The most recent edition of the Uniform Fire Code (Vol. 1), including appendix chapters I-A through II-I, III-A through VI-I Appendix Standards, published by the International Fire Code Institute, and N.F.P.A. Standards 11A-1994, 11C-1995, 12-1993, 12A-1997, 13-1996, 13D-1996, 13R-1996, 16-1995, 16A-1994, 17-1994, 17A-1994, 20-1995, 22-1996, 24-1995, 31-1997, 32-1996, 36-1997, 37-1994, 49-1994, 50A-1994, 51A-1996, 53-1994, 59-1995, 59A-1996, 72-1996, 75-1996, 77-1993, 79-1997, 86C-1995, 86D-1995, 99-1996, 99B-1996, 110-1996, 120-1994, 232AM-1995, 260-1994, 410-1994, 415-1997, 423-1994, 481-1997,490-1998, 491-1997, 650-1990, 750-1996, 2001-1996, 8503-1997 as adopted by the State of Alaska (13 AAC 50.025), is adopted by reference as the Fire Code of the City of Soldotna, except as amended in this chapter. (Ord. 691 § 1, 1999)

“ D. Fireworks. The manufacturing, sale and use of fireworks is prohibited within the city.

Exception: Fireworks may be used for public displays by fair associations, amusement parks and other organizations, or groups holding a current permit issued by the state fire marshal’s office, borough mayor, and fire department.”

(Ord. 691 § 1, 1999)

A. Section 103.2.1 is amended by the addition of the following:

“9. The maintenance of clear access to buildings and structures by preventing the blockage of any required access to buildings.”

“10. The issuance of specified permits required by Section 105.8 of this code.”

“11. The inspection of premises or property as specified under UFC Section 103 by officers designated by the chief, and the requirement to remedy violations or infractions of the fire code.

B. Section 103.2.2.2 is amended the addition of a second paragraph reading:

“The fire code enforcement officer shall, at a minimum, maintain current Fire Inspector certification by the International Fire Code Institute, International Conference of Building Officials and Western Fire Chiefs Assoc.”;

C. Section 103.4.1.3 is amended by the addition of a second sentence reading:

“The chief may also declare a premise, building or vehicle or portion thereof, dangerous due to the presence of hazardous materials when they create a condition imminently hazardous to life, health or property.”

D. Section 105.8 is amended by the addition of an item reading

“b.3. Bonfires. To kindle or authorize the kindling or maintenance of bonfires between May 15th and September 30th or to declare a ban on all burning under extreme fire danger situations. A control burn permit is required year round for bonfires on property classified as Assembly, Institutional or Educational under this code.”

A controlled burn permit is required year round for bonfires on property classified as Assembly, Institutional or Educational under this code.”

E. Section 204-C is amended by the addition of the following definitions:

“CANOPY is any temporary structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable material, supported in any manner, except by air or the contents it protects. And is open, without sidewall or drop on 75 percent or more of the perimeter.”

“CHIEF is the chief officer of Central Emergency Services or the chief officer’s authorized representative unless otherwise designated by the City Manager.

“CORPORATE COUNSEL shall be the City Attorney for the City of Soldotna”

F. Section 204 -C, Control Area is amended to read:

“CONTROL AREA is a building or portion of a building, constructed in compliance with Section 8001.10.2, within which the exempted amounts of hazardous materials are allowed to be stored, dispensed, used or handled.”

G. Section 207-F is amended by the addition of the following definitions:

“FIRE DRILL is a practice evacuation of a building or structure to build proficiency in rapid egress in the event of fire or an emergency situation.”

“FIRE LANES are fire apparatus access roads required under Article 9 of this code and designated by the chief through marking pursuant to Section 901.4.2.”

“FIRE MARSHAL is the supervisor of the bureau of fire prevention as appointed by the chief.”

“FIREWORKS means salable fireworks or dangerous fireworks.”

“FIREWORKS, DANGEROUS includes all fireworks not defined as salable under AS 18.72.100”

“FIREWORKS, SALABLE are ICC Class C Common Fireworks and shall include only those fireworks enumerated as ICC Class C Common Fireworks in the regulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission, as the regulations are presently constructed and including only those listed in AS 18.72.100 (4) A-K.

“FIREWORKS DISPLAY is the discharge of fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects devices regulated under Article 78 of this code.

H. Section 209-H is amended by the addition of the following definition:

“HAZARDOUS AREA is an area of a structure or building having a greater degree of hazard than is normal to the general occupancy of the building or structure such as storage or use of combustibles or flammable, toxic, noxious or corrosive materials or the use of heat producing appliances.”

