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INTRODUCED BY Consent
REQUESTED BYBuildinas & Codes
DATE 7 -20 -89
ORDINANCE NO. 89 -75
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
CHAPTER 15.16, THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE AND ADOPTING
BY REFERENCE THE 1988 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE
AND APPENDICES THERETO PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCE OF BUILDING OFFICIALS AND THE WESTERN FIRE
CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, EXCEPT AS MODIFIED HEREIN, AND
REPEALING WHATCOM COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 84 -40.
WHEREAS, R.C.W. 19.27.030 provides that the Uniform Fire Code shall be in
effect in all cities, towns and counties and shall be adopted by reference; and
WHEREAS, R.C.W. 19.27.040 provides that the governing body of each county
is authorized to amend the State Building Code as it applies within its
jurisdiction in all such respects, as shall be not less than the minimum
performance standards and objectives enumerated in said chapter; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition, will promote
the health, safety and welfare of the general public; require minimum
1performance standards and requirements for construction and construction
materials consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire and life
safety; promote the use of modern technical methods, devices and improvements;
eliminate restrictive, obsolete, conflicting, duplicative and unnecessary
regulations and requirements which could unnecessarily increase construction
costs or retard the use of new materials and methods of installation or provide
unwarranted preferential treatment to types or classes of materials or products
or methods of construction.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN:
15.16.010, The Uniform Fire Code, with appendices thereto and latest
supplements, 1988 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building
Officials and the Western Fire Chiefs Association, is hereby adopted by
reference including each and all the rules and regulations printed therein
and shall be in full force and effect in Whatcom County except as herein
modified.
ORDINANCE - 1 -
Date drafted 01 -31 -89
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Section 2. Section 2.303 of the Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 2.303. In order to determine the suitability of alternate
materials and types of construction, and to provide for reasonable interpretation
of the provisions of this code, the Whatcom County Appeals Board shall be
empowered to pass upon the pertinent materials herein. The Fire Marshal of
Whatcom County shall be an ex— officio member of the Whatcom County Appeals Board
on all materials pertaining to the Uniform Fire Code for the purpose of
recommending regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practices
for safeguarding, to a reasonable degree, life and property from the hazards of
fire and explosives and the use of systems, materials and devices, and hazards
to life or property in the use or occupancy of buildings or premises.
Section 3. Article 9 of part 2 of the Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition,
is hereby amended by adding to the stated sections the following entitled
"Definitions" to read as follows:
Section 9.108. Whenever the term "Fire Department" is referred to
in this ordinance, it shall be construed to mean the County Fire District, except
in Uniform Fire Code Sections 2.101 Fire Department shall be construed to mean
County Fire Marshal and 2.202 shall be construed to mean the County Sheriff's
Department.
Whenever the term "Administrative Authority" is referred to in this
ordinance, it shall be construed to mean the Whatcom County /Director of Public
Works or his Designee.
Whenever the term "Fire Chief" is referred to in this ordinance, it
shall be construed to mean the County Fire Marshal or his deputy.
Whenever the term "Inspector" is used in this ordinance, it shall
be construed to mean Fire Inspector.
Whenever the term "Fire Prevention Bureau" is referred to in this
ordinance, it shall be construed to mean the Division of Buildings and Code
Administration.
DRDINANCE — 2 —
Date drafted \01 -31 -89
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Whenever the term "Board of Appeals" is used in this ordinance, it shall
be construed to mean the Whatcom County Appeals Board.
Article 4, of part 1, of the Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition, is hereby
amended by adding thereto to read as follows:
Section 4.103. All applications for permits required by this code shall
be made to the Bureau of Buildings & Code Administration in such form and detail
as it shall prescribe for applications for permits and shall be accompanied by
such plans as are required by the Bureau and the payment of fees for permits and
inspection services.
