10.64.012 - Amendments to the Fire Prevention Code.
The following amendments, deletions, or additions to the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code are adopted by reference, as fully as though copied into the Metropolitan Fire Prevention Code, and thereby made a part of the Metropolitan Fire Prevention Code.
Adding the following subsection:
101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the following Appendices are hereby adopted: B, C, D, E, F, H, I, J, L, N, O.
Adding the following subsection:
102.9.1 Life Safety Code. For any provisions in existing buildings not explicitly addressed in this code shall be addressed in NFPA 101.
Adding the following subsection:
104.2.3.8 Compliance with subsequent editions of this code and referenced publications. The fire code official is authorized to accept subsequent editions of this code and referenced publications as evidence of compliance with the specified edition.
Adding the following subsection:
105.3.9 Working without a permit. Operating or starting work without the applicable fire prevention permit is strictly prohibited. A penalty equal to 300 percent of the cost of the required permit and inspection fees shall be assessed for the work.
Subsection 105.5 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
105.5 Required operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the operations set forth in Sections 105.5.2 through 105.5.63.
Subsection 105.5.34 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
105.5.34 Mobile food preparation vehicles. An operational permit is required for mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors, or that utilize LP-gas.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.58 Knox Box. An operational permit is required to verify that items required for access into a building or facility, as well as any required contact information, kept in a building or facility's Knox Box is in proper working order and accurate.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.59 After hours inspection. An operational permit is required to schedule a fire/life safety inspection outside of the normal hours of operation for the AHJ.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.60 After hours standby. An operational permit is required for NFD personnel to be present on standby when, in the opinion of the fire code official, potentially hazardous conditions or a reduction in a life safety feature exist due to the type of performance, display, exhibit, occupancy, contest, or activity; an impairment to a fire protection feature; or the number of persons present.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.61 Daycare occupancy. An operational permit is required to operate a daycare facility within the jurisdiction.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.62 Residential Board and Care operation. An operational permit is required to operate a state licensed residential board and care facility within the jurisdiction.
Adding the following subsection:
105.5.63 Fire/Life Safety Permit. An operational permit is required when a fire/life safety inspection is required for an occupant, building, property, facility, etc. that is not tied to a developmental permit from the NFD, Metro Codes, Metro Beer Board, etc. or an annual fire/life safety inspection within the jurisdiction.
Adding the following subsection:
106.2.5 Life Safety Report. A Life Safety Report, providing a description of the fire protection in the building, shall be prepared by a Registered Design Professional prior to submitting construction drawings for: high-rise buildings; covered mall buildings; buildings containing atriums; storage height over 40 feet; Group F and S occupancies 500,000 square feet and over; Group H occupancies; and any other structures as determined by the fire code or building official. This description shall include the basic concepts used for suppression, alarm, notification, egress, fire resistive assemblies, smoke control, and other related systems, as well as the coordination of those systems. Additional fire protection and/or life safety systems including hose connections may be required by the fire code official. Upon completion of the project, a copy of the approved documentation shall be maintained, including any changes and updates at the site.
Subsection 110.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
110.3 Recordkeeping. A record of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years, or a different period of time where specified in this code or referenced standards. Records shall be made available for inspection by the fire code official, and a copy of the records shall be provided to the fire code official on request. The fire code official is authorized to prescribe the form and format of such recordkeeping. The fire code official is authorized to require that certain required records be filed with the fire code official, including via any third-party reporting partner.
Section 202 is amended by:
Adding the following to Section 202, immediately following the heading:
BED AND BREAKFAST HOMESTAY. Means a private home, inn, or other unique residential facility located in a structure of historical significance as defined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-14-503(3) offering bed and breakfast accommodations and one (1) daily meal and having less than four (4) guest rooms furnished for pay, with guests staying not more than fourteen (14) days, and where the innkeeper resides on the premises or property, or immediately adjacent to it. Guest rooms shall be established and maintained distinct and separate from the innkeeper's quarters.
BREEZEWAY. A covered connector between two buildings or structures, open at each end but less than 50 percent open, located at, above, or below grade level, that may be used as a means of egress from a building or structure.
BOARD. Shall mean the Metropolitan Board of Fire and Building Code Appeals.
CROWD MANAGER. A person responsible for defining and implementing an establishments or events emergency action plan, ensuring employees understand their roles in crowd management and assisting in directing the crowd in an orderly manner for evacuation.
DRIVEWAY. A vehicular access roadway less than twenty-feet in width and serving no more than two single-family dwellings.
TEMPORARY. Shall mean not more than 90 calendar days.
SUBSTANTIALLY REMODELED OR REHABILITATED. Means any structural alteration or restoration of a building for which the cost, or value exceeds 50% of the current replacement cost of the particular building, or where 50% or more of the gross square footage has been structurally altered, such building shall conform to the requirements for new buildings.
Deleting the current definition of "Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles" found in Section 202 and substituting in lieu thereof:
MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES. A vehicle that is equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors, or that utilize LP-gas or CNG systems, for the purpose of preparing and serving food to the public. Vehicles intended for private recreation are not considered mobile food preparation vehicles. Mobile food preparation vehicles shall be relocated from their operating position at least once every six (6) consecutive calendar days to allow for maintenance of equipment or appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors. Mobile or temporary cooking can include self-propelled trucks and vehicles, trailered units, push carts, etc. or other structures for which a building permit has not been issued.
Subsection 307.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
307.1 General. Open burning, recreational fire, and portable outdoor fireplaces shall comply with section 10.64.017 of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Code.
Deleting subsection 307.1.1 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.2 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.2.1 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.3 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.4 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.4.1 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.4.2 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.4.3 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 307.5 in its entirety.
Subsection 308.1.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
308.1.1 Where prohibited. The AHJ shall have the authority to prohibit any or all open flames, candles, and open, recreational, and cooking fires or other sources of ignition, or establish special regulations on the use of any form of fire or smoking material where circumstances make such conditions hazardous, such as taking or utilizing an open flame or light in a structure, vessel, boat or other place where highly flammable, combustible or explosive material is utilized or stored.
Adding the following subsection:
316.7 Building Information Sign. All buildings shall be equipped with the approved fire fighter safety building marking system sign, per Appendix J.
Adding the following subsection:
403.4.4 Emergency evacuation drill procedure. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted as follows:
1. Not less than one emergency evacuation drill shall be conducted every month the facility is in session, unless both of the following criteria are met:
a. In climates where the weather is severe, the monthly emergency evacuation drills shall be permitted to be deferred.
b. The required number of emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted, and not less than four shall be conducted before the drills are deferred.
2. All occupants of the building shall participate in the drill.
3. One additional emergency evacuation drill, other than for educational occupancies that are open on a year-round basis, shall be required within the first 30 days of operation.
Subsection 403.11.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
403.11.3 Crowd Managers. Where facilities or events involve a gathering of more than 250 people, crowd managers shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403.11.3.1 through 403.11.3.3.
Subsection 403.11.3.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
403.11.3.1 Number of crowd managers. Not fewer than one trained crowd manager or crowd manager supervisor for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.
Exceptions:
1. Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
3. The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.
Adding the following subsection:
501.5 Fire Apparatus Access Plan. A fire apparatus access plan shall be provided with construction documents for any new building, commercial or residential development, additions to an existing building, or when requested by the fire code official.
Subsection 503.1.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exceptions:
1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension to 250 feet (45,720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.
1.2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, railways, nonnegotiable grades, or other similar conditions and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.
1.3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.
1.4. One- and two-family dwellings.
2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.
Adding the following subsection:
503.1.4 Building courtyards. Buildings having an interior courtyard that do not meet the requirements of 503.1.1 for fire department access shall provide two points of access from the fire lane to the interior courtyard. Each of the two points of access shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide each having a minimum of a 2-hour fire rating in accordance with the IBC.
Adding the following subsection:
503.2.1.1 Single lane roads. The width in 503.2.1 shall be permitted to be reduced to 13 feet in cases of a single lane road. Single lane roads shall comply with all of the following:
1. The road shall be one-way, or, a one-way lane channel of a divided two-way road.
2. Shall not exceed 500 feet in length.
3. Shall not terminate in a dead-end.
4. Parking shall be prohibited along the single lane section.
5. Road width at curves shall be increased where necessary to accommodate swept path of all emergency vehicles.
6. The AHJ is authorized to require installation of additional fire protection equipment.
Subsection 503.2.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced with an approved material to provide all-weather driving capabilities.
