[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Greendale 3-16-2004 by Ord. No. 807 (Ch. 14 of the Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire Department — See Ch. 5.
Public nuisances — See Ch. 10.
Building Code — See Ch. 15.
Electrical Code — See Ch. 16.
(1) 
General provisions.
(a) 
Intent. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide the Village of Greendale with rules and regulations to improve public safety by promoting the control of fire hazards and life safety; regulating the installation, use and maintenance of equipment; regulating the use of structures, occupancies and open areas; providing for the removal of fire hazards; and establishing the responsibilities and procedures for code enforcement and to set the minimum standards for compliance and achievement of these objectives. It is also the purpose of this chapter to safeguard, to a reasonable degree, the life and property of the citizens of the Village of Greendale from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances and materials and use or occupancy of buildings or premises within the Village. The National Fire Protection Association standards or any other nationally recognized standards shall be deemed to be the standard of compliance with this intent.
(b) 
Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings and properties within the Village where the public has access to such as dwellings, recreational facilities and/or places of employment.
(c) 
Applications. The provisions of this chapter shall apply equally to public and private property; they shall also apply to all structures, whether existing or new or remodeled, and they shall apply to the owner of the property as well as the occupant.
(2) 
Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(a) 
Creation. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be operated under the supervision of the Chief of the Fire Department and shall consist of all members of the Greendale Fire Department. The Chief of the Fire Department may detail personnel of the Fire Department as inspectors as necessary.
(b) 
Duties. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall enforce all laws and ordinances covering the following:
1. 
The prevention of fires.
2. 
The storing and use of explosives and flammables.
3. 
The installation and maintenance of automatic and other private fire alarm systems and fire-extinguishing equipment.
4. 
Maintenance of exitways.
5. 
The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fires.
6. 
Such other duties as are set forth in this chapter and as may be conferred and imposed from time to time by law.
(c) 
Annual reports. The annual report of the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be made on or before February 1 and transmitted to the Chief of the Greendale Fire Department. It shall contain all proceedings under this chapter with such statistics as the Chief may wish to have included. The Chief shall also recommend any amendments to this chapter which in his/her judgment shall be desirable.
The Chief of the Fire Department shall enforce all provisions of this chapter and all other state and Village provisions relating to fire prevention within the Village as designated in § 101.14, Wis. Stats., pertaining to the prevention of fires and public safety and approving equipment installation, or procedures as outlined in NFPA standards, and shall make such inspections, perform such tests and issue such orders as may be necessary for such enforcement.
(1) 
Right of entry.
(a) 
In the discharge of his duties, the Chief of the Fire Department or his/her authorized agent may enter any building, upon presentation of the proper credentials, during reasonable hours for the purpose of inspection and may require the production of any permit or license required hereunder. No person shall interfere with the inspector or his/her authorized agent while in the performance of his/her duties, and any person so interfering shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to a penalty as provided by § 14.23.
(b) 
If consent to entry to personal or real properties which are not public buildings, or to portions of public buildings which are not open to the public, for inspection purposes has been denied, the Chief of the Fire Department shall obtain a special inspection warrant under §§ 66.0119, Wis. Stats.
(2) 
Frequency. The Chief of the Fire Department shall inspect or cause to be inspected by the Bureau of Fire Prevention or the Fire Department officers and personnel as often as may be necessary, but not less than once a year in the area designated as "Out of Fire Limits" and twice a year in the area designated as "In the Fire Limits," all buildings and premises, except the interior of private dwellings, for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire or any violation of the provisions or intent of any ordinance of the Village affecting fire hazards.
(3) 
Enforcement.
(a) 
The Fire Chief of the Village of Greendale shall enforce the Greendale Fire Prevention Code.
(b) 
Whenever an inspection shall reveal in any building or upon any premises dangerous or hazardous conditions combustible waste material or explosive matter which is so situated as to endanger property or obstructions to or on escapes, stairs, passageways, doors or windows liable to interfere with the operations of the Fire Department or egress of occupants in case of fire, the inspector shall order that same to be removed or remedied.
(c) 
Whenever an inspection by the Greendale Fire Department reveals a fire hazard, the Fire Department may serve a notice, in writing, upon the owner or occupant of the property giving said owner or occupant sufficient time in which to correct or remove said hazard.
(d) 
Conditions that are highly hazardous to life or safety of the occupants shall be corrected within the time frame deemed appropriate by the Fire Inspector. All other violations and defects shall be corrected within 10 days or such other time as the Greendale Fire Department allows.