Permit fees and annual inspection charges:
Public fireworks display ............................. $100.00
Fireworks stands ...... ............................... $ 50.00
Aircraft repair hangars .............................. $ 50.00
Aircraft refueling vehicles .......................... $ 50.00
Automobile wrecking yards ............................ $ 50.00
Compressed gases ...... ............................... $ 50.00
Dust — producing operations ............................ $ 50.00
Explosives or blasting agents ........................ $ 50.00
Flammable or combustible liquid tanks ................ $ 50.00
Flammable or combustible liquid pipelines operation.. $ 50.00
Garages ............... ............................... $50.00
Hazardous chemicals ... ............................... $ 50.00
Liquid petroleum gases ............................... $ 50.00
Places of Assembly ... (including schools) ............. $ 50.00
Apartments ............ ............................... $ 50.00
Liquor license renewal ............................... $ 25.00
Permit fees:
Liquor license ( new) .... .............................'$ 50.00
Liquor license ( transfer ) ............................ $ 25.00
Blasting permit ....... ............................... $ 30.00
Plan Review for:
Fire flow design ...... ............................... $ 50.00
Sprinkler systems ..... ............................... $ 50.00
Fire alarm systems .... ............................... $ 50.00
Hood and duct systems . ............................... $ 50.00
Specialty systems ..... ............................... $ 50.00
Special Inspections ... ............................... $ 50.00
15.18.010 Subsection 10.301(c) of the Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition,
is hereby amended by adding thereto to read as follows:
(c) An approved water supply capable of supplying required fire
flow for fire protection as set forth in Chapter 15.18 W.C.C. shall
be provided to all premises upon which buildings or structures or
portions of buildings or structures are hereafter constructed. When
any portion of the building or structure protected is in excess of
150 feet from a water supply on a public street or county road there
(ORDINANCE — 3 —
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shall be provided, when required by the Fire Marshal or Building
Official, on —site fire hydrants and mains capable of supplying the
required fire flow. Water supply and fire flow shall be determined
by the Public Works Director /Building Official and approved by the
Whatcom County Fire Marshal.
Water supply may consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks,
elevator tanks, water mains, or other fixed system capable of
supplying the required fire flow, provided that where a public water
system water line capable of providing the required fire flow is
located within 1500 feet of the property, the water supply for fire
flow shall be provided by a water line extension installed in
accordance with the rules of the water purveyor; provided further
that if the total of the construction cost and other fees for the
line extension exceeds by more than 25% the cost of a reservoir
meeting the standards of section 15.18.070.B and capable of supplying
the required fire flow, the owner shall have the choice of either
extending the line or installing a reservoir meeting the standards
of this chapter. In setting the requirements for the fire flow, the
Fire Marshal and /or the Building Official shall be guided by WAC
248 -57 Water System Coordination Act: Fire Flow Regulations.
The location, number and type of fire hydrants connected to
a water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow shall
be provided on the public streets or on the site of the premises to
be protected as required and approved by the Fire Marshal. All
hydrants shall be installed pursuant to the standards set forth in
W.C.C. 15.18 and be accessible to the Fire District apparatus by
roadways meeting the requirements of Section 10.207.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that a new Chapter 15.18 entitled Fire Flow be
added to the Whatcom County Code to read as follows:
Section 15.18.010 Purpose d Applicability
The purpose of this regulation is to establish minimum
standards and requirements for the quantity and duration of flow of
water for fire fighting purposes to be provided for new structures
and developments in Whatcom County.
This chapter shall be applicable to all new structures that
require building permits and shall be used to determine the required
fire flow for fire protection referenced in Section 10.301(c) of the
Uniform Fire Code.
Section 15.18.020 Definitions
Words or phrases used herein shall have the following meanings
unless otherwise provided in the Uniform Fire Code, as adopted by
Whatcom County;
A. Compartmentalize — shall mean to divide the aggregate floor
area of a structure into smaller components by means of area
separation walls per U.B.C. 505(d).
B. Dead End Main — shall mean a water main over fifty feet long
which is not supplied from both ends.
C. Fire Department — shall mean the fire authority normally
responsible for fire protection in the area.
DINANCE — 4 —
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TAB LE 1
FIRE FLOW
Wood Frame Construction
(ground area in square feet)
ies.
