Source: https://ecode360.com/12702036
Timestamp: 2020-08-07 12:42:45
Document Index: 664042833

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 170', '§ 1', '§ 170', '§ 170']

Borough of Runnemede, NJ Fire Prevention
Ch 170 Art I Smoke Detectors in Multiple Dwellings and Hotels
§ 170-2 Standards and regulations for installation, maintenance and inspection.
Ch 170 Art II Uniform Fire Code Enforcement
§ 170-4 Local enforcement.
§ 170-5 Agency designation.
§ 170-6 Local enforcement responsibilities.
§ 170-7 Inspections.
§ 170-8 Organization.
§ 170-9 Inspectors and employees; removal.
§ 170-11 Additional required inspections and fees.
§ 170-12 Firesafety permit fees.
§ 170-13 Technical requirements.
Volunteer Fire Company — See Ch. 22.
Smoke control — See Ch. 304.
Article I Smoke Detectors in Multiple Dwellings and Hotels
Article II Uniform Fire Code Enforcement
[Adopted 11-4-1981 by Ord. No. 387 (Ch. 91 of the 1970 Code)]
Any room or rooms, or suite or apartment thereof, whether furnished or unfurnished, which is occupied or intended or arranged or designed to be occupied for sleeping or dwelling purposes by one or more persons, including but not limited to the owner thereof or any of his servants, agents or employees, and shall include all privileges, services, furnishings, furniture, equipment, facilities and improvements connected with the use of or occupancy thereof.
Any building, including but not limited to any related structure, accessory building and land appurtenant thereto and any part thereof, which contains 10 or more units of dwelling space or has sleeping facilities for 25 or more persons and is kept, used, maintained, advertised as or held out to be a place where sleeping or dwelling accommodations are available to transient or permanent guests. This definition also means and includes any motor hotel, motel or established guesthouse which is commonly regarded as a motor hotel, motel or established guesthouse, as the case may be, in the community in which it is located.
Any building or structure of one or more stories and any land appurtenant thereto and any portion thereof, in which three or more units of dwelling space are occupied or are intended to be occupied by three or more persons who live independently of each other.
MULTIPLE-STATION UNIT
A smoke detector which may be either a single-station unit interconnected with other single-station units for common alarm annunciation or a smoke detector of the non-self-contained alarm type connected to a remote alarm in a system designed to be connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply source.
A person who owns, purports to own or exercises control of any hotel or multiple dwelling.
SINGLE-STATION UNIT
A smoke detector which contains integral alarms capable of emitting a minimum sound intensity of 85 dB(A)s at a ten-foot distance, an easily seen and activated manual unit test button or approved alternative and a power source monitor light or trouble signal. All such units shall be listed as conforming to latest UL 217 requirements and shall be installed and maintained as per manufacturers' recommendations and shall comply with the latest NFPA No. 72 E and No. 74 standards for design and performance.
A fire alarm device which consists of an assembly of electrical components, including a smoke chamber and provision for connection to a power source and may either be a single-station unit or a multiple-station unit.
SMOKE DETECTOR OF THE NON-SELF-CONTAINED TYPE
A smoke detector not containing an alarm, which is interconnected to a common alarm series of alarms.
A sticker or a piece of oaktag or cardboard, attached or affixed to a smoke detector, containing space for the entry of initials of the person inspecting each detector and the date of inspection.
Within 90 days from the effective date of this article, smoke detectors shall be installed in all existing hotels and multiple dwellings by their respective owners. With regard to all hotels and multiple dwellings constructed after the effective date of this article, smoke detectors shall be installed therein by the respective owners by the completion of said construction and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for said hotel or multiple dwelling. All matters governed by this article shall be under the enforcement and control of the Fire Subcode Official of the Borough of Runnemede.
All smoke detectors to be installed in accordance with this article shall be Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) or other nationally recognized testing laboratory listed ionization or photoelectric-type units, and shall meet the other standards as set forth with more particularity in this article.
The power source of all smoke detectors referred to in this article shall be an alternating-current (AC), constantly active electric circuit which cannot be deactivated by the operation of any interconnected switching device and shall comply with the latest NFPA-70 (National Electrical Code) requirements. As an alternative, ten-year sealed battery-powered single-station smoke alarms may be installed in dwelling units, provided that the following conditions are met:
[Amended 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 19-15]
The owner or his representative shall inspect and clean all units and replace batteries in all units annually or as otherwise required per manufacturers' printed recommendations. The owner or his representative shall place a tag on each unit and shall place the date of inspection and his initials on the tag. Entries shall be made on the tag upon initial installation, whenever a change of occupant occurs, when any report of malfunction of the unit is corrected and required maintenance is performed. An entry made on the tag shall constitute a certification that the unit is operating properly. Tags shall be attached or affixed so as not to impair the functioning of the unit.
