(A) Scope. The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum fire safety facilities and equipment required. 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.
(B) Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain such fire facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements and the Fire Prevention Code. A person shall not let to another for occupancy or use any premises which do not comply with the following requirements of this section.
(C) 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 to a street, a yard, court, or passageway leading to a public open area at grade.
(2) Direct exits. Every rental unit shall have access directly to the outside or to a public corridor, and every sleeping room shall have an approved direct means of egress to the outside.
(3) Locked doors. All doors in the required means of egress shall be readily openable from the inner side without the use of keys. Exits from dwelling units, shall not lead through other such units, or through toilet rooms or bathrooms.
(3) Fire escapes. All required fire escapes shall be maintained in working condition and be structurally sound.
(4) Exit signs. If required, all exit signs shall be illuminated and visible.
(D) Accumulations and storage.
(1) Accumulations. Waste, refuse, or other materials shall 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 refuse, such as waste paper, boxes, and rags shall not be accumulated or stored on residential premises except in reasonable quantities consistent with normal usage.
(3) Residential unit. A dwelling unit or rooming unit shall not be located within a structure containing an establishment handling, dispensing, or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 110°F. or lower.
(E) Fire resistance ratings:
(1) General. 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.
(2) Furnaces and water heaters located in sleeping rooms and basements with sleeping rooms. All petrochemical furnaces and petrochemical water heaters located in sleeping rooms, or in basements containing sleeping rooms, shall be separated from the sleeping rooms by an enclosure which shall consist of 5/8-inch type X gypsum wallboard taped and spackled on both sides of all walls of the enclosure. The enclosure shall extend from floor to ceiling and shall be constructed to eliminate all openings in the enclosure. Access doors and panels shall be solid-core or shall be covered on both sides with 5/8-inch gypsum wallboard. If combustion air cannot be supplied from the exterior of the structure or from another interior area of the structure, it shall be permissible to install louvered grills in the door, access panel or wall of the enclosure.
(F) Fire protection systems.
(1) General. All fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
(2) Fire alarms. Fire alarms and detecting systems shall be maintained and be suitable for their respective purposes.
(3) Sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads of fire suppression systems, if required, shall be clean, free of corrosion and paint, and not bent or damaged.
(4) Standpipe systems. Hose stations shall be identified and accessible. The hose shall be in proper position, ready for operation, dry, and free of deterioration.
(5) Smoke detectors required. Subject to such exceptions and conditions for compliance as stated herein, smoke detectors shall be required in all rental units.
(6) Type and placement of smoke detectors. The type, placement and maintenance of smoke detectors shall conform to the requirements of IC 22-11-18-1 et seq., and as that statute may, from time to time, be amended.
(Ord. 6424, passed 6-12-06) Penalty, see § 160.99