(a) All multiple-family and multi-family residential dwellings, including but not limited to, condominiums units, boarding, lodging and rooming units, bed and breakfasts, dormitories, hotels, motels, adult group homes, efficiency suites, assisted-living homes, and all other rental units arranged for shelter and sleeping arrangements shall have approved smoke detection devices installed adjacent to the sleeping areas. Such smoke detection devices shall be required regardless of the type of construction affected by the actuated smoke detector. Where required by the Bureau of Fire Prevention for change in occupancy or use, in all new construction, and/or as a requirement when interior alterations, repairs, or additions to the building require a building permit, smoke detection devices and/or heat detection devices shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Wiring sh-all be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over current protection. All detectors shall have built-in protection to warn of battery failure. Battery powered alarms are permitted in buildings not served from a commercial power source.
(b) All occupancies referred to in subsection (a) hereof which are buildings over fifty (50) feet in height shall have smoke detectors that are connected directly to an approved, zoned annunciator panel installed near the location of a Fire Department entry - an entry approved by the Fire Chief. The smoke detection alarm system shall be installed in such a manner that when a detector activates the alarm it will sound within the occupied area and the common exit-way, and also so that the annunciator panel will indicate the type of device activated and the floor level of activation. The required annunciator panel shall be supervised in a manner approved by the Fire Chief.
(c) In all new one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwellings, a smoke detector shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars, but excluding crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels, a smoke detector need be installed only on the upper level provided the lower level is less than one (1) full story below the upper level, except that if there is a door between levels, then a detector is required on each level. All detectors shall be interconnected such that the actuation of one alarm will actuate all the alarms in the individual unit and shall provide an alarm which will be audible in all sleeping areas. Required smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over current protection.
(d) In all existing one (1), two (2), or three (3) family dwellings, smoke detectors shall be a point-of-sale requirement, or a requirement when interior alterations, repairs, or additions to the building requiring a permit occur. Smoke detectors shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements, but excluding crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels, a smoke detector need be installed only on the upper level provided the lower level is less than one (1) full story below the upper level, except that if there is a door between levels, then a detector is required on each level. Smoke detectors with battery- power supply may be permitted, as are detectors that receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for over current protection. AC- powered smoke detectors shall have a secondary source of power from a battery. All battery- powered detectors shall have built-in protection to warn of battery failure.
(e) Any senior citizen multi-family building more than one (1) story in height must be equipped with a fire and smoke detection system with sensors located in every room and corridor. System shall be supervised in a manner approved by the Fire Chief.
(f) All required installed smoke detectors units shall be visually and audibly inspected annually by the owner or his/her agent.
(g) All required installed smoke detectors shall be maintained in proper working order at all times by the owner of such unit or units, or his/her agent.
(h) All required smoke detectors shall be U.L. listed or shall be approved, listed, or labeled by an agency approved by the Fire Chief.
(i) All required installed smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 72.
(j) If the requirements of this section are in conflict with any other code, law or ordinance, then the provision which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the safety and welfare of the public shall prevail.
(k) When practical difficulties are encountered in complying with these provisions, the Fire Chief shall be permitted to modify the requirements of this section provided that the spirit and intent of the law is observed, the public welfare and safety are assured, and that the modification meets or exceeds the requirements of this section.
(Ord. 02-37 AC. Passed 4-15-02.)