(A) Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the minimum conditions and standards for fire safety relating to structures and exterior premises, including fire safety facilities and equipment to be provided.
(B) Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall provide and maintain such fire safety facilities and. equipment in compliance with state and local fire codes. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter. (IPMC 2006 § 701)
(C) Means of egress.
(1) General. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way. Means of egress shall comply with state and local codes and ordinances.
(2) Aisles. The required width of aisles shall be unobstructed in accordance with state and local codes and ordinances.
(3) Doors. All doors intended for use as a means of egress shall be readily openable for emergency exit without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort in accordance with state and local codes and ordinances.
(4) Emergency escape openings. Required emergency-escape openings shall be marked "Exit" and maintained in accordance with the code in effect at the time of construction, and the following. Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the code that was in effect at the time of construction. Such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. (IPMC 2006 § 702)
(D) Fire resistant ratings.
(1) General. The required fire-resistance rating of fire-resistance-rated walls, fire stops, shaft enclosures, partitions and floors shall be maintained.
(2) Opening protectives. Required opening protectives shall be maintained in an operative condition. All fire and smoke stop doors shall be maintained in operable condition.
(3) Fire and smoke barrier obstruction. Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked, obstructed by, or otherwise made inoperable. (IPMC 2006 § 703)
(E) Fire protection systems.
(1) General. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with state and local codes and ordinances.
(2) Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are to be in proper working order and installed according to current state and local codes and ordinances. (IPMC 2006 § 704)
(Ord. G-07-09, passed 2-24-09; Am. Ord. G-8-17, passed 4-25-17)