Virginia Law

A. The following changes shall be made to Section 301, General:

1. Change Section 301.2 to read:

301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 107.2 for the activities or uses regulated by Sections 306, 307, 308, 315, and 319.

2. Add Section 301.3 to read:

301.3 Occupancy. The occupancy of a structure shall be continued as originally permitted under and in full compliance with the codes in force at the time of construction or alteration. The occupancy of a structure shall not change to another occupancy that will subject the structure to any special provisions of this code or the applicable building code without the approval of the building official. Where a certificate of occupancy is not available for a building, the owner or owner's agent may request that one be issued by the building official and retained on site for reference.

B. The following changes shall be made to Section 302, Definitions:

Change Section 302.1 to read:

302.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

3D Printer.

Additive Manufacturing.

Bonfire.

Explosive manufacturing.

Hi-boy.

High-voltage transmission line.

Mobile food preparation vehicles.

Open burning.

Portable outdoor fireplace.

Powered industrial truck.

Reactive targets.

Recreational fire.

Restricted explosives manufacturing.

Sky lantern.

Unrestricted explosives manufacturing.

C. The following changes shall be made to Section 304, Combustible Waste Material:

1. Change Section 304.1.2 to read:

304.1.2 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines, or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.

2. Change Section 304.1.3 to read:

304.1.3 Space underneath seats. Spaces underneath grandstand and bleacher seats shall be kept free from combustible and flammable materials.

Exception: Where enclosed by fire-resistance-rated construction or otherwise approved in accordance with the applicable building code.

3. Change Section 304.3.2 to read:

304.3.2 Capacity exceeding 5.88 cubic feet. Containers with a capacity exceeding 5.88 cubic feet (44 gallons) (0.17 m³) shall be provided with lids. Containers and lids shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of combustible materials with a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m²w where tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m²w in the horizontal orientation.

Exception: Wastebaskets complying with Section 808.

4. Change Exception 1 (Exceptions 2 and 3 remain) of Section 304.3.3 to read:

1. Dumpsters or containers in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

5. Change Exception 1 (Exception 2 remains) of Section 304.3.4 to read:

1. Dumpsters in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

D. The following change shall be made to Section 306, Motion Picture Projection Rooms and Film:

Change Section 306.1 to read:

306.1 Motion picture projection rooms. Electric arc, xenon, or other light source projection equipment that develops hazardous gases, dust, or radiation and the projection of ribbon-type cellulose nitrate film, regardless of the light source used in projection shall be operated within a motion picture projection room complying with the applicable building code.

E. The following changes shall be made to Section 307, Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces:

1. Add an exception to Section 307.1 to read:

Exception: Approved outdoor live fire training using equipment or appliances accessible or available to the general public, and that complies with Section 307.4.

2. Change Section 307.2 to read:

307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 107.2 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

F. The following changes shall be made to Section 308, Open Flames:

1. Change Section 308.1.6 to read:

308.1.6 Open-flame devices. Torches and other devices, machines, or processes liable to start or cause fire shall not be operated or used in or upon wildfire risk areas, except by a permit in accordance with Section 107.2 secured from the fire code official.

2. Change Section 308.2 (Items 1 through 3 remain) to read:

308.2 Permits required. Permits shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 107.2 prior to engaging in the following activities involving open flame, fire, and burning:

3. Change Exception 2 (Exceptions 1 and 3 remain) of Section 308.3 to read:

2. Heat-producing equipment complying with Chapter 6 and the applicable building code.

G. The following changes shall be made to Section 311, Vacant Premises:

1. Change Section 311.1.1 to read:

311.1.1 Abandoned premises. Buildings, structures, and premises for which an owner cannot be identified or located by dispatch of a certificate of mailing to the last known or registered address, which persistently or repeatedly become unprotected or unsecured, which have been occupied by unauthorized persons or for illegal purposes, or which present a danger of structural collapse or fire spread to adjacent properties shall be considered abandoned and unsafe until declared abated in accordance with the Virginia Maintenance Code or the applicable building code.

