HomeMy WebLinkAbout032969 ORD - 01/31/2023Ordinance amending Chapter 18 of the Corpus Christi Code to adopt with
local amendments, the International Code Council's 2021 editions of the
International Fire Code; Providing for a penalty not to exceed $2,000 and
publication.
WHEREAS, the City of Corpus Christi has established the Construction Trade
Advisory & Appeals Board for the purpose of obtaining public comment on the proposed
adoption of or amendment to a national model code;
WHEREAS, the Construction Trade Advisory & Appeals Board as held a public
meeting on the national model code adoptions with local amendments provided herein;
WHEREAS, from December 22, 2022 to January 24, 2023 the Ordinance
adopting the International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, with local amendments, as the Fire
Code of the City of Corpus Christi was published conspicuously on the City of Corpus
Christi Fire Department website;
WHEREAS, the International Code Council provides free online access to the
International Fire Code being adopted; and
WHEREAS, a fine or penalty for the violation of a rule, ordinance, or police
regulation may not exceed $500 except that a fine or penalty for the violation of a rule,
ordinance, or police regulation that governs fire safety, zoning, or public health and
sanitation, other than the dumping of refuse, may not exceed $2,000 per Texas Local
Government Code 54.001.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS
CHRISTI, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The Corpus Christi Code, Chapter 14, Sec. 14-231 - Building code is
repealed and replaced by adding the following language as delineated below:
Sec. 18-1. - Fire prevention code.
The International Fire Code, 2021 Edition, as published by the International Code
Council, is incorporated by reference and adopted as the Fire Code for the City of
Corpus Christi with the following local amendments (Additions to the International Fire
Code are shown as underlined text. Deletions to the International Fire Code are shown
as strikethroughs):
101.1 Title.
These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of The City of Corpus Christi,
hereinafter referred to as "this code."
101.2.1 Appendices.
adopted. Appendix D Fire Apparatus Access Roads is adopted.
032969
SCANNED
102.3 Change of use or occupancy A change of occupancy shall not be made unless
the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the
Changes shall not be made in the use or occupancy of any structure that would place
the structure in a different division of the same group or occupancy or in a different
group of occupancies, unless such structure is made to comply with the requirements of
this code and the International Building Code. Subject to the approval of the fire code
official, the use or occupancy of an existing structure shall be allowed to be changed
and the structure is allowed to be occupied for purposes in other groups without
conforming to all the requirements of this code and the International Building Code for
those groups, provided the new or proposed use is less hazardous, based on life and
fire risk, than the existing use.
permitted without complying with the requirements of this code and the International
Existing Building Code, provided that the new or proposed use is Icss hazardous based
on life and fire risk, than existing use or occupancy.
103.1 Creation of agency. The (insert name of department) is hereby cr atcd and the
official in charge thercof shall be known as the firc code official. The function of the
of this code. General. The department of fire prevention is established within the
jurisdiction under the direction of the fire code official. The function of the department
shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this
code.
103.2 Appointment. The fire code official shall be appointed by the chief appointing
authority of the jurisdiction. Fire Prevention Bureau. There is hereby established a
division of the Fire Department to be called the Fire Prevention Bureau, and the person
in charge shall be known as the fire official and/or fire marshal.
105.5.21 Fumigation and insecticidal fogging. An operational permit is required to
operate a business of fumigation or insecticidal fogging, and to maintain a room vault or
chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.
1. Fumigators and thermal insecticidal foggers may pay an annual permit fee in the
amount of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
2. Annual permit holders must call at least twenty-four (24) hours before the fumigation
is to begin.
3. The fire official is to be notified at least twenty-four (24) hours before any building or
structure or ship is to be closed in connection with the use of any toxic or flammable
fumigant and at the time the building or structure or ship is released for occupancy.
105.5.49 Temporary membrane structures and tents
An operational permit is required to operate an air -supported temporary membrane
structure, a temporary stage canopy or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square
feet (37 m2).
Exceptions:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Tents and awnings open on all sides which comply with all of the following:
2.1 Individual tents shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m
square).
2.2. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire
break clearance of not Tess than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700
square feet (65 m square).
2.3 A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to and other tents shall be
maintained.
3. Funeral tents and curtains or extensions attached thereto, when used for
funeral services.
105.5.53 Child/Adult Day Care Facilities
A permit shall be required to operate a day care facility.
105.5.54 Foster Home/Group Homes
A permit shall be required to operate a foster home or a group home.
105.5.55 High rise life safety systems.
No person shall install, enlarge, or extend a hiqh-rise life safety system without a permit
from the fire official.
105.5.56 Hospitals, Stand-alone emergent care facilities, Institutional Assisted
living, memory care facilities and Nursing Homes
A permit shall be required to operate a hospital, Stand-alone emergent care facility,
Institutional Assisted living, memory care facilities or nursing home.
105.5.57 Restaurants
A permit shall be required to operate a restaurant.
105.5.58 Unvented and Portable Fuel Burning Heaters
No person shall sell, purchase, or use an unvented portable fuel burning heater within
the city limits without a permit.
105.5.59 Commercial Vent -a -Hood Cleaning.
An operational permit is required to clean commercial vent -a -hoods, documentation
must be provided indicating training from a nationally recognized agency complying with
NFPA 96.
105.6.8 Flammable and combustible liquids. A construction permit is required.
1. To install, repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or
combustible liquids.
2. To install, construct or alter tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells,
fuel -dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable
and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or
used.
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or
combustible liquid tank.
4. The application for the permit to install an aboveground flammable or combustible
liquid tank shall be accompanied by the following:
1. Manufacturer's installation requirements.
2. Listing for tank
3. Site plan showing address and proposed installation location.
105.6.15 LP -gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to
an LP -gas system by a licensed installer certified by the Texas Railroad Commission.
Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a
modification and does not require a permit.
105.7 Burn permits. Burn permits will not be issued unless both Fire Prevention and
Environment Control Division approve the material to be burned.
107.2.1 Applications and fees required for failure to pass inspections.
If a site does not meet the standards after the first inspection or is not cancelled prior to
the arrival of the inspector, the applicant must pay a new permit fee before any
subsequent inspections will be conducted.
109.3 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 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 upon 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.
The fire code official may utilize a third -party inspection reporting system for the
prescribed recordkeeping. The administrative fee for submittals to third party inspection
reporting system is $12.00 per system, per annum.
111.1.2 Appointment. The city manager, the fire chief, and the fire marshal, acting
together, shall have the power to modify any provision of the fire prevention code, upon
application in writing by the owner or lessee or their duly authorized agents, when there
are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the code; provided
that the spirit of the code shall be observed, public safety secured, and substantial
justice done. Such modification shall only be applicable upon the unanimous approval
of the city manager, fire chief, and the fire marshal in writing. The particulars of such
modification when granted or allowed by such unanimous approval shall be entered into
the records of the fire marshal and a signed copy be furnished to the applicant.
111.1.3 General. Whenever it is claimed that the provisions of this code do not apply, or
when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of this code or any of the regulations
of this code have been misconstrued or incorrectly interpreted, the owner of such
building or structure, or the owner's duly authorized agent, may appeal the decision of
the fire official to the city manager by filing notice of appeal with the fire chief. Notice of
appeal shall be in writing and filed within 15 days after the decision is rendered by the
fire official.
111.1.3.1 Unsafe or Dangerous Building. In case of a building, structure, or operation
which, in the opinion of the fire official, is unsafe or dangerous, the fire official may, in
his or her order, limit the time for such appeal to a shorter period.
111.1.4 Decisions. The city manager, fire chief, and fire marshal, collectively, when so
appealed to and after a hearing, may vary the application of any provision of this code
to any case, when, in its opinion, the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice
and would be contrary to the spirit and purpose of this code or public interest, or when,
in its opinion, the interpretation of the fire official should be modified or reversed.
111.1.4.1 Action. In every case, reach a decision without unreasonable or
unnecessary delay. Each decision shall also include the reasons for the decision. If a
decision reverses or modified a refusal, order, or disallowance of the fire official, or
varies the application of any provision of this code, the fire official shall immediately act
in accordance with such decision.
111.1.4.2 Decisions Are Final. Every decision of the city manager, fire chief, and fire
marshal shall be final, subject however to such remedy as any aggrieved party might
have at law or in equity.
112.3.2 Written Notices and citations. - - • - ' - • - _ • _ _ ' . .
notice of violation issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by
the owner, the owner's authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person
responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation pertains. When
an inspection is conducted by a representative of the fire prevention bureau and minor
fire code violations are found to exist written notice specifying the defects is to be given
to the business owner or any person in charge of the premises. A reasonable amount
of time shall be given to abate the violation. If a violation of the fire prevention code is
unabated after written notice and a reasonable amount of time, then the fire official or
fire inspector may issue a citation to the business owner or to any person in charge of
the premises. However, the following violations are considered to be of a serious
nature and citations may be issued immediately without prior written notice.
1. Locked or blocked exits in assembly or educational occupancies.
2. Nonfunctional or disabled fire alarm system.
3. Closed valves to sprinkler system.
4. Overcrowded conditions.
5. Illegal burning.
6. No smoke detectors where required.
7. No fire extinguisher where required.
8. Any other condition that in the opinion of the fire inspector, poses imminent
danger.
112.4 Violation penalties.
Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the
requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the
approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or
certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000. or by imprisonment not exceeding
• • - Each day that a violation
continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
-.
113.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been
served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to
remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subjest liable to fines a fine cGtablished
by the authority having jurisdiction. of not more than $2,000.
CONDOMINIUM. A single -dwelling unit in a multi -unit dwelling or structure, that is
separately owned and may be combined with an undivided interest in the common area
and facilities of the property.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE UNIT. A building or portion thereof designed for occupancy by
three or more families living independently in which they may or may not share common
entrances and/or other spaces. Individual dwelling units may be owned as
condominiums or offered for rent.
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION. For the purposes of this code, certain occupancies
are defined as follows:
Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units
or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature,
including:
Apartment houses
Boarding houses (not transient)
Condominiums
Congregate living
Convents
Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities
Hotels (non transient)
Live/Work units
Monasteries
Motels (non transient)
Vacation timeshare properties
308.1.4 Open -flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking
- - - -' -- - - mm)of
. - ..
combustible construction.
Exceptions:
1. One and two family dwellings.
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protcctcd by an automatic sprinkler
system.
3. LP gas cooking devices having LP gas containcr with a water capacity not
greater than 2
1/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (015,1 kg) LP gas capacity].
No person shall install or operate a stove, oven, or barbecue pit, whether portable,
temporary, or permanent, on the premises of multi -family dwellings, apartments,
condominiums, attached single family or hotels, or commercial businesses when such
stove, oven or barbecue pit is located less than ten (10) feet from any portion of a
combustible building, including but not limited to decks, arches, balconies, walls or
verandas. This section does not apply to one -family and two-family dwellings or to a
stove, oven or barbecue pit installed inside multi -family dwellings, apartments,
condominiums, attached single family or hotels in accordance with the city building
codes.
308.1.8 Flaming food and beverage preparation.
The preparation or serving of flaming beverages is prohibited. The preparation of
flaming foods in places of assembly and drinking or dining establishments shall be in
accordance with Sections 308.1.8.1 through 308.1.8.5.
SECTION 322
CONVALESCENT HOMES, HOMES FOR THE
AGED, AND NURSERIES
322.1 Heating. Buildings occupied for the purposes of convalescent homes, homes for
the aged, and nurseries shall have central heating plants with installation so as to
safeguard the inherent fire hazard.
322.2 Portable heaters.
The use of portable heaters of any kind is prohibited.
322.3 Lighting.
Lighting shall be restricted to electricity.
SECTION 323
COMMERCIAL LAUNDRIES
323.1 Vents and lint collectors. Vents and lint collectors shall be installed and
maintained as per 2021 International Plumbing Code and International Mechanical
code, so that lint does not accumulate in the chase or area behind the dryers or the roof
of the building.
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 allow access
to three (3) sides of buildings in excess of fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet and all
sides for buildings in excess of thirty thousand (30,000) square feet. During
construction, when combustibles are brought on to the site in such quantities as
deemed hazardous by the fire official, access roads and a suitable temporary supply of
water acceptable to the fire department shall be provided and maintained. The fire
exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around
the exterior of the building or facility.
