Uniform Fire Codes

Current Edition: 2015, Next Edition: 2018

Klausbruckner & Associates is a consulting firm specializing in fire and building code regulations. We provide unrivaled expertise and service nationwide in the areas of Uniform Fire and Building Code interpretation and code analysis.

When referring to the Uniform Fire Codes (UFC), it needs to be clarified (with the Authority Having Jurisdiction AHJ) which fire code release needs to be applied to achieve compliance: Some states and municipalities adopted the Uniform Fire Code from NFPA, also known as NFPA 1, while others adopted the Uniform Fire Code released by ICBO. Since the creation of the International Code Council (ICC) in 1994, the uniform fire code is no longer maintained (last release in 1997) and superseded by the subsequent releases of the International Fire Code (IFC) published by ICC. In the past several attempts to merge these two widely used model codes were unsuccessful. Not to create confusion, but the abbreviation 'UFC' can also denote Unified Facilities Criteria, a set of fire and maintenance codes, published for government and military.

The 2015 Uniform Fire Code NFPA 1 contains extracts from and references to more than 130 NFPA codes and standards. It makes references to NFPA documents, such as the NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, NFPA 25: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems and NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Because NFPA 1 references so many other NFPA standards, it is often required to have access to all of these standards, not just NFPA 1. The various standards not always agree in methodology applied or their specific code requirements. Expert advice is recommended.

Our staff is highly experienced in these types of code conflict resolutions, particularly at developing solutions to resolve conflicts where multiple building codes and standards apply or where building codes, laws or ordinances conflict with design concepts or objectives.

We strive to provide you with piece of mind on fire code compliance issues.

Give us a call at 1-619.677.2004 and find out for yourself why our responsiveness, level of service and quality of work sets us apart.