A. 
The Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors shall survey each commercial, industrial, business, mercantile, storage, institutional or educational establishment, multiple dwelling or any other structure and shall specify suitable fire-detecting devices and extinguishing appliances and other firesafety devices which shall be provided. Such devices or appliances may consist of automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinklers or water-spray systems, standpipes and hoses, fixed or portable fire extinguishers of a type suitable for the likely probable class of fire, exit lights, emergency lighting units or panic hardware.
B. 
Every application for a building permit for the construction, reconstruction, addition or change in use of any building or structure shall meet the fire and safety requirements of the chart shown below,[1] as well as any additional requirements deemed necessary for the safety of persons and property by the Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors, and said requirements shall be made a condition of the permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said chart, Schedule of Fire and Safety Requirements, is located at the end of this chapter.
A. 
Sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire-detection systems and other fire-protective or extinguishing systems and other firesafety devices which have been installed in compliance with any permit or order or because of any law or ordinance shall be maintained in operative condition at all times, and it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant to reduce the effectiveness of the protection so required, except that this shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to make tests, repairs, alterations or additions. The Fire Inspector shall be notified before such tests, repairs, alterations or additions are commenced if the work is not to be completed within a twenty-four-hour period.
B. 
Sprinkler systems, fire-detection systems and other fire-protective or extinguishing systems shall be inspected at least once yearly by a qualified inspector or at intervals more frequent as required by the Fire Inspector or by other sections of this chapter or by other laws or ordinances.
(1) 
Sprinkler systems.
(a) 
Sprinkler systems shall be maintained in operative condition, free from mechanical injury, structural failure, water failure or obstructions. Sprinklers shall be maintained clear and free from corrosion, paint, whitewash and other coatings which impair their operation. Sprinkler systems shall be tested on an annual basis.
[Amended 8-21-1997 by L.L. No. 5-1997]
(b) 
Valves controlling water supply to sprinklers shall be readily accessible at all times and shall be free from obstructions.
(c) 
Supports for piping and equipment shall be structurally sound.
(d) 
Portions of the system subject to freezing shall be appropriately protected.
(e) 
Storage of materials shall not interfere with the effective discharge of water from the sprinklers.
(f) 
Control valves.
[1] 
Each control valve shall be numbered and shall have a sign indicating the portion of the system it controls.
[2] 
Each control valve shall be secured in its open position using a lock or tamper switch.
[3] 
Valves locked in the open position and valves with tamper switches shall be inspected monthly.
[4] 
Valve stems shall be lubricated at least once a year using manufacturer's approved lubricant.
[5] 
Post indicator valves shall be operated quarterly to assure proper operation and shall be left in a locked open position.
(g) 
Department connections shall be inspected monthly.
(h) 
Gauges shall be checked monthly to assure normal pressure is being maintained. Gauges shall be checked with an inspector's gauge every five years.
(i) 
Water-flow alarm devices shall be tested quarterly.
(j) 
Sprinkler systems shall be flushed every five years to ensure that sprinklers receive an unobstructed flow of water. Flushing shall include mains, risers, feed mains, cross mains and branch lines and shall be done as per National Fire Protection Association requirements.
(k) 
Security personnel shall be notified, in writing, of:
[1] 
The location and use of control valves, drain valves and alarm devices.
[2] 
The requirement to promptly transmit a fire alarm to the Fire Department.
[3] 
The requirement for daily visual inspection of sprinkler control valves to ascertain that they are open. Proper notification shall be made of any valve found closed.
(l) 
Valve inspection reports shall show that the valves are:
[1] 
In normally open or closed position.
[2] 
Properly sealed, locked or equipped with a tamper switch.
[3] 
In good operating condition.
[4] 
Provided with a wrench, where required.
(m) 
The Fire Inspector shall be notified:
[1] 
Of the installation or modification to a system.
[2] 
Of the extent of protection provided and the location and arrangement of control valves and connections for Fire Department use.
[3] 
When any portion of the system is taken out of service.
(n) 
Records shall be kept of all inspections, tests and maintenance functions relating to sprinkler systems. See other requirements of § 196-14C.
(2) 
Standpipe systems.
(a) 
Valves shall be maintained tight against leaks.
(b) 
Hoses shall be properly stored, ready for operation, dry and free of deterioration.
(c) 
Hose stations shall be conspicuously identified, located for easy accessibility and installed to provide for the quick and easy use of equipment.
(d) 
Valves in the water supply pipe for the standpipe system, other than hose station valves, shall be open and readily accessible at all times and shall be free of any obstructions.
(3) 
Yard hydrant systems.
(a) 
Connection to hydrants on the distribution system for other than fire-protection purposes shall be prohibited unless authorized by the Code Enforcement Official.
(b) 
Hydrants shall be readily accessible at all times and shall be free of any obstructions, including but not limited to fencing, vehicles, snow and ice, etc.
(c) 
All hydrants shall be inspected and tested at least annually to assure the proper operation thereof.
(d) 
Yard hydrant systems employing outside fire hoses shall have said hoses properly stored so as to be readily accessible and protected from the weather.
