Board of Appeals - November 15, 2018 Minutes

Members Present: Chairperson, Clay Dietrich, Vice-Chairperson, Mike Wild, Justin Schoenberg, and Jeff Furstenau.

Others Present: Chris Rose, Ryan Erickson, James Garvey, Rob Severson, Dawn Stollenwerk, Ryan Young, Kenton Ctromy, and Gretchen Morlan.

Chairperson, Clay Dietrich, called the meeting to order.

Item 1 – Approve the Minutes of the November 1, 2018 meeting.

Mike Wild motioned to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2018 meeting. Justin Schoenberg seconded the motion. All members present voted aye, and the motion was declared carried.

Item 2 – Unfinished Business. There was no unfinished business to report.

Item 3 – New Business

a). Review of International Fire Code, Chapters 28-80 and Appendicies.

Fire Marshall, Ryan Erickson stated that Chapter 11 of the International Fire Code was presented to Board of Appeals as deleted in its entirety, however, after review with the Inspections Department, it was deemed necessary to review Chapter 11 as the International Property Maintenance Code will intertwine with this chapter.

Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT that states the following: “Chapter 11 is hereby deleted with the exception of Sections 1103.8 and 1103.9”.

City of Fargo Fire Inspector, James Garvey, presented chapters 28-39 of the International Fire Code to the board.

Chapter 28
Section 2810.1-2810.11 This new section adds criteria for outdoor pallet storage at pallet manufacturing facilities and pallet recycling facilities. It provides specific height limits and separation to property lines and buildings, but also allows for the distances to be modified based on providing additional fire protection features.

Chapter 29
Section 2903.3 Changed a sentence to make it easier to read.

Chapter 30 – No Changes.

Chapter 31
Section 3101.1 Scope changed to reflect the changes in the chapter.

Section 3102.1 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3103.1 Language change to reflect the addition of 3106.

Section 3103.3 Added the word outdoor for clarification.

Section 3103.3.1 Special amusement buildings located in temporary tents are required to be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.

Section 3103.6 Temporary tents and membrane structures are required to provide construction documents which address their structural stability and load carrying capacity. Larger tents and membrane structures have been added to the list of temporary facilities which must comply.

Section 3103.9 Language reflects the addition of structural stability requirement.

Section 3103.9.1 Clarifies sections to reference in the International Building Code.

Section 3103.9.2 Requires compliance with the International Building Code for tents or membrane structures greater than 7,500 square ft.

Section 3103.9.3 Requires compliance with the International Building Code for tents or membrane structures with an occupant load greater than 1,000.

Section 3104.1 References 3106 and 3107.

Section 3104.2 The application of testing for flame spread for tent and membrane structures has been clarified.

Section 3105 The requirements for temporary stage structures are expanded to include all temporary structures greater than 400 square feet when used at special events.

Section 3105.1 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3105.2 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3105.4 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure. 45 days was changed to 6 weeks. References ANSI E1.21.

Section 3105.5 References ANSI E1.21.

Section 3105.5 #2 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3105.6.1 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure. Added the word “qualified”.

Section 3105.6.2 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3105.6.3 Removed Temporary Stage Canopy and added Temporary Special Event Structure.

Section 3105.9 Adding a requirement for portable fire extinguishers.

Section 3106 This section adds requirements to outdoor public gatherings and improves the correlation of requirements in the International Building Code and the International Fire Code. Section added in response to several fatal events related to outdoor public gatherings.

Section 3106.1 Outdoor assembly events shall comply with this section.

Section 3106.2 Outdoor assembly events with planned attendance exceeding 1,000 people shall be in accordance with this section and Section 403.12. Temporary structures erected for outdoor assembly events shall comply with this chapter. This AMENDMENT will set the threshold where events shall be required to comply with the safety requirements from Section 3106.

Section 3106.2.1 Outdoor assembly events shall be approved by the fire code official.

Section 3106.2.2 Section 105.6.36 is being deleted through an amendment. The City of Fargo is currently working on developing event permits and there are several legal requirements that will be met through that process.

Section 3106.2.3 Approved fire apparatus access shall be provided.

Section 3106.2.3.1 Event may not obstruct access to fire protection features.

Section 3106.3 Emergency egress shall be approved by fire code official.

Section 3106.3.1 Fire code official shall establish an occupant load for the event site.

Section 3106.3.2 Egress routes shall be maintained.

Section 3106.4.1 – Section 3106.4.7 This section specifies requirements concerning planning, weather monitoring, crowd managers, portable fire extinguishers, designated smoking areas, combustible vegetation and combustible refuse.

