Preapp Residential 23828 Edmonds Way.doc
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 31, 2006
To: Development Services Lead Marie Harrison
From: John Westfall, Fire Marshal
Subject: Preapp- 23832 Edmonds Way Townhouses
Review response to Fire Department / Life Safety questions of letter dated 10/05/06:
o FD Requirements below
o Fire flow requirements depend upon the IBC construction type and fire area defined in
IFC appendix B. Additional fire hydrants may be required, or automatic fire sprinklers
may be mandated when buildings exceed the minimum required flow of IFC tables
B105.1 and C105.1. Minimum fire hydrant requirements (#3) are derived by local
ordinance, not fire flow requirements.
o See #2 & #4a below.
o It appears that mains and service lines on this site will require a minimum 8” looped
water main.
o See #3 & #4 below.
o I don’t know, please consult COE Engineering.
o See #3 & #4a.
o Additional FD comments below.
The Fire Department provides the following comments and corrections in accordance with the 2003
International Fire Code and Edmonds Community Development Code:
1. Obtain building address from COE Development Services for each building.
2. Provide public fire hydrants spaced at 300’ along Edmonds Way frontage. Hydrants along east
side of Edmonds Way are considered inaccessible due to width of roadway and trip count along
SR-104.
3. Provide approved fire department turnaround(s) at the point along the private access on-site so
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the 1 floor accessibility to the farthest corner of the building is less than 150’ distant. This
distance may be increased with the installation of automatic sprinkler systems. A turnaround will
be required to eliminate fire apparatus stopping upon or backing onto SR-104. Identify
turnaround with approved fire lane stripes and signage.
4. Automatic fire sprinklers:
a) True town homes (less than 5 units) constructed under IRC will not require sprinklers with
minimum turnaround installation (see #3) and private fire hydrants installed along approved
access lanes on average of 300 feet. –OR-
City of Edmonds Office of Fire Marshal
b) True town homes (5 or more units) constructed under IRC require the installation of automatic
fire sprinklers. No private hydrants (on-site) are required. –OR-
c) IBC-designed residential structures require the installation of automatic fire sprinklers. No
private hydrants (on-site) are required.
5. Automatic fire alarm:
a) Required when dwelling units/sleeping unit is located 3 or more stories above lowest level of
exit discharge;
b) Any dwelling unit/sleeping unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit
discharge; or
c) Building contains 16 or more dwelling units/sleeping units (exceptions see IFC 907.2.9)
6. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms are required (see IFC 907.2.10.1.2)
7. Required permits/submittals include:
a. Fire Connection Permit (see #4b & #4c)
Callout Fire Connection Permit. Fire Connection must be submitted at the same time as
your civil engineering plans. Fire connection permit is required for the installation of the
underground supply for your fire protection system. Underground design must be stamped
by registered PE or a Level III (WA) fire sprinkler contractor AND the installer must also
stamp the plans. The installer must be either Level III or Level “U” fire sprinkler contractor
licensed by the State. Provide three copies of plans showing all valves, vault location, post
indicating valve, fire department connection and piping to include size and material, hydraulic
calculations, thrust blocking with calculations, pipe bury depth and any and all other materials
used and their fire protection listings. RCW 18.160.070 / RCW 18.27.110
b. Fire Sprinkler System Permit (see #4b & #4c)
Callout Fire Sprinkler System permit IFC 105.7.1
c. Fire Alarm Permit (see #6)
Fire alarm system is required for the purposes of off-site sprinkler system monitoring, local
alarm audible/visual notification and exterior audibility. IFC 903.4.2
d. Fire Protection Footprint
Callout Fire Protection Footprint is required (attached).
e. Fire Safety & Evacuation Guide
Provide a guide which describes the location, function and use of fire protection equipment
and appliances accessible to residents, including fire alarm systems, smoke alarms, and
portable fire extinguishers in R2 apartments and condominiums. Email request for example
to westfall@ci.edmonds.wa.us . IFC 408.9
8. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers or
approved building identification placed in a position plainly legible and visible from the street
or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their installed background.
Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Building numbers shall be a
minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch.
9. Provide Fire Department lockbox. Coordinate with Fire Department for a “Lockbox
Authorization Letter” and instructions to obtain and install lockbox outside the sprinkler rooms
on your site. 425.775.7720
Attachment: Fire Protection Footprint
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Cc: Mr. Steve Smith, Steve Smith Development LLC
Mr. Roger Eberhart, OVWD rogere@ovwater.com
COE Engineering Technician Lyle Chrisman
COE Assistant Building Official Ann Bullis
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