Subsection 503.2.4 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of fire apparatus access roads shall be a minimum of 25 feet inside and 50 feet outside.
Subsection 503.2.7 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall not exceed 12% without written approval from the fire code official.
Subsection 503.2.8 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 1 ft drop in 20 ft (0.3 m drop in 6 m), or the design limitations of the fire apparatus utilized by the fire department and shall be subject to approval by the AHJ.
Subsection 503.2.8.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.2.8.1 Curbs. Where fire department access roads connect with roadways, at least one of the following shall be provided:
1. Curb cuts extending at least 2 ft (0.61 m) beyond each edge of the fire department access road.
Subsection 503.6 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided shall be listed in accordance with UL 325 and equipped with RF operated "Click-2-Enter" emergency operating system. Electric gate operators shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200. Gates shall comply with the requirements of the Nashville Fire Department, Nashville Department of Transportation, and Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Adding the following subsection:
503.6.1 Permit required. A permit is required to install access control or security gates across a fire department access road.
Adding the following subsection:
503.6.2 Manual gates. Manual gates shall be equipped with a Knox key box or Knox padlock as approved by the AHJ.
Adding the following subsection:
503.6.3 Plans. Plans shall be submitted for review and approval prior to installation of access control or security gates across fire department access roads.
Adding the following subsection:
503.7 Outdoor assembly event fire department access roads.
Adding the following subsection:
503.7.1 Fire department access roads. Outdoor assembly events shall provide fire department access roads in accordance with Section 503.2.1.
Adding the following subsection:
503.7.1.1 Plans. Fire department access plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the fire code official.
Adding the following subsection:
503.7.2 Hostile vehicle mitigation. Hostile vehicle mitigation barriers required by law enforcement placed across fire lanes and emergency access paths shall require a minimum 14 ft wide access point between barriers.
Adding the following subsection:
503.7.3 Barriers. Any barrier or gate placed across a fire lane or emergency access path shall be approved by the fire code official.
Subsection 505.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
505.1 Address Identification. All buildings and structures within Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County shall have approved address numbers posted in accordance with the following:
1. Address identification shall be legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.
2. Characters shall contrast with their background.
3. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters, and numbers shall not be spelled out.
4. Numbers posted on the outside of residences shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). The numbers may be attached to the residence or the mailbox, if the mailbox is next to the street.
5. Numbers posted on the outside of nonresidential buildings shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). Numbers posted on interior doors or spaces (such as lease space in a mall) shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in height.
6. Numbers and/or letters posted on the outside of multifamily buildings shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). Identifying numbers or letters for individual dwelling units shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in height and posted on or at the doors of the individual dwelling units.
Subsection 506.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
506.1 Where required. Knox rapid entry key box(es) shall be installed at all commercial occupancies, tenant spaces, and other locations containing a fire or life safety system, fenced or gated access, hazardous materials, or as determined by the fire code official. Multiple key boxes may be required based on the size or layout of the building as determined by the fire code official.
Adding the following subsection:
507.3.1 Fire flow capacity. The aggregate fire flow capacity of all fire hydrants within 1000 ft of the building, when measured by an approved route of travel, shall not be less than the required fire flow.
Subsection 507.4 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
507.4 Water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official or, where approved, documentation of the test shall be provided to the fire code official prior to final approval of the water supply system.
Subsection 507.5.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
507.5.1 Where required. Where a portion of the facility or building constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 500 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.
Exceptions:
1. For group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
2. One- and two-family dwellings on lots 5 acres and larger.
Subsection 508.1.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall not be less than 200 square feet in area with a minimum dimension of 10 feet.
Subsection 510.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
510.1 Emergency responder communications enhancement systems in new buildings. Approved in-building emergency responder communications enhancement system (ERCES) for emergency responders shall be provided in all new buildings. In-building ERCES within the building shall be based on the existing coverage levels of the public safety communications systems utilized by the jurisdiction, measured at the exterior of the building. The ERCES, where required, shall be of a type determined by the fire code official and the frequency license holder(s). This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communications systems.
i. Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 occupancies, one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.