4,800 - - -- Z 4 u w
UU - - -- 7 ODU - - -- I,tU - - -- i,u - - -- vv
500 < - - -- 6 v
503 < - - -- 200 - - -- 3 100 - - -- 2 too - - -- 1 600 - - -- 1,200 - - -- 1,000
625 < - - -- 7:700 ---- 3,900 - - -- 2,600 - - -- 1,900 - - -- 1,500 - - -- 1,300
688 < - - -- 9 +400 - - -- 4,700 - - -- 3,100 ---- 2 400 - - -- 1,900 - - -- 1,600
750 i 11,300 - - -- 52700 ---- 3 800 - - -- 2,800 - - -- 2,300 - - -- 1,900
813 < - - -- 6.700 - - -- 4,500 - - -- 3,400 - - -- 2,700 - - -- 2,200
875 < - - -- 15,600 ---- 72800 - - -- 5,200 - - -- 3,900----..3,100 ---- 2,600
938 < - - -- 18,000 - - -- 9 000 - - -- 6,000 ---- 4 500 - - -- 3,600 ---- 3,000
1000 < - - -- 20,600 ---- 10 300 - - -- 6,900 ---- 5 200 - - -- 4,100 ---- 3,400
1063 C - -- 23,300 - - -- 11,700 - - -- 7,600 - - -- 5,800 - - -- 11,700 - - -- 3,900
1125 < - - -- 26,300 - - - -13,200 ---- 8 800 - - -- 6,600 - - -- 5,300 - - -- 42400
1188 < - - -- 29,300 - - - -14,700 ---- 92800 -= -- 7,300 - --- 5,900 - - -- 11,900
1250_ <- - - -_32 +600 - - -- 16,300 - - - -102900 ---- 8,200 ---- 6,500 - - -- 51400
1313 < ---- 36 000 -= - -18 000 - - -- 12,000 - - -- 9,000 ---- 7,200 - - -- 6,000
1375 < - - -- 39,600 - - - -19 800 - - - -13,200 ---- 9 900 - - -- 7,900 - - -- 6,600
1438 < -- 43,400 - - -- 21,700 - - -- 14,500 - - -- 10,900 - - -- 8,700 - - -- 7,200
1500 <- __ 47 400 - - - -2 ,700 - - - -15 800 - - -- 11,900 - - -- 9,500 - - -- 7,900
---=- 5i, 500 - - -- 25,800 - - -- 17,200 - - -- 12,900 - - -- 10,300 - - -- 8,600
1563 c - - -- 55,700 - - - -27 900 - - -- 18,600 - - -- 13,900 - - -- 11,100 -
1625 < - - -- 60,200 - - - -30 100- - - -20, 100 - - -- 15,100 - - -- 12,000 - - -- 10,000
1688 < - - -- _64,800 - - - -32 400 - - - -21 600 - - -- 16,200 - - -- 13,000 - - -- 10,800
1750 < - - -- 69,600 ---- 34 800 - - -- 23,200 - - -- 17,400 - - -- 13,900 - - -- 11,600
1813 < - - -- 74,600 - - - -37 300 - - - -24 90o - - - -18 700 - - -- 111,900 - - -- 12,400
1875 < - - -- 6 6 16 000 1 00
1938 C - - -- j�,800 - - - -39 900 - - - -2 00 - - -- 20,000 - - -- , - - -- 3,3_
00
2000 C - - -- 85,100 ---- 42 600 - - -- 28,400- - - -21, 00---- 17,000 - - -- 14,2
TAB LE 2
FIRE FLOW
Ordinary Construction
(ground area in square feet)
m 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stories
500_ < - - -- - - -- - - -- - - -- ita-u-'
563_C - - -- 13,900 ---- 7,000 - - -- 4,600 - - -- 2,800 - - -- 2,800 - - -- 2,300
x,400 - - -- 8,700 - - -- 5,800 - - -- 11,400 - - -- 3,500 - - -- 2,900
625_ < - - -- 21,300 - - -- 10,700 - - -- 7,100 - - -- 5,300 - - -- 11,300 - - -- 600
688 < - - -- 25,500 - - -- 12,800 - - -- 8,500 - - -- 6,400 - - -- 5,100 - - -- 4,300
750 < - - -- 30,100 - - -- 15,100 - - -- 10,000 - - -- 7,500 - - -- 6,000 - - -- 5,000
813_ < ---- 35,200 - - -- 17,600 - - -- 11,700 - - -- 82800- - --
875 < - - -- 7,000 - - -- 5.900
938 < - - -- 40, 600 - - -- 20,300 - - -- 13,500 - - -- 10,200 - - -- 8,100 - - -- 6,800
1000 < ---- 46,400 - - -- 23,200 - - -- 15,500 - - -- 11,600 - - -- 9,300 - - -- 7,700
1063 < - - -- 52, 500- - - -26, 300 - - -- 17,500 - - -- 13,100 - - -- 10,500 - - -- 8,800
1125 < - - -- 59,100- - - -29, 600 - - -- 19,700 - - -- 14,800 - - -- 11,800 - - -- 9,900
1188 < - - -- 66,000- - - -33, 000 - - -- 22,000 - - -- 16,500 - - -- 13,200 - - -- 11,000
1250 < - - -- 73,300 - - -- 36,700 - - -- 24,400 - - -- 18,300 - - -- 14,700 - - -- 12,200
1313 < - - -- 81, 100- - - -40, 600- - - -27, 000 - - -- 20,300 - - -- 16,200 - - -- 13,500
1375 < - - -- 89,.200 - -- -114, 600 - - -- 29,700 - - -- 22,300 - - -- 17,800 - - -- 14,900
1438 < - - -- 97,700 ---- 48,900 ---- 32, 600 ---- 211,40o ---- 19,5oo ---- 16,3oo
1500 < - -- -106, 500 - - -- 53,500- - - -35, 500 - - -- 26,600 - - -- 21,300 - - -- 17,800
1563 <---- 115,800- - - -57, 900 - - -- 38,600 - - -- 28,900 - - -- 23,200 - - -- 19,300