(4) 
Order to install appliance. The Fire Chief shall inspect or cause to be inspected or have plans reviewed of all mercantile and manufacturing establishments, each school, each place of assembly, each hospital or place of detention and each apartment house or tenement building and designate and order suitable fire appliances to be installed in or near boiler rooms, kitchens or restaurants, clubs and similar establishments, storage rooms involving combustible material, rooms in which hazardous manufacturing processes are involved, a garage section and other places of a generally hazardous nature. Such appliance shall meet the current standards and be appropriate for the type of establishment.
(5) 
Compliance with orders. Failure to comply with lawful orders to install or provide the equipment ordered by the Chief of the Fire Department and to maintain it in operative condition at all times shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
(6) 
Service of fire inspection report. The service of a fire inspection report may be made upon the owner, occupant or other person responsible for the conditions, whether by delivering a copy of it personally or by delivering the same to and leaving it with any person in charge of the premises. Whenever it may be necessary to serve a fire inspection report upon the owner of the premises, such a report may be served either by delivering to and leaving with the person a copy of the report or, if such owner is absent from the jurisdiction of the fire inspector/officer making the order, by mailing such copy to the owner's last known post office address by certified mail.
(7) 
Appeal. Any such order shall forthwith be complied with by the owner and the occupant of such premises or building. If such order is made by one of the inspectors, such owner or occupant may, within 24 hours, appeal to the Chief of the Fire Department, who shall review such order and file his decision thereon. Unless by his authority the order is revoked or modified, it shall remain in full force and shall be complied with within the time fixed in the order or decision of the Chief of the Fire Department. The Chief's decision shall be reviewable under § 1.44 of this Code.
(8) 
Occupancy or agent change.
(a) 
Whenever there is a change in occupancy or the agent(s) (manager, shift supervisor, key holder, etc.) of that occupancy, the owner or his/her duly authorized agent shall submit the changes, in writing, to the Greendale Fire Department within five working days. The information will consist of the following:
1. 
Name of the occupancy.
2. 
Address of the occupancy.
3. 
Type of occupancy (mercantile, factory, office, etc.).
4. 
Owner (name, address and phone number).
5. 
Agent(s) (name, address and phone number).
(b) 
Whenever a change in the service company for the alarm system and/or the sprinkler system has occurred within the occupancy, the owner or authorized agent shall submit the changes, in writing, to the Greendale Fire Department within five working days. The information will consist of the following:
1. 
Name of the occupancy.
2. 
Address of the occupancy.
3. 
Owner (name, address and phone number).
4. 
Agent(s) (name, address and phone number).
5. 
Type of fire protection system.
6. 
Service company (name, address and phone number).
(9) 
Investigation of suspicious fires. The Village Attorney and the Police Department, upon request of the Chief of the Fire Department, shall assist in the investigation of any fire which in his opinion is of suspicious origin.
The Village of Greendale hereby adopts the following sections of the Department of Commerce regulations. These regulations are adopted by reference and incorporated into the Village of Greendale Fire Prevention Code with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein.
(1) 
Comm 7, Explosive Materials.
(2) 
Comm 10, Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
(3) 
Comm 14, Fire Prevention.
(4) 
Comm 16, Electrical.
(5) 
Comm 18, Elevators.
(6) 
Comm 18, Appendix.
(7) 
Comm 20 to 25, Uniform Dwelling.
(8) 
Comm 28, Smoke Detectors.
(9) 
Comm 34, Amusement Rides.
(10) 
Comm 40, Gas Systems.
(11) 
Comm 61 to 65, Commercial Building Code.
(12) 
Comm 70, Historic Buildings.
(13) 
Comm 75 to 79, Existing Buildings.
(14) 
Comm 82 to 87, Plumbing.
(15) 
Any violation of these provisions constitutes a violation of this chapter.
(16) 
Any future updates to the State Building Codes are also adopted prospectively by reference.
Storage, handling and use of flammable or explosive substances and the use or occupancy of building or premises shall be in conformity with nationally recognized safe practice for the safeguarding to a reasonable degree of life and property from the hazards of fire or explosion. When such conformity is not defined in the chapter, compliance with the provisions of the most current edition of the NFPA Fire Prevention Codes shall be deemed to be prima facie practice; however, unlighted Christmas trees shall be permitted only in churches. The Chief of the Fire Department is hereby empowered to enforce such compliance.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings except:
(1) 
Private residences and accessory buildings in connection therewith; however, § 14.08 shall apply to private residences.
