Section 10-5-1. Title. This ordinance shall be known and cited as the International Fire Code.

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-2. Adoption of the International Fire Code. The International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, of the International Code Council, Inc., 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20001, is adopted by reference as a primary code, including the following appendices: Appendix B, Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings; Appendix C, Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution; Appendix E, Hazard Categories; Appendix F, Hazard Ranking; and Appendix G, Cryogenic Fluid--Weight and Volume Equivalents, to have the same force and effect as though set forth in this chapter in every particular, as amended by Section 10-5-5 below.

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-3. Copies on File. At least one certified copy of the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition as adopted, is on file in the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-4. Purpose. The purpose of the code is not to recreate or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of the Code.

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-5. Amendments to the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition.

Subsection 101.1, Title, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Northglenn, hereinafter referred to as "this Code."

Subsection 102.5, Application of Residential Code, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by the addition of an exception, to Item 1 only, to read as follows:

Exception: Dwelling unit fire sprinkler systems, or portions thereof, installed in accordance with Section P2904 in the 2021 International Fire Code® do not require a permit. Nevertheless, dwelling unit fire sprinkler systems, or portions thereof, installed in accordance with NFPA 13D require a permit pursuant to Section 105.6.1 of this Code.

Subsection 102.7, Referenced Codes and Standards, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by adding the following sentence:

"Where this Code refers to the ICC Electrical Code it means the latest edition of the National Electrical Code® adopted by the State of Colorado."

Section 103.2, Appointment, is deleted in its entirety and is amended as follows:

The Fire Code Official shall be appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.

Subsection 105.5.29(1), LP-gas, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

105.5.29(1) An operational permit is required for: Storage and use of the LP-gas in capacities exceeding 125 gallons (474 L) water capacity.

Subsection 105.5.49, Temporary membrane structures and tents, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

105.5.49 Temporary membrane structures and tents. An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).

Exceptions:

Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

Funeral tents and curtains, or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.

Tents and awnings open on all sides, which comply with the following:

Individual tents shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m 2).

The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m 2) total.

A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

Temporary special event structures in excess of 700 square feet (65 m 2).

Subsection 105.6.6, Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and Related Equipment, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

105.6.6 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and Related Equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment, including Emergency Alarm Systems (Section 908) and Smoke Control Systems (Section 909). Maintenance performed in accordance with this Code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Subsection 105.6.15, LP-Gas, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

105.6.15 LP-Gas. A construction permit is required for the installation or modification to an LP-gas system incorporating an individual container that exceeds a 125-gallon (474 L) water capacity. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

Subsection 105.6.20, Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by the addition of the following exception:

Exception: Photovoltaic power systems installed on detached, non-habitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises, and similar structures shall not require the issuance of a construction permit by the District.

Subsection 105.6.24, Temporary membrane structures and tents, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

105.6.24 Temporary membrane structures and tents. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).

Exceptions:

Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

Funeral tents and curtains, or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.

Tents and awnings open on all sides, which comply with the following:

Individual tents shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m 2).

The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m 2) total.

A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

Temporary special event structures of 700 square feet (65 m2) or less.

A new Subsection 105.6.25, Explosion Control, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is added to read as follows:

105.6.25 Explosion Control. A construction permit is required to install or modify explosion control provided as required in Section 911.

Subsection 106.1, Submittals, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

106.1 Submittals. Construction documents shall be submitted in one or more sets and in such form and detail as required by the Fire Code Official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional when said documents are submitted in support of an application for a construction permit required by Sections 105.6.1, 105.6.2, 105.6.4, 105.6.5, 105.6.6, 105.6.7, 105.6.9, 105.6.10, 105.6.12, 105.6.19, 105.6.20, 105.6.21, 105.6.23, or 105.6.25. When requested, qualification statements shall be submitted to the Fire Code Official for the registered design professional to demonstrate compliance with the professional qualifications defined in Section 202.

