Source: http://www.villageofexeter.com/p/exeter-village-ordinances_93.html
Timestamp: 2018-03-20 12:01:49
Document Index: 624571129

Matched Legal Cases: ['§17', '§35', '§17', '§33', '§33', '§28', '§28', '§60', '§28', '§60', '§28', '§28', '§81', '§18', '§18', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§81', '§17', '§81', '§17', '§17', '§17', '§28', '§28', '§28', '§28', '§17', '§28']

Village of Exeter: Exeter Village Ordinances: Fire Regulations
CHAPTER 8 – FIRE REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1 – FIRE DEPARTMENT AND RESCUE SQUAD
SECTION 8-101: OPERATION AND FUNDING; AGREEMENT WITH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT
SECTION 8-102: DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT
SECTION 8-103: RESCUE SQUAD
SECTION 8-104: FIRE CHIEF
SECTION 8-105: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 8-106: EQUIPMENT
SECTION 8-107: COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
SECTION 8-108: IMPERSONATING FIREFIGHTER
SECTION 8-202: TRAFFIC
SECTION 8-203: PEDESTRIANS
SECTION 8-204: DRIVING OVER HOSE
SECTION 8-205: FALSE ALARM
SECTION 8-206: MANDATORY ASSISTANCE
SECTION 8-207: INTERFERENCE
SECTION 8-208: FIRE WATCH
SECTION 8-209: FIRE INVESTIGATION
SECTION 8-210: DISTANT FIRES
ARTICLE 3 – FIRE PREVENTION
SECTION 8-301: FIRE CODE
SECTION 8-302: LIFE SAFETY CODE
SECTION 8-303: CODE ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 8-304: FIRE LIMITS; DEFINED
SECTION 8-305: FIRE LIMITS; BUILDING PERMIT
SECTION 8-306: FIRE LIMITS; MATERIALS
SECTION 8-307: PERMITTED REPAIRS
SECTION 8-308: FIRE ON PAVEMENT
SECTION 8-309: OPEN BURNING BAN; WAIVER
SECTION 8-310: OUTDOOR BURNING; PROHIBITIONS
SECTION 8-311: OUTDOOR FIRE PITS AND FIREPLACES
SECTION 8-312: INSPECTIONS; VIOLATION NOTICE
ARTICLE 4 – EXPLOSIVES; POISONOUS AND FLAMMABLE GASES
SECTION 8-401: EXPLOSIVES; STORAGE; REGISTRATION
SECTION 8-402: EXPLOSIVES; BULLETS
SECTION 8-403: EXPLOSIVES; BLASTING PERMITS
SECTION 8-404: POISONOUS OR FLAMMABLE GASES
ARTICLE 5 – FIREWORKS
SECTION 8-501: REGULATION OF USE, SALE, POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS
SECTION 8-502: DEFINED
SECTION 8-503: PERMITTED FIREWORKS
SECTION 8-504: SALE OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS; DATES ALLOWED
SECTION 8-601: VIOLATION; PENALTY
A. The village operates the Fire Department and Rescue Squad through the village fire chief and firemen. The fire chief shall manage the Fire Department. The Village Board, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the management, maintenance, and improvement of the Fire Department, may each year levy a tax not exceeding the maxi-mum limits prescribed by state law on the actual valuation of all real estate and personal property within the village that is subject to taxation. The revenue from the said tax shall be placed in the general fund, which shall be in the possession of the village treasurer. Said monies so levied and collected shall be set aside in the village budget as the Fire Department budget and the Rescue Squad budget for defraying the cost of those departments.
B. In addition, the Fire Department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the appropriate Rural Fire District for the mutual aid and protection of the residents of both the village and the Rural Fire District. Such an agreement shall provide for mutual aid, protection and a sharing of necessary expenses between the village and the Rural Fire District. The agreement so entered into shall be on file in the office of the village clerk for public inspection during office hours.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §§17-718, 35-501, 35-530)
It shall be the duty of the Fire Department to use all proper means for the extinguishment of fires, to protect property within the village and to secure the observance of all ordinances, laws, and other rules and regulations with respect to fires and fire prevention.
The Fire Department may also operate a rescue unit for the benefit of those within the Fire Protection District. They shall make rules and regulations for the proper and effective use of emergency rescue equipment and for the adequate training of personnel to
operate this equipment, subject to the review of the Village Board. During the time of a rescue call, it shall be the duty of the official in charge of the Rescue Squad to insure that every victim of mishap is aided or aided and transported to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. When available, rescue personnel shall respond to all fire calls. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §35-514.02)
A. The fire chief shall be elected by the members of the Fire Department. He shall manage the Fire Department and it shall be his duty to inform the Village Board when any of the fire engines, hose, ladders, or other apparatus needs repair. Upon the written consent and directive of the board, the fire chief shall cause the repair, improvement, or maintenance of the said equipment and shall personally supervise and approve of the same. It shall be the duty of the fire chief to come before the Village Board at the regular meeting in January each year to give a report of the general condition and the proposed additions or improvements recommended by him.
