For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM BUSINESS. Any person who sells or leases and installs, services or maintains automatic protection devices, signaling devices or automatic protection systems which transmit alarms upon receipt of a stimulus from a detection apparatus.
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION DEVICE. Any mechanical or electrically operated device designed to monitor and/or detect fire, unauthorized intrusion or an emergency situation.
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION SYSTEM. Any mechanical or electrically operated installation in or for commercial or residential premises consisting of an automatic protection device or devices and/or signaling device which detects emergency situations and transmits a warning signal by any means.
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION SYSTEM USER. Any person on whose premises an alarm system is installed.
BONFIRE. An outdoor fire having a total fuel area of more than three feet in diameter and two feet or more in height.
BUSINESS UNIT. A building or structure or any portion thereof used for the transaction of business or the rendering or receiving of professional services, including offices.
CODE OFFICIAL. Individual(s) authorized by the Town Manager who hold valid certificates issued by the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board.
CONTAINED FIRE. An outdoor fire where the fuel being burned is contained in a fireproof container such as an incinerator, burn barrel, outdoor fireplace or barbeque grill.
DWELLING UNIT. One or more habitable rooms arranged for the use of one or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit, with cooking, living, sanitary and sleeping facilities.
EMERGENCY SITUATION. A fire, unauthorized intrusion, criminal activity, automobile accident, medical emergency, hurricane evacuation, or similar emergency situation requiring prompt, official response to protect or assist individuals or property.
FALSE ALARM.
(1) A visual and/or audible signal transmitted by a signaling device which indicates the existence of an emergency situation when in fact no like emergency situation exists; or a visual and/or audible signal transmitted by a signaling device which is not a supervisory function of that device.
(2) FALSE ALARMS include negligently or accidentally activated signals; signals which are the result of faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed or maintained equipment; signals which are purposely activated to summon the police or fire in non-emergency situations; and alarm signals for which the actual cause is not determined.
FIRE CHIEF. The chief officer of the Fire Department authorized by the Town Manager, or a duly authorized representative.
FIRE PREVENTION CODE. The North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, current edition, adopted by the North Carolina Building Code Council, as amended from time to time.
FIREWORKS AND PYROTECHNICS DISPLAYS. Any device, used customarily for entertainment or celebratory displays, containing explosive or flammable materials or compounds which explode, rise into the air or travel laterally, fires projectiles, discharges sparks into the air, or transports open flames.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Class I through class III liquids as defined in the N.C. Fire Prevention Code.
KNOX BOX. A small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys for fire, police, and emergency services departments to retrieve in emergency situations. The Fire Department holds master keys to all boxes in their response area so that they can quickly enter a building without having to force entry.
OCEAN BEACH. That land between the mean low ocean water mark and the eastern toe of the primary dune (the dune closest to the ocean).
OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. OPEN BURNING does not include road flares, smudge pots and similar devices associated with safety.
PIT FIRE. Any fire started or set for the purpose of outside cooking, picnics or any recreational purpose, including but not limited to, beach fires, wiener roasts, marshmallow roasts and camping fires; provided, however, that contained fires are excluded from the provisions of this section.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish or yard debris where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, burn barrel, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of less than three feet or less than two feet in height.
SIGNALING DEVICE. One or more of the following:
(1) An electrically operated instrument which automatically transmits a voice alarm or electronic pulse over regular telephone lines upon detection of a fire, unauthorized intrusion or other emergency situation;
(2) An electrically operated instrument which automatically transmits a signal over a leased, dedicated telephone line to a receiver upon detection of a fire, unauthorized intrusion or other emergency situation; and/or
(3) An electrically operated instrument which automatically transmits or produces a visual or audible signal upon detection of a fire, unauthorized intrusion or other emergency situation at the protected premises.
SKY LANTERN. Miniature, unmanned hot air balloon which is launched into the atmosphere customarily to celebrate weddings and other special events. SKY LANTERNS rely on an open flame to heat the air inside a balloon causing it to lift into the atmosphere.
SOUND BEACH. The land between the mean low water mark and the private property line.
(Ord. 20-04, passed 7-1-2020)