(A) Scope and responsibility. The owner of a rental dwelling unit shall provide and the renter shall maintain fire safety facilities and equipment in compliance with the requirements of this section, other ordinances and state law. No person shall rent to another for occupancy any premises which do not comply with the requirements of this section.
(B) Egress. A safe, continuous and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to the exterior at a street, or to a yard, court or passageway leading to a public open area at grade.
(C) Direct exit. Every dwelling unit or room shall have access directly to the outside or to a public corridor.
(D) Locked doors. All doors in the required means of egress shall be readily openable from the inside without the use of keys. Exits from dwelling units shall not lead through other such units or through toilet rooms or bathrooms.
(E) Fire escapes. All required fire escapes shall be provided and maintained in working condition and shall be structurally sound.
(F) Emergency escapes.
(1) Windows or doors. Every sleeping room shall have a safe means of emergency escape to the outside consisting of an emergency escape window or door.
(2) Maintenance. Emergency escape windows and doors shall be maintained operational and available to occupants of sleeping rooms in residential uses.
(3) Security. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices shall not be installed in a required emergency escape window except when such devices are equipped with approved release mechanisms which are openable from the inside without the use of a key, special knowledge or excessive force.
(G) Accumulation and storage.
(1) Waste materials. Waste, refuse or other materials shall not be allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress.
(2) Flammable and explosive matter. Highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils and cleaning fluids, or combustible refuse, such as waste paper, boxes and rags, shall not be accumulated or stored on residential rental premises except in reasonable quantities consistent with normal usage.
(3) Flammable liquids. A rental dwelling unit shall not be located within a structure containing an establishment handling, dispensing or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 110º F (43.33º C) or lower, except as provided for in the state construction code.
(4) Generally. Floors, walls, ceilings and other elements and components, when provided to meet a fire-resistant rating, shall not be altered so that the respective fire-resistant rating of the enclosure, separation or construction is diminished.
(H) Fire protection systems.
(1) Generally. All fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
(2) Fire alarms. Fire alarms and detecting systems shall be maintained and shall be suitable for their respective purposes.
(3) Fire extinguishers. All portable fire extinguishers shall be visible, accessible and maintained in an efficient and safe operating condition.
(4) Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors shall be provided as required by city ordinances.
(Ord. passed 10-13-98) Penalty, see § 97.99
Cross-reference:
Smoke detectors required, see §§ 93.15 through 93.22