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(a) Acceptance tests generally. It shall be unlawful to occupy any building, structure or any portion thereof until all required fire protection systems have been tested, accepted and approved by the appropriate county official.
(b) Expenses. Inspection and tests of fire suppression, alarm detection and any other fire protection systems, devices and equipment shall be conducted by and at the expense and risk of the owner or his authorized representative.
(c) Notification of central communications center. When testing any suppression system, standpipe or fire alarm system which is connected to a central supervisory station or directly to the fire department, notification shall be given to the central fire communications center before initiation of the test.
(d) Frequency. The test pipe at the top of all suppression systems shall be operated at least once a year to determine that there is free flow at adequate pressure and that the supervisory service, if any exists is operating properly. Auxiliary systems which are supplied from a domestic water source and which are not required to provide a test line may be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(e) Fire pumps. All fire pumps that automatically supply water to suppression systems and standpipes shall be operated periodically and at least once every thirty (30) days, until water is discharged freely from the relief valve.
(f) Fire alarm systems (manual pull stations). All interior fire alarm signal systems within all buildings shall be tested monthly. The use of the system for fire drill purposes shall be accepted as a test of only those parts of the system actually used in the drill procedure. Accurate logs shall be maintained on the premises indicating box number, location, date and type of device tested. Any defect, modification or repair shall be logged, and the log shall be available to the Director.
(g) Fire alarms (automatically activated). Automatic fire alarms, fire detecting devices and all alarms which monitor control valves and flow switches for fire protection and fire alarm equipment, and which transmit a signal to a central supervisory station must be tested at least once a year. Notification shall be given as required under subsection (c) of this section.
(h) Fire safety devices. Special fire safety devices including automatic smoke venting equipment, emergency generators and any other special fire safety equipment required to be installed in any building, structure or premises shall be tested by the owner or his authorized representative as prescribed by the Director.
(i) Test records. A complete written record of all tests and inspections required under this chapter shall be maintained on the premises by the owner or occupant in charge of said premises, and all such records shall be submitted to the Director when requested for his inspection and evaluation.
(j) Marking of fire equipment controls. All controls or disconnects for fire pumps shall be clearly identified by red marking with the words, "Fire Pump," in white letters. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
(a) All fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, fire and smoke ventilation systems, fixed fire communications systems, emergency lighting systems, devices or units which were installed in compliance with any permit or order, or because of any law or order, or because of any regulation or ordinance, shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant to reduce the effectiveness of the protection so required; except, that this shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to make tests, repairs, alterations or additions. Except for household fire warning systems, the central fire communications center shall be notified before any disconnection or interruption of protection, tests, repairs, alterations or additions are started, and shall be advised of the extent of and the reason for such work. The restoration of the protection shall be diligently prosecuted, and the central fire communications center shall be notified immediately when service is restored.
(b) When any required fire alarm, fire communication, fire extinguishing, fire detecting, first aid fire fighting system, device or unit, or part thereof becomes inoperative, the Director may order said building or structure or portion thereof vacated until such inoperative system, device or unit is repaired and returned to full service. The Director may permit the building or structure or portion thereof to be occupied when he finds that suitable alternative protective measures are provided. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
(a) Definitions.
Automatic fire detector: The term "automatic fire detector" shall mean an assembly designed to detect the presence of fire and initiate action.
Device: The term "device" shall include any single station alarm device or any multiple station alarm device.
Fire detection system: The term "fire detection system" shall mean any arrangement of two (2) or more automatic fire detectors connected through a separate control and shall include associated gongs, horns, bells, transformers, wiring or other components which in combination sense the presence of fire and initiate alarm action.
Multiple station alarm device: The term "multiple station alarm device" shall mean single station alarm devices, two (2) or more, which may be interconnected so that actuation of one (1) causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate. It may also consist of one (1) single station alarm device having connections for other detectors or manual stations.
Single station alarm device: The term "single station alarm device" shall mean an assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment, and the alarm sounding equipment in one (1) unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit, or obtained at the point of installation.