The owner of a multiple dwelling shall supply each occupant with a copy of the manufacturer's printed instructions for testing of the installed smoke detector unit. The owner or the Fire Subcode Official, if such occupant is unable to perform the required monthly testing of a smoke detector unit in his dwelling unit or have this performed by a member of his household, shall perform such monthly testing.
The owner of a hotel or his representative shall inspect each smoke detector unit whenever a change of occupant occurs, shall clean or repair the same or replace the batteries whenever necessary.
In all common areas of all multiple dwellings and hotels and in dwelling units in hotels and as may be further set forth in other sections of this article, the owner or his representative shall test all smoke detectors monthly and maintain them and repair them as per manufacturers' recommendations.
Every occupant of dwelling units in a multiple dwelling shall test all detector units in his own dwelling unit monthly and report any malfunctioning immediately to the owner. If an occupant is incapable of performing this testing due to mental or physical impairment and has no member of his household capable of performing such testing, he shall notify the owner accordingly.
The required location for the installation of smoke detectors shall be as follows:
In dwelling units in hotels and multiple dwellings, smoke detectors shall be installed at the following locations:
Each dwelling unit in a multiple dwelling or hotel shall have a minimum of one approved single-station smoke detector located in close proximity to each sleeping area. Smoke detectors shall be located so that the maximum distance from the detector to any sleeping area exit door shall not exceed 10 feet. If any required detector is to be located closer than five feet to a kitchen or a bathroom area, it shall be of the photoelectric type only.
A basement or a cellar directly connected to a dwelling unit and used by occupants of that unit only shall have a minimum of one approved smoke detector located in the highest ceiling area or at the ceiling of the first-floor stair landing or other approved location where the earliest detection of fire would activate the alarm.
Common areas in all buildings that do not comply with minimum life safety requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code shall be required to have an approved system of multiple-station units installed as hereinafter provided. Detection systems shall be powered by alternating current (AC), constantly active electric circuits which cannot be deactivated by the operation of any interconnected switching device and shall comply with the latest NFPA-70 (National Electric Code) requirements. Systems shall consist of smoke detectors of the non-self-contained type and/or of single-station units so interconnected that the activation of any one unit will simultaneously activate the individual alarms of all other units and/or other separate alarms in the system. Alarms shall be located so at to be effectively heard above all other sounds, by all the occupants, in every occupied space within the building. All detection units, wiring and systems installation shall be listed as conforming to the latest UL 167, 168 and 217 requirement and shall comply with NFPA No. 72E and No. 74 standards. Additionally:
All public corridors up to 30 feet in length which form part of a means of egress shall have a minimum of one approved smoke detector. An additional smoke detector shall be installed for every additional 30 feet or part thereof. Detectors shall be so located as to provide most complete coverage.
All interior stairways in buildings not enclosed by a minimum one-hour fire-rated separation from other common areas and/or which function as a sole interior means of egress shall have approved smoke detectors installed at each floor level at either the ceiling of a landing or the high point of the smoked staircase soffit.
All basements or cellars which lack a minimum one-hour fire-rated smooth ceiling surface shall have approved smoke detectors installed at spacings not to exceed 300 square feet of floor space coverage per smoke detector, unless the detector is listed for a greater allowable spacing. One of such detectors shall be located at the ceiling of the first floor stair landing or other approved location, where the earliest detection of fire would activate the alarm. Maximum spacing of detectors is to conform to UL/FM listings for "1/2S" distances of individual manufactured units. The "1/2S" distance spacing in open joist ceilings perpendicular to the joists shall be 1/2 of that listed for smooth ceiling surfaces. Detectors shall be 1/2 of that listed for smooth ceiling surfaces. Detectors shall be installed in the bottom surface of the joist. Compartmentalized and partially enclosed areas shall have additional detectors as required to afford complete protection of the total basement/cellar area in conformity with the above criteria. The activated detectors shall set off alarms, which shall be so located to be effectively heard above all other sounds, by all the occupants, in every occupied space within the building not separated from the basement or cellar by fire walls having a minimum fire-resistance rating of two hours.
