Boulder Revised Code tit. 10, ch. 8 — Fire Code | Boulder Revised Code 1981 (Supplement167; ordinances effective through July30,2026; five publisher-pending ordinances held); partial — City of Boulder

Boulder Revised Code 1981 § 10-8-2 Adoption of International Fire Code With Modifications.

10-8-2. - Adoption of International Fire Code With Modifications. (a) The 2024 edition of the International Fire Code of the International Code Council is adopted by reference as the City of Boulder Fire Code and has the same force and effect as though fully set forth in this chapter, except as specifically amended by the provisions of this chapter. (b) The Fire Code adopted by Subsection (a) of this section is amended in the following places: (1) Section 103.1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 103.1 Community Risk Reduction. A Community Risk Reduction is established within the fire department under the direction of the manager, which shall consist of such fire department personnel as may be assigned thereto by the manager. The function of this division shall be to assist the manager in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code. (2) Section 104.5 is repealed and reenacted to read: 104.5 Identification. For the purposes of this section, the term "fire code official" includes all firefighters appointed pursuant to Section 2-5-4, "Identification Card for Firefighters," B.R.C. 1981. (3) Section 104.8 is repealed and reenacted to read: 104.8 Liability. The fire code shall not be construed to hold the City of Boulder or any of its employees or agents responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of inspection or reinspection or failure to inspect or reinspect as herein provided or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any equipment as herein provided. No employee of the city who enforces, attempts to enforce, or is authorized to enforce the fire code renders him or herself or the city liable to third parties for any damage or injury to the person or property of such third parties as a result of the enforcement or nonenforcement of the fire code. The city assumes no duty of care by virtue of the adoption of the fire code. No person is justified in relying upon the approval of a plan, the results of an inspection, or the issuance of a certificate of inspection or occupancy, and such approvals, inspections, and certificates are not a guarantee that the plan or work so approved, inspected, or certificated in fact complies with all requirements of the fire code. It is the duty of the person owning, controlling, or constructing any building or structure to ensure that the work is done in accordance with the requirements of the fire code, and it is such persons and not the city who are responsible for damages caused by negligent breach of such duty. (4) Section 105.5 is repealed and reenacted to read: 105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official may issue an operational permit for the following operations: (a) 105.5.16, Explosives (b) 105.5.25 Hot Work Operations (outside) (c) 105.5.29 Lithium batteries (d) 105.5.36, Open Burning (e) 105.5.40, Outdoor assembly events (f) 105.5.44, Pyrotechnic special effects material (g) 105.5.51, Temporary membrane structures and tents (h) 105.5.58 Valet trash and recycling collection in Group R-2 occupancies (5) Section 105.6 is repealed and reenacted to read: 105.6 Required construction permits. All construction permits will be issued by the building official. Community Risk Reduction will be the approving authority for the following: (a) 105.6.1, Automatic fire-extinguishing systems (b) 105.6.2 Automatic sprinkler systems (c) 105.6.3 Compressed gases (d) 105.6.5 Emergency responder communication coverage system (e) 105.6.7, Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment (f) 105.6.8, Fire pumps and related equipment (g) 105.6.11 Gas detection systems (h) 105.6.14 High-pile combustible storage (i) 105.6.16 LP-Gas (j) 105.6.24, Stand-pipe systems (k) 105.6.26 Access control system (6) Section 112, "Means of Appeals," is repealed and reenacted to read: 112 Appeals. (a) Any appeal under this section shall be heard by the Board of Building Appeals established under Section 2-3-4, "Board of Building Appeals," B.R.C. 1981, unless the city manager determines, due to the nature of the issues in a particular appeal, to appoint a hearing officer under Section 1-3-5, "Hearings and Determinations," B.R.C. 1981. (b) Appeal of refusal to approve work or building permit. A person refused a building permit or refused approval of work done under a permit on the grounds that the proposed or completed construction fails to comply with this code or any other city building code may appeal the decision on the grounds that: 1. The denial was based on an erroneous interpretation of such code by the manager; or 2. The manager has erroneously failed to approve an alternate material or method pursuant to Section 104.2.3 of the fire code prior to its installation or use. In determining such an appeal, the board or hearing officer shall apply the standards of Section 104.2.3 of the fire code. The manager has the burden of proof under paragraph 1. above. The appellant has the burden of proof on appeals brought pursuant to paragraph 2. The board or hearing officer shall determine the appeal and decide whether the manager's interpretation or application of such code was correct or in error at a hearing under the procedures described by Chapter 1-3, "Quasi-Judicial Hearings," B.R.C. 1981. (c) Appeal of suspension or revocation of building permit or certificates. Any person whose building permit or certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion has been suspended or revoked may appeal such action by the city manager on the ground that the suspension or revocation was based on an error in fact or an erroneous application of this code to the facts. The manager has the burden of proving the facts upon which the manager relies at such a hearing. (d) An application for appeal must be filed in writing with the city manager within fourteen days after the date of refusal of the building permit or approval of work performed under the permit or revocation or suspension of the building permit or certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion stating the basis for appeal. (e) Appeals Concerning Existing Conditions. 