1625 < - -- -125. 500- - - -62, 800 - - -- 41,800 - - -- 31,400 - - -- 25,100 - - -- 20,900
1688 < - -__ 135, 500- - - -67, 800 - - -- 45,200 - - -- 33,900 - - -- 27,100 - - -- 22,600
1750 < - - -_ 145,800 - - -- 72,900- - - -48, 600 - - -- 36,500 - - -- 29,200 - - -- 24,300
1813 < - -- -156. 700- -- -78, 400 - - -- 52,200 - - -- 39,200 - - -- 31,300 - - -- 26,100
1875 <---- 167,900- - - -84, 000- - - -56, 000 - - -- 112,000 - - -- 33,600 - - -- 28,000
1938 <---- 17Q.400- - - -89, 700- - - -59, 800 - - -- 1111,900 - - -- 35,200 - - -- 29,900
2000 C - - -- 191,400 - - -- 95,700 - - -- 63,800 - - -- 47,900 - - -- 38,300 - - -- 31„900
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TABLE 3
FIRE FLOW
Non - combustible Construction
round area in square feet
m 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stories
- - -- -- -- -70 - - -- - - -- , - - -- O
5 � - - -- 21,800 - - - -10,900 ---- 7,300 - - -- 5,500 - - -- 4,400 - - -- 3,60o
5663 3 < - - -- 27200 - - -- 13,600 - - -- 9,100 - - -- 6,800 - - -- 5,400 - -
625 < - - -- 3.200 - - -- 16,600 - - -- 11,100 - - -- 8,300 ---- 6,600 - - -- 5,500
688 < -- - 39.700 - - -- 19,900 - - - -13,200 ---- 9,900 ---- 7,900 - - -- 6,600
150 < - - -- 47,100 - - -- 23,600 - - -- 15,700 - - -- 11,800 - - -- 9,400 - - -- 7,900
813 <----.54,900 ---- 27 500 - - -- 18,300 - - -- 13,700 - - -- 11,000 - - -- 9,200
875 < - - -- 63. 400- - - -31, 700 - - -- 21,100 - - -- 15,900 - - -- 12,700 - - -- 10,600
938 < - - -- 72,400 - - -- 36,200 - - -- 211,000 - - -- 18,100 - - -- 14,500 - - -- 12,100
1000 < - - -- 82,100 - - -- 41,200 - - -- 27,400 - - -- 20,500 - - -- 16,400 - - -- 13,700
1063 < - - -- 92,400- - - -46, 200- - - -30, 800 - - -- 23,100 - - -- 18,500 - - -- 15,400
1125 <- -- -103, 100 - - -- 51,600 - - -- 34,400 - - -- 25,800 - - -- 20,600 - - -- 17,200
1188 < - -- -114, 600- - - -57, 300 - - -- 38,200 - - -- 28,700 - - -- 22,900 - - -- 19,100
1250 <---- 126,700 - - -- 63,400- - - -42, 200 - - -- 31,700 - - -- 25,300 - - -- 21,100
1313 <----139,400- - - -69, 700 - - -- 465.00 - - -- 34,900 - - -- 27,900---- 23,200
1375 < ---- 152, 600- - - -76, 300 - - -- 50,900 - - -- 38,200 - - -- 30,500 - - -- 25,400
1438 <-- - -166, 500 - - -- 83,300 - - -- 55,500 - - -- 41,600 - - -- 33,300 - - -- 27,800
1500 < - - --
TABLE 4
FIRE FLOW
Fire Resistive Construction
(ground area in square feet)
m 1 2 3 4 5 6
500 < - - -- 8• - -_ ......... ._....,.. � ..._.. ,......_ �....._
563_ < - - -- x,700 - - -- 19,400 - - -- 12,900 - - -- 9,700
625 < - - -- 48. 300 - - -- 24,200 - - -- 16,100 - - -- 12,100 - - -- 9,700 - - -- 8,100
688 < - - -- 59, 000- - - -29, 500 - - -- 19,700 - - -- 14,800 - - -- 11,800 - - -- 9,800
750 < - -- 70,900- - - -35, 500- - - -23, 600 - - -- 17,700 - - -- 14,200 - - -- 11,800
813 <----.9L700 83,700 - - -- 41,200 - - -- 27,900 - - -- 20,900 - - -- 16,800 - - -- 13,900
875 < - - -- - - -- 48,900 - - -- 32,600 - - -- 24,400 - - -- 19,500 - - -- 16,300
938 <---- 112,700 - - -- 56,400- - - -37, 600 - - -- 28,200 - - -- 22,500 - - -- 18,800
1000 <-- - -128, 700 - - -- 64,400- - - -42, 900 - - -- 32,200 - - -- 25,700 - - -- 21,500
145. 900 - - -- 73.000- - - -48. 600 - - -- 36,500 - - -- 29,200 - - -- 211,300
, yvv ---- y�,fuv ---- u,.ivv--- -y7,7u w - - -lJ fuv---- Jv,uvu
- - -?03 .700 - -- 101,900 - - -- 67,900 - - -- 50,900 - - -- 40,700 - - -- 34,000
- -225,200 - -- 112,600 ---- 75,100 ---- 56,300 ---- 45,000 ---- 37,600
�247, 700 --- 123, 900 ----82, 600 ---- 61,900 ---- 119,500 ---- 41,300
= X71,200 - -- 135,600 - - -- 90,400 - - -- 67,800 - - -- 54,200 - - -- 45,200
295. 900 - -- 148. 000 - - -- 98,600 - - -- 74,000 - - -- 59,200 - - -- 1 19.300
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D. Fire Flow - shall mean the flow of water at 20 p.s.i. for a
specified period of time required to be available for use in
extinguishing a fire at a specific building or development.
E. Fire Hydrant - shall mean a permanently installed mechanical
device by which water is made available to fire apparatus
operated by a fire department.
F. Fire Marshal - shall mean the Director of the Whatcom County
Public Works Department or his designee.
G. Fire Resistive Construction - shall mean Type I fire resistive
structures and Type II fire resistive structures as defined
in the Uniform Building Code.
H. Flush Type Hydrant - shall mean a fire hydrant installed
entirely below grade.
I. G.P.M. - shall mean gallons per minute.
J. I.S.O. - shall mean Insurance Services Office Pamphlet entitled
"Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow." 1974 Edition.
K. Non Combustible Construction - shall mean Type II -N and Type
II one -hour structures as defined in the Uniform Building Code.
L. Ordinary Construction - shall mean Type III one -hour, Type III -
N. Type VI H.T. and Type V one -hour structures as defined in
the Uniform Building Code.
M. Substantial Alteration - shall mean an alteration to a
structure where the value of the labor and materials is
together more than 40% of the value of the original structure
immediately prior to the alteration. The value of the
structure and of the alteration shall be established by the
Building Official who shall be guided by the building valuation
data contained in the most current October Issue of the
"Building Standards." the official magazine of the
International Conference of Building Officials, substantial
alterations shall also mean addition(s) to a structure
regardless of value which singly or together increase the gross
floor area of the structure by an amount equal to or greater
than 10% or which add 500 square feet or more to the gross area
of the structure.
N. Water Supply - shall mean the source, treatment, transmission
and districution facilities as required to provide water for
normal peak consumption and fire flow with residual pressure
at the service or fire hydrant in excess of 20 p.s.i.
0. Wood Frame Construction - shall mean Type V -N structures as
defined in the Uniform Building Code.
Section 15.16.030 Fire Flow Standards
Tables 1 through 4 together with any other applicable provisions
contained herein shall be used to determine the amount of fire flow
in gallons per minute required for new construction subject to the
provisions of this chapter. Not withstanding any other provisions
contained herein the minimum required fire flow for all new
construction not exempted from these standards shall be 500 qpm.
ORDINANCE - 5 -
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Water far fire flaw purposes shall be provided at a minimum of 20
psi pressure and shall be available in an amount sufficient to
provide the required fire flow for a duration of one hour, provided
that for industrial uses in areas zoned heavy impact industrial the
duration shall be two hours.
To use the tables, first determine the ground area of the structure,
the number of stories and the type of construction. Using the table
corresponding to the type of construction, find the column which
corresponds to the number of stories of the structure. Select the
appropriate round area range corresponding to the ground column and
read the fire flow value which corresponds to that ground area range,
from the list of values in the lefthand column marked qpm.
Ground area shall be the same as the first story floor area computed
using Uniform Building Code Standards and Definitions. Number of
stories shall be the same as that computed using the Uniform Building
Cade Standards and Definitions. For the purpose of computing ground
area, woad frame structures separated by less than 10 feet shall be
considered one structure.
