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A big job for fire code committee
By Mary Madewell
Published November 18, 2009
Seemingly overwhelmed by the amount of materials before them, the City of Paris Code Committee took a new direction Tuesday in assessing fire and building code recommendations.
“I am having difficulty getting my arms around this,” committee chairman and local attorney Charles Waldrum said at the beginning of the 5 p.m. meeting at City Hall. “I suggest looking at the proposed ordinance by the city. I think that gives us somewhere to start.”
In addition to two large volumes — the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Fire Code — the committee is looking at recommended amendments by the North Central Texas Council of Governments to fit municipalities with capabilities similar to those of the Paris Fire Department. In addition, the group also is taking at look at amendments adopted by nearby cities including Greenville and Sherman.
“If I start picking up one of these two big books and start reading it; it becomes difficult,” Waldrum said. “Let’s take what is recommended and then look at the parts of the two books to see what they say.”
The six members present of the 11 community members appointed to the committee shook heads in agreement.
But first, John Fuston presented his take on one of 10 different “occupancies” described in both international code books.
“I am particularly interested in assembly,” Fuston said. “The greatest assemblies are where the greatest number of lives are lost.”
After pointing out chapters in both the building and fire code books, Fuston noted the code breaks down assemblies into several categories including theaters, banquet halls, restaurants, arenas and other facilities where crowds gather.
“These are facilities where a large number of people are gathered and they assume if something happens, the powers that be will have taken precautions,” Fuston said. “Go to the red book (International Fire Code) chapters 8, 9 and 10. It talks about fire alarms, sprinkler systems the number of exits and the finishes required, especially on ceilings, which get the most heat.”
Paris Fire Marshal Dale Maberry explained the occupancy level of buildings determines different levels of fire protection. No one should have to travel more than 75 feet to an exit, and at least half of the persons inside must be able to exit the door they entered the facility.
“That’s why large buildings must have large front entrances,” Maberry said.
Maberry noted that buildings with an occupancy of 100 people now require a sprinkler system; down from a previous 300 occupant requirement.
“Usually someone has lost their life, which triggers changes in requirements,” Maberry said.
Following a short discussion about the one of many different “occupancies” covered by the two books, discussion returned to city staff recommendations.
City Councilman Kevin Kear reminded the group that because of Texas legislative action in 2003, all cities must meet the requirements of at least the 2003 International Building Code, which contains most of the 2006 International Fire Code requirements.
“People are under the misconception if we go to the 2006 code that sprinkler systems will be required,” Kear said. “We are already under those guidelines because of state requirements.”
Paris Fire Chief Ronnie Grooms faulted earlier city decisions concerning building and fire codes.
“We could have been proactive, but because the city failed to do it, the state said, ‘now you have the 2003 code whether you like it or not’.” Officially, the city operates under the 1994 International Fire Code, which is no longer in publication. But building inspectors and the city fire marshal have been operating for the most part by 2006 standards because of the 2003 mandate.
“You can adopt more strict requirements, but you cannot be less strict than the 2003 code,” Grooms said. “The 2006 codes have few differences from 2003 requirements.”
Waldrum called on committee members to “spend some time on the city ordinance recommendation” prior to the next meeting scheduled at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 at City Hall.
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