From
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Title
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12 "Fire Protection and Emergency Management", through the amendment of sections 12-1 and 12-2 and the addition of sections 12-11; 12-12; 12-13; and 12-15 and repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; providing a cumulative clause, a savings clause, a severability clause, a penalty clause, and to become effective upon passage, approval, and publication.
Presenter
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, Chapter 12, "Fire Protection and Emergency Management". This ordinance will clean up two sections that have been problematic for our developers and seeks to clarify the intent of the Code while the other item is a new section added to require Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) to any new High Rise over 4 stories and any large commercial warehouse over 500,000 square feet. The FARS item was presented at the CCDC meeting on February 18, 2019 with unanimous support. Additional new sections clarify language on smoke and sprinkler protection and the final section will amend the hazardous material's ordinance to clarify language related to underground pipeline protection.
Section 1 amends Section 12-1 to adopt Appendix L of the International Fire Code which regulates Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS). This will provide additional safety for firefighters.
Section 2 removes confusing language in Section 12-2 and allows the Third Party review to be done by approved agencies allowed by the Fire Code official but removes the requirement of a Licensed Fire Protection Engineer. This will make application to the Fire Prevention office much easier for our developers who cannot afford a licensed fire protection engineer. A licensed fire protection engineer is a highly skilled engineer who designs very complex systems which are not applicable for most of our d...
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