SR-08-11-1981-8AAUG f i 99~i
CA:RMM:r
City Council Meeting 8-11-81
STAFF REPORT
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
City Attorney
Santa Monica, California
Supplemental Fire Protection Ordinance.
At its meeting on July 14, 1981, the City Council
directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance concerning
supplemental fire protection provisions. In response to this
directive, the accompanying ordinance has been prepared. for
consideration by the City Council
The Fire Department has prepared a comprehensive report
on the proposed ordinance. Both the report and the proposed
ordinance accompany this staff report.
RECOMMENDATION
It is respectfully recommended that the accompanying
ordinance be introduced for first reading.
PREPARED BY: Robert M. Myers, City Attorney
AUG i rtes,
CA:RMb1:r
City Council Meeting 8-11-81 Santa Monica, California
ORDINANCE NUMBER
(City Council Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING SECTION 206
OF THE 1979 UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TO INCLUDE SUPPLEMENTAL FIRE PROTECTION
PROVISIONS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Monica
adopted Ordinance Number 1177 (CCS) on September 9, 1980;
and
WHEREAS, Ordinance Number 1177 (CCS) adopted the 1979
Uniform Administrative and Technical Construction Codes; and
WHEREAS, Section 206 added to the Uniform Administra-
tive Code, 1979 Edition, contains the local amendments to the
1979 Technical Codes; and
WHEREAS, Section 206(a) of the Uniform Administrative
Code, entitled "Supplemental Fire Safety and Prevention
Requirements," reserved the following divisions for future
use Division 3.00 relating to Requirements for Automatic Fire
Extinguishing Systems and Division 7.00 relating to Require-
ments for Existing Residential Structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Monica
has received the report of the Fire Department;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
MONICA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 206(a) of the Uniform Administra-
tive Code adopted by Ordinance Number 1177 (CCS) is hereby
amended to add as follows Division 3.00 relating to Require-
ments for Automatic Fire Extinguishing and Protection Sys-
terns:
Division 3.00. Requirements
for Automatic Fire Extinguishing
and Protection Systems.
3.01. .Notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary, buildings
or structures more than three stories
or 30 feet in height or more than
15,000 square feet in total square
footage without respect to separation
walls shall be provided with an
approved full automatic fire sprink-
ler system. Upon written applica-
tion, the Fire Chief may approve an
alternate system of fire protection
for any building less than 15,000
square feet subject to this subdivi-
sion.
3.02. Notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary, buildings
or structures housing any occupancy
classification having floors used
-2-
for human occupancy more than 55 feet
above the lowest level of Fire
Department vehicle access shall
comply with the high-rise building
requirements contained in Section
1807 of the Uniform Building Code,
1979 Edition, and Section 2-1807 of
Title 24 of the California Admini-
strative Code.
3.03. Notwithstanding any pro-
vision to the contrary, buildings or
structures as determined by the Fire
Chief to be used primarily for public
assembly, including drinking, dining,
entertainment, exhibition, display,
or similar concentrated uses, more
than 5,000 square feet in total
square footage shall be provided with
an approved full automatic fire
sprinkler system.
3.04. Notwithstanding any pro-
vision to the contrary, in buildings
or structures four or more stories in
height all stairways serving the top
floor shall extend to the roof sur-
f ace .
-3-
3.05. On or before June 1,
1982, every existing building or
structure, excepting existing resi-
dential buildings or structures, with
floors more than 30 feet above the
lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall be provided
with:
(a) An approved automatic fire
alarm system unless the building is
provided with an approved full auto-
matic fire sprinkler system.
(b) Tight-fitting smoke and
draft control, 20-minute rated (or
equivalent) door assemblies on all
doors opening into exit corridors or
stairways. Such doors shall be
equipped with an approved self or
automatic closer in accordance with
Section 4306 of the Uniform Building
Code, 1979 Edition.
(c) A sign indicating the
number of each floor posted in the
stairwells and every elevator lobby
area. Type, size, color, and speci-
fic location of each sign shall be as
required by the Fire Chief.
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(d) Automatic unlatching mech-
anisms for all stairway doors includ-
ing those required to open onto the
roof, which are locked from the
stairway side. The mechanisms shall
have the capability of being unlocked
simultaneously without unlatching
upon activation of an approved fire
detection alarm system, electric
power failure, and electromechan-
ically using one switch located as
required by the Fire Chief.