All basements or cellars which have an existing approved minimum one-hour fire-rated ceiling assembly shall have a minimum of one approved smoke detector per 625 square feet of area, unless the detector is listed for greater allowable spacing. One of such detectors is to be located at the ceiling of the first floor stair landing or other approved location where the earliest detection of fire would activate the alarm. Additional detectors shall be required in ceiling areas that are enclosed or separated by a drop girder or similar type of protection to afford complete protection of the total basement/cellar area. The activated detectors shall set off alarms, which shall be so located as to effectively be heard above all other sounds, by all the occupants, in every occupied space within the building not separated from the basement or cellar area by fire walls having a minimum fire-resistance rating of two hours.
With regard to all hotels greater than three stories in height or greater than two stories in height having more than 20 dwelling units, such hotels shall have approved smoke detection systems located in all interior common areas, connected to a supervisory type central control panel conforming to the latest NFPA No. 72A standards. Such smoke detection system shall be installed so as to include basement and cellar areas, storage areas, soiled linen collection and sorting areas, rubbish and laundry chutes, refuse collection and disposal areas, laundry drying areas with two or more machines, interior corridors, workshops, recreation rooms, attics, enclosed stairways, escalators, kitchens, places of assembly, infirmaries and public foyers.
With the approval of the Fire Subcode Official, heat detectors may be substituted for smoke detectors in those locations where frequent nuisance alarms would be likely to occur.
Buildings which fully comply with the minimum life-safety requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code shall have at least one approved smoke detector installed in close proximity to each sleeping area in each dwelling unit and at least one approved smoke detector installed at the highest ceiling area of the cellar or basement or at the ceiling of the first floor stair landing or other approved location where the earliest detection of fire would activate the alarm. All protective equipment and assemblies required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code shall be properly maintained and kept in good repair.
When a building or portion of a building exceeding 15,000 square feet in area is used for exhibitions, shows or other displays of combustible products, goods or materials or utilizes combustible display equipment or booths, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the exhibit space and accessory areas. NFPA Standard No. 13 (Installation of sprinkler system) shall be used as a guide for the design and installation of the system.
§ 170-3 Violations and penalties. [1]
Any person or entity violating any of the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalty as provided in § 1-15, General penalty, of this Code.
[Adopted 8-6-1985 by Ord. No. 428; amended in its entirety 11-8-1995 by Ord. No. 95-15 (Ch. 63 of the 1970 Code)]
[Amended 7-1-2008 by Ord. No. 08-13]
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act (P.L. 1983, c. 383),[1] the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code shall be locally enforced in the Borough of Runnemede and penalties assessed in accordance with that code.
[Amended 6-4-2003 by Ord. No. 03-04; 7-1-2008 by Ord. No. 08-13]
The local enforcing agency shall be the Borough of Runnemede Fire Department, Bureau of Fire Prevention, through its designated agents, employees, and assigns.
The local enforcing agency shall enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act[1] and the codes and regulations adopted under it in all buildings, structures and premises, except owner-occupied detached Use Group R-3 structures used exclusively for dwelling purposes under said codes and regulations within the Borough of Runnemede, and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety Act and Uniform Fire Code. Except in the case of cyclical inspection programs, i.e., one- and two-family dwelling resales, or other good cause, inspections shall not include occupied dwelling units.
[Amended 6-4-2003 by Ord. No. 03-4; 7-1-2008 by Ord. No. 08-13]
The local enforcing agency established by § 170-5 of this article shall carry out the periodic inspections of life-hazard uses required by the Uniform Fire Code on behalf of the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
[Amended 6-4-2003 by Ord. No. 03-4]
The local enforcement agency established by § 170-5 of this article shall be under the direct supervision and control of the Fire Official of the Borough of Runnemede.
[Amended 6-4-2003 by Ord. No. 03-4; amended 7-1-2008 by Ord. No. 08-13]
Inspectors and employees. Such inspectors and other employees as may be necessary in the local enforcement agency shall be appointed by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Runnemede, upon the recommendation of the Fire Official.
Removal from office. Inspectors and other employees of the enforcement agency shall be subject to removal by the Mayor and Council, upon recommendation by the Fire Official, for inefficiency or misconduct. Each inspector or employee to be so removed shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard by the appointing authority or a designated hearing officer.
Pursuant to Sections 15 and 17 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-206 and 52:207D-208, any person aggrieved by any order of the local enforcement agency shall have the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals of Camden County.
In addition to the inspections and fees for life-hazard uses, the following additional inspections and fees, as mandated by the State of New Jersey and the Borough of Runnemede shall be required: (Refers to Borough of Runnemede, Bureau of Fire Prevention Inspection Fee Schedule).
The Fire Official will register all non-life-hazard structures and premises within the township, except single-family dwellings occupied by the holder of title to the property and any structures ancillary thereto and dwelling units within two-family and multifamily dwellings.
