A. A new subsection 503.1.1, Buildings and Facilities, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities

Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building, or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 ft (45.72 m) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of a building or facility.

EXCEPTIONS:

The Fire Code Official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 ft (45.72 m) where any of the following conditions occur:

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

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

1.2 There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies.

B. A new subsection 503.1.2, Additional Access, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.1.2 Additional Access

The Fire Code Official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climate conditions, or other factors that could limit access.

C. A new subsection 503.2, Specifications, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2 Specifications

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

D. A new subsection 503.2.1, Dimensions, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.1 Dimensions

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 ft (6.096 m), exclusive of shoulders and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 ft 6 in (4.118 m).

E. A new subsection 503.2.2, Authority, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.2 Authority

The Fire Code Official shall have the authority to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

F. A new subsection 503.2.3, Surface, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.3 Surface

Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

G. A new subsection 503.2.4, Turning Radius, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.4 Turning Radius

The required radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the Fire Code Official.

H. A new subsection 503.2.5, Dead Ends, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.5 Dead Ends

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 ft (45.72 m) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.

I. A new subsection 503.2.5.1, Length of Dead Ends, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.5.1 Length of Dead Ends

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads with a length greater than 450 ft (137.16 M) shall not be allowed without the approval of the Fire Code Official and Public Works Director.

J. A new subsection 503.2.6, Bridges and Elevated Surfaces, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.6 Bridges and Elevated Surfaces

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

K. A new subsection 503.2.7, Grade, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.7 Grade

The grade of the fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the Fire Code Official based on the Fire Department’s apparatus.

L. A new subsection 503.2.8, Angles of Approach and Departure, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.2.8 Angles of Approach and Departure

The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the Fire Code Official based on the Fire Department’s apparatus. No access roadway or access road approach to a public way shall have an arc higher than 12 inches in less than 20 ft unless additional safeguards are provided.

M. A new subsection 503.3, Marking, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.3 Marking

Where required by the Fire Code Official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE” shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads ro prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. Fire lanes shall be designed and constructed and maintained as identified in the City of Bothell Design and Construction Standards and Specifications.

N. Subsection 503.6, Security Gate, Bollards, or Other Obstructions, is hereby amended to read as follows:

503.6 Security Gate, Bollards, or Other Obstructions

The installation of security gates, bollards, or other obstructions across a fire apparatus access road shall be reviewed and approved by the Fire Code Official. The use of directional-limiting devices (tire spikes) is prohibited. Where security gates, bollards, or other obstructions are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates, bollards, or other obstructions and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed, and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200 and where required by the Fire Code Official, must be equipped with Click-2-Enter or other authorized equipment that allows for operation of the gate by Fire and Police personnel from their vehicle.

Gates shall be at a minimum as wide as the required access road width. Gates, bollards or other obstructions on commercial properties must be set back 30 feet. from roadway edge of pavement. Where a fence is provided on each side of a gate, a man door shall be provided at an approved location with a Knox Box for access to the man door.

EXCEPTION:

Automated gates equipped with Click-2-Enter or other authorized equipment that allows for operation of the gate by Fire and Police personnel from their vehicle are not required to be set back 30 ft. from the roadway edge of pavement provided the roadway is not an arterial, residential collector street or a street with lane markers.

O. A new subsection 503.7, Fire Lanes, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7 Fire Lanes

Designation and marking of fire lanes shall be governed by the following provisions:

P. A new subsection 503.7.1, Designation by Fire Code Official, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.1 Designation by Fire Code Official.

The Fire Code Official is granted authority to designate all or a portion of any roadway, driveway, alleyway, parking lot, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress to business, commercial, or multifamily structures, whether such ingress or egress is publicly or privately maintained, as a fire lane in the manner set forth in this section.

Q. A new subsection 503.7.2, Criteria for Designation, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.2 Criteria for Designation.

Selection of areas to be designated as fire lanes shall be discretionary with the Fire Code Official and shall be based upon the requirements of the specific site for access by Fire, Police, and other emergency equipment.

R. A new subsection 503.7.3, Notification of Designation, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.3 Notification of Designation.

Upon determining that an area should be designated as a fire lane, the Fire Code Official shall notify the Owner, or other person or organization having control of said area, of the designation and of the action required to give notice of the designation by painting, posting of signs, symbols or otherwise. The Fire Code Official shall consult with the City Attorney before determining by what means notice of the fire lane designation shall be given.

S. A new subsection 503.7.4, Owner to Mark Fire Lanes, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.4 Owner to Mark Fire Lanes.

The owner or other person or organization having control of the area designated as a fire lane shall, within 14 days after being advised of the fire lane designation, give notice of said designation by painting, posting signs, symbols or such other method as directed by the Fire Code Official. The cost of giving notice and maintaining the same shall be borne by the owner or other responsible party.

T. A new subsection 503.7.5, Appeal of Designation, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.5 Appeal of Designation.

Any person aggrieved by the designation of a fire lane pursuant to this section may appeal said designation to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk within 10 days of issuance of notice of the designation pursuant to subsection 507.3 of this section. The unexpired portion of the 14-day period established by subsection 507.4 of this section for marking the area designated as a fire lane shall be suspended until a final determination on the appeal has been rendered by the City Council.

U. A new subsection 503.7.6, Parking in Fire Lane Prohibited, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.6 Parking in Fire Lane Prohibited.

No vehicle shall be parked on, or in such a manner as to obstruct, any portion of any roadway, driveway, alleyway, parking area, or other means of vehicular ingress or egress designated as a fire lane by the Fire Code Official pursuant to this section when reasonable notice of the designation has been given by signs, painting, symbols or other means.

