New AFPD fire codes will affect
local builders and residents

By Christy Scott
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — The Alpine Fire Protection District will be adopting new fire codes this month that will affect local buildings. AFPD will be conforming with the 2007 California Fire Code, along with a few changes that are specific to the Alpine area. At the Jan. 15 AFPD board of directors meeting, the group will be reviewing the proposed code changes and amendments.
     The new rules will go into effect 30 days after approval. Upon approval, the new codes and requirements can be found online at www.alpinefire.org. Homeowners and contractors are encouraged to read these new requirements, which can be found at the AFPD Station, 1364 Tavern Road. Residents can also attend the board meeting on Jan. 15, held at 5 p.m. at the AFPD Station.
     The requirements contained in the 2007 California Fire Code, together with the Alpine Fire Protection District amendments will be known as the Alpine Fire Protection District Fire Code. AFPD is allowed to make changes and modifications to the codes as are reasonably necessary because of local conditions including mountainous terrain with steep and narrow roads, dry and often windy conditions, as well as fewer hydrant and water sources due to rural design.
     Because of these conditions in the Alpine district, the board will also adopt the International Wildland Urban-Interface Code of Alpine Fire Protection District (based on International Wildland-Interface Codes 2006 Edition) to deal with the unique firefighting conditions in this area.
     In general the new requirements will be required only in new build situations, however, remodels may be affected, on a case-by-case instance, depending on the size. Owners are responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures, landscape materials, and vegetation.
     ome of the new changes that will have an affect on local development include using ignition resistant construction materials, new roofing requirements, more restrictions on what can be planted near and around homes and buildings, new guidelines for road access, and increased detection and safety measures.

Fire resistant construction
     New construction regulations for buildings include fire-rated exterior walls and dual glazed windows. Roofs must have a minimum Class A roof covering as well as protected eaves, gutters and downspouts to preclude entry of flames or embers. An exception will be allowed on qualified historical buildings wood roof covering may be repaired or reconstructed as allowed by the State Historical Building Code.

Secondary access
     The local fire chief may require one or more secondary means of access to a project, development or area where he deems that such access is necessary for emergency operations and/or evacuation. All gates or other structures or devices that could obstruct fire access roadways or otherwise hinder emergency operations are prohibited unless they meet standards approved by the chief, and receive specific plan approval.

Fire wood storage
     Firewood can not be stored in unenclosed spaces beneath buildings or structures, or on decks or under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

Smoke detectors and sprinklers
     In new construction and in newly classified Group R-3.1 occupancies, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. New builds will also be required to include fire sprinkler systems.

Penalties for not complying with new codes
     Any person who violates any of the provisions of this code or standards will be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not exceeding $1000 or by imprisonment in county jail not exceeding six months, or both. The person must then remedy the problems in a timely manner, otherwise each 10-day period will constitute another offense and fine.

For developers
     In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans must include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings, and site water supply systems.
Builders will be required to submit project plans to AFPD for review and approval prior to moving forward.

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