(A) Scope. The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum standards for fire safety facilities and equipment under this code. All structures shall be constructed and maintained to prevent and avoid fire hazards and in a manner conducive to fire safety.
(B) Means of egress.
(1) General. A safe, continuous, and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to the exterior at a street, yard, court, or passageway leading to a public open area at grade.
(2) Direct exit. Each housing unit shall have access directly to the outside or to a common area that leads directly to the outside.
(3) Doors. All doors in the required means of egress shall be easily opened from the inner side.
(4) Fire escapes. All fire escapes shall be maintained in working condition and structurally sound.
(5) Exit signs. All exit signs shall be illuminated and visible.
(6) Emergency escape. Each sleeping room located in a basement shall have at least 1 openable window or exterior door for emergency egress or rescue which has received all necessary and legally required approvals or shall have access to 2 separate exits which have received all necessary and legally required approvals.
(C) Accumulation and storage.
(1) General. Garbage or rubbish may not be allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes, or other means of egress.
(2) Flammable matter. Highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils and cleaning fluids, or combustible rubbish such as waste paper, boxes and rags, may not be accumulated or stored on the premises except in reasonable quantities consistent with normal usage.
(3) Residential unit. A housing unit may not be located within a structure containing an establishment handling, dispensing, or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 100°F or lower, except as provided for in the applicable local building code.
(D) Fire resistance ratings. Floors, walls, ceilings, and other elements and components which are required by the applicable fire code to comply with a fire resistance rating shall be maintained so that the respective fire resistance rating of the enclosure, separation, or construction is preserved.
(E) Fire protection systems.
(1) General. All fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
(2) Smoke detectors.
(a) All housing units shall be provided with a minimum of 1 single station smoke detector in the vicinity of each sleeping area.
(b) The smoke detector shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the state fire laws, Md. Code Ann., Public Safety Article, Title 9, Subtitle 1, Smoke Detection Systems, or its successor statute.
(c) When actuated, the smoke detector shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants within the unit.
(3) Fire suppression system. Fire suppression systems in housing units so equipped shall be maintained in good condition, free from mechanical defect. Sprinkler heads shall be kept clean and free of corrosion and paint and may not be bent or damaged.
(4) Fire extinguishers. All portable fire extinguishers in housing units so equipped shall be visible and accessible and maintained in an efficient and safe operating condition.
(F) Fire doors.
(1) All necessary and legally required fire resistance rated doors or smoke barriers shall be maintained in good working order, including all hardware necessary for their proper operation.
(2) The use of doorstops, wedges and other hold-open devices which have not received all necessary and legal approvals or which have been denied approval is prohibited.
(Ord. 88-34-511, 8-23-1988; Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014)