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Fire Code (CDD)

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1. I am building a new building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?

Pt. 1: With a few exceptions, all new structures regardless of type of construction and/or floor area are required to be protected by a fire sprinkler system.

1. Private garages, sheds and carports less than 1,000 square feet and separated from other structures are typically exempt

2. Sheds more than 1,000 and less than 3,000 square feet are exempt provided that the proposed occupancy does not pose an abnormal or high fire hazard or fire load

3. Agricultural buildings not exceeding 25 feet in height and with 60 foot setbacks in all directions from other buildings and property lines

4. Group B & M less than 500 square feet when detached and separated from other structures (stand-alone parking lot kiosks)

5. Greenhouses of non-combustible construction

6. Public school state-funded construction projects

Pt. 2: There are 3 basic fire sprinkler system design standards, NFPA 13, NFPA 13-D and NFPA 13-R. The standard used will be dependent on the type of occupancy that you are building. Single and two - family dwellings require the installation of a NFPA 13-D system. Residential structures (multi-family) up to 4 stories in height typically will require a NFPA 13-R system, unless it is also associated with a parking garage (podium) which would then be a combination of a NFPA 13 and NFPA 13-R. All other occupancies will require a NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system.

2. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?

Pt. 1: With the exception of one-and two-family dwellings, a fire sprinkler system will be required when an extensive renovation or remodel is done to more than 50% of the gross floor area.

Pt. 2: When an addition is made to a commercial structure that is less than 6,000 square feet that causes the completed structure to exceed 6,000 square feet in gross floor area.

Pt. 3 When an addition equal to or greater than 10% gross floor area is added to a structure that already exceeds 6,000 gross square feet.

Pt. 4 When the structure exceeds 6,000 gross square feet and an extensive renovation or remodel is done to more than 50% of the gross floor area.

Pt. 5 There are a number of other requirements that are occupancy specific that have different threshold limits based on the occupancy. The best way to determine if your project will require the installation of fire sprinklers is to either contact the fire plan checker at CDD, or review §903.2.2 of Chapter 9 (Fire Code) of
Title 8 (Building Regulations) found in the
City of Watsonville Municipal Code.

3. Who can install my fire sprinklers?

Pt. 1: Fire sprinkler systems are to be installed by a California Licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor with a valid C-16 license.

Pt. 2 If you are an owner/builder and building a single family dwelling only. All others shall be a California Licensed Fire Sprinkler Contractor with a valid C-16 license.

4. Where can I find a list of fire sprinkler contractors?

You can do a search for “fire sprinkler contractors near me” on the internet. There a number of local fire sprinkler contractors available. Once you have narrowed your list to a couple of sprinkler contractors, do your homework and ask for references and contact those references to help determine the company that you wish to use.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INVESTEMENT, ALWAYS check the Contractors State License Board website for current license, insurance and workers’ compensation status.

Visit the
Contractor's State License Board website now.

5. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?

A minimum of 2 complete copies are required for permit submittal. One will become the job copy and the other will be retained by the City of Watsonville as an office copy.

6. I am building a new building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?

Fire alarms are installed for a number of different reasons and are required throughout the fire code. At a minimum, if you are building a commercial building that is required to be protected by a fire sprinkler system, the answer is yes.

In order to determine if your project will require a fire alarm system and if there are any additional occupancy specific fire alarm system requirements, contact the fire plan checker at the Community Development Department.

7. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?

Fire alarms are installed for a number of different reasons and are required throughout the fire code. At a minimum, if you are building a commercial building that is required to be protected by a fire sprinkler system, the answer is yes.

In order to determine if your project will require a fire alarm system and if there are any additional occupancy specific fire alarm system requirements, contact the fire plan checker at Community Development Department, or review Chapter 9 of the California Building Code or Chapter 9 (Fire Code) of Title 8 (Building Regulations) found in the City of Watsonville Municipal Code.

8. Who can install my fire alarm system?

Fire alarm systems may only be installed by a licensed alarm contractor holding a California Specialty License C-7, C-10.

9. Can I install my own fire alarm system?

No, a fire alarm system shall be installed by a licensed fire alarm contractor holding a California Specialty License C-7 or C-10.

10. Where can I find a list of fire alarm contractors?

You can do a search for “fire alarm contractors near me” on the internet. There a number of local fire alarm contractors available. Once you have narrowed your list to a couple of fire alarm contractors, do your homework and ask for references and contact those references to help determine the company that you wish to use.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INVESTEMENT, ALWAYS check the Contractor's State License Board website for current license, insurance and workers’ compensation status.

Visit the
Contractor's State License Board website now.