Section 15.18.040 Authority to Adjust Fire Flow Value
'fhe fire marshal shall have the authority to make ad.iustments to the
fire flow values obtained from tables 1 through 4 in accordance with the
following:
A. The fire flow values obtained from the tables may be reduced
up to 25% for occupancies having a low fire hazard or may be
increased up to 25% for occupancies having a high fire hazard.
The Appendix to the I.S.O. guide may be used to determine low
or high hazard occupancies. The Fire arshal shall exercise
good _judgement in determining the hazard for occupancies not
sepcifically mentioned. For lumber yards, petroleum storage,
refineries, grain elevators, and large chemical plants, where
the number obtained from the table is a minimum value, the Fire
Marshal shall increase the fire flow value obtained from the
Tables by 25%. The fire flow calculated shall not be less than
1000 qpm.
B. The fire flow values obtained from the tables may be reduced
by the Fire Marshal up to 50% for complete systematic to
sprinkler protection. Where the buildings are either fire
resistive or non - combustible construction, and have a low fire
hazard, the reduction may be up to 75%. The percentage
reduction made for an automatic sprinkler system will depend
upon the extent to which the system is .judged to reduce the
possibility of fire spreading within and beyond the fire area.
Normally this reduction will not be the maximum allowed without
proper system supervision., including water flow and valves.
The fire flow shall not be less than 1000 qpm.
C. To the fire flow values obtained from the tables a percentage
shall be added for structures exposed within 150 feet of the
new structure or addition. This percentage shall depend upon
the height, area, and construction of the building(s) being
exposed, the separation, openings in the exposed building(s),
the length of the exposure, the provision of automatic
sprinklers and /or outside sprinklers in the building(s)
exposed, the occupancy of the exposed building(s), and the
ORDINANCE - 6 -
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effect of hillside locations on the possible spread of fire.
An unpierced perimeter wall may warrant up to a 10% exposure
change.
The percentage for any one side generally shall not exceed the
following limits for the separations shown:
Separation Percentage
0- 10 feet 25%
11- 30 feet 20%
31- 60 feet 15%
61 -100 feet 10%
101 -150 feet 5%
The total percentage shall be the sum of the percentages for
all sides, but shall not exceed 75%.
D. The values obtain in A above is reduced by the percentage (if
any) determined in B above and increased by the percentage (if
any) determined in C above.
E. In determining percentage increase and decrease in fire flow,
the Fire Marshal shall give consideration to the configuration
of the building(s) and to the Fire Department accessibility.
F. High one -story buildings: When a building is stated at 1, 2,
or more stories, the number of stories to be used in the
formula depends upon the use being made of the building.
For example, consider a 1 - 3 story building, if the building
is being used for high -piled stock, or for rock storage, the
building would probably be considered as 3 stories and, in
addition, an increased percentage for occupancy may be
warranted. However, if the building is being used for steel
fabrication and the extra height is provided only to facilitate
movement of objects by a crane, the building would probably
be considered as a 1 - story building and a decreased
percentage for occupancy may be warranted.
G. Where wood shingle roofs could contribute to spreading fires.
add 500 gpm.
Section 15.18.050 Exenptions
The following new construction shall be exempt from the fire flow
requirements set forth in this chapter:
A. New Structures
1) Single- Family Residences
2) Agriculture Buildings Farm buildings such as livestock
and poultry buildings, milking barns, loafing sheds, farm
equipment storage buildings relating to the precedinq
buildings, and similar use structures accessory to farming
activities, provided that these structures shall not be a
place of human habitation or a place of employment where
agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged: nor
shall it be a place used by the public, and provided further
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that this exemption shall only apply to structures that are
set back a minimum distance of 100 feet from the side and rear
property line.
Buildings not considered agricultural buildings are:
potato warehouses, grainaries, mushroom growing buildings,
daries, greenhouses and other like use structures engaging in
retail sales.
3) Other Structures and Buildings not previously exempted
which are 2,500 sq. ft. or less in area: PROVIDED, that this
exemption shall not apply to structures of buildings which will
be used for Group B -1 or H occupancies.
B. Alterations and Additions to Existing Structures
1) Alterations and additions to existing buildings or
structures where the building or structure is otherwise
exempt: PROVIDED, that the alteration does not remove
the building or structure from exempt status.