I. Section 211-J is revised to read:

“JURISDICTION is the City of Soldotna, Alaska.”

J. Section 214-M is amended by the addition of the following definitions:

“MINISTORAGE WAREHOUSE is a Group S, Division 1 or 2 Occupancy partitioned into areas which are rented or leased by individuals or organizations for the purpose of storing personal or business items.”

“MULTI-PLUG EXTENSION CORDS are grounded, three wire extension cords not exceeding 15 feet in length, providing more than two female connectors with circuit breaker or fused protection.”

K. Section 217 - P is amended by the addition of the following definition:

“PROFESSIONAL PYROTECHNICIAN is an individual licensed by the division of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to use Class A, Class B and Class C fireworks.”

“PUBLIC BUILDING is any structure which is other than a Group R Division 3 dwelling or a Group U Division 1”

“Exception: Group R, Division 3 occupancies operated as a Conditional Use under Soldotna Municipal Code Title 17, Planning and Zoning, shall be considered as “public buildings” for the purposes of compliance with fire safety regulations.”

L. Section 220-S is amended by the addition of the following definition:

“SERVICE is the testing, maintenance or repair of fire protection equipment pursuant to the schedule established under Article 10 of this code, applicable other standards, and the manufacturers recommendations.”

M. Section 901.4.2 is amended by the addition of a second paragraph reading:

“An approved sign shall be posted with minimum dimensions of 12” in width and 18” in height stating NO PARKING-FIRE LANE in bold red lettering on a white background. The cost of the sign shall be incurred by the occupant/owner.”

N. Section 901.4.4 is amended by the addition of a second sentence which reads:

“Address characters shall be a minimum of 5” in height with a minimum of 1/2 “ stroke and shall contrast with their background.”

O. Section 1001.4, first paragraph, is revised to read:

“Fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems, standpipes and other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall meet the approval of the chief as to installation and location and shall be subject to the acceptance test required by the N.F.P.A. standard for the system or appurtenance.”

P. Section 1001.5.2, second and third paragraphs are revised to read:

“Not withstanding other code or standard requirements, fire extinguishers and fire systems shall be, inspected, tested and serviced as follows:

1. Annually. Exception: standpipe systems shall be inspected, tested, and serviced every five years

2. After any use or activation.

3. Any time damage is found.

4. After repair or alteration.

5. When required by the chief.

“Reports of inspections and tests shall be maintained on the premises and a copy shall be forwarded to the chief within 30 days of the inspection or test being completed. It is the responsibility of the person conducting the inspection or test to forward the copy of the report to the chief”.

Q. Section 1001.7.2 is amended by the addition of the following two paragraphs:

“No vehicle shall be parked within 15 feet in any direction of any fire department connection, fire hydrant, or fire protection system control valve on private or public property.

R. Article 10 is amended by the deletion of Section 1003.2.4.1 exceptions 1. and 2. And Section 1005
S. Section 1003.1.1 third paragraph is amended to read:

“The location of fire department hose connections shall be approved by the chief prior to their installation.”

T. Section 1006.2.1 is amended by the addition of a second sentence which reads:

“ When residential-type cooking equipment is employed in a commercial kitchen and creates grease-laden vapors, a Type-1 hood and duct system with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system will, at the chiefs discretion, be required.”

U. Section 1103.2.2 is amended by the addition of a second paragraph after the exceptions reading:

“Dumpsters and containers for the accumulation of waste materials shall not be located in such a manner that a fire occurring in the receptacle would create a threat to persons, buildings, vehicles, exitways, utilities, vegetation, adjacent property or its contents.”

V. Section 1103.3.2.6 first paragraph is amended to read:

“ Fueled equipment, including but not limited to vehicles, yard care and snow removal equipment, and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated or repaired within any dwelling unit, office, exitway or location that would create a fire or life safety hazard.”.

W. Section 1107 is amended by the addition of a new subsection which reads:

“1107.3 Portable Heaters. Portable electric heating devices shall have a high temperature limiting device and tip over switch and shall be UL listed. Unvented fuel burning space heaters shall be UL listed and approved by the chief or building official.”

X. Section 1111.2.2 is revised by the addition of a second sentence which reads:

“ When two or more self-closing fire assemblies within a building have been documented as having been obstructed or impaired during three or more consecutive inspections, the chief may order the installation of automatic closing devices meeting the requirements of U.B.C. Section 1005.8.1”

Y. Section 1303.6.5 is amended by the addition of a new subsection which reads:

“1303.6.5 False Alarms. False alarms shall not be counted as fire drills for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Article 13.”