Section 3106.5 – Section 3106.5.3 This section specifies requirements for concession stands or booths using cooking appliances. It includes appliance separation from tents or structures, protection of appliances using oils or solids and the use of liquefied petroleum gas. 3106.6

Section 3106.6 – Section 3106.3 Outdoor assembly events shall comply with NFPA 70, be listed and labeled for outdoor use, generators need clearance from combustibles and the public, and fire extinguishers provided for the generators.

Section 3107 These were given a section instead of being in Section 3104.

Section 3107.9 Adds as required by the fire code official.

Section 3107.13 Requirements for the use and separation of LP-gas containers in and around tents and membrane structures has been revised.

Section 3107.13.1 Section changed numbers only.

Section 3107.13.2 Safety release valves changed to pressure relief devices.

Section 3107.13.3 Added the word tanks.

Section 3104.16.2.1 Section removed.

Section 3104.16.2.2 Section removed.

Chapter 32
Section 3201.2 References Section 105.7.

Section 3201.3 A copy of the approved plans needs to be maintained on site.

Section 3201.3.1 A copy of the approved plans needs to be maintained on site.

Section 3201.3.2 A floor plan shall be provided showing: 1) Location of high-piled storage area. 2) Storage height. 3) Commodity type. 4) Required sprinkler clearance. 5) Aisle dimensions. 6) Maximum pile volume. 7) Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203. 8) Fire department access doors. 9) Location of valves controlling the water supply of sprinklers.

Section 3201.4 Change from evacuation plan only.

Section 3203.1 References Sections 3203.2 through 3203.10.3.

Section 3203.2 References Section 3203.9.

Section 3203.3 References Section 3203.9.

Section 3203.4 References Section 3203.9.

Section 3203.5 References Section 3203.9.

Section 3203.8 References Table 3203.8 for determination of commodity class.

Section 3203.9 References Figures 3203.9 (1) and 3203.9 (2) for classification of commodities.

Section 3203.9.1 The highest commodity classification will be used when figure 3203.9 (1) and 3203.9 (2) are both applicable.

Table 3203.8 The table was added to give examples and clarity when classifying commodities.

Section 3203.9.2 Clarifies that the pallet weight or volume is not included in the measurements.

Section 3203.10 Clarifies the treatment of plastic pallets.

Figure 3203.9(1) and (2) Table added for clarification.

Section 3203.10.1 Increases the commodity one class when unreinforced polypropylene pallets are used.

Section 3203.10.2 Increases commodity class when reinforced plastic pallets are used.

Section 3203.10.3 Increases commodity class when other pallets are used unless a testing laboratory specifies otherwise.

Section 3206.1 Added 3206.11.

Section 3206.2 Deleted Extent and type of protection.

Section 3206.2.1 Moved from 3206.2

Table 3206.2 Table specifies that smoke and heat removal systems are not required in cold storage protected by sprinkler systems.

Section 3206.3 Deleted Separation of high-pile storage areas.

Section 3206.3.1 Specifies that the aisles are included in the measurement of the high-pile storage area.

Section 3206.3.2 Clarifies that separation of areas may be achieved by fire barriers or by distance.

Section 3206.3.2.1 This section has been removed.

Section 3206.3.2.1 Language reflects the change to Section 3206.3.2.

Section 3206.6 Changed building access to fire department access.

Sections 3206.7 through 3206.7.8 Clarifies requirements for department access doors. Location, access, marking, number, size and type, locking, and key box requirements are clarified.

Section 3206.10.1.1, Exception #2 Addition of this exception allows aisle widths to be no smaller than 24 inches if the total area is less than 2,500 square feet and the space is not open to the public and sprinklered.

Sections 3208.3 through 3208.3.1 Language change for clarification only.

Table 3208.3 The column of the table for non-sprinkled storage was removed.

Section 3209.4 Changed fire chief to fire code official.

Chapter 33
Section 3303.1 Deleted references to the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.

Section 3304.5 Criteria for requiring fire watch has been added to the code along with clarification to the functions and duties of the fire watch personnel.

Section 3304.5.1 Where required by the fire code official, a fire watch shall be provided during nonworking hours for new construction that exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above the lowest adjacent grade.

Section 3304.5.2 Trained personnel shall be provided to serve as an on-site fire watch. Fire watch personnel shall be provided with not fewer than one approved means for notification of the fire department, and the sole duty of such personnel shall be to perform constant patrols and watch for the occurrence of fire. The combination of fire watch duties and site security duties is acceptable. Fire watch personnel shall be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.

