HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2042-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 2042
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE
BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (TITLE 24, PART 9, CFC) AND THE 2024 EDITION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, AND AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS THERETO;
CEQA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES 15378,
15061(b)(3)
WHEREAS, the City of Burlingame’s Fire Regulations are codified in Title 17 of the
Burlingame Municipal Code and were last updated in 2022; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire and intent of the City Council of the City of Burlingame to
provide the public with the greatest degree of fire, life, health, and structural safety in buildings in
the most effective manner by adopting the most current body of regulations; and
WHEREAS, On December 17, 2024 the Building Standards Commission voted to adopt
the most up-to-date edition of the 2025 California Building Standards Code as amended by those
various state agencies; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025 the California Building Standards Code was published; and
WHEREAS, all local jurisdictions are required by State law to adopt and to enforce the
most recent codes reviewed and approved by the California Building Standards Commission; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 California Building Standards Code will become effective on
January 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2025, the City Council of the City of Burlingame held duly
noticed public meetings to consider the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local
amendments at which time it reviewed and considered the staff report and all other written
materials and testimony presented at said hearing; and
WHEREAS, on November 3, 2025, the City Council of the City of Burlingame conducted
the second reading and adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code and local
amendments; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Codes Sections 13143.5, 17958.5, 17958.7, and
18941.5 allow the City, by ordinance, to make modifications or changes to the California Building
Standards Code and other regulations when such amendments are reasonably necessary
because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, amendments are necessary because of the climatic, geographical or
topographical conditions unique to the City of Burlingame; and
WHEREAS, the Health and Safety Code requires that the City Council, before making any
modifications and changes, makes an express finding that each modification or change is needed;
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and
WHEREAS, the City Council determines that the proposed ordinance establishes
requirements equal to or greater than those set forth in 2025 editions of the California Building
Standards Code;
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME DOES HEREBY
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION ONE. REQUIRED FINDINGS
The City Council of the City of Burlingame finds as follows:
1. The City of Burlingame is located between the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills and San
Francisco Bay, with a number of substantial creeks flowing through highly developed
residential and industrial areas. It is surrounded by large areas of open space maintained
in natural condition, as well as having a significant natural canyon in the center of the
residential area. The City normally receives no measurable precipitation between May
and October , and this dry period can often extend into late October or early November.
During this period, average temperatures range between 70º F and 90º F, and strong
winds come down the foothills. These conditions eliminate most of the moisture in the
natural vegetation and heavily wooded hillsides. Recent experience with statewide
incidents proves that hazardous conditions exist year-round. In addition, many wood roofs
over wood construction predominate the residential areas. The City is directly east of the
San Andreas Fault, and much of the highly developed part of the City is located along the
front of the Bay, some on fill. The foothill areas have a variety of soil formations with steep
canyons and heavy precipitation. Fires in the community could quickly spread because of
the extensive, natural vegetation throughout the City. The City has a number of highly
developed commercial areas with older buildings, and an industrial area that is filled with
mixed uses utilizing various materials that could be highly hazardous. In addition, heavily
traveled approach and departure routes for San Francisco International Airport are
immediately adjacent to or over the City. Much of the residential areas that are
immediately adjacent to woodland and canyon are served by narrow one- or two-lane
roads with challenging access caused by the steepness of the terrain. Access by fire
suppression equipment is extremely limited by both topography and access. It is only
through strong building standards and effective fire prevention and containment programs
that citizens will receive the protection they deserve, and that citizens will be able to obtain
reasonably priced insurance for their homes and businesses. In seeking to attain these
goals, the fire prevention standards in Title 17 are adopted.
2. In addition, in order to provide appropriate, clear information to applicants for construction
approvals, Section 17.04.020 is adopted to conform Title 17 to Title 18 and the Zoning
Code requirements established in the Municipal Code.
3. The City operates its own sanitary sewer system and water quality control plant and is
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subject to State and Federal laws regarding both point and non-point discharges. Section
17.04.105 is adopted to ensure responsibility for hazardous materials and to clarify liability
to assist the City in meeting its responsibilities regarding those laws as well as protecting
the public safety and welfare.