(e) Approved emergency light-
ing systems for all exitways, stair-
ways, corridors and other integral
portions of means of egress for safe
evacuation of the building.
3.06. On or before January 1,
1983, every existing building or
structure, excepting existing resi-
dential buildings or structures, with
floors more than 55 feet above the
lowest level of Fire Department
vehicle access shall be provided
with:
(a) An approved partial auto-
matic fire sprinkler system and an
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approved automatic fire detection
alarm system, unless the building
contains an approved full automatic
fire sprinkler system.
(b) Automatic shutoff for
heating, ventilating and cooling
systems as set forth in Section 1009
of the Uniform Mechanical Code, 1979
Edition, with an added smoke detector
for automatic shutdown as required by
the National Fire Protection Associ-
ation Standard 90A, 1979 Edition and
manual switching as required by the
Fire Chief.
3.07. On or before January 1,
1983, every existing building or
structure as determined by the Fire
Chief to be used primarily for public
assembly, including drinking, dining,
entertainment, exhibition, display or
similar concentrated uses, more than
5,000 square feet in total square
footage shall be provided with an
approved automatic fire sprinkler
system that protects the assembly
areas and exitways and an approved
automatic fire detection alarm system
-6-
for other rooms and areas. This sub-
division shall not apply to buildings
or structures with an approved full
automatic fire sprinkler system or to
churches and theatres with fixed
seating.
3.08. For purposes of this
Division, a full automatic fire
sprinkler system is a system that
meets the requirements of the Fire
Code adopted by Ordinance Number 1177
(CCS). Notwithstanding any provision
to the contrary, a full automatic
fire sprinkler system installed in
any new building with floors more
than 55 feet in height shall, unless
determined by the Fire Chief to be
infeasible, shall have two connec-
tions with control valves to indepen-
dent risers on each floor level, with
each riser being of the size neces-
sary to deliver the required water
supply.
3.09. For purposes of this
Division, a partial automatic fire
-7-
sprinkler system is a system that
provides for protection of all exit-
ways, both vertical and horizontal,
including major aisleways leading to
exits. Protection shall be provided
for any room or area that opens
directly into the exitway by locating
one sprinkler opposite the center of
and inside any such room or area.
Partial systems shall meet the
requirements of the National Fire
Protection Association Standard 13
and the Fire Chief.
3.10. For purposes of this
Division, an automatic fire detection
alarm system is a system that com-
plies with the Santa Monica Fire
Department requirements and is an
approved arrangement of smoke, rate-
of-rise, fixed temperature, or any
other detector which is approved for
the use intended. The system shall
alert all occupants of a building in
case of fire and, when required by
the Fire Chief, notify the Fire
Department through Central Station
Supervision.
-8-
3.11, For purposes of this
Division, an existing building is a
building for which a building permit
has been issued by the Building
Officer. The requirements of 3.01,
3.02, 3.03, and 3.04 shall not apply
to existing buildings.
3.12. The requirements of
3.01, 3.02, 3.05, and 3.06 shall not
apply to:
(a) Hospitals as defined in
Health and Safety Code Section 1250.
(b) Buildings used exclusively
as open parking garages.
(c) Buildings such as power
plants, lookout towers, steeples,
grain houses and similar. structures
with noncontinuous human occupancy
only when so determined by the Fire
Chief.
(d) Buildings owned by any
public agency or school district.
3.13. Prior to installation of
any automatic fire extinguishing or
protection system required by this
Division, the Fire Chief shall
approve the plans and specifications
for the system.
-9-
SECTION 2. Section 206(a) of the Uniform Administra-
tive Code adopted by Ordinance Number 1177 (CCS) is hereby
amended as add as follows Division 7.00 relating to Require-
ments for Existing Residential Structures:
Division 7.00. Requirements
for Existing Residential Structures.
7.01. On or before January 1,
1982, every dwelling unit and every
guest room in a hotel, apartment
house, or lodging house used for
sleeping purposes shall be provided
with approved smoke detectors located
as required by Section 1210(a) of the
Uniform Building Code, 1979 Edition.
The Fire Chief shall make available to
the public an informational brochure
on those smoke detectors approved by
the Fire Chief and the proper manner
of installation.