1. Any aggrieved person who has been issued an order or other notice of violation under this fire code, other than a summons and complaint, under Sections 102.1 and 102.2 concerning legally existing conditions in a structured based upon the city manager's determination that such conditions constitute a distinct hazard to life or property, and who believes the alleged violation to be factually or legally contrary to the requirements of this fire code or rules and regulations issued pursuant to this fire code may appeal the order or notice. An appellant shall file the appeal with the board within thirty days from the date of service of the notice of alleged violation. The appellant may request enlargement of time to file if such request is made before the end of the time period. The manager may extend for a reasonable period the time to file with the board if the applicant shows good cause therefore. 2. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the manager upon a reinspection that any or all of the violations alleged in the notice of violation have not been adequately corrected may appeal such determination by filing a notice of appeal within fourteen days of the date of the reinspection. 3. The appeal will be conducted under the procedures of Chapter 1-3, "Quasi-Judicial Hearings," B.R.C. 1981. The burden of proof is on the manager to establish an alleged violation. 4. If the board of appeals or hearing officer affirms the determination by the manager, it shall grant the person a reasonable period of time to correct the violation appealed. Any subsequent determination by the manager as to whether the violations alleged in the notice of violation have been adequately corrected is final. 5. If no person appeals a notice of violation under this section, the provisions of the notice become final when the time for filing an appeal with the board has expired. An order appealed to court is final unless a stay is in effect. 6. If a person to whom the manager has issued a notice of violation does not appeal under this section, such person may not raise a defense to any subsequent prosecution in municipal court for a violation of an order that the conditions alleged to be violations in the notice of violation were not in fact or law violations. (f) An applicant for an appeal shall pay the fee prescribed by Section 4-20-52, "Fire Code Permit and Inspection Fees," B.R.C. 1981. The fee for an appeal heard by a hearing officer shall be the same as the fee for an appeal heard by the Board of Building Appeals. (g) The manager may apply to the Board of Building Appeals, without fee, for an advisory opinion concerning alternative methods, applicability of specific requirements, approval of equipment and materials, and granting of special permission as contemplated in Section 104.2.3 or 104.2.4 of the fire code. (h) The Board of Building Appeals or hearing officer has no authority to interpret Chapter 1 (the administrative requirements) of this code except as expressly provided in this section, nor, because this code sets minimum standards, to waive any requirement of this code. (i) An aggrieved person seeking judicial review of a decision of the Board of Building Appeals or hearing officer made under this section shall file a complaint for such review within thirty days after the date of the decision under Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 106(a)(4). (j) If the city manager determines that the subject of an order or notice issued under this fire code constitutes an immediate hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare, the manager may order immediate compliance. Persons subject to such orders shall comply forthwith but shall be entitled to a prompt post-compliance appeal hearing before the Board of Building Appeals or a hearing officer under the procedures specified in this section. Section 113.1, "Unlawful acts," is repealed and reenacted to read: 113.1 Violations. (a) General Provisions: (1) No person shall violate a provision of this code or fail to comply therewith or with any of the requirements thereof. No person shall fail to comply with any order issued by the city manager under this code. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, improve, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy, maintain, or utilize any building, structure, occupancy, premises, or system in the city or cause or permit the same to be done except in conformity with all of the provisions of this code and in conformity with the terms and conditions of approval issued under this code, or of any directive of the code official. (2) In accordance with the provisions of Section 5-2-11, "Prosecution of Multiple Counts for Same Act," B.R.C. 1981, each day during which illegal construction, alteration, maintenance, occupancy, or use continues, constitutes a separate offense remediable through the enforcement provisions of this code. (3) The owner, tenant, and occupant of a structure or land, and the agents of each of them, are jointly and severally liable for any violation of this code with respect to such structure or land. (4) The remedies for any violation of any provision of this code or of any permit, certificate, or other approval issued under this code or other City of Boulder code or of any directive of the fire code official may be pursued singly or in combination. (5) If any person fails or refuses to pay when due any charge imposed under this section, the fire code official may, in addition to taking other collection remedies, certify due and unpaid charges to the Boulder County Treasurer for collection as provided by Section 2-2-12, "City Manager May Certify Taxes, Charges, and Assessments to County Treasurer for Collection," B.R.C. 1981. (6) The fire code official may charge the cost of any action taken to correct or abate a violation, as authorized by this code, plus up to fifteen percent of such cost for administration, to the property owner. If any property owner fails or refuses to pay when due any charge imposed under this section, the fire code official may, in addition to taking other collection remedies, certify due any unpaid charges, including interest, to the Boulder County Treasurer, to be levied against the person's property for collection by the county in the same manner as delinquent general taxes upon such property are collected, under the procedures described by Section 2-2-12, "City Manager May Certify Taxes, Charges, and Assessments to County Treasurer for Collection," B.R.C. 1981. (b) Administrative Procedures and Remedies: (1) If the fire code official finds that a violation of any provision of this code or any approval granted under this code exists, the city manager, after notice and an opportunity for hearing under the procedures prescribed by Chapter 1-3, "Quasi-Judicial Hearings," B.R.C. 1981, may take any one or more of the following actions to remedy the violation: (A) Impose a civil penalty according to the following schedule: (i) For the first violation of the provision or approval, $100; (ii) For the second violation of the same provision or approval, $300; and (iii) For the third violation of the same provisions or approval, $1,000. (B) For a violation concerning the use of a residential building under a rental license, revoke such license; (C) Require the filing of a declaration of use as provided in subsection (e); or (D) Issue an order reasonably calculated to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code or any approval granted under this code. (2) Prior to the hearing, the fire code official may issue an order that no person shall perform any work on any structure or land, except to correct any violation found by the fire code official to exist with respect to such structure or land. (3) If notice is given to the fire code official at least forty-eight hours before the time and date set forth in the notice of hearing on any violation that the violation has been corrected, the fire code official will reinspect the structure or land. If the fire code official finds that the violation has been corrected, the manager may cancel the hearing. (4) No person shall fail to comply with any action taken by the fire code official under this section. (c) Criminal Penalties. Violations of this code are punishable as provided in Section 5-2-4, "General Penalties," B.R.C. 1981. (d) Other Remedies. The city attorney may maintain an action for damages, declaratory relief, specific performance, injunction, or any other appropriate relief in the District Court in and for the County of Boulder for any violation of any provision of this code or any approval granted under this code. (e) Declaration of Use. If the fire code official determines that a person is using a structure in a way that might mislead a reasonable person to believe that such use is a use by right or otherwise authorized by this title, the fire code official may require such person to sign under oath a declaration of use that defines the limited nature of the use and to record such declaration in the office of the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder against the title to the land. In addition to all other remedies and actions that the code official is authorized to use under the Boulder Revised Code or other applicable federal, state, or local laws to enforce the provisions of this code, the city manager is authorized to withhold any approval affecting such structure or land, including, without limitation, a building permit, use review, site review, subdivision, floodplain development permit, or wetland permit, until such time as the person submits a declaration of use that is in a form acceptable to the fire code official. Section 113.3.3, "Prosecution of violations," is repealed. Section 113.4.1, "Abatement of violation," is repealed and reenacted to read: 113.4.1 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties described in Section 113.1, Violations, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct, or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business, or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises. (10) Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended by the addition of the following additional definitions. For any definition that already exists, it is repealed and reenacted with the definition listed here: Accessible Private Drive means a twenty-foot unobstructed clear width with a twelve-foot hard, all-weather, drivable surface which can support forty tons on ten wheels and has an SU-30 turning radius for the fire department's fire apparatus. Ceremonial Fire means a fire that is used as an