HomeMy WebLinkAbout402.011A - Outside Combustible Storage Requirements (Small Piles)
FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
CODE REQUIREMENTS
402.011A OUTSIDE COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
REQUIREMENTS (SMALL PILES)
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2008
Current Revision Date: 08/12/2021 Next Revision Date: 08/12/24
Author’s Name/Rank:
Darla Scott,
Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi E. Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the requirements for outdoor combustible storage,
as required by Fresno Municipal Code (FMC), Section 10-50315.4.3.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all combustible materials that do not require an operational permit,
including those materials regulated elsewhere in the California Fire Code (CFC), except
where specific requirements are provided in the CFC. An operational permit is required
when the pile exceeds four thousand, nine hundred nighty-nine (4,999) square feet of
exterior storage as outlined in the FMC.
Exterior storage of combustible materials includes, but is not limited to: idle pallets; plastic
or wooden finished products; baled material; loose, free-flowing and/or bulk storage; or
similar materials.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
General Requirements (all storage within the scope of this policy)
1. The method of stacking will be in a stable, orderly, and regular manner.
2. The site will be maintained clear of combustible vegetation.
3. Storage areas will be surrounded with an approved fence. The fence will be a
minimum of six (6) feet in height.
Section 402.011A
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4. If fire lanes are required, fire lanes will be a minimum of twenty (20) feet in width,
within two hundred (200) feet of all portions of a regulated pile perimeter, and
with an approved all-weather surface capable of supporting fire department
apparatus. A site plan to determine if approved access roads are required will
be submitted as a condition of approval.
5. Designated marking boundaries for stacking limits with posts (in paved yards,
parking lot striping may be used) must be visible and maintained. Each method
of designation will be approved by the Fire Marshal (or designee).
6. Storage yards will be provided with fire hydrants spaced a maximum distance
of five hundred (500) feet from all portions of a pile perimeter. A minimum fire
flow of one thousand, five hundred (1,500) gpm is required. Existing sites
without available public water mains will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
7. Pile height, location, etc., are subject to the most restrictive requirement, which
may be Planning and Development Department land use requirements
(Zoning).
Pallet and Bin Box Storage (regardless of material)
1. Exterior idle bin box and pallet storage piles will be arranged in accordance with
the current edition of NFPA 1, Section 34.11.3.
Baled Storage (regardless of material)
1. Maximum height of storage will not exceed ten (10) feet. CFC 315.4, exception
1, will only apply to non-combustible storage.
2. Maximum pile dimensions will not exceed twenty-five (25) feet by twenty-five
(25) feet.
3. Minimum separation between baled storage piles will be ten (10) feet.
4. Storage subject to this policy will not be located within ten (10) feet of any
property line or building.
Loose, Free-Flowing and/or Bulk Storage (regardless of material)
1. Maximum height of storage will not exceed ten (10) feet. CFC 315.4, exception
1, will only apply to non-combustible storage.
2. Maximum pile dimensions will not exceed twenty-five (25) feet by twenty-five
(25) feet.
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3. Minimum separation between storage piles will be ten (10) feet.
4. Storage subject to this policy will not be located within ten (10) feet of any
property line or building.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
These materials present a severe fire hazard due to their characteristics. This policy
provides the minimum criteria for safe outdoor storage of these materials. Farming
operations are exempt from this policy.
DEFINITIONS
Large pile – an exterior storage pile that exceeds four thousand, nine hundred nighty-nine
(4,999) square feet.
Small pile – an exterior storage pile that is four thousand, nine hundred nighty-nine (4,999)
square feet or less.
CROSS REFERENCES
California Fire Code
Chapter 3, General Requirements
Chapter 28, Lumber Yards and Agro-Industrial, Solid Biomass and Woodworking
Facilities
Chapter 34, Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage
Fresno Municipal Code
Section 10-50315.4.3, Additional Requirements for Outside Storage
Fire Prevention Manual
Section 402.011A Outside Combustible Storage Requirements (Large Piles)
NFPA 1
Section 34.11.3, Outdoor Storage
Section 402.011A
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