(1) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is adopted.

(2) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.1.4 as follows:

503.1.4 Conflicts. Where there is a conflict between a requirement of this section and a specific requirement of the Covington Design and Construction, the Covington Design and Construction Standards shall be applicable.

(3) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.1 with the following:

503.2.1 Dimensions. The following minimum dimensions shall apply for fire apparatus access roads:

1. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 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 (4115 mm).

2. Fire apparatus access road routes shall be approved.

(4) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.3 with the following:

503.2.3 Surface. Facilities, buildings, or portions of buildings constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road with asphalt or concrete capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 30 tons (27,240 kg) in accordance with the Covington Design and Construction Standards.

(5) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.4 with the following:

503.2.4 Turning radius. The fire apparatus access road shall have a 30 foot minimum inside turning radius and a 50 foot minimum outside turning radius. The radius must be measured from the travel lane edge, unless otherwise approved.

(6) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.5 with the following:

503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45.72 m) in length shall be provided with an approved turnaround designed as illustrated in the Covington Design and Construction Standards.

(7) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.6 with the following:

503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge or elevated surface shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with specifications established by the fire code official and the public works director, or their designees; at a minimum, however, the bridge or elevated surface shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of 30 tons or more ton fire apparatus, the total imposed load to be determined by the fire code official. 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.

(8) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.2.7 with the following:

503.2.7 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 15 percent longitudinally and/or 6 percent laterally in grade. Approach and departure angle for fire access shall be as determined by the fire code official.

(9) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.2.9 as follows:

503.2.9 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet for 20 feet on both sides of the operating nut and may be marked as a fire lane per Section 503.3.

(10) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 503.3 with the following:

503.3 Marking. Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked whenever necessary to maintain the unobstructed minimum required width of roadways. Subject to the fire code official’s prior written approval, marked fire apparatus access roads, or fire lanes, may be established or relocated at the time of plan review, pre-construction site inspection, and/or post construction site inspection as well as any time during the life of the occupancy. Only those fire apparatus access roads established by the fire code official can utilize red marking paint and the term fire lane. Fire lanes shall be marked as directed by the fire code official with one or more of the following types of marking in accordance with the City of Covington Design and Construction Standards:

503.3.1 Type 1. Type 1 marking shall be installed to identify fire lanes on hammerhead turnarounds, commercial and multi-family developments or as directed by the fire code official.

1. Curbs shall be identifiable by red traffic paint with a 6 inch wide stripe on the top and front, extending the length of the designated fire lane.

2. Rolled curbs shall be identified by red traffic paint with a 6 inch wide stripe on the upper most portion of the curb, extending the length of the designated fire lane.

3. Lanes without curbs shall be identified by red traffic paint with a 6 inch wide stripe on the pavement, extending the length of the designated fire lane.

4. The words “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE” shall be in 3 inch stroke white letters 18 inches in height, and placed 8 inches measured perpendicular from the red paint stripe on the pavement. Locations and intervals will be designated by the fire code official; marking will not exceed 50 feet apart. In most cases, both sides of the access road shall be marked. Where long drives are to be marked, the repetition shall alternate sides of the drive.

503.3.2 Type 2. Type 2 marking shall be installed to identify fire lanes in one- and two-family dwelling developments or as directed by the fire code official.

1. Type 2 marking requires metal signs stating “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE” to be installed at intervals or locations designated by the fire code official; signage will not exceed 150 feet apart.

2. The signs shall measure 12 inches in width and 18 inches in height and have red letters on a white background. Bottom of sign shall be a minimum of 7 feet from the curb. Signs shall be nominally parallel to the road, facing the direction of travel.

3. The sign shall be installed on an approved metal post.

Exception: On construction sites, approved portable or temporary sign posts and bases may be used.

4. Where fire lanes are adjacent to buildings or structures and when approved or directed by the fire code official, the signs may be placed on the face of the building or structure.

503.3.3. Type 3. Type 3 marking shall be installed to address situations where neither Type 1 or 2 marking are effective or as directed by the fire code official.

1. Specific areas designated by the fire code official shall be marked with diagonal striping across the width of the fire lane. Diagonal marking shall be used in conjunction with painted curbs and/or edge striping and shall run at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees from one side to the other. These diagonal lines shall be in red traffic paint, parallel with each other, at least 6 inches in width, and 24 inches apart. Lettering shall occur as with Type 1 marking.