Section 3304.5.3 The fire watch shall include areas specified by the prefire plan established in accordance with Section 3308.3. The fire watch personnel shall keep a record of all time periods of duty, including a log entry each time the site was patrolled and each time a structure under construction was entered and inspected. The records and log entries shall be made available for review by the fire code official upon request.

Section 3304.5.6 Adds language including all hot works within the scope of Chapter 35.

Section 3304.8 Cooking shall be prohibited except in approved designated cooking areas. Signs with a minimum letter height of 3 inches (76 mm) and a minimum brush stroke of 1/2 inch (13 mm) shall be posted in conspicuous locations in designated cooking areas and state: “DESIGNATED COOKING AREA”, “COOKING OUTSIDE OF A DESIGNATED COOKING” and “AREA IS PROHIBITED”.

Section 3308.1 Clarifies the responsibility and availability for fire safety program plans.

Section 3308.2 Reference to NFPA 241 added.

Section 3308.4 Requires maintenance of training records.

Section 3308.5 Requires fire protection equipment to be inspected in accordance with the fire prevention program.

Section 3308.7 Requires covering smoke detectors when producing dust in the area.

Section 3309.1 Allows alternative approved telephone sites at the site entrance, guard shacks and site office.

Section 3311.1 Egress is required when building height is above 40 ft and needs to extend to one story below the highest point having flooring.

Section 3311.2 Specifies accessible means of egress need to be maintained.

Section 3313.1 Refers to the change in Section 3311.1.

Chapter 34 – No Changes

Chapter 35
Section 3503.6 Changed accessible to open.

Section 3504.2.6 Changed readily accessible to provided with ready access.

Chapter 36 - No Changes

Chapter 37 - No Changes

Chapter 38
Sections 3801-3806.2.1 A new chapter has been added to the International Fire Code to specifically regulate college and university laboratories. Correlating sections have been added to a new Section 427 in the International Building Code.

Chapter 38 is a new chapter addressing the unique needs of laboratories in higher education institutions. These academic institutions often have chemistry, biology, medical, engineering and other laboratories where hazardous materials are used. This chapter addresses both new and existing buildings and new and existing laboratories. Applying the general hazardous material provisions has been difficult because of the way these laboratories operate. Often there are many small laboratories with very small quantities of hazardous materials that individually do not exceed the maximum allowable quantities (MAQs). In aggregate, the quantities will exceed the MAQs and could result in the need for a Group H occupancy classification. However, it is believed that the lower density of hazardous materials often mitigates the overall risk. Therefore, this lower density along with a package of additional requirements, including the concept of laboratory suites, are appropriate to allow the laboratories to not be classified as Group H. This chapter also addresses the use of certain materials typically prohibited for existing buildings not protected throughout with a sprinkler system. These allowances come with certain safety measures such as the use of storage cabinets and fume hoods.

Section 3801.1 Higher education laboratories complying with the requirements of this chapter shall be permitted to exceed the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials in control areas set forth in Chapter 50 without requiring classification as a Group H occupancy.

Section 3801.2 This Chapter shall be applied as exceptions or additions to the International Fire Code. The storage use and handling of hazardous materials shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 50 through 67.

Section 3802.1 References the addition of five terms now defined in Chapter 2.

Section 3803 The following safety provisions shall be followed. Section 3803.1.1 Chemical safety plans covering operations, emergency procedure planning and documentation shall be available in the workplace to employees and to the fire code official. These documents shall be prepared by laboratory safety personnel or special experts.

Section 3804 Laboratory suites need to be constructed in accordance with this chapter and the International Building Code. The number of laboratory suites and percentages of MAQ of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Table 3804.1.1. Laboratory suites shall be separated from non-laboratory areas by fire barriers in accordance with the IBC. Laboratory suite separation from each other shall be in accordance with Table 3804.1.1. Floor assembly supporting a laboratory suite shall have not less than 2-hour fire resistance rating.
The number of laboratory suites per floor shall be in accordance with Table 3804.1.1. The means of egress shall be in accordance with Chapter 10. Emergency or standby power shall be provided per Section 1203.2.13. Ventilation shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. Liquid-tight floors shall be provided where hazardous materials are present. Buildings containing laboratory suites shall be equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.

Section 3805 Existing non-sprinklered laboratories shall comply with Section 3803 and Chapters 50-67. Where approved by the fire code official 25 percent of Pyrophorics and Class 4 Oxidizers from Table 5003.1.1 may be used in non-sprinklered laboratories. This is allowed provided containers are sealed and storage per manufacturers’ guidelines in a cabinet or glove box with no incompatible materials stored in the cabinet. During use of normally restricted pyrophorics or Class 4 oxidizers: they must be used in UL listed 1805 fume hoods, all combustibles not directly related to the research must be 2 feet away from the work area and a portable extinguisher appropriate for the material shall be within 20 feet. An automatic fire detection system shall be installed in non-sprinklered buildings using restricted materials. This system shall be connected to the building’s fire alarm panel and activate occupant notification. The percentage of MAQs shall be permitted to increase in accordance with Table 3805.4.

Section 3806 Existing sprinklered laboratories shall comply with Section 3806 and Chapters 50 through 67. MAQs for existing sprinklered laboratories shall be in accordance with Table 3803.2.1.

Chapter 39
Sections 3901 through 3905.2 A new Chapter has been added to the IFC to specifically regulate the process of extracting oils from plant material. Chapter 39 is a new chapter focused on the processing and extraction of oils and fats from various plants. This process includes extraction by use of a solvent, desolventizing the raw material, production of the miscella, distillation of the solvent from the miscella and solvent recovery. The processes used are not necessarily typical hazardous material processes, and often the systems and equipment associated with such processes are not listed. Because of the typical lack of listings, the systems and equipment need specific approvals for each installation. This chapter provides the tools to appropriately address the hazards while also meeting the unique needs of industry. This chapter has provisions for a technical report prepared by a registered design professional and requires site inspections to make sure equipment and systems are installed as designed and approved.

Section 3901.1 Plant processing or extraction facilities shall comply with this chapter and the International Building Code.

Section 3901.2 Existing facilities shall comply with this chapter.

Section 3901.3 Permits are required as set forth in Sections 105.6 and 105.7.

Section 3903 Extraction is prohibited in any building containing Group A, E, I or R occupancy. The extraction needs to occur in a room dedicated to extraction. Heating or pressurization of the miscella needs to be done in an appliance listed for such use. It may not be done in a cooking appliance not listed for this process. Where flammable and combustible liquids for extraction are boiled, distilled or evaporated it shall be within a hazardous exhaust fume hood. Open flame heating is prohibited. LPG may not be released into the atmosphere.

Section 3904 All systems and equipment shall comply with this chapter, the International Building Code, and the International Mechanical Code. The equipment shall be listed or approved for the specific use. If no listing is available a registered design professional shall prepare a report for review and approval of the fire code official. Technical report needs to be approved prior to equipment installation. The report shall include the content outlined in Section 3904.3.1. A site inspection completed by an approved professional shall be conducted ensuring that the installation matches the report.

Section 3905 Where flammable gasses or solvents are used a gas detection system shall be provided that alarms at 25% of the lower flammable limit. The system shall be listed or approved, calibrated for the specific gasses used, the alarm activation shall initiate audible and visual signals in the extraction room, the alarm shall deactivate heating within the extraction room and activate mechanical ventilation. Electrical components within the extraction room shall be deactivated upon gas detection. An Emergency shutoff shall be provided.

Clay Dietrich inquired if the ruling on laboratories gives fire inspectors the appropriate tools to better regulate college laboratories. James Garvey stated that the labs he inspects have moved towards regulations but this is a work in progress. Ryan Erickson stated Mr. Garvey presented two new chapters and that Chapter 39 is adding regulation due to new industry. Chapter 38 is to ease these regulations for college laboratories as the maximum allowable quantities and hazardous materials chapters are set up for industry and manufacturing. He gave an example of inspecting laboratories from the early 1900’s where the same type of work is being done, but the chemicals have changed, so Chapter 38 has been created so that laboratories in old building can still move towards compliance.

Ryan Erickson noted that Chapters 40 through 49 are reserved and are not being reviewed.

Fire inspector, Rob Severson, presented Chapters 50 through 60 to the Board.

Chapter 50
Section 5001.2.1 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) changed to Safety Data Sheets. (SDS)

Section 5002 Omitted Material Safety Data Sheet and added Safety Data Sheet to the definitions.

Table 5003.1.1(1) They have removed Consumer Fireworks from Table 5003.1.1(1) and they are now consolidated into their own category under the Fireworks definition and the requirements of Chapter 56. This removes the 100 percent increase (125 – 250 pounds) granted in sprinklered buildings and will now require any building exceeding the MAQ of 125 pounds to be classified as a Group H, Division 3 occupancy and thus must meet those requirements.

Table 5003.1.1(1), Footnote K Footnote K has increased the allowable amounts of Class 3 oxidizers used for maintenance, operations or sanitation of equipment from 200 pounds of solid to 220 pounds of solids and 20 gallons of liquids to 22 gallons of liquids. Changes made to coincide with new packaging methods that will align with the international metric (SI) weight and volume capacities.

