Section 914.12 of the California fire code is hereby added to read as follows:
914.12 Special Requirements For Group F, M, S-1 Or S-2 Distribution Warehouses Greater Than 50,000 Square Feet in Floor Area. Buildings classified primarily as group M, group S-1 or S-2, with no more than 10% of the building square footage occupied with accessory uses, in which the primary use is wholesale or retail sales of bulk products or packaged materials, or for the storage of commodities for distribution, shall be in accordance with this section.
914.12.1 Fire Command Center. A fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided. The location and accessibility of the fire control room shall be approved by the fire code official. The fire control room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by walls and ceilings not less than one-hour fire partitions. The room shall be a minimum of 200 square feet (19 m2) in area, with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm). The room shall contain the following as a minimum:
1. The fire alarm control unit and associated equipment.
2. Annunciator panel displaying status of sprinkler control valves and waterflow detectors.
3. Main controls and indicators for mechanical smoke exhaust systems.
4. Graphic with schematic indicating building floor plans, means of egress, fire protection systems, firefighting equipment and access.
5. Other firefighting equipment and system controls as required by the fire code official.
6. Emergency lighting powered by the standby electrical system.
914.12.2 Mechanical Smoke Exhaust. A mechanical smoke exhaust system conforming to the requirements of section 910.4 shall be provided. The system may be combined with environmental or other ventilation air systems when approved by the fire code official.
914.12.3 Standpipe Systems. A class I standpipe system shall be provided, with hose connections located at fire department access doors as required by section 905.4. The system may be interconnected with the building automatic sprinkler systems, and may be supplied by adjacent systems or by a separate riser. Standpipe systems shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 14.
914.12.4 Fire Department Graphic. A printed graphic with schematic diagrams of the building automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, means of egress, standpipe systems, smoke exhaust systems, access doors, and any other equipment as required by the fire code official shall be superimposed over a building floor plan or site plan and mounted on the wall in a highly visible location in the fire control room. The graphic shall be durable and waterproofed.
914.12.5 Standby Power. A standby power generator conforming to the California electrical code shall be provided on the premises, in a protected location. The generator shall have a rated capacity necessary to supply the load of all fire protection features listed below at the same time:
1. Emergency lighting and exit signs necessary for egress.
2. Lighting for the fire control room.
3. Signal and communication systems as applicable.
4. Electrically powered fire pumps required to maintain pressure.
5. Mechanical smoke exhaust systems as required by section 914.12.2.
In addition, a fuel supply sufficient for not less than two hours of operation shall be required on the premises. All electrically connected systems shall be transferred within 60 seconds after losing primary power.
914.12.6 Enhanced Communications. When required by the fire code official, enhanced communication equipment, such as bi-directional amplifiers, shall be provided in the building for dedicated use by the fire department. When such equipment is required to be installed, it shall be provided with a standby power supply.
914.12.7 Other Requirements. All fire protection systems shall comply with fire department standards regarding installation, signage and labeling, maintenance, and other requirements as specified by the fire code official.
(Ord. 2948, 2022: Ord. 2900, 2019: Ord. 2840, 2016)