(11) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.7 as follows:

503.7 Establishment of fire lanes. Fire lanes in conformance with this code shall be established by the fire code official or his/her authorized designee, and shall be in accordance with 503.7.1 through 503.7.9.

503.7.1 Obstruction of fire lanes prohibited. The obstruction of a designated fire lane by a parked vehicle or any other object is prohibited and shall constitute a traffic hazard as defined in State law and an immediate hazard to life and property.

503.7.2 Existing fire lane signs and markings. The following signs and markings shall be provided:

1. Signs (minimum nine-inch by 16-inch) may be allowed to remain until there is a need for replacement and at that time the sign shall meet the City of Covington Design and Construction Standards and Specifications.

2. Markings may be allowed to remain until there is a need for repainting and at that time the provisions outlined in 503.3 shall be complied with.

503.7.3 Maintenance. Fire lane markings shall be maintained at the expense of the property owner(s) as often as needed to clearly identify the designated area as being a fire lane.

503.7.4 Towing notification. At each entrance to property where fire lanes have been designated, signs shall be posted in a clearly conspicuous location and shall clearly state that vehicles parked in fire lanes may be impounded, and the name, telephone number, and address of the towing firm where the vehicle may be redeemed.

503.7.5 Responsible property owner. The owner, manager, or person in charge of any property upon which designated fire lanes have been established shall prevent the parking of vehicles or placement of other obstructions in such fire lanes.

503.7.6 Violation – Civil infraction. Any person who fails to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane as prescribed in this chapter, or who parks a vehicle in, allows the parking of a vehicle in, obstructs, or allows the obstruction of a designated fire lane commits a civil infraction to which the provisions of Chapter 7.80 RCW shall apply. The penalty for failing to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane shall be $150.00. The penalty for parking a vehicle in, allowing the parking of a vehicle in, obstructing, or allowing the obstruction of a designated fire lane shall be $50.00.

503.7.7 Violation – Civil penalty. In addition to, or as an alternate to, the provisions of subsection 503.7.2, any person who fails to meet the provisions of the fire lane requirements codified in this title shall be subject to civil penalties.

503.7.8 Impoundment. Any vehicle or object obstructing a designated fire lane is declared a traffic hazard and may be abated without prior notification to its owner by impoundment pursuant to the applicable State law.

503.7.9 Enforcement. The Covington Building Official, the Covington Police or any other designated representative of the fire code official shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this code within their respective jurisdictions.

(12) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.8 as follows:

503.8 Commercial and Industrial Developments. The fire apparatus access roads serving commercial and industrial developments shall be in accordance with Sections 503.8.1 through 503.8.3.

503.8.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at least two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.

503.8.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.

503.8.3 Remoteness. Where two access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses or as approved by the fire code official and fire chief.

(13) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.9 as follows:

503.9 Aerial fire apparatus roads. The fire apparatus access roads that accommodate aerial fire apparatus shall be in accordance with Sections 503.9.1 through 503.9.3.

503.9.1 Where required. Buildings or portions of buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet in height above the lowest level of fire department access shall be provided with approved fire apparatus access roads that are capable of accommodating fire department aerial apparatus.

503.9.2 Width. Fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet in the immediate vicinity of any building or portion of building more than 30 feet in height.

503.9.3 Proximity to building. At least one of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building. The location of the parallel access route shall be approved.

503.9.4. Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial apparatus access road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be placed with the approval of the fire code official.

(14) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.10 as follows:

503.10 Multi-family residential developments. The fire apparatus access roads serving multi-family residential developments shall be in accordance with Sections 503.10.1 through 503.10.3.

503.10.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units. Multi-family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exception: Projects having up to 200 dwelling units may have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings, including nonresidential occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

503.10.2 Projects having more than 200 dwelling units. Multi-family residential projects having more than 200 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads regardless of whether they are equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

503.10.3 Remoteness. Where two access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses or as approved by the fire code official and fire chief.

(15) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.11 as follows:

503.11 One- and Two-family residential developments. The fire apparatus access roads serving one- and two-family residential developments shall be in accordance with Sections 503.11.1 and 503.11.2.

