Assigned to NREW FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to NREW FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
fire flow requirements; rural applicability
Purpose
Exempts certain residential properties from fire code requirements related to water or fire flow.
Background
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is established within the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The State Fire Marshal is required to: 1) adopt a state fire code by rule; and 2) enforce compliance with fire codes throughout Arizona, except for a municipality with a population of more than 100,000 that has adopted a nationally recognized fire code and has assumed jurisdiction from the State Fire Marshal (A.R.S. §37-1383). Counties and fire districts are also authorized to adopt a fire code, subject to limitations outlined in statute (A.R.S. §§11-861 & 48-805).
Fire flow refers to the flow rate of water available for firefighting.
The counties with a population of less than 500,000 are Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai and Yuma.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Exempts single-family residential properties or single-family residential subdivisions from fire code requirements related to water or fire flow if all the following conditions are met:
a) The property is located outside Maricopa or Pima counties;
b) The lot size of the property is one-half acre or more; and
c) The current adjacent public water distribution system or private well does not meet water or fire flow requirements.
2. Defines adjacent public water distribution system.
3. Contains an intent clause describing responsibilities to comply with fire code requirements.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 25, 2018
KK/lat