V. A new subsection 503.7.7, Penalty for Violations, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

503.7.7 Penalty for Violations.

Any person who fails to mark or maintain the marking of a designated fire lane as prescribed in subsection 503.7.4 of this section or who parks a vehicle in, or who allows a vehicle to be parked in, or who obstructs, or who allows a vehicle to obstruct a designated fire lane in violation of subsection 503.7.6 of this section shall be deemed to have committed an infraction, punishable by a fine as set forth in the City’s Fee Schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council.

W. A new subsection 504.4, Buildings with Enclosed Interior Courtyards, is hereby adopted to read as follows:

504.4 Buildings with Enclosed Interior Courtyards

New buildings with enclosed interior courtyards shall have a straight/direct access corridor and/or stairway from the exterior to the courtyard at a location acceptable to the Fire Code Official. If a stairway is used it shall comply with IFC Section 1011 and a corridor shall comply with IFC Section 1020. The access shall have a minimum width of 4 ft, (or as directed by the Fire Marshal), and be large enough to carry a 35 ft sectional ladder (minimum folded length 20 ft) directly from the exterior to the courtyard without obstructions. The access door shall be marked at the street as “Direct access to courtyard”.

X. Subsection 507.2.1, Private Fire Service Mains, is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.2.1 Private Fire Service Mains

All underground piping shall be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with NFPA 24 – Private Fire Service Mains and NFPA 13 – Water-based Fire Protection Systems. In addition to the requirements of these standards, two forms of joint restrain shall be used.

EXCEPTION:

Underground piping that is threaded, welded, heat fused, or utilizes chemical or solvent cemented connections provided that such joints can pass the hydrostatic test without shifting of the piping.

Point of Information Piping systems under the control of utilities providers shall be installed in accordance with the Utilities Engineering Standard.

Y. Subsection 507.3, Fire Flow, is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.3 Fire Flow

Fire flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method and shall be in accordance with IFC Appendix B as amended, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Code Official.

Point of Information Fire flow shall be measured in accordance with WAC 246-290-230 and WAC 246-290-420 as now or hereafter amended.

Z. Subsection 507.5.1, Where Required, is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.5.1 Where Required

Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than the distances established in IFC Appendix C from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be shall be as established in IFC Appendix C.

2. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, the distance requirement shall be as established in IFC Appendix C.

AA. Subsection 507.5.2, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance, is hereby amended to read as follows:

507.5.2 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

Fire hydrant systems, including private hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the Fire Marshal. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Records of tests and required maintenance shall be maintained. All maintenance records shall be uploaded into www.thecomplianceengine.com.

BB. Subsection 510.1, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage in New Buildings, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 ft below the finished floor of the lowest level of exist discharge; or

5. The Fire or Police Chief determines that in-building radio coverage is critical because of the unique design, location, use, or occupancy of the building or structure.

The radio coverage system shall be installed in accordance with 510.4 through 510.5.5 of this code and with the provisions of NFPA 1221. This section shall not require improvements of the existing public safety communication system.

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.

CC. Subsection 510.4.1, Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System Signal Strength, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 % floor area radio coverage.

DD. Subsection 510.4.1.1, Minimum Signal Strength into the Building, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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% of the coverage area and 99% 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

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.

EE. Subsection 510.4.1.2, Minimum Signal Strength Out of the Building, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

FF. Subsection 510.4.1.3, System Performance, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

GG. Subsection 510.4.2, System Design, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

HH. Subsection 510.4.2.1, Amplification Systems and Components, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 Radio System Manager. Prior to installation, all RF-emitting devices shall have the certification of the radio licensing authority and be suitable for public safety use.

II. Subsection 510.4.2.2, Technical Criteria, is hereby amended to read as follows:

510.4.2.2 Technical Criteria

The Radio System Manager 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.

JJ. Subsection 510.4.2.4, Signal Booster Requirements, is hereby amended to read as follows:

510.4.2.4 Signal Booster Requirements

If used, signal boosters shall meet the following requirements:

1. All active 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. The battery system shall be contained in a NEMA 3R, IP66-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. Active RF emitting devices used in emergency responder radio coverage systems shall have built-in oscillation detection and control circuitry.

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 Radio System Manager.

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

EXCEPTION:

Broadband BDA’s may be utilized when specifically authorized in writing by the radio system operator.

Point of Information BDA’s 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).

KK. Subsection 510.4.2.5, System Monitoring, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 % 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.

8. Oscillation of active RF emitting device(s).

LL. Subsection 510.4.2.6, Additional Frequencies and Change of Frequencies, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

MM. Subsection 510.4.2.7, Design Documents, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

NN. Subsection 510.4.2.8, Radio Communication Antenna Density, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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.

OO. Subsection 510.5, Installation Requirements, is hereby amended to read as follows:

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 Radio System Manager.

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

EXCEPTION:

Critical areas shall be provided with 99% floor area coverage.

4. 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% coverage requirement.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 ft (3.048 m) 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.

9. 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 Marshal. 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.

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 Marshal 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 to the Fire Code Official a report of the acceptance test by way of the department’s third-party vendor thecomplianceengine.com.

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 have a minimum 2-hour fire rating or be enclosed in a minimum of a 2-hour rated enclosure. 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 IBC.

5.10.5.7 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.

PP. Subsection 510.6, Maintenance, including all additional subsections contained therein, is hereby amended to read as follows:

510.6 Maintenance

The emergency responder radio coverage system shall be maintained operation 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 Marshal 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 hour 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. Other active components shall be checked to verify operation within the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. 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.

6. At the conclusion of the testing, a report, which shall verify compliance with Section 510.6.1, shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal by way of the department’s third-party vendor www.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 Marshal 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 Marshal. 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 Marshal, 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 Marshal. 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 Marshal, 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. Prior approval of a public safety radio coverage system on previous frequencies does not exempt this section.

510.6.3 Nonpublic Safety Section

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.