503.11.1 Projects having more than 30 dwelling units. Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceed 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

Exceptions:

1. Where there are more than 30 dwelling units on a single public or private fire apparatus access road and all dwelling units are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2, or 903.3.1.3 of the International Fire Code, access from two directions shall not be required.

2. The number of dwelling units on a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will, within a reasonable time, connect with future development, as determined by the fire code official.

503.11.2 Remoteness. Where two access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses or as approved by the fire code official and fire chief.

(16) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.12 as follows:

503.12 Underground structures. Installation of underground structures under or within 10 feet of fire apparatus access roads shall be designed using approved criteria. The criteria shall accommodate for the loading of fire department aerial apparatus unless otherwise approved.

(17) Section 503 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 503.13 as follows:

503.13 Fire apparatus access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall comply with all of the following criteria:

1. Where a single gate is provided, the gate width shall be not less than 20 feet. Where a fire apparatus road consists of a divided roadway, the gate width shall be not less than 12 feet.

2. Gates shall be of the swinging or sliding type.

3. Construction of gates shall be of materials that allow manual operation by one person.

4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and replaced or repaired when defective.

5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices shall be approved by the fire code official.

6. Methods of locking shall be submitted for approval by the fire code official.

7. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.

8. Gates intended for automatic operations shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F 2200.

(18) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.5.2.1 as follows:

507.5.2.1. Records. Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standard shall be maintained on the premises for three years; copies shall be submitted by an approved means to the fire code official within 30 calendar days of each test, inspection, or maintenance of the system.

(19) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.5.3.1 as follows:

507.5.3.1. Records. Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standard shall be maintained on the premises for three years; copies shall be submitted by an approved means to the fire code official within 30 calendar days of each test, inspection, or maintenance of the system.

(20) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 507.5.6 with the following:

507.5.6. Physical protection. Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts shall be designed and installed in accordance with the local water purveyor’s design and construction standards.

(21) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting subsection 507.5.7 with the following:

507.5.7. Fire hydrant. Fire hydrants shall be designed and installed in accordance with the local water purveyor’s design and construction standards.

(22) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.5.8 as follows:

507.5.8. Backflow prevention. All private fire systems shall be isolated by an approved method from the local water purveyor.

(23) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.6 as follows:

507.6. Capacity for residential areas. All hydrants installed in single family residential areas shall be capable of delivering 1,500 gpm fire flow over and above average maximum demands at the farthest point of the installation.

(24) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.7 as follows:

507.7. Spacing. The spacing of hydrants shall be in accordance with Sections 507.7.1 through 507.7.5.

507.7.1. Single family. The maximum fire hydrant spacing serving single family residential areas shall be 600 feet.

507.7.2. Commercial, industrial and multi-family. The maximum fire hydrant spacing serving commercial, industrial, multi-family or other areas shall be 300 feet.

507.7.3. Medians. Where streets are provided with median dividers which cannot be crossed by firefighters pulling hose lines hydrants shall be provided on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.

507.7.4. Arterials. Where arterial streets are provided with four or more traffic lanes hydrants shall be provided on each side of the street and be arranged on an alternating basis.

507.7.5. Transportation. Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of structures or similar fire problems, fire hydrants shall be provided at a spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide for transportation hazards.

(25) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.8 as follows:

507.8. Required hydrants. The number of hydrants required for a property shall be based on the calculated fire flow. The first hydrant will be calculated for up to 1,500 gpm. An additional hydrant is required for every 1,000 gpm, or fraction thereof. The required hydrants shall be within 600 feet of the property on a fire apparatus road, as measured by an approved method.

(26) Section 507 of the International Fire Code is amended by adding new subsection 507.9 as follows:

507.9. Notification. The owner of property on which private hydrants are located and the public agencies that own or control public hydrants must provide the fire code official with the following written service notifications in accordance with 507.9.1 and 507.9.2.

507.9.1. In-service notification. The fire code official shall be notified when any newly installed hydrant is placed into service.

507.9.2. Out-of-service notifications. Where any hydrant is out of service or has not yet been placed in service, the hydrant shall be identified as being out of service and shall be appropriately marked as out of service, by a method approved by the fire code official.