Section 5003.2.2.1 Changed wording in Item 3 from “readily” accessible to “ready access” and wording in Item 4 from “clearly visible, accessible” to “access clearly visible”.

Section 5003.7.3 Relocated requirements for industrial trucks in designated hazardous areas to Section 309.2. Section 5003.7.3 refers to Section 309.2 for requirements.

Table 5003.8.2 For materials that are detonable, Section 415.6 of the International Building Code is referenced or Chapter 56 of the International Fire Code based on the trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalence of the material, whichever is greater for determining distance to other buildings or lot lines.

Section 5003.8.3 Exception added for higher education laboratories. Higher education laboratories addressed in the newly added Chapter 38.

Table 5003.8.3.2 Changed “floor level” title in table to “story”.
Section 5003.8.3.2 Changed from “floor level” to “each story” `within a building.

Section 5003.8.3.4 Added Group IV construction to the exception of a 1-hour fire-resistance rated floor supporting the control area if both subsections are met.

Section 5003.8.3.5 Added sections for requirements for specific hazardous materials. These are; Nonflammable solids and nonflammable and combustible liquids, flammable and combustible liquids and aerosols.

Section 5003.9.1.1 Changed “Material Safety Data Sheets” to “Safety Data Sheets”.

Section 5003.9.8 Added “any amount of compressed gases” to capacity requirements and materials that are incompatible shall not be stored within the same cabinet or exhausted enclosure.

Table 5003.11.1 Increased the amounts in table for physical-hazard materials – nonflammable and noncombustible solids and liquids from 1150 pounds (solids) to 1350 pounds (solids) and 115 gallons (liquid) to 135 gallons (liquid) to align with international metric (SI) weights and volumes.

Section 5004.7.1 Changed wording from combustible liquids to Class II and III combustible liquids in Item 1 for clarification.

Section 5005.1.12 This section was moved from Section 5003.2.2.1 Item 6 in the 2015 IFC to this section. It now only requires hazardous gasses and liquids over their MAQs and are pressurized to over 15 psig to meet the leak detection and emergency shutoff requirement. This would require them to be in a Group H occupancy.

Chapter 51
Section 5103.2 Changed wording to cartons or outer packaging shall be identified on no fewer than one exterior side with the classification level of the aerosol products contained within the carton.

Sections 5103.2.1, 5103.2.2 & 5103.2.3 These sections added for clarification of the different types of aerosol products, their containers, quantity limits and their labeling.

Section 5104.1.1 Changed section title from “Plastic containers” to “Plastic Level 1 aerosol products” for clarification.

Section 5104.1.1 Changed wording in Item 3 from “and / or” to “a combination thereof”.

Section 5104.1.2 This section added for aerosols in containers larger than 4 fluid ounces and do not meet the criteria of Section 5104.1.1. They will be classified as Aerosol X products because of their flammability criteria and shall be prohibited in higher life hazard occupancies.

Section 5104.2.2 Section added to address aerosol cooking spray storage limitations in certain occupancies.

Sections 5104.3 and 5104.3.1 Changed from “aerosol storage” to “aerosol product storage’ for clarification.

Section 5104.3.2 Changed wording from “storage of aerosols” to “storage of aerosol products” for clarification.

Section 5104.3.3 Section added for requirements for storage configurations, quantities and protection in accordance with NFPA 30B for cooking spray aerosols in general-purpose warehouses.

Sections 5104.4 and 5104.4.1 Changed wording from “aerosol warehouses” to “aerosol product warehouses”.

Section 5104.4.4 Changed wording from “aerosol warehouse” to “aerosol product warehouse” in the section and exception.

Section 5104.7 and Table 5104.7 Added “aerosol cooking products” to this section and table.

Sections 5104.8, 5104.8.1 & 5104.8.2 These sections added for the requirements of aerosol cooking spray products in mixed storage general purpose warehouses and the requirement to comply with NFPA 30B.

Sections 5106.1, 5106.2.1 & Table 5106.2.1 Added aerosol cooking spray products to these sections.

Section 5106.2.2 & 5106.2.3 Changed Section 5106.2.2 to fire protection requirements for aerosol cooking spray storage and moved display of aerosol products to Section 5106.2.3. Changed wording in Section 5106.2.3 from “aerosol containers” to “aerosol products” and from “aerosol array” to “aerosol product array”.

Sections 5106.3, 5106.3.2, 5106.3.3 & 5106.5 Changed all wording from “aerosol” to “aerosol product”.

Table 5106.4 Wording in table title changed from “aerosol” to “aerosol products” and referenced Section 6.3.4.3 & 6.3.4.4 of NFPA 30B in the table changed to Section 6.4.4.3 & 6.4.4.4.

