HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance No. 674-92 09-22-1992 ORDINANCE NO. 674
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, AMENDING
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS,
REPEALING THE PRESENT CHAPTER 5, FIRE PROTECTION, AND
ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 5, FIRE PROTECTION, PROVIDING A FIRE
CODE, PROVIDING FOR MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING INSPECTIONS,
PROVIDING A FEE SCHEDULE, PRESCRIBING A PENALTY, PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION, CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND ORDAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE
SUBJECT.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHLAND
HILLS, TEXAS:
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That the present Chapter 5, Fire Protection, of the Code of
Ordinances, City of Richland Hills, Texas, is hereby repealed
and the following Chapter 5, Fire Protection, is hereby
adopted:
CHAPTER 5
FIRE PROTECTION
Section 1: FIRE PREVENTION CODE
A. DEFINITIONS
(1) Jurisdiction: Wherever the word "jurisdiction" is
used in the Uniform Fire Code, it shall be held to
mean the municipality.
(2) Corporation Counsel: Wherever the term:
"Corporation Counsel" is used in the Uniform Fire
Code, it shall be held to mean the Attorney for
the City of Richland Hills, Texas.
(3) Chief of The Bureau of Fire Prevention: Wherever
the term "Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention"
appears it shall mean the Fire Marshal.
B. ADOPTION OF UNIFORM FIRE CODE
There is hereby adopted by the City Council for the
purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions
hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion,
that certain code known as the Uniform Fire Code
recommended by the International Fire Code Institute and
the Internal Conference of Building Officials being
particularly the 1991 Edition thereof including Appendix
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I-A through C, Appendix II-A, II-D, II-E, Appendix
III-C, Appendix IV-B, Appendix V-A, Appendix VI-D, save
and except such portions as are hereafter deleted,
modified or amended by this chapter, copies of which
Uniform Fire Code are on file in the office of the City
Secretary and the same are hereby adopted and
incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein and
the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the
limits of the city.
C. DISTRICTS. The establishment of limits or districts,
having to do with the storage of hazardous or explosive
materials referred to within the Uniform Fire Code shall
be as follows:
(1) The limits referred to in Section 79.501 of the
Uniform Fire Code in which flammable or
combustible liquid storage in outside above ground
tanks is prohibited are hereby established as the
entire City of Richland Hills; it being the
intention of this body to entirely prohibit
outside above ground bulk storage of Class I and
Class II flammable or combustible liquids;
(2) The limits referred to in Section 79.1001 of the
Uniform Fire Code in which flammable or
• combustible liquid in outside above ground tanks
for private use on farms, rural areas,
construction sites and earth-moving projects is
hereby established as follows; it is the intention
of this body to prohibit permanent storage of
Class I and Class II flammable and combustible
liquids in above ground tanks except within the
City of Richland Hills for the temporary storage
of Class I and Class II flammable or combustible
liquids subject to review and approval of the Fire
Marshal.
(3) The limits referred to in Section 82.104(a) of the
Uniform Fire Code in which bulk storage of
liquefied petroleum gas is restricted, are hereby
established as the entire City of Richland Hills;
it being the intention of this body to entirely
prohibit the bulk storage of liquified petroleum
gas within the corporate limits of the City of
Richland Hills. For the purpose of this code,
bulk storage shall be defined as the aggregate
capacity of any one installation exceeding a 2,000
gallon water capacity. The limits for liquefied
petroleum gas in other districts shall be as
follows; residential zone districts shall be
limited to an aggregate water gallon capacity not
to exceed 250 gallons subject to safeguarding and
distance restrictions; commercial and industrial
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zone districts shall be limited to an aggregate
water gallon capacity not to exceed 2,000 gallons
subject to safeguarding and distance restrictions.
(4) The limits referred to in Section 77.107(a) of the
Uniform Fire Code in which storage of explosives
and blasting agents is prohibited, hereby are
established as being the entire Citx of Richland
Hills; it being the intention of this body to
entirely prohibit the storage of explosives and
blasting agents within the corporate limits of the
City of Richland Hills.
D. AMENDMENT TO UNIFORM FIRE CODE
The following sections of The Uniform Fire Code, as
herein adopted, are amended to read as indicated
hereunder:
1. Article I of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended
by adding a new Section 1.104 as follows:
(a) Compliance Certification. A notarized letter
may be required by the Fire Marshal that
• certifies compliance with the Fire Code or
recognized standards regarding the technical
installations of fire protection and/or
notification equipment, systems or its
operation thereof.
(b) Notarized letters may be required for the
following:
1. Automatic fire alarm systems
2. Automatic fire extinguishing systems
3. Storage/use of hazardous materials
4. Fire protection equipment maintenance
and/or sprinkler
5. Flame retardant applications
6. Liquified gas installations and operations
7. Flammable and combustible installations
and operations
8. Radioactive materials storage and
appliances
9. Emergency power systems and appliances
10. Life safety systems, devices and operation
(c) The letter of Certification shall be on company
letterhead, signed by an authorized agent
acceptable to the Fire Marshal, and filed
before final approval of the systems
installation and operation.
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(d) All compliance testing and final acceptance
shall be witnessed by the Fire Marshal or his
authorized representative. A representative of
the installer shall be in attendance at all
compliance testing.