2. Change Section 311.2.3 to read:

311.2.3 Fire separation. Fire-resistance-rated partitions, fire barriers, and fire walls separating vacant tenant spaces from the remainder of the building shall be maintained. Protection of openings, joints, and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 7.

3. Change Exception 1 (Exception 2 remains) of Section 311.3 to read:

1. Buildings or portions of buildings undergoing additions, alterations, repairs, or change of occupancy in accordance with the applicable building code where waste is controlled and removed as required by Section 304.

4. Add Section 311.5.6 to read:

311.5.6 Removal. Removal of placards posted in accordance with this section without the approval of the fire official shall be a violation of this code.

5. Change Item 2 (Items 1, 3, and 4 remain) of Section 311.6 to read:

2. Where provided, fire rated separations from the adjoining tenant spaces shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 7.

H. The following changes shall be made to Section 313, Fueled Equipment:

Change Section 313.1 to read:

313.1 General. Fueled equipment, including motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, portable generators, and portable cooking equipment shall not be stored, operated, or repaired within a building.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings or rooms constructed for such use in accordance with the applicable building code.

2. Where allowed by Section 314.

3. Storage of equipment utilized for maintenance purposes is allowed in approved locations where the aggregate fuel capacity of the stored equipment does not exceed 10 gallons (38 L) and the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

I. The following changes shall be made to Section 314, Indoor Displays:

1. Change Section 314.1 to read:

314.1 General. Indoor displays constructed within any building or structure shall comply with Sections 314.2 through 314.5.

2. Add Section 314.5 to read:

314.5 Smokeless powder and small arms primers. Venders shall not store, display, or sell smokeless powder or small arms primers during trade shows inside exhibition halls except as follows:

1. The amount of smokeless powder displayed by each vender is limited to the amount established in Section 5606.5.1.1.

2. The amount of smokeless powder each vender may store is limited to the storage arrangements and storage amounts established in Section 5606.5.2.1. Smokeless powder shall remain in the manufacturer's original sealed container, and the container shall remain sealed while inside the building. The repackaging of smokeless powder shall not be performed inside the building. Damaged containers shall not be repackaged inside the building and shall be immediately removed from the building in such manner to avoid spilling any powder.

3. There shall be at least 50 feet separation between venders and 20 feet from any exit.

4. Small arms primers shall be displayed and stored in the manufacturer's original packaging and in accordance with the requirements of Section 5606.5.2.3.

J. The following changes shall be made to Section 315, General Storage:

1. Change Section 315.2 to read:

315.2 Permit required. A permit for miscellaneous combustible storage shall be required as set forth in Section 107.2.

2. Change Exception 2 of Section 315.3.1 and Section 315.3.4 to read:

2. The 18-inch (457 mm) ceiling clearance is not required for storage along walls in areas of buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

315.3.4 Attic, under-floor, and concealed spaces. Attic, under-floor, and concealed spaces shall not be used for storage of combustible materials unless approved or not prohibited by the applicable building code.

3. Change Section 315.4.1 to read:

315.4.1 Storage beneath overhead projections from buildings. To the extent required by the code the building was constructed under, when buildings are required to be protected by automatic sprinklers, the outdoor storage, display, and handling of combustible materials under eaves, canopies, or other projections or overhangs is prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies, or other projections or overhangs.

4. Change Section 315.6 to read:

315.6 Storage in plenums. Storage shall not be permitted in plenums unless approved for such use by the applicable building code. Abandoned material in plenums shall be deemed to be storage and shall be removed. Where located in plenums, the accessible portion of abandoned cables that are not identified for future use with a tag shall be deemed storage and shall be removed.

K. The following changes shall be made to Section 316, Hazards to Fire Fighters:

Change Sections 316.6 through 316.6.2 to read:

316.6 Structures and outdoor storage underneath high-voltage transmission lines, bridges, and elevated roadways. Structures and outdoor storage underneath high-voltage transmission lines, bridges, and elevated roadways shall comply with Sections 316.6.1 and 316.6.2, respectively.

