The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum fire safety facilities and equipment to be provided in rental units. All structures shall be constructed and maintained to prevent and avoid fire hazards, and in a manner conducive to fire safety. All fire safety facilities and equipment shall comply with the requirements herein prescribed insofar as they are applicable.
The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain such fire safety facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements and the Fire Prevention Code. A person shall not occupy, as owner-occupant, or let to another for occupancy or use, any premises which do not comply with the following requirements:
(a) Means of Egress.
(1) A safe, continuous and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to the exterior at a street, or to a yard, court or passageway leading to a public open area at grade.
(2) All required and all existing fire escapes shall be maintained in working condition and shall be structurally sound.
(3) Waste, refuse or other materials shall not be allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress.
(b) Exit Signs. All exit signs shall be maintained, illuminated and visible.
(c) Fire Resistance Ratings. Floors, walls, ceilings and other elements and components required to develop a fire resistance rating shall be maintained so that the respective fire resistance rating of the enclosure, separation or construction is preserved.
(d) Fire Protection Systems. All fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
(1) Fire alarms. Fire alarms and detecting systems shall be maintained in good working condition and shall be suitable for their respective purposes.
(2) Fire suppression systems. Fire suppression systems shall be maintained in good condition, free from mechanical injury. Sprinkler heads shall be maintained clean, free of corrosion and paint, and not bent or damaged.
(3) Standpipe systems. Hose stations shall be identified and accessible. The hose shall be in proper position, ready for operation, dry and free of deterioration.
(4) Fire extinguishers. All portable fire extinguishers shall be visible and accessible, and maintained in an efficient and safe operating condition.
(e) Fire Doors. All required fire resistance rated doors or smoke barriers shall be maintained in good working order, including all hardware necessary for the proper operation thereof. The use of door stops, wedges and other unapproved hold-open devices is prohibited.
(f) Smoke Detectors. All residential occupancies shall be provided with a minimum of one approved single-station smoke detector in the sleeping area of each dwelling unit. The detectors shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this Building and Housing Code and the Fire Prevention Code. When actuated, the smoke detector shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants within the individual dwelling unit.
(Ord. 2285. Passed 1-14-91.)