Inspection fees for non-life-hazard structures and premises shall be:
Residential buildings/residential use group: time of inspection, once every 12 months.
Residential use group: includes buildings with dwelling units not otherwise classified as life hazard used by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, except one- or two-family owner-occupied units.
Fee Per Building
1 to 3/single building
4 to 10/single building
2 buildings up to 20 units
2 buildings over 20 units
3 or more buildings up to 25 units
Commercial, mercantile, business or industrial use groups include all buildings not listed as life-hazard uses by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. Fees are based upon gross floor areas occupied by that particular business.
Building with or without attached dwelling unit(s) not exceeding 1,000 square feet
Building with or without attached dwelling unit(s) exceeding 1,000 square feet, not exceeding 2,500 square feet
Building exceeding 2,500 square feet, not exceeding 5,000 square feet
Building exceeding 5,000 square feet, not exceeding 7,500 square feet
Building exceeding 7,500 square feet, not exceeding 10,000 square feet
Building exceeding 10,000 square feet, not exceeding 12,500 square feet
Building exceeding 12,500 square feet, not exceeding 50,000 square feet
Building exceeding 50,000 square feet, not exceeding 100,000 square feet
Building exceeding 100,000 square feet, not exceeding 200,000 square feet
Building exceeding 200,000 square feet, not exceeding 300,000 square feet
Each additional 100,000 square feet or part thereof
Each floor area shall be calculated as separate areas for total building area calculation
Exemptions. The following building or structure, if not otherwise classified as a life-hazard use with the Division of Fire Safety, shall be exempt from registration fees, but shall comply with the registration and inspection requirements pursuant to the Act.
Municipally owned buildings.
EMS stations.
Houses of worship (excluding rooms used for public assembly purposes, i.e., meeting halls, fellowship halls, rental halls.
Civic groups, not-for-profit (i.e., athletic associations, Boy Scouts, little leagues).
The permit fees established by the Uniform Fire Code shall be as provided in the Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq.
Any request for a waiver shall be in writing to the local Fire Code Official setting forth, in detail, the reasons for the request and the type of life-hazard use anticipated.
Certificate of smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and portable fire extinguisher compliance required under N.J.A.C. 5:70- 2.3(a).
Inspection scheduled at least 8 days from receipt of application
Inspection scheduled less than 8 days but more than 4 days from receipt of application
Inspection scheduled less than 4 days from receipt of application
Reinspections (per visit)*
Failure to show for inspection
Senior citizens' discount (must provide documentation)
* Required after initial visit.
N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3(a) states: Before any one- or two-family or attached single-family structure is sold, leased, or otherwise made subject to change of occupancy for residential purposes, the owner shall obtain a certificate of smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and portable fire extinguisher compliance, evidencing compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 from the appropriate enforcing authority.
[Added 7-1-2008 by Ord. No. 08-13]
Storage or parking of internal combustion engine vehicle or equipment.
General. No person shall store or park, or cause to store or park, any internal combustion engine vehicle or equipment (including but not limited to: motorcycle, moped, dirt bike, lawnmower, blower, weed trimmer, snowblower or any such equipment) within or on any apartment or multifamily dwelling unit, porch, balcony, covered patio, entrance, exit, common area, laundry room, basement or mechanical room, or any other private area of an apartment or multifamily dwelling.
Exception: approved storage areas designed and constructed with the required fire separation as required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code in effect at the time of the building's construction.
General. The use, storage, operation or maintenance of any open fire or any device commonly known as a "barbecue" (also included are open flame torches, fireplaces or fire pots, chimneys, or other such similar devices or equipment) is prohibited in or on any apartment or multifamily dwelling unit: porch, balcony, covered patio entrance (electric grills are permitted), exit, or any other private area of an apartment or multifamily dwelling unit.
General. No person shall block, park, obstruct or otherwise cause to block, park or obstruct any fire lane within the Borough of Runnemede. Fire lanes shall be marked and signed in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq. Enforcement of the fire lanes shall be concurrent with the Runnemede Police Department.
First offense: $35.
Appeals. Pursuant to the applicable sections of N.J.S.A. 52:27-206, any person aggrieved by any order of any local enforcement agency shall have the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals of Camden County.
Commercial property identification of rear doors.
General. The rear exterior doors on multiple tenant commercial properties shall be identified with minimum two-inch letters of contrasting colors stating the business name and unit number. The signage shall be provided and maintained up-to-date by the landlord at his expense. Names shall be updated as soon as occupancy changes.