7.02. On or before January 1,
1983, every building or structure
used as a hotel, apartment house, or
lodging house with floors more than 30
feet above the lowest level of Fire
Department vehicle access shall be
provided with:
-10-
(a) The fire protection system
required for non-residential build-
ings contained in 3.05 of Division
3.00 of Section 206(a) of the Uniform
Administrative Code, 1979 Edition.
(b) Emergency and evacuation
procedures approved by the Fire Chief
posted in each sleeping room.
7.03. On or before June 1,
1983, every building or structure
used as a hotel, apartment house, or
lodging house with floors more than
55 feet above the lowest level of
Fire Department vehicle access shall
meet the requirements for non-resi-
dential buildings contained in 3.06
of Division 3.00 of Section 206(a) of
the Uniform Administrative Code, 1979
Edition.
SECTION 3. Any provision of the Santa Monica Municipal
Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions
of this ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and
no further, are hereby repealed or modified to that extent
necessary to affect the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, sentence,
clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to
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be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any ccurt of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this
ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence,
clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional
without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would
be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk
shall attest to the passage of this ordinance. The City
Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the
official newspaper within 15 days after its adoption. The
ordinance shall become effective 30 days from its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ROBERT M. MYERS•
City Attorney
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Ii~TER-DEPARTMENT MEMO
DATE; July 22, 1981
TO: Mayor ,and City Council
FROM: Staff
SUBJECT: Supplemental Fire/Life/Safety Requirements
INTRODUCTIGN:
This report will respond to questions asked by Council at the meeting
of July 14, and provide information necessary to explain the purpose
of the requirements as they affeck: some of the existing buildings.
A copy of the ordihance is inr_luded ns Enclosure No. 1.
DISCUSSIDN:
At the Council meeting of July 14, 1981, Staff was directed to for-
ward supporting information concerning the following:
1. The approximate number of buildings or residential
units affected by the requirements for existing
buildings. This information is provided as Enclosure
No. 2 of this report.
2, Applicable costs of the requirements as they affect a
typical 5-25 unit apartment house, Christian Towers,
Westminster Towers, Henshey's and the Venice Noodle
Company/Brandy's. This information is provided as
Enclosure No. 3 of this report.
3. List of exempted hospit:a1s afPecterl by Section .ll
and the State law definition of a hospital, This ~in-
formatinn ~is provided as Enclosure Pv`o. 4 of this re-
port.
4. Provide the various Code references found throughout
the body of the requirements to include Section 4306
Uniform Mechanical Code (refers to 3.05b}, Section 1009
F.rm::y~^..^.
Uniform Mechanical Code and Standard 90A of the National
Fire Protection Association (refers to 3.066), Standard 13
of the Natioha7 Fire Protection Association (refers to
3.09), and Section 1210(a) Uniform Building Code (refers
to 7.01). This information is provided as Enclosure No. 5
of this report. Fire Department Staff requests the re-
turn of the National Fire Protection Standard #13. All'
other references may be disposed of as Council desires.
5. Provide a statement of purpose for each requirement as
it applies. to existing buildings.. This information is
provided as Enclosure No. 6 of this report
RECOMMENDATION:
After review bf this report, if there are additional Council questions,,
please contact Fire Marshal Ken White of the Fire Department. Staff
desires to resolve any points still in question or controversial issues
prior to the public hearing Council meeting scheduled for August 11,:1981.
,
I
NUMBERS OF EXISTING BUILDING OR DWELLING
UNITS THAT P1AY BE AFFECTED BY THE ORDINANCE
'1. 20,000 - 25,000 dwelling units would qualify for smoke detectors
as provided for in Section 7.01
2. Thirty-six (36) buildings more than 30 feet, but less than 55
- .feet in height as provided for in Sections 3.06 and 7.03.
3. Fifty-five (55) buildings more than 55 feet in height as pro-
vided for in Sections 3.06 and 7.03
4. Thirty-two (32) public assembly buildings (drinking, dining,
etc.) over 5,000 square feet in total floor area as provided
'in Section 3.07.
Buildings included in above totals wild have to be surveyed, after
passage of the ordinance, to determine items of deficiency. These
figures were ascertained from the Building ancf Planning Departments,.
and no doubt will include some buildinys with some type (s) of
built-in protection.