2) Alterations and additions to existing buildings or
structures where the building or structure is not exempt;
when the alteration is less than a substantial alteration
as defined by this chapter or the alteration or addition
will result in a building or structure that complies with
one or more of the other fire flow exemptions; PROVIDED,
that alterations or additions to a bulding or structure
used or to be used for Group H occupancy shall not be
exempt.
Section 15.18.060 Fire Hydrant Standard
The following installation standards shall apply to fire hydrant
installations providing required fire flow.
A. Fire Hydrant Design Criteria
1)• Fire hydrants shall have a minimum six (6) inch barrel,
shall have a minimum of two 2 1/2 inch outlets and one 4 inch
minimum inside diameter pumper port.
2) All hydrant connections shall have threads compatible with
those used by the local fire department.
3) Fire hydrants shall be self - draining and frost -free.
4) Fire hydrants shall meet American Waterworks Association
Standards and any additional specifications required by the
local water surveyor.
5) Fire hydrants shall be provided with an auxilliary gate
valveinstalled to permit the repair and /or replacement of
the fire hydrant without disruption of water service.
6) Flush -type hydrants are prohibited, except upon specific
approval of the Fire Marshal.
7. All hydrants shall be subject to testing by the local fire
department and the Fire Marshal. The water purveyor shall be
notified prior to any such testing. Testing shall be-done in
cooperation with such purveyors.
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B. Installation Criteria
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1) Fire hydrants and water mains shall be installed to meet
sound engineering ractices as specified by the Fire Marshal
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based on applicable circumstances. The Fire Marshal shall make
applications and plans available for comment by the local fire
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department. Fire hydrants shall be accessible to fire
department pumpers over roads capable of supporting such
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vehicles.
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2) Fire hydrants shall stand plumb and be set to the finished
grade. The bottom of the lowest outlet of the fire hydrant
shall be not less than eighteen (18) inches above finished
grade. There shall be thirty —six (36) inches of clear area
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around the hydrant to allow for operation of a hydrant wrench
an the outlets and an the control valve.
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3) The pumper port shall face the street. Where the street
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cannot be clearly defined or recognized, the port shall face
the most likely route of approach and location of the fire
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apparatus while pumping, as determined by the Fire Marshal.
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4) Fire hydrants shall be located a minimum of fifty (50) feet
from buildings, except upon specific approval of the Fire
13.
Marshal.
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5) All hydrants shall be located between 18 and 120 inches
from the edge of the roadway surface, unless specifically
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approved otherwise by the Fire Marshal. Hydrant located in
areas subject to commercial or industrial motor traffic shall
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be protected against vehicular damage by curbs, space
se aration rade level changes, guard parts or other means
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approved by the Fire Marshal.
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6) Hydrants shall not be obstructed by any structure or
vegetation nor shall the visibility of the hydrant be impaired
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for a distance of fifty (50) feet in the direction of vehicular
approach to the fire hydrant.
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7) Fire hydrant shall, when passible, be located at street
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intersections.
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8) The locationn and design of all water mains, fire hydrants,
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and valves to be installed shall be properly and accurately
marked an identifiable plans or drawings, two copies of which
shall be attached to the building plans for Fire Marshal
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approval.
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C. Number of Fire Hydrants
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1) All buildings having a grass ground floor area of twenty
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thousand (20,000 square feet or more, or requiring a fire flow
of three thousand (3,000) gallons per minute or more, shall
have fire hydrants located an all sides, spaced three hundred
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(300) feet an center, unless otherwise approved by the Fire
Marshal.
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2) All buildings which have a gross ground floor area of less
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than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet and a fire flow of
less than three thousand (3,000) gallons per minute may have
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fire hydrants located on one side only.
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3) All fire hydrants required pursuant to this section shall
be located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the building,
unless otherwise approved by the Fire Marshal.
4) All buildings having automaticsprinklers and /or standpipe
system(s) shall have one fire hydrant located within one
hundred fifty (150) feet of each fire department pumper
connection or group of fire department pumper connections.
5) If the required fire flow for a structure or use exceeds
1250 gallons per minute, the minimum number of fire hydrants
shall be not less than the required flow divided by one
thousand two hundred fifty (1250), rounded off to the nearest
whole number. In no case shall the fire flow be reduced below
that required by these rules and regulations as a result of
this computation.
Section 15.18.070 Water Supply
The following standards shall apply to the design, installation and
use of ponds to provide required fire flow.
A. Ponds
1) Capacity of pond to be determined by Tables IR through 1D.
2) Capacity of pond to be determined based on dry weather
conditions.
3) Capacity of pond to be required based on capacity
calculated of available water twelve (12) inches above suction
inlet.
4) Pond to be gunite lined or equivalent.
