DEPARTMENT: SAFD
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Charles N. Hood
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and Action on the Proposed Amendments to the 2018 International Fire Codes
SUMMARY:
The San Antonio Fire Department briefed the Public Safety Committee in March 2018 on the process of reviewing and amending the 2018 International Fire Code. The fire code, along with all other associated building codes, is anticipated to be presented to City Council for adoption consideration in June 2018. This memo serves as a follow-up briefing to the Committee on the status of the review and approval process of the fire code.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The International Code Council (ICC) publishes new codes every three years. The code package includes Fire, Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Existing Building, Residential, and Energy Codes. The codes are amended to best serve the needs of our community. The SAFD receives amendment proposals from uniformed staff, DSD plan reviewers, design professionals, Fire Protection Engineers and other stakeholders. We have met and discussed potential amendments with the San Antonio Apartment Association, the San Antonio Restaurant Association, the San Antonio Food Truck Association, night club owners and other stakeholders that are to be affected by the new code or proposed amendments. The SAFD has reviewed over 40 proposed amendments and/or deletions this cycle.
Public hearings on the codes are held via open meetings conducted by the Building Related and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board (BRFCAAB). The board assigns a subcommittee for each of the codes. The subcommittee met 5 times to review and discuss the proposed amendments. SAFD presented the final version of the fire code amendments as draft “C” to the subcommittee on May 2, 2018. The subcommittee approved draft “C” and is recommending approval by the full board (BRFCAAB) at their meeting scheduled for May 25, 2018. If approved, the board will recommend adoption by City Council. The process will conclude with City Council consideration for adoption in June 2018.
ISSUE:
Stakeholder concerns were addressed throughout the process. Language for some of the proposed amendments was often drafted by stakeholder groups. The SAFD and the affected stakeholders reached consensus on a majority of the proposed amendments.
Examples:
• Requirement for existing R-2 occupancies (apartments) to install carbon monoxide detection under certain conditions. Stakeholder approval
• Requirement for existing R-2 occupancies (apartments) to install fire alarm systems in certain situations. Stakeholder approval
• Requirement for all newly permitted mobile food trucks to have a fan exhaust system with fire protection. Stakeholder approval
• Requirement for existing night clubs to install fire sprinkler systems if the occupant load is greater than 300. Stakeholders approved adding fire sprinkler protection but contested the 300 occupant load threshold and requested an increase to 400. SAFD and subcommittee did not approve request.
• Requirement for all new schools to provide voice evacuation fire alarm systems. School districts concerned about timing of code changes and bond approval. Addressing concerns through the Interlocal Agreement
ALTERNATIVES:
The Public Safety Committee may choose not to approve the current fire code amendments.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the fire code amendments for the 2018 International Fire Code. Staff will present the recommendations to the full Building Related and Fire Codes Appeals and Advisory Board (BRFCAAB) on Friday, May 25, 2018. If there are any changes to the Amendments staff will brief the members of the Public Safety Committee.