TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Mike Niblock, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
title
Revisions to the Salem Revised Code 58.001, 58.003, 58.004, 58.185, 58.190, 58.325, and 58.334 related to the Fire Prevention Code.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Safe and Healthy Community
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SUMMARY:
summary
The Fire Prevention Code currently adopted is from the 2014 edition of the Oregon Fire Code. The State has adopted a new code, the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code, with Oregon amendments. Revisions to the City’s Fire Prevention Code will align it with the code adopted by the State of Oregon with local modifications.
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ISSUE:
Shall the City Council conduct the first reading and advance to the second reading Ordinance No. 13-23 for the purpose of amending SRC 58.001, 58.003, 58.004, 58.185, 58.190, 58.325, and 58.334 to enforce the most current Oregon Fire Code (OFC) adopted by the State of Oregon with local modifications?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Conduct the first reading and advance to the second reading Ordinance No. 13-23 for the purpose of amending SRC 58.001, 58.003, 58.004, 58.185, 58.190, 58.325, and 58.334 to enforce the most current Oregon Fire Code adopted by the State of Oregon with local modifications.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
The Fire Prevention Code currently adopted in SRC Chapter 58 is the 2014 edition of the Oregon Fire Code.
The State has adopted the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code with Oregon amendments.
If approved, revisions to Chapter 58 will update the City’s Fire Prevention Code to align it with the code adopted by the State of Oregon but with local modifications.
Proposed revisions to SRC Chapter 58 include:
Section 58.001 - Definitions. Updates to the definitions of Oregon Fire Code and International Fire Code.
Section 58.003 - Deletions. Deletions to this section include certain operational permits required by the OFC. This section also identifies previously deleted sections renumbered within the OFC.
Section 58.004 - Modifications. Revisions include updates to the City’s local fire prevention code by adopting OFC language but also include modifications of certain codes to meet better the fire prevention needs of the City of Salem. Section (b) (c) (d) (g) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) and (p) have all been modified.
Section 58.185 - Bonds and Insurance- Generally. Revisions include bond updates, and insurance policy amounts consistent with the City’s Risk Management requirements.
Section 58.190 - Limits for Above ground Tanks and Bulk Plants for cryogenic fluids, Flammable Liquids, and Combustible Liquids. This section adds two additional zones, “IP-Industrial Park” and “II-Intensive Industrial,” in which the OFC does not limit above-ground tanks and quantities.
Section 58.325 - Certain Airborne Devices Prohibited. This section added “sky lanterns” as being prohibited within SRC.
Section 58.334 - Open Burning of Yard Debris Prohibited -This section added the term “garbage” as being prohibited from burning.
BACKGROUND:
Fire prevention codes are updated periodically and published as a family of model codes available for adoption at the state and local levels. Historically, the State of Oregon has adopted building and fire codes based on the most current codes published by the International Code Council.
ORS 476.030 provides that the Oregon State Fire Marshal shall enforce all fire prevention rules. If, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal, a governmental subdivision of the state has enacted adequate regulations generally conforming to state and national standards concerning fire prevention, fire safety measures, and building construction requirements for safety, and if the governmental subdivision provides reasonable enforcement of its regulations, the State Fire Marshal may exempt the area subject to such regulation either partially or fully from the statutes, rules, and regulations administered by the State Fire Marshal.
The City is now and has been an “exempt” jurisdiction for many years. This benefits the community because the City can consider local needs and conditions when adopting and enforcing fire safety regulations. The local administration also produces a more efficient process by allowing City departments to coordinate responses to residential and commercial construction applications, permits, and plans.
The fire prevention code currently adopted in SRC Chapter 58 is the 2014 edition of the OFC. The State has adopted the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code with Oregon amendments. The proposed revisions will implement the 2021 OFC with local amendments.
MIKE NIBLOCK
FIRE CHIEF
Attachments:
1. Ordinance Bill No. 13-23
2. Exhibit A to Ordinance No. 13-23