That the following sections are hereby revised:
Section 101.1 Insert: Iowa City, Iowa.
Section 103.1 Insert: Iowa City Fire Department.
Section 104.1.1 Add a new section to read as follows: The code official and members of the fire prevention bureau shall have the powers of a peace officer in performing their duties under this Code.
Section 104.1.2 Add a new section to read as follows: The Fire Chief may appoint and designate such members of the Fire Department as fire/police investigators upon being certified by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Fire/police investigators shall have the powers of a peace officer in performing their duties under this Code, including full powers of arrest to effectuate their duties of enforcing city ordinances and state statutes. Notwithstanding his/her status as a peace officer, a fire/police investigator shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the Iowa City Fire Department for all purposes and shall perform such functions as the Fire Chief shall assign.
Section 104.12 Add a new section to read as follows: The code official is authorized to order an operation or use stopped, or the evacuation of any premises, building, or vehicle or portion thereof which has or is a fire, life safety or health hazard.
Section 105.2 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: Application for an operational permit shall be submitted with all required information not less than 14 days prior to the event requiring a permit.
Section 105.5 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: The fire code official at their discretion shall send plans for operational permits requests to an outside agency for review. The fire code official shall choose the plans review agency. The applicant shall pay all fees associated with the plan review directly to the outside agency. The permit shall not be issued until the review fees have been paid.
Section 105.6 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: The fire code official at their discretion may send plans for operational permits requests to an outside agency for review. The fire code official shall designate the plans review agency. The applicant shall pay all fees associated with the plan review directly to the outside agency. The permit shall not be issued until the review fees have been paid.
Section 111. Delete in its entirety and insert in lieu thereof: See Title 17, Chapter 12 of this Code.
Section 112.4 Delete the section and replace with: Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction, as prescribed in Title 1, Chapter 4 of this Code. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Section 202 Add a new definition to read as follows: Crowd Manager. Crowd Manager is responsible for safe crowd movement during daily activities and special events, means of egress, assisting venue occupants, and overseeing emergency response and evacuation plans.
Section 202 Add a new definition to read as follows: Emergency Communications Center. The Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center. (JCJECC)
Section 202 Add a sentence to the end of Fire Lane definition to read as follows: See City Code 9-4-13 for additional rules and regulations.
Section 307 See also 6-6 of this Code.
Section 307.1.2 Add a new section to read as follows: Hours of operation. Outdoor burning allowed by code is permitted between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM or as permitted and approved by the fire code official.
Section 308.3 Add number 4: Outdoor assembly spaces are allowed to be provided with natural gas fueled fire pit appliances complying with the applicable adopted codes and manufacturer's listing.
Section 401.9 Add a new section to read as follows: Building evacuation. Upon activation of the building fire alarm system or upon notification by other means of detecting and reporting unwanted fire, all building occupants shall promptly evacuate the building. Building employees and tenants shall implement the appropriate emergency plan and procedures.
Exception: When the emergency evacuation plan, as approved by the fire code official, does not require the immediate total evacuation of the building.
Section 402.1 Add a new definition to read as follows: Crowd Manager. Crowd Manager is responsible for safe crowd movement during daily activities and special events, means of egress, assisting venue occupants, and overseeing emergency response and evacuation plans.
Section 403.11.3 Add new sentences to read as follows: A-2 Occupancy Crowd Managers. Group A-2 occupancies shall be provided with a minimum of one (1) trained crowd manager anytime occupancy reaches 50 or more. Where the occupant load exceeds 250, additional trained crowd managers shall be provided at a ratio of one (1) crowd manager for every 250 occupants. The crowd manager shall annually receive training approved by the fire code official in crowd management techniques.
Section 405.3 Add to the end of the section as follows: Fire and evacuation drills in Group E occupancies shall be conducted in accordance with Section 100.31 of the Code of Iowa. Emergency evacuation/ fire drills shall be conducted at least four times a year. Not less than two drills shall be conducted between July 1 and December 31 each year and not less than two drills shall be conducted between January 1 and June 30 of each year. The Iowa City Fire Department shall conduct one of the two drills during July 1 and December 31 and one of the two drills during January 1 and June 30 of each year. Fire drills in Group R, Division 2, Fraternities and Sororities, shall be conducted once per academic semester.
Section 405.3 Table Amend frequency of Group E Occupancy to footnote d and add footnote d as follows: d. Group E occupancies shall conduct fire and evacuation drills in accordance with Section 405.3.
Section 503.2 Delete this section and replace with: Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.9.