(27) Section 510 of the International Fire Code is amended by substituting Section 510 with the following:

510.1 Emergency responder radio coverage in new buildings. Approved radio coverage for emergency responders shall be provided within buildings meeting any of the following conditions:

1. High rise buildings;

2. The total building area is 50,000 square feet or more;

3. The total basement area is 10,000 square feet or more;

4. There are floors used for human occupancy more than 30 feet below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge; or

5. Buildings or structures where the Fire or Police Chief determines that in-building radio coverage is critical because of its unique design, location, use or occupancy. The radio coverage system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 510.4 through 510.5.5 of this code and with the provisions of NFPA 1221 (2019). This section shall not require improvement of the existing public safety communication systems.

Point of Information

When determining if the minimum signal strength referenced 510.4.1.1 exists at a subject building, the signal strength shall be measured at any point on the exterior of the building up to the highest point on the roof.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings and areas of buildings that have minimum radio coverage signal strength levels of the King County Regional 800 MHz Radio System within the building in accordance with Section 510.4.1 without the use of a radio coverage system.

2. In facilities where emergency responder radio coverage is required and such systems, components or equipment required could have a negative impact on the normal operations of that facility, the fire code official shall have the authority to accept an automatically activated emergency responder radio coverage system.

3. One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.

510.2 Emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings. Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio coverage for emergency responders as required in Chapter 11.

510.3 Permit required. A construction permit for the installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage systems and related equipment is required as specified in Section 105.7.6. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Point of Information

Prior coordination and approval from the Public Safety Radio System Operator is required before installation of an Emergency Responder Radio System. Until 2022, such approval is required from EPSCA, King County, Seattle or ValleyCom depending on the location of the installation. In 2022 PSERN will be the single operator of a county wide system. In order to be forward compatible, designers and contractors should be aware of PSERN’s requirements for Distributed Antenna Systems which can be found via https://psern.org/requirements/

510.4 Technical requirements. Systems, components and equipment required to provide the emergency responder radio coverage system shall comply with Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.2.8.

510.4.1 Emergency responder communication enhancement system signal strength. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder communications enhancement system coverage when signal strength measurements in 95 percent of all areas on each floor of the building meet the signal strength requirements in Sections 510.4.1.1 through 510.4.1.3.

Exception: Critical areas, such as the fire command center(s), the fire pump room(s), interior exit stairways, exit passageways, elevator lobbies, standpipe cabinets, sprinkler sectional valve locations, and other areas required by the fire code official, shall be provided with 99 percent floor area radio coverage.

510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into the building. The minimum inbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The inbound signal level shall be a minimum of -95dBm in 95 percent of the coverage area and 99 percent in critical areas and sufficient to provide not less than a Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.0 or an equivalent Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals.

510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building. The minimum outbound signal strength shall be sufficient to provide usable voice communications throughout the coverage area as specified by the fire code official. The outbound signal level shall be sufficient to provide not less than a DAQ of 3.0 or an equivalent SINR applicable to the technology for either analog or digital signals. A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be received by the King County Regional 800 MHz Radio System when transmitted from within the building.

510.4.1.3 System performance. Signal strength shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of the applications being utilized by public safety for emergency operations through the coverage area as specified by the radio system manager in Section 510.4.2.2.

510.4.2 System design. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 510.4.2.1 through 510.4.2.8 and NFPA 1221 (2019).

510.4.2.1 Amplification systems and components. Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with systems and components to enhance the public safety radio signals and achieve the required level of radio coverage specified in Sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.1.3. Public safety communications enhancement systems utilizing radio-frequency-emitting devices and cabling shall be allowed by the Public Safety Radio System Operator. Prior to installation, all RF-emitting devices shall have the certification of the radio licensing authority and be suitable for public safety use.

510.4.2.2 Technical criteria. The Public Safety Radio System Operator shall provide the various frequencies required, the location of radio sites, the effective radiated power of radio sites, the maximum propagation delay in microseconds, the applications being used and other supporting technical information necessary for system design upon request by the building owner or owner’s representative.

510.4.2.3 Power supply sources. Emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be provided with dedicated standby batteries or provided with 2-hour standby batteries and connected to the facility generator power system in accordance with Section 1203. The standby power supply shall be capable of operating the emergency responder radio coverage system at 100-percent system capacity for a duration of not less than 12 hours.