2. Section 2.106 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) The Chief of the Bureau of the Fire Prevention
and members of the Fire Prevention Bureau and
members of the fire department as designated by
the Fire Chief, shall have the powers of police
officers in performing their duties under this
code. They shall have the power to issue
citations for offenses tending to cause fires
or to make fire fighting more difficult
including, but not limited to, the following
offenses
1. Failure to maintain proper marking of
designated fire lanes and/or fire zones.
2. Parking of motor vehicles or otherwise
obstructing any properly marked fire lanes.
. 3. Parking within a prohibited distance from a
fire hydrant or fire department connection.
4. Any offense defined in this chapter or
under this Uniform Fire Code or its related
codes i.e., Building Code, Mechanical Code,
Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, or adopted
NFPA Standards.
3. Section 2.303 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
redesignated as subsection (a) and is further
amended by adding new paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
(b) The Board of Appeals referenced to in
paragraph (a) shall be the Richland Hills City
Council.
4. Section 2.304 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
(c) Most current year edition of the National Fire
Protection Association Recognized Standards on
file.
5. Section 4.108, paragraph 1.1, liquified petroleum
gases, is hereby amended to read as follows:
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Except for portable containers of less than
twenty-five (25) gallon water capacity to install or
maintain any LP gas tank vehicle which is used for
the transportation of LP gas. Where a single
container or the aggregate capacity of
interconnected containers is over 100 gallon water
capacity, the installer shall submit plans for such
permit. See Article 82.
6. Article 4 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended
by adding a new Section, 4.109 to read as follows:
PERMIT FEES:
(a) No permit shall be issued unless the applicant
has first paid to the Bureau of Fire
Prevention, the fee required therefore as set
forth in Chapter 5, Section 10 of this code.
(b) Consolidation of permits. Where permits are
consolidated as outlined in Section 4.106, the
permit fee shall be the sum of all fees for all
uses so consolidated, not to exceed 120.00 in
the aggregate.
• (c) Uses in existence at the time of adoption of
this code and having no previous permit shall
be subject to the provisions of this Article
Four requiring a permit. Any change in
operation requiring a new Certificate of
Occupancy as outlined in the Building Code
shall void such permits issued.
(d) Permits shall have an expiration date not to
exceed one (1) year from the date of issuance.
Temporary permits shall be valid for a period
of time as set forth therein by the Fire
Marshal.
(e) Permit fee(s) shall be doubled if owner,
operator, or contractor has begun work or
caused such activit~r, operation, practice or
function to begin without first obtaining a
permit.
7. Section 10.105 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended by adding a new paragraphs (e), (f (g), to
be read as follows:
(e) Fire Lanes and Fire Zones. When the Fire
Marshal determines that an area is necessary to
gain immediate access to any fire protection
equipment, appliance, vault, or hydrant or to
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gain access for the fire department entry to
buildings for the purpose of life safety, the
area shall be marked or posted as approved.
(f) Fire Lane Marking. Fire lane marking shall be
as follows:
(1). The owner, occupant and/or person in
charge of any premises where a fire lane
is required pursuant to this code, shall
be responsible for fire lane marking and
maintenance thereof.
(2). The marking of fire lanes on private
property devoted to public use, shall be
approved by the Chief of the Department
or Chief of the Bureau of Fire
Prevention.
(3). Fire lanes on large parking areas shall
be designated by continuous lines at
least four inches (4") in width on each
side of the fire lane starting at the
entrance from the street and to be
continued to the exit. Such lines shall
be bright red in color. The words "No
• Parking" and "Fire Lane" shall be
painted at the entrance to fire lanes
with lettering to be in white and at
least eighteen inches (18") in height.
(4). Fire lanes adjacent to curbs, buildings
and fences shall have the entire curb
fainted bright red or a minimum of five
inches (5") width adjacent to curb
painted bright red with lettering as in
(3) above.
(5). Where required by the Fire Prevention
Bureau, "Fire Lane" and "No Parking"
signs shall be erected on buildings,
posts or fences .
(g). Obstructing Fire Lanes. No person shall place
or allow to remain in marked fire lane any
trash, vehicles, merchandise or other
obstruction. The owner, occupant and/or the
person in charge of any premises shall be
responsible for any fire lane that is blocked
on such premises by any means other than motor
vehicles. The owner or operator of a motor
vehicle blocking any fire lane shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor and the vehicle shall be
subject to removal or impoundment at the
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violator's expense.
8. Section 10.201 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) General. Emergency access easements or
roadways for fire apparatus shall be provided
and maintained in accordance with provisions of
this section.
9. Section 10.203 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) Required Access. Fire apparatus access roads
or easements shall be required for every
building hereafter constructed. Such roadway
or emergency access easement shall provide for
all portions of the first story of a structure
to be within the unobstructed deployment of one
hundred fifty feet (150' ) of preconnected hose
line from a fire apparatus, located within said
access roadway or easement. Where access
requirements cannot be fully provided,
recognized fire protection systems shall be
installed as prescribed and approved by the
authority having jurisdiction.
• (c) More than one (1) fire apparatus road shall be
provided when it is determined that access by a
single road may be impaired by vehicle
congestion, condition of terrain, climatic
conditions or other factors that could limit
access.