5) Proper sized line to be connected from standard type
hydrant into pond.
6) Minimum line size to hydrant is six (6) inches unless line
is in excess of fifty (50) feet in length. If over fifty (50)
feet, line size shall be no less than eight (8) inches.
7) Hydrant threads to be determined and approved by District
Fire Chief.
6) Hydrant to be within three hundred (300) feet of furthest
point of building being served.
9) Access road to hydrant must comply with Uniform Fire Code
Section 10207(a).
10) Line to hydrant must be filled with water and pressurized.
Minimu flow acceptable will be 500 gpm at 20 psi.
11) Pump on system to be automatic start based on drop in
pressure on system.
12) Electrical service for pump separate from building.
13) Pump capacity shall not be less than required fire flow
G. P. M.
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B. Reservoirs
1) Capacity to be determined by Tables 1A through 1D, and
multiplied by 120 for industrial, to determine total reservoir
capacity, and multiplied by 60 for all other complexes, to
determine total reservoir capacity.
2) Hydrant to be located within 100 feet of reservoir, and
reservoir to be within 300 feet of furthest point of building
being served.
3) Hvdrandt to be connected to reservoir with a line no less
than eight (8) inches in diameter. Line to meet American
Waterworks Association Standards.
4) Reservoir to be constructed of concrete, steel, or other
approved material. Design of reservoir to be approved by a
registered engineer.
5) Reservoir to be provided with a three (3) foot by three
(3) foot sump with line to hydrant connected to the bottom of
sump.
6) A gate valve to be installed between hydrant and reservoir.
7) Reservoir to be connected to a minimum 3/4 inch line with
automatic fill provisions, from either a domestic system, or
a wall system.
8) Reservoir to be provided with access opening large enough
to provide entry.
9) Reservoir to be provided with a minimum of four (4) inch
vent.
10) All vents and overflow openings in reservoir to be
screened.
11) Reservoir to be constructed so that water level in
reservoir, when full to capacity, is a minimum of 4 1/2 feet
above steamer port of the hydrant.
12) Hydrant threads to be determined and approved by the
applicable District Fire Chief.
13) Access road to hydrant must comply with Uniform Building
Code Section 10.207(a).
14) All lines are to be insulated as required to prevent from
freezing.
15) Water supply to be provided with adequate vacuum break
or backflow.
16) Plans of reservoir to be submitted and approved by Fire
District and Fire Marshal prior to beginning construction.
17) Reservoir to be complete and operational before building
construction begins.
ORDINANCE — 11 —
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Section 15.18.080 Fire Marshal Authorit
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to prevent the Fire
Marshal from exercising the authority granted by Section 2.301 of the
Uniform Fire Code; PROVIDED that notification in writing shall be made
to the Chief of the Fire District in which any modification to the
requirements of this chapter is granted to a development pursuant to
Section 2.301 where such modification results in a reduction in fire flow
below the standards set forth in this chapter. The date of the letter of
notification shall be deemed to be the date of the administratrive
decision.
Section 6. Violations and Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation
violating any of the provisions of this ordinance, or of the Code adopted by
reference by this ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and each
day during which such violation is continued or committed shall constitute a
separate offense, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of
not more than Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars, or by imprisonment in the County
jail for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and
imprisonment.
Section 7. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
16 phrase, or portion of this code or ordinance adopted herein is for any reason
17 held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of a court of competent
18 jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
19 portions of this ordinance or the code herein.
20 Section 8. Conflict. In case of conflict among the codes enumerated
21 herein, the first named code shall govern over the following, in accordance with
22 R.C.W. 19.27.030:
23 1. Uniform Building Code, Appendices and Related Standards, 1988
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Edition.
2. Uniform Mechanical Code, Appendices and Related Standards,
1988 Edition.
3. Uniform Fire Code with appendices thereto, 1988 Edition.
Section 9. Adoption by Reference. Pursuant to R.C.W. 36.32.120(7) one
copy of the code adopted by reference herein shall be filed for use and
ORDINANCE — 12 —
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examination by the public in the office of the Whatcom County Auditor prior to
the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 12. Ordinance No. 84 -40 and 87 -59 and any amendments thereto, are
hereby repealed.
PASSED this 7th day of September , 19 89
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCDM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
olud s* 4�
Donald G. Ha nsey / �/ _ f
Chairman V /,,,%('/^�J�,•�
l ✓) APPROVED ( ) VETOED
4
Ramona Reeves Shirley Van Janten
Clerk of the Council County Executive
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
David C. Coyt#ngham
Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ORDINANCE — 13 —
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Dates