17C.60.030 Definitions.
Area Separation. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls without openings, constructed in accordance with the International Building Code, are considered as separate fire-flow calculation areas. Fire walls are not permitted to reduce the fire-flow calculation area of dwellings.
Fire Code Official. Wherever the words "fire code official" appear in the International Fire Code or this Chapter, they shall mean Fire Marshal of the Office of Fire Prevention and Arson Control (also known as the Fire Prevention Bureau) and their duly authorized representatives.
"Fire flow" means the quantity of water in gallons per minute (GPM) needed to control an anticipated fire in a building or group of buildings or at a facility.
"Fire Marshal" means the Director of the Pierce County Office of Fire Prevention and Arson Control (Fire Prevention Bureau) and their duly authorized representatives.
"G.P.M." means gallons per minute.
Jurisdiction. Wherever the word "jurisdiction" is used in the International Fire Code, it shall mean unincorporated Pierce County and contract cities and towns.
"New additions to existing water systems" means all additions to existing water systems except the addition of one hydrant that will meet the flow requirement, with no line extension. New additions shall include, but not be limited to, water main extensions, additional storage facilities, and replacement of existing water mains.
"P.S.I." means pounds per square inch.
"Permit, construction" means a permit required by Section 105.7 of the International Fire Code for installation, modification or removal of systems and equipment.
"Permit, prescribed" means a permit required by Section 105.6 of the International Fire Code allowing an activity, operation, practice or function within specified beginning and ending dates not to exceed one year in duration.
"Permit, renewable" means a permit required by Section 105.6 of the International Fire Code allowing a continual activity, operation, practice or function.
"Rural area" means those areas not designated as urban by the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan.
"Substantial alteration" applies only to structures legally constructed prior to November 16, 1992, and is any of the following conditions:
1. Residential Projects:
a. Cumulative alteration including additional square footage, replacement square footage, and/or remodel square footage to an existing building of 50 percent or more. All square footage included in the building permit application shall be included in this calculation. Such additions shall be cumulative (toward the substantial alteration threshold) from November 16, 1992, forward.
b. A change in the use or character of an existing building to a more intensive use based on the proposed development column of Table 17C.60.150-1.
c. Changing the use of a residential building (home or accessory structure) to a use requiring a license from Washington State (examples: daycares, adult family homes, group homes, etc.).
2. Commercial Projects:
a. Cumulative alteration including additional square footage, replacement square footage, and/or remodel square footage of 50 percent or more. All square footage included in the building permit application shall be included in this calculation. Such additions shall be cumulative (toward the substantial alteration threshold) from November 16, 1992, forward.
b. A change in the use or character of an existing building to a more intense use based on IBC Table 506.2.
c. Alteration, remodel or structural change to a building, the permit valuation for which exceeds 50 percent of the current permit valuation of the existing building. Current valuation shall be determined by the Building Official based on the cost per square foot values in effect at the time of permit application.
"Unprotected parcel" means a parcel that is not included in a fire protection tax district.
"Urban area" means those areas so designated as urban on the "Generalized Proposed Land Use Map" of the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan.