(A) Smoke detectors required. Every builder of each new dwelling unit is hereby required to install approved smoke detector or detectors in each dwelling unit as hereinafter provided. Every owner of each existing dwelling unit is hereby required to install approved smoke detector or detectors in each dwelling unit as hereinafter provided. A DWELLING UNIT is defined as a single-family residence, apartment, efficiency apartment, and home trailer. Approved smoke detectors shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and shall provide an alarm signaling device which, when activated, shall be clearly audible in all sleeping rooms when all intervening doors are closed. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine in accordance with § 10.99, and each and every day such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(B) Location of smoke detectors. At least one approved smoke detector shall be installed near each sleeping area to protect each sleeping area. A SLEEPING AREA is defined as an area or areas in which sleeping rooms are located. Where sleeping rooms are separated by other use areas, excluding bathrooms and closets, they shall be considered as separate areas; each requiring an approved smoke detector. At least one approved smoke detector shall be installed at the top of each stairway leading to an occupied area, including the top of a stairway from a basement. An occupied area includes, but is not limited to, a sleeping area. An approved smoke detector shall be installed at a location at the top of each stairway in such a manner as to assure that rising visible or invisible particles of combustion are not obstructed in reaching the detector and that the detector intercepts rising visible or invisible particles of combustion before they reach an occupied sleeping area.
(C) Equipment. All devices, combinations of devices, and equipment required herein shall be installed in conformance with the Building Code, this section, and be approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Approved smoke detectors, as required by this section, shall be those listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and Factory Mutual. Approved smoke detectors listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and Factory Mutual shall be used unless the Director of the Bureau of Fire Prevention subsequently finds that the equipment is hazardous or unreliable, in which case, the Director may suspend or revoke an approved smoke detector. The Director may in any such case determine whether replacement of existing installation shall be required.
(D) Installation. In new residential occupancies, smoke detectors shall be connected to the building’s electrical circuit without a disconnect wall switch and be permanently mounted to a standard electrical outlet or junction box on the ceiling. In existing dwellings, it is preferred that smoke detectors be wired directly to the electrical power supply; however, said 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 wall switch.
(E) Effective date of section. Effective upon passage and publication of this section, it shall be the duty of every builder of each new dwelling unit to install and have in good working condition all approved smoke detectors required by this section. Effective upon passage and publication of this section, at every change of ownership of a single-family residence, apartment, efficiency apartment, and home trailer, it shall be the duty of the granter (seller) thereof to certify by a certificate of compliance, before change of ownership, to the new owner that all smoke detectors, as required by this section, are installed and in proper working condition. Failure to comply with this section shall be punishable as set forth herein; provided, however, that this section shall not be construed to vitiate or render void any contract or sale agreement.
(F) Notification of installation; certification of compliance. When an approved smoke detector is installed, the Village Building Inspector shall be notified by the builder or owner of the dwelling unit within five days of installation. Upon notification, the Building Inspector shall inspect said detectors to ensure compliance with this section. Following inspection, the Building Inspector shall issue a certificate of compliance or a certificate of noncompliance to the builder or owner of the dwelling unit.
(Prior Code, § 4-3-1) (Ord. passed 11- -1978)