10. Section 10.204 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(a) Permissible Modifications. Clearances or
widths required by this section may be
increased when in the opinion of the Fire Chief
or the Fire Marshal, minimum clearances or
widths are not adequate to provide fire
apparatus access.
(b) Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be
designed and maintained in a manner to support
the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Access
roadway surfaces shall be constructed of
asphalt or concrete and engineered so as to
provide all weather driving and maneuvering
capabilities.
(c) Width. The minimum unobstructed width of a
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fire apparatus access roadway shall be not less
that twenty feet (20'), unless such roadway
parallels parking facilities on one or more
sides, in which case, such roadway or access
easement shall be not less than twenty-four
(24') of unobstructed width. The authority
having jurisdiction may increase minimum widths
when deemed necessary to provide adequate
access for protection.
(d) Vertical Clearance. All fire apparatus access
roads shall have an unobstructed vertical
clearance of not less than 13 feet, 6 inches
(13'6").
EXCEPTION: Upon approval, vertical clearance, may
be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair
access by fire apparatus and approved signs are
installed and maintained indicating the established
vertical clearance.
(e) Turning Radius. the turning radius of a fire
apparatus access roadway shall be set and
approved by the Chief of the Bureau of Fire
Prevention. Unless otherwise stipulated, each
access roadway turning radius shall be twenty
• feet (20'~ inside dimension, forty feet (40')
outside dimension.
(f) Turnarounds. Any such roadway or emergency
access easement more than one hundred and fifty
feet (150') in length shall either be connected
to another dedicated public street or fire lane
easement, or be provided with a paved roadway
turnaround with a turning radius no less than
fifty feet (50'); (Exception: When approved,
an alternate design may be substituted for a
turn around. the design shall meet
requirements established by the Fire Marshal.)
(g) Bridges. When a bridge is required to be used
as access under this section, it shall be
constructed and maintained in accordance with
the applicable sections of the building code
and using designed live loading sufficient to
carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus.
(h) Grade. The gradient for afire apparatus
access road shall not exceed the maximum
approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
(i) Obstruction. The required width of any fire
apparatus access road shall not be obstructed
in any manner, including parking of vehicles.
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Minimum required widths and clearances
established under this section shall be
maintained at all times.
(j) Signs. When required, approved signs, fire
lane striping or other approved notices shall
be provided and maintained for fire apparatus
access roads to identify such roads and
prohibit the obstruction thereof, or both.
(k) Speed Bumps. No person, firm or corporation
shall place, construct, erect or maintain any
speed bumps in a marked fire lane or emergency
access roadway without first obtaining a
permit. Such speed bums shall be constructed
as not to exceed the height of five inches (5")
and a rise at the ratio of two to one.
11. Section 10.301 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Premises Identification
(a). General. Approved numbers or address shall be
placed on all new and existing buildings in
• such a position as to be plainly visible and
legible from the street or road fronting the
property. Said numbers shall contrast with
their background.
1. Residential occupancies shall have numbers
a minimum of four inches (4") in height.
2. Multi-family, townhouses, condominiums and
commercial occupancies shall have street
and/or building numbers a minimum of eight
inches (8") in height. When deemed
necessary by authority having
jurisdiction, the street and/or building
numbers may be required to be of a larger
size for immediate and visible
identification.
(b). If structure is more than two hundred feet
(200') from a public street, the address shall
also appear at the front or main entry to the
property.
(c). When deemed necessary by the authority having
jurisdiction, the street or building numbers
may be required on more than one side of the
structure or property.
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(d). Building and/or street numbers shall be
located in an area and lighted in a manner
that will make them immediately discernible as
approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
Exception: neighborhood residential districts
containing single family detached and single
family attached (duplex) dwellings.
(e). Street or Road Signs. When required by the
Chief, streets and roads shall be identified
with approved signs.
12. Amend Uniform Fire Code by adding a new section
10.306 to read as follows:
Security Gates:
(a ) Definitions
1. As used herein, a security gate shall mean
any device located on private property which
prohibits access of motor vehicles to more
than one (1) residential unit or to any
commercial property. It includes, but is
not limited to, a metal or wood swing
• railing extended across a street, private
drive or fire lane, which can only be opened
by a human operator situated on the premises
or by remote control or both.
2. Owner shall mean a person, corporation,
partnership, association or any other
similar entity.
3. Light duty metal chain means a chain with
the maximum diameter of metal in the chain
links being one quarter inch (1/4"), and
does not mean high-test proof, coil chain or
other heat tempered chain, regardless of
size.
4. Main gate means a security gate located on
private residential property where more that
one (1) security gate exists. The owner
shall designate in
writing to the Fire Marshal which is the
main gate. If no designation is made, the
main gate shall be so designated and located
on the property side bearing the street
address.
(b) Main Gates:
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1. Main gates hall be located at least thirty
feet (30') back from the inside edge of the
property line or forty feet 440') from the
edge of the roadway curb, whichever is
further.
2. All main gates shall be electrically
operated, with a manual disconnect in case
of a power failure. The manual disconnect
is to be placed in a weather tight box, with
a piano type hinge on one side and a KNOX
weatherproof padlock and hasp on the other
side.
3. All main gates shall open with a fire
department KNOX K.S. #2 key-operated switch.