SECTION TWO. REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 17.04 OF TITLE 17 OF THE
BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE
Chapter 17.04 of Title 17 of the Burlingame Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and
replaced to read as follows:
Chapter 17.04
INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
17.04.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code and International Fire Code.
17.04.020 Amendments to the California Fire Code and International Fire Code.
17.04.025 Administrative, Operational and Maintenance Provisions
17.04.030 Occupancy Prohibited Before Approval & Examination of Documents
17.04.031 Examination of Documents
17.04.035 Permits and Fees
17.04.036 Investigation and Fees
17.04.040 Board of Appeals
17.04.045 RESERVED
17.04.050 General Storage
17.04.055 Marking – Fire Lanes
17.04.060 Premises Identification
17.04.065 Key Boxes
17.04.070 Fire Protection Water Supplies
17.04.075 Fire Command Center
17.04.080 RESERVED
17.04.085 RESERVED
17.04.090 Additions and Alterations – Fire Sprinkler Systems
17.04.091 Provisions for all Sprinklered Buildings
17.04.092 Where Required
17.04.093 Existing Buildings and Structures
17.04.094 Inspectors Test
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17.04.095 Additional Residential Sprinkler Locations
17.04.096 Monitoring
17.04.097 Location of Class I Standpipe Hose Connections
17.04.098 Acceptance Test and Certification
17.04.099 Standpipe Supply
17.04.100 Hazard Identification Signs
17.04.101 On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations
17.04.105 Deposits of hazardous materials and unlawful burning – Cleanup or
abatement – Liability for costs
17.04.010 Adoption of text of the California Fire Code, International Fire Code, and
Public Resources Code, Division 4, Section 4291.
There is adopted by the City for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing
conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, or wildfire that certain codes
which contains building standards known as the 2025 California Fire Code (International Fire
Code, 2024 Edition as amended by the State of California), and the non-building standards
known as the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition, together with all appendices, except
Appendices A, D, and J, P, and the State of California amendments thereto, and the Public
Resources Code, Division 4, Section 4291.
17.04.020 Amendments to the California Fire Code and International Fire Code
The California Fire Code and the International Fire Code are amended or modified as follows:
17.04.025 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 102.2, IFC is amended – Administrative,
operational and maintenance provisions
Section 102.2 is amended to delete item #2 of this section.
17.04.030 Chapter 1, Division II, Section 105.3.3, IFC is amended – Occupancy
prohibited before approval and Examination of Documents
Section 105.3.3 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 105.3.3. No final inspection by the Building Official as to all or any
portion of a development shall be deemed complete, and no certificate of occupancy or
temporary certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless and until the installation of the
prescribed fire protection facilities and access ways have been completed and approved
by the Fire Chief.
17.04.031 Chapter 1, Section 106.2, CFC is amended as follows:
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Section 106.2, CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 106.2. Examination of documents. When required by the fire code official,
plans submitted to the Building Official for a permit shall be reviewed by the Fire Chief
to determine compliance with the California Fire Code and the International Fire Code.
Upon review a written report shall be returned to the Building Official listing deficiencies
or compliance with the Code.
17.04.035 Chapter 1, Sections 108.1 and 108.2, CFC are amended as follows:
Section 108.1.2, CFC is added to this code and shall read as follows:
Section 108.1.2. Permits and Fees
a. The fees for the permits and other services shall be as established by resolution of
the Central County Fire Department Fire Board as amended from time to time.
The fee shall be set to cover the cost of the Fire Department to review and inspect
the intended activities, operations or functions. The fees must be applied to the
appropriate agency, City of Burlingame or Central County Fire Department,
depending on the type of service.