B. The fire chief shall, before December 1 each year, file with the village clerk a certified copy of the rolls of all members in good standing in their respective companies in order to obtain the exemptions provided by law.
C. The chief shall enforce all laws and ordinances covering the prevention of fires; the storage and use of explosives and flammable substances; the installation of fire alarm systems; the regulation of fire escapes; and the inspection of all premises requiring adequate fire escapes. The fire chief shall have the right to enter at all reasonable hours into buildings and upon all premises within his jurisdiction for the purpose of examining the same for fire hazards and related dangers. The chief shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of any fire arising within his jurisdiction.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §§17-505, 35-102, 35-108, 81-506, 81-512)
A. The fire chief shall appoint no more than 35 members for each Fire Department company, subject to the review and approval of the Board of Trustees. All vacancies shall be filled in this manner.
B. All members of the Fire Department shall be subject to such rules and regulations and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed or required of them by the fire chief or the Board of Trustees.
C. Members of the Fire Department may hold meetings and engage in social activities with the approval of the Board of Trustees. The secretary shall keep a record of all meetings. All records shall be available to the public at any reasonable time.
D. Members of the Fire Department shall be considered to be employees of the village for the purpose of providing them with workers' compensation and other benefits. The Board of Trustees may compensate or reimburse any member of the Fire Department for expenses incurred in carrying out his duties in an amount set by resolution. The Board shall purchase and maintain in force a policy of group term life insurance to age 65 covering the lives of all of the village's active volunteer fire and rescue personnel, except that when any such person serves more than one municipality or rural or suburban fire protection district, the policy shall be purchased only by the first entity or
district which he serves. The policy shall provide a minimum death benefit of $10,000 for death from any cause and shall, at the option of the insured, be convertible to a permanent form of life insurance at age 65. The coverage of such policy shall terminate as to any individual who ceases to be an active volunteer member of the Fire Department.
E. For purposes of Neb. Rev. Stat. §33-139.01, volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members testifying as witnesses in that capacity alone shall not be deemed employees of the village.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §§33-139.01, 35-101 through 35-103, 35-108)
A. It shall be unlawful for any person except the fire chief and the members of the Fire Department to molest, destroy, handle or in any other way to interfere with the use and storage of any of the fire trucks and other apparatus belonging to the village.
B. Fire equipment may not be removed from the Fire Department without prior approval of department personnel. Village employees shall not be involved in the fire or rescue actions other than as firemen or Rescue Squad members. Maintenance of the Fire Department building is the responsibility of the Village Board. The temperature control of the building shall be administered to insure that oxygen and other equipment of the Rescue Squad and other department companies are maintained at safe operating and administration temperatures.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-519)
No unauthorized person shall operate any radio or communications equipment of the Fire Department. All persons authorized to operate said equipment shall do so only as authorized by the license granted to that particular piece of equipment and shall strictly comply with all of the rules and regulations established.
It shall be unlawful for any person to falsely personate a firefighter by wearing a badge or other apparel usually worn by a firefighter for the purpose of obtaining any benefit whatsoever. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the theatrical representation of a firefighter for bona fide entertainment purposes when there is no intent to defraud. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-609)
Any official of the Fire Department shall have the power during the time of a fire to cause the removal of any private or public property whenever it shall become necessary to do so for the preservation of such property from fire, to prevent the spreading of fire, or to protect adjoining property. The said officials may direct the firefighters to remove any building, structure, or fence for the purpose of checking the progress of any fire.