The KNOX key-operated switch shall be
provided and installed by the owner. The
key-operated switch is to be located ten
feet (10') from the gate, on the left side
of the approach, placed on a pedestal with
the key switch facing the fire lane. The
key switch shall be no closer than four
feet, six inches (4'6") or no farther than
five feet, five inches ( 5' 5" ) from the
ground.
• 4. The owner shall furnish the police
department/fire department and Fire
Marshal's office with the necessary number
of access codes or tenant access cards, so
normal patrol and enforcement actions can be
continued.
5. The minimum fire lane width requirement of
twenty feet (20') and the minimum height
clearance requirement of thirteen feet, six
inches (13'6") shall be maintained.
(c) Security Gates: It shall be unlawful for a security
gate to be placed within a public access or fire
lane easement, unless such gate complies with the
following:
1. The minimum fire lane width requirement of
twenty feet (20') and the minimum height
requirement of thirteen feet, six inches (13'6")
shall be maintained.
2. Security gates shall be designed and constructed
in a workman like manner. Gate materials shall
be acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction.
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3. Horizontal swing or sliding security gates shall
be constructed, mounted, and maintained whereby
such gates will open fully when activated. When
opened, the gates must be equipped with a device
to maintain the gate in an open position.
4. Electrical and/or hydraulic gate devices shall
be designed in a manner that allows for an
alternate method of operation in a power off or
mechanical malfunction condition.
5. Security gates other than the main gate shall be
locked in a manner that allows for a RNOX
padlock or KNOX-key switch device.
(d) Application for security gates: A written request
to install security gates shall be submitted to the
office of the Fire Marshal with sufficient
information to ensure that code compliance shall be
provided. Security gates mad be installed only
after a permit for installation has been issued by
the Fire Marshal.
(e) Disclaimer of liability: the City hereby disclaims
any and all liabilities resulting from damages
sustained by any person or owner, either directly
• or indirectly, as a result of any emergency
function of the City or lack thereof, where such
damage is occasioned by the noncompliance of any
owner with the provision of this section.
13. Sections 10.403 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Fire Hydrants
(a) The location, number and type of fire hydrants
connected to a water supply capable of delivering
the required flow shall be provided on the public
street or on the site of the premises or both to be
protected as required and approved by the Chief.
Fire hydrants shall be accessible to the fire
department apparatus by roads meeting the
requirements of Division II.
For fire safety during construction, alteration or
demolition of a building, see Section 87.103(c).
(b) Requirements for buildings with fire sprinklers.
Buildings that are protected with fire sprinkler or
standpipe systems shall have a fire hydrant located
within 150 feet (150') of the fire department
connection measured by an approved route for the
purpose of hose line deployment.
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14. Section 10.501 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended by adding the following paragraph (d) to
read as follows:
(d) A plan review, installation permit, and fire
inspection fee shall be paid to the Fire Marshal's
Office as set forth in Chapter 5, Section it of the
City of Richland Hills Code of Ordinances.
15. That section 10.504 entitled "maintenance" of
Article 10 of the Uniform Fire Code, is hereby
amended by adding a new paragraphs (d),(e),(f),(g),
to read as follows:
(d) 1. STATE REGIILATIONS. the Fire Marshal and/or his
authorized representative(s) shall have local
enforcement authority regarding the rules and
regulations as established by the State Board of
Insurance in Article 5.43 of the Texas Insurance
Code.
2. The rules and regulations specifically
designated for enforcement are: Article 5.43-1,
Extinguisher Rules; Article 5.43-2, Fire Alarm
• Rules; Article 5.43-3, Sprinkler Rules; Article
5.43-4, Fire Works Rules.
3. The Fire Marshal as the local authority
conducting the review on behalf of the state
shall inspect the installation, maintenance,
repair, or jobbing of provisions as outlined in
the rules and regulations established by the
insurance code and cause the same to be complied
with.
4. The Fire Marshal and/or his authorized
representative(s) may issue to the person, firm,
or corporation found guilty of violating any of
the provisions, that is subject to the local
authority review and acceptance, a misdemeanor
citation for each violation.
5. Violation of provisions that are clearly the
responsibility of the state shall be forwarded
to the enforcement authority of the state at the
earliest opportunity.
(e) All fire protection systems shall be maintained in
accordance with Section 10.302(a). The Fire
Marshal shall be notified of any required fire
alarm system, fire sprinkler or standpipe system or
any other type of fire protection system that is to
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be out of service for a period greater than four
(4) clock hours. When systems are to be out of
service for a period greater than four (4) clock
hours, and when, in the opinion of the authority
having jurisdiction, a watch is essential for the
safety of the building's occupants, standby
personnel shall be required as provided by this
code.
(f) Occupancies having a required fire protection
system shall have and maintain a maintenance
contract with a state licensed and certified agency
authorized to provide for repairs and adjustments
of the system as needed to keep it operable at all
times.
(g) Such maintenance contract shall provide for
twenty-four hour emergency service with not more
than a two (2) hour response time. The name of the
service company and emergency phone numbers shall
be made available at the property location in a
manner that is acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction. A copy of the maintenance contract
shall be made available to the Fire Marshal or his
authorized representative upon request.
• 16. Section 10.507 paragraphs (c)(1),(c)(3),and (d) of
the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
(c) Group A Occupancies.