510.4.2.4 Signal booster requirements. If used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:

1. All signal booster components shall be contained in a National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) 4, IP66-type waterproof cabinet or equivalent.

Exception: Listed battery systems that are contained in integrated battery cabinets.

2. Battery systems used for the emergency power source shall be contained in a NEMA 3R or higher-rated cabinet, IP65-type waterproof cabinet or equivalent.

3. Equipment shall have FCC or other radio licensing authority certification and be suitable for public safety use prior to installation.

4. Where a donor antenna exists, isolation shall be maintained between the donor antenna and all inside antennas to not less than 20dB greater than the system gain under all operating conditions.

5. Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) used in emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be fitted with anti-oscillation circuitry and per-channel AGC.

6. The installation of amplification systems or systems that operate on or provide the means to cause interference on any emergency responder radio coverage networks shall be coordinated and approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

7. Unless otherwise approved by the Public Safety Radio System Operator, only channelized signal boosters shall be permitted.

Exception: Broadband BDAs may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

Point of Information

BDAs must also comply with PSERN’s (www.psern.org/requirements) detailed requirements, which include channelized, minimum of 28 channels, supporting analog, P25 Phase I (FDMA), and P25 Phase II (TDMA).

510.4.2.5 System monitoring. The emergency responder radio enhancement system shall include automatic supervisory and trouble signals that are monitored by a supervisory service and are annunciated by the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72. The following conditions shall be separately annunciated by the fire alarm system, or, if the status of each of the following conditions is individually displayed on a dedicated panel on the radio enhancement system, a single automatic supervisory signal may be annunciated on the fire alarm system indicating deficiencies of the radio enhancement system:

1. Loss of normal AC power supply.

2. System battery charger(s) failure.

3. Malfunction of the donor antenna(s).

4. Failure of active RF-emitting device(s).

5. Low-battery capacity at 70-percent reduction of operating capacity.

6. Active system component malfunction.

7. Malfunction of the communications link between the fire alarm system and the emergency responder radio enhancement system.

510.4.2.6 Additional frequencies and change of frequencies. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be capable of modification or expansion in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority.

510.4.2.7 Design documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require “as-built” design documents and specifications for emergency responder communications coverage systems. The documents shall be in a format acceptable to the fire code official.

510.4.2.8 Radio communication antenna density. Systems shall be engineered to minimize the near-far effect. Radio enhancement system designs shall include sufficient antenna density to address reduced gain conditions.

Exceptions:

1. Class A narrow band signal booster devices with independent AGC/ALC circuits per channel.

2. Systems where all portable devices within the same band use active power control.

510.5 Installation requirements. The installation of the public safety radio coverage system shall be in accordance with NFPA 1221 and Sections 510.5.1 through 510.5.7.

510.5.1 Approval prior to installation. Amplification systems capable of operating on frequencies licensed to any public safety agency by the FCC or other radio licensing authority shall not be installed without prior coordination and approval of the Public Safety Radio System Operator.

510.5.2 Minimum qualifications of personnel. The minimum qualifications of the system designer and lead installation personnel shall include both of the following:

1. A valid FCC-issued general radio telephone operators license.

2. Certification of in-building system training issued by an approved organization or approved school, or a certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.

510.5.3 Acceptance test procedure. Where an emergency responder radio coverage system is required, and upon completion of installation, the building owner shall have the radio system tested to verify that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is in accordance with Section 510.4.1. The test procedure shall be conducted as follows:

1. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas, with a maximum test area size of 6,400 square feet. Where the floor area exceeds 128,000 square feet, the floor shall be divided into as many approximately equal test areas as needed, such that no test area exceeds the maximum square footage allowed for a test area.

2. Coverage testing of signal strength shall be conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer for each of the test grids. A diagram of this testing shall be created for each floor where coverage is provided, indicating the testing grid used for the test in Section 510.5.3(1), and including signal strengths and frequencies for each test area. Indicate all critical areas.