Sections 5106.5 and 5106.5.1 Changed wording from “aerosols” to “aerosol products” and Reference Table 7.4.1 & Figure 7.4.1 of NFPA 30B changed to Table 7.5.1 & Figure 7.5.1.

Section 5106.5.2 Changed wording from “aerosol” to “aerosol products”.

Section 5106.5.6 Reference Table 7.4.1 & Figure 7.4.1 of NFPA changed to Table 7.5.1 & Figure 7.5.1.

Section 5106.5.7 Changed wording from “aerosols” to “aerosol products”.

Chapter 53
Section 5301.1 Deleted “for use as a vehicular fuel”, changed to “applicable portions” of Chapters 23 and 58 of this code, the International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 2 for compressed hydrogen, and relocated LP-gas requirement to Item 4 in exceptions.

Section 5303.5.3 Changed wording from “warehouses not accessible to the public” to “warehouses not open to the public.”

Section 5305.4 Changed wording from “shall be accessible” to “access to such valves shall be provided and maintained.”

Section 5306.1 Deleted “inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry,” and made it “patient or veterinary care.” Added Section 427 of the International Building Code for a reference.

Section 5306.2 Changed wording from “stored” to “located.”

Section 5306.2.1 Changed the venting requirements from two non- closable louvered vents to two vents and from 24 square inches for each 1000 cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) to 36 square inches for each 1000 cubic feet.

Section 5306.2.2 Added specific fire barrier and horizontal assembly requirements in accordance with Sections 707 and 711 of the International Building Code and opening protection requirements.

Section 5306.2.3 Item 1 added the exhaust requirement in accordance with Chapter 5 of the International Mechanical Code. Item 2 added supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour fire-resistance rated shaft enclosure from cabinet to the exterior and Item 3 reworded from “internally sprinklered” to “provided with an automatic sprinkler system internal to the cabinet.

Section 5307 This Section has been moved from Section 5308 to 5307 and renamed from Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Systems Used in Dispensing Applications to Compressed Gases Not Otherwise Regulated. Sections 5307 and 5308 were combined and made into one section in the 2018 code. Two exceptions were added to Section 5307.2 Ventilation and Section 5307.2.1 Gas Detection System where also added.

Section 5307.3 This section was renamed Insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing to be more consistent with the language of NFPA 55, Compressed Gasses and Cryogenic Fluids Code.

Section 5307.3.1 This section was modified to clarify that where ventilation is provided; it must be designed to ventilate all areas where released carbon dioxide could accumulate. It also references Section 5004.3 for the requirements that must be met for ventilation.

Section 5307.3.2 This section changed from Section 5307.5.2 Emergency alarm system to Section 5707.3.2 Gas detection system and specifies the requirements that must be met for a gas detection system.

Section 5307.4 This section added to the fire code to regulate the use of carbon dioxide enrichment systems in the indoor growing process of marijuana. These systems are used to stimulate the growth of the marijuana plants in the indoor growing facilities and thus increase the chance for leaks and possibly asphyxiation hazards. The requirements are only for systems that contain more than 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide or when the refill connection is remote from the tank or vessel.

Sections 5307.4.1 through 5307.4.7 These sections added for the requirements that must be met for the use of the carbon dioxide enhancement systems used for the marijuana growing facilities.

Chapter 54 - No changes.

Chapter 55
Section 5503.4.3 Changed from “accessible location” of nameplate to location provided with “ready access.”

Chapter 56
Section 5601.1.3 Added “as applicable” for consumer fireworks in Exception 4.

Tables 5601.8.1(1), 5601.8.1(2) and 5601.8.1(3) Changed title in all three tables from “Separation-Distance” to “Quantity-Distance”, omitted all Q-D columns from the tables, and incorporated the material into existing columns.

Table 5601.8.1(3) Omitted Footnote d. from the table. This table shall not apply to consumer fireworks, 1.4G.

Table 5604.3 Omitted Footnote c from table. This table shall not apply to consumer fireworks, 1.4G.

Table 5604.5.2(3) Omitted “This table shall not apply to consumer fireworks, 1.4G. from footnote c.

Section 5606.5.2.1 Changed from “unaccessible” to “not open to”.

Section 5606.5.2.3 Changed from “shall not be accessible to” to “is not open to”.

Section 5609.1 Added “display” to this section in regards to consumer fireworks.

Chapter 57
Section 5703.6.2.1 Wording changed in Item 3 from “accessible” to “in a location with ready access”.

Section 5703.6.6.1 Wording changed from “readily accessible” to “with ready access”.