1. Night clubs, discos and restaurants. An
automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in
all occupancies used for drinking or dining when
the total occupancy area exceeds five thousand
(5,000) square feet regardless of the area wall
separation from other unseparated rooms or area
uses.
3. Assembly areas, exhibition and display rooms.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed
in Group A Occupancies with more than 10,000
square feet of floor area which can be used for
exhibition, assembly or display purposes
regardless of area separations.
(d) Group B, Division 2 Occupancies. An automatic
sprinkler system shall be installed in all
occupancies classed as Group B, Division 2 where the
floor area exceeds twelve thousand (12,000) sq. ft.
on any floor or twenty-four thousand (24,000) sq.
ft. on all floors or in Group B, Division 2
occupancies three (3) or more stories in height,
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regardless of any area separations. The area of
mezzanines shall be included in determining the
areas where sprinklers are required.
17. Section 12.106 entitled "Doors" of Article 12 of
the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by adding a
new paragraph (e) to read as follows:
(e) Special Egress-Control Device. When approved by
the Fire Marshal, exit doors in Group B, Division 2
occupancies may be equipped with approved special
egress-control devices provided the building is
protected throughout by an approved automatic fire
sprinkler system and an approved automatic smoke
and heat detection system. The unlatching of
special egress-control devices may be by panic
hardware, or electric button that meets the
requirements as set out in the below paragraphs.
If photo electric or motion detectors are used,
they can be used in conjunction with the button
device, but not in lieu thereof. Special
egress-control devices shall be subject to the
following regulations and requirements:
1. The design and installation shall:
A. Automatically de-activate the egress-control
device upon the activation of the fire sprinkler
system and/or the fire alarm system.
B. Automatically de-activate the egress-control
device upon the loss of electrical service from
the primary power source or secondary power
source, if available, to any of the following:
(I) The Egress-Control Device;
(II) The Smoke/Heat Fire Alarm
Detection System;
(III) The Exit Illumination as required
by U.B.C.
2. The control button used for unlatching a single door
shall be located no more than twelve (12) inches
from the door being used for exiting and shall be
placed at the unhinged side of the door a minimum of
thirty (30) inches and a maximum of forty-four (44)
inches above the floor. In the case of double
doors, the location of the unlatching device shall
be reviewed and approved by Fire Marshal but in no
case shall it b placed further than six inches (6")
from the door frame.
EXCEPTION: The provision onlx applies to
occupancies that are restricting egress with door
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locking devices. Occupancies that restrict or
control access (ingress) only need to comply with
the egress, requirements established and set out in
Article Twelve (12) of the Uniform Fire Code, and
Chapter Five (5) of the NFPA Standards 101, Life
Safety Code.
3. The unlatching shall not require more than one
operation. Any electrical egress device shall have
a minimum time delay of 20 seconds before latching
occurs.
4. A sign shall be located adjacent to the unlatching
control device and must read "Push to Exit". The
letters of the sign shall be at least one inch (1")
in height and shall have a stroke of not less than
one-eighth inch (1/8") with a contrasting
background.
5. The button by which the unlatching device is
operated shall not be less than one and one-half
inches (1 1/2") in diameter, readily visible, and
shall be red in color and shall not be required to
be held in for unlatching to occur.
EXCEPTION: Any button color other than red must be
• approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
Button must be contrasting in color and readily
distinguishable.
6. Where special egress-control devices with or without
time delays are installed in accordance with the
U.B.C., they shall be maintained in a workable
condition.
18. Section 12.110 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended to be read as follows:
Exit Illumination:
(a) General. Except within individual dwelling units,
guest rooms and sleeping rooms, exits shall be
illuminated any time the building is occupied,, with
light having intensity of not less than one (1)
foot candle at floor level.
EXCEPTION; In auditoriums, theaters, concert or
opera halls and similar assembly uses, the
illumination at floor level may be reduced during
performances to not less than 0.2 foot candle.
(b) Power Supply. The power supply for exit
illumination shall normally be provided by the
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premises wiring system. In the event of its
failure, illumination shall be automatically
provided from an emergency system where the
occupant load of the occupancy is fifty (50) or
more persons. For high-rise buildings and smoke
proof enclosures, see the Building Code. Emergency
systems shall be supplied from storage batteries or
an on-site generator set, and the system shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of
the Electrical Code.
(c) Windowless or underground areas shall be provided
with an emergency illumination system and approved
by the authority having jurisdiction.
19. Section 12.110 of the Uniform Fire code is hereby
amended to be read as follows:
Exit Signs.
(a) Where required, exit signs shall be installed at
required exit doors. Doors which obviously and
clearly are identifiable as exits, need not be
signed when approved by the Building Official.
EXCEPTION: Main exterior exit doors which
• obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits.
(b) Graphic. The color and design of lettering, arrows
and other symbols on exit signs shall be in high
contrast with their background. Words on the sign
shall be in block letters six inches (6") in height
with a stroke of not less than 3/4 inch.
(c) Illumination. Signs shall be internally or
externally illuminated by two electric lams. When
the luminance on the face of an exit sign is from
an external source, it shall have intensity of not
less than five (5) foot candles from either lamp.
Internally illuminated signs shall provide
equivalent luminance.
(d) Self-luminous type illumination may be approved by
the authority having jurisdiction, when internal or
external illuminated fixtures are not practical or
applicable to the situation.
