1501.01 ADOPTION.

   The Ohio Fire Code, as amended periodically, is incorporated fully into the City of Mansfield Fire Prevention Code, save and except for such parts which have been herein amended, as if set out at length herein. The Ohio Fire Code, for which the designation "OFC" may be substituted, contains Chapters 1301:7-7 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

   The minimum requirements of the OFC, as adopted above, shall be the basis of the City of Mansfield Fire Prevention Code except that more restrictive requirements may be imposed by the Mansfield Fire Prevention Code and shall be as hereinafter set forth.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.02 TITLE.

   The rules set forth herein shall be known as the Mansfield Fire Prevention Code and hereinafter referred to as the Mansfield Fire Prevention Code or this Code.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.03 PURPOSE.

   The purpose of the Mansfield Fire Prevention Code as adopted herein is to prescribe minimum standards and regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire and explosion. (Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.04 APPLICATION.

   This Code as adopted herein applies to the use of all lands and properties within the corporation limits of the City and such other lands or properties owned by the City which are situated outside the corporation limits thereof.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.05 COPIES.

   Copies of Codes as adopted in this chapter are on file with the Council Clerk for inspection by the public, and also on file in the County Law Library, and the Clerk has copies available for distribution to the public at cost.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.06 RESPONSIBILITY.

   (a)   Owner. The owner shall be responsible for the safe and proper maintenance of the building, structure, premises or lot at all times. In all new and existing buildings and structures, the fire protection equipment, means of egress, alarms, devices and safeguards required by this Code and other jurisdictional ordinances, shall be maintained in a safe and proper operating condition.

   (b)   Occupant. If an occupant of a building creates conditions in violation of this Code, by virtue of storage, handling and use of substances, materials, devices and appliances, the occupant can be held responsible for the abatement of said hazardous conditions.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.07 COMPLIANCE.

   (a)    No person shall knowingly violate any provision of the Ohio Fire Code as adopted herein or any order issued pursuant thereto.

   (b)   No person shall fail to comply with the fire prevention measures or fire protection activities as prescribed in the Ohio Fire Code, or fail to obtain a permit or license for the various uses or activities as required by such Code, or fail to comply with the City application and plan submission and processing requirements including payment of the fee designated therefor.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)

1501.08 FIRE PREVENTION AND ARSON BUREAU; ENFORCEMENT.

   (a)    The Codes adopted under this chapter shall be enforced by the Fire Prevention and Arson Bureau, in the Fire Division of the City, which is hereby established. The Bureau shall consist of the Chief of the Fire Division, together with such members of the Fire Division, who are certified fire safety inspectors, and certified fire investigators as may be detailed by the Chief to the Bureau from time to time based upon need. The Fire Chief and members of the Fire Division detailed to the Bureau may hereinafter be referred to as the Fire Code Official or Fire Official.

   (b)    The Fire Code Official may inspect all structures, premises and vehicles pursuant to Section 3737.14 of the Ohio Revised Code as often as may be necessary for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighting operations, endanger life or any violations of the provisions or intent of this Code or any other ordinance affecting fire safety.

   (c)   The Chief and members of the Fire Division detailed to the Bureau shall investigate all incendiary fires and fires of undetermined origin; investigate all fires that result in injuries or death; investigate all bombs and fire threats; maintain liaison with area fire and police departments; investigate false alarms when a subject has been apprehended and follow through with prosecution; report all multiple alarms of fire when notified; and perform other related duties as determined necessary by the Chief.

   (d)   The Chief and members of the Fire Division detailed to the Bureau shall have the following powers while engaged in their duties of investigating the cause of an alarm or fire: examine witnesses, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers, and to do and perform all other acts necessary to the effective discharge of such duties.

(Ord. 21-249. Passed 12-21-21.)