(A) Findings. The Board of Commissioners finds and recognizes that it is an essential function of Davidson County government to protect the citizens of Davidson County and all other persons who live, own property, and conduct business within Davidson County from the detrimental effects of fire or other hazardous conditions which could cause or accelerate the starting or spreading of uncontrolled fires or constitutes a clear and adverse threat to human life, safety, or heath. The Board of Commissioners recognizes the need for residents, business interests, and the owners and occupants of premises used by the public to be adequately informed of and educated in not only proper fire prevention and fire safety practices but also the fire protection and prevention laws of Davidson County and the State of North Carolina. Further, it is acknowledged that there is a need to set forth the Davidson County Fire Marshal’s powers and duties in fire protection, prevention, education, and investigation.
(B) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this chapter is to establish a program for the prevention of fires and the protection of life and property in Davidson County from the damage caused by uncontrolled fire and other conditions which are otherwise dangerous to human life, public welfare, or structural integrity of a building or structure. This chapter is intended to adopt the North Carolina State Building Codes as law for Davidson County; to prescribe and enforce regulations in a manner consistent with the laws of North Carolina and generally recognized practices for fire prevention; to define the duties of the Davidson County Fire Marshal; to define and implement the powers and duties of Davidson County and the Fire Marshal in the investigation and prevention of fire and the enforcement of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code; and to prevent interference with firefighting and fire prevention activities.
(Ord. passed 6-22-21)