EXCEPTION: (1) The applicant for a given permit shall be exempt from the
payment when the work to be conducted is for the City of Burlingame under
written contract to the City or for events sponsored or co-sponsored by the City.
b. In the case of multiple permits for an applicant, the permit applicant will be
charged the single highest listed rate of all the permits required. The other
permittable items will be charged at a rate of 50% of the listed fee as long as the
permits are for the same address.
c. Where processes or materials are inherent with a permittable item, subsequent fees
may be waived at the discretion of fire chief.
d. All fire permits and fire construction permits shall have a set number of
inspections per permit as set forth by the Central County Fire Department Fee
Schedule. Additional inspections and additional re-inspections will be billed at an
hourly rate consistent with the Central County Fire Department Fee Schedule.
e. Application for "event" type fire code permits shall be submitted 14 days prior to
the event date. Applications submitted within 13 days prior to the event date shall
be charged double the regular permit rate as established by the Central County
Fire Department Fee Schedule.
f. "After Hours" inspections shall be invoiced at a rate of one and one-half time the
normal hourly rate of the inspecting fire personnel. "After Hours" inspections
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will be billed at a rate of three hours minimum. "After Hours" inspections are
defined as follows: Inspections conducted outside of normal business hours, as
defined on the Central County Fire Department website and based upon personnel
availability.
g. Any person, group, organization, institution or business failing to pay the
applicable fees under this Article shall after 30 days of the due date, for either
existing or new permit applicants, shall be issued a citation for non-payment of
the required permit fee. The penalty for all permit payments delinquent after 30
days shall be a doubling of the original fee.
17.04.036 Section 108.4 CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 108.4. Investigation and Fees.
Section 108.4. Investigation – Work without a permit
Investigation. Whenever construction or work for which a permit is required by
this code and has been commenced without first obtaining a permit, a special
investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for the work. All work done
without a required permit, including demolition of all or part of a structure or system
shall be subject to the investigation and fees imposed by this section.
Section 108.4.1. is added to this code and shall read as follows:
Section 108.4.1. Fee – Work without a permit
In the event work is done without an issued permit, an investigation fee, in
addition to the permit fee, shall be collected as a civil penalty, whether or not a permit is
then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be up to 10 times the fire permit
fee. The investigation fee shall be determined by the Fire Chief and shall be based on the
staff time reasonably required to resolve all of the issues related to the work that has been
performed without a permit. No construction work permit shall be issued until the
investigation fee has been paid in full.
Nothing in this section shall relieve any persons from fully complying with the
requirements of this code, in the execution of the work, or from any other fees or
penalties prescribed by law.
17.04.040 Chapter 1, Section 112, CFC is amended
Board of Appeals.
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Section 112, CFC is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 112. Appeal and review.
(a) The chief of the fire department shall be charged with the duty and
responsibility of administering the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Whenever it is provided herein that certain actions shall be done in accordance
with an order of the fire department, such order shall be complied with. Any
person aggrieved thereby, may appeal to the fire chief in writing within ten (10)
days after the date of such order, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The fire chief shall issue a written decision to affirm, modify or reverse the order
within two (2) business days of the receipt of the appeal. The fire chief’s written
decision may be appealed to the City Council no later than ten (10) days from the
date of the fire chief’s written decision. The City Council’s decision shall be final
and conclusive. Except in the cases of immediate hazard, the enforcement of the
order shall be suspended until such person has exhausted the appeal process as
described above.
17.04.045 RESERVED
17.04.050 Sections 315, CFC- General Storage.
Section 315.2, CFC is amended and Section 315.3.5 is added to read as follows:
Section 315.2 Permit required. A permit for miscellaneous combustible materials
shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
Exception:
Storage of combustible materials other than motorized vehicles or vessels shall not be
permitted in a public parking garage or in a garage or carport serving a Group R, Division
1 or Group R, Division 2 Occupancy, unless the method of storage is approved by the
Fire Code Official.
Section 315.3.5, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 315.3.5. Designation of storage heights. Where required by the fire code
official, a visual method of indicating the maximum allowable storage height shall be
provided in accordance with Section 315.3.5.1, CFC.
Section 315.3.5.1, CFC added to read as follows:
Section 315.3.5.1. The approved visual method of indicating maximum allowable
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storage shall be a four (4”) inch wide line in contrasting color along a wall or storage
rack.