316.6.1 Structures. Structures shall not be constructed within the utility easement beneath high-voltage transmission lines or underneath bridges or elevated roadways unless approved.

316.6.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage within the utility easement underneath high-voltage transmission lines or underneath bridges or elevated roadways shall be limited to noncombustible materials. Storage of hazardous materials, including flammable and combustible liquids, is prohibited.

Exception: Combustible storage, including vehicles and fuel storage for backup power equipment serving public utility equipment or for the construction, repair, or maintenance operations of bridges or elevated roadways, is allowed provided that a plan indicating the storage configuration is submitted and approved.

L. The following changes shall be made to Section 317, Landscaped Roofs:

1. Change Section 317.1 to read:

317.1 General. Landscaped roofs shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 317.2 through 317.5.

2. Change Section 317.2 to read:

317.2 Landscaped roof size. Landscaped roof areas shall not exceed the size approved in accordance with the applicable building code.

3. Change Section 317.3 to read:

317.3 Rooftop structure and equipment clearance. Required structure and equipment clearances shall be maintained as provided by the applicable building code.

M. The following change shall be made to Section 318, Laundry Carts:

Change Exception 1 (Exception 2 remains) of Section 318.1 to read:

1. Laundry carts in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

N. Change Section 319, Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles, to read:

319.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles that are equipped with appliances that utilize open flames or produce smoke or grease laden vapors shall comply with this section.

319.1.1 Wheel chocks. Wheel chocks shall be used to prevent mobile food preparation vehicles from moving.

319.1.2 Separation. Mobile food preparation vehicles shall be separated from buildings or structures, combustible materials, vehicles, and other cooking operations by a minimum of 10 ft. (3m).

319.2 Permit required. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 107.2.

319.2.1 Permit authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The enforcing agent of a permit requirement on a mobile food preparation vehicle (MFPV) shall be the appointed fire official for the Virginia local government to which the food truck is identified for personal property tax payment of the vehicle. If no such entity exists, if the local government has elected to not enforce this section of the SFPC, or if the MFPV is housed out of state, then it shall be the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) or designee.

319.3 Seating. Seating for the public within any mobile food preparation vehicles is prohibited.

319.4 Exhaust hood. Cooking equipment that produces grease laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood in accordance with NFPA 96, Annex B.

319.5 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Sections 319.5.1 through 319.5.2.

319.5.1 Fire protection for cooking equipment. Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Section 904.3.1.

319.5.2 Fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906.4.

319.6 Appliance connection to fuel supply. Gas cooking appliances shall be secured in place and connected to fuel supply piping with an appliance connector complying with ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16. The connector installation shall be configured in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions. Movement of appliances shall be limited by restraining devices installed in accordance with the connector and appliance manufacturer's instructions.

319.6.1 Construction and modifications. Following initial construction and any modifications of the fuel system, the system, including hoses, shall be proven free of leaks by performing a pressure test in accordance with NFPA 58 at not less than the normal operating pressure.

319.6.2 Leak detection. Gas systems shall be inspected prior to each use and following fuel tank replacement or refill in one of the following methods:

1. A water and soap solution shall be applied to every accessible connection or connection manipulated during the replacement or fueling and observed for evidence of gas leakage.

2. Pressure testing in accordance with Annex L of NFPA 58.

319.6.3 Leaks. When leaks are discovered during inspections and testing, the fuel supply shall be secured in the "off" position or disconnected from the appliance, and the appliance shall not be operated until serviced by a qualified person.

319.7 Cooking oil storage containers. Cooking oil storage containers within mobile food preparation vehicles shall have a minimum aggregate area volume not to exceed 120 gallons (454 L) and shall be stored in such a way as to not be toppled or damaged during transport.

319.8 Cooking oil storage tanks. Cooking oil storage tanks within mobile food preparation vehicles shall comply with Sections 319.8.1 through 319.8.5.

319.8.1 Metallic storage tanks. Metallic cooking oil storage tanks shall be listed in accordance with UL 142 or UL 80, and shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer's instructions.