The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-6,183)
It shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to enter or remain in any street after a fire alarm shall have sounded until the fire trucks shall have completely passed. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-908)
It shall be unlawful for any person, without the consent of the fire chief or assistant fire chief to drive any vehicle over unprotected hose of the Fire Department. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §60-6,184)
It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally and without good and reasonable cause raise any false alarm of fire. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §(Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-519)28-907, 35-520)
Any official of the Fire Department may command the assistance and services of any person present at a fire to help in extinguishing the fire or in the removal and protection of property. In the event that a spectator refuses, neglects or fails to assist the Fire Department after a lawful order to do so, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
B. Disobeys the lawful orders given by any fireman while performing his or her duties; or
D. Forbids or prevents others from assisting or extinguishing a fire or exhorts an-other person, as to whom he has no legal right or obligation to protect or control, not to assist in extinguishing a fire.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-908)
After all fires have been extinguished and the firefighting equipment has been removed from the scene, a fire watch shall be maintained about the fire area for a period of not less than 24 hours or until, in the opinion of the fire chief, the fire is deemed to be completely extinguished and no possibility of re-kindling is likely
It shall be the duty of the Fire Department to investigate or cause to be investigated the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire occurring in the village in which property has been destroyed or damaged. Any fire of unknown origin shall be reported and such officers shall especially make an investigation and report as to whether such fire was the result of carelessness, accident, or design. Such investigation shall be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the state fire marshal. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-506)
Upon the permission of the village chairman or fire chief or pursuant to any agreement with a rural fire district for mutual aid and protection, such fire equipment of the village as may be designated by the Village Board as rural equipment may be used beyond the corporate limits to extinguish a reported fire. The firefighters of the village shall be considered as acting in the performance and within the scope of their duties in fighting fires or saving property or life outside the corporate limits of the village when directed to do so by the village chairman, chief of the Fire Department or some person authorized to act for such chief and in so doing, may use such fire equipment of the village as may be designated by the Village Board.
All of the provisions of the 2015 edition of the Fire Code, as published by the National Fire Protection Association and recommended by the American Insurance Association, are hereby adopted by reference as part of this chapter. One copy, together with all re-visions of and amendments thereto, shall be available in the office of the village clerk for public inspection during office hours. In the event that any of the provisions of said code are in conflict with any of the provisions of the municipal code, the provisions of the municipal code shall prevail. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§18-132, 19-902, 19-922, 81-502)
Incorporated by reference into this municipal code are the standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association known as the Life Safety Code, 2015 edition and all subsequent amendments. This code shall have the same force and effect as if set out verbatim herein. One copy of the Life Safety Code shall be on file with the village clerk, available for public inspection during office hours. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§18-132, 19-902, 81-502)
It shall be the duty of all village officials to enforce the incorporated fire code provisions as provided in Sections 8-301 and 8-302, and all infractions shall be immediately brought to the attention of the fire chief.
The corporate limits of the village shall be and constitute the fire limits. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-550)
Prior to the moving or construction of any building in the fire limits, application must be made to the county zoning administrator in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Fillmore County Zoning Regulations. Construction shall include the enlarging or alteration of any building in the fire limits. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-550)
Within the aforesaid fire limits, no structure shall be built, altered, moved, or enlarged unless such structure will be enclosed with walls constructed wholly of stone, well-burned brick, terra cotta, concrete, or other such noncombustible materials as will satisfy the fire chief that the said structure will be reasonably fireproof. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-550)
It shall be unlawful for any person to repair, alter, or add to any building in the fire limits where the repair is more than 50% of the building unless the said person shall first submit an application to make such repairs, alterations, or to add to any building and shall state on the application that the material used will be non-combustible and approved by the fire chief. Repairs in the form of patching and other minor repairs shall not require a permit. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-550)
It shall be unlawful for any person to set out a fire on the pavement or near any curb within the village. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-556)
A. There shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.
B. The fire chief or his designee may waive an open burning ban under subsection (A) of this section for an area under his jurisdiction by issuing an open burning permit to a person requesting permission to conduct open burning. Said person shall make application on a form provided by the state fire marshal. The permit shall be signed by the fire chief or his designee. The fire chief may adopt and promulgate rules and regulations listing the conditions acceptable for issuing a permit to conduct open burning.
C. The fire chief or his designee may waive the open burning ban in his jurisdiction when conditions are acceptable to the chief or his designee. Anyone burning in such jurisdiction when the open burning ban has been waived shall notify the Fire De-partment of his/her intention to burn.
D. The Fire Department may set and charge a fee for each such permit issued. Such fees shall be remitted to the Village Board for inclusion in the general funds allocated to the Fire Department. Such funds shall not reduce the tax requirements for the Fire Department. No such fee shall be collected from any state or political subdivision to which such a permit is issued to conduct open burning under subsection (B) of this section in the course of such state's or political subdivision's official duties.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-520.01)
It shall be unlawful to set fire to or burn any material outdoors, except that it shall be permissible to set fire to or burn charcoal, wood or other similar items in a grill or barbecue pit for the purpose of cooking or smoking food or with the permission of the Village Board granted at a regularly scheduled meeting. (Ord. No. 505, 1/2/01) (Am. by Ord. No. 530, 10/14/03)
“Outdoor fireplaces” shall include fire pits, portable fire pits, and chimineas. These residential outdoor fireplaces use wood as a fuel and are used for containing recreational fires located at a private residence for the purpose of outdoor cooking and personal enjoyment. Outdoor fireplaces do not include barbeque grills that use propane or charcoal as a fuel and are used primarily for outdoor cooking.
