Section 103 is hereby renamed: Fire Prevention Bureau and is amended as follows:

[A] 103.1 General. The Fire Prevention Bureau is established in the jurisdiction under the fire code official. The function of the division shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

[A]103.3.1 Fire prevention bureau personnel and police. The fire code official and members of the fire prevention bureau shall have the powers of a police officer in performing their duties under this code. When requested to do so by the fire chief, the chief of police is authorized to assign such available police officers as necessary to assist the fire department in enforcing the provisions of this code.

Section 104.11 "Fire investigations" is amended to read as follows:

[A] 104.11 Fire investigations. The fire code official is authorized to investigate promptly the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire, explosion or other hazardous condition occurring in the jurisdiction. In addition, the fire code official is authorized to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of unauthorized releases of hazardous materials in the jurisdiction. If it appears to fire code official that such incidents are of suspicious origin, the fire code official is authorized to take immediate charge of all physical evidence relating to the cause of the fire, explosion, hazardous condition, or release and is authorized to pursue the investigation to its conclusion.

[A]104.11.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies are authorized to assist in the investigation of fires when requested to do so by the fire code official.

Section 111 "Board of Appeals" is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

Section [A] 112.4 "Violation penalties" is amended to read as follows:

[A] Section 113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who 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. Penalties shall be as prescribed by state law and local ordinance. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Chapter 1, Division II of the International Fire Code is amended by adding Section 112 "Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals" to read as follows:

112.1 Board of Appeals. The provisions governing the City of Santa Barbara Fire and Building Code Board of Appeals are incorporated into this section by reference, as set forth in Section 22.04.020.H of this Code

Chapter 3 of the International Fire Code is amended as follows:

Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

Section 503 "Fire Apparatus Access Roads" is deleted in its entirety and readopted to read as follows:

503.1 Where Required. Fire Department access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 and 503.1.3

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 toads shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet of (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.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

2. Fire apparatus Roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternate means of fire protection is provided.

503.1.2 Additional Access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of the terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.

503.1.3 High Piled Storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.

503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.

503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6,096 mm) except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6 and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. If a fire apparatus access road serves three or fewer single-family residential units, the required width may be reduced to not less than 16 feet (4,879 mm) upon the approval of the fire code official.

503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official is authorized to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

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 so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. Such fire apparatus access roads shall be capable of supporting 60,000 pounds and shall be constructed of approved materials.

503.2.4 Turning radius. The turning radius of roadways shall be no less than 70 feet in diameter measured from outer edge to outer edge.

503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 300 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus.

503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.

503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed a 16% grade.

503.2.7.1 Cross-slope. The cross-slope gradient shall not exceed 6%.

503.2.8 Angle of Approach and Departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.

503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings 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.

503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. The minimum required widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times.

503.5 Required gates or barricades. The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates and other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other access ways, not including public streets, alleys or highways. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

503.5.1 Secured Gates and Barricades. When required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other access ways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.

503.5.1.1 Vehicle obstruction. Entrances to roads, trails, or other access ways that have been closed with gates and barriers in accordance with Section 503.5 shall not be obstructed by parked vehicles, except for public officers acting within their scope of duty.

503.5.1.2 Closure of access ways. Locks, gates, doors, barricades, chains, enclosures, signs, tags, or seals which have been installed by the fire department or by its order or under its control shall not be removed, unlocked, destroyed, tampered with or otherwise molested in any manner except when authorized by the fire code official or by public officers acting within their scope of duty.

503.5.2 Fences and gates. School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28m²) per occupant are located between the school and the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15,240 mm) from school buildings. Every public and private school shall conform to Section 32020 of the Education Code.

Section 505 "Premises Identification" is amended to add Sections 505.1.1 and 505.3 to read as follows:

505.1.1 Mixed Use Occupancy Identification. Mixed use occupancy notifications signs shall be provided according to Municipal Code 8.04.030.B.

505.3 Directory. For complexes and large buildings, an approved directory or premise map may be required at a location determined by the fire code official.