C. 
Fire alarm systems.
(1) 
Heat, smoke, flame detectors, water-flow devices and similar devices shall be maintained in a proper operating condition at all times. Such systems shall be inspected at least quarterly. Such inspections shall include all items as specified by the Fire Inspector.
(2) 
False alarms.
(a) 
A "false alarm" is the sounding of the alarm and the dispatching of the Fire Department to a condition which is unnecessary (i.e., no fire, no smoke condition, not a good intent call, etc.).
(b) 
Multiple false alarms will be considered as not maintaining the fire alarm system in proper working condition and will be a violation of § 196-14C(2)(a).
(c) 
A false alarm caused by the failure of a person, firm or corporation to properly put a system out of service when making repairs, tests, etc., shall be a violation of § 196-14C(2)(a).
(d) 
An excessive amount of false alarms in any calendar year shall constitute a violation of this section. For purposes of this section, the term "excessive" shall mean more than two false alarms in a calendar year (January 1 through December 31). An appearance ticket charging a violation of this section may be issued by the Village of Nyack Fire Inspector. The fine schedule for a conviction under this section shall be as follows:
[Added 11-4-2004 by L.L. No. 9-2004; amended 7-19-2012 by L.L. No. 7-2012]
[1] 
A fine of $300 for three false alarms.
[2] 
A fine of $600 for four false alarms.
[3] 
A fine not to exceed $2,000 for a conviction of having more than five false alarms in a calendar year.
[4] 
A fine not to exceed $3,000 for a conviction of having more than six false alarms in a calendar year.
[5] 
A fine not to exceed $4,000 for a conviction of having more than seven false alarms in a calendar year.
[6] 
A fine not to exceed $5,000 for a conviction of having more than eight false alarms in a calendar year.
[7] 
A fine not to exceed $6,000 for a conviction of having more than nine false alarms in a calendar year.
[8] 
A fine not to exceed $10,000 for a conviction of having more than 10 false alarms in a calendar year.
[9] 
A fine not to exceed $11,000 for a conviction of having more than 11 false alarms in a calendar year.
[10] 
A fine not to exceed $12,000 for a conviction of having more than 12 false alarms in a calendar year.
[11] 
A fine not to exceed $13,000 for a conviction of having more than 13 false alarms in a calendar year.
[12] 
A fine not to exceed $14,000 for a conviction of having more than 14 false alarms in a calendar year.
[13] 
A fine not to exceed $15,000 for a conviction of having more than 15 false alarms in a calendar year.
D. 
Whenever such tests, repairs, alterations or maintenance inspections are made, a written report in a form specified by the Fire Inspector shall be forwarded to the Building Department by the person, firm or corporation making said tests, repairs, alterations, inspections or additions.
E. 
All fire escapes installed in the Village of Nyack shall be kept in good repair and are to be painted at least once every three years.
A. 
Adequate exits shall be provided in all buildings, structures and premises within the Village of Nyack to ensure safe egress in case of fire or other emergency. The location, number, type and other considerations of exits shall be provided in accordance with requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the most current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
B. 
No exit doors, passageways, hallways or stairs leading to the exit shall be locked, bolted or otherwise fastened or obstructed by any means so that the door cannot be opened from the inside by the use of the ordinary door latch or knob by pressure on the device or on a panic release device and shall allow the free egress of the occupants from the building or the unobstructed ingress of Fire Department personnel at all times.
C. 
The exit doors to the exterior of the building shall be equipped with approved panic hardware which release when pressure is applied to the release device.
D. 
No furnishings, decorations or other objects shall be so placed as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
E. 
Exit lights, emergency lighting and panic hardware shall be provided in accordance with the requirements listed in Table 1.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 1, Schedule of Fire and Safety Requirements, is located at the end of this chapter.
All electrical appliances, fixtures and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the current edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). All electrical appliances, fixtures and wiring shall be maintained so as not to be a fire hazard nor a source of ignition for combustible or hazardous substances, materials or devices.
Where smoking is considered a fire hazard, the Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors shall be authorized to order the owner, in writing, to post "No Smoking" signs in conspicuous designated locations where smoking is prohibited. In areas where smoking is permitted, noncombustible ashtrays shall be provided.
[Amended 4-14-2022 by L.L. No. 2-2022]
A. 
All outdoor fires are prohibited, with the exception of fires:
(1) 
Used to cook food in approved and/or recognized grills or stoves.
(2) 
Live burn drills conducted by the Fire Department.
(3) 
Upon securing a permit from the Fire Inspector (under New York State 2020 Fire Code § F105.6), outdoor fires in portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplaces (which may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material, and may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top), but only if such outdoor fireplaces are used in accord with manufacturer specifications and are located no less than 15 feet from any structure or combustible material. Permits under this section may be obtained by the property owner or any tenant with the written permission of the property owner.
(4) 
Upon securing a permit from the Fire Inspector (under New York State 2020 Fire Code § F105.6), open burning may be authorized, provided it is located not less than 50 feet from any structure or combustible material, and sufficient provisions shall be in place to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet from any structure. Permits under this section may be obtained by the property owner or any tenant with the written permission of the property owner.
