(a) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Chief of the Fire Department, or the Fire Prevention Bureau, to enforce the provisions of the Ohio Fire Code as set forth in this chapter. The designated enforcement officer of this Code is herein referred to as the Code Official.
(b) If, upon inspection or investigation, the Code Official believes that this Code has been violated, he or she shall, with reasonable promptness, issue a citation to the responsible person. For Municipal criminal proceedings, the complaint, warrant or summons, or the issuance of a citation in minor misdemeanor cases, shall be as prescribed in the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, by referencing the numerical designation of the applicable Municipal ordinance, or any order issued pursuant thereto, provided that such order fixes a reasonable time for abatement of the violation. State enforcement proceedings for violations of Ohio R.C. Chapter 3737, the Ohio Fire Code or this Fire Prevention Code shall be as prescribed in Ohio R.C. 3737.41 to 3737.46.
(c) The Code Official may prescribe procedures for the issuance of a notice in lieu of a citation with respect to de minimis violations which have no direct or immediate relationship to safety or health.
(d) A copy of such complaint or citation shall be prominently posted by the responsible person at or near each place a violation referred to occurs.
(e) Upon request of the Municipal Fire Safety Inspector, the Municipal legal officer shall institute and prosecute any necessary action or proceeding to enforce this chapter or Ohio R.C. Chapter 3737.
(Ord. 8247-1996. Passed 8-6-96.)