indispensable part of a religious ceremony or ritual. The fire must be attended by a qualified individual recognized by the organization and conducted in a ceremonial fire oven or ceremonial fire pit. Ceremonial Fire Chantico is a structure enclosed on three sides by brick, cinderblock, stone, or other non-combustible construction. The oven is covered on the top with non-combustible construction and contains a chimney at least two feet in height that has a spark arrestor conforming to nationally recognized standards. Ceremonial Fire Pit is a three-foot-deep pit that does not exceed ten feet in diameter with a twenty-four-inch horseshoe shaped berm void of vegetation. A five-foot buffer zone surrounds the berm and is clear of vegetation and/or other combustibles. Emergency Vehicle Access Street means a street meeting the requirements of this code and the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards. Fire Access Distance means the distance between two hydrants, or the distance from a hydrant to any external portion of any building or buildings, or the distance from the centerline of a non-dead-end emergency vehicle access street to the point on the curb on such street from which access to such building is gained, measured along public or private (but accessible to fire equipment) roadways or fire lanes, as would be traveled by motorized firefighting equipment. Fire code official means the city manager or the manager's delegate. Fire Department or Municipal Fire Department means the Fire Department of the City of Boulder, Colorado. Open Burning is the burning of materials where visible products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a chimney from a fireplace built in compliance with the City of Boulder Building Code. Portable Appliance means any appliance that is designed to be moved or relocated on a daily basis without any special knowledge. This includes, but is not limited to, box or oscillating fans, power tools, vacuum cleaners, and floor polishers. (11) 304.1.1 Valet trash is repealed and reenacted to read: Valet trash collection shall be permitted only where approved. The owner and valet trash collection service provider shall comply with Appendix O as adopted and amended. (12) 304.1.1.1 Permits Required is added to read: Permits required. An operational permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.5.58 prior to contracting and using valet trash services. Operational permit will be issued to the owner or the owner's designated representative for the property where the services will be used. (13) 307, "Open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces," is repealed and reenacted to read: 307 Open burning and recreational fires. (1) No person shall kindle or maintain outside of a habitable building or outside of an exterior fireplace built in accordance with the City of Boulder Building Code any bonfire or burn or permit to be burned any trash, paper, rubbish, wastepaper, wood, weeds, brush, plants, or other combustible or flammable material anywhere within the city limits or anywhere on city property outside of the city limits, except when: (a) The burning is in the course of an agricultural operation in the growing of crops as a gainful occupation and presents no fire hazard to other property in the vicinity; (b) The burning is a smokeless flare, or a safety flare used to indicate some danger to the public; (c) The burning is a training fire conducted by the fire department, or is a training fire conducted by another fire department, or privately for industrial or commercial fire training purposes; or (d) The burning is solely for the purpose of fuel mitigation to alleviate wildland fire potential or weed abatement to assist restoration of native plants. (e) The burning is part of a "ceremonial fire" where all the following are met: 1. A permit must be obtained from Boulder Fire Rescue Department; 2. Fire must be contained in a ceremonial fire pit or a ceremonial chantico; 3. A water source with a garden hose attached and charged must be readily available and can reach all parts of the ceremonial fire; 4. Ceremonial fire must be extinguished if winds exceed 15 mph; and 5. Ceremonial fire must adhere to all state and county requirements for air quality and burn restrictions. (2) Mobile or portable type outdoor fireplaces are prohibited to use within the city limits or anywhere on city property outside of the city limits. (14) Section 308.1.7 "Sky lanterns" is repealed and reenacted to read: 308.1.7 Sky lanterns. No person shall use any sky lantern(s) within the City of Boulder, or anywhere on city-owned property outside of city limits, including Open Space and Mountain Parks land. (15) 322.4 Battery charging areas: is amended by the addition of the following: 9. The indoor room or area shall be protected with an automatic fire sprinkler system designed as an ordinary group II hazard and a maximum sprinkler area coverage of 100 square feet. (16) A new Section 401.9, "Fire alarm fees," is added to read: 401.9 Fire alarm fees. (a) After the fire department has responded to two nuisance alarms from the fire alarm system from any property or address in any calendar year, the city manager may impose a charge for each additional response to an alarm which originates from the property during the same calendar year, in accordance with the schedule prescribed by Section 4-20-52, "Fire Code Permit and Inspection Fees," B.R.C. 1981. (b) The city manager may waive a charge imposed for a nuisance fire alarm response if the property owner of record demonstrates that such alarm was caused by a fire or the threat of a fire, or that such alarm was not under the