(A) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of each new and existing occupied multiple-family dwelling structure to install and maintain in proper working order smoke detectors in each such dwelling unit as hereinafter provided. The smoke detectors shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and of providing a suitable audible alarm. Failure to install smoke detectors as and where required by that date will subject the property owner to the penalties set forth herein.
(B) At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect each sleeping area. A SLEEPING AREA is defined as the area or areas of the multiple-family living unit in which the bedrooms (or sleeping rooms) are located. Where bedrooms or rooms ordinarily used for sleeping are separated by other-use areas (such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets), they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this section. At least one smoke detector shall be installed at the head of stairways leading to occupied floors containing sleeping rooms or areas in such manner as to assure that rising smoke is not obstructed in reaching the detector, and the detector intercepts rising smoke before it reaches the sleeping area. At least one smoke detector shall be installed in all basement or cellar areas. In all dwelling units sharing a common means of egress hallway, an adequate number of smoke detectors shall be installed in such hallways.
(C) As an alternative to self-contained smoke detectors, an approved fire detection system may be installed. Each fire detection system must be individually approved and a permit issued therefor by the Fire Chief.
(D) All devices, combinations of devices, and equipment required herein are to be installed in conformance with the Building Code and this section, approved by the Fire Inspector, and listed by the Fire Department for the purpose for which they are intended; the list may be subsequently amended as necessary. The approval shall be permanent unless the Fire Chief subsequently finds that the equipment is hazardous or unreliable, in which case, the Fire Chief may suspend or revoke approval. The Fire Chief may in any such case determine whether replacement of existing installation shall be required.
(E) In new multiple-dwellings, smoke detectors shall be wired directly (hard-wired) to the building’s power supply. In existing dwellings, it is preferred that smoke detectors be wired directly to power supply; however, the detectors may be powered by self-monitored battery or operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug restrainer device, provided the outlet is not controlled by any switch other than the main power supply.
(F) This section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standards and the current edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards, which are hereby incorporated herein; however, if there shall be any conflict between this section and the supplemental standards, this section and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto shall prevail.
(G) The Safety and Service Director shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the Fire Chief, Fire Inspectors, and any State Building Inspector to inspect the installation of any smoke detectors required to be installed by this section, and violations found to exist shall subject the property owners to the penalties set forth herein.
(H) If any authorized representative inspector of the city, upon inspection, shall determine that any provision of this section has been violated, he or she shall issue a written notice of such fact to the owner or person in charge of the property, which notice shall inform the owner or person in charge of the property, that said owner of the property has 30 days after the date of the notice to conform to the provisions of this section or be subject to the penalties and remedies provided in this section. No owner or person in charge of property or premises subject to the provisions of this section shall refuse to allow inspection of the property or premises by duly authorized inspection representatives of the city at all reasonable times, and after notice as herein provided.
(1982 Code, § 91.11) (Ord. 2009-2, passed 9-14-2009) Penalty, see § 91.99