The 2021 international fire code, as adopted pursuant to section 7-5-1 of this article, is hereby amended by adding the underlined language and deleting the overstricken language as follows:
CHAPTER 1
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
PART 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101 - GENERAL
101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. The following appendices are adopted as part of this code:
1. Appendix B - Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings;
2. Appendix C - Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution;
3. Appendix D - Fire Apparatus Access Roads;
4. Appendix F - Hazard Ranking;
5. Appendix H - Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions;
6. Appendix I - Fire Protection Systems - Noncompliant Conditions;
7. Appendix K - Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities; and
8. Appendix L - Requirements for Fire Fighter Air Replenishment Systems.
SECTION 103 – CODE COMPLIANCE AGENCY
103.1 Creation of agency. The Village of Oak Park Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau is hereby created and the official in charge there shall be known as the Fire Code Official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
SECTION 111 MEANS OF APPEALS is deleted in its entirety and appeals shall be governed by section 113 of the 2021 International Building Code, as amended and adopted by the Village.
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 202 - GENERAL DEFINITIONS
202 General Definitions is modified to add the definition of "Responsible Party" to read as follows:
RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Except as may otherwise be set forth herein, the owner or the owner's designated agent shall be considered a responsible party for ensuring compliance with this code. In addition, any other person or entity that may be reasonably considered to have a role or responsibility in the creation, continuation, or correction of any violation of this code shall be considered a responsible party or additional responsible party for such violation.
CHAPTER 6
BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
SECTION 606 - COMMERCIAL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
606.1 General. Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods shall comply with the requirements of the International Building Code and the International Mechanical Code, each as amended and adopted by the Village, and National Fire Protection Agency (“NFPA”) 17A and 96.
CHAPTER 9
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION 901 - GENERAL
901.4.2 Nonrequired fire protection and life safety system. Fire protection and life safety systems or portion thereof not required by this code or the International Building Code shall be allowed to be furnished for partial or complete protection provided that such installed systems meet the applicable requirements of this code, and the International Building Code, NFPA 72 and the current Illinois Accessibility Code.
901.4.3 Alterations in buildings and structures. For any alteration within a building or structure, the fire protection and life safety systems shall be extended, altered or augmented to maintain and continue protection within the building or structure. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection or life safety system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the international building code without approval from the fire code official. Fire panels approved for replacement by the Fire Code Official require all components to be listed within such panel and the panel service area to comply with this code and NFPA 72.
SECTION 903 - AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group A-1 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 100 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
4. The fire area contains a multi-theater complex.
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group A-3 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 100 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group A-4 occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 100 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
903.2.1.6 Assembly Occupancies on roofs. Where an occupied roof has an assembly occupancy with an occupant load exceeding 100 for Group A. A-2 and 300 for other Group A occupancies, all floors between the occupied roof and the level of exit discharge shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
Exception: Open parking garages of Type I or Type II construction.
903.2.1.7 Multiple fire areas. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided where multiple fire areas of Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies share exit or exit access components and the combined occupant load of these fire areas is 300 100 or more.
903.2.2 Ambulatory Care Facilities is hereby re-numbered in its entirety and relocated to Section 903.2.2.1.
903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group B occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
2. The fire area is located in a basement.
903.2.2.1 Ambulatory Care Facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor area containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients already incapable.
2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where, ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor where such care is provided as well as all floors below, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Floors classified as an open parking garage are not required to be sprinklered.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for group E occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all group E fire areas greater than 12,000 square feet in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that portion of the building
Exception: In buildings where every classroom has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level, an automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area.
3. The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 100 or more.
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet in area.
2. A group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2300 m²).
4. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1., or where walls, partitions or other obstructions are installed that restrict the application from hose streams, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Where any occupancy classification except Group S or U occurs in a basement, the entire basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 and 903.3.1.1.2. A safety factor for hydraulic calculations shall be a minimum of 5 psi or 10% of the available pressure, whichever is greater. Flexible sprinkler hose is not be permitted for use in any NFPA 13, 13R or 13D system, unless specifically approved by the Fire Code Official.
