[CC 1974 §530.010; Ord. No. 845 §701, 1969]
This Article shall apply to all persons, firms, corporations, copartnerships, governmental agencies other than Federal and voluntary associations storing, handling or using flammable or combustible liquids and to the owner or lessee of any building, premises or equipment in which flammable or combustible liquids are stored, handled or used.
[CC 1974 §530.020; Ord. No. 845 §702, 1969]
This Article shall apply to flammable and combustible liquids as hereinafter defined; except that it shall not apply to the transportation of liquids in bulk, to transportation when under the jurisdiction of and in compliance with the regulations prescribed by the Interstate Commerce Commission or to fuel oil in connection with domestic oil burning equipment.
[CC 1974 §530.030; Ord. No. 845 §703, 1969]
A. 
This Article shall not be so construed or applied as to prevent the continued operation and use of any plant, storage tank, building or structure in existence September 2, 1969, which does not comply with the requirements thereof with respect to location, tank capacity, clearance, foundations and supports for aboveground tanks, spacing between units or between units and line of adjoining property; but all existing plants shall comply with all other requirements of this Article including those relating to grounding and bonding, venting or breathing, emergency vents for relief, control valves, tank connections and openings, piping, control of sources of ignition, ventilation and first aid fire control appliances, except that emergency venting capacity meeting the requirements of the 1962 edition of National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 30, installed to replace original emergency venting capacity, shall be allowed to continue in use. Existing non-conforming plants, storage tanks, buildings or structures may be replaced in kind but shall not be enlarged.
B. 
In the case of other existing non-conformity not heretofore referred to in this Section, the hazard involved shall be evaluated in the light of the particular location and its surroundings such as topography, proximity of the location to waterways, residential occupancies, structures of high value and places of public assembly and in the light of all other safeguards with which the installation is provided and before any determination is made or order issued, the proprietor of the establishment shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard by the City Fire Chief and shall be given at least ten (10) days' written notice of the time and place of the hearing. Every order for the elimination of existing non-conformity shall allow a reasonable time for compliance therewith, considering the nature of the work, the availability of labor and materials and the necessary pre-work preparation.
[CC 1974 §530.040; Ord. No. 845 §704, 1969]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID
Any liquid having a flash point at or above one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit (140°F) and below two hundred degrees Fahrenheit (200°F).
FLAMMABLE LIQUID
Any liquid having a flash point below one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit (140°F) and having a vapor pressure not exceeding forty (40) pounds per square inch (absolute) at one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°).
LIQUID
When not otherwise identified, both flammable and combustible liquids. Flash points shall be determined as described in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association (Pamphlet No. 30).
[CC 1974 §530.050; Ord. No. 845 §705, 1969]
A. 
For the purposes of this Article, flammable and combustible liquids are divided into classes, as follows:
1. 
Class I. Those liquids having a flash point below one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°F) further subdivided into:
a. 
Class IA. Flash point below seventy-three degrees Fahrenheit (73°F) and boiling point below one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°F).
b. 
Class IB. Flash point below seventy-three degrees Fahrenheit (73°F) and boiling point above one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°F).
c. 
Class IC. Flash point at or above seventy-three degrees Fahrenheit (73°F) and below one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°F).
2. 
Class II. Those liquids having a flash point at or above one hundred degrees Fahrenheit (100°F) and below one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit (140°F).
3. 
Class III. Those liquids having a flash point at or above one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit (140°F) and below two hundred degrees Fahrenheit (200°F).
B. 
When artificially heated to temperature equal to or higher than their flash points, Class II and Class III liquids shall be subject to the applicable requirements of Class I and Class II liquids, respectively.
[CC 1974 §530.060; Ord. No. 845 §706, 1969]
A. 
No person, firm or corporation shall use, store or handle any flammable or combustible liquid in quantities in excess of that given in the following table unless a permit has been obtained from the City Fire Chief.
Class I
Class II and III
Dwellings or other place of human habitation
1 gallon
25 gallons
Inside other buildings
6 gallons
60 gallons
Outside of any building
10 gallons
60 gallons
B. 
No permit shall be issued for the use, storage or handling of flammable or combustible liquids unless such use, storage or handling complies with the provisions of this Article.
C. 
The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to require a permit for the storage or use of flammable or combustible liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motor boat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, nor for the storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable or combustible mixtures when such liquids are stored for the maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.
[CC 1974 §530.070; Ord. No. 845 §707, 1969]
A. 
Except as otherwise provided for in Section 515.430 (retroactivity) of this Article, the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall conform with the provisions of this Section.
B. 
Aboveground tanks for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall be prohibited inside of the fire limits.
C. 
No aboveground tank for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall be located inside of a building, except as provided in Sections 515.580 and 515.590 of this Article.
D. 
No facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are received from tank vessels, pipe lines, tank car or tank vehicle or are stored or blended for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessels, pipe lines, tank car or tank vehicle, shall be located within the fire limits.
E. 
No aboveground tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, other than Class III liquids for heating or cooling the establishment, shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of a then existing school, theater, church, hospital, athletic field or other places of public assembly.
[CC 1974 §530.080; Ord. No. 845 §708, 1969]
A. 
Every aboveground tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, except those liquids with boil-over characteristics and unstable liquids, operating at pressures not in excess of two and one-half (2.5) p.s.i.g. and equipped with emergency venting which will not permit pressures to exceed two and one-half (2.5) p.s.i.g. shall be located in accordance with the following table.
Capacity Of Tank
Gallons
Minimum Distance In Feet From Property Line Which May Be Built Upon, Including The Opposite Side Of A Public Way
Minimum Distance In Feet From Nearest Side Of Any Public Way
275 or less
5
5
276 to 750
10
5
751 to 12,000
15
5
12,001 to 30,000
20
5
30,001 to 50,000
30
10
B. 
The distance between any two (2) flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks (shell to shell) shall not be less than one-sixth (1/6) of the sum of the diameters of the tanks except when the diameter of one (1) tank is less than one-half (½) of the diameter of the adjacent tank, the distance between the two (2) tanks shall not be less than one-half (½) of the diameter of the smaller tank and in no case shall the distance between adjacent tanks be less than three (3) feet.
C. 
Tanks in excess of fifty thousand (50,000) gallons capacity, other types of tanks and tanks for the storage of liquids with boil-over characteristics and liquids shall be located in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible liquids code published by the National Fire Protection Association or similarly nationally recognized good practices satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
D. 
Class II and Class III flammable and combustible liquids may be stored inside of buildings, provided that the capacity of any individual tank does not exceed two hundred seventy-five (275) gallons and the aggregate total capacity of such tanks does not exceed five hundred fifty (550) gallons and provided further that the tanks are located in the lowest story, cellar or basement of the building. Where industrial processes require capacities in excess of five hundred fifty (550) gallons or require that the tank or tanks be placed at other locations in the building, such installations shall be made in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or similarly nationally recognized good practices satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
[CC 1974 §530.090; Ord. No. 845 §709, 1969]
A. 
A flammable liquid storage tank may be located underground, outside of or under a building, if such installation meets the requirements of this Section. The tank shall be so located with respect to existing building foundations and supports that the loads carried by the latter cannot be transmitted to the tank. The distance from any part of a tank storing Class I liquids to the nearest wall of any basement, pit or cellar shall not be less than one (1) foot and to the line of any property that may be built upon not less than three (3) feet. The distance from any part of a tank storing Class II or Class III liquids to the nearest wall of any basement, pit or cellar or the line of any property that may be built upon shall not be less than three (3) feet.
B. 
Excavation for underground storage tanks shall be made with due care to avoid undermining of foundations of existing structures. Underground tanks shall be set on firm foundation and surrounded with clean sand, earth or gravel, well tamped in place. Tanks should be covered with a minimum of two (2) feet of earth or shall be covered with not less than one (1) foot of earth on top of which shall be placed a slab of reinforced concrete not less than four (4) inches thick. When underground tanks are or are likely to be subjected to traffic, they shall be protected against damage from vehicles passing over them by at least three (3) feet of earth cover or eighteen (18) inches of well-tamped earth, plus six (6) inches of reinforced concrete or eight (8) inches of asphaltic concrete. When asphaltic or reinforced concrete paving is used as part of the protection it shall extend at least one (1) foot horizontally beyond the outline of the tank in all directions.
C. 
Where a tank is located in an area that may be subject to flooding applicable precautions in accordance with the Flammable Combustible Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or similarly nationally recognized good practices, satisfactory to the City Fire Chief shall be taken.
D. 
Buried tanks and tanks located inside of buildings shall be subjected to a test for tightness, which shall include the tank and piping system, before being covered or placed in use.
[CC 1974 §530.100; Ord. No. 845 §711, 1969]
Above-ground tanks shall rest directly on the ground or on foundations or supports of concrete, masonry, piling or steel. Exposed piling or steel supports shall be protected by fire-resistive materials to provide a fire-resistive rating of not less than two (2) hours. Tanks located inside of buildings shall be securely supported to prevent settling, sliding or shifting.
[CC 1974 §530.110; Ord. No. 845 §710, 1969]
Tanks for the storage of flammable liquids shall be designated and constructed in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or similarly recognized good practices satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
[CC 1974 §530.120; Ord. No. 845 §712, 1969]
A. 