(2) 
A building used as the residence of two families only, provided that not more than two persons are accommodated who are not members of the family.
(3) 
Temporary buildings or sheds used for construction purposes only, provided that if any building or structure, whether above exempted or not, is especially liable to fire and is so situated as to endanger other buildings or property or contains any combustible or explosive material dangerous to the safety of any building or premises or to the occupants thereof or endangering or hindering fire personnel in case of fires, then such building or structure shall be subject to these orders so far as may be necessary to protect adjoining or other buildings and other occupants and fire personnel.
(1) 
Obstructions of exit.
(a) 
No person shall place an encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire escape.
(b) 
No person shall place, store, keep or permit to be placed, stored or kept on or under or at the bottom of any exit stairway, inside or outside, exit hallway, fire escape, elevator or other means of egress any materials, the presence or the burning of which would obstruct or render hazardous egress of persons from the building.
(c) 
No exit or exit accesses, passageway or stairway in any store shall be obstructed with tables, showcases or other obstructions.
(2) 
Marking exitways.
(a) 
Every exit doorway from any floor other than a principal entrance on the first floor shall be indicated by an approved illuminated sign over the door bearing the word "Exit" in plain letters not less than five inches in height. Exit lights shall be on while the building is occupied.
(b) 
Where exit doorways are not visible from all locations in public corridors, illuminated directional signs as required by the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be placed on walls or otherwise displayed in conspicuous locations to direct occupants to exit doorways.
(3) 
Lighting exitways. Required stairways, hallways and other means of egress, including exterior open spaces to or through which an exitway leads, shall be kept adequately lighted while the building served thereby is occupied.
(4) 
Stairway doors to be kept closed. No person shall block any open stairway enclosure door which leads to or from a floor of the building and which by law is required to be self-closing.
(5) 
Clear pathways. The owner, agent or occupant of any business building or manufacturing building used for any purpose of storage, exempting elevators used for the purpose of storage of grain, shall maintain one pathway on each floor, including the basement floor, at least three feet wide and running from the front to the rear of such building clear of all obstructions and encumbrances, from floor to ceiling. Such person shall also provide pathways three feet wide outside along the front and rear of such buildings as the Chief of the Fire Department may deem necessary with not less than one two-foot-wide pathway connecting such pathways with the fire escape exits or other exits and stairways.
Kiosks and similar structures (temporary or permanent) shall meet the following requirements:
(1) 
Kiosks or similar structures located within the mall shall be provided with approved fire suppression and detection devices.
(2) 
The minimum horizontal separation between kiosks and other structures within the mall shall be 10 feet (3,048 millimeters).
(3) 
Each kiosk or similar structure shall have a maximum area of 150 square feet (14 square meters).
(4) 
There shall be a minimum of 10 feet (3,048 millimeters) clear exit width to a height of eight feet (2,438 millimeters) between any projection of a tenant space bordering the mall and the nearest kiosk, vending machine, bench, temporary vendor's booth or display, food court or other obstruction.
(5) 
When electrical cords are use at a kiosk, there will be a person attending to the kiosk at all times.
(6) 
All electrical extension cords must be unplugged when the kiosk is unattended or not in use.
(1) 
Restricted.
(a) 
No person shall conduct, allow, suffer, cause or permit any open burning except as specifically permitted in Subsection (2) or with the written approval of the Greendale Fire Department, pursuant to the requirements of Subsection (3).
(b) 
Open burning otherwise allowable under Subsections (2) and (3) is not allowed during periods of adverse meteorological conditions. Upon the public declaration of an air pollution emergency permission for open burning shall be suspended.
(c) 
Permission granted to any person for open burning under Subsections (2) and (3) shall not exempt such person from compliance with the provisions of any other section of this chapter.
(d) 
Provision shall be made to prevent accidental ignition or spontaneous combustion of refuse, trade wastes, coal storage piles or any stored combustible materials. Equipment shall be available to extinguish such fires as may occur.
(e) 
The Greendale Fire Department may prohibit open fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous or objectionable due to smoke or odor.
(2) 
Permitted open burning. The following shall be permitted:
(a) 
Fires for preparing or cooking food in outdoor grills and fireplaces.
(b) 
Fires in torches used in patios, gardens, plazas or similar locations for aesthetic purposes or to repel insects, provided that such fires burn fuel approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(c) 
Fires for heating construction areas or warming construction or other outdoor workers when such fires take place in devices providing good combustion and using fuels approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(d) 
Small open flames or fires for welding, acetylene torches, safety flares, heating tars or similar applications.