A new Subsection 106.2.5, Fire Protection and Life Safety Analysis, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is added to read as follows:

106.2.5 Fire Protection and Life Safety Analysis. The Fire Code Official may require the owner or agent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a fire protection and life safety analysis prior to submitting construction drawings for high-rise buildings; covered mall buildings; buildings containing atriums connecting more than two stories; buildings containing high-piled combustible storage; Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 300 or more; Group H occupancies requiring a hazardous materials management plan and/or a hazardous materials inventory statement in accordance with Chapter 50; Groups I-2 and I-3 occupancies; any building, structure, or facility utilizing a performance-based approach to design in accordance with Sections 104.9 or 104.10; and other structures or facilities as required by the Fire Code Official. A fire protection and life safety analysis shall provide a description of the fire protection and life safety systems design for the proposed building and/or facility. This description shall include the basic concepts used for suppression, alarm, notification, egress, fire-resistive assemblies, smoke control, stair pressurization, and other related systems, as well as the coordination of those systems. Upon completion of the project, a copy of the approved documentation shall be maintained at the site and by the Fire Code Official until demolition of the building and/or facility. The fire protection and life safety analysis shall:

Be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory, or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the Fire Code Official;

Bear the seal of a registered design professional;

Include a preliminary plan of the building, facility, or structure, drawn to scale upon suitable material;

Provide an analysis of fire protection water supplies for the building, facility, or structure, in accordance with Section 507;

Explain the intended use of the building, facility, or structure, or the applicable portions thereof, including special processes, the materials within the building, and the maximum height of any storage;

Describe all active and passive fire protection features of a specific facility, including, but not limited to, the basic concepts used for fire suppression, alarm, notification, egress, fire-resistive assemblies, smoke control, stair pressurization, and other related systems, as well as the coordination and integration of those systems with one another; and

Analyze the design, operation, use, coordination, and interaction of the fire-protection and life-safety systems.

Prior to issuing operational or construction permits required by this Code, the Fire Code Official must determine, with reasonable certainty, that the fire protection and life safety features as documented in the fire protection and life safety analysis achieve minimum code compliance and provide the level of protection intended by this Code. The Fire Code Official shall specify the required organization, content categories, and format of the fire protection and life safety analysis.

Subsections 107.2, 107.4, and 107.6 are amended by substituting the words "applicable governing authority" with "North Metro Fire Rescue District."

Subsection 108.2.1, Inspection Requests, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by adding the following sentence: "Whenever any installation subject to inspection prior to use is required, the Fire Code Official is authorized to require that every such request for inspection be filed not less than two business days before such inspection is desired."

Section 111, Means of Appeals, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is repealed in its entirety and re-enacted to read as follows:

Section 111, Appeals.

Section 111.1 Appeals procedure -- general. Any person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by any application, interpretation, or order made by fire district personnel pursuant to any provision of this code or the standards adopted herein may appeal such decision, interpretation, or order to the fire chief. The decision of the fire chief shall be considered a final administrative decision.

Section 111.2 Appeals procedure -- administrative decisions. Appeals of administrative decisions made by the fire chief relative to the application and interpretation of this Code may be made to the Northglenn Board of Adjustment. Such appeals shall be in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Northglenn Municipal Code.

Subsection 112.4, Violation Penalties, of 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

112.4, Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this Code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair, or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the Fire Code Official, of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this Code, shall be punishable as prescribed in Section 1-1-10(a)(2) of the Northglenn Municipal Code. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Subsection 113.4, Failure to Comply, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

113.4 Failure to Comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for such penalties as prescribed in Section 1-1-10(a)(2) of the Northglenn Municipal Code.

Section 202, General Definitions, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by defining "registered design professional" to read as follows:

Registered design professional. An engineer, licensed to practice professional engineering, as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional licensure laws of the State of Colorado, who shall be responsible and accountable to possess the required knowledge and skills to perform design, analysis, and verification in accordance with the provisions of this code and applicable professional standards of practice.

Subsection 308.1.4, Open-flame Cooking Devices, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is repealed in its entirety and reenacted to read as follows:

308.1.4 Open-flame devices. No gas-fired grills, charcoal grills, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used or kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 feet (3 m) of any structure.

Exceptions:

One- and two-family dwellings, townhomes, and other structures built under the International Residential Code.

Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP-gas capacity]. Two extra 1 pound LP-gas containers may be stored on the balcony.

Listed natural gas appliances shall be permitted on balconies when installed in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code and supplied by the building's natural gas system.

Listed electric ranges, grills, or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted.

Subsection 311.5, Placards, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is deleted in its entirety.