Exception:
1. When conditions prevent the installation of an approved fire apparatus access
road, the code official may permit the installation of a fire -protection system or
systems in lieu of a road, provided the system or systems are not otherwise
required by this or any other code.
1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimensions of 150 feet (15 720
mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3.
1.3Thcre are not more than two Group R 3 pr Group U occupancies.
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other
approved notices that include the words "NO PARKING — FIRE LANE" shall be provided
for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof.
The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible
condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate
visibility. Fire department access roadways designated by the code official in
accordance with the Fire Prevention Code shall be marked by the property owner along
the perimeter with conspicuous signs which have the words, "Fire Lane — No Parking" in
red four -inch -high letters on a white background at fifty -foot intervals. Signs shall be a
minimum of five (5) feet above the ground to the bottom of the sign and a maximum of
eight (8) feet above the ground to the top of sign. In lieu of signs, fire lanes may be
marked along curbing with the wording, "Fire Lane — No Parking" in white four -inch -high
letters on a red background stripe at fifteen -foot intervals. Exception: Universal "No
Parking" signs may be used in lieu of the above.
503.4.2 Authority for removal. The owner of premises at or upon which a fire lane is
required, or the agent of the owner, may have any vehicle that is parked in the fire lane,
except an authorized emergency vehicle, removed and stored at the expense of the
owner or operator of the vehicle, and subject to removal by the fire official, his or her
designated assistants, or a police officer.
507.5.1 Where required.
where required by the fire code official.
All premises, other than one -family detached dwellings, where buildings or portions of
buildings are located more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from a fire hydrant shall be
provided with approved on-site hydrants and water mains capable of supplying the fire
flow required by the fire official. The location and number of on-site hydrants shall be as
designated by the fire official, with the minimum arrangement being so as to have a
hydrant available for distribution of hose to any portion of any building on the premises
at distances not exceeding three hundred (300) feet but in no case shall hose lengths
be greater than three hundred (300) feet. Public hydrants are recognized as meeting all
or part of the above requirements.
Exceptions:
1. For Group R-3 and group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be
600 feet (183 m).
2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the
distance requirement shall be 600 500 feet (152.4 m).
603.11 Portable Liquid Fuel Burning Heaters. The sale or use of any type of portable
liquid fuel burning heater is prohibited. Construction sites and commercial sites, where
flammable or combustible vapors are not present are exempt from this requirement with
approval of the code official. A permit shall be required for the use of portable liquid fuel
burning heaters. The sale or use of unvented fuel heaters at construction sites and
commercial sites is prohibited, except that unvented portable liquid fuel burning heaters
having the following safeguards may be approved for use:
1. Automatic means of shutting off fuel when heater is upset.
2. Adequate guards to protect persons against contact with flame or
combustion chamber.
3. Listed by nationally recognized testing agency.
906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the
following locations:
1. In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, 1, M, R-1, R-2, R-4 and S occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in
locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a
portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 42-A:10-B:C.
2. In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations
specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire
extinguisher having a mini -mum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.
3. In storage areas of Group S occupancies where forklift, powered industrial truck or
powered cart operators are the primary occupants, fixed extinguishers, as specified in
NFPA 10, shall not be required where in accordance with all of the following:
3.1. Use of vehicle -mounted extinguishers shall be approved by the fire code
official.
3.2. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a 10 -pound, 40A:80B:C extinguisher
affixed to the vehicle using a mounting bracket approved by the extinguisher
manufacturer or the fire code official for vehicular use.
3.3. Not less than two spare extinguishers of equal or greater rating shall be
available on-site to replace a discharged extinguisher.
3.4. Vehicle operators shall be trained in the proper operation, use and
inspection of extinguishers.
3.5. Inspections of vehicle -mounted extinguishers shall be performed daily.
42. Within 30 feet (9144 mm) distance of travel from commercial cooking equipment
and from domestic cooking equipment in Group 1-1; 1-2, Condition 1; and R-2 college
dormitory occupancies.