(e) 
Small open flames or fires, but not including trench fires used in making street repairs, installation or repair of sewer, water, electric, or telephone mains and services and similar activities.
(f) 
A permit may be issued by the Greendale Fire Department for the open air burning of leaves subject to the following conditions:
1. 
The Greendale Fire Department may issue a permit for one year at a time.
2. 
Open burning of leaves shall only be permitted from September 15 to November 30 on private property.
3. 
Fires shall be kindled or ignited and kept burning only between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Any such fire shall be extinguished by 6:00 p.m.
4. 
Open burning shall be limited to leaves only. Specifically prohibited from burning are wet combustible rubbish, garbage, and oily substances, asphalt and plastic or rubber products.
5. 
A fire shall not be kindled or ignited at any point which is nearer than 50 feet to any building or structure and shall be contained within a three-foot area.
6. 
Fires shall be under the constant supervision of a person 16 years of age or older who shall be physically present at all times.
7. 
There shall be no burning if wind velocity exceeds 10 miles per hour. Determination of wind velocity shall be the responsibility of the person supervising such burning.
(3) 
Greendale Fire Department to approve. The following open burning is allowed upon written approval of the Fire Chief:
(a) 
Fires for ceremonial, religious and commemorative purposes using fuels approved by the Fire Department.
(b) 
Where a fire hazard to life or property is declared by the Fire Department and such fire hazard cannot be abated by any other means.
(c) 
In an emergency situation requiring the removal of dangerous or hazardous materials to protect the public health, provided that there is no other practical or lawful method of disposal.
(d) 
To remove hydrocarbons spilled or lost in accidents involving the transportation of such materials, provided that the material cannot be practically recovered or otherwise lawfully disposed of in some other manner.
(e) 
Fires set for practice and instruction or testing of fire-fighting equipment.
(f) 
Trench fires when set to thaw ground for construction or repairs using fuel approved by the Fire Department.
(4) 
Recreational fires (wood-burning appliance).
(a) 
Defined. "Recreational fire" is defined as a fire to be used for cooking or an aesthetic benefit similar to that of a campfire. The fire shall be confined to a commercially designed outdoor wood-burning appliance.
(b) 
Requirements on size and location of recreational fires and general requirements.
1. 
Fires shall be in an approved outdoor appliance less than or equal to three feet in diameter and less than or equal to three feet in height. These dimensions are for the burn chamber and do not include the chimney of the appliance nor a stand designed for the appliance.
2. 
It is recommended that only fireplace units having the fire area protected by a screen or wire mesh be used so as to hold down any flying embers.
3. 
Fires shall contain only wood or charcoal; any other building materials are prohibited.
4. 
The wind velocity may not exceed 10 miles per hour.
5. 
Fires shall not be started or accelerated using flammable liquids, such as gasoline.
6. 
The fire must be a minimum of 10 feet from all structures, roadways, and lot lines.
7. 
The outdoor appliance shall not be used on any deck or wooden surface.
8. 
If smoke travels in such a manner that it obscures roadways, if the Fire Department receives complaints from the area, or if it is deemed to be a hazard, the fire official reserves the right to require that the fire be extinguished.
(5) 
Campfires/bonfires. The Greendale Fire Department may issue a permit as a special use for campfires/bonfires subject to the following conditions:
(a) 
This permit will not be issued for any private residence.
(b) 
The Fire Department will issue a permit for a period of time as determined by the Fire Department.
(c) 
Fires shall be kindled or ignited and kept burning only between hours indicated on the permit.
(d) 
Fires shall not be started or accelerated using flammable liquids, such as gasoline.
(e) 
Fires shall be attended at all times by a competent person, at least 18 years old, who has obtained the permission of the property owner.
(f) 
The fire area shall be protected by a fire ring or some other fashion acceptable to the fire official to prevent fire spread or fire hazard.
(g) 
The fire ring or firebreak shall not be in excess of five feet in diameter and burning material not to exceed three feet in height.
(h) 
The fire must be at least 50 feet from all structures, roadway and lot lines.
(i) 
Fire shall contain wood only; other building materials are prohibited.
(j) 
This permit is for campfires/bonfires (recreational burning) only. Persons burning outside the scope of this permit may be subject to a fine and the permit denied.
(k) 
Some type of water extinguisher must be in the area of the fire for emergencies.
(l) 
There shall be no burning if wind velocity exceeds 10 miles per hour, and determination of wind velocity shall be the responsibility of the person supervising such burning.
(m) 
All fires will be completely extinguished before being left unattended.