Z. Section 3601.1 is amended to read:

“ Dry cleaning plants and systems shall be in accordance with U.F.C. Article 36 and N.F.P.A. Article 32, as it pertains to the design, installation and maintenance of dry cleaning plants.”

AA. Section 5202.3.1 is amended by the addition of the following:

“Exception: When the installation of tanks located underground or in special enclosures inside buildings is impractical, listed, approved tanks for Class I, II, and III-A liquids may be installed outside of buildings in accordance with Appendix II-F, subject to local zoning limitations and upon approval of the chief.”

BB. Section 5202.4.2 is amended by the addition of the following:

“5202.4.2.1 Lighting. Dispensing locations shall be adequately lighted at all times when available for use”

CC. Section 5202.4.4.3 is amended by the addition of the following:

“Exception: A vehicle or trailer tank with a capacity of 250 gallons or less may be used for non-commercial refueling of private non-commercial aircraft provided they meet the following criteria:

1. The tank is placarded with no smoking signs, type of fuel contained in the tank, and the tank capacity.

2. The tank and all appurtenances used in the fueling operation must be listed and approved for the specific purpose.”

DD. Section 7701.0 is amended by the addition of the following to the first sentence:

“ and N.F.P.A. 495.”

EE. Section 7801.2 is amended to read:

“General. For the definitions of AERIAL SHELL; BINARY EXPLOSIVE; BREAK (Aerial Shell); DESIGNATED LANDING AREA; EXPLOSIVE; EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS; FIREWORKS; FIREWORKS, DANGEROUS; FIREWORKS, SALABLE; FIXED GROUND PIECE; GROUND PIECE; HIGH EXPLOSIVE; LOW EXPLOSIVE; MORTAR; PROFESSIONAL PYROTECHNICIAN; PYROTECHNIC SPECIAL EFFECTS MATERIAL; READY BOX; and SAFETY CAP, see article 2.

FF. Section 7801.3 is amended by the addition of the following subsections:

“a. A permit, issued by the chief is required for the use, storage, or display of fireworks and pyrotechnic special effects materials. This permit shall be in addition to those permits required under AS. 18.72 by the Alaska State Fire Marshal.

b. A permit may be issued by the chief within 30 calendar days from the date of application provided the application shows and is conditioned upon:

1. The dates and locations of the proposed displays;

2. Evidence that all required state licenses and certificates have been procured.

3. That the fire department has been invited to be in attendance for fire control purposes.

4. That the state fire marshal has issued the necessary permit required by law; and

5. The name, address, and phone number of the applicant and, if required elsewhere in this code, professional pyrotechnician or company conducting the display has been provided.

c. No permit shall be issued for more than 3 displays per calendar year.

d. No permit is transferable.

e. Permits may be suspended by the chief with adequate notice in the event of extreme danger of wild fire due to dry weather.

GG. Section 7802.1 first paragraph is amended to read:

“ General. The storage, use and handling of fireworks shall be in accordance with Section 7802 as amended herein.”

This amendment provides for the incorporation of the local amendments to Article 78 into the code.
HH. Section 7802.3 is amended to read:

“ Prohibition. The sale or use of fireworks is prohibited within the City of Soldotna except as otherwise provided in this section.

Exceptions:

1. Storage and handling of fireworks are allowed as required for explosives in Article 77.

2. The use of fireworks for public displays by municipalities, fair associations, amusement parks, and other organizations, or groups holding a current permit issued by the chief as provided under Section 7801.3 is allowed as set forth in Section 7802.4.”

II. Section 7802.4.1 is amended to read:

“General. Fireworks displays shall be in accordance with Section 708.2.4. Only fireworks designated as salable or dangerous under AS. 18.72 are allowed to be used. When dangerous fireworks are used see Section 7703.”

JJ. Section 7802.4.2 is amended to read:

“Professional Pyrotechnician. Fireworks displays involving any dangerous fireworks as defined in AS 18.72 shall only be conducted by a professional pyrotechnician. Displays involving only salable fireworks may be conducted without a professional pyrotechnician.”

KK. Section 7802.4.3 is amended to read:

“ Bond. A cash or corporate security bond shall be filed with the City of Soldotna in the amount of $1,500 to insure payment of damages to persons or property caused by the display. Bond requirements may be waived upon proof of insurance accomplishing the same purpose as the bond.”

LL. Section 7901.3.2 is amended by the addition of a second paragraph reading:

“ Tank installations for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids above ground, or below ground in quantities exceeding 60 gallons capacity, shall require a plan approval and permit from the chief prior to installation.”