2. Open parking garages with no below grade levels.
3. Buildings three stories or less, with a floor area not exceeding 12,000 square feet per floor with no below grade area(s).
4. Where it is determined by the fire code official that communications coverage is not needed.
5. In facilities where emergency responder communications coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on normal operations of that facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder communications coverage system.
Adding the following subsection:
510.2.1 Previously required two-way wired communications systems. Buildings shall comply with Section 510.1 should a previously required two-way wired fire department communication system be removed or become inoperative.
Adding the following subsection:
603.10 Electric vehicle charging stations. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70 and this code.
Adding the following subsection:
603.10.1 Emergency shutoff. For fixed-in-place equipment supplying dc power to a vehicle, one or more clearly identified emergency shutoff devices or electrical disconnects shall be provided and meet all of the following:
1. Be installed in a readily accessible location in sight from the equipment.
2. Disconnect power to all electric vehicle power transfer system equipment on the premises.
3. Be marked "ELECTRIC VEHICLE EMERGENCY DISCONNECT".
4. Require manual intervention in order to reset from an emergency shutoff condition.
5. Disconnect all ungrounded conductors of the circuits simultaneously from the source of supply.
6. Shall be of a type approved by the AHJ.
Adding the following subsection:
604.6.2.5 Firefighter elevator key box. A Knox Firefighter Elevator key box shall be installed in the vicinity of the elevator or bank of elevators in a location that is visible and readily accessible to emergency responders.
Subsection 605.4.2.8 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
605.4.2.8 Tanks in basements. Tanks in basements shall be located not more than one story below the lowest level of fire apparatus access.
Subsection 606.3.3.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
606.3.3.3 Records. Records for inspections shall state the individual and company performing the inspection, a description of the inspection and when the inspection took place. Records for cleanings shall state the individual and company preforming the cleaning and when the cleaning took place. Such records shall be completed after each inspection or cleaning and maintained. A copy of the record shall also be filed with any third-party reporting partner.
Subsection 705.2.7 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
705.2.7 Periodic inspection and testing of rolling steel fire doors. Rolling steel fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually by a trained rolling steel fire door systems technician in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 80. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained. A copy of the record shall also be filed with any third-party reporting partner as required.
Adding the following subsection:
901.2.1 Plans required. Construction documents for the fire protection and life safety systems below shall be submitted for review and approval in accordance with department policies prior to system installation or modification:
1. Water based fire protection systems.
2. Clean agent and special hazard extinguishing systems.
3. Fire alarm systems.
4. Firefighter air replenishment systems.
5. Underground fire service mains.
6. Private fire hydrants.
7. Emergency responder communication enhancement systems.
Renumbering subsection "901.2.1 Statement of Compliance" to now be designated as "901.2.2 Statement of Compliance."
Subsection 901.6.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
901.6.3 Records. Installation, testing, and maintenance of fire protection and life safety systems shall be performed by properly licensed and qualified persons. Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance shall be maintained in accordance with Section 110.3. A copy of the inspection, testing, and maintenance record shall be filed with any third-party reporting partners as required by the AHJ.
Adding the following subsection:
903.2.1.2.1 Existing Group A-2. The following existing Group A-2 occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, electrically supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, when the occupant load exceeds 200:
1. Bars with live entertainment
2. Dance halls
3. Discotheques
4. Nightclubs
5. Assembly occupancies with festival seating
Regardless of occupant load, any of the occupancies listed above that have been cited for the following shall be subject to automatic fire sprinkler system requirements as ordered by the fire code official:
1. Overcrowding
2. Locked or blocked fire exits
3. Unpermitted pyrotechnic
4. The use of props or displays not meeting applicable flame spread requirements
For the purposes of this section, "live entertainment" shall include any live performance such as live music, dancing, stage acts, disc jockey, or other entertainment that, in the opinion of the fire code official, could cause a distraction to the audience in the case of a fire or emergency in such a manner as to delay normal exiting from the facility. A mere occasional or infrequent live performance, scheduled or unscheduled, that is incidental or not part of the regular venue of the occupancy shall not be considered live entertainment. In all cases, the fire code official has the authority to determine the circumstances that constitute "live entertainment".