Subsection 504.3, Stairway Access to Roof, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

504.3 Stairway Access to Roof. New buildings four or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. When an exit enclosure is required by Section 1023, the stairway to the roof shall be located within an exit enclosure. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011.12. Such stairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where roofs are used for landscaped roofs or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

Section 509.1, Identification, in the 2021 International Fire Code is amended by adding the following sentence: "Letters, numbers, and directional arrows shall be white text on a red background."

A new Section 509.1.2, Fire Protection Equipment Identification, in the 2021 International Fire Code is added to read as follows:

509.1.2 Fire protection equipment identification. Access to the fire sprinkler valve riser room and/or fire alarm control panel (FACP) shall be identified on the outside of the building with a minimum of 4" high letters or numbers with a 1/2" width stroke. Interior doors that access fire sprinkler valve rooms and/or FACPs shall utilize a minimum of 2" high letters with a 1/4" stroke width.

A new Section 511, Fire Protection in Recreational Vehicle, Mobile Home, and Manufactured Housing Parks, Sales Lots, and Storage Lots, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is added to read as follows:

511 Recreational Vehicle, Mobile Home, and Manufactured Housing Parks, Sales Lots, and Storage Lots. Recreational vehicle, mobile home, and manufactured housing parks, sales lots, and storage lots shall provide and maintain fire hydrants and access roads in accordance with Sections 503 and 507.

Exception: Recreational vehicle parks located in remote areas shall be provided with protection and access roadways as required by the Fire Code Official.

A new Section 605.10, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Detector Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is added to read as follows:

605.10 Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Detector Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing. The building owner shall be responsible to maintain all carbon monoxide alarms and detectors in an operable condition at all times. Maintenance, inspection, and testing shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or nationally recognized standards. A written record shall be maintained and shall be made available to the Fire Code Official upon request.

Subsection 903.2.6, Group I, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by the addition of Exception 4:

Exception 4: An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided throughout all Group I-1 facilities that meet the federal Fair Housing Act definition of senior housing or housing for older persons.

Exception 1 to Section 903.2.6 Group I in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

Exception 1: An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.1.2 shall be permitted in Group I-1 Condition 1 facilities that do not meet the federal Fair Housing Act definition of senior housing or housing for older persons.

Section 903.2.8.1 Group R3 Automatic Sprinkler Systems is deleted in its entirety.

A new subsection to 903.2.8, Group R, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is added to read as follows:

903.2.8.5 Group R-2. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided throughout all Group R-2 occupancies that meet the federal Fair Housing Act definition of senior housing or housing for older persons.

Subsection 903.2.11.1.3, Basements, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, the basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

Subsection 903.3.1.2.1, Balconies and decks, is amended to read as follows:

903.3.1.2.1 Balconies and decks. Sprinkler protection shall be provided for exterior balconies, decks, and ground floor patios including all closets and usable storage spaces located thereon and accessed therefrom where either of the following conditions exist:

The building is of Type V construction, provided that there is a roof or deck above.

Exterior balconies, decks, and ground floor patios of dwelling units and sleeping units are constructed in accordance with Section 705.2.3.1, Exception 3 of the International Building Code.

Sidewall sprinklers that are used to protect such areas shall be permitted to be located such that their deflectors are within 1 inch (25 mm) to 6 inch (152 mm) below the structural members and a maximum distance of 14 inches (356 mm) below the deck of the exterior balconies and decks that are constructed of open wood joist construction.

Subsection 905.2, Installation Standard, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

905.2 Installation Standard. Standpipe systems shall be installed in accordance with this Section and NFPA 14. Fire department connections for standpipe systems shall be in accordance with Section 912. Fire hose is not required for any class of standpipe system.

Subsection 907.4.2.4, Signs, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

907.4.2.4 Signs. Where fire alarm systems are not monitored by a supervising station, an approved permanent sign shall be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box that reads: WHEN ALARM SOUNDS -- DIAL 9-1-1.

Subsection 907.5.2.1.1, Average Sound Pressure, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by adding the following sentence:

"The minimum sound pressure levels shall be: 75 dBA in occupancies in Groups R and I; 90 dBA in mechanical equipment rooms; and 60 dBA in other occupancies."

Subsection 912.1, Installation, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with this Section and the NFPA standard applicable to the system design and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.7. Unless the incorporation of the large diameter Storz-style connections is specifically approved by the Fire District, the number of 2.5-inch inlets provided shall not be less than one for each 250 gallons per minute of system demand or major fraction thereof, to a maximum of six 2.5-inch inlets. Each inlet shall be equipped with a clapper valve to allow each hose to be connected and charged before the addition of more hoses.