53. In areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, used or dispensed.
64. On each floor of structures under construction, except Group R-3
occupancies, in accordance with Section 3316.1.
75. Where required by the sections indicated in Table 906.1.
86. Special -hazard areas, including but not limited to laboratories, computer rooms and
generator rooms, where required by the fire code official.
Exception: Portable fire extinguishers are not required at normally unmanned Group U
occupancy buildings or structures where a portable fire extinguisher suitable to the
hazard of the location is provided on the vehicle of visiting personnel.
907.2.3 Group E. A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification
signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the
requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall
be installed in Group E occupancies. Day care centers and classrooms will require
additional smoke detection with sounder base in every room in which children sleep.
Smoke alarms shall be listed and meet the installation requirements of NFPA 72. Where
automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors
shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
1, A manual fire alarm system is shall not be required in Group E occupancies with an
12. Emergency voice/alarm communication systems meeting the requirements of
Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall not be required
in Group E occupancies with occupant loads of 100 or less, provided that activation of
the manual fire alarm system initiates an approved occupant notification signal in
accordance with Section 907.5.
23. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of
the following apply:
32.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors.
32.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and similar areas are protected by
heat detectors or other approved detection devices.
32.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat
detectors or other approved detection devices.
32.4. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
34. Manual fire alarm boxes shall not be required in Group E occupancies where all of
the following apply:
43.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
43.2. The emergency voice/alarm communication system will activate on
sprinkler water flow.
43.3. Manual activation is provided from a normally occupied location.
4. If a home daycare meets the requirements of a E occupancy, A manual fire alarm
system is not required in a residential home daycare licensed for more than five (5) but
no more than 12 children over the age of 2-1/2 years of age that have all the following:
a. Hard wired (120 volt) interconnected smoke alarms or battery-operated
smoke alarms installed in all rooms except bathrooms, closets, etc.
b. A heat detector installed in the kitchen
c. A residential hood fire extinguishing system or a minimum of one stovetop
firestop cartridge per two stove burners.
907.2.24 Cooking Operations. In the event the building has a fire protective signaling
system, the fire suppression system for cooking operations shall be connected to the
fire protective signaling system.
912.2.3 Proximity to hydrant. Fire department connections for each sprinkler or
standpipe system shall be located not more than 100 feet (30 m) from the nearest fire
hydrant connected to an approved water supply.
2306.2.3 Aboveground tanks located outside, above grade. Above -ground tanks
shall not be used for storage of Class I, II or III liquid motor fuels except as provided in
this section.
1. Above -ground tanks used for outdoor, above -grade storage of Class I liquids
shall be listed and labeled as protected above -ground tanks in accordance with
UL 2085 and shall be in accordance with Chapter 57. Such tanks shall be
located in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.
2. 2. Above -ground tanks used for outdoor, above -grade storage of Class II or IIIA
liquids shall be listed and labeled as protected above -ground tanks in
accordance with UL 2085 and shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 57.
Tank locations shall be in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.
Exception: Other above -ground tanks that comply with Chapter 57 where
approved by the fire code official.
3. Tanks containing fuels shall not exceed 10,000 gallons 12,000gallons (15 120 L)
in individual capacity or 30,000 gallons /18,000 gallons (181 680 L) in aggregate
capacity. Installations with the maximum allowable aggregate shall be separated
from other such installations by not less than 100 feet (30 480 mm).
4. Tanks located at farms, construction projects or rural areas shall comply with
Section 5706.2.
5. Above -ground tanks used for outdoor, above -grade storage of Class IIIB liquid
motor fuel shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 142 or listed and
labeled as protected above -ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall
be installed in accordance with Chapter 57. Tank locations shall be in
accordance with Table 2306.2.3.
6. Above -ground tanks storing Class I, II, or IIIA liquids shall be inspected annually
by a company holding a Type A license issued by the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality. Any tank found to be damaged or not installed in
accordance with its listing or this code shall be immediately reported to the fire
code official.