Subsection 903.2.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group B occupancies where one of the following conditions exist:
1. Building is three or more stories above grade.
2. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.
3. The combined fire area exceeds 24,000 square feet.
Subsection 903.2.2.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
903.2.2.1 Ambulatory care facilities. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
1. Four or more care recipients are incapable of self-preservation.
2. One or more care recipients that are incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor as well as all floors below where such care is provided, and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge.
Subsection 903.2.10 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
903.2.10 Group S-2 parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as parking garages.
Exception:
1. Enclosed parking garages beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
Subsection 903.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
903.3 Installation requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable. All installations of automatic sprinkler systems and their water supplies shall be performed by a sprinkler contractor licensed by the State of Tennessee.
Adding the following subsection:
903.4.2.1 Systems not currently monitored. Systems not currently monitored by an approved supervising station or method shall comply with Section 903.4.2.
Subsection 905.3.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
905.3.1 Height. Class I standpipe systems shall be installed throughout buildings where any of the following conditions exist:
1. Four or more stories are above or below grade plane.
2. The floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
3. The floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
Exceptions: In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:
1. Recessed loading docks.
2. Conditions where the topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.
Deleting subsection 905.5 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.5.1 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.5.2 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.5.3 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.6 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.6.1 in its entirety.
Deleting subsection 905.6.2 in its entirety.
Subsection 907.1.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
907.1.2 Fire alarm shop drawings. Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 72 and submitted for review and approval prior to system installation where:
1. A new system is to be installed.
2. Fifty percent of the system notification or initiating devices are replaced.
3. Twenty or more devices added or replaced on an existing system.
4. Fire alarm control panel is replaced.
Subsection 907.2.11.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
907.2.11.2 Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, and I-1. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4, and I-1, regardless of occupant load in the following locations:
1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements, garages and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
Exception: Heat detectors may be substituted for smoke detectors installed in cellars and attached garages.
Adding the following subsection:
907.2.11.2.1 Additions, alterations or repairs to Group R. Where an addition, alteration or repair to an individual dwelling unit or guestroom in Group R requires a permit, smoke alarms shall be installed within that individual dwelling unit or guestroom in accordance with this section. Where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in an existing Group R, smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with this section.
Exception: Repairs to the exterior surface of occupancies in Group R are exempt from the requirements of this section.
Subsection 907.4.2.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
907.4.2.1 Location. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be located not more than 5 feet (1,524 mm) from the entrance to each exit. In buildings not protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that the distance of travel to the nearest box does not exceed 200 feet (60,960 mm). Manual fire alarm boxes shall be mounted on both sides of grouped openings over 40 feet (12.2 m) in width, and within 60 inches (1,525 mm) of each side of the opening.
Subsection 907.6.6 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the International Building Code shall be monitored by an approved central station listed in accordance with the most recent edition of NFPA 72. Any local ordinances enforced by the authority having jurisdiction shall also apply.
Adding the following subsection:
913.4.2 Backflow prevention devices. Backflow prevention devices on automatic fire extinguishment systems shall be serviced by an approved sprinkler contractor licensed by the state of Tennessee.
Table 1004.5 is amended by deleting and substituting the row starting with "Standing space" only, in lieu thereof:
TABLE 1004.5 MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT:
Assembly—Standing space = 7 net
Adding the following subsection:
1004.10 Building Evacuation
1004.10.1 Evacuation drills. Persons shall not fail to leave a building when notified to do so or when directed by the AHJ as a result of a known or perceived emergency.
1004.10.2 Overcrowding. Persons shall not fail to leave any overcrowded when ordered to do by the AHJ.
1004.10.3 Fire alarm notification. Persons shall not fail to leave a building when a fire alarm system is activated or when required by a fire drill, unless otherwise provided for in an approved building fire evacuation plan or during routine system testing or maintenance.
1004.10.4 Non-fire mass notification signal. For non-fire incidents, persons shall not fail to comply with actions required by an emergency action plan when a mass notification or other emergency notification signal is activated.