Section 503.2.9 Add a new section to read as follows: Thickness. Fire apparatus access roads shall be constructed of Portland cement concrete conforming to the specifications of the Iowa Department of Transportation C-3 or M-3 mixes. The concrete access road shall be a minimum of 7 inches thick over compacted soil.
Section 505.1. Add table.
Minimum Height and Stroke Width a,b,c,d
Distance from the centerline of the Public Way (ft) | Minimum Height (in) | Minimum Stroke Width (in) | |
Less than 100 | 4 | 1/2 | |
100 | 199 | 6 | 3/4 |
200 | 299 | 8 | 1 |
For each additional 100 | Increase 2 | Increase 1/2 | |
a) Exterior suite identification, minimum height shall be 4 inches and stroke width shall be ½ inch. b) Interior suite identification, minimum height shall be 3 inches and stroke width shall be ¼ inch. c) Measurements to determine the minimum number or letter size shall be measured from the approved address location to the center line of the street for which the premise is addressed. d) Minimum height and minimum stroke may be increased by the Code Official. | |||
Section 505.3 Add a new section to read as follows: Addresses for Buildings under Construction. Upon permit issuance, all new commercial and residential buildings under construction shall have plainly visible addresses from the street. Additional address signage may be required at the discretion of the code official.
Section 506.1 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: An approved key box shall be installed in an approved location on all new construction.
Exception: Group R-3
Section 506.1.2 Delete both references to "nonstandardized".
Section 507.3 Delete the section and replace with: Fire flow. Fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings shall be determined by "Appendix B" of this code.
Section 507.5.1.1 Delete the section and replace with: Fire Sprinkler System & Standpipe System Support. A fire hydrant shall be located no more than 100 feet from a fire sprinkler or standpipe system connection on hard surface, located on the same side of the fire department access road, easily accessible by fire apparatus, and meeting the approval of the Code Official.
Section 507.5.7 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire Hydrant Installation.
Section 507.5.7.1 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire hydrant outlet direction: All fire hydrants shall be positioned so that the four and one-half (4 1/2) inch connection is facing the street or driveway accessible to fire department apparatus or as specified and required by the local water jurisdiction.
Section 507.5.7.2 Fire hydrants threads: All new fire hydrants within the limits of the city of Iowa City shall have National Standard Threads (NST) on the two and one-half (2 1/2) inch connections and the four and one-half (4 1/2) inch connection will have a Storz connection as specified and required by the local water jurisdiction.
Section 507.5.7.3 Flow: The minimum flow requirements for a water main serving a fire hydrant is the rate of water flow, at a residual pressure of twenty pounds per square inch (20psi) and for a specified duration, as specified in appendix B of this code or as specified and required by the local water jurisdiction.
Section 507.5.7.4 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire hydrant height: Fire hydrants shall be installed a minimum of sixteen (16) inches from the nominal ground level to the center of the lowest water outlet or as specified and required by the local water jurisdiction.
Section 510.1 Delete exception 1 and 2.
Section 604.8. Add a new section to read as follows: Elevator equipment signage. New and existing buildings with an elevator shall have an approved, visible sign located next to the elevator key box stating the location of the elevator equipment room and elevator power shut-off.
Section 604.6.1 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: The Fire Code Official may require an approved elevator key box in an approved location to secure required elevator keys.
Section 606.4 Delete the last sentence and replace with: Movement of new and existing cooking appliances with caster(s) under a Type 1 hood shall be limited by an approved floor mounted restraining device and flexible gas connector installed in accordance with the connector and appliance manufacturer's instructions.
Section 606.5 Add a new section to read as follows: Required separation. All deep-fat fryers shall be installed with at least 16- inch space between the fryer and surface flames from adjacent cooking equipment. Where a steel or tempered glass baffle plate is installed at a minimum 8-inch height between the fryer and surface flames to the adjacent appliance, the requirement for a 16-inch space shall not apply.
Section 803.16 Add a new section to read as follows: Maintenance. The interior finish of buildings shall be maintained in accordance with the conditions of original approval. Any change to the interior finish that is regulated by the provisions of this code or the building code shall be made in accordance with all applicable requirements.
Section 807.5.2.1 Delete exception 2.
Section 807.5.5.1 Delete exception 2.
Section 901.2 (a) Add a new section to read as follows: Water based fire protection systems. Working plans submitted to the fire department for water-based fire protection systems shall be stamped and approved by a qualified person to be in compliance with applicable NFPA standards and the Iowa City Fire Code. Any changes to the working plans shall be approved by a qualified person. A qualified person shall have a minimum National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies [NICET]
Level III certification for Automatic Sprinkler System Layout OR be a licensed engineer with experience in life safety system design. Other qualifications may be approved by the code official.