“Portable fire pits” are defined as being commercially designed and intended to confine and control outdoor wood fires.
“Chimineas” are defined as outdoor patio fireplaces, usually made from clay, intended to confine and control outdoor wood fires.
“Fire pits” are usually constructed of steel, concrete and/or stone, and constructed above ground with a heavy steel screen cover.
All outdoor fireplaces shall meet the following requirements:
A. Clearances. A minimum ten- foot clearance shall be maintained between the outdoor fireplace and combustible structure or materials such as, walls, roofs, fences, decks, wood piles, and other combustible material.
B. Construction. Outdoor fireplaces shall be constructed of concrete or approved non-combustible materials. The fire fuel area and openings shall be completely en-closed by a steel screening (spark guard) or an approved non-combustible screening material with openings no greater than one-half inch square. Vent stacks, chimneys, and chimineas shall have a steel screen cover made of heavy wire mesh or other non-combustible material with openings no greater larger than one-half inch square. Not permitted are barrels, half-barrels, drums or similarly constructed devices.
C. Size. The fuel area for a fire pit shall not be larger than three feet in diameter
and a height of more than three feet.
D. Location. Outdoor fireplaces shall be placed on a stable non-combustible surface such as a concrete pad and only at grade level. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be located on combustible balconies or decks and shall not be located under any combustible balcony or any overhanging portion of a structure.
E. Type of Materials Being Burnt. Materials allowed by this section shall be limited to untreated wood or approved fireplace starter logs. Petroleum products, rubbish, grass, leaves, cardboard, plastics, rubber or any material that may flow out of the containment or cause excessive heat, smoke, or offensive smell shall not be permitted.
F. Amount of Materials Being Burnt. Users must (1) limit the amount of material being burnt to ensure the flames are confined inside the fuel area of the outdoor fire-place and the flames do not extend above the pit or into the chimney, and (2) follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on the maximum amount of fuel to be used at one time with spark guard in place.
G. Supervision. Outdoor fireplaces shall be under constant supervision by at least one responsible person of age 18 or older from the ignition of the fire until the fire is completely extinguished and embers are cooled so as to prohibit the fire from rekindling.
H. Provisions for Protection. A garden hose connected to a water supply or other approved fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available for use.
I. Wind and Weather Conditions. Outdoor fireplaces shall be completely extinguished and/or not be operated when winds are blowing over 12 mph and wind direction will cause smoke, embers, or other burning materials to be carried by the wind toward any building or other combustible materials. Outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated when weather conditions are extremely dry.
J. Maintenance. The owner is responsible to ensure proper maintenance and care is accomplished in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. At the minimum, the outdoor fireplace will be checked regularly for the appearance of cracks and other physical deterioration or loose parts.
K. Discontinuance. Smoke from any outdoor fireplace shall not create a nuisance for neighboring property owners. The fire shall be extinguished immediately upon the complaint of the neighboring property owner of any smoke nuisance. The fire chief or an authorized representative has the authority to require outdoor fireplace use to be immediately discontinued if such use is determined to constitute a hazardous condition to occupants of surrounding property.
L. Building Permit. For a fire pit, a site plan showing the location of the fire pit on the property and a detailed drawing of the construction of the fire pit shall be submitted to the Fire Department for review. A building permit will be issued based on approved plans. A building permit is not required for portable fire pits or chimineas, provided they are commercially designed and have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
M. Hours of Operation. An outdoor fireplace shall be completely extinguished
and embers cooled so as to prohibit the fire from rekindling prior to 11:00 pm.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §§17-549, 17-556, 81-520.01)
A. It shall be the duty of the fire chief, when directed to do so by the Village Board, to inspect or cause to be inspected by a Fire Department officer, member, or some other official as often as may be necessary all buildings, premises and public thoroughfares, except the interiors of private dwellings, for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to create a fire hazard. It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee or occupant of any building or structure, except the interiors of private dwellings, to allow the fire inspector to inspect the structure for purposes of ascertaining and enumerating all conditions therein that are likely to cause fire or any other violations of the provisions of the village ordinances affecting the hazard of fire.