17.04.055 Section 503.3, IFC - Marking.
Section 503.3, IFC is amended by adding section 503.3.1 to read as follows:
Section 503.3.1 Fire Lane Designation. Designation of fire lanes shall be by one of the
following means:
1. By outlining and hash marking the area in contrasting colors clearly marking it
with the words "Fire Lane - No Parking."
2. By identifying the space with a red curb upon which the words "Fire Lane - No
Parking" are stenciled every 15 feet.
a. Both sides of fire lanes shall be red curbed when the fire lane is twenty
(20) to twenty-eight (28) feet in width.
b. At least one side of a fire lane shall be red curbed and stenciled when the
fire lane is over twenty-eight (28) and up to thirty-six (36) feet in width.
c. Curbs need not be painted red nor stenciled when the fire lane is more than
thirty-six (36) feet in width.
3. In areas where a red curb is not practical, and when approved by the fire official,
white signs measuring 12 inches by 18 inches with red lettering not less than 1” in
height stating the area is a fire lane and parking is prohibited, may be posted adjacent to
the fire lanes.
17.04.060 Sections 505.1 through 505.1.3, CFC - Premises identification.
Section 505.1.1 is added to read as follows:
Section 505.1.1 Size of numbers shall be as follows:
1. When the structure is thirty-six (36) to fifty (50) feet from the street or fire
apparatus access, a minimum of one-half-inch (½") stroke by six inches (6”) high
is required.
2. When the structure is more than fifty (50) feet from the street or fire apparatus
access, a minimum of one-inch (1”) stroke by nine inches (9”) high is required.
Sections 505.1.2, 505.1.3, and 505.1.4 CFC are added to read as follows:
Section 505.1.2 Multi-Tenant Buildings. Numbers or letters shall be designated on
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all occupancies within a building. Size shall be a minimum of one-half inch (1/2”) stroke
by four inches (4”) high and on a contrasting background. Directional address numbers or
letters shall be provided. Said addresses or numbers shall be posted at a height no greater
than 5 feet, 6 inches (5' 6") above the finished floor and shall be either internally or
externally illuminated in all new construction.
Section 505.1.3 Rear Addressing. When required by the chief, approved numbers
or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be
plainly visible and legible from the fire apparatus road at the back of a property or where
rear parking lots or alleys provide and acceptable vehicular access. Number stroke and
size shall comply with 505.1.1.
Section 505.1.4 ADU Addressing. Address for Residential Accessory Dwelling
Units shall meet City of Burlingame specifications.
17.04.065 Sections 506.1, CFC - Key Boxes.
Section 506.1, CFC is amended and 506.1.1.1, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 506.1 is modified to include:
Section 506.1 Where Required. The key box shall be of an approved type and
shall contain contents as established in Section 506.1.1.1. A key box shall be installed in
accordance with Fire Department standards for all new buildings. For existing buildings
equipped with key box, it shall be upgraded to current Fire Department standards at time
of Building permit issuance including modifications or alterations to front entrance of
building.
An emergency gate key switch shall be installed on all new electronic driveway or
entryway gates. The key switch shall conform to current Fire Department standards.
Section 506.1.1.1, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 506.1.1.1 Key box contents requirements. Required keys include but are
not limited to: a master entry key, elevator control, fire alarm control panels, fire
sprinkler control valve access, and building utilities. Based on specific site conditions, the
fire department may notify the property owner of additional required keys. Contents
inside key box shall follow approved fire department standards. If the business/operation
is required to have a Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS), the HMIS shall be
included in the key box. Electronic key cards or keyless remotes may be provided as long
as the locking system has a failsafe feature at loss of building power and doors are
operational without a key or special knowledge.
17.04.070 Section 507 – Fire Protection Water Supplies
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Section 507.5.4.1 CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 507.5.4.1. Private Hydrants. Whenever any on-site fire protection
equipment or access ways have been installed as provided in this section, the following
provision shall apply:
With respect to hydrants located along private access ways where curbs exist, said
curbs shall be painted red or otherwise appropriately marked by the owner, lessee or
other person in charge of the premises, to prohibit parking for a distance of 10 feet in
either direction from such hydrant. In such cases where curbs do not exist, there shall be
appropriate markings painted on the pavement, or signs erected, or both giving notice that
parking is prohibited for a distance of 10 feet from any such hydrant. Hydrant caps shall
be color-coded in accordance with NFPA 291 (National Fire Protection Association). The
base of the hydrant shall be painted either reflective red or yellow.