Subsection 1010.2.7 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
1010.2.7 Locking arrangements in educational occupancies. In Group E occupancies, Group B educational occupancies and Group I-4 occupancies, egress doors from classrooms, offices and other occupied rooms with locking arrangements designed to keep intruders from entering the room shall comply with all of the following conditions, or meet the requirements of NFPA 101 Section 15.2.2.2.4.1:
1. The door shall be capable of being unlocked from outside the room with a key or other approved means.
2. The door shall be openable from within the room in accordance with Section 1010.2.
3. Modifications shall not be made to listed panic hardware, fire door hardware or door closers.
4. Modifications to fire door assemblies shall be in accordance with NFPA 80.
Remote locking or unlocking of doors from an approved location shall be permitted in addition to the unlocking operation in Item 1.
Subsection 1015.4 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required guard height.
Exceptions:
1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches (1,067 mm), guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 3/8 inches (111 mm) in diameter.
2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter.
3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall not have openings that allow the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
4. In areas that are not open to the public within occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating tread devices and ship's ladders, guards shall not have openings that allow the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.
5. In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end of aisles in accordance with Section 1030.17.4 shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26 inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660 mm) to 42 inches (1,067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter.
6. Within individual dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 3/8 (111mm) inches in diameter.
7. From the walking surface to the first element, the guard shall not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 2 inches in diameter.
Subsection 1025.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
1025.1 General. Approved luminous egress path markings delineating the exit path shall be provided in high-rise buildings of Group A, B, E, I-1, M or R-1 occupancies in accordance with this section.
Exception: Luminous egress path markings shall not be required:
1. On the level of exit discharge in lobbies that serve as part of the exit path in accordance with Section 1028.2, Exception 1.
2. Luminous egress path markings shall not be required where illumination level under emergency power is provided in accordance with Section 1008.3.2 and the power supply to the means of egress illumination within the interior exit enclosures, interior exit ramps, and exit passageways is powered by all of the following:
a. Premises' electrical supply,
b. Generator electrical supply, and
c. Emergency storage battery units at each fixture to provide duration of not less than 90 minutes.
Subsection 1103.5.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
1103.5.1 Group A-2. Where a Group A-2 occupancy has an occupant load of 200 or more, the fire area containing the Group A-2 occupancy shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Subsection 1103.5.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
1103.5.3 Group I-2, Condition 2. In addition to the requirements of Section 1103.5.2, existing buildings of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancy shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be installed by January 1 st , 2027.
Adding the following subsection:
1103.11 Monitoring of fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Existing fire alarm and sprinkler systems not electrically monitored by a listed monitoring service shall comply with Section 903.4.2 and 907.6.6.
Deleting subsection 1104.16 in its entirety.
Subsection 2303.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
2303.2 Emergency disconnect switches. An approved emergency disconnect switch shall be provided at an approved location to stop the transfer of fuel to the fuel dispensers in the event of a fuel spill or other emergency. The emergency disconnect switch for exterior fuel dispensers shall be provided with ready access and shall be located within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of, but not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm) from, the fuel dispensers. For interior fuel-dispensing operations, the emergency disconnect switch shall be provided with ready access and be installed at an approved location. Such devices shall be distinctly labeled as: "EMERGENCY FUEL SHUTOFF." Signs shall be provided in approved locations. All emergency disconnect switches shall comply with NFPA 30A.
Subsection 2305.2.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
2305.2.1 Inspections. Flammable and combustible liquid fuel-dispensing and containment equipment shall be periodically inspected where required by the fire code official in accordance with Section 6.3.6 of NFPA 30A to verify that the equipment is in proper working order and not subject to leakage. Records of inspections shall be maintained.
Adding the following subsection:
2408.5.1 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited in areas where organic peroxides are stored, mixed, or applied and NO SMOKING signs shall be prominently displayed in these areas.
Subsection 3307.1.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
3307.1.2 Stairways required. In all buildings over one story in height, at least one stairway shall be provided that is in usable condition at all times and that meets the requirements of Section 1011. This stairway shall be extended upward as each floor is installed in new construction and maintained for each floor still remaining during demolition. The stairway shall be lighted. During construction, the stairway shall be enclosed where the building exterior walls are in place. All exit stairs shall be provided with stair identification signs to include the floor level, stair designation, and exit path direction as required to provide for safer egress.
