet storage in excess of 240 units and inside storage in excess of 64 units.

(i) Section 105.6.52 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

105.6.52 General use permit. In addition to the permits required by Section 105.6, a general use permit shall be obtained from the fire code official for any activity or operation not specifically addressed in this article, which in the judgment of the fire code official, is possible or likely to produce conditions hazardous to life or property.

(j) Chapter 1, Section 105.7.14.1 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

105.7.14.1 High-piled storage. A construction permit is required for installation or modification of high-piled combustible storage in racks. When using any building or portion thereof exceeding twenty-five hundred (2,500) square feet for high-piled combustible storage in racks, a floor plan showing the dimensions and location of the rack system shall be submitted with the application for such permits.

(k) Section 105.8 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

105.8 Responsibility of permittee. Fire permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provision that the applicant, the applicant's agent, employees or contractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code and any other laws or regulations applicable thereto, whether specified or not. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this code.

(l) Section 106.6 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

106.6 Fees for services, establishment; review. The fire code official is authorized to collect fees for services established or modified by resolution of the City Council. The fire code official shall review fees charged for such services at least annually and shall, with approval of the City Administrator, recommend changes to the council when costs for such services make it appropriate.

(m) Section 106.7 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

106.7 Operational permit fees. The fee set forth and established for the particular activity by a resolution of the City Council shall accompany all operational permits required pursuant to the provisions of this code.

(n) Section 106.8 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

106.8 Construction permit fees. Construction permit fees shall be paid at the time of the permit issuance. In addition to the permit fee, the applicant shall pay a plan check fee. The fee set forth and established for the particular activity by a resolution of the City Council shall accompany all construction permits required pursuant to the provisions of this code.

(o) Section 106.9 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

106.9 Re-inspection fee. Whenever an inspection is scheduled under Section 105.2.2 and the permittee is not ready for inspection and does not inform the fire code official or his delegate at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled inspection, a re-inspection fee may be assessed.

(p) Section 114 is hereby added to Chapter 1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

SECTION 114 — RESPONSIBILITY

114.1 Responsibility for costs. Persons who personally or through another, willingly, negligently, or in violation of law set a fire, allow a fire to be set, allow a fire kindled or attended by them to escape from their control, allow any hazardous material to escape from their control, neglect to properly comply with any written notice of the fire chief, or willfully or negligently allow the continuation of a violation of this code and amendments thereto, are liable for the direct and indirect expenses of fighting the fire, any investigation, or for direct and indirect expenses incurred during a hazardous materials incident. Such expenses shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person, and is collectible by the City in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied and a lien may be attached to the involved property.

(q) The definitions of "awning," "false alarm," "fire chief," "fire code official," "fire safety officer," and "safety container" are hereby added or amended to Section 202 of Chapter 2 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code in alphabetical order to read as follows:

AWNING. An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a covering is attached.

FALSE ALARM. The willful and knowing initiation or transmission of a signal, message or other notification of an event of fire when no such danger exists, or the activation of any fire alarm system due to malfunction, mechanical or electrical defect, improper operation or procedure by any person, or a false oral or written report to any department of the City of Vernon that an emergency exists requiring immediate or emergency response by the Vernon Fire Department.

FIRE CHIEF. The chief officer of the fire department serving the jurisdiction or his/her designee.

FIRE CODE OFFICIAL. The fire chief or other member of the fire service appointed by the fire chief charged with the administration and enforcement of this code.

FIRE SAFETY OFFICER. A sworn member of the fire department serving the jurisdiction assigned to preserve life and property at a location, due to the hazardous nature of the activity of an event, production, operation, or function.

SAFETY CONTAINER. An approved container of not over 5 gallons capacity, having a self-closing lid and spout cover.

(r) Section 304.1.1.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby added to read as follows:

304.1.1.1 Waste material near photovoltaic array system. Accumulation of waste material shall not be permitted underneath nor within 10 feet from a mounted photovoltaic array system.

(s) Section 311.2.2 Exceptions 1 and 2, of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code are hereby deleted.

(t) Section 312.2 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

312.2 Guard posts. Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:

1. Constructed of steel not less than 8 inches (204mm) in diameter and concrete filled.

2. Spaced no more than 4 feet (1219mm) between posts on center.

3. Set not less than 4 feet (1219mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than 18 inches (457.2 mm) in diameter.

4. Set with the top of the posts not less than 4 feet (1219mm) above ground.

5. Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.

6. Posts shall be painted safety yellow.

(u) Section 315.4.3 is hereby added to Chapter 3 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

315.4.3 Pallet storage height and total accumulation for storage. Pallet storage in the open shall not exceed 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height and a total aggregate content not exceeding 6,750 cubic feet. Aisle separation of 15 feet (4,572 mm) is required before the next pile or stack is created. Storage of pallets in excess of 240 pallets requires a permit per Sec. 105.6.25.

(v) Section 315.4.4 is hereby added to Chapter 3 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

315.4.4 Pallets. All pallets must be stacked so that there is visibility through the stacks to the adjacent aisles, or so organized to assure that no temporary living facilities or places of refuge are hidden from view. Pallets shall be stacked or piled with due regard to the stability of piles, and in no case higher than 15 feet (4,572 mm).

(w) Section 315.4.4.1 is hereby added to Chapter 3 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

315.4.4.1 Clearance around pallets. Aisles between and around open pallet stacks shall be at least 15 feet (4,572 mm) in width and maintained free from accumulated rubbish, equipment, or other articles or materials.

