15-4-580 Definitions.

   The provisions of Sections 15-4-580 to 15-4-630 both inclusive, shall apply to pre-ordinance buildings, existing building and buildings hereafter constructed.

   The words "scenery and decorations" are hereby defined as any stage materials, paraphernalia, scenery, decorations, drapes, curtains or similar material used for decorative effect or stage settings.

   Any material used as scenery and decorations which will neither support combustion nor carry a flame when subjected to a temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit shall not be classed as scenery and decorations and shall not be governed by the following regulations pertaining to scenery and decorations. Such materials shall include scenery and decorations made entirely of metal or asbestos or 100 percent spun glass fibers or metal and asbestos with all attachments, supports and framing of metal.

(Prior code §  90-56)

15-4-590 Combustible scenery and decorations.

   Any material used as scenery and decorations which will either support combustion or carry a flame when subjected to a temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of not less than ten minutes shall be classed as scenery and decorations and shall be governed by the following regulations pertaining to scenery and decorations.

(Prior code §  90-57)

15-4-600 Test standard.

   Any material, which does not comply with Section 15-4-590 and is used as scenery and decoration shall meet the requirement of the large and small scale tests given in the National Fire Protection Association's Pamphlet No. 701 entitled Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles and Films, 1973 Edition, and be so certified by a testing agency recognized by the fire commissioner. The large-scale test shall be used whenever the material will be hung in folds or whenever the small test reveals that the material is subject to excessive melting or shrinking. The small test shall be used in all other instances.

(Prior code § 90-58; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 89)

15-4-610 Wall area and school stages.

   For the purpose of determining the amount of scenery and decorations permitted in any premises, the words "wall area" are hereby defined as the sum of the areas of the ceiling and enclosing walls of the room, auditorium or part of the building in which such scenery and decorations are located, including the areas of all openings through such ceiling and enclosing walls. Except as hereinafter provided for curtains, portable screens, and projection screens on the stages of schools, all scenery and decorations used as stage settings in any type of occupancy shall be located within a stage as defined in Chapter 14B-2 and regulated in Section 14B-4-410.

   On school stages which are not equipped as required by the provisions of Chapter 14B-4, it shall be permissible to use a pair of sliding curtains hung on horizontal metal rods not more than 12 feet above the floor of the stage and portable screens set on the floor. Said screens shall be not more than eight feet in height. On such stages located on the first or ground floor of a school of fireproof construction, it shall be permissible to use not more than four curtains hung from the top of the proscenium arch or from the ceiling. In addition, necessary projection screens may be used on such school stages. All such scenery and decorations, before being used, shall be treated with a flame-retardant solution, and thereafter continuously maintained, so that they will be capable of withstanding the test for scenery and decorations given in Section 15-4-600 of this Code.

   No scenery or decorations in excess of the amount necessary as stage settings or the current production shall be stored or kept in any theater.

(Prior code § 90-59; Amend Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029, Art. VIII, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 6)

15-4-620 Scenery or decorations in other occupancies.

   Excepting the aforesaid provisions for scenery and decorations on the stages of schools and stages regulated by Section 14B-4-410, all decorations and scenery in every Group A, E, I or M occupancy shall conform to the following requirements:

   1.   Before being used, all scenery and decorations shall have been so treated with a flame-retardant solution and continuously maintained in such condition as to pass the test for scenery and decorations given in Section 15-4-600 of this Code;

   2.   No scenery and decorations shall be so hung or applied as to conceal any means of exit nor to reduce the width of any exit nor to give the appearance of an exit where none exists;

   3.   Not more than five percent of the wall area of any auditorium or room in any of the buildings mentioned in this section shall be covered by scenery and decorations;

   4.   No one article of scenery and decoration shall cover more than three percent of said wall area.

(Prior code § 90-60; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 7)

15-4-630 Open flame devices.

   All open flame devices used for illumination or decorative purpose shall be in suitable noncombustible holders and be placed in such a manner that they will not ignite any combustible material or constitute a dangerous hazard or condition.

(Prior code §  90-61)

ARTICLE XI. EXHIBITIONS AND SHOWS (15-4-640 et seq.)