Adding the following subsection:
3408.3 Manual firefighting equipment. At a minimum, the following items shall be maintained on site and in working order:
1. One 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher
2. One 2.5 gal (10 L) water extinguisher
3. One 10 ft (3 m) long pike pole
4. One rigid rake
5. One round point shovel
6. One square point shovel
7. The AHJ shall be permitted to require additional tools and equipment for the fire control and the protection of life and property. This can include but is not limited to the availability of earth-moving equipment or other approved means of controlling a fire.
Subsection 3601.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
3601.1 Scope. Marina facilities shall be in accordance with this chapter and NFPA 303.
Subsection 4104.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
4104.2 Open-flame cooking devices. For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used, kindled, or stored on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft (3 m) of any structure.
Exception: Listed equipment permanently installed in accordance with its listing, applicable codes, and manufacturer's instructions shall be permitted.
Deleting subsection 4104.3 in its entirety.
Subsection 4106.2 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
4106.2 Permit required. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
Exception: Mobile food preparation vehicles with a valid permit issued by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office.
Adding the following subsection:
4106.6 Location. Mobile food preparation vehicles shall not be operated within ten (10) feet of any building, means of egress, or other mobile food preparation vehicle.
Subsection 5704.2.9.6.1.3 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
5704.2.9.6.1.3 Location of tanks storing boilover liquids. Above-ground tanks for storage of liquids with boilover characteristics shall be located in accordance with Table 22.4.1.4.1 of NFPA 30.
Subsection 5704.2.9.6.1.5 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
5704.2.9.6.1.5 Location of tanks storing Class IIIB liquids. Above-ground tanks for the storage of Class IIIB liquids, excluding unstable liquids, shall be located in accordance with Table 22.4.1.5 of NFPA 30, except where located within a diked area or drainage path for a tank or tanks storing Class I or II liquids. Where a Class IIIB liquid storage tank is within the diked area or drainage path of a Class I or II liquid, distances required by Section 5704.2.9.6.1.1 shall apply.
Subsection 6201.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
6201.1 Scope. The storage and use of organic peroxides shall be in accordance with this chapter, Chapter 50, and NFPA 400. Unclassified detonable organic peroxides that are capable of detonation in their normal shipping containers under conditions of fire exposure shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 56.
Subsection 6301.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
6301.1 Scope. The storage and use of oxidizing materials shall be in accordance with this chapter, Chapter 50, and NFPA 400. Oxidizing gases shall also comply with Chapter 53. Oxidizing cryogenic fluids shall also comply with Chapter 55.
Exceptions:
1. Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies with Section 5003.11.
2. Bulk oxygen systems at industrial and institutional consumer sites shall be in accordance with NFPA 55.
3. Liquid oxygen stored or used in home health care in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies in accordance with Section 6306.
Subsection 6401.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
6401.1 Scope. The storage and use of pyrophoric materials shall be in accordance with this chapter and NFPA 400. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53.
Subsection 6601.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
6601.1 Scope. The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with this chapter and NFPA 400. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53.
Subsection 6701.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
6701.1 Scope. The storage and use of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be in accordance with this chapter and NFPA 400.
i. Exceptions:
1. Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 5003.11.
2. Detonable water-reactive solids and liquids shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 56.
Chapter 80 Referenced Standards is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof the following specified entries:
NFPA
30A—24: Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
2301.4, 2301.5, 2301.6, 2303.2, 2305.2.1, 2306.6.3, 2310.1
101—24: Life Safety Code
102.9.1, 1010.2.7, 1030.6.2
400—22: Hazardous Materials Code
5601.1.5, 6201.1, 6301.1, Table 6303.1.4, 6304.1.2, Table 6304.1.5(1), Table 6304.1.5(2), 6401.1, 6601.1
Apply the following additions and amendments to Appendix D as follows:
Section D102.1 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D102.1 Access and loading. Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing up to 87,000 pounds (39,463 kg).
Section D103.1 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 24 feet (7,316 mm), exclusive of shoulders (see Figure D103.1).
Section D103.2 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 12 percent in grade.
Exception: Grades steeper than 12 percent as approved by the fire code official.
Section D103.4 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with Table D103.4.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to accept alternate dimensions where it is demonstrated that the departments largest apparatus can complete the turnaround with one backing maneuver.