property owner's control. It shall not be a defense that the alarm system is malfunctioning, unless the owner or manager is able to demonstrate that said alarm system is currently being serviced to remedy the problems being encountered. (c) If any fee is not paid within thirty days after demand therefor has been mailed to the record owner of the building, the city manager may certify the amount due to the County Treasurer pursuant to Section 2-2-12, "City Manager May Certify Taxes, Charges, and Assessments to County Treasurer for Collection," B.R.C. 1981. (17) Section 503.2.1, "Dimensions," is repealed and reenacted to read: 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than twenty feet (6,096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than fifteen feet (4,572 mm). (18) Section 507.5.1, "Where required," is repealed and reenacted to read: 507.5.1 Where required. Location and spacing of fire hydrants will be in accordance with the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards. (19) Section 510.4.1.1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into the building. The minimum downlink signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The downlink signal level shall be a minimum of -95 dBm throughout the coverage area and sufficient to provide not less than a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.0 throughout the coverage area using either narrow band analog, digital or wideband LTE signals or an equivalent bit error rate (BER), or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals. (20) Section 510.4.1.2 is repealed and reenacted to read: 510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building. A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be received by the agency's radio system. (21) Section 901.6, "Inspection, testing and maintenance," is amended by the addition of the following: If any building, structure, or portion of the same is protected by a fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing system, or the owner has agreed with the city manager so to protect the building or structure or portion thereof, then no person shall shut off or disable such system except as authorized under Section 11-1-45, "Water to Be Shut Off for Failure to Pay," B.R.C. 1981, and no owner, manager, or tenant of such space shall fail to prevent the shutting off or disabling of such system. It is a specific defense to a charge of violation of this section that the system was shut off in order to perform maintenance work on the system, that it was shut off for the minimum period of time necessary to perform such work, and that maintenance personnel were on the premises performing such work during the entire time the system was shut off. The minimum penalty for violation of this section, no portion of which may be suspended, is a fine of $1,000. (22) Section 903 is amended by the addition of the following: Any new building or change of occupancy of an existing building that does not have approved fire department access as required by the fire code may be required by the fire code official to have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed regardless of the building size. (23) Section 903.1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 903.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in this section. (24) The first sentence of Section 903.2 is repealed and reenacted to read: Approved automatic sprinkler system in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.15. (25) Section 903.2.1 is amended by the addition of the following: 903.2.1 Group A. All basements classified as, or a part of, a Group A occupancy shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system regardless of the gross square footage. (a) Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-1, #1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 1. The fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ) (b) Section 903.2.1.2 Group A-2, #1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 1. The fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ²⁾ (c) Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3, #1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 1. The fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ²⁾ (d) Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4, #1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 1. The fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ²⁾ (26) Section 903.2.2, Group B is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for all new Group B occupancies greater than 2,000 square feet (185.8m ² ) and as required by Sections 903.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2. (27) Section 903.2.3, Group E is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows: (a) Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ) in area. (b) The Group E fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies. (c) The Group E fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more. (d) All basements classified as, or a part of, a Group E occupancy shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system regardless of the gross square footage. (28) Section 903.2.4, Group F-1, #1 is repealed and reenacted to read: 1. A group F-1 fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.5 m ² )(29) (29) 903.2.4.1, Woodworking operations, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all Group F-1 occupancy fire areas that contain woodworking operations in excess of 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ) in area that generate finely divided combustible waste or use finely divided combustible materials. (30) 903.2.4.3, Group F-1 upholstered