A. Fire Prevention Standard Comments:

I. Fire Protection and Alarm Systems:

Any building 3,000 square feet or more shall have a fire sprinkler system installed. Any structure for the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials which is classified as an H occupancy use shall be sprinklered regardless of square footage, exception H4 occupancies under 3,000 square feet. Fire sprinkler systems shall meet NFPA and are subject to review and approval by Fire Prevention. Any unsprinklered existing building in excess of 3,000 square feet that has an addition, including addition of an attached canopy, in excess of 1,000 square feet shall require the whole building to be provided with fire sprinklers.

For buildings or outdoor operations involving combustible materials 150 feet or more from the street, a yard fire hydrant(s) shall be installed so that there is a hydrant within 150 feet of buildings or combustible storage or hazardous operations. Hydrant location to be reviewed and approved by Fire Prevention.

Private Fire Underground Main subject to separate plan review and permit from Fire Prevention. See the Underground Fire Main guidance document for standards and plan submittal process.
II. Fire Access:

All buildings shall have fire engine access within 150' of any portion of the building. Roads shall be all weather and capable of supporting a 40,000 lb apparatus and provide an inside turn radius of 39'. Fire access roads greater than 150 ft shall be provided with a turnaround using the Gilroy Fire Department template. Fire access shall not have a slope greater than 15 %, nor be less than 20 ft in width. Fire access to be reviewed and approved by Fire Prevention.

All buildings and tenants shall have Model 3201 KNOX boxes installed at each tenant's main entry. All Locked gates shall be provided with KNOX access.
III. Occupancy and Use:

Any building with a specific tenant shall submit plans and information regarding high piled storage, rack storage, storage of combustible commodity, hazardous materials and any processes regulated by the Uniform Fire Code as adopted by the Gilroy Municipal Code. Such plans shall be approved prior to Certificate of Occupancy.

For Shell Only (Spec) Buildings, tenants shall obtain Fire Permits prior to occupancy tenant.

Exiting shall comply with Building Code and Fire Code.
H occupancies shall have two exits
A occupancies shall have exits per CFC. Enclosed outdoor areas (patios) shall be provided with an exit with panic hardware. Patio areas provided with solid covers shall be provided with Fire Sprinkler protection. No propane heaters shall be used in covered patio areas.

All Buildings and uses shall comply with the California Building Code, California Fire Code, as amended by the City of Gilroy, and the Uniform Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Codes.

B. Hazardous Materials Standard Comments:
I. General:

Buildings for Specific Owners/Operators that use or store hazardous materials shall provide information on the chemicals and processes prior to Arch and Site and/or Conditional Use Permit approval. A Hazardous Materials Business Plan is required prior to Building Permit Issuance.

For Spec buildings no tenant improvement shall be issued a building permit unless a Business Activity Declaration Form is submitted.

Shell-Only (Spec) Buildings: Tenants with hazardous materials shall provide a complete Hazardous Materials Business Plan prior to occupancy.

A Hazardous Materials Storage Permit shall be maintained and renewed annually.
II. Construction Requirements:

Any use of hazardous materials shall be in conformance with the California Fire Code as adopted by the City of Gilroy and the City's Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance. Information, plans, and a list of hazardous materials shall be provided to the Chemical Control Program prior to building permit issuance for determination of requirements. Businesses are required to maintain hazardous materials storage permit (annual renewal).

A separate permit is required for the installation of tanks (above and underground), vessels, process equipment, or storage facilities for hazardous materials and/or hazardous wastes. Plans, specifications and details shall be provided for plan review and approval by Chemical Control.

Emergency Generators require separate plan review and permit. Fuel tanks shall meet the UFC article 79 and 80 requirements.
III. Prohibitions:

Aboveground Flammable and Combustible Liquid Tanks and Propane Tanks are not allowed in the following zoning districts: RH, R1, R2, R3, R4, PO, C1, C2, and C3.

All automotive repair work shall be done in a garage/under cover conforming to the Fire and Building Code for such operations.

Hazardous Waste TSDF facilities subject to a Conditional Use Permit in addition to the State Permit.