(n) 
The fire official reserves the right to reinspect the site at any time to ensure public safety.
(o) 
If smoke travels in such a manner that it obscures roadways or if the Fire Department receives complaints from the area, the fire official reserves the right to require that the fire be extinguished.
(6) 
Grilling on balconies. The use of grills on the balconies of any apartment building is prohibited. At ground level, grills shall not be used within 10 feet of any structure and shall be at least 36 inches away from any combustibles when operated. Liquid propane grills are not allowed above the ground floor and LP cylinders are never to be stored or transported through the building. They cannot be lifted to the balcony on the exterior of the building.
(7) 
Open lights and open flame candles.
(a) 
No open flame candles or other open flame fixtures shall be used in any building or structure, except within a church, lodge building or structure when used as part of actual religious or fraternal rituals or exercises. Unattended open flame candles or other open flame fixtures shall not be used in seated areas of public assembly rooms of buildings.
(b) 
No open flame candles or open flame fixtures, unless well guarded on the top and sides and approved be the Greendale Fire Department, shall be used for lighting or decorative purposes in any buildings or structures used for public amusement, recreation or dining purposes.
(c) 
No person shall use any light with an open flame in stables, clothes closets, lockers or where highly flammable materials, gasoline or any other volatile liquids are used or handled.
(8) 
Welding or cutting equipment.
(a) 
Definition. "Welding or cutting" shall include gas, electric arc or flammable liquid welding or cutting or any combination thereof.
(b) 
Permission required. Every person desiring to use welding or cutting equipment for welding or cutting any metal on any premises and in any building shall first make application for permission to do so to the Chief of the Fire Department. The application for such permission shall set forth the location of the premises where the work is to be done. Before such welding or cutting equipment is used, proper protection of surroundings shall be made by providing at least one approved minimum 2-A water-type fire extinguisher or minimum 4-A dry chemical fire extinguisher or minimum one-half-inch diameter water hose connected to the water supply at the site where the welding or cutting is done. Such other precautions shall be taken as may be ordered by the Chief of the Fire Department.
(c) 
Exception. This Subsection (8) shall not apply to business or manufacturing establishments when such welding or cutting equipment is used in connection with regular business or manufacturing operations. They shall use the same precautions to prevent fires as required of persons to obtain a permit.
(d) 
Attendance. A fire watch shall be maintained in effect for at least 1/2 hour after each use of torches, plasma cutters or flame-producing devices under Subsection (1).
(e) 
Electric welding. The provisions of Subsections (1) and (2) shall apply to the uses specified in Subsection (1) applicable to electric welding equipment.
(f) 
Storage. Storage of fuel gases, oxygen and calcium carbide for gas welding and cutting, inert gases for electric welding and plasma cutters shall satisfy the following requirements:
1. 
All gas cylinders shall be secured to prevent falling.
2. 
Cylinders stored outside shall be protected from accumulations of ice and snow.
3. 
Cylinders stored inside of buildings shall be segregated from highly combustible materials and operations likely to cause an excessive rise in temperature or mechanical damage.
4. 
Inside storage of fuel gases and oxygen shall be separated by a minimum of 20 feet or a one-half-hour fire-resistive partition.
(g) 
Hand trucks. Hand trucks for portable gas welding and cutting equipment shall be provided with chains or steadying devices to prevent cylinders from being knocked over while being moved or while in use.
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 14.09, Gunpowder, explosives and fireworks, was deleted at time of adoption of Code (see Code Adoption Ordinance). See now § 9.04, Fireworks.
No owner, agent or occupant of any building in the Village shall allow any wastepaper, rags or other material of combustible nature to remain in any building or any premises more that 24 hours, unless kept in a fireproof vault or covered fire-resistive, metal-lined bin. This section shall not apply to dealers in wastepaper, rags or other waste material while conducting their business, but such dealers shall comply with other requirements of this section and the Village and state codes. The Fire Department shall order the immediate removal of such combustible waste material from any building or premises where, in the inspector's opinion, such storage would create a fire hazard. Ashes, when kept in basements in buildings under this section, shall be placed in fireproof bins, area or containers.
All cracked, broken or otherwise defective stoves, furnaces, boilers, vents and smoke pipes shall immediately be repaired and made safe or shall be replaced with new ones.
(1) 
Hoods and ducts. Hoods and ducts used in connection with kitchen equipment or other devices where greasy fumes are exhausted shall be constructed of not less than 20 gauge galvanized iron or equal and shall be protected with an automatic fire-extinguishing system of a type approved by the Greendale Fire Department and shall be kept clean at all times to minimize the hazard of fire.