Automatic fire detectors shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of the Standard for Automatic Fire Detectors, NFPA #72 E, 1974 edition.
(b) Required. A person, directly or through an agent, must not sell, offer for sale, lease or install any type of fire detection system or device until the Director of Permitting Services has issued the certificate of approval or permit required by this Section.
(c) Certificate of approval for devices. Application for a certificate of approval must be in a form specified by the Director of Permitting Services. The applicant must supply complete copies of the report of any nationally recognized testing laboratories which have examined the fire detection device.
If the Director finds that the fire detection device submitted will function dependably, and that the device has been tested and approved or listed by a recognized testing laboratory, the Director must issue a certificate of approval subject to the condition that the installation of the device complies with all applicable laws.
If the Director finds that the fire detection device is not likely to operate dependably or the device has not been tested and approved or listed by a recognized testing laboratory, the Director must disapprove the application and specify the reasons for the disapproval.
(d) Permit for installation of system. Before any fire detection system is installed, the agent, contractor or installer must apply to the Director of Permitting Services for a permit. Two complete sets of drawings and specifications must accompany the permit application. This permit is in addition to any other permit required by law. A single permit may be issued for multiple dwelling units for new construction if similar household fire detection systems are being installed in more than one dwelling unit under the control of a single owner, developer or manager. Any variation in floor plan, number of detectors or model number of components must be specified on the permit application.
If the Director finds that any part of the fire detection system is not likely to function dependably or does not conform with specific requirements in this Chapter or other County laws, the Director must disapprove the application and specify the reason for the disapproval. The Director must review and approve any combination system only for fire warning purposes and not for any other function of the combination system.
(e) Permit for connection of system. When the Director of Permitting Services has issued a permit to install a fire alarm system, and if the system requires connection to a source of energy which is regulated under the County electrical code, a permit for the necessary connection must be obtained from the Department of Permitting Services. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1; 1996 L.M.C., ch. 20, § 1; 1998 L.M.C., ch. 12, § 1; 2001 L.M.C., ch. 14, § 1; 2002 L.M.C., ch. 16, § 2; 2011 L.M.C., ch. 17, § 1.)
Editor’s note—2011 L.M.C., ch. 17, §§ 2 and 3, state:
Sec. 2. Transition. This Act does not apply to any appeal to the Board of Appeals that was filed before this Act took effect.
Sec. 3. Regulations. Regulations 6-06AM and 7-06AM remain in effect, notwithstanding any amendment to the County Code in Section 1 of this Act, except for any provision of the National Fire Code that authorizes or refers to an appeal to the Board of Appeals.
(a) Generally. All occupancies containing cooking equipment in commercial, industrial, institutional, assembly and similar cooking applications other than installations for residential single family use shall:
(1) Have hoods, duct, and grease removal equipment installed in conformance with this chapter and other applicable sections of the County Code.
(2) Have installed and maintained an automatic fire extinguishing system approved by the Director.
(b) Installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems. The system shall be installed by a contractor who has been certified by the manufacturer as competent to install the equipment. Such certification shall be provided to the Director.
(c) Plans and specifications. Working plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Director for review and approval prior to installation. The plans shall include:
(1) Diagram of area and equipment to be protected including the dimensions of the hood and duct and all surfaces and appliances.
(2) Manufacturer and model number of system or systems proposed.
(3) Diagram of system piping and all component parts.
i. Size and length of piping and pipe schedule
ii. Size and number of elbows and tees
iii. Model numbers and location of nozzles
iv. Location and temperature of fusible links
v. Location of system canister
vi. Location of manual means of activation
vii. Location and identity of any auxiliary equipment, including gas and power (electric) shutoffs.
(4) At least one (1) current manufacturer’s installation manual shall be provided to the local fire authority for each system installed.
(5) Where field conditions necessitate change from the approved plans, the Director shall be consulted.
(d) Inspection.
(1) A final inspection of the installed system shall be made by the Director, which shall include witnessing of a test of the automatic and manual operating devices.