Section 507 "Fire Protection Water Supplies" is deleted in its entirety and readopted to read as follows:

507.1 Required Water Supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. Prior to development of a project, the fire code official may require the flow testing of fire hydrants adjacent to the proposed development in order to determine adequacy of fire flow.

507.2 Type of Water Supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required flow.

507.2.1 Private fire service mains. Private fire service mains and appurtenance shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24.

507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.

507.3 Fire Flow. Fire Flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method or Appendix B. For the purposes of this section, an "approved water supply" shall mean the following:

1. Residential Requirement. All residential buildings containing ten (10) or less dwelling units shall be served by a fire flow of 750 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi when flowing. Fire-flow requirements may be modified downward by the fire code official for isolated buildings or the installation of approved fire protection devices, but in no case shall the fire flow be less than 500 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi. Residential buildings containing eleven (11) or more dwelling units shall be served by fire flows in compliance with the commercial requirements below.

2. Commercial Requirement. A fire flow of 1,250 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi when flowing will be required.

507.4 Water Supply Test. The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official or approved documentation of the test shall be provided to the prior to final approval of the water supply system.

507.5 Fire Hydrant Systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.1 through 507.5.6 or Appendix C of the International Fire Code.

507.5.1 Where Required, Commercial. A commercial hydrant to Santa Barbara City standards must be located within 300 feet of all portions of a facility or building as measure by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building. Where a portion of the facility or building is hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 300 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, the fire code official may require on-site hydrants or another approved mitigation method.

507.5.1.1 Where Required, Residential. For Group R-3, Group U and Group R-2 occupancies containing ten (10) or less dwelling units, a residential hydrant to Santa Barbara City standards must be located within 500 feet of all portions of a facility or building as measure by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building. Where a portion of the facility or building is hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 500 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, the fire code official may require on-site hydrants or another approved mitigation method.

507.5.2 Inspection, Testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to such periodic tests as required by the fire code official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall be in accordance with approved standards.

507.5.3 Private Fire Service Mains and Water Tanks. Private fire service mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 19, Chapter 5.

507.5.4 Obstruction. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.

507.5.5 Clear Space Around Hydrants. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.

507.5.6 Physical Protection. Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with Section 312.

Section 903.2 "Where required" is amended to add Section 903.2.22 to read as follows:

903.2.22 Local Requirements. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout buildings and structures as specified elsewhere in this Section 903.2 or as specified in this Section 903.2.22, whichever is more protective.

903.2.22.1 New Buildings, Generally. The construction of a new building containing any of the following occupancies: A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S or U.

Exceptions: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area. A new building containing a U occupancy that is constructed outside the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 5,000 square feet of floor area.

903.2.22.2 New Buildings in the High Fire Hazard Area. The construction of any new building within the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area.

903.2.22.3 Additions to Buildings Other than Single-Family Residences. The addition of floor area to an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition allowed under this exception will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.22.4.

903.2.22.4 Remodels of Buildings Other than Single-Family Residences. The remodel or alteration of the interior of an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is modified or altered exceeds 50% of the existing floor area of the building. For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 50% threshold measured against the floor area of the building. It shall be the responsibility of the building owner to install the sprinkler system throughout the building when the threshold has been exceeded. Calculations of aggregate floor areas are as follows:

(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 50% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or

(b) Aggregate alterations or modifications that change or rearrange the existing configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 50% or more of the enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or

(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 50% or more of ceilings and wall coverings exposing framing members of the building.

Exception: Nothing in this section shall prevent the building owner from negotiating a written agreement with the tenant or tenants for allocating the cost of the sprinkler system in any proportion.

903.2.22.5 Change of Occupancy to a Higher Hazard Classification. Any change of occupancy in an existing building where the occupancy changes to a higher hazard classification. Higher hazard classification shall be defined per amended Table 1011.5 of the 2025 Existing Building Code and written policy.

Exception: For purposes of sprinklers only, the higher hazard classification will not be deemed to include low hazard assembly occupancies of 75 occupants or fewer.