B. The inspection shall be of the storage, sale and use of flammable liquids, combustibles, and explosives; electric wiring and heating; and the means and adequacy of exits in case of fire in schools, churches, hotels, halls, theaters, factories, hospitals, and all other buildings in which numbers of persons congregate from time to time for any purpose whether publicly or privately owned; the design, construction, location, installation, and operation of equipment for storing, handling, and utilizing of liquefied petroleum gases, specifying the odorization of said gases and the degree thereof; and chemicals, prozylin plastics, nitrocellulose films, or any other hazardous material that may now or hereafter exist.
C. It shall be the duty of the owner, lessee, or occupant of any building or structure that was lawfully inspected as herein prescribed and who receives written or verbal notice of a violation of any of the provisions of the village ordinances to correct such condition within five days from the date of receipt of such notice.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-512)
A. Any person, firm, or corporation storing or keeping dynamite, gunpowder, nitroglycerine, or other high explosives within the village for any period of time shall register such information with the village clerk within ten days after such explosives are brought into the village. The clerk shall provide such information to the fire chief and to the Village Board. Transfer of explosives to another individual within the village shall re-quire the individual receiving the explosives to register the transfer and the new location of the explosives with the clerk. Also, moving explosives to a new location by the owner shall require registration of that fact to the clerk.
B. All high explosives, including dynamite, gunpowder and nitroglycerine shall be stored in a proper receptacle which shall be closed at all times except when actually in use. Such cement, metal, or stone receptacle shall not be located in any room where there is a flame or flammable materials. The area surrounding the storage facilities shall be kept clear of rubbish, brush, dry grass, or trees for not less than 25 feet in all directions. Any other combustible materials shall be kept a distance of not less than 50 feet from outdoor storage facilities.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-549)
Cartridges, shells, and percussion caps shall be kept in their original containers away from flame, flammable materials, and high explosives.
Any person wishing to discharge high explosives within the village must secure a permit from the Village Board and shall discharge such explosives in conformance with their direction and under their supervision, and in no case shall any person perform blasting operations unless operating under the direct supervision of a person in possession of a valid user's permit issued by the Nebraska State Patrol. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§17-556, 28-1229)
Any person, firm or corporation desiring to store or keep in the village any form of poisonous or flammable gas or liquefied petroleum gas or to add to, enlarge or replace any facility used for the storage of such gases must first get a permit from the Village Board, which shall require the name of the gas, the place of storage, and the amount of gas stored. If permission is granted, the board shall prescribe such rules, regulations and precautionary actions as it may deem necessary. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §17-549)
The use, sale, offer for sale, and possession of permissible fireworks in the village as defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1241 shall be governed and regulated by Neb. Rev. Stat. §§28-1241 to 28-1252, including any and all amendments thereto, together with any rules and regulations adopted by the state fire marshal for the enforcement of said sections.
“Fireworks” shall mean any composition or device designed for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation and which meets the definition of common or special fireworks set forth by the U. S. Department of Transportation in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1241) (Ord. No. 353, 9/6/88)
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to ignite or cause to be exploded fireworks or firecrackers of any description whatsoever except those defined as “consumer fire-works” in Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1241:
1. Any small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion and which is required to comply with the construction, chemical com-position, and labeling regulations of the United States Consumer Product
Safety Commission set forth in 16 C.F.R., as such regulations existed on January 1, 2010;
2. Any small device designed to produce audible effects such as a whistling device;
3. Any ground device or firecracker containing 50 milligrams or less of explosive composition; or
4. Any aerial device containing 130 milligrams or less of explosive composition.
5. Class C explosives as classified by the United States Department of Transportation.
B. “Consumer fireworks” does not include:
1. Rockets that are mounted on a stick or wire and project into the air when ignited, with or without report;
2. Wire sparklers, except that silver and gold sparklers are deemed to be consumer fireworks until January 1, 2014;
3. Nighttime parachutes;
4. Fireworks that are shot into the air and after coming to the ground cause automatic ignition due to sufficient temperature;
5. Firecrackers that contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition; and
6. Fireworks that have been tested by the state fire marshal as a response to complaints and have been deemed to be unsafe.
B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any fireworks to be used for purpose of public exhibitions or display under authorization of the Village Board or to fireworks furnished for agricultural purposes pursuant to written authorization from the state fire marshal.
(Neb. Rev. Stat. §§17-556, 28-1241, 28-1244, 28-1245) (Ord. No. 352, 9/6/88)
Consumer fireworks may be sold at retail only between June 24 and July 5 of each year. (Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1249)
Any person who shall violate or refuse to comply with the enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter, set forth at full length herein or incorporated by reference,
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than $500.00 for each offense. A new violation shall be deemed to have been committed every 24 hours of such failure to comply.