(2) 
Inspection and servicing. An inspection and servicing of the fire extinguishing system by properly trained and qualified persons shall be made at least once every six months. Certification of inspections and maintenance performed shall be tagged on the extinguishing system and should be there for fire inspection.
Any chimney or smokestack in an apartment building, business building, manufacturing building or any public building, which equipment uses in whole or in part any fuel that causes the emission of sparks or burning embers from such chimneys or smokestacks, shall be provided with a spark arrestor or any other device to prevent the emission of sparks or embers by the owner, agent or occupant of such building. This shall not apply to buildings used exclusively for private residence.
(1) 
Any vehicle that is parked within a fire lane designated and marked may be removed at the vehicle owner's expense.
(2) 
Vehicles shall be towed away under the following circumstances:
(a) 
When a vehicle owner repeatedly violates Village fire lane ordinances by habitually parking in a fire lane.
(b) 
When a vehicle blocks the ingress/egress of a business.
(c) 
When the vehicle's presence threatens the life safety of the public by impeding the ability of fire apparatus and/or emergency medical equipment to respond to an emergency.
(d) 
Removal of a vehicle under such circumstances may be authorized by the person in lawful possession of the property or by the Fire Chief or his/her representative. The Police Department may order the towing of a vehicle at any time that the above conditions exists.
(3) 
An inspection report with a warning notice shall be issued to the property owner, occupant or responsible party requiring that if the obstruction is not removed within the specified time period, the Department may cause the removal of the obstruction with the cost of removal billed to the person(s) responsible for the obstruction.
No person shall willfully damage in any manner any hose, hydrant or fire apparatus belonging to the Village, and no vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of the Fire Department when laid down on any street, private driveway or other place, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, training, hazardous material event, etc., without the consent of the officer in charge of the scene.
It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle or leave any object within 15 feet of any fire hydrant at any time.
It shall be unlawful for any person, in case of fire, to drive or park any vehicle within one block from the location of the fire without the consent and authority of the Fire Chief or any police officer.
The records of all the fire prevention inspections that are conducted in the Village of Greendale are open public records. If records are to be viewed, twenty-four-hour notice must be given to the Greendale Fire Department. Original reports, forms, and records may not be obtained; only copies of the original will be given to the public. Examples: insurance companies, law enforcement, and tenants.
A complete written record of all tests and inspections is required to be maintained on the premises by the owner or occupant in charge of the premises, and all such records shall be submitted to the Greendale Fire Chief or his/her representative when requested for inspection and evaluation.
Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be tested, inspected and maintained as specified in NFPA 25. Inspections, testing and maintenance must be done by a certified sprinkler person and records must be kept on the system near valves for easy accessibility.
(1) 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:
APPROVED
(a) 
As applied to installation of automatic fire sprinklers means approval by the authority charged with the enforcement of this section.
(b) 
As applied to automatic fire sprinkler equipment and devices means approval by a recognized testing laboratory.
AREA
The maximum horizontal projected area on the main floor(s) of the building or structure within the exterior walls or between approved fire walls.
ASSEMBLY HALL
All buildings or parts of buildings, other than theaters, which accommodate more than 100 persons for entertainment, recreation, worship or dining purposes.
AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER EQUIPMENT
A system of piping connected to an adequate water supply and provided with approved automatic fire sprinklers or devices so arranged and located as to discharge water automatically to the seat of the fire. Installation shall comply with National Fire Protection Association No. 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
BASEMENT
As per § Comm 20.07(8), Wis. Adm. Code.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
As per § Comm 14.02.
FIRE-RESISTIVE
Construction in which the structural members, including all walls, partitions, piers, columns, floors, ceilings, roof and stairs, are built of incombustible material and if all metallic structural members are protected by an incombustible fire-resistive covering, except as provided in Ch. Comm 75, Wis. Adm. Code.[1]
FIRE WALL
A wall which has a fire-resistance rating of not less than four hours and which divides a building or separates buildings to restrict the spread of fire. A three-foot parapet wall shall be a required part of a fire wall in all non-fire-resistive buildings.
GROUND FLOOR
As per § Comm 20.07(36m), Wis. Adm. Code.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSE
A building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units having a common entrance, such as tenements, apartments or rooming houses. Row houses with minimum one-hour fire-resistive walls extending from the basement to the underside of the roof separating each living unit are exempt.
STORY
That part of a building between a floor and the floor or roof above.