17.04.075 Section 508 – Fire Command Center
Section 508.1.1.1 CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 508.1.1.1. Requirements. Fire command center shall be equipped with an
exterior door and be located at the exterior of the building at a location approved by the
Fire Chief.
Section 508.2 CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 508.2 Fire control room. An approved fire control room shall be provided
for all new buildings or buildings undergoing substantial improvement and requiring
protection by an automatic fire sprinkler system. The room shall only contain all main
system control valves, fire alarm control panels ERRCS equipment, and other fire
equipment required by the Fire Chief. Fire control rooms shall be located within the
building at a location approved by the Fire Chief and shall be provided at grade with a
means to access the room directly from the exterior. Durable signage shall be provided on
the exterior side of the access door to identify the fire control room. Fire Control Rooms
shall not be less than 35 square feet.
Exceptions:
1. Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.
2. Occupancies with a fire pump shall have a fire control room that is a minimum of 200
square feet.
3. In high-rise buildings, the fire control room shall not be less than 200 square feet.
17.04.080 RESERVED
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17.04.085 RESERVED
17.04.090 Section 903.1.2, CFC - Additions and Alterations
Section 903.1.2, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.1.2 Additions and Alterations. The standard for calculating the size of
addition and/or alteration for determining the threshold for fire sprinkler systems shall be:
1. The square footage of every room being added and/or altered shall be included in
the calculation of total square footage of addition and/or alteration.
2. The entire square footage shall be considered added or altered when at least fifty
percent (50%) or greater of interior wall sheeting or ceiling of any one wall within
a room or area is new, removed, or replaced.
17.04.091 Section 903.1.3, CFC - Provisions for all sprinklered buildings
Section 903.1.3, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.1.3, Provisions for all sprinklered buildings:
1. When a commercial or multi-family building is partially retrofitted with an
approved automatic sprinkler fire extinguishing system pursuant to this section,
the building owner shall complete the fire extinguishing system retrofit
throughout the unprotected building interior areas within six (6) years of
completing the initial partial retrofit or within every tenant space where a building
permit is obtained, whichever is less.
2. When a residential building is partially retrofitted with an approved automatic
sprinkler fire extinguishing system pursuant to this section, the building fire
extinguishing system retrofit shall be completed throughout the unprotected
building interior areas within two (2) years from completing the initial partial
retrofit.
3. When a property owner or responsible party of a commercial or residential
building chooses option 1 or 2 from above, the property owner shall file a deed
restriction with San Mateo County Assessor’s Office and obtain a performance
bond to ensure compliance with Section 17.04.091. The bond shall be in an
amount equal to or greater than the estimated cost of completion, as determined
by Central County Fire Department.
17.04.092 Section 903.2, CFC is amended – Where required
Section 903.2, CFC shall be deleted and replaced as follows:
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Section 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler systems shall
be installed in all new occupiable and/or habitable buildings and structures. In addition,
approved automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be provided in locations described in
Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.23.
Exceptions:
1. When approved by the fire chief, canopy structures used solely for vehicular parking
which have a photovoltaic system attached are not required to be equipped with a fire
sprinkler system as long as the structure meets distance requirements to other
structures and property lines.
2. Group U occupancies less than 1,200 square feet.
Section 903.2.10.3, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.2.10.3 Lithium-ion batteries in vehicles. Areas which contain electric
vehicle charging stations shall have a fire sprinkler density design of a minimum Extra
Hazard, Group 2 for the coverage of charging stations and for 15’ in any direction of
charging stations.
