Fire Commission approves local amendments to 2016 California Fire Code

Fire Marshal Dan DeCocio presented recommended local amendments to the 2016 California Fire Code on Sept. 28 and the Fire Commission voted to forward the amendments to the Board of Supervisors. DeCocio said the city must submit local amendments within an 180-day window and that San Francisco's changes are based on climate, geology and topography.

Key local changes include a requirement that private schools register with the Fire Department after new construction so they can be placed on the annual inspection list; adding a $1,000 civil fine for tampering with fire protection systems; recognizing a newly created Assistant Fire Marshal (H42) position and granting that position citation authority; and implementing Supervisor Tang's tenant fire-safety disclosure ordinance for R-2 occupancies to require annual fire-safety information for tenants and disclosures when new tenants move in.

Other amendments clarified fire department access requirements (removing an earlier allowance to count a 6-inch curb as clear width), increased clearance around cisterns and hydrants to five feet, codified maintenance and installation standards for emergency responder radio coverage by referencing NFPA 1221, and added requirements to preserve the integrity of fire pump rooms and water tanks. DeCocio said the commission must approve the amendments before the Board of Supervisors vote and subsequent state filing; the local adoption must be complete by Jan. 1, 2017. The commission approved the amendments by unanimous voice vote.