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic Sprinkler Systems in Group R occupancies shall be permitted to be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R where the Group R occupancy meets all of the following conditions:
1. Four stories or less above grade plane.
2. The floor level of the highest story is 30 feet or less above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
3. The floor level of the lowest story is 30 feet or less below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections 510.2 and 510.4 of the International Building Code shall be measured from grade plane. A safety factor for hydraulic calculations shall be a minimum of 5 psi or 10% of the available pressure, whichever is greater.
903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units. where either of the following conditions exists:
1. The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.
2. Exterior balconies, decks and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3 of the International Building Code.
Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch to 6 inches below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.
903.4 Sprinkler systems supervision and alarms. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit manual fire alarm system in compliance with NFPA 72 requirements and the Illinois Accessibility Code for occupant notification.
Exceptions:
1. Automatic Sprinkler systems protecting one- and two family dwellings.
2. Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8
3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the Automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
5. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preauction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
8. Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
903.4.2 Alarms. An approved audible and visual device with a blue lens, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
SECTION 907 - FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS
907.1.3 Equipment. All fire alarm systems shall be of the addressable type and shall be installed per NFPA 72. Systems and components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed.
907.1.4 Notification of Disconnection. Any disconnection of an active fire alarm system from the system monitoring station on file with the Village’s Fire Department shall be reported in writing to the Fire Department by the property owner or other responsible party within 24 hours of such disconnection. Failure to make such notification to the Fire Department shall be a violation of this code.
907.1.4 Re-Connection of Alarm System. Failure to reconnect a required fire alarm system to a system monitoring station approved by the Village’s Fire Department within 24 hours of any disconnection shall be a violation of this code.
907.2 Where Required-new buildings and structures. An approved 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 Section 907.5, unless other requirements are proved 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 systems employing automatic fire detectors or waterflow detection 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 Exception:
1. The manual fire alarm box is not required for alarm systems dedicated to elevator recall control supervisory service.
2. The manual fire alarm box is not required for Group R-2 occupancies unless required by the fire code official to provide a means for fire watch personnel to initiate an alarm during a sprinkler system impairment event. Where provided, the manual fire alarm box shall not be located in an area that is open to the public.
907.2.1 Group A. Group A is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.1 Group A. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates an occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 of this code shall be installed throughout all Group A occupancies.
Exception: Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout a building and connected to the building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
907.2.2 Group B. Group B is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.2 Group B. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all occupancies containing group B occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Group B occupancies having an occupant load of less than 50 which have a direct exit to a building exterior except restaurants or establishments where alcoholic beverages or cannabis are permitted to be consumed.
2. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout the building and connected to the building fire alarm system, and automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
907.2.3 Group E. Group E is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.3 Group E. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system which activates an occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 of this code shall be installed throughout group E occupancies. Activation of the fire alarm in Group E occupancies shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2 of this code.
Exception: Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout a building and connected to a building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
907.2.4 Group F. Section 907.2.4 Group F is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.4 Group F and S. A manual/ automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates an occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 of this code shall be installed throughout all group F and S occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Occupancies having an occupant load of less than 50 and having direct exiting to the building exterior.
2. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout a building and connected to a building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
3. An automatic fire detection system is not required in open parking garages.
907.2.7 Group M. Section 907.2.7 is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.7 Group M. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout group M occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Occupancies having an occupant load less than 50 which have a direct exit to the building exterior.
2. Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout a building and connected to a building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
907.2.8 Group R-1. Section 907.2.8 is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.8 Group R-1. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all occupancies containing group R-1 occupancies.
Exception: Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout a building and connected to a building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise required by law.
907.2.8 Group R-2. Section 907.2.8 is deleted and replaced in its entirety with the following:
907.2.8 Group R-2. A manual/automatic fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system that activates an occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 of this code shall be installed throughout all group R-2 occupancies.
Exception: Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout the building and connected to the building fire alarm system, an automatic fire detection system is not required unless otherwise specified.