Section 903.2.10.4, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.2.10.4 Additional Commercial and Multi-family Dwelling Sprinkler
Locations. Rooms or spaces which contain vehicle parking lifts or vehicle stacking
systems shall be designed as an Extra-High Hazard Classification. Sprinkler design to
include sidewall sprinkler heads designed at minimum Ordinary Group 2 in between each
level.
Exception: Buildings classified as single-family dwellings.
17.04.093 Sections 903.2.22 and 903.2.23 CFC are added - Existing Buildings and
Structures
Section 903.2.22 is added to read as follows:
Section 903.2.22, CFC Existing Buildings and Structures. All existing buildings
and structures shall be retroactively protected by an approved automatic extinguishing
system when the following conditions exist:
a. Commercial and multi-family residential buildings with a total building floor
area in excess of 2,000 square feet or more than two stories in height, and when
additions or alterations for which a building permit is required will exceed 1,200
square feet in area.
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Exception:
Group U occupancies less than 1,200 square feet and separated from primary
structure by a minimum of ten (10) feet.
b. Residential one- and two-family dwellings and structures with a total building
floor area in excess of 2,000 square feet or more than two stories in height, and
when additions or alterations for which a building permit is required will exceed
750 square feet in area.
Exceptions:
1. Additions or alterations of commercial, multi-family residential, and one and
two-family residential buildings that do not exceed 20% of the total square
footage of the entire completed building.
2. The following scopes of work are excluded from calculations to determine area
of alteration: building roof repair/replacement; fire damage repair; building
heating and/or cooling unit repair/replacement; and any other federal, state and
local construction code upgrade requirements including but not limited to the
seismic retrofit requirements, asbestos, and other hazardous material abatement.
Section 903.2.23, CFC is added with the following:
Section 903.2.23 Aggregate. When more than one (1) addition and/or alteration
for which building permits are required are submitted within a two (2) year period from
the closure date of the initial permit, the sum of the square footage of these additions
and/or alterations shall be aggregated for the purpose of determining calculations in
Section 17.04. 090.
17.04.094 Section 903.3.1.4, CFC amended - Inspector's Test.
Section 903.3.1.4, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.3.1.4 Inspectors Test Valves. Single-family residential fire sprinkler
systems within buildings greater than 3,600 square feet shall be equipped with an
inspector’s test valve for each system and located the furthest point away from the
sprinkler riser.
17.04.095 Section 903.3.1.5, CFC is added - Additional Sprinkler Locations.
Section 903.3.1.5, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 903.3.1.5 Additional Residential Sprinkler Locations. The installation of a
residential fire sprinkler system shall conform to the following:
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1. Sprinklers shall be required throughout carports and garages.
Exception: Detached carports and garages less than 2,000 square feet in area and
separated from residential buildings by a minimum of 10 feet.
2. Sprinkler coverage shall be provided in the following locations:
a. Attic access openings
b. Areas of attics and crawl spaces containing storage, mechanical and/or
electrical equipment.
17.04.096 Section 903.4.4 CFC is added – Fire Sprinkler Monitoring Systems
Section 904.4.4 CFC is amended by adding the following:
904.4.4 Monitoring. For new fire sprinkler monitoring systems, the approved
supervisory station shall be defined as a UL approved central receiving station.
17.04.097 Section 905.4 CFC is amended – Location of Class I standpipe hose
connections.
Section 905.4 CFC, subsection 1 is deleted and replaced with the following:
1. In every required interior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for
each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at an
intermediate floor level landing between floors, when such a landing exists. See section
909.20.2.3 of the California Building Code for additional provisions in smoke-proof
enclosures.
17.04.098 Section 907.7 CFC is amended – Acceptance Tests and Certification
Section 907.7 CFC is amended to add the following:
907.7 Acceptance Test and Certification. Upon completion of the installation, the
fire alarm system and all fire alarm components shall be tested in accordance with NFPA
72. New fire alarm systems installed in commercial and multi-family buildings shall be
UL-Certified. Certificate shall be posted next to fire alarm control panel at time of final
inspection.
17.04.099 Section 3307.5.3 CFC is amended – Standpipe Supply
Section 3307.5.3, CFC is added to read as follows:
Section 3307.5.3 Operational Standpipes. Where a standpipe is required in
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accordance with Section 3307.5, that standpipe is required to remain wet and operational.