Section 5704.2.9.6.1 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT. Storage of Class I and II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited. Above-ground tanks outside of buildings shall be installed only in areas zoned industrial or limited industrial and shall be located at least 300 feet from all non-industrial zoned districts. Clarify language that is currently in the Land Development code in regards to the placement of above ground tanks.

Section 5704.2.9.6.2 Changed wording from “accessible” to “open” for fire-fighting purposes.

Section 5704.2.9.7.5.1 Changed wording in exception from “accessible” to “available” to the person filling the tank.

Section 5704.2.13.1.4 Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT.
Summary: 7. Site assessment is required to determine if there are any spills, leaks, or discharge from the tank system. Records of site assessment shall be kept on the site of tank location.

Section 5704.3.5.4 Changed wording from “inaccessible” to “not open” to the public.

Section 5704.3.6.2 Changed wording from “accessible” to “open” to the public.

Section 5705.2.1 Wording changed from “positive –displacement pumps” to “where positive-displacement pumps are used”.

Section 5705.3.7.5.1 Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT.
Exception: 1. Where natural ventilation can be shown to be effective for the materials used, dispensed or mixed.
2. When approved by the chief, continuous ventilation may be provided for one complete air change per hour, if supplemented with mechanical ventilation designed to provide for a complete air change six times per hour. The non-continuous ventilation equipment and any lighting fixtures shall be operated by the same switch located outside of the door.

Section 5706.4.7.6 Wording changed in Item 4 from “readily accessible” to “ready access” and from “accessible” to “ready access” in Item 7.

Section 5706.4.10.4 Wording changed from “is accessible to” to “is designed” for vehicular traffic.

Section 5706.5.1.1 Changed wording from “tank car transfer facilities” to “tank cars engaged in bulk transfer or process transfer operations” and added Exception for buildings for pumps and shelters for personnel supporting operations shall not be required to be separated from tank vehicles and tank cars engaged in bulk transfer or process transfer operations.

Section 5706.5.3.1.1 Wording changed from “accessible” to “able to be accessed” from grade.

Section 5706.5.4.5 Wording changed in Item 5 from “not accessible” to “not open” to the public.

Section 5707 This section added to provide requirements and guidelines for the safe operation of the emerging mobile fueling industry.

Chapter 58
Section 5801.1 Relocated NFPA 2 from the end of the section to the first sentence to clarify that both NFPA 2 and NFPA 55 are referenced in this section.

Section 5802 Added Gas Detection System to the definitions.

Section 5806.2 Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited. Stationary containers shall be installed only in areas zoned industrial or limited industrial and shall be located at least 300 feet from all non-industrial zoning districts.

Clarifies language regarding flammable cryogenic liquids and places the same restrictions that currently exist for installation of above ground tanks.

Section 5808.5 System design, activation and operation addressed in Section 916.

Section 5808.5.1 This section was changed from Section 5808.5.3 “operation” to Section 5808.5.1 “system activation”.

Section 5808.5.2 This section moved from Section 5808.5.4 to Section 5808.5.2 and wording changed. Added “automatically” activate and changed “cessation” to “stop” hydrogen generation.

Chapter 59 - No changes.

Chapter 60
Section 6004.2.2.7 Items 2.1 and 2.2 omitted, revised, and rewritten into Item 2 in the exceptions.

Section 6004.2.2.10 Added reference to Section 916 for compliance and 6004.2.2.10.1 through 6004.2.2.10.3 for initiated response to an alarm.

Section 6004.2.2.10.1 Section was Gas detection components in 2015 code and is now addressed in Section 916 and this section renamed as alarms. Wording was changed from “visual and audible” to “audible and visible”.

Section 6004.2.2.10.2 Changed wording from “readily accessible” to “ready access’ in Item 3 of the exceptions.

Section 6005.3.2 Added reference to Section 916 for compliance of the gas detection system.

Section 6005.5 Omitted Item 3, when the gas detection system detects ozone.

Fire Inspector, Dawn Stollenwork, presented Chapters 61 through 80 of the International Fire Code to the Board.

Section 6103.2.1.4 Change of heading from “Group E and I occupancies” to “Research and experimentation”. Section now includes provisions for group B occupancy to allow for use of portable LP-gas containers in labs for educational use in research and experimentation.

Section 6103.2.1.6 Portable LP-gas containers are allowed to be used to supply approved self-contained torch assemblies or similar appliances. Such containers shall not exceed a water capacity of 2 ½ pounds (1 kg) 12 pounds. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT.