(e) Power Supply. Power supply for exit fixture
illumination shall normally be provided by the
premises wiring system. In the event of its
failure, exit sign illumination shall be from
storage batteries or on-site generator set and the
system shall be installed in accordance with the
Electrical Code and Life Safety Code or emergency
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lighting provisions.
EXCEPTION: Occupancies in existence at the time of
the adoption of this provision need not comply
unless changes, alterations or repairs affect their
present use, unless the authority having
jurisdiction deem necessary to assure life safety
conditions.
(f) Floor-level Exit Signs. When exit signs are
required by the building Code <see U.B.C. Section
3314(a)>, additional approved low-level exit signs
which are internally or externally illuminated, or
self-luminous, shall be provided in all interior
exit corridors serving guest rooms of hotels in
Group R Division I Occupancies.
The bottom of the sign shall not be less than six
inches (6") or more than eight inches (8") above
the floor level. For exit doors, the sign shall be
on the door or adjacent to the door with the
closest edge of the sign within four inches (4") of
the door frame.
(g) Amusement Building Exit Marking. Approved
directional exit marking and exit signs shall be
• provided in accordance with the Building Code.
Approved low-level exit signs and directional
marking shall be located not more than eight inches
(8") above the walking surface and at the exit
path. Such marking shall be activated in
accordance with the Building Code. See U.B.C.
Section 610(c).
20. Section 87.103 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby
amended by adding new paragraphs (r) and (s) to .read as
follows:
(r) Combustible Material Storage. The storage of
combustible materials used for construction shall
be located at a distance no greater than one
hundred feet (100') from a dedicated public street
or emergency access easement. If required, the
authority having jurisdiction may require key
access as outlined in Section 10.302 of this code.
(s) Permits. The following permits are applicable to
construction projects. The use and storage of Class
I, II, III, flammable or combustible liquids; use of
explosive or blasting agents; excavation within ten
feet (10') of a flammable liquid transportation
line; use of liquified petroleum gas, LPG; storage
of lumber in excess of 100,000 board feet; use of
warming fires or portable heating appliances;
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welding and cutting operations; rubbish fires used
in the process of clearing land.
Section 2: ARSON REWARD
A. ARSON REWARD OFFERED
The City of Richland Hills, Texas hereby offers a reward
of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the arrest and
conviction of any person or persons found guilty of
committing the crime of arson within the corporate
limits of said City of Richland Hills, Texas. This
reward is a standing offer, and shall be paid out of the
general fund of the City of Richland Hills, Texas.
B. NOTICE OF REWARD OFFER
The City Secretary shall purchase or cause to be
purchased sufficient placards eight inches (8") by
twelve inches (12") in size showing the reward is
offered and at least six (6) of them will be placed in
wooden frames under glass and publicly dis~la~ed in at
least six (6) different public buildings within the city
limits and he/she shall also furnish the Texas Fire
Insurance Department at Austin, Texas, a certified copy
of this section, copy of one of the placards, and a list
• of public buildings where the placards have been placed.
Section 3: FIREWORKS
A. POSSESSION OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED
From and after the effective date of this section it
shall be unlawful for any person, persons, firms,
companies, corporations, or associations to possess,
cast, throw, or fire any squib, rocket, cracker,
torpedo, grenade, or other combustible fireworks of any
kind in the city limits of Richland Hills, Texas.
B. SALE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED
From and after the effective date of this section it
shall be unlawful for any person, persons, firms,
companies, corporations, or associations to exhibit or
have in his possession, with intent to give away, sell,
offer for sale within the City of Richland Hills, Texas,
any squib, rocket, cracker, torpedo, grenade, cap, or
other combustible fireworks of any kind.
C. EXCEPTIONS TO PROVISIONS; DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS
Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to
the sale, storage, or use of railroad track torpedoes or
other signaling devices used by railroads or to the
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sale, storage or use of flashlight composition by
photographers or dealers in photographic supplies or to
prevent any public or private demonstration or display
of fireworks of any kind if conducted under proper
police supervision after application made and permit
issued by the Fire Marshal of the City of Richland Hills
for such demonstration. Said permit shall not be
granted unless such demonstration or display shall be of
such character and so located, discharged or fired as in
the opinion of the Fire Marshal after proper inspection,
shall not be hazardous to the property or endanger any
person or persons.
Section 4: TRANSPORTATION OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUIDS AND EXPLOSIVES
It shall be unlawful for any person to park or operate
any truck or other vehicle that is designed and used for
transporting gasoline, flammable substance, explosives,
or other items or products that are highly flammable or
explosive on the streets in the residential areas of the
City of Richland Hills, Texas, except when making actual
deliveries of such products to permanent storage
containers.
This section is not intended to prohibit the use of
• automobiles and pick-up trucks while making actual
deliveries of gasoline to automobiles, lawn mowers and
other machinery in the city, provided that such delivery
shall be in containers of metal or unbreakable plastic
or in the vehicles that are not designed to hold more
than twenty (20) gallons of gasoline.
Section 5: MOBILE FUEL DISPENSING UNITS
A. MOBILE SERVICE UNIT DEFINED
Mobile Service Unit as used in this section shall mean
and include any vehicle, tank, tank truck, or other
moveable device from which flammable liquids used as
fuel may as an act of retail sale be dispensed into the
fuel tank of a motor vehicle. It is the intent of this
section to prohibit mobile gasoline filling stations
which either park or roam around on off street parking
lots and from which the driver or attendant makes sales
of gasoline to persons whose vehicles are parked on such
lots.