(5) 
Upon securing a permit from the Fire Inspector (under New York State 2020 Fire Code § F105.6), fires for religious purposes or for other purposes as specifically approved by the Fire Inspector. Permits under this section may be obtained by the property owner or any tenant with the written permission of the property owner.
B. 
Regardless of permit status, if prevailing atmospheric or local conditions cause emission of embers or excessive smoke resulting in a Fire Department response, the Building Inspector or Fire Inspector are authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire.
C. 
In cases where no permit has been obtained, the Building Inspector or Fire Inspector are authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire, and the homeowner or tenant will be subject to legal action from the Chief Building Inspector/Fire Inspector.
D. 
Any person, firm or corporation starting, maintaining or having control over an outdoor fire not authorized under this section shall be in violation of this code and subject to a fine of up to $500 for such violation.
A. 
The Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspector, in cooperation with the Chief of Police and the Fire Chief, is authorized, pursuant to the authority granted under § 1660-a of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York and § 130, Subdivision 5, of the Town Law of the State of New York, to determine and establish appropriate fire lanes and fire zones at parking areas, driveways, private streets and roadways of all premises except one- and two-family dwellings.
B. 
Fire lanes shall be provided for all buildings that are set back more than 100 feet from a public road or exceed 30 feet in height and are set back over 50 feet from a public road. Where buildings are protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the provisions of this section may be modified by the Fire Inspector.
C. 
Fire lanes shall not be less than 20 feet of unobstructed width, able to withstand live loads of fire apparatus and have a minimum of 13 feet six inches of vertical clearance.
D. 
Fire zones and fire lanes shall be marked with freestanding signs that have the words "No Standing — No Parking — Fire Lane (or Zone)" and appropriate yellow pavement markings installed in conformance with the New York State Uniform Traffic Code requirements.
E. 
No motor vehicle shall park, stand or remain unattended in an established fire zone or fire lane. Fire zones and lanes shall be maintained free of all obstructions at all times.
F. 
More restrictive provisions for fire lanes may be imposed by the Fire Inspector.
A. 
When a structure is protected by an automatic fire alarm system or fire suppression system and access to or within the structure is unduly difficult because of secured openings and where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or fire-fighting purposes, the Fire Inspector may require a key box to be installed in an approved location.
B. 
All new business, mercantile, industrial, storage, assembly, institutional and three- or more story multiple residences, constructed, altered or changed in use after the effective date of this code shall have installed a key box in an approved location. Such key boxes shall be installed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
C. 
The key box shall be of the type approved by the Fire Inspector and, in order to maintain uniformity throughout Rockland County, order forms for said key box must be obtained from the Fire Inspector.
D. 
The key box shall contain:
(1) 
Keys to locked points of ingress, whether on the interior or exterior of such structures.
(2) 
Keys to locked mechanical rooms.
(3) 
Keys to locked electrical rooms.
(4) 
Keys to elevator controls.
(5) 
Keys to other areas as directed by the Fire Inspector or Fire Chief.
(6) 
The layout of the building showing the locations of the above.
(7) 
Other information as requested by the Fire Inspector or Fire Chief.
Premises identification. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. The numbers should be at least four inches in height and if possible made of a reflective material for nighttime visibility.
Every outside opening accessible to the Fire Department that opens directly on any hoistway or shaftway communicating between two or more floors in a building shall be plainly marked with the word "shaftway" in red letters at least six inches high on a white background; such warning signs shall be so placed as to be readily discernible from the outside of the building.
Stairways serving four or more stories shall be provided with signs indicating floor level, roof access or no roof access, and reentry locations in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
A. 
Upon inspection and identification of a building, other than a one- or two-family dwelling, of truss, wood I-beam or other lightweight-type construction, the owner/occupant shall be notified by the Fire Inspector of the requirements of this code.
B. 
Upon notification, the owner/operator will be required to permanently affix an approved twelve-inch-by-eighteen-inch reflective truss construction identification logo on the building. The exact location shall be identified by the Fire Inspector. The identification logos shall be properly installed within 10 days of receipt of written notice.
C. 
The Fire Inspector should notify the local Fire Chief of any building with lightweight construction. This information should be provided to the Rockland County Fire Control Center to be included in the Rockland County computer dispatch system database.
A. 
Every person owning or having control of any vacant building shall remove all combustible waste and refuse therefrom and lock, barricade or otherwise secure all windows, doors and other openings in the building to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.
B. 
Vacant building placards.
[Amended 9-13-2012 by L.L. No. 9-2012]
(1) 
Any building or structure determined by the Fire Inspector or Building Inspector to be unsafe for occupancy shall be marked with an appropriate placard as required by Sections 311.5.1 through 311.5.5 of the New York State Fire Code.
(2) 
Any building posted with a placard pursuant to this section shall not be occupied until such time as the Village of Nyack Building Department authorizes removal of the placard. Owners, agents, responsible parties, or representatives of the same shall not remove the placard without the written approval of the Building Department.
(3) 
A posting fee of $200 shall be