Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-H - FIRE CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-H3 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Rule 12-H308 - OPEN FLAMES

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-H308

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Rule 12-H308 - OPEN FLAMES

Strike Section 308.1.4 of the International Fire Code and insert new Section 308.1.4 into the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

308.1.4

Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open- flame cooking devices shall not be operated on balconies or within 10 feet (3048mm) of any building or combustible construction.

Exceptions:

1. Detached single-family dwellings.
2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
3. Natural gas grills approved and installed in accordance with the Construction Codes, provided that such grills are installed on a non-combustible surface and located 10 feet (3048 mm) or more from any combustible construction.

Strike Section 308.3 of the International Fire Code and insert new Section 308.3 into the Fire Code in its place to read as follows:

308.3

Group A occupancies. Open-flame devices shall not be used in a Group A occupancy.

Exceptions:

1. Open-flame devices are allowed to be used in the following situations, provided precautions are taken to prevent ignition of a combustible material or injury to occupants:
a. Where necessary for ceremonial or religious purposes in accordance with Section 308.1.7.
b. On stages and platforms as a necessary part of a performance in accordance with Section 308.3.2
c. Where candles on tables are securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases and the candle flames are protected.
2. Heat-producing equipment complying with Chapter 6 and the Mechanical Code.
3. Gas lights are allowed to be used provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the fire code official are taken to prevent ignition of combustible materials.
4. Outdoor assembly spaces are allowed to be provided with natural gas fueled fire pit appliances complying with Section 308.5, where the flame and all heated substrate such as lava rocks, glass beads, or similar material are protected by an approved noncombustible cover or guard.

Insert a new Section 308.5 into the Fire Code to read as follows:

308.5

Outdoor fire pit appliances. Fire pits shall comply with all of the following:

1. Appliances shall not be operated in the following locations:
a. On balconies.
b. Within 15 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
c.

Within 15 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of the wall any building.

2. Appliances shall be natural gas fueled and shall be installed and used in accordance with the Construction Codes and manufacturer's instructions. Appliances shall be listed for the purpose for which they are used.
3. Appliances shall be located within an approved container that is permanently installed on a solid non-combustible surface that extends horizontally at least 15 feet (3048 mm) from the appliance.
4. Open-flame appliances in Group A occupancies shall comply with Section 308.3 of the Fire Code.
5. Permanently fixed-in-place outdoor decorative appliances shall comply with Section 636 of the Fuel Gas Code.
6. Appliances shall be operated while the area or space is attended in accordance with Section 307.5.

Exception: Detached one and two familydwellings.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-H308

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)