17.04.100 Section 5003.5, CFC is amended – Hazard Identification Signs
Section 5003.5.2, CFC is added to read as follows:
5003.5.2 Sign size and locations. Two NFPA 704 diamonds shall be placed on
buildings so that they are clearly visible from at least two directions of travel.
1. The signs shall be at least fifteen inches by fifteen inches (15" x 15"). The signs
shall not be placed on windows.
2. When NFPA 704 diamonds are required for the interior doors, the signs shall be
applied to the doors at a level no higher than the doorknob. The signs for the
interior doors shall be at least six inches by six inches (6"x 6").
3. The Fire Code Official may require fewer or more NFPA diamonds if the building
configuration or size makes it reasonably necessary.
17.04.101 Section 5707, CFC, On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations
Section 5707.6.5 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Section 5707.6.5 Adequate lighting. Adequate site lighting shall be provided for
all mobile fueling operations which are performed in dim or dark outdoor conditions.
Acceptable means of lighting are flood or box lights which are self-standing or
mountable.
17.04.105 Deposits of hazardous materials and unlawful burning-
--Liability for costs.
(a) The fire department is authorized to clean up or abate the effects of any
hazardous material deposited upon or into property or facilities of the City. Any
person who intentionally or negligently caused such deposit shall be liable for the
payment of all cleanup or abatement costs incurred by the fire department. The
remedy provided by this section shall be in addition to any other remedies
provided by law.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "hazardous materials" shall be defined as any
substances or materials, in a quantity or form which, in the determination of the
fire chief or his authorized representative, poses an imminent risk to life, health or
safety of persons or property or to the ecological balance of the environment, and
shall include, but not be limited to, such substances as explosives, radioactive
materials, petroleum or petroleum products or gases; poisons, etiologic (biologic)
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agents, flammables and corrosives.
(c) Any person in violation of Section 17.04.010 and 17.04.020 which results in
fire damage to persons or property shall be charged as unlawfully burning and is
liable for costs incurred by the fire department and other responding county or
state fire agencies for suppression activities.
(d) For purposes of this section, costs incurred by the fire department shall
include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following: actual labor costs of
city personnel, including workers' compensation benefits, fringe benefits,
administrative overhead; cost of equipment operation, cost of materials obtained
directly by the city; and cost of any contract labor and materials.
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SECTION THREE. CEQA DETERMINATION
The City Council finds, pursuant to Title 14 of the California Administrative Code, Section
15061(b)(3) that this Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) in that it is not a Project which has the potential for causing a significant effect
on the environment. This action is further exempt from the definition of Project in Section
15378(b)(2) in that it concerns general policy and procedure making.
SECTION FOUR. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall go into effect January 1, 2026.
An application for a building permit received after December 31, 2025 must comply with this
Ordinance unless specific land use provisions for the project were approved by the City of
Burlingame prior to 5:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025. If the Planning Commission approves the
project prior to the effective date of this ordinance, then the building permit application for that
project may use the provisions found in the 2022 California Building Codes including all
amendments as adopted in Ordinance 1856-2010, 1889-2013, 1933- 2016, 1969-2019, and
2010-2022 as applicable.
SECTION FIVE. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to
be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
The Council declares that it would have adopted the Ordinance and each section, subsection,
sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,
subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION SIX. PUBLIC NOTICE
This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with
California Government Code Section 36933, published, and circulated in the City of Burlingame,
and shall be in full force and effect on January 1, 2026, or when the ordinance is filed with the
Building Standards Commission, whichever occurs later.
SECTION SEVEN. CODIFICATION
Section Two of this Ordinance shall be codified in the Burlingame Municipal Code. Sections One,
Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven shall not be so codified.
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Peter Stevenson, Mayor
I, Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, certify that the foregoing
ordinance was introduced at a public hearing at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the
20th of October, 2025, and adopted thereafter at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the
3rd day of November 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Brownrigg, Colson, Pappajohn, Stevenson, Thayer
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk
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