This section shall not apply to the delivery of
liquified petroleum gas to lawful recipients having
proper containers other than motor vehicles, or to the
emergency delivery of motor fuel to a stalled vehicle.
B. MOBILE SERVICE UNITS PROHIBITED
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It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or
corporation to sell or dispense fuel from a mobile
service unit in the City of Richland Hills, Texas, or to
operate the same as a service station, including
self-service.
Section 6: SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REQUIRED
A. Any apartment, condominium, hotel, motel, or townhouse,
over two stories in height or more than thirty five feet
(35') elevation from finished floor level, shall be
equipped with a fire protection sprinkler system that
meets NFPA Standard 13.
(1) The system shall be installed on all floors of the
building.
(2) The sprinkler heads installed in occupied areas of
the structure shall be fused at 165 degrees
Fahrenheit unless otherwise approved by the Bureau
of Fire Prevention.
(3) Any multi-family structure over thirty five feet
(35') in height shall be equipped with a sprinkler
system that meets the requirements of NFPA
Standard 13.
• (4) Upon installation completion, the installer of the
sprinkler system shall furnish the Bureau of Fire
Prevention with a copy of the "as built" plans for
the system and a letter stating the name of the
company installing the system, date of completion,
a statement that the system has been installed to
meet the requirements of the ordinance and the
notarized signature of the installer.
Section 7: FIRE WALL REQUIRED
All Group A, B, E, H, I, and R occupancies with multiple
units designed for use by multiple occupants through
rental, lease, or other agreement, shall provide a
minimum one hour fire resistive separation between each
unit or occupancy. Each unit utilized by other than the
building owner or manager, under such rental lease, or
other agreement, shall be considered a separate
occupancy, and require the minimum one hour fire
resistive separation. All mixed occupancies shall
provide the minimum one hour fire resistive separation
between each unit or occupancy.
1. Fire resistive construction shall extend from the
floor to the bottom of the roof deck or the
sub-floor of the next floor level .
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2. Where greater fire resistive separation is
required by the building code, it shall be so
provided.
3. Those occupancies which are required by the
building code to have automatic sprinkler systems,
or which have automatic sprinkler systems, shall
be exempt from this separation requirement.
Section 8: WOOD ROOF SHINGLES RESTRICTED
1. It shall be a violation of this ordinance to use
any wood shingles as part of the construction
material on structures classified as multifamily
(including duplexes) or commercial building.
2. All wood shingles or shakes used upon single
family dwellings shall be factory pressure treated
with a fire retardant chemical to meet Class C
fire resistant requirements of the National Fire
Protection Association No. 256.
3. Existing wood shingles or shake roofs may be
repaired with wood shingles or shakes providing
the area replaced does not exceed twenty-five
percent (25~) of the entire area of the roof,
• otherwise the entire roof shall be replaced with
material specified in the code.
Section 9: MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS
A. Multi-Family Dwellings Unit Defined
For the purpose of this section, "Multi-Family
Dwelling Unit" shall be defined as a building, or
portion thereof, arranged, designed, or occupied
as three or more dwelling units, and shall include
hotels, motels, apartment complexes, and lodging
houses used for sleeping purposes.
B. Inspections
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or
corporation to lease, rent, or operate any
multi-family dwelling unit within the city limits
of Richland Hills, unless such multi-family
dwelling unit has received an annual fire and life
safety inspection certificate from the Fire
Marshal. It shall be the responsibility of any
person, firm, or corporation leasing, renting, or
operating a multi-family dwelling unit to request
the Fire Marshal to perform such required annual
inspection as set forth in the Uniform Fire Code
and/or Uniform Building Code as adopted by the
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City of Richland Hills.
C. Fees
A fee shall be charged for each annual
multi-family fire and life safety inspection as
established in Chapter 5, Section 10 of this code,
and shall be paid to the Fire Marshal in the
amount in effect at the time payment is made.
Fees may be payable on a semi-annual basis for all
existing multi-family dwelling units with a valid
certificate of occupancy, with billing dates of
September 1 for the March thru August period, and
March 1 for the September through February period.
Fees for newly constructed multi-family dwelling
units shall be billed on a pro-rata basis
beginning on the date upon which a certificate of
occupancy is issued. Thereafter, billing shall be
in accordance with the established periods set
forth above.
Section 10: PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE
(1) Aerosol Products.... 30.00*
(2) Aircraft refueling vehicles 30.00
(3) Aircraft repair hanger 30.00
• (4) Automobile wrecking yard 30.00
(5) Bonfires or rubbish fire (utilizing TACB-
approved air curtain system only)............ 100.00
(6) Bowling pin or alley refinishing 30.00
(7) Burning in public place........ 100.00
(8) Candles and open flames in assembly area..... 30.00
(9) Cellulose nitrate storage 30.00
(10) Combustible fiber storage 30.00
(11) Compressed gases, flammable 30.00
(12) Combustible material storage 30.00.