furniture or mattresses, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group F-1 fire area that exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ) used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or mattresses. (31) Section 903.2.7, Group M, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists: 1. A Group M fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane. 3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). (32) 903.2.7.2 Group M upholstered furniture or mattresses is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group M fire area where the area used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). (33) Section 903.2.8, Group R, is amended by the addition of the following: (a) Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhomes) not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structure shall comply with the fire sprinkler system requirements of the City of Boulder Residential Building Code. (b) An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire areas. (34) Section 903.2.9, Group S-1, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists: 1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane. 3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 5. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries or any equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries including vehicles, micro-mobility devise and energy storage systems. (35) Section 903.2.9.1, Repair garages, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406.8 of the International Building Code, as shown: 1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basement, with fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements. 4. A Group S-1 fire used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 5. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal powered vehicles. (36) Section 903.2.9.4, Group S-1 upholstered furniture and mattresses, is repealed and reenacted to read. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout a Group S-1 fire area where the area used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). Exception: New self-service storage facilities not greater than on story above grade plane and separated by a fire barrier per the International Building Code every 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). (37) Section 903.2.10, Group S-2 Parking Garages, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages where any of the following conditions exist: 1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with section 406.6 of the International Building Code, exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). 2. Where the enclosed parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.6 of the International Building Code, is located beneath other groups. Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies. 3. Where the fire area of the open parking garage, in accordance with Section 406.5 of the International Building Code, exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). (38) Section 903.2.10.1, Commercial parking garages, is repealed and reenacted to read: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles where the fire area exceeds 2,000 square feet (185.8 m ² ). (39) A new Section 903.2.13, "Group U occupancies," is added to read: 903.2.13 Group U occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new Group U occupancies greater than 2,000 gross square feet (185.8 m ² ). (40) A new Section 903.2.14 is added to read: 903.2.14. Any occupancy, structure, or unit required to be protected by a sprinkler system by one provision of the fire code or the building code and falling within an exception to a requirement of such protection to any other provision of the fire code or building code, shall be so protected. (41) A new Section 903.2.15 is added to read: 903.2.15. If the floor area of an addition to any existing occupancy as described in Sections 903.1 through 903.2.13 above is greater than either fifty percent of the existing gross floor area or 2,000 square feet, and the total altered structure would be required to be protected by a sprinkler system by this section if it were new construction, then the entire addition shall be protected throughout by an approved and supervised automatic sprinkler system, installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1. Said sprinkler system shall be continuous throughout the addition up to a fire barrier built in accordance with the building code for that occupancy. (42) Section 903.3.1.1.1 Exception 3 is repealed. (43) Section 903.3.1.2.3, Attics, #4 - Subsections 4.2 and 4.5 are repealed. (44) Section 903.3.5.2, Residential combination services, is repealed and reenacted to read: 903.3.5.2 Residential combination services. Combination of domestic and fire service lines shall be in accordance with the City of Boulder Design and Construction Standard. (45) Section 903.4.2, "Monitoring," is repealed and reenacted to read: 903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an Underwriters Laboratory listed supervising station. (46) Section 903.4.3, "Alarms," is repealed and reenacted to read: 903.4.3 Alarms. Approved audible and visual devices shall be connected to every new automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler water-flow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Alarm devices shall be provided throughout the interior of the building in accordance with NFPA 72 and at least one on the exterior of the building in an approved location. Where a fire alarm system is installed, actuation of the automatic sprinkler shall actuate the building fire alarm system. Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one-and two-family dwellings. (47) A new Section 903.7, "Response time sprinkler requirement," is adopted to read: 903.7 Response time sprinkler requirement. (a) It is the city's goal, as reflected in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan's urban fire service criteria, that land not be annexed unless the response travel time for service is normally four minutes or less. Nonetheless, there may be occasions when annexation outside the existing four-minute travel time but within six minutes or less is allowed due to special circumstances, in the city's best interest. Before such land is annexed, consideration must be given to the need for and provision of additional fire stations and equipment to serve properly the area being annexed and to bring it within the four-minute travel time eventually. Protection by a sprinkler system as required by subsection (c) below is a temporary substitute and is not intended to eliminate the requirement for additional fire stations and equipment. (b) Land used or to be used for residential purposes will not normally be annexed if it is outside the four-minute travel time unless excepted from this policy by subsection (d) below. All new dwelling units on land annexed outside the four-minute travel time shall be protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system. (c) On land annexed after the effective date of this chapter and not excepted under subsection (d) below, all new nonresidential construction and any existing nonresidential structures shall be provided throughout with an approved and supervised fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1 adopted in Chapter 10-8, "Fire Code," B.R.C. 1981, if such land is outside of the four-minute travel time from city fire stations housing at least one pumper which is rated at one thousand gallons per minute pumping capacity or greater, and which requires a crew of three or more for proper operation. (d) The requirements of this Section may be waived by the city council by a provision doing so in an annexation agreement incorporated into an annexation ordinance if, in the opinion of the city council, it is in the city's best interest to do so because: (1) Of changed or special conditions; (2) The land to be annexed is located on Arapahoe Avenue west of the city; or (3) The land to be annexed is below the blue line, west of Broadway, south of Norwood Avenue, and north of Table Mesa Drive. Exceptions (2) and (3) above reflect the fact that it is not anticipated that new fire stations will be constructed to bring these areas within the six-minute limit. In other areas, it is anticipated that new fire stations will eventually be constructed or upgraded to bring the service area within this limit. (48) A new Section 903.8, Fire suppression systems, is added to read: 903.8 Fire suppression systems. All existing structures in the following categories shall be protected throughout by an approved and supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 903.3.1. Except that any structure or portion thereof required by this section to be so protected prior to the effective date of Ordinance No. 7566, shall be immediately so protected: (a) R-1 and R-2 occupancies greater than fifty-five feet high. (b) Hotels and motels. Exceptions: One- and two-story structures, and three-story structures with an exterior exit balcony for all rooms above grade. (c) Congregate residences classified as Group R-4. (d) Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies as defined in the fire code. (e) Basements greater than 2,000 gross square feet. Exception 1. Basements below R occupancies. Exception 2. Basements used exclusively for "services to the building," such as electric meters, compressors, and so forth. But "services to the building" shall not include any storage (either combustible or noncombustible), nor routine human occupancy. Exception 3. Basements where there is provided at least 20 square feet of opening entirely above the adjoining ground level in each fifty lineal feet or fraction thereof of exterior wall in the basement on at least one side of the building. Openings shall have a minimum dimension of not less than 30 inches and shall be accessible to the fire department from the exterior and shall not be obstructed in a manner that firefighting or rescue cannot be accomplished from the exterior. When openings are provided on only one side and the opposite wall of said basement is more than seventy-five feet from such openings, said basement shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system, or openings as specified above shall be provided on at least two sides of an exterior wall of the basement. (f) All Group A occupancies used primarily for dining, drinking, or motion picture viewing shall be protected throughout by an approved and supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 903.3.1 when said Group A occupancy is greater than 2,000 gross square feet in size. For Group A occupancies described in this part (f) not currently provided with complete automatic sprinkler protection, this paragraph shall take effect during a remodel or renovation which 1) requires one or more building permits with a combined valuation (labor and materials) of $30 per square foot or more within any calendar year, and 2) necessitates business closure for a combined period of five calendar days or more, in the aforementioned calendar year. (49) Section 907.6.6, Monitoring, is repealed and reenacted to read: 907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems shall be supervised by an Underwriters Laboratory listed supervising station or a Proprietary