SUBBASEMENT
Any level below basement.
THEATER
All buildings or parts of buildings containing an assembly hall, having a stage which may be equipped with curtains or movable scenery or which is otherwise adaptable to the showing of plays, operas, motion pictures or similar forms of entertainment.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Code Adoption Ordinance).
(2) 
Installation required. Approved automatic fire sprinkler equipment shall be installed and maintained as follows:
(a) 
Buildings. Buildings used for the manufacture, storage or sale of combustible goods or merchandise as follows:
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings used for manufacture, storage or sale of combustible materials.
a. 
One floor 12,000 square feet or more in area.
b. 
Over one story in height and 6,000 square feet or more in area on a floor.
c. 
Over three stories in height regardless of area.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive buildings.
a. 
One floor 6,000 square feet or more in area.
b. 
Over one story in height and 4,000 square feet or more on a floor.
c. 
Over two stories.
(b) 
Garages.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings 10,000 square feet or more in area on any floor or exceeding four stories, unless open sided.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive buildings 6,000 square feet or more in area on any floor or exceeding four stories.
3. 
Basement and subbasement garages containing spaces in excess of three passenger vehicles above or below other occupancies.
4. 
Garages used as passenger terminals.
(c) 
Basements. Basements having an area of 2,500 square feet or more when used for the sale or storage of combustible materials not including garage area.
(d) 
Multifamily.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings.
a. 
Basements, stairways and corridors in buildings up to five stories.
b. 
Throughout in buildings five stories or more.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive buildings.
a. 
Basements, stairways and corridors.
b. 
Throughout if building is over two stories.
(e) 
Office buildings, motels and hotels.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings.
a. 
None required for single story.
b. 
Basements, stairways and corridors in buildings of two to five stories.
c. 
Throughout in buildings five stories or more.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive buildings.
a. 
Basements, stairways and corridors up to two stories.
b. 
Throughout if building is over two stories.
(f) 
Theater and assembly halls.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings. Stage, under roof of stage, gridirons, fly galleries and bridges, dressing rooms, property rooms and on the stage side of the proscenium opening.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive buildings. Throughout all buildings.
(g) 
Hospitals.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings. Basements, kitchens, shops, laundries, laboratories, stairways, corridors and all other areas where combustible materials are handled or stored.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive construction. Throughout all buildings.
(h) 
Nursing, convalescent, old age and institutional buildings. Throughout all buildings.
(i) 
Schools, colleges and universities.
1. 
Fire-resistive buildings. Basements, workshops, laboratories, stairways, corridors, stage areas of auditoriums, janitor closets, kitchens, cafeterias and all places where combustible materials are handled or stored.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive construction and housing units. Throughout all buildings.
(j) 
Hazardous properties. Throughout every building which by reason of its construction or highly combustible occupancy involves a severe life hazard to its occupants or in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction constitutes a fire menace. Sample occupancies which are considered highly combustible:
1. 
Aircraft hangers.
2. 
Chemical works.
3. 
Explosive or pyrotechnic manufacturing.
4. 
Linseed oil mills.
5. 
Linoleum and oil cloth manufacturing.
6. 
Oil refineries.
7. 
Paint shops.
8. 
Pyroxylin plastic manufacturing or processing.
9. 
Shade cloth manufacturing.
10. 
Solvent extracting.
11. 
Varnish or paint manufacturing.
12. 
Any occupancy involving processing, mixing, storage and/or dispensing volatile liquids.
(k) 
Other properties requiring protection.
1. 
Bowling alleys. Throughout building of 8,000 square feet or more floor area.
2. 
Restaurants.
a. 
Throughout building of 8,000 square feet or more floor area.
b. 
All kitchen exhaust hoods and ducts for cooking equipment shall have an approved type of automatic extinguishing system installed. If any modifications are made to the system it shall meet the latest approved code.
3. 
All subbasements, required throughout.
4. 
All buildings 60 feet in height above outside grade at any point, required throughout.
(3) 
Maintenance or equipment.
(a) 
Required. Sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm system and other fire protection or extinguishing systems or appliances which have been installed in compliance with permit or order or because of any law or ordinance shall be maintained in operative condition at all times. No owner or occupant shall reduce the effectiveness of the protection so required, except that this subsection shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to make tests, repairs, alterations or additions. The Chief of the Fire Department shall be notified when the system has been restored to service.
(b) 
Inspections. Periodic inspection shall be performed in accordance with requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
(4) 
Application to existing buildings.