5601.2.4 Financial responsibility. Before a permit is issued, as required by Section
5601.2, the applicant shall file with the jurisdiction a corporate surety bond in the
principle sum of $100,000 in an amount deemed adequate by the fire code
official or a public liability insurance policy for the same amount, for the purpose
of the payment of all damages to persons or property which arise from, or are
caused by, the conduct of any act authorized by the permit upon which any
judicial judgment results. The fire code official is authorized to specify a greater
or lesser amount when, in his or her opinion, conditions at the location of use
indicate a greater or lesser amount is required. Government entities shall be
exempt from this bond requirement.
5608.5 Storage of fireworks at display site. The storage of fireworks at the
display site shall comply with the requirements of this section and NFPA 1123 or
NFPA 1126 and shall be approved by the fire code official. At no time shall the
amount of explosive compound exceed the amount necessary for one (1) show
date consumption.
SECTION 5610
INDOOR FIREWORKS SPECIAL EFFECTS
5610.1 Indoor permit.
5610.1.1. No person shall discharge any fireworks inside any building without a permit.
Such permit shall describe the explosive compounds to be used and the amount
per show.
5610.1.2 Prior to the issuance of a permit for indoor fireworks, the operator shall file an
application with the fire official, stating the operator's qualifications and other
information as deemed necessary by the fire official to certify that the operator for
which application has been made is capable of safely discharging such fireworks
as described to the satisfaction of the fire official.
5610.1.3 No permit once issued may be transferred to another location nor another
operator. Any change in the information listed on the permit will require a new
permit. Any time the circumstances for which the permit was issued change, the
permit is void.
5610.1.4 No permit shall be issued until the show setup is approved by the fire official or
his or her designee prior to the first show.
5610.1.5 No permit shall be issued unless the building listed as the location of the
display has had a current fire inspection and is in compliance with this code.
5610.2 Location and amount.
5610.2.1 The location of the fireworks display shall be specified as to street address,
building designation and exact area within the building to allow the fire official to
determine that the proposed display can safely be discharged as approved.
5610.2.2 At no time shall be amount of explosive compound inside the building listed on
the permit exceed the amount necessary for one (1) show date consumption.
5610.2.3 The pyrotechnic operator shall be licensed by the State of Texas as required
by the Fireworks rules of the State of Texas.
5610.2.4 A public display permit shall also be obtained as required by the Fireworks
Rules of the State of Texas.
SECTION 5611
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
5611.1 Restricted Use. A person commits an offense if the person
manufactures, assembles, stores, transports, receives, keeps, sells, offers, or has in his
possession with intent to sell, delivery to any person or place, use, discharge, cause to
be discharged, ignite, detonate, fire, or otherwise set in action or have in his possession
or on his person or under his control any fireworks or any description except as herein
provided. The fire official shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and
regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by a
jurisdiction, fair associations, amusement parks, other organizations or for the use of
fireworks by artisans in pursuit of their trade. Every such use or display shall be
handled by a competent operator approved by the fire official, and shall be of such
character and so located, discharged, or fired so as not to be hazardous to property or
endanger any person.
Removal and Disposal. The presence of any consumer fireworks within the
city except fireworks for a public display authorized by the Fire Official, is
declared to be a common and public nuisance and detrimental to the public
health, safety and general welfare and constitutes a violation of this Code. The
fire official may seize and cause to be safely destroyed any consumer fireworks
found within the city or in violation of the other provisions of this fire prevention
code. Any member of the fire department of the city or any police officer is
empowered to seize any fireworks found within the city in violation of this article
and cause the consumer fireworks to be safely destroyed. Unopened packaged
fireworks may not be confiscated.
It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for possession of fireworks brought
under this section that:
(1) the defendant was operating or was a passenger in a motor vehicle that was
being operated in a public place; and
(2) the fireworks were not in the passenger area of the vehicle.
(c) For purposes of this section, the "passenger area" of a motor vehicle means
the area of the vehicle designed for the seating of the operator and the
passengers of the vehicle. The term does not include:
(1) a locked glove compartment or similar locked storage area.
(2) the trunk of a vehicle; or
(3) the area behind the last upright seat of a vehicle that does not have a trunk.
5611.3 Definition. Consumer fireworks means and includes any combustible or
explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or device
prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by
combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, and shall include blank
cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives
are used, firecrackers, torpedoes, pop pops (such as: pop tops, pow -wow, fun
snaps, or similar explosive devices which can be projected, tossed, thrown, or
dropped), skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers, or other devices of like
construction and any devices containing any explosive or flammable compound,
or any tablet or other device containing an explosive substance that are not
fireworks approved for use at an approved fireworks display under Section 3308,
except that the term "consumer fireworks" shall not include any auto flares, paper
caps which contain twenty-five hundredths (0.25) of a grain of explosive content
or less per cap and are used with toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, model rocket
propulsion motors, or other similar devices, the sale and use of which shall be
permitted at all times.
5611.4 Applicability. The provisions of this section apply to all the area within the city
provided, however, that no change in the city limits occurring after August 4,
1976, shall affect an expansion of the area in which this chapter applies until the
120th day following the effective date of such change in the city limits.
5611.5 Duties of City Attorney. Notwithstanding any penal provisions of this article,
the City Attorney is authorized to file suit on behalf of the city or the fire marshal
or both, for injunctive relief as may be necessary to prevent unlawful storage,
transportation, keeping or use of fireworks within the city and to aid the fire
marshal in the discharge of his duties and to prevent any person from interfering
with the seizure and destruction of such fireworks, but it shall not be necessary to
obtain any such injunctive relief as a prerequisite to such seizure or destruction.
5611.6 Defense in prosecution. In any prosecution for any violation of this chapter, it
shall not be necessary for the prosecution to negate any proviso exception, but
the same may be raised by the defendant by way of defense. The possession of
a permit from the fire official shall constitute a defense to the persons named in
such permit or in place of the persons named in such permit.
5611.7 Penalty. A person commits an offense if the person manufactures, assembles,
stores, transports receive, keeps, sells, offers, or has in his possession with
intent to sell, deliver to any person or place, use, discharge, cause to be
discharged, ignite, detonate, fire, or otherwise set in action or has in his
possession or on his person or under his control any fireworks of any description
except as herein provided. Any person, upon conviction of an offense for
violation of any provision of this chapter, shall be fined not more than two
thousand dollars ($2,000.00). If any fireworks are separately wrapped or
packaged, any act required by this chapter involving each separately wrapped or
packaged fireworks constitutes a separate offense. Each day that a violation of
this chapter shall continue with respect to any package of fireworks shall
constitute a separate offense.
6101.1. Scope. Storage, handling and transportation of LP -gas and the installation of
LP -gas equipment pertinent to systems for such uses shall comply with this chapter and
NFPA 58. Properties of LP -gases shall be determined in accordance with Appendix B of
NFPA 58. The transportation, storage handling and use of liquefied petroleum gas and
the installation and maintenance of all pertinent equipment is subject to the approval of
the fire official.
6103.1 General. Liquefied petroleum gas equipment shall be installed in accordance
with the International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 58, except as otherwise provided in this •
chapter or in other laws or regulations legally in effect.
6104.2
law restricting the storage of liquified petroleum gas for the protection of heavily
populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation
Specified maximum
capacity within the limits of the City of Corpus Christi. No storage container
shall be installed, erected, or used for a capacity to hold more than one hundred
fifty (150) water gallons, except as follows:
..
1. Installation's accessory to service stations as permitted by the zoning ordinance,
when the aggregate capacity of anyone (1) installation does not exceed two thousand
(2,000) gallons of water capacity.
2. Installations accessory to industrial uses permitted in areas zoned industrial, when
the aggregate capacity of any one such installation does not exceed two thousand
(2,000) gallons of water capacity, except that in particular installations this capacity limit
may be altered at the discretion of the Fire Official to increase the maximum allowable
capacity to not more than eight thousand (8,000) gallons of water capacity after
consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy
and proximity of buildings, capacity of proposed tanks, degree of private fire protection
to be provided, and facilities of the local fire department.
3. Installations in heavy industry zoning district.
4. The restrictions in Section 6104.1 do not apply to containers used for transportation
purposes.
5. Containers larger than on hundred fifty (150) water gallons capacity may be
authorized and installed only after applicant has first obtained and presented to the Fire
Official a written approval of such installation of the Director, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Division, Railroad Commission of Texas.