Section 901.2 (b) Add a new section to read as follows: Fire alarm systems. Working plans submitted to the fire department by a qualified person for fire alarm systems shall be stamped and approved by a qualified person to be in compliance with applicable NFPA standards and the Iowa City Fire Code. Any changes to the working plans shall be approved by a qualified person. A qualified person shall have a minimum National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies [NICET] Level III certification for Fire Alarm Systems OR be a licensed engineer with experience in life safety system design. Other qualifications may be approved by the code official.
Section 901.4.7.3. Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: The fire pump room or automatic sprinkler riser room shall have a supervised room temperature sensor.
Section 901.4.7.4. Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: Emergency lighting shall be provided in the fire pump room or automatic sprinkler riser room.
Section 901.4.7.5 Add a new section to read as follows: Additional Requirements. The fire pump room or automatic sprinkler riser room shall be separated from electrical room and have no electrical panels inside the rooms other than electrical power required for the use of the fire alarm and fire protection equipment and have a floor drain. Unless otherwise approved by the fire code official, the fire sprinkler riser room with one sprinkler riser shall have a minimum area of sixteen (16) square feet with a minimum dimension of four (4) feet providing at least three (3) feet clearance in front of the sprinkler, fire alarm control panel and fire pump equipment. If additional sprinkler risers are installed, the room size shall be increased to provide at least three (3) feet of clearance in front of each riser.
Section 901.6.3.2 Add a new section to read as follows: Inspection record submission. Contractors who perform installation, inspection, testing, and/or maintenance services on fire and life safety systems are required to electronically submit all installation and compliant & non-compliant inspection reports to the Fire Department via a method approved by the Fire Code Official within 30 calendar days of the installation/inspection date. Reports submitted after 30 calendar days may incur late fees.
Section 901.7 Add a section to the end of the section to read as follows: A person assigned to fire watch must walk through the building at least once every 30 minutes checking for fire or smoke. A fire watch must be continued until the fire alarm system and/ or fire protection system has been restored to normal operating condition or the building has been evacuated. A competent adult familiar with the building must conduct the fire watch. If a fire is discovered, 911 shall be called immediately and the building evacuated.
Section 903.3.5.1 Delete this section and replace with: A single domestic and automatic fire sprinkler system water supply. If the city water provider requires a single domestic and automatic fire sprinkler system supply, then the water supply shall be split outside of the building and shall have a shutoff provided for the domestic service after the split outside of the building. The total domestic demand is required to be added to the fire sprinkler demand.
Section 903.3.5.2 Delete this section.
Section 903.3.5.3 Add a new section to read as follows: Water supply safety margin. The fire sprinkler system hydraulically calculated demand per NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R including required hose stream allowances, and domestic water demand if required by section 903.3.5.2, must be a minimum 10%, but not less than 5 psi below the water supply flow test curve, the flow test must have been conducted within 90 days of fire sprinkler plan submittal to the city and third party reviewer (if applicable) or as deemed current and approved by the local water jurisdiction. The base of riser psi at the time of acceptance test shall also be 10% but not less than 5 psi above the most demanding hydraulically calculated pressure.
Section 903.4 Delete exception number 5 without substitution.
Section 903.4.2 Delete the section and replace with: Alarms. An approved weatherproof horn/strobe device shall be mounted directly above the fire department connection between seven (7) and ten (10) feet in height above grade. The water-flow alarm device shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Approved and supervised audible visual notification appliances shall be installed on each level of the interior of the building as required by the fire code official and NFPA 72. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
Section 903.5.1 Add a new section to read as follows: Inspector's test valve. An inspector's test valve is required at the most remote location in each fire sprinkler system or tenant/floor control valve space, for use at the acceptance test and to remove air from the system after maintenance work is done on the system.
Section 903.5.2 Add a new section to read as follows: Forward Flow Testing. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided with an external outlet to perform forward flow testing as required by NFPA 25. Outlet shall be supervised, signed as testing, and have male threads.
Section 903.7 Add a new section to read as follows: Zones. Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not exceed the area permitted by NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R and shall provide a sprinkler control valve and waterflow device for each normally occupied floor. The location of sprinkler control valves must be approved by the fire code official.
Section 904.13.6 Add a new section to read as follows: Ventilation Operation. The ventilation system shall shut down the make-up air to the hood and continue to exhaust upon activation of the hood fire extinguishing system. Exception: Section 904.13.6 may be revoked if the fire extinguishing agent will not perform to specifications due to exhausting requirements.