Storage tanks for flammable liquids shall not be located where, because of topography or nearness of streams, flammable liquids could drain or be carried to sites having structures of high values, placers of habitation or public assembly unless such tanks are diked in a manner to prevent such drainage. Compliance with the provisions for dikes contained in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized standard shall be deemed as complying with this requirement.
B. 
Where provision is made for draining rain water from diked areas, such drains shall normally be kept closed and shall be so designed that when in use, they will not permit flammable liquids to enter natural water courses, public sewers or public drains, if their presence would constitute a hazard.
[CC 1974 §530.130; Ord. No. 845 §713, 1969]
A. 
Each tank for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be provided with a vent which shall terminate outside of any buildings at a point above the filling pipe.
B. 
Vent pipes from tanks storing Class I liquids shall terminate not less than twelve (12) feet above the adjacent .ground level and shall discharge only upward in order to disperse vapors. Vent pipe shall be adequate in size to prevent blow-back of vapor or liquid at the fill opening when the tank is being filled, and shall be not less than one and one-quarter (1¼) inch nominal diameter. Vent pipes two (2) inches or less in nominal inside diameter shall not be obstructed by devices that will cause excessive back pressure. If vent pipe is less than ten (10) feet in length or more than two (2) inches in nominal inside diameter, the outlet shall be provided with a vacuum and pressure relief device or there shall be an approved flame arrester located in the vent line at the outlet or not more than fifteen (15) feet from the outlet end of the vent line. Vent pipe outlets shall be so located that flammable vapors will not enter building openings or be trapped under eaves or other obstructions.
C. 
Vent pipes from tanks storing Class II or Class III liquids shall be above normal snow level and may be fitted with return bends, coarse screens or other devices to minimize ingress of foreign material.
D. 
Vent piping shall be laid to drain toward the tank, without sags or traps in which liquid can collect. Vent pipes shall be located so that they will not be subject to physical damage and shall enter the tank through the top.
E. 
Fill opening for tanks storing flammable liquids shall be not less than five (5) feet from any building door or cellar or basement opening. Fill and discharge openings for buried tanks shall enter through the top of the tank.
F. 
Gauge openings or test wells shall not be located or installed inside of buildings. Gauging devices such as liquid level indicators or signals shall be so installed so that oil or vapor will not be discharged into any building. Glass gauges, the breaking of which would allow the escape of liquid or vapor into a building shall not be used.
G. 
Vents, relief devices, emergency reliefs, flame arresters, gauging devices and devices for the withdrawal of flammable liquids from storage tanks shall be in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or similarly nationally recognized good practices satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
[CC 1974 §530.140; Ord. No. 845 §714, 1969]
A. 
Piping, valves and fittings for use in connection with the storage and handling of flammable liquids shall be designed for the working pressures and structural stresses for which they may be subjected.
B. 
Piping systems shall be substantially supported and protected against physical damage and excessive stresses arising from settlement, vibration, expansion or contraction. Pipe systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to operate the system property and to protect the plant. Pipe systems in connection with pumps shall contain a sufficient number of valves to properly control the flow of liquid in normal operation and also in the event of physical damage. Check valves shall be provided for automatic protection against back.flow from aboveground tanks where such tanks are filled by centrifugal pumps.
C. 
Each connection to an aboveground tank storing flammable liquids, located below normal liquid level, shall be provided with an internal or an external valve, located as close as practical to the shell of the tank. Such valves, when external and their connections to the tank,shall be of steel except when the chemical characteristics of the liquid stored are incompatible with steel. When materials other than steel are used, they shall be suitable for the pressures, stresses and temperatures involved, including fire exposure.
D. 
Heating and other devices using oil burners shall be installed, maintained and operated in accordance with nationally recognized safe practices. Storage tanks, burners and accessories such as piping, vents, filling connections and control devices complying with the National Fire Protection Association Standard for the "Installation of Oil Burning Equipments" or a similarly nationally recognized standard shall be deemed to comply with this Section.
E. 
Fill and discharge openings for buried tanks storing flammable liquids where practicable, shall enter tanks only through the top and connections shall be graded toward the tank.
F. 
Storage tanks for Class III flammable liquids located inside of a building shall be provided with draw-off or drain connection to provide a sump from which water or sediment can be drained readily.
[CC 1974 §530.150; Ord. No. 845 §715, 1969]
A. 
The withdrawal of flammable liquids from storage tanks located inside of buildings and from buried tanks shall, except as noted herein, be by an approved pump through continuous piping so as to avoid the exposure of the liquid or its vapors. Gravity feed of a flammable liquid inside of a building shall be limited to fuel oil from supply tanks not to exceed two hundred seventy-five (275) gallons individual capacity nor five hundred fifty (550) aggregate capacity. Flammable liquids shall not be withdrawn from any storage tank by any equipment or procedure which subjects the shell of the storage tank to pressures above its allowable working pressure. In no case shall air or pressure be used for the withdrawal of a flammable liquid from a storage tank. Tanks operating at above atmospheric pressure shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the appropriate codes or standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Petroleum Institute or Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
B. 
