(a) The owners or occupants of residential structures consisting of more than three units including but not limited to, apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels, boardinghouses and similar-type shelters and having constructed within such structures or units contained herein, a solid fuel-burning, factory-built fireplace, masonry fireplace, chimney and/or vent shall maintain such fireplace, chimney and/or vent as follows:
(1) All fireplaces, chimneys and/or vents shall be inspected annually (every twelve months) by an insured professional inspection company.
(2) Where, through inspection, a creosote buildup is found in the fireplace, chimney and/or vent, such creosote shall be removed before further use.
(3) Where, through inspection, a fireplace, chimney and/or vent is found to be in such a state of disrepair that it constitutes a fire hazard, the use of the fireplace shall be discontinued until repairs are made.
(4) A copy of the written report of the annual inspection and recommendations contained therein shall be delivered to the Fire Department.
(5) The City shall not be responsible for any costs, damages, or liability resulting from inspections or any liability for failure of the inspection company to properly inspect such fireplaces, chimneys and/or vents.
(b) No person being the owner or occupant of any structure described in this section shall operate a fireplace, chimney and/or vent in violation of this section.
(Ord. 1988-10. Passed 1-7-88.)