3. Functional talk-back testing shall be conducted using two calibrated portable radios of the latest brand and model used by the agency’s radio communications system or other equipment approved by the fire code official. Testing shall use Digital Audible Quality (DAQ) metrics, where a passing result is a DAQ of 3 or higher. Communications between handsets shall be tested and recorded in the grid square diagram required by section 510.5.3(2): each grid square on each floor; between each critical area and a radio outside the building; between each critical area and the fire command center or fire alarm control panel; between each landing in each stairwell and the fire command center or fire alarm control panel.

4. Failure of more than 5 percent of the test areas on any floor shall result in failure of the test.

Exception: Critical areas shall be provided with 99 percent floor area coverage.

5. In the event that two of the test areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor shall be permitted to be divided into 40 equal test areas. Failure of not more than two nonadjacent test areas shall not result in failure of the test. If the system fails the 40-area test, the system shall be altered to meet the 95 percent coverage requirement.

6. A test location approximately in the center of each test area shall be selected for the test, with the radio enabled to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the public agency’s radio communications system. Once the test location has been selected, that location shall represent the entire test area. Failure in the selected test location shall be considered to be a failure of that test area. Additional test locations shall not be permitted.

7. The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured, and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified during annual tests. In the event that the measurement results become lost, the building owner shall be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.

8. As part of the installation, a spectrum analyzer or other suitable test equipment shall be utilized to ensure spurious oscillations are not being generated by the subject signal booster. This test shall be conducted at the time of installation and at subsequent annual inspections.

9. Systems incorporating Class B signal booster devices or Class B broadband fiber remote devices shall be tested using two portable radios simultaneously conducting subjective voice quality checks. One portable radio shall be positioned not greater than 10 feet (3,048 mm) from the indoor antenna. The second portable radio shall be positioned at a distance that represents the farthest distance from any indoor antenna. With both portable radios simultaneously keyed up on different frequencies within the same band, subjective audio testing shall be conducted and comply with DAQ levels as specified in Sections 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2.

10. Documentation maintained on premises. At the conclusion of the testing, and prior to issuance of the building Certificate of Occupancy, the building owner or owner’s representative shall place a copy of the following records in the DAS enclosure or the building engineer’s office. The records shall be available to the fire code official and maintained by the building owner for the life of the system:

a. A certification letter stating that the emergency responder radio coverage system has been installed and tested in accordance with this code, and that the system is complete and fully functional.

b. The grid square diagram created as part of testing in Sections 510.5.3(2) and 510.5.3(3).

c. Data sheets and/or manufacturer specifications for the emergency responder radio coverage system equipment; back up battery; and charging system (if utilized).

d. A diagram showing device locations and wiring schematic.

e. A copy of the electrical permit.

11. Acceptance test reporting to fire code official. At the conclusion of the testing, and prior to issuance of the building Certificate of Occupancy, the building owner or owner’s representative shall submit copies of the acceptance test in a form and manner determined by the fire code official.

510.5.4 FCC compliance. The emergency responder radio coverage system installation and components shall comply with all applicable federal regulations including, but not limited to, FCC 47 CFR Part 90.219.

510.5.5 Mounting of the donor antenna(s). To maintain proper alignment with the system designed donor site, donor antennas shall be permanently affixed on the highest possible position on the building or where approved by the fire code official. A clearly visible sign shall be placed near the antenna stating, “movement or repositioning of this antenna is prohibited without approval from the fire code official.” The antenna installation shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements in the International Building Code for weather protection of the building envelope.

510.5.6 Wiring. The backbone, antenna distribution, radiating, or any fiber-optic cables shall be rated as plenum cables. The backbone cables shall be connected to the antenna distribution, radiating, or copper cables using hybrid coupler devices of a value determined by the overall design. Backbone cables shall be routed through an enclosure that matches the building’s required fire-resistance rating for shafts or interior exit stairways. The connection between the backbone cable and the antenna cables shall be made within an enclosure that matches the building’s fire-resistance rating for shafts or interior exit stairways, and passage of the antenna distribution cable in and out of the enclosure shall be protected as a penetration per the International Building Code.

510.5.7 Identification Signs. Emergency responder radio coverage systems shall be identified by an approved sign located on or near the Fire Alarm Control Panel or other approved location stating “This building is equipped with an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System. Control Equipment located in room____.”

