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The International Fire Code, as adopted by BMC 20.08.040, is hereby amended as follows:

A. Subsection 1103.1, Required Construction, is hereby amended to read as follows:

1103.1 Required Construction

Existing buildings shall comply with not less than the minimum provisions specified in Table 1103.1 and as further enumerated in Sections 1103.2 through 1103.10.

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to allow the elimination of fire protection systems or a reduction in the level of fire safety provided in buildings constructed in accordance with previously adopted codes.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Where a change in fire-resistance rating has been approved in accordance with Section 501.2 or 802.6 of the International Existing Building Code.

2. Group U occupancies.

3. All existing buildings are to be equipped with an approved fire detection system as required by the Fire Marshal.

EXCEPTION:

Group R, Division 3 one- and two-family dwellings.

B. A new subsection 1103.1.2, Group R, is hereby added to read as follows:

1103.1.2 Group R

Division 1 and 2 Occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system or a local fire detection system.

EXCEPTION:

1. Group R, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies which are two stories or less in height and contain 16 or less dwelling units that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units and where each dwelling unit has a means of egress directly to an exit access leading directly to the level of exit discharge as approved by the Fire Marshal.

C. A new subsection 1103.1.3, Addition, Alterations, or Repairs, is hereby added to read as follows:

1103.1.3 Addition, Alterations, or Repairs

Buildings or structures to which additions, alterations or repairs are made shall comply with all requirements for new buildings or structures in those portions being altered, repaired or added to, as adopted by the Bothell Municipal Code. When additions to structures or alterations, or repairs to any structure within any 12-month period exceeds 50 % of the assessed value of an existing building or structure, such building or structure shall be made to conform to all the requirements of BMC 20.08 for a new building.

D. A new subsection 1103.1.3.1, Increased Square Footage, is hereby added to read as follows:

1103.1.3.1 Increased square footage

In the case of buildings or structures to which additions are made such that the resulting total square footage of the building exceeds that listed in BMC 20.08.060, the entire building or structure shall be made to comply with BMC 20.08.060.

E. A new subsection 1103.1.4, Change of Use, is hereby added to read as follows:

1103.1.4 Change of use

Any change in use of an existing building or development that would place it in a different occupancy classification or division, as defined in the IBC, shall meet all the requirements for the new occupancy or use as set forth in BMC 20.08.060.

1103.1.4.1 Change of Use Causing Installation or Upgrade of a Fire Protection System

Any change of use that causes an installation of a fire protection system or upgrade to a fire protection system shall be determined by the size and construction type of the building and not the limited to the change of use area.

(Ord. 2344 § 3 (Exh. C), 2021).