1010.2.4(3)(3.1), Locks and Latches, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows.

3.1 The locking device is readily distinguished as locked by the incorporation of a visual indicator (e.g., "locked," "closed," or other wording approved by the code official) on the egress side of the door.

The Exception to Section 1011.12, Stairway to Roof in the 2021 International Fire Code is deleted in its entirety.

The Exception to Section 1011.12.2, Roof Access in the 2021 International Fire Code is deleted in its entirety.

Subsection 1101.1, Scope, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this Code.

Exception: Buildings, portions of buildings, and life safety components therein, including the means of egress, that currently comply with the code under which constructed.

Subsection 3105.2, Approval, in the 2021 International Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

3105.2 Approval. Temporary special event structures in excess of 700 square feet (65 m2) shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining approval and a permit from the fire code official.

Subsection 3107.8, Clearance, of the 2021 International Fire Code is deleted in its entirety.

Subsection 3401.1, Scope, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

3401.1 Scope. Tire rebuilding plants, tire storage in excess of 6 feet (1829 mm) in height or in excess of 1000 square feet (93 m2) in area and tire byproduct facilities shall comply with this chapter, other applicable requirements of this code and NFPA 13. Tire storage in buildings shall also comply with Chapter 32.

Section 5601.1.3, Fireworks, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended by deleting Exception 4.

Subsection 5704.2.9.6.1, Locations Where Above-Ground Tanks are Prohibited, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

5704.2.9.6.1 Locations Where Above-Ground Tanks are allowed. Storage of Class I and II liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is allowed when such storage complies with Sections 5704.2.9.6.1 through 5704.2.9.6.3.

Subsection 5706.2.4.4, Locations Where Above-Ground Tanks are Prohibited, in the 2021 International Fire Code® is amended to read as follows:

5706.2.4.4 Locations where above-ground tanks are allowed. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is allowed when such storage complies with Sections 5704.2.9.6 through 5704.2.9.6.3.

Exception: When approved by the Fire Code Official.

Subsection 6104.2, Maximum Capacity within Established Limits, in the 2021 International Fire Code® retaining the exception as printed, is amended to read as follows:

6104.2 Maximum Capacity within Established Limits. Within the City of Northglenn, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed a water capacity of 2,000 gallons (7570 L).

The NFPA standards in Chapter 80, Referenced Standards, in the 2021 International Fire Code® are retained except as modified in the following table:

Standard Reference Number:	Change To:
02-16	02-20
11-16	11-21
12-18	12-22
12a-18	12a-22
13-19	13-22
13d-19	13d-22
13r-19	13r-22
15-17	15-22
17-17	17-21
17a-17	17a-21
20-19	20-22
24-19	24-22
32-16	32-21
33-18	33-21
34-18	34-21
35-16	35-21
40-19	40-22
55-16	55-20
68-13	68-18
72-19	72-22
76-16	76-20
77-14	77-19
80-19	80-22
92-18	92-21
96-17	96-21
105-19	105-22
110-19	110-22
111-19	111-22
170-18	170-21
204-18	204-21
232-17	232-22
241-19	241-22
318-18	318-22
385-17	385-22
400-19	400-22
407-17	407-22
409-16	409-22
484-19	484-22
704-17	704-22
780-17	780-20
1123-18	1123-22
1124-17	1124-22
1125-17	1125-22
1142-17	1142-22
2001-18	2001-22

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-6. Application. The provisions of this Article and the provisions of the International Fire Code and Appendices adopted by reference shall apply to every building or structure located either within or without the corporate limits of the City of Northglenn, the use of which the city has jurisdiction and authority to regulate.

[Source: Ord. 1799, 2020; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-7. Violations--Penalty.

It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, as adopted, or the provisions of this ordinance.

Any violation of the provisions of this ordinance, and any violation of any of the provisions of the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, as adopted, shall upon conviction, be punishable as provided in Section 1-1-10(a)(2) of this Code.

[Source: Ord. 1590, 2011; 1847, 2023]

Section 10-5-8. Conflicts. If the provisions of this Code, as adopted in this Article, conflict with any other provisions of the Municipal Code then the more restrictive of the two shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.

[Source: Ord. 1590, 2011; 1847, 2023]