Section 905.1.1 Add a new section to read as follows: Delete all references to Class II standpipe systems and replace with Class III standpipe systems.
Section 905.3.4 Delete the exception without substitution.
Section 905.3.9 Add a new section to read as follows: Additional Standpipe Systems: Additional standpipe systems may be added to new buildings or structures as deemed necessary by the Code Official.
Section 905.4 Requirement #1 Delete the section and replace with: In every required interior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at intermediate landing between stories, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
Section 906.1 Delete exceptions 1 and 2 without substitution.
Section 906.3 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: The minimum rating of any required portable fire extinguisher for Class A, Class B, or Class C hazard shall be 2-A, 10-B C.
Section 907.1.4 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire alarm control panels and Fire alarm annunciator panels. Installation of fire alarm control panels and fire alarm annunciator panels shall be installed in accordance with section 907.1.4.1 through 907.1.4.5.
Section 907.1.4.1 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire Alarm Panel Height: Installation of fire alarm panels shall not exceed 6 feet in height measured from the floor to the top of the panel. Exception: Panel height may be altered by the code official.
Section 907.1.4.2 Add a new section to read as follows: Number of Fire Alarm Control Panels in Buildings: Only one listed fire alarm control panel shall be allowed per building and shall lock in the alarm until the system is reset and shall not be canceled by the operation of an audible - alarm silencing switch. This control panel shall only receive alarm signals from fire protection equipment.
Section 907.1.4.3 Add a new section to read as follows: Combination Fire/Security Alarm System Panels. A listed combination fire/security alarm system panel that meets all the requirements of this code and amendments may be permitted by approval of the fire code official. The fire/security panel shall be capable of providing a signal that can differentiate between the fire and security alarm.
Section 907.1.4.4 Add a new section to read as follows: Password/PIN Protection Prohibited: Fire alarm control panels and/or fire alarm annunciator panels that require a password/PIN to silence an alarm/supervisory/trouble signal and/or to reset an alarm/supervisory/trouble signal shall be prohibited.
Section 907.1.4.5 Add a new section to read as follows: Fire Alarm Annunciator Panels: The fire code official can require the addition of fire alarm annunciator panels based on the size of building and access to the building. These panels shall meet the requirements of Sections 907.1.4 and 907.2.
Section 907.2 Delete the section and replace with: Where required - new buildings and structures. An approved and addressable manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with 907.5 unless other requirements are provided by another section of this code. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm system employing automatic fire detectors or water-flow devices. Where other sections of this code allow elimination of fire alarm boxes due to sprinklers, a single fire alarm box shall be installed.
Exceptions:
1) The manual fire alarm box is not required for fire alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control and supervisory service.
2) The manual fire alarm box is required for Group R-2 occupancies to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. The manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is accessible to the public.
3) Multi-tenant buildings required to have a manual/automatic fire alarms system shall install one manual pull station per tenant space.
4) Visual notification appliances are not required within self-storage units.
Section 907.2.1.3 Add a new section to read as follows: Group A Occupancies. In Group A occupancies, the activation of the fire alarm or fire sprinkler system, shall automatically shut down or stop music, sound systems, conflicting or confusing sounds and visual distractions and initiate illumination of all the means of exit egress components.
Section 907.2.9.1 Delete exception 2 without substitution.
Section 907.2.11.2 Modify by adding a fourth location requirement as follows:
4. Supervised smoke detectors shall be installed in all common corridors and at the top and bottom of all stairway enclosures in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, and I-1 occupancies. In corridors, detectors shall be located within fifteen (15) feet of the end of the corridor and in such a way that one detector is located for each thirty (30) feet of corridor length or spaced as allowed by the code.
Section 907.2.13.2 Delete the section without substitution.
Section 907.4.2 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: Where in the opinion of the code official manual fire alarm boxes may be used to cause false fire alarms, the code official is authorized to modify the requirements for manual fire alarm boxes.
Section 907.6.3 Delete this section and replace with: Initiating device identification. The fire alarm system shall identify the specific initiating device with an alphanumeric address description showing location, type of device, and status including indication of normal, alarm, trouble, and supervisory, as appropriate. Alphanumeric descriptions and locations shall be reported to the emergency communications center upon activation of an alarm condition as specified by the fire code official.
Exception:
1. Special initiation devices that do not support individual device identification.
Section 907.6.4 Modify by deleting the exception and inserting in lieu thereof: Exception: Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not exceed the area permitted by NFPA 13 and shall provide a sprinkler control valve and waterflow device for each normally occupied floor.