ENCLOSURE N0. 2
..~ ~ x,
COST ESTIMATE FOR
PROPOSED LIFE SAFETY ORDINANCE
The approximate cost of complying-with the proposed life safety ordinance
for the requested buildings is as follows:
1. Atypical residential building containing 5-25 units;
5 unit .............$275
15 unit .............$600
25 unit .............$875
(The average. cost per unit is $35 with a low of
$30 and high_of $55. The cost per unit decreases
as the number of detectors per building increases)
2. The Georgian:
$97,000 to $159,545
*($171,120. to $248,605)
` 3. .The Santa Monica Christian Tower;
$159,970 to $222,830
*($284,020 to $307,950)
4. The Westminster Tower;
- $298,220 to $361,645
*($436,725 to $618,150)
5. Henshey's Department Store;
$8,000 to $18,000
*($183,000 to $293,000)
6. The Old Venice Noodle Company
$2z,ooo to $26,900
' *($27,20o to $3s,ooo)
*(The cost to comply with the ordinance using the
fully fire-sprinklered option)
Enclosure #3 Page 1 of 2
~, . , xi,~,.~-,~-~--„-~. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~, .. , ,.,r ,
These figures were arrived at based on the following
assumptions:
1.' A71 required Title 19 retroactive requirements'
have been met.
2., No residential unit is now equipped with a
smoke detector.
3. Fire sprinkler piping is concealed only where
easy access (i.e.duringremodeling) is provided,
or piping is installed exposed.
4. Fire pumps .are included in the price where appli
cable; however, the actual cost of pump installa-
tion could vary depending on the ability of ex-
'fisting electrical supply to handle. the added
load.
-.The above Cost Estimates were compiled by Gene Be11, Fire
Protection Engineer, Santa Monica Fire-Department with-.the assistance°<
of William R. Goss, P.E., Executive Coordinator, Western States,
National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association, Inc:.;
Arthur G. Kane, Electrical and Fire Protection Engineer, Director of
the California automatic Fire Alarm Association; Scott E. Campbell
Company, Automatic Sprinkler Engineering/Contracting; Tom McFadden,
Guttman Electric Company (Fire'Alarm Contractors); Cosco, Automatic
Sprinkler Engineering/Contracting; Harold Orum, Halco (Fire Alarm
Engineering/Contracting).
Enclosure No. 3 Page 2 of 2
Section 3.11 )a) of the requirements specifically exempts hospitals,
parking garages, power plants, towers, steeples or buildings owned
by the local agency (City of Santa Monica), or school district. In
the cases of hospitals and schools, they presently are regulated
by State and/or Federal laws that are very protective. For example,
all exempted hospitals are either fully or partially sprinklered,
have alarm systems and fire-resistive doors with closures. Further-
more, twenty-four hour supervision by qualified personnel is required.
Schools have similar protective measures, but don't in all cases,
have sprinklers. In addition, these occupancies receive numerous
State, Federal and local and in-house. fire/life safety inspections
annually.
ENCLOSURE N0. 4
Page 1 of 3
THE FOLLOWING HOSPITAL FACILITIES ARE EXEMPT FROM THE SUPPLEMENTAL
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ORDLNANCE (defined in the Health and Safety
Code Section 1250 - see enclosure:):
ACUTE CARE ADDRESS
1. Saint Johns Hospital 1328 - 22nd Street
Z' Santa Monica Hospital 1225 - 15th Street
SKILLED NURSING AND INTER-
MEDIATE CARE FACILITIES
1.
2.
3.,
4.
5.
,6.
7.
8.
9,
10.
11.
12.
l3.
14.
Arizona Convalescent
Bay Vista Convalescent
Berkley .Convalescent
Berkshire Sanitarium
Berkley East
Beverly Manor
Cosgrove Convalescent
Crescent Bay Convalescent
Fireside Convalescent
Good Shephard Convalescent
Santa Monica Care Convalescent
Santa Monica Convalarium
Santa Monica Lodge
Santa Monica Lodge
1330 - 17th Street
1338 - 20th Street
1623 Arizona Avenue
2602 Broadway
2021 Arizona Avenue
1340 - 15th Street
1323 - 17th Street
1437 - i4th Street
947 - 3rd Street
1131 Arizona Avenue
1321 Franklin
1320 - 20th Street
2828 Pico Boulevard
2250 - 29th Street
ENCLOSURE N0. 4
Page 2 of 3