MM. Section 7902.1.7.2.5 is amended to read:

“Tanks which are to be reinstalled for flammable or combustible liquid service shall comply with all of the provisions of this article. The tanks’ original use shall not be changed until the manufacturer or a licensed engineer certifies the tank meets all applicable requirements for its intended use. Reinstalled tanks shall be tested in an approved manner.”

NN. Section 7902.2.8.1 is amended by the addition of a third exception reading:

“ 3. Where tank(s) are installed which are equipped with built-in leak control and secondary containment, additional requirements may apply in order to comply with environmental protection regulations as specified by local, state and federal authorities.”

OO. Section 7902.2.8.3.3, first paragraph is amended by the addition of a fourth sentence which reads:

“Diked areas for tanks located in extremely porous soil may require special treatment to prevent seepage of hazardous quantities of liquids to low lying areas or waterways in the case of spills.”

PP. Section 7903.2.2.3.6 is amended to read:

“Multiple machines shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or by one-hour separation unless otherwise approved by the chief.”

QQ. Section 8001.10.6.2 is amended by the addition of the following paragraph:

“3. Cabinets shall be conspicuously labeled in red letters on a contrasting background with the hazard class of the hazardous material stored within the cabinet.”

RR. Section 8001.11.8 first subparagraph is amended to read:

“Segregating incompatible materials storage by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096mm) and providing separate containment areas.”

SS. Section 8001.11.8 is amended by the addition of an additional sub-paragraph reading:

“5. Storing in compliance with other applicable laws or nationally recognized standards.”

TT. Section 8003.1.4.1 is amended by the addition of a second sentence which reads:

“Threshold Limit Values (TLV) as established by the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), OSHA or other applicable state codes will be utilized for establishing minimum standards where ventilation is required.”

UU. Section 8003.1.9.3 is amended by the addition of the word “heat” following the words “exposure fires,” in the first sentence.
VV. Section 8003.6.1.1 is amended to read:

“ General. Indoor storage of oxidizers in amounts exceeding the exempt amounts set forth in Section 8001.15 shall be in accordance with Section 8003.1, 8003.6 and NFPA 490, Standard for the Storage of Ammonium Nitrate. Retail display of oxidizers shall be in accordance with Section 8001.14.”

WW. Section 8202.1 third paragraph is amended to read:

“ Where a single container is greater than 500 gallons (1892.7 L) water capacity or the aggregate capacity of containers is greater than 500 gallons water capacity the installer shall submit plans for review and approval prior to installation.”

XX. Appendix Division II is amended by the addition of a new appendix II-K which is adopted by reference. That new appendix shall read:

“Appendix II-K, Fire Prevention for Haunted Houses, Fun Houses, Carnivals and Similar Temporary Facilities.

Section 1 - Scope

Haunted or Fun Houses or other similar facilities set up for 90 days or less inside a structure not designed for this specific use shall comply with this Appendix and other applicable codes and regulations.

Section 2 - General Requirements

2.1 Permits. A permit is required for the operation of a haunted house, fun house or similar facility. Application shall be made to the chief on the form provided and shall include such information as is deemed necessary by the chief.

2.2 Inspections. All uses regulated by this section shall be inspected and approved prior to occupancy. Periodic inspections by the fire department shall be conducted at the discretion of the chief.

2.3 Emergency Evacuation Plan. All uses regulated by this section shall have posted an approved evacuation plan. This plan shall be approved by the chief prior to occupancy.

2.4 Smoking and Open Flame. No smoking or open flames shall be allowed at any time within the facility. Clearly visible signs shall be posted at the entrance to the facility stating “No Smoking of Open Flames Allowed”. Signs shall be of a design and color approved by the chief.

Section 3 -Egress

3.1 Corridors. Dead end corridors are prohibited. All corridors shall lead to an obvious, marked exit.

3.2 Exits. Exits shall be arranged to provide at least one, obvious, marked exit for every 50 feet of linear travel.

3.3 Blocking Exits. Blocking, locking or in any way impeding ready access to any marked or required exit is prohibited. All exit ways shall be kept clear of any obstructions or storage.

Section 4 - Illumination

4.1 Corridors. All corridors and rooms, when required to be darkened as a part of the intended use, shall be illuminated to a level of at least .2 foot candle measured at floor level. Areas not requiring reduced lighting levels shall be illuminated to a level of at least 1 foot candle measured at floor level when occupied.

4.2 Stairways. All stairways shall be illuminated to a level of at least 1 foot candle measured at floor level.

4.3 Evacuation Lighting. All occupied space shall be capable of illumination from a central control point in the event of an emergency. Evacuation illumination shall be provided at a level of 1 foot candle measured at floor level. In buildings with fire alarm systems, evacuation illumination shall be automatic upon activation of the fire alarm system.

4.4 Portable Emergency Lighting. Each staff member shall be provided with at least one approved, operable, portable light (flashlight, battery operated lantern, etc.) while the installation is occupied.

4.5 Exit Illumination. Each required exit shall be provided with an illuminated exit sign. Exit signs shall be illuminated either internally or externally to a level of at least 5 foot candles.

Exception: Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated letters that have a minimum luminance of .06 foot lambert (0.21 cd/m2).

Section 5 - Combustible Materials

5.1 Untreated Materials. Untreated combustible materials shall be prohibited.

5.2 Fire Retardant Materials. All combustible materials shall be treated or protected so that it is essentially rendered flame proof in a manner approved by the chief. This includes all decorations such as corn stalks, dry branches, hay, trees and other similar materials.

Section 6 - Occupant Load

6.1 Determination of Occupant Load. The chief shall determine the occupant load of the facility at the time of permit issuance.

6.2 Posting of Occupant Load. The occupant load, as determined by the chief, shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the entrance to the facility.

6.3 Grouping of Occupants. Occupants shall be allowed into the facility in groups not exceeding the occupant load or 20 persons which ever is less.

6.4 Usher Required. Each group of children age 12 and under shall be accompanied and supervised by a staff person or usher completely familiar with the facility and the emergency plan. Ushers shall be required to possess portable lighting required by 4.4 of this Appendix.

Section 7 - Fire Protection

7.1 Sprinkler Systems. No walls or other structures shall be allowed to interfere with the proper operation of any fire sprinkler system.

7.2.1 Obstruction of Heads. No decorations or other objects shall be suspended from or in any other way obstruct any sprinkler head.

7.3 Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall be provided in locations approved by the chief.

7.3.1 Fire Extinguisher Rating. Required fire extinguishers shall have a minimum rating of 2A/10BC.

7.3.2 Fire Extinguisher Location. Fire extinguishers shall be mounted in conspicuous locations and shall be provided within 50 feet travel distance from any point in the facility.

7.3.3 Training of Staff. All staff members shall be instructed in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Section 8 - Electrical Safety

8.1 General. All electrical equipment and wiring shall be in compliance with the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code.

8.2 Permit. In addition to the permit required from the fire department in Section 2 of this Appendix, facilities requiring extension of the building electrical system shall require an electrical permit issued by the Soldotna Building Official and inspection by the building department.

8.3 Electrical Devices and Cords. All electrical devices and cords shall be U.L. listed and approved for the use intended.

8.3.1 Protection of Electrical Devices and Cords. Heat producing electrical devices shall be protected from accidental contact by persons or materials. Cords in areas subject to foot traffic shall be protected from wear and tripping hazards by means approved by the chief.

8.4 Temporary Heaters. The use of temporary heaters (space heaters) within facilities regulated by this Appendix is prohibited.

Section 9 - Enforcement

9.1 Inspections. Facilities shall be subject to inspection by the fire department or building department prior to occupancy and at any time during their use.

9.2 Violations. Facility operators shall be notified immediately, in writing, of any violations found during inspections.

9.2.1 Minor Violations. Violations considered by the chief or building official shall be afforded a correction period as established by the inspecting official. Violations not corrected within that period may result in revocation of the operators permit.

9.2.2 Major Violations. Violations considered to be a significant threat to life or property shall be corrected immediately. The facility, at the chiefs or building officials discretion, may be ordered immediately closed until such violating conditions are corrected.

9.3 Penalties. Penalties for violations, including fines and injunctive relief may be assessed as prescribed under Title 1, Soldotna Municipal Code.

YY. Appendix II-F Section 1 is amended by the addition of an exception following the first sentence reading:

“Exception: Approved above-ground atmospheric tanks may be used without a special enclosure or fire rating provided the requirements of Article 79, this appendix and the following criteria are met:

1. Tanks must be located:

a. 50 feet from the nearest important building on the property;

b. 50 feet from any fuel dispenser;

c. 50 feet from the nearest side of a public way; and

d. 75 feet from any property line that is or can be built upon, including the opposite side of a public way.

2. Tanks must be enclosed by a six foot high industrial type chain link fence with a minimum of two access gates located at opposite sides of the enclosure. Each gate must be at least 38 inches wide. There must be a minimum working distance of five feet between the tank and the fence.

(Ord. 691 § 1, 1999)