HomeMy WebLinkAbout407.016 - Implementation of City of Fresno Cannabis Laws and Regulations Regarding Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Fire Prevention Manual
SECTION 407.016 IMPLEMENTATION OF CITY OF FRESNO CANNABIS LAWS
AND REGULATIONS REGARDING INSTALLATION OF FIRE ALARM
SYSTEMS
PURPOSE
This policy has been established to provide direction to applicable stakeholders of the
conditions under which a fire alarm may be required, and to provide the correct
procedure for installing the fire alarm.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to fire alarm installations (including new installations of all types,
tenant improvements, alterations, etc.) in adult use and medicinal cannabis retail
businesses and commercial cannabis businesses that are less than 5,000 sq. ft and
includes required and voluntary systems in a commercial cannabis business,
throughout the City of Fresno and all contract service areas.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Under the direction of the City Manager, the Office of Cannabis Oversight is
responsible for coordinating the implementation of the City’s cannabis laws and
regulations.
REQUIREMENTS
The California Fire Code (CFC), Section 907 outlines the types of facilities that require
a fire alarm system. The CFC states, “An approved fire alarm system installed in
accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72 shall be provided in new
buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.29.
Per California Fire Code Section 907.2.7, cannabis retail and merchandising facilities
must install a fire alarm system where one of the following is conditions exists:
1. The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.
2. The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the
lowest level of exit discharge.
Effective Date: May 2024 Scott Recchio, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 4/30/2024 Section 407.016
Next Revision (1) Date: 4/30/2027 Page 1 of 3
The California Fire Code does not require a fire alarm system in cannabis retail and
merchandising facilities with an occupant load less than those specified in CFC
Section 907.2.7.
The Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance
requires burglar, fire and panic alarms. FMC Section 9-3310(b)(2)(iv) “Confirms that
burglar, fire, and panic alarms are operational and monitored by a licensed security
company 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides contact information for
each licensed security company,”
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
The Cannabis Retail Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance does
not stipulate the fire alarm that is to be installed. The Office of Cannabis Oversight is
responsible for the burglar, fire, and panic alarms that are not required by the
California Fire Code in facilities regulated under the City of Fresno Cannabis Retail
Business and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance.
INFORMATION
On November 8, 2016, California voters passed Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate,
and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana (“AUMA”) Act. This law legalizes nonmedical,
recreational marijuana, subject to the regulation of local government jurisdictions in
the State of California.
On December 13, 2018. Fresno City Council adopted the Cannabis Retail Business
and Commercial Cannabis Business Ordinance, which sets out the permitting
framework and regulatory requirements for Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis
businesses to operate within the City for commercial activities such as cultivation,
manufacturing, and distribution. This ordinance was amended on January 30, 2020,
and on June 25, 2020, and may be further refined by the City Council.
DEFINITIONS
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Effective Date: May 2024 Scott Recchio, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 4/30/2024 Section 407.016
Next Revision (1) Date: 4/30/2024 Page 2 of 3
CROSS-REFERENCES
California Fire Code (CFC), Current edition
Effective Date: May 2024 Scott Recchio, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 4/30/2024 Section 407.016
Next Revision (1) Date: 4/30/2024 Page 3 of 3