907.2.10 Group S. Section 907.2.10 deleted in its entirety.
907.5.2 Alarm notification appliances. Alarm notification appliances shall be provided and shall be listed for their purpose. The code requires that fire alarm systems be equipped with approved alarm notification appliances so that in an emergency, the fire alarm system will notify the occupants of the need for evacuation or implementation of the fire emergency plan. Alarm notification devices required by the code are of two general types: visible and audible. An additional audible and visual device with a red lens, shall be located on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Except for voice/ alarm signaling systems, once the system has been activated, all visible and audible alarms are required to activate. Voice/alarm signaling systems are special signaling systems that are activated selectively in response to specific emergency conditions.
907.5.2.3 Visible alarms. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.5.2.3.1 through 907.5.2.3.4 907.5.2.3.3.
Exceptions:
1. Visible alarm notification appliances are not required in alterations, except where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a new fire alarm system is installed.
1 2. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in exits as defined in Chapter .
2 3. Visible alarm notification appliances shall not be required in elevator cars.
3 4. Visual alarm notification appliances are not required in critical care areas of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
4 5. A visible alarm notification appliance installed in a nurses’ control station or other continuously attended staff location in a Group I-2 Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.2.6, Exception 2.
907.5.2.3.3 Group R-2. In Group R-2 occupancies required by Section 907 to have a fire alarm system, each story that contains dwelling units and sleeping units shall be provided with the capability to support future visible alarm notification appliances in accordance with Chapter 11 of ICC A117.1. Such capability shall accommodate wired or wireless equipment. Type A units as described in the International Building Code shall be equipped with audio/visual devices.
907.5.2.3.4 Visible alarms in new, existing and alterations. Visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in the following buildings:
1. Where a new fire alarm system is installed;
2. Where an existing fire alarm system is upgraded or replaced; or
3. Buildings undergoing alterations in any occupancy group where a fire alarm currently exists.
907.6.4.3 Zone maps. Fire alarm zone maps shall be provided at all fire alarm control panels, annunciator panels, fire command center, and any other location as determined by the fire official. The zone maps shall provide the locations of all fire alarm initiating devices set forth in a floor plan.
SECTION 913 – FIRE PUMPS
1913.2 Protection against interruption of service: The fire pump, driver and controller shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 20 against possible interruption of service through damage caused by explosion, fire flood, earthquake, rodents, insects, windstorm, freezing, vandalism and other adverse conditions. Where a building is equipped with an emergency generator, any fire pump shall be connected to the generator.
CHAPTER 10
MEANS OF EGRESS
1013.5 Internally illuminated exit signs.
Electrically powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, Section 1203, and the latest edition of the National Electric Code as adopted and amended by the Village of Oak Park. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.
CHAPTER 11
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1103.2 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage in Existing Buildings. Existing buildings other than Group R-3, that do not have an approved radio coverage for emergency responders in the building based on existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems, shall be equipped with such coverage according to one of the following:
1. Where an existing wired communication system cannot be repaired or is being replaced, or where not approved in accordance with Section 510.1, Exception 1.
2. Within a time, frame established by the adopting authority
3. Existing systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 510.6.
1103.5 Sprinkler Systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through 1103.5.4 1103.5.6
1103.5.1 Group A-2. Where alcoholic beverages or cannabis are consumed in a Group A-2 occupancy having an occupant load of 300 100 or more, the fire area containing the Group A-2 occupancy shall be equipped with an automatic sprinklers system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Restaurants or establishments where alcoholic beverages or cannabis are permitted to be consumed shall have a manual fire alarm and an automatic fire alarm system with notification of any size or occupant load.
1103.5.5 Existing Basements. If occupancy is permitted in a basement within any occupancy classification except Group R-2, R-3, S or U, the entire basement shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
1103.5.6 Monitoring and Notification for Existing Sprinkler Systems. Sprinkler systems installed in commercial buildings shall have monitoring and notification devices installed per Sections 903.4 and 907.5 where existing fire alarms are installed within the building.
(Ord. 2014-0-62, 10-6-2014, eff. 1-1-2015; amd. Ord. 20-083, 9-21-2020; Ord. 23-52, 6-20-2023)