(2) The Director shall be notified twenty-four (24) hours prior to the test.
(3) Extinguishing systems shall be inspected at intervals required by the Director, but in no case less than once each six (6) months.
(4) A copy of the certificate of inspection signed by the inspector, approved by the Director, shall be forwarded to the division of fire prevention within five (5) days after inspection or servicing.
(e) Cleaning. All ducts, hoods, and grease collection equipment shall be cleaned not less than four (4) times each year. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
(a) All premises where buildings or portions of buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings are constructed and located in such a manner that access to public fire hydrants is minimal or of a distance such that the Director feels fire fighting operations would be impaired shall be provided with approved fire hydrants connected to a water supply system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Director. The location of these hydrants shall be as specified by the Director. Paved access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate fire apparatus.
(b) All premises where buildings or portions of buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings are constructed and located more than three hundred (300) feet from a public street providing access to such premises shall be provided, as may be required by the Director, with approved fire hydrants connected to a water system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Director. The location of such hydrants shall be as designated by the Director. Access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate fire fighting apparatus.
(c) All flammable and combustible liquid tank farms, lumber yards, amusement parks and similar occupancies where combustible or flammable storage or structures are located more than three hundred (300) feet from public fire hydrants shall be provided as may be required by the Director with approved fire hydrants connected to a water system capable of supplying the water flow required by the Director. The location of such hydrants shall be as designated by the Director. Suitable access to fire hydrants shall be provided and maintained to accommodate fire fighting apparatus.
(d) Supplemental water supply facilities shall be provided in those cases where the water supply obtainable from the public water supply system is insufficient to meet code requirements. The Director may establish water supply requirements in those cases where specific provisions are not provided for in this code. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
Cross reference-Hydrants and water storage facilities, for hospitals, sanitariums, nursing and care homes, § 25-24.
No person shall place or keep any post, fence, growth, trash or other material or thing near any fire hydrant or fire department connection that would prevent such hydrant or connection from being immediately discernable or in any other manner deter or hinder gaining immediate access to and use thereof. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
All private fire hydrants must be tested, maintained and serviced annually. A report of this maintenance must be submitted to the Director. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, §1; 2016 L.M.C., ch. 30, §1.)
(a) All premises which the fire department may be called upon to protect in case of fire and which are not readily accessible from public roads, shall be provided with suitable gates, access roads and fire lanes so that all buildings on the premises are accessible to fire apparatus.
(b) Private roads or fire lanes shall be provided for all buildings which are set back more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from a public road or exceed thirty (30) feet in height and are set back over fifty (50) feet from a public road.
Private roads or fire lanes shall be at least twenty (20) feet in width with the road edge closest to the building at least ten (10) feet from the building and the road edge away from the building no more than forty (40) feet from the building. Any dead-end road more than three hundred (300) feet long shall be provided with a turn around at the closed end at least ninety (90) feet in diameter.
When buildings or any portion thereof are located one hundred fifty (150) feet or more from a public street or accessway and there is not suitable access for fire equipment as determined by the Director, there shall be provided approved fire protection system or systems as required and approved by the Director.
(c) All buildings, parts of buildings, or other obstructions extending over access driveways shall have not less than twelve (12) feet vertical clearance from the finished driveway surface.
Where approved fire protection systems are provided, the above required clearances may be modified or waived.
(d) When any portion of the first story of any building is more than three hundred (300) feet from a public street, or accessway, one (1) of the following shall be provided:
(1) The entire building shall be protected with an automatic fire extinguishing system, or
(2) The building shall be made accessible for fire motor vehicle apparatus by an all weather accessway approved by the Director.
(e) The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to buildings that were erected prior to the effective date of this section.
(f) Group L-3 occupancies, as specified in chapter 8 of the County Code when such occupancies are not physically attached and contain two (2) living units or less in a building, may be exempt from the provisions of this section. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, § 1.)
Cross reference-Hospitals, sanitariums, nursing and care homes to be accessible to fire department apparatus, § 25-55.
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