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Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3414 amending Chapter 38 titled "Fire Prevention and Protection" of the Code of Ordinances by adopting the provisions of the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code with amendments and take appropriate action.
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BACKGROUND:
To insure that structures in the City of Farmers Branch are built and maintained to a minimum standard for fire safety, the City adopts a model fire code. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NTCCOG) sponsors a review of the most current fire codes and recommends adoption of the code with regional amendments to address regional conditions. These amendments are intended to regionalize code adoptions and promote enforcement of the same set of minimum standards in the region. Model codes are updated on a routine basis through an international governmental consensus process.
The City of Farmers Branch routinely adopts updated versions of model construction codes to insure that structures meet minimum standard for health and safety. Currently the City of Farmers Branch is enforcing the 2012 International Fire Code. The ordinance as proposed will adopt the 2015 International Fire Code with minimal amendments to address local issues.
Some notable changes to the local amendments is to allow dispensing of Class I motor vehicle fuel from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles located in open areas at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments as allowed by permit. This language is proposed for the 2018 International Fire Code. Neighboring cities currently allow this process. Another notable change to the 2015 International Fire Code Appendix to require retroactive automatic sprinkler requirements for High-Rise Buildings. This amendment will only impact one high-rise and the compliance schedule shall not exceed 12 years for an automatic sprinkler system retrofit.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends adopting Ordinance No. 3414 ...
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