903.2.22.6 Computation of Square Footage. For the purposes of this Section 903.2.20, the floor area of buildings shall be computed in accordance with the definition of "Floor area, Gross" provided in Section 202 of the California Building Code.

903.2.22.7 Existing use. Any existing building not classified as Group R, Division 3, in existence at the time of the effective date of this code may have their use continued if such use was legal at the time. Additions to existing buildings shall require an automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout, including areas not previously protected.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.22.4

903.2.22.8 Exceptions and Modifications. Where hardship or substantial difficulty make strict compliance with a sprinkler section impractical, the fire code official is authorized to grant exceptions or modifications on an individual basis, pursuant to Section 104.8.

903.2.22.9 Remodels and additions of Single-Family Residences. The remodel or alteration of the interior of an existing single family dwelling, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is modified or altered exceeds 75% of the existing floor area of the building. For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 75% threshold measured against the floor area of the building. Calculations of aggregate floor areas are as follows:

(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or

(b) Aggregate alterations or modifications that change or rearrange the existing configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 75% or more of the enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or

(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more ceiling and wall covering exposing framing members of the building.

Section 907 "Fire Alarm and Detection Systems" is amended to add Section 907.2.30 to read as follows:

907.2.30 Mixed Use Occupancies. Where residential occupancies are combined with commercial occupancies, a fire alarm system shall be installed which notifies all occupants in the event of a fire. The system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the commercial and common areas. In addition, a notification system shall be installed in a manner and location approved by the fire code official that indicates the presence of residential dwelling units in accordance with Municipal Code Section 8.04.030.B.

Chapter 4901 has been removed in entirety and replaced with the 2025 Wildland-Urban-Interface Code as amended in Municipal Code Section 8.04.040.

Section 5601 "General" is amended to add Sections 5601.2, 5601.3, and 5601.4 to read as follows:

5601.2 Explosives and Blasting Agents. Storage of explosives and blasting agents is restricted to the A-I (Airport Industrial) zone.

5601.1.3 Fireworks. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of fireworks are prohibited in the City of Santa Barbara.

1. Storage and Handling of Fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.

2. Manufacture, testing and assembly of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

3. The use of Fireworks for Fireworks displays, pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Section 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

5601.7 Seizure. The fire code official is authorized to remove or caused to be removed or disposed of in an approved manner, at the expense of the owner, explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, possessed or used in violation of this ordinance and Chapter 56.

Fire Zone 2. Buildings or portions of buildings constructed within the boundaries of Fire Zone 2, as designated by the fire code official and shown on a map on file with the City Clerk and the Community Development Department, shall provide a 10,000-gallon water tank to be used for fire protection purposes only, designed, installed and maintained in a manner approved by the fire code official, incorporating each of the following additional features in its construction:

Mixed Use Occupancy Notification System. Signs shall be installed in a manner and in locations approved by the fire code official indicating the presence of residential dwelling units in buildings of mixed-use occupancy. Required signs shall be clearly visible from the front of the building and conform to the following criteria:

Section 101.2 Scope. The mitigation of conditions where a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels may readily transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities, or result in large property losses shall comply with this chapter. In addition, this section is intended to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire-protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas (WUI). The WUI is defined by the City of Santa Barbara Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), formerly the Wildland Fire Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, areas defined by the State of California as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Future revisions and updates to the City CWPP shall be incorporated into this Code by reference as best practices, whether or not adopted as mandatory code sections.

Section 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to the ability of a building to resist the intrusion of flame or burning embers being projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements. In addition, the purpose of this code is to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire- protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in the Wildland-Urban Interface Area.

Section 101.4 Policy. The policy direction for the City of Santa Barbara Wildland-Urban Interface Area is established by the City of Santa Barbara Wildland Fire Plan, approved by City Council in January of 2004 and formally recognized as the CWPP in 2011.

Section 202 "Definitions" is amended to add the definitions of "Spark Arrester," "Tracer," and "Tracer Charge" and to amend the definition of "Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area" to read as follows:

Spark Arrester is defined as a device constructed of non-flammable materials specifically for removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 inches in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine operated by hydrocarbons.

