(a) All new and existing one, two and three family dwellings, boarding house, multi- family apartment houses, multiple single-family dwellings and efficiency suites shall be equipped with a smoke detector outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements, but excluding crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels, a smoke detector need be installed only on the upper level provided the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. If there is a door between levels, then a detector is required on each level. On new construction required smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over-current protection. All the smoke detectors shall have a secondary source of power from a battery. On existing structures battery operated smoke detectors are permitted. In the event of any major remodeling or alterations to the structure, the smoke detectors shall be changed to the type that receive their power from the building wiring.
(b) All residential occupancies referred to in subsection (a) which are located two or more stories above the lowest level of exit discharge shall have smoke detectors that are connected directly to an approved, zoned annunciator panel installed near the location of the fire department entry. Said entry shall be approved by the Fire Official. The smoke detector alarm system shall be installed in such a manner that when a detector activates the alarm will sound within the occupied area and the common exit-way. Also, the annunciator panel will indicate the type of device activated and the floor level of activation. The required annunciator panel shall be supervised in a manner approved by the Fire Official.
(c) Any senior citizen multi-family building more than one story high must be equipped with a fire alarm system and a smoke detection system that has sensors located in every sleeping area or adjacent to the sleeping area and in all common hallways of the structure. Said systems shall be supervised in a manner approved by the Fire Official.
(d) All required smoke detector units shall be visually and audibly inspected annually by the owner or his agent.
(e) All required smoke detectors shall be maintained in proper working order at all times by the owner of such unit(s) or by his/her representative.
(f) All required smoke detectors shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.).
(g) All required smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(h) It is unlawful for an occupant or owner to remove or render a smoke detector(s) inoperative.
(i) If any of the requirements of this ordinance is in conflict with any other code, law or ordinance, then the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the safety and welfare of the public shall prevail.
(j) When practical difficulties are encountered in complying with these provisions, the Fire Officials shall be permitted to modify the requirements of this section provided that the spirit and intent of the law is observed, that public welfare and safety are assured and that the modification meets or exceeds the requirements of this section.
(k) No person shall fail to comply with the provisions of this section.
(l) “Fire Official” is the same as defined in Section 1501.05 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bryan.
(m) Whoever violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if the offender has previously been convicted of one or more prior violations of this section.
(Ord. 51-2000. Passed 7-17-00.)
(Ord. 51-2000. Passed 7-17-00.)
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