Supervising Station Alarm System meeting all of the requirements in NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Exception: Monitoring by a supervising station is not required for: (1) Single and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11. (2) Automatic sprinklers systems in one- and two-family dwellings. (50) Section 1103.5, Sprinkler systems, is repealed and reenacted to read: 1103.5 Sprinkler systems. The automatic sprinkler system requirements set forth in Sections 903.1 and 903.2 of this code shall be complied with in existing buildings where the occupancy or use, as defined in Chapter 2 of the Existing Building Code of the City of Boulder, changes in a fire area exceeding 2,000 square feet. Exception: Changes of occupancy or use which are a lower relative hazard per Table 1011.5 of the City of Boulder Existing Building Code and the new occupancy or use is not required to be provided with an automatic sprinkler system by other provisions of the City of Boulder Building Code or the City of Boulder Existing Building Code. (51) A new section 1108, Battery Storage, is added to read: Battery storage. Existing battery storage areas containing lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries shall comply with Section 320. (52) A new Section 1109, Micro Mobility Devices, is added to read: Micro Mobility Devices. Existing lithium-ion and lithium metal battery powered micro mobility devices shall be operated and maintained in accordance with Section 322. (53) Section 1205.2.1.1, Pathways to ridge, is repealed and reenacted to read: 1205.2.1.1, Pathways to ridge. No fewer than two 30-inch-wide (914 mm) pathways on separate roof planes, from the lowest roof edge to ridge, shall be provided on all buildings. At least one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. For each roof plane with a photovoltaic array, at least one 30-inch-wide (914 mm) pathway from lowest roof edge to ridge shall be provided on the same roof plane as the photovoltaic array, on an adjacent roof plane or straddling the same and adjacent roof plane. All access pathways required under this section shall be provided in a structurally strong location on the building capable of supporting the live load of fire fighters accessing the roof. (54) Section 1205.2.1.2, Setbacks at ridge, is repealed and reenacted to read: 1205.2.1.2, Setbacks at ridge. Not less than a 12-inch-wide setback is provided on each side of the horizontal ridge. (55) Section 1205.2.1.3, Alternative setbacks at ridge, is repealed. (56) Section 5307.1, General, is repealed and reenacted to read: General. Compressed gases in storage or use not regulated by this material-specific provisions of Chapters 6, 54, 55 and 60 through 67, including asphyxiant, irritant and radioactive gasses, shall comply with this section in addition to other requirements of this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to new or existing systems. (57) Section 5307.3, Insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications, is repealed and reenacted to read: 5307.3 Liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications. Liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications. Liquid carbon dioxide systems with more than 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of carbon dioxide used in beverage dispensing applications shall comply with Section 5307.3.1. (58) Section 5601.2.4.2, "Fireworks display," is amended by the addition of the following: The city manager shall require a certificate of insurance to protect persons and property from death or injury as a result of the fireworks display, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate limit. The insurance shall cover any liability of the city, or any employee or agent thereof arising out of or connected with the permit and the fireworks display permitted thereunder. Before any permit for a fireworks display is issued, the applicant shall comply with the provisions of this section. (59) Chapter 80, Referenced Standards, is amended by the addition of the following: Source text region

(60) Appendix O is adopted and amended with the addition of the following sections: O102.4, Capacity limit, is amended by the addition of the following: O102.4.1 Quantities more than the capacity limit. Trash and recyclables not able to fit within the approved container with a closed lid, shall not be left within the corridor. A new section, O102.6 Container lids, is added: All valet trash and recycling container lids shall be self-closing. O104, Additional Requirements, is amended by the addition of the following: O104.4. Automatic sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 9. O104.5. Door closing. Each dwelling unit shall have an operable self-closing door from the living space to the corridor. Doors shall close from a fully open position and latch automatically. O104.6. Emergency planning and preparedness. Each complex shall create an emergency guide describing the location, function, and use of fire protection equipment and appliance available for use by residents, including fire alarm systems, smoke alarms, and portable fire extinguishers. Guides shall include fire evacuation plans in accordance with Section 404.2.1 and fire safety plans in accordance with Section 404.2.2 for each dwelling and distributed to each resident. Ordinance Nos. 5562 (1993); 5622 (1994); 5781 (1996); 6015 (1998); 7371 (2004); 7566 (2007); 7577 (2007); 7925 (2013); 7963 (2014); 8242 (2018); 8366 (2020); 8684 (2025)

Fire Code

Boulder Revised Code 1981 § 10-8-1 Legislative Intent.

Boulder Revised Code 1981 § 10-8-2 Adoption of International Fire Code With Modifications.