Tracer is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature which marks or traces the flight of said bullet or projectile by flame, smoke or other means which result in fire or heat.

Tracer Charge is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature designed to create a visible or audible effect by means which result in fire or heat and shall include any incendiary bullets and projectiles.

Wildland-Urban Interface Area is a geographical area identified by the state as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires. The CWPP outlines the Wildland-Urban Interface Area within the City of Santa Barbara's local jurisdiction. For purposes of this code, Wildland Urban Interface Area and High Fire Hazard

Section 302 "Wildland Urban Interface Designations" is amended to add Section 302.1 to read as follows:

302.1 Local Land Classification. Lands in the local jurisdiction are classified by the Fire Code Official in accordance with the City of Santa Barbara as Coastal, Coastal Interior, Foothill, Foothill Extreme, High Fire Hazard Areas.

Area are interchangeable. Future updates and revisions to the City High Fire Hazard Area maps shall be incorporated by reference.

Section 602 "Plans" is amended to read as follows:

602.1 General. When required by the fire code official, a fire protection plan shall be prepared for parcels within the High Fire Hazard Area.

602.2 Content. The plan shall be based on site specific wildfire hazard and risk assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect, flammable vegetation, climatic conditions and fire history. The plan shall address water supply, access, building construction and fire-resistance factors, fire protection systems and equipment, evacuation, defensible space and vegetation management. The plan shall also address any off site factors listed above that affect the project area.

602.2.1 Cost. The cost of fire protection plan preparation and review shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

602.2.2 Plan retention. The fire protection plan shall be retained by the fire code official.

Section 603 "Vegetation Plan" is amended to add Section 603.1 to read as follows:

603.1 General. The City of Santa Barbara CWPP identifies vegetation management areas that pose an increased threat to the community during a wildland fire. Within these areas the fire code official has the authority to work with property owners to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation outside the defensible space areas. These areas include both City and Private lands. Standards for vegetation management are specified in the City CWPP.

603.1.1 Flammable Vegetation. Vegetation installed without an approved landscape plan shall be removed if in the opinion of the fire code official, it is capable of being ignited and endangering property.

603.3 New Development. New developments in the High Fire Hazard Area must submit Landscape Plans for review by the fire code official. Landscaping shall meet the High Fire Hazard Area Defensible Space Requirements outlined in the City of Santa Barbara CWPP. All landscape plant species must be fire resistant as described in the CWPP High Fire Hazard Area Landscape Requirements.

Section 604 "Defensible Space" is amended by adding the following:

604.1 General. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such buildings or structures, shall follow defensible space requirements outlined in Sections 604.3 through 604.5 For purposes of this section, defensible space requirements shall apply to persons owning, leasing or controlling land with hazardous vegetation that is within the required defensible space of structures on adjacent properties.

604.6 Distance Requirements. Maintain an effective firebreak by removing and clearing away flammable vegetation and combustible growth from areas within 30 to 150 feet of such buildings or structures as outlined in the following zones;

1. Coastal: 30 to 50 feet brush clearance from structures

2. Coastal Interior: 50 to 70 feet brush clearance from structures

3. Foothill: 100 feet brush clearance from structures

4. Extreme Foothill: 150 feet brush clearance from structures

1. Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground covers do not have to be removed, provided they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.

2. Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from buildings or structures and less than 18 inches in height above the ground need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

604.7 Chimney Clearance. Remove portions of trees which extend within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of the outlet of a chimney.

604.8 Overhanging Trees. Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood.

604.9 Vines and Climbing Ornamental Plants. Existing vines and climbing plants attached to structures must be maintained in a well-watered condition, free of excessive dead material and trimmed to minimize fire propagation.

604.10 Roof Debris. Maintain the roof and gutters of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetation.

604.11 Additional Clearance Requirements. Within any High Fire Hazard Area additional brush clearance may be required on slopes greater than 30%. Slopes ranging between 30 and 40% slope may require 200 feet clearance. Slopes ranging from 41 to 60% may require 250 to 300 foot clearance.