11. I am submitting for a fire alarm permit, what documentation is required?

All fire alarm system permit applications shall include:
• Completed Building Fire (PDF) application.
• If applicable, a scaled site plan when there are multiple buildings on site
• Scaled floor plan showing location and type of devices to be installed
• Riser drawing
• Battery calculations for all devices and circuits
• Manufacturers’ product specification sheets
• California State Fire Marshals’ Equipment Listings

View the Building Fire (PDF) application.

12. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?

A minimum of 2 complete copies are required for permit submittal. One will become the job copy and the other will be retained by the City of Watsonville as an office copy.

13. When are smoke detectors required to be installed?

Pt. 1: There are a number of requirements for smoke detectors. If you are proposing a commercial occupancy, the requirements can be found in §907 of the California Fire Code. The requirements for a fire alarm are occupancy specific.

Pt. 2: If your project involves a single family dwelling, the requirements can be found in §R314 of the California Residential Code. At minimum smoke alarms are required in all new dwelling units.
• One alarm adjacent to each sleeping area (hall, foyer, balcony, or etc.)
• One alarm in each sleeping room.
• One at the top of each stairway of 24" rise or greater and in an accessible location by a ladder.
• There must be at least one smoke alarm on each floor level regardless of area usage.
• There must be a minimum of one smoke alarm in every basement area.

Pt. 3: There are additional requirements for dwelling units other than single family dwellings including rentals, hotels, motels, lodging houses, etc.

14. Can I use battery powered smoke detectors?

Battery powered smoke detectors may be used in existing buildings where no construction is taking place.

More information can be found in the California Residential Code R314.6 (PDF)

15. When are carbon monoxide alarms required?

Carbon Monoxide Alarms are required in all new and existing dwelling units where either or both of the following conditions exist:
• The dwelling unit contains a fuel fire appliance or fireplace
• The dwelling unit has an attached garage with an opening that communicates with the dwelling unit

16. Where do I install carbon monoxide detectors?

Carbon Monoxide Alarms shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions in the following locations:
• Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms
• On every occupiable level of a dwelling unit, including basements
• Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom

17. How large do my address numbers need to be?

Address numbers for one- and two-family dwellings shall be no less than 4” in height. Address number for all other dwelling unit buildings shall be no less than 6” in height.
Address numbers for all commercial occupancies shall be no less than 6” in height.

18. Where do I put my numbers?

Address numbers:
• Shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property
• Shall contrast with their background
• Shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out.

19. Do I need a fire hydrant?

All buildings are required to be within a specified distance from a fire hydrant. That distance is determined based on required fire flows as prescribed within Appendix B of the California Fire Code. The determination is based on type of construction and the gross floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls, and under horizontal projections of the roof of a building.

Once the required fire flow has been determined, the number of and distance to a fire hydrant is found in Appendix C of the California Fire Code. If your proposed building is not within the specified distances required in Appendix C, then a new fire hydrant will be required to be installed as a part of your project. The best location to place the fire hydrant will be determined by the fire department based on operational needs.

20. Where can I obtain fire flow information?

You may obtain the available fire flow information by contacting the Water Department Division of Public Works.

21. When is a turnaround required?

An approved fire department turnaround is required on any dead-end fire apparatus access road in excess of 150 feet in length.

22. What is a fire lane, and when is one required?

A fire lane is a fire apparatus access road with an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet exclusive of shoulders and with an unobstructed vertical clearance of 13 feet-6 inches. Such fire lane shall be marked as prescribed in §503.3 of the California Fire Code.

23. What is a KNOX Box? Why do I need one? Where do I buy it?

A KNOX Box® is a key retention box. The KNOX Box® security system has been approved for use within the City of Watsonville and no other key retention box shall be installed. The KNOX Box® contains your building keys for firefighters to use to gain access to the interior of your business or to gain access onto your property in the event of an after-hours response.

By using the KNOX Box® system and family of products, we are able to gain access with no additional damage to your property. This is extremely important in the event of a false fire alarm. ONLY the fire department has the key to access your keys, and the fire department keys are a special security key that cannot be duplicated even by a local lock shop.

24. What is a Class K fire extinguisher? When do I need one?

A Class K fire extinguisher is a special fire extinguisher that is required in all commercial kitchens and is designed to be used in conjunction with your hood and duct fire suppression system; or as a first-aid appliance for a fire involving grease and oils used and found in food preparation.

25. What kind of fire extinguishers do I need for my business?

The size and kind of fire extinguisher required is dependent upon the fire hazard(s) associated with your business. For more information, refer to §906 et al. of the California Fire Code.

26. How many fire extinguishers do I need?

The number of fire extinguishers required for your business again is dependent on the fire hazard(s) associated with your business. Depending on the hazard classification, fire extinguishers are distributed throughout the building based on travel distances to the nearest fire extinguisher.