Table D103.4 of Appendix D is amended by adjusting the width to be 24 feet for lengths 501 through 750.
Section D104.1 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9,144 mm) or three stories in height shall have not fewer than two means of fire apparatus access for each structure, with at least one fire department access road meeting the requirements of D105.
Section D104.2 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D104.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5,760 square meters) shall provide fire department access in accordance with at least one of the following:
1. Two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads
2. A divided entrance with a minimum of 24 feet per side connected to a minimum 30 feet wide fire apparatus access road of no greater than 500 feet in length.
Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet that have a single approved access road where all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.
Appendix D is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
D104.3.1 Remoteness feasibility. The fire code official is authorized to modify the requirements in D104.3 where topography, waterways, easements, or other property restrictions make compliance impractical or technically infeasible.
Section D105.1 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D105.1 Where required. Where the vertical distance between the grade plane and the highest roof surface exceeds 30 feet (9,144 mm), approved aerial fire apparatus access roads shall be provided. For purposes of this section, the highest roof surface shall be determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of parapet walls, whichever is greater.
Exceptions:
1. Where approved by the fire code official, buildings of Type IA, IB or IIA construction equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.1.1 and having firefighter access through an enclosed stairway with a Class I standpipe from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to all roof surfaces.
2. For determining the need for aerial access, the height of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not exceeding three stories, shall be measured to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, the top of parapet walls, or the highest window of the highest occupied story.
Section D105.2 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 24 feet (7,925 mm), exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion thereof.
Appendix D is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
D106.3.1 Remoteness feasibility. The fire code official is authorized to modify the requirements in D104.3 where topography, waterways, easements or other property restrictions make compliance impractical or technically infeasible.
Section D107.1 of Appendix D is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 50 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exceptions:
1. Where there are between 50—99 dwelling units accessed from a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, access from two directions shall not be required.
2. The number of dwelling units accessed from a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official.
3. A divided entrance with a minimum of 24 feet per side connected to a minimum 30 feet wide fire apparatus access road of no greater than 500 feet in length, connecting to a looped access road providing access from two directions.
Appendix D is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:
D107.2.1 Remoteness feasibility. The fire code official is authorized to modify the requirements in D104.3 where topography, waterways, easements, or other property restrictions make compliance impractical or technically infeasible.
Apply the following additions and amendments to Appendix L as follows:
Section L101.1 of Appendix L is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
L101.1 Scope. Firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS) shall be provided in accordance with this appendix and any related policy implemented by the AHJ.
Adding the following subsection:
7.3.1.2.1 At the discretion of the fire code official, limits or restrictions may be imposed on occupant load calculations when hazardous conditions or a reduction in life safety features exist, including but not limited to existing infrastructure, building construction, limited fire department access, clear egress limits to the public way, and natural or man-made egress restrictions. Any potential limits or restrictions on occupant load calculations may be imposed on a temporary or permanent basis, pending any required documentation has been received and reviewed by the authority having jurisdiction, and a determination can be made regarding the ability to mitigate the hazardous conditions or reduction in life safety features.
Subsection 7.7.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
7.7.1 Exit Termination—Exits shall terminate directly, at a public way or at an exterior exit discharge acceptable to the AHJ, unless otherwise provided in 7.7.1.2 through 7.7.1.4.
Subsection 13.3.5.1 is amended by deleting and substituting in lieu thereof:
13.3.5.1 Where the occupant load exceeds 200, the following assembly occupancies shall be protected throughout by an approved, electrically supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.7.1.1(1) and 9.7.2:
1. Dance halls
2. Discotheques
3. Nightclubs
4. Assembly occupancies with festival seating
Clarify that Chapter 24, to the extent that it references one- and two-family dwellings, is hereby inapplicable to the scope of duties of the fire marshal's office. Therefore, Chapter 24, except where specifically referenced, is inapplicable.
(Ord. BL2025-1004 §§ 2—124, 2025; Ord. BL2022-1373 §§ 6, 7, 2022; Ord. BL2021-658 § 3, 2021; Ord. BL2015-1145 § 2, 2015; Ord. BL2008-350, § 2, 2009, eff. 10-30-2009; Ord. BL2007-1390 § 3, 2007; Ord. BL2002-1142 § 9, 2002)