604.12 High Fire Hazard Area Fire Safe Landscaping. All parcels in the High Fire Hazard Area must meet defensible space requirements as outline in Section 4907.1. Defensible space requirements can be met though fire safe landscaping in accordance with The City of Santa Barbara CWPP High Fire Hazard Area Defensible Space and Landscape Requirements.

604.13 Vegetation Road Clearance. The owner, occupant or other person in control of any real property (vacant or developed) in, upon, or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and the owner, occupant or other person in control of real property adjacent to such property shall:

1. Maintain an area cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth for a distance of 10 feet on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

2. Maintain an area cleared of all overhanging vegetation for a vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches within the full portion of highways and private streets which are improved, roadway and one foot (1 foot) on each side from the edge of the drivable roadway.

604.14 Unusual Circumstances. If the fire code official determines that difficult terrain, danger or erosion or other unusual circumstances make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions of Sections 604 undesirable or impractical, enforcement thereof may be suspended and approved alternative measures shall be provided.

Section 613 "Trespassing On Posted Property" is added to Chapter 6 to read as follows:

613.1 General. When the fire code official determines that a specific area within the High Fire Hazard Area presents an exceptional and continuing fire danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be closed until changed conditions warrant termination of closure. Such areas shall be posted as hereinafter provides.

613.2 Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and referring to Section 4908.1 shall be placed on every closed area pursuant to this section.

613.3 Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.

Exception: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within closed and posted areas, their guests or invitees, and local, state and federal public officers and their authorized agents acting in the course of duty.

613.4 Tampering With Fire Department Locks, Barricades And Signs. Locks, barricades, seals, cables, signs and markers installed within the High Fire Hazard Area, by or under the control of the fire code official, shall not be tampered with, mutilated, destroyed or removed. Gates, doors, barriers and locks installed by or under the control of the fire code official shall not be unlocked.

Section 614 "Ignition Sources" is added to Chapter 6 to read as follows:

614.1 General. Control of ignition sources in the High Fire Hazard Area shall be in accordance with Sections 614.2 through 614.13.

614.2 Smoking. Lighting, igniting or otherwise setting fire to or smoking as defined in Title 9 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code in public places in the High Fire Hazard Are is prohibited.

614.3 Spark Arresters. Chimneys used in conjunction with fireplaces, barbeques or heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuels is used, upon buildings, structures or premises located within 200 feet of the High Fire Hazard Area, shall be provided with a spark arrestor constructed with heavy wire mesh or other non-combustible material with openings not to exceed 1/4 inch.

614.4 Suppression Equipment for Gasoline-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines-Off Road Vehicles. No person shall use or operate any internal combustion engine which operates on hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, or grass covered land without providing, and maintaining in good working order, a spark arrester attached to the exhaust system, except for motorcycles, vehicles equipped with a muffler as defined by the California Vehicle Code, such as motor trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles are not subject to the provisions of this section. Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust of engines shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.

614.5 Suppression Equipment for Gasoline-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines-Tools. No person shall use or operate any portable saw, auger, drill, tamper or other portable tool powered by a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine on or near any forest, brush, grass covered land, within 25 feet from any flammable material without providing at the immediate location a round point shovel or a 2A 10 BC fire extinguisher.

The above tools shall at no time be farther than 25 feet, with unrestricted access, from the operator to the point of operation.

614.6 Tracer Bullets, Tracer Charges, Rockets and Model Aircraft. Tracer bullets and tracer charges shall not be possessed, fired or caused to be fired into or across wildland urban interface areas. Rockets, model airplanes, gliders and balloons powered with an engine, propellant or other feature liable to start or cause fire shall not be fired or projected into or across the wildland urban interface area.

614.7 Apiaries. Lighted and smoldering material shall not be used in connection with smoking bees in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area except by permit from the fire code official.

614.8 Open Flame Devices. Welding torches, tar pots, decorative torches and other devices, machines or processes liable to start or cause fire shall not be operated or used in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area except by permit from the fire code official.

