Title
(CONTINUED FROM FEB. 19, 2020) - 2018 International Fire Code with Phoenix Amendments - Clarifications, Adjustments and Amendments (Ordinance G-6677)
Description
Request City Council authorization to adopt an ordinance making clarifications, adjustments and amendments to the Phoenix City Code, chapter 15, establishing a revised 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with Phoenix amendments; and moving the Phoenix Fire Prevention Fee Schedule from the body of the code to Appendix A of the Phoenix City Code, chapter 15 where it is currently located, and adopting the revised Fee Schedule.
Report
Summary
The 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with Phoenix amendments was adopted by the Phoenix City Council on June 19, 2019 and codified on July 19, 2019. As with any large code that is actively utilized by the community, clarifications, adjustments and amendments are often implemented to ensure the code language is clear, understandable, concise, and provides consistent outcomes for fire protection contractors, construction contractors, radio communications, the high-rise community, developers, and other industry groups. The clarifications that have been identified in the 2018 IFC with Phoenix Amendments are meant to address grammatical errors, and to provide clarified language in order to provide consistent outcomes of fire code interpretation. This action will ensure the City of Phoenix is utilizing a progressive code that reflects the current evolution of building materials, technologies, and industry practice to provide safety and reduce the cost of construction and compliance.
On Dec. 16, 2019, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-499.15, the City of Phoenix provided notice to the public of proposed adoptions of, or changes to, municipal taxes or fees. Specifically, the Phoenix Fire Department posted notice of its intent to standardize, establish, and increase fees charged for Fire Prevention permits and associated activities. These fees cover administrative, educational, investigative and inspection related costs related to enforcement of the Phoenix Fire Code, chapter 15 Revision on June 19, 2019 by Ordinance G-6601, effective July 19, 2019. The Fee Schedule can be viewed at <https://www.phoenix.gov/fire/prevention/fire-code>.
The Fire Safety Advisory Board (FSAB) has reviewed the attached clarifications, adjustments and amendments of the proposed 2018 IFC with Phoenix Amendments and Phoenix Fire Prevention Fee Schedule, Appendix A, and has approved the changes unanimously at its public meetings. No public comments were received. The full details of the proposed revisions to the 2018 IFC with Phoenix Amendments are provided in Attachment A. The proposed Fire Prevention Fee Schedule and clarifications, adjustment and amendments are provided in Attachments B-C. These attachments are color-coded and provide the code citation, the proposed adjustment or amendment, and the reason for the clarification.
The effective date of the 2018 IFC with Phoenix Amendments and Phoenix Fire Prevention Fee Schedule, Appendix A, if adopted by Council, would be approximately 30 days following City Council Formal approval.
Public Outreach
On Dec. 16, 2019, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-499.15, the City of Phoenix provided notice to the public of proposed adoptions of, or changes to, municipal taxes or fees.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Fire Department.