(13) Cryogens 30.00
(14) Dry cleaning plants:
a. Noncombustible liquid use.... 30.00
b. Flammable or combustible liquid use...... 30.00
(15) Dust-producing operations 30.00
(16) Explosives or blasting agents.. 30.00
(17) Fireworks (certified display only)
Per day (24 hr).......... 30.00
(18) Flammable and combustible liquids
a. Pipeline operation & excavation.......... 30.00
b. Storage Class I liquids in safety can.... No Charge
c. Storage Class II or III liquids in portable
container........ 30.00
d. Use of underground tanks for storage &
dispensing of flammable & combustible
liquids.. 30.00
e. Remove, abandon, place temporarily out of~
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service flammable or combustible liquid
tanks...... 30.00
f. Changing contents stored in flammable or
combustible liquid tanks. 30.00
g. Operation of refineries, distilleries,
chemical plants or similar facilities.... 30.00
h. Installation of underground fuel tanks,
and/or product lines and fuel dispensing
stations..fee based on cost of construction
i. Class I & Class II flammable and combustible
liquids in fixed containers on stationary
equipment for emergency power use (40 gal.
medium quantity 30.00
(19) Fruit ripening processing.. 30.00
(20) Fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging... 30.00
(21) Garages.... 30.00
(22) Hazardous materials... 30.00
(23) Hazardous production materials 30.00
(24) Highly toxic pesticides 30.00
(25) High-piled combustible storage... 30.00
(26) Junk yards.. 30.00
(27) Liquefied petroleum gases;
a. Portable containers of 25 gals. and up to
and including 120 water gallon capacity.. 30.00
b. Container exceeding 120 water gallon
capacity up to and including 1,200 water
• gallons 30.00
c. Containers exceeding 1,200 water gallon
capacity up to 2,000 water gallon
. .
capacity... 30.00
(28) Liquid or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in
assembly buildings 30.00*
(29) Lumber yards. 30.00
(30) Magnesium, working of 30.00
(31) Mall, covered:
a. Display booth, concessions 30.00
b. As place of assembly..... 30.00
c. Open flame devices (use of) 30.00
d. To display liquid or fuel-powered
equipment.. 30.00
e. Use of liquid~or compressed flammable
gas 30.00
(32) Matches. 30.00
(33) Nitrate film 30.00
(34) Oil and natural gas wells 30.00
(35) Open burning:
a. Display fires, entertainment events...... 30.00
b. Warming fires or portable heating
appliances..... 30.00
c. Training fires (fire department use)..... No charge
d. Open pit barbecues No charge*
(36) Open flame devices in marinas 30.00
(37) Organic coatings.. 30.00
(38) Oven, industrial baking or drying............ 30.00
24
(39) Parade floats..... 30.00
(40) a. Places of assembly.......... 30.00
b. Nonprofit organizations-Churches, etc.... No charge
(41) Radioactive materials 30.00
(42) Refrigeration equipment 30.00
(43) Spraying and dipping operations.. 30.00
(44) Tank vehicles for flammable & combustible
liquids... ....Exempt/No charge
(45) Temporary places of~assembly (30 days maximum:
a. Tents & air-supported structures covering an
area greater than 200 square feet........ 30.00
b. Circus, side show, carnivals, fairs...... 30.00
c. Exhibitions 30.00
d. Dance halls 30.00
(46) Tire recapping 30.00
(47) Tire storage... 30.00
(48) Waste materials handling plant 30.00
(49) Welding and cutting operations 30.00
(50) Speed bumps in marked fire lanes 30.00
(51) Inspection fee (initial inspection).......... No charge
(52) Reinspection fee (third visit & thereafter... 30.00
(53) Hydrant flow-test No charge
(54) Plan review fee.... No charge
.
(55) Fire alarm system, installation based on cost
of construction
(56) Fire sprinkler & wet/dry standpipe systems
• installations.........fee based on cost of construction
(57) Chemical fire extinguishing systems...fee based on cost
of construction
(58) Multi Family inspection fee per unit (annual). 5.00
(59) Alarm test (witness) 30.00
(60) Fixed fire protection system test (witness).. 30.00
* New provision for permit established by 1991 IIFC
II
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council
that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and
phrases of the ordinance are severable and, if any phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of the ordinance
shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional by the valid
judgement or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any
of the affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since
the same would have been enacted by the City Council without
the incorporation in this ordinance of any such invalid or
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or
section.
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A ~ ~ ~
•
III
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of the
code hereby adopted or of this Chapter or who shall fail to
comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with
any order made thereunder, or any certificate or permit
issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken,
or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or
modified by the City of Richland Hills or by a court of
competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed herein, shall
severally for each and every such violation and
noncompliance, respectively, be guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not less that than fifty dollars
($50.00) nor more than two-thousand dollars ($2,000). The
imposition of one penalt~r for any violation shall not excuse
the violation or permit it to continue; and all such persons
shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or
defects within a reasonable time; and when not otherwise
specified, each day that any prohibited conditions are
maintained shall constitute a separate offense.
The application of the above penalty shall not be held to
prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.
IV
• This ordinance will take effect immediately from and after
its passage and the publication of the caption as the law in
such cases provides.
PASSED AND APPROVED 22nd DAY OF Se tember 1992,
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS.
APPROVED:
C~
C. F. Kelly, Mayor
ATT
auline Kempe, C ty ecretary
PR VED S TO FORM:
aul ein s ie, i y ttorney
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