D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45
720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with as
shown for cul-de-sacs in accordance with table D103.4. Other alternatives must be
approved by the fire code official.
. Where required by the fire codc official, fire apparatus access roads
shall be marked with permanent "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" signs complying with
Figure D103.6. Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) wide by
18 inches (157 mm) high and have red letters on a white reflective background. Signs
shaft-bc
posted on one or both sidcs of the fire apparatus road as required by Section D103.6.1
or D103.6.2.
D103.6.1 Roads 20 to 26 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6
feet wide (6096 to 7925 mm).
• - --
D103.6 shall be posted on one side of fire apparatus access roads more than 26
D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of
one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 50 shall be
provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.
Exceptions:
1. Where there are more than 30 50 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 in accordance with
Section903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, 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. If more than 30 dwelling units are in a special flood hazard area or a Military
Compatibility Area Overlay District, a second access will be required.
SECTION 2. If for any reason any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase,
word, or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or unconstitutional by final
judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect any other section,
paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or provision of this ordinance, for it is the
definite intent of this City Council that every section, paragraph, subdivision, clause,
phrase, word or provision hereof be given full force and effect for its purpose.
SECTION 3. Publication shall be made in the official publication of the City of Corpus
Christi as required by the City Charter of the City of Corpus Christi.
SECTION 4. Penalties are as provided in Section 1-6 of the Corpus Christi Code.
SECTION 5. This ordinance takes effect after official publication.
That the foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading on this
the day of I,, , 2023, by the following vote:
Paulette Guajardo
Roland Barrera
Sylvia Campos
Gil Hernandez
Michael Hunter
Jim Klein /w
Mike Pusley
Everett Roy AIX__
d 1
Dan Suckley
3)51-
That
the foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed finally on this the
day of iOAIJCk'_ , 2023, by the following vote:
Paulette Guajardo Alk Jim Klein
Roland Barrera A‘. -1,Q_ Mike Pusley
Sylvia Campos Everett Roy
Gil Hernandez Aix_ Dan Suckley
Michael Hunter
PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 31 day ofb<A 2023.
ATTEST:
Rebecca Huerta
City Secretary
WWI* CITE 1
J-Lv17)
032 969
aulette Guajardo
Mayor
Caller Times
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
Certificate of
Publication
NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE(S)
NO. 032968, Ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Corpus
CITY OF CORPUS CHRIS TI -SECRETARY Christi Code to adopt with local amendments, the
International Code Council's 2021 editions of the
PO BOX 9277 International Building Code, International Existing
Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International
Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code,
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78401 International Residential Code, and International
Swimming Pool and Spa Code; amending Chapter 14 of the
Corpus Christi Code to adopt with local amendments, the
National Fire Prevention Association's 2020 edition of the
National Electrical Code; Providing for a penalty not to
STATE OF WISCONSIN) exceed $500 and publication. Effective date of February 6,
)) 2023.
NO. 032969, Ordinance amending Chapter 18 of the Corpus
COUNTY OF BROWN) Christi Code to adopt with local amendments, the
International Code Council's 2021 editions of the
International Fire Code; Providing for a penalty not to
I, being first duly sworn, upon oath depose and say that I exceed $2,000 and publication. Effective date of February
am a legal clerk and employee of the publisher, namely,the 6, 2023. These ordinances were passed and approved on
second reading by the Corpus Christi City Council on
Corpus Christi Caller-Times, a daily newspaper published January 31,2023.
at Corpus Christi in said City and State, generally circulated Is/Rebecca Huerta
in Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval,Jim Hogg,Jim Wells, City Secretary
Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio,and San Patricio,
Counties,and that the publication of which the annexed is a
true copy,was inserted in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
in the following issue(s)dated:
02/06/2023
On this February 6,2023, I certify that the attached
document is a true and exact copy made by the publisher:
Ai ' 1 %1N
Le al Notice Clerk
'Vn
Notary Public,State of Wisco sin, Co4
of Brown
III,tc
Notary Expires
VICKY FELTY
Notary Public
Publication Cost:$247.50 State of Wisconsin
Ad No:0005581873
Customer No: 1490432
PO#: 032968/032969
#of Affidavits 1
This is not an invoice