319.8.2 Nonmetallic tanks. Nonmetallic cooking oil storage tanks shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer's instructions and shall also comply with all of the following:

1. Tanks shall be listed for use with cooking oil, including maximum temperature to which the tanks will be exposed to during use.

2. Tank capacity shall not exceed 200 gallons (757 L) per tank.

319.8.3 Cooking oil storage system components. Metallic and nonmetallic cooking oil storage system components shall include piping, connections, fittings, valves, tubing, hose, pumps, vents, and other related components used for the transfer of cooking oil.

319.8.4 Design criteria. The design, fabrication, and assembly of system components shall be suitable for the working pressures, temperatures, and structural stresses to be encountered by the components.

319.8.5 Tank venting. Normal and emergency venting shall be provided for cooking oil storage tanks.

319.8.5.1 Normal vents. Normal vents shall be located above the maximum normal liquid line and shall have a minimum effective area not smaller than the largest filling or withdrawal connection. Normal vents are not required to vent to the exterior.

319.8.5.2 Emergency vents. Emergency relief vents shall be located above the maximum normal liquid line and shall be in the form of a device that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by an exposure fire. For nonmetallic tanks, the emergency relief vent shall be allowed to be in the form of construction. Emergency vents are not required to discharge to the exterior.

319.9 Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) systems. Where LP-gas systems provide fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with NFPA 58, Chapter 61, and Sections 319.9.1 through 319.9.5.

319.9.1 Maximum aggregate volume. The maximum aggregate capacity of LP-gas containers transported on the vehicle and used to fuel cooking appliances only shall not exceed 200 pounds propane capacity.

319.9.2 Protection of container. LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle shall be securely mounted and restrained to prevent movement.

319.9.3 LP-gas container construction. LP-gas containers shall be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of NPFA 58.

319.9.4 Protection of system piping. LP-gas system piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected to prevent tampering, impact damage, and damage from vibration.

319.9.5 LP-gas alarms. A listed LP-gas alarm shall be installed with the vehicle in the vicinity of LP-gas system components, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

319.10 Compressed natural gas (CNG) systems. Where CNG systems provide fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Sections 319.10.1 through 319.10.4.

319.10.1 CNG containers supplying only cooking fuel. CNG containers installed solely to provide fuel for cooking purposes shall be in accordance with Sections 319.10.1.1 through 319.10.1.3.

319.10.1.1 Maximum aggregate volume. The maximum aggregate capacity of CNG containers transported on the vehicle shall not exceed 1,300 pounds water capacity.

319.10.1.2 Protection of container. CNG containers shall be securely mounted and restrained to prevent movement. Containers shall not be installed in locations subject to direct vehicle impact.

319.10.1.3 CNG container construction. The construction of CNG containers shall be approved.

319.10.2 CNG containers supplying transportation and cooking fuel. Where CNG containers and systems are used to supply fuel for cooking purposes in addition to being used for transportation fuel, the installation shall be in accordance with NFPA 52.

319.10.3 Protection of system piping. CNG system piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected to prevent tampering, impact damage, and damage from vibration.

319.10.4 Methane alarms. A listed methane gas alarm shall be installed within the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

319.11 Maintenance. Maintenance of systems on mobile food preparation vehicles shall be in accordance with Sections 319.11.1 through 319.11.3.

319.11.1 Exhaust system. The exhaust system, including hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances, shall be inspected and cleaned in accordance with Chapter 6.

319.11.2 Fire protection systems and devices. Fire protection systems and devices shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

319.11.3 Fuel-gas systems. LP-gas containers installed on the vehicle and fuel-gas piping systems shall be inspected annually by an approved inspection agency or a company that is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation to requalify LP-gas cylinders to ensure that system components are free of damage, suitable for the intended service, and not subject to leaking. CNG containers shall be inspected every three years in a qualified service facility. CNG containers shall not be used past their expiration dates listed on the manufacturer's container label. Upon satisfactory inspection, the approved inspection agency shall affix a tag on the fuel-gas system or within the vehicle indicating the name of the inspection agency and the date of satisfactory inspection.