§ 12.200

For purposes of this Chapter:

Deleted language from the base code has been stricken through.

Added language to the base code has been underlined.

(Ord. No. 1974, div. 1, 11-18-2019; Ord. No. 2052, div. 1, 9-15-2025)

Amend Section 202 to read as follows:

The definition of "Kitchen" is deleted and added to read as follows:

KITCHEN. An area in which the preparation of food for eating occurs (that has provisions for cooking or heating of food; washing and storing of dishware and utensils; and refrigeration or storing of food).

The definition of "Substantial Remodel" is added to read as follows:

SUBSTANTIAL REMODEL. Substantial remodel shall mean the alteration of any structure which, combined with any additions to the structure, performed within any three (3) year period, affects a floor area which exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the existing floor area of the structure. When any changes are made in the building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders, floor or ceiling joists and coverings, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles or retaining walls or similar components, the floor area of all rooms affected by such changes shall be included in computing floor areas for purposes of applying this definition. This definition does not apply to the replacement and upgrading of residential roof coverings or exterior wall finishes.

Amend Section 903.2 is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and 903.2.14 through 903.2.21 and in all of the following:

1. Newly constructed buildings or facilities, except detached Group U occupancies not more than one thousand (1,000) square feet in floor area and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per Table 602 of the California Building Code.

2. Newly created, attached, second dwelling units which meet the definition of a substantial remodel.

3. All other existing buildings, fire sprinkler systems may be required by the fire chief in accordance with the following:

3.1. All buildings where improvements occur during any three (3) year period that cumulatively meet the definition of a substantial remodel.

3.2. All buildings, except R-3 occupancies, in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet that have more than ten percent (10%) floor area added within any three (3) year period. Exceptions may be granted by the fire chief when alternate means of protection are installed as approved by the fire code official.

3.3. A change in the use of a building that results in a higher fire or life safety hazard when the square footage of the area changing use is more than 50% of the square footage of the existing building.

3.4. Where fire sprinklers are required by provisions of this code, they shall be extended throughout the building.

4. All public storage facilities. Exceptions may be granted by the fire chief when alternate means of protection are installed as approved by the fire code official

5. All tunnels used for the transportation of people or any type of vehicle.

The requirements for fire sprinkler systems in this code section are not meant to disallow the provisions for area increase, height increase, or fire-resistive-rated substitution if otherwise allowed by this code.

Exception [Unchanged.]