A sign stating “Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Equipment” shall be placed on or adjacent to the door of the room containing the main system components.

510.6 Maintenance. The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be maintained operational at all times in accordance with Sections 510.6.1 through 510.6.7.

510.6.1 Testing and proof of compliance. The owner of the building or owner’s authorized agent shall have the emergency responder radio coverage system inspected and tested annually or where structural changes occur including additions or remodels that could materially change the original field performance tests. Testing shall consist of the following items (1) through (7):

1. In-building coverage test as required by the fire code official as described in Section 510.5.3 “Acceptance test procedure” or 510.6.1.1 “Alternative in-building coverage test.”

Exception: Group R Occupancy annual testing is not required within dwelling units.

2. Signal boosters shall be tested to verify that the gain/output level is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance or set to optimize the performance of the system.

3. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load of a period of 1 hours to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the 1-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional 1-hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined.

4. If a fire alarm system is present in the building, a test shall be conducted to verify that the fire alarm system is properly supervising the emergency responder communication system as required in Section 510.4.2.5. The test is performed by simulating alarms to the fire alarm control panel. The certifications in Section 510.5.2 are sufficient for the personnel performing this testing.

5. Other active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer’s specifications.

6. At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.6.1, shall be submitted to the fire code official by way of the department’s third-party vendor thecomplianceengine.com

7. At the conclusion of testing, a record of the inspection and maintenance along with an updated grid diagram of each floor showing tested strengths in each grid square and each critical area shall be added to the documentation maintained on the premises in accordance with Section 510.5.3.

510.6.1.1 Alternative In-building coverage test. When the comprehensive test documentation required by Section 510.5.3 is available, or the most recent full five-year test results are available if the system is older than six years, the in-building coverage test required by the fire code official in Section 510.6.1(1), may be conducted as follows:

1. Functional talk-back testing shall be conducted using two calibrated portable radios of the latest brand and model used by the agency’s radio communications system or other equipment approved by the fire code official. Testing shall use Digital Audible Quality (DAQ) metrics, where a passing result is a DAQ of 3 or higher. Communications between handsets in the following locations shall be tested: between the fire command center or fire alarm control panel and a location outside the building; between the fire alarm control panel and each landing in each stairwell.

2. Coverage testing of signal strength shall be conducted using a calibrated spectrum analyzer for:

(a) Three grid areas per floor. The three grid areas to be tested on each floor are the three grid areas with poorest performance in the acceptance test or the most recent annual test, whichever is more recent; and

(b) Each of the critical areas identified in acceptance test documentation required by Section 510.5.3, or as modified by the fire code official; and

(c) One grid square per serving antenna.

3. The test area boundaries shall not deviate from the areas established at the time of the acceptance test, or as modified by the fire code official. The building shall be considered to have acceptable emergency responder radio coverage when the required signal strength requirements in 510.4.1.1 and 510.4.1.2 are located in 95 percent of all areas on each floor of the building and 99 percent in Critical Areas, and any non-functional serving antenna are repaired to function within normal ranges. If the documentation of the acceptance test or most recent previous annual test results are not available or acceptable to the fire code official, the radio coverage verification testing described in 510.5.3 shall be conducted.

Point of Information

The alternative in-building coverage test provides an alternative testing protocol for the in-building coverage test in subsection (1) of section 510.6.1. There is no change or alternative to annual testing requirements enumerated in subsections (2) – (7) of Section 510.6.1, which must be performed at the time of each annual test.

510.6.2 Additional frequencies. The building owner shall modify or expand the emergency responder radio coverage system at his or her expense in the event frequency changes are required by the FCC or other radio licensing authority, or additional frequencies are made available by the FCC or other radio licensing authority public safety radio system operator or FCC license holder. Prior approval of a public safety radio coverage system on previous frequencies does not exempt this section.

510.6.3 Nonpublic safety system. Where other nonpublic safety amplification systems installed in buildings reduce the performance or cause interference with the emergency responder communications coverage system, the nonpublic safety amplification system shall be corrected or removed.

510.6.4 Field testing. Agency personnel shall have the right to enter onto the property at any reasonable time to conduct field testing to verify the required level of radio coverage or to disable a system that due to malfunction or poor maintenance has the potential to impact the emergency responder radio system in the region.