Exception: Use within habited premises or designated campsites which are a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas.

614.9 Outdoor Fires. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon, the High Fire Hazard Area, except by permit from the fire code official. Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions which will reasonably safeguard public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area under the following conditions:

a. When high winds are blowing;

b. When a person age 17 or over is not present at all times to watch and tend fire; or

c. When the fire code official declares a Red Flag Warning.

614.10 Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbeques. Permanent barbeques, portable barbeques, outdoor fireplaces or grills shall not be used for the disposal of rubbish, trash, or combustible waste material. Permanent barbeques outdoor fireplaces, portable barbeques and grills shall be a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas, maintained in good repair and in a safe condition at all times. Openings in such appliances shall be provided with an approved spark arrester, screen, or door.

Exception: When approved, unprotected openings in barbeques and grills necessary for proper functioning.

614.11 Dumping. Garbage, cans, bottles, papers, ashes, refuse, trash, rubbish or combustible waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area or in, upon or along trails, roadways or highways in the High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: Approved public and private dumping areas.

614.12 Disposal of Ashes. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area.

Exceptions: (1) In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace, (2) In a noncombustible container with a tight fitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet from combustible vegetation or structures, (3) Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot of mineral earth not less than 25 feet from combustible vegetation or structures.

614.13 Use of Fire Roads And Firebreaks. Motorcycles, motor scooters and motor vehicles shall not be driven or parked upon, and trespassing is prohibited upon, fire roads or firebreaks beyond the point where travel is restricted by a cable, gate or sign, without the permission of the property owners. Vehicles shall not be parked in a manner which obstructs the entrance to a fire road or firebreak.

Exception: Public officers acting within their scope of duty.

The Chief of the Fire Department, or his or her duly authorized representative, has determined that on the owner's property (identified by address and county assessor's parcel number) a fire hazard is maintained which must be abated or removed by the date as specified in the notice;

Failure to so abate and remove and maintain "hazard free" beyond that date certain will result in the Chief of the Fire Department, or his or her duly authorized representative, authorizing the abatement and removal of the fire hazard at the owner's expense;

Said owner shall be billed for the City's expense incurred, in authorizing the abatement and removal of the hazard, including administrative expenses to abate and remove the fire hazard and expenses incident to securing payment from owner for same;

Any assessment for the abatement and removal not timely paid by owner shall be presented to the City Council at a date and time certain for consideration at which time said owner, or his or her lawful representative, may appear to protest or contest the assessment;

The City Council, after presentation by the Chief of the Fire Department and any protest by a parcel owner, may direct the filing of a lien against the owner's property from which the fire hazard was abated and removed by the City, which will be payable through the annual tax rolls.

Filing. All applications for permits required by this chapter shall be filed with the City Treasurer and shall be in writing on forms provided by the Treasurer. Such applications shall be accompanied by the fire permit fees required in Section 8.16.110.

Contents. Applications for permits required by this chapter shall, unless otherwise required by the Fire Department, contain the following information:

The Fire Marshal shall cause an investigation to be made of every application for a permit, and such investigation shall be made by authorized members of the Fire Department.

The Fire Marshal may require such additional information as may be necessary to carry out the investigation of the application for a permit.

If, after investigation and consideration of any application and of any plans or specifications required in connection therewith, it shall be determined that the proposed business, operation, occupation or premises will not create any undue hazard as a result of fire or panic, and will comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other relevant laws, the authorized Fire Department representative shall approve the application.

The Fire Department approval of the application may be made subject to such terms and conditions as may be necessary for the safeguarding of life and property from the hazards of fire, explosion or panic.

Upon approval of the application by the Fire Department, and payment of the required fees, as set forth in Section 8.16.110, the City Treasurer shall issue the permit.

Transfer of Ownership. No permit shall be transferable except where the business, operation, occupation or premises for which the permit is issued, is transferred, whether by sale or otherwise, to another person under such circumstances that the real or ultimate ownership after the transfer is substantially similar to the real or ultimate ownership existing before the transfer. For the purposes of this section, stockholders, bondholders, partners, or other persons holding an interest in a corporation or other entity herein defined to be a person, are regarded as having the real or ultimate ownership of such corporation or other entity.

Change of Location. Any change of location for any business, operation, occupation or premises shall require filing of a new application and payment of the applicable fee.

By the Chief of the Fire Department. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter to the contrary, the Chief of the Fire Department shall have the power to revoke or suspend any permit, at his or her discretion, upon proof to the satisfaction of the Chief of the Fire Department of violation by the permittee of the provisions of this chapter, any other applicable law, or the terms and conditions of any permit as may be specified under the authority of this chapter. Such revocation or suspension shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Revocation. Whenever any person fails to comply with any provisions of this chapter or other fire prevention ordinance, the Chief of the Fire Department, upon hearing after giving such person 10 days notice in writing, specifying the time and place of hearing and requiring him or her to show cause why his or her fire permit should not be revoked for such failure, may revoke or suspend any one or more of the fire permits held by such person. The notice shall be served in person or by registered mail to his or her last address. The determination of the Chief of the Fire Department shall be final.

Operation After Revocation or Suspension. Any person who engages in any business, operation or occupation, or uses any premises after the fire clearance issued therefor has been suspended or revoked pursuant to the provisions of this section, and before such suspended permit has been reinstated or a new permit issued, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter hereby adopted, or fail to comply therewith, or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder, or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement or specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder, or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the City Council or by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall severally for each and every such violation and non-compliance respectively, be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $300.00, or by imprisonment for not more than 150 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. All such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time. When not otherwise specified, each 10 days that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.

The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.

A copy of the notice to abate obstruction;

The name and address of the owner to whom the notice was mailed;

The date upon which the notice was mailed;

The date upon which the notice was posted;

The date or dates upon which the City Council held a hearing pursuant to such notice;

The disposition of the matter by City Council at the conclusion of such hearing;

The date or dates upon which the abatement work was carried out, and by whom; and

The actual cost of the abatement work and the costs of administration to date.

The word "gutter" as used in this section means only those gutters which now or may hereafter exist at the sides of traveled streets in the City or intersecting the same.

The growth or deposit of Bermuda, Sandwich Island, or Island grass, cynodon dactylon, on or in any gutter or on or in any traveled street in the City is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

No person shall place, throw or deposit any such grass or the roots thereof, in any gutter or any traveled street of the City.

The growth or existence of grass, weeds, rubbish or impediments to travel of any kind upon any sidewalk in the City, between the property line adjacent thereto and the line of the street curb, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. No owner, lessee, occupant, or person in charge of any real estate shall permit the existence on or over the sidewalk in front of such property, of all or any of the things declared to be a public nuisance by this section.

The Superintendent of Streets shall, in writing, notify any person guilty of the violation of any of the provisions of this section to abate the nuisance, specifying it, within 10 days from the service of such notice. If such nuisance be not abated within such time, the Superintendent shall abate such nuisance at the cost of the City, the cost and expense thereof shall be collectable from the person so notified, by action in the proper court on suit of the City.

At the time fixed for receiving and considering the report required by Section 8.24.080, the Council shall hear the same, together with any objections which may be raised by any of the property owners liable to be assessed for the work of abating the nuisance giving rise to the report and thereupon make such modifications in the report as they deem necessary, after which, by motion or resolution, the report shall be confirmed. The amount of the cost for abating such nuisance upon the various parcels of land mentioned in the report shall constitute special assessments against the respective parcels of land and as thus made and confirmed shall constitute a lien on such property for the amount of such assessments, respectively.

After confirmation of such report, a copy thereof shall be turned over to the Assessor and the Tax Collector of the City, whereupon it shall be the duty of such officers to add the amounts of the respective assessments to the next regular bills for taxes levied against the respective lots and parcels of land involved for municipal purposes and thereafter such amounts shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary municipal taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure under foreclosure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary municipal taxes.