[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Leetsdale 6-10-1987
by Ord. No. 477. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Any dwelling designated for permanent living quarters, occupied by
a tenant, including, but not limited to:
A device which, operating on a self-contained power supply, emits
an audible signal when activated by smoke or fire. The smoke detector must
meet or exceed the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association
or Underwriter's Laboratory. The smoke detector must have a self-contained
power supply, and must be capable of emitting an audible signal of at least
85 decibels at a range of 10 feet.
The detector(s) should usually be located in the hall area(s) giving
access to rooms used for sleeping purposes. In multiple level living units,
a detector should usually be located at the top of the stairs. The detector(s)
should be mounted on the ceiling or on the wall within 12 inches of, but no
closer than six inches to the ceiling. The detector should be placed remotely
from the cooking area. Where unusual factors such as room configuration, air
movement, stagnant air pockets, etc., require consideration, the authority
having jurisdiction and the designer should determine the placement of the
detector(s).
A.Â
The Leetsdale Borough Fire Chief, or his appointee, is
hereby authorized and empowered to inspect each smoke detector installed within
a dwelling unit at least one time per year, or in the case of fire within
the leased or rented dwelling unit, immediately thereafter to ascertain that
such smoke detector fulfills the requirements of this chapter and is in an
operable condition.
B.Â
It shall be the duty of the Leetsdale Borough Fire Chief,
or his appointee, to inform any person who is determined to be in violation
of any section of this chapter of the exact nature of such violation. The
Leetsdale Borough Fire Chief, his agents, and the Leetsdale Borough Council
shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for any acts or omissions
in connection with the inspection, maintenance and testing of any smoke detector
installed in compliance with this chapter.
[Amended 10-9-1991 by Ord. No. 497]
Any owner of any dwelling unit who fails to comply with the provisions
of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined in an amount not to exceed
$100 for the first offense and for each offense thereafter shall be fined
in an amount not less than $200 nor more than $1,000. In default of payment
of said fine and costs, the owner may be subject to imprisonment for a term
not to exceed 30 days.
[Amended 10-9-1991 by Ord. No. 497]
Any person convicted of tampering with a smoke detector so as to render
said smoke detector inoperative, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine
of not less than $100, nor more than $1,000 and costs, or in default of payment
thereof, shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days.
Pursuant to the authority granted to the Leetsdale Borough Fire Chief in § 245-4 hereinabove, the Borough of Leetsdale hereby authorizes the Borough of Leetsdale Fire Chief to, upon notice of any violation of this chapter, to bring charges before the District Justice in accordance with the penalties set forth in §§ 245-5 and 245-6 hereof.