(a) 
Where the fire official finds that an existing building constitutes a severe fire hazard to its occupants or to adjoining property, he may order compliance with the provisions of this section. Installation of an automatic sprinkler system shall be started within one year from the service of such order and completed within 180 days after construction is started.
(b) 
When a building is to be renovated or remodeled which, if it were being built as new construction, would require sprinklers under this chapter, the following requirements shall be used:
1. 
Less the 25% of total square footage is being renovated or remodeled: no sprinkler shall be required.
2. 
More than 25% but less than 50% of total square footage is being renovated or remodeled: sprinklers shall be required in those areas being renovated only as required by this chapter.
3. 
More than 50% of total square footage is being renovated or remodeled: sprinklers shall be required as set forth in this chapter.
(c) 
Severe fire hazard. Severe fire hazard shall be determined by one or more of the following:
1. 
Any building which by reason of its construction or highly combustible occupancy involves severe life hazard to its occupants or in the judgment of the Fire Chief constitutes a fire menace, e.g. paint shops and other occupancies involving processing, mixing, storage and dispensing of volatile liquids.
2. 
Non-fire-resistive characteristics of the structure.
3. 
Accumulation of flammable or combustible materials.
4. 
Accessibility to the premises for fire-fighting equipment.
5. 
Number of invitees on the premises.
6. 
Traffic patterns for pedestrian ingress and egress.
7. 
Ventilation system.
8. 
Internal communication system.
9. 
Number, characteristics and movement of employees.
(d) 
Type of system and approval of plans.
1. 
Automatic sprinkler equipment shall be installed and connected to an adequate water supply. Sprinkler heads, valves and auxiliary equipment of standard types suitable for the individual building shall be determined by the authority having jurisdiction in effect at the date of installation.
2. 
No automatic sprinkler equipment shall be installed or altered in a building until plans have been submitted to and approved by the Greendale Fire Department. Two copies of the plans and specifications shall be submitted for review. Approved plans shall be stamped "Approved by Greendale Fire Department" along with the date of approval. One copy shall be returned to owner and one copy kept on file in the Greendale Fire Department.
(e) 
Exemption and substitution.
1. 
Exemption. The following shall be exempt:
a. 
Safe deposit or other vaults.
b. 
Rooms or buildings devoted to the manufacture or storage of aluminum powder, calcium carbide, calcium phosphide, metallic sodium or potassium, quick lime, magnesium powder, sodium peroxide or like material where the application of water may cause or increase combustion.
c. 
Any other locations where the installation of sprinklers may increase the occupation hazard as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
2. 
Substitution. When approved by the Greendale Fire Department, other automatic protective equipment may be substituted for automatic sprinkler systems.
(f) 
Fire Department standpipes. Standpipes shall be installed in all buildings as specified in the Wisconsin Administrative Code in addition to these automatic sprinkler requirements and as per NFPA No. 14 standard for the installation of hose and standpipe.
(g) 
Permits, certificates, approvals, inspections and review.
1. 
A building permit shall be issued only for those buildings which conform to the provisions of this section.
2. 
Two copies of the plans and specifications detailing standpipe, hydrant, sprinkler or substitute systems designed by a licensed designer of fire protection systems, professional engineers or architects shall be submitted for approval. Approved plans shall be stamped "Approved by Greendale Fire Department" and the date of approval. One copy shall be returned to owner and one copy kept on file in the Greendale Fire Department. Inspection of systems and determination of compliance with this section and the approved plans shall be made by the Greendale Fire Department.
3. 
The Chief of the Fire Department may request from the Department of Inspection Services the revocation of any permit issued in accordance with this section in any case where he finds that any of the conditions for issuance have not been maintained or where there has been any false statement or misrepresentation of any material fact in the application or plan on which the issuance was based. The Chief of the Fire Department shall promptly notify the permit holder of the request for revocation, and if so requested by the permit holder the effective date of the revocation shall be deferred pending a hearing before the Chief.
4. 
Reviews hereunder shall be taken under § 1.44 of this Code.
The Greendale Fire Department shall have the authority to require a lock box to be installed (in buildings affected as in § 14.05) in an accessible location where access to or within a structure or area is difficult because of security. The lock box shall be the type approved by the Greendale Fire Department and shall contain keys or other devices necessary to gain access as required by the Greendale Fire Department. The operator of the premises shall immediately notify the Greendale Fire Department and provide the new keys or other devices any time a lock is changed or rekeyed and a key or other device to that lock is contained in the lock box.
Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a penalty as provided in § 25.04 of this Code.