Pumps shall be of the type tested and listed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. or a similarly nationally recognized testing laboratory satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
[CC 1974 §530.160; Ord. No. 845 §716, 1969]
A. 
Discharge devices for the use or dispensing of flammable liquids shall be of the type tested and listed by the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. or a similarly nationally recognized testing laboratory satisfactory to the City Fire Chief.
B. 
The installation and use of unattended coin-operated dispensing devices for dispensing Class I flammable liquids is prohibited.
[CC 1974 §530.170; Ord. No. 845 §717, 1969]
A. 
The storage of portable containers for flammable liquids adjacent to schools, churches, hospitals, theaters and places of public assembly shall be prohibited. Portable containers for flammable liquids shall not be stored on building platforms or between buildings or in locations adjacent thereto, in such a manner that they would contribute to the spread of fire. Storage shall be located to prevent "run off" or drainage towards other storage or buildings. Area shall be kept clear of grass, weeds and other foreign combustibles, signs shall be posted prohibiting open flames and smoking.
B. 
Containers piled one upon the other shall be separated by dunnage sufficient to provide stability and to prevent excessive stress on container walls. The height of piles shall be limited to not over four (4) drums. Drums and barrels stored on their sides shall have their heads facing aisles so that leakage of bungs may be detected. Containers storing flammable liquids shall have the caps, plugs or bungs replaced immediately after use and when the container is empty.
C. 
The total aggregate capacity of flammable liquids in portable containers stored outside of buildings on a single premises inside of the fire limits shall be five hundred fifty (550) gallons.
D. 
Where conditions warrant, such as in industrial plants, the limitation as to gross aggregate capacity of flammable liquids in portable containers may be increased.
[CC 1974 §530.180; Ord. No. 845 §718, 1969]
A. 
The storage and handling of flammable liquids in portable containers inside of buildings may be permitted in paint stores, hardware stores, materials supply houses and occupancies of similar nature under the following conditions: No Class I Flammable liquid shall be stored or handled except packaged items received and resold in unbroken metallic containers of not over one (1) gallon capacity each or in non-metallic containers of not over one (1) quart capacity each; no Class II flammable liquids shall be stored or handled except in unbroken metallic containers of not over five (5) gallons capacity each; no Class III flammable liquids may be stored or handled except in approved containers of not more than one hundred twenty (120) gallons capacity each.
B. 
Except in drug stores, no Class I flammable liquids shall be dispensed or transferred for sale from one (1) container to another in any mercantile building, except that anti-freeze may be dispensed in a building where there is no open flame heating device lower than eight feet above floor level. Class II and III flammable liquids may be dispensed inside of mercantile buildings from portable containers of not more than one hundred twenty (120) gallons capacity each.
[CC 1974 §530.190; Ord. No. 845 §719, 1969]
In commercial and industrial establishments where essential operations require the use of larger quantities of flammable liquids than are otherwise permitted by this Article, application outlining the quantity required and the necessity therefor shall be filed with the City Fire Chief who may issue special permit therefor providing the conditions of such use and safeguards therefor are in conformity with requirements contained in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association or other nationally recognized standards.
[CC 1974 §530.200; Ord. No. 845 §720, 1969]
The requirements of Sections 515.570, 515.580 and 515.590 shall not apply to service stations or bulk plants as defined in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. Storage of flammable liquids at service stations and bulk plants shall comply with the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association, contained in that Code.
[CC 1974 §530.210; Ord. No. 845 §721, 1969]
A. 
All wiring and electrical equipment, including motors and electrical switch gear for pumps, for handling Class I or Class II flammable liquids, located where flammable vapors may accumulate, shall be designed and installed so as to not create an ignition hazard.
B. 
Electrical equipment designed-and installed in accordance with the Standard known as the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association shall be deemed to be in compliance with this Section.
[CC 1974 §530.220; Ord. No. 845 §722, 1969]
Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall not be handled, drawn or dispensed where flammable vapors may reach a source of ignition. Smoking where flammable liquids are handled, drawn or dispensed shall be prohibited and at such locations "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously posted.
[CC 1974 §530.230; Ord. No. 845 §723, 1969]
Fire control appliances of a type and design satisfactory to the City Fire Chief shall be available at suitable locations where fires are likely to occur. Equipment conforming with the fire control requirements for the type of location involved in conformity with nationally recognized standards, as set forth in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code published by the National Fire Protection Association and, where portable fire extinguishers are specified, in conformity with the Recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers (N.F.P.A. Pamphlet No. 10), shall be deemed satisfactory and in compliance with the requirements of this Section.