Section 6104.2 Within the limits established by law restricting the storage of liquefied petroleum gas for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas, the aggregate capacity of any one installation shall not exceed 2,000 gallons (7570 L). Unprotected tanks with a water capacity exceeding 2,000 gallons shall be installed only in areas zoned industrial or limited industrial and shall be located at least 300 feet from all non-industrial zoning districts. Staff recommends adding a local AMENDMENT.

Clarifies language regarding LPG storage and places the same restrictions that currently exist for installation of above ground tanks.

Section 6104.3 Footnote “e”, verbiage has changed from “allowed next to the building the serve” to “allowed without a separation distance”. Footnote “g” was added to clarify and specify separation distance between above ground LP-gas containers and public ways -2,000 gallon water capacity of less, not less than 5 feet. 2,000 gallon water capacity or more in accordance with the table.

Section 6109.3 Change increases size restrictions from greater than 2 ½ pounds to greater than 2.7 pound (water capacity of cylinders that are required to be stored in proper orientation with their relief valve).

Section 6109.7 Change in the size of a self-contained LP-gas had torch or similar from 2 1//2 pounds to 2.7 pounds in line with the changes made previously in this chapter.

Section 6109.8 Verbiage change from “LP-gas container” to LP-gas “DOT cylinder”. Modifies the applicable sized container to 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg) and larger from 2.5 pounds (1 kg) in accordance with the previous changes in the chapter. Clarifies that this section applies to both containers and tanks, previously only noted containers.

Section 6109.9 Verbiage change from “accessible” to the public to “open” to the public throughout the section.
Modifies the applicable sized container to 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg) and larger from 2.5 pounds (1 kg) in accordance with the previous changes in the chapter.

Section 6109.10 Verbiage change throughout the section from buildings not “accessible” to the public to buildings not “open” to the public

Chapter 62
Section 6204.1.11“Gas detection system” was deleted from the list of systems requiring standby power.

Chapter 63 – No Changes.

Chapter 64 – No Changes.

Chapter 65 – No Changes.

Chapter 66 – No Changes.

Chapter 67 – No Changes.

Chapters 68-79 RESERVED.

Fire Marshall, Ryan Erickson, presented Appendix A through Appendix N of the International Fire Code to the Board.

Appendix A – No Changes.

Appendix B Appendix B "Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings" is adopted and enacted in its entirety.

Section B103.1 Changed wording from fire chief to ‘fire code official’.

Section B103.2 Changed wording from fire chief to ‘fire code official’.

Appendix C Appendix C "Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution" is adopted and enacted in its entirety.

Table C102.1 Updated the table to clarify gpm requirements. All gpm is covered clarifying how many hydrants are required. A new footnote was added allowing the fire code official to modify the requirements based on site-specific constraints.

Appendix D Appendix D “Fire Apparatus Access Roads” is adopted and enacted in its entirety.

Section D102.1 Changed wording from at least 75,000 lbs to up to 75,000 lbs.

Section D103.1 Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT deleting this section in its entirety. The access road width of 20’ is adequate to accommodate access and fire hydrants.

Section D103.2 Changed wording from fire chief to ‘fire code official’.

Appendix E Appendix E is for information purposes and is not intended for adoption. This appendix was updated for clarification and updated guidance on classifying certain oxidizers.

Appendix F Appendix F is not adopted by the City of Fargo.
Table F101.2 A footnote was added to the table to clarify requirements for F3 finely divided solids.

Appendix G Appendix G is for information purposes and is not intended for adoption.

Appendix H Appendix H is not adopted by the city of Fargo. No changes noted.

Appendix I Appendix I is not adopted by the City of Fargo.
Section I101.3 Subsection 7.1 was clarified by changing wording from accessible to ‘able to be accessed’.

Appendix J Appendix J is not adopted by the City of Fargo. No changes noted.

Appendix K Appendix K is not adopted by the City of Fargo. Several sections were added and modified to this appendix.

Appendix L Appendix L is not adopted by the City of Fargo.
Section L104.14.1 Changed wording from fire chief to ‘fire code official’.

Appendix M Appendix M is not adopted by the City of Fargo.
Section M103.1 Clarified wording to refer to receipt of written notice instead of effective date of code.

Appendix N Appendix N is not adopted by the city of Fargo. Appendix N was created to address the hazards that are associated with larger, more complex trade shows and exhibitions. Many of the requirements are already located in various locations of this code. The intent is to have the requirements in a single location for ease of use.

Item 4 – Staff Reports. There were no staff reports.

Item 5 – Adjournment. Justin Schoenberg motioned to adjourn the meeting. Jeff Furstenau seconded the motion. All members present voted aye, and the motion was declared carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Rose, Acting Board Secretary