Section 907.6.4.3 Add a section to read as follows: Zone and address location labeling. Fire alarm and/or annunciator panels shall have all zones and address points plainly and permanently labeled as to their location on the outside of the panel or on an easily readable map of the building, if no display is present.
Section 907.6.6 Delete the section and replace with: Monitoring. Fire alarms required by this chapter, the International Building Code, or the Code Official, an approved UL listed Central Station service in accordance with NFPA 72 shall monitor fire alarm systems to provide for the immediate and automatic notification to the emergency communications center. Each initiating device shall report an address point and an alpha/numeric descriptor showing location, type of device and status including indication of normal, alarm, trouble and supervisory status, as appropriate. Alpha/numeric descriptor shall be required to be reported to the emergency communications center upon activation of alarm conditions as specified by the fire code official.
Exception: Monitoring by a supervising station is not required for:
1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
3. Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
4. Fire alarm systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
Section 907.7.4 Add a new section to read as follows: Device/Zone Map. An easily readable fire alarm device and/ or zone map of the building shall be permanently mounted in or near the fire alarm control panel and documentation cabinet showing the location of all initiating devices when required by the fire code official.
Section 907.11 Add a new section to read as follows: Approved hold open devices. When installed in buildings that have a fire alarm system and/or sprinkler system, all approved hold open devices shall release upon activation of a fire alarm and/or sprinkler water-flow activation.
Section 912.4.1 Delete the section and replace with: Locking fire department connection caps. Locking fire department connection caps approved by the fire department are required for all new construction that have a water-based fire protection system and existing structures that have a water-based fire protection system shall be required immediately after conducting the five-year obstruction and maintenance testing, or if one or more of the fire department caps are missing.
Section 912.8 Add a section to read as follows: Fire Department Connection Height. The fire department connection shall be located not less than 18 inches from the bottom of the cap(s) and not more than 3 feet from the top of the cap(s) above the level of the adjacent grade or access level. Deviation from this height may be granted by the Code Official for just cause.
Section 912.9 Add a section to read as follows: Size. Minimum fire department connection (FDC) size shall be 2 ½" National Standard Thread Siamese connection.
Section 1013.7 Add a new section to read as follows. Additional Exit Signs: Exit signs may be required at the discretion of the code official to clarify an exit or exit access.
Section 1029.2 Add a second exception as follows:
Exception: The main entrance/exit of A-2 occupancies shall be of a width that accommodates not less than two-thirds of the total occupant load.
Section 1031.2 Modify 1031.2 by deleting the exceptions and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
EXCEPTIONS:
1. The emergency escape and rescue opening is permitted to open onto a balcony within an atrium in accordance with the requirements of Section 404 provided the balcony provides access to an exit and the dwelling unit or sleeping room has a means of egress that is not open to the atrium.
2. Regardless of what Tables 1006.3.4(1) and 1006.3.4(2) allow, all group R-2 occupancies other than hotels and motels must be provided with emergency escape & rescue openings.
3. Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or sleeping rooms that have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a public way or to a yard, court or exterior exit balcony that opens to a public way.
Section 5003.5 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: Signs shall also comply with the requirements of the Iowa Right to Know law.
Section 5704.2.9 Add a sentence to the end of the section to read as follows: For aboveground storage tanks of 276 gallons capacity or more, the minimum distance between such aboveground tanks and any Residential Zone boundary must be at least 100 feet. If the aboveground tank is located in an approved vault, the minimum separation distance from a Residential Zone boundary may be reduced to no less than 50 feet.
Section 5704.2.11.1 Add a #4 to the end of the section to read as follows:
4. A minimum distance of ten (10) feet shall be maintained between underground tanks and any Residential Zone boundary.
Section 5704.2.13.2.4 Add a section to read as follows: Existing above-ground tank hazards. Existing above-ground tank installations, even if previously approved, that are determined to constitute a hazard by the fire code official, shall not be continued in service. Unsafe tanks shall be removed as required by the fire code official and in accordance with this code.
That the geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 2021 International Fire Code are hereby established as follows:
Section 5704.2.9.6.1. The storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited in the entire City of Iowa City, Iowa.
Exception: Zones I 1&2, CI 1 and/or as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 5706.2.4.4. The storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited in the entire City of Iowa City, Iowa.
Exception: Zones I 1&2, CI 1 and/or as approved by the Fire Chief.
Section 6104.2. The storage of liquefied petroleum gas is prohibited in the entire City of Iowa City, Iowa.
Exception: Zones I 1&2, CI 1 and/or as approved by the Fire Chief.
(Ord. 19-4778, 2-5-2019; amd. Ord. 23-4904, 6-20-2023)