(x) Chapter 3, Section 315.4.4.2 is hereby added to Chapter 3 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

315.4.4.2 Pallet storage next to structure/awning. When pallets are stored near a structure/awning, the height of the storage shall be restricted to no higher than the structure/awning and cannot exceed the height of the structure/awning, or 15 feet (4,572 mm), whichever is less.

(y) Section 503.2.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

503.2.1. Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 27 feet (8,229 mm) and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 15 feet (4,472 mm).

(z) Section 505.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Where required by the fire code official, address numbers shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum width of 2 inches. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address numbers shall be maintained.

(aa) Section 507.5 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.5. Fire hydrant systems. When any portion of the facility or building protected is in excess of 150 feet from a water supply on a public street, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains capable of supplying the required fire flow shall be provided when required by the fire code official.

(bb) Section 507.5.5 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.5.5. Clear space around hydrants. Clear space of 31 feet (9448.8 mm) in front of, 4 feet (914 mm) in rear of and 10 feet (3048 mm) on both sides shall be maintained around each onsite hydrant.

(cc) Section 901.4.7 is hereby added to Chapter 9 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

901.4.7 Protection of fire protection systems and equipment. Fire protection systems and equipment subject to possible vehicular damage shall be adequately protected with guard posts in accordance with Section 312 Vehicle Impact Protection, and modifications adopted under this code.

(dd) Section 2404.2 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

2404.2. Location of spray-finishing operations. All inside or outside spray-finishing operations shall be conducted in an approved spray booth constructed in accordance with Section 2404.

(ee) Section 5601.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

5601.1. Prohibited and limited acts. Explosive materials shall not be manufactured, tested or stored within the limits of the City of Vernon.

(ff) Section 5704.2.9.6.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

5704.2.9.6.1. Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above ground tanks outside of buildings within the City of Vernon and in areas 1,000 feet (304,800 mm) or more from the outside boundary of a kindergarten through 12th grade public school shall be in approved containers not exceeding 10,000 gallons in size. In areas of a lot or parcel within 1,000 feet (304,800 mm) of the outside boundary of said school, the only Class I or Class II liquids approved for storage in above ground tanks is diesel fuel which shall be in approved containers and shall be limited to either two (2) 1,000 gallon tanks or one (1) 2,000 gallon tank.

(gg) Section 6101.4 is hereby added to Chapter 61 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

6101.4 Inside storage or use. No LP-gases of any type or mixture shall be permitted in any occupancy either for sale, use or storage without approval of the fire code official.

(hh) Section 6103.2.2.1 is hereby added to Chapter 61 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

6103.2.2.1 Portable containers on motorized equipment. The use of portable containers of LP-gas as motorized equipment fuel in occupancies is limited as follows: LP-gas fuel tanks on motorized equipment are limited to two per vehicle with a combined capacity not to exceed 50 pounds. Refilling of tanks shall not be permitted within the occupancy and shall be permitted only in approved locations determined by the fire code official.

(ii) Section 6104.1 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

6104.1. Storage of liquefied petroleum gases. Storage and transportation of LP-gas and the installation and maintenance of pertinent equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 58 and shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official. Storage is permitted within the limits of the City of Vernon except within 1,000 feet (304,800 mm) of a kindergarten through 12th grade public school.

Exception: Storage of LP-gas not exceeding 2,000 gallons per parcel in approved containers is permitted in all areas within the limits of the City of Vernon.

(jj) Section 6104.3.3 is hereby added to Chapter 61 of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code to read as follows:

6104.3.3 Tank orientation. Unless special protection is provided and approved by the fire code official, containers of LP-gas shall be oriented so that their longitudinal axes do not point toward other LP-gas containers, vital process equipment, control rooms, loading stations, flammable liquid storage tanks or required fire access roads.

(kk) Table B105.2 of Appendix B of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

TABLE B105.2

REQUIRED FIRE-FLOW FOR BUILDINGS OTHER THAN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, GROUP R-3 AND R-4 BUILDINGS AND TOWNHOUSES

Automatic Sprinkler System (Design Standard)	Minimum Fire-Flow (gallons per minute)	Flow Duration (hours)
No automatic sprinkler system	Value in Table B105.1(2)	Duration in Table B105.1(2)
Section 903.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code	50% of the value in Table B105.1(2)a	Duration in Table B105.1(2) at the reduced flow rate
Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code	50% of the value in Table B105.1(2)a	Duration in Table B105.1(2) at the reduced flow rate

For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.

a. The reduced fire-flow shall be not less than 1,500 gallons per minute.

(ll) Appendix C, of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby deleted.

(mm) Section D103.1 of Appendix D of the 2019 Edition of the California Fire Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

D103.1. Access road. The dimension of the fire access road turnarounds shall be in accordance with City of Vernon standards.

(Ord. No. 835, § 4; Ord. No. 838, § 1, 2; Ord. No. 878, § 4; Ord. No. 904, § 1; Ord. No. 970; Ord. No. 987, § 5; Ord. No. 1013, § 16; Ord. No. 1035, § 9; Ord. No. 1038, § 3; Ord. No. 1074, § 2; Ord. No. 1090, § 3; Ord. No. 1124, § 2; Ord. No. 1137, § 3; Ord. No. 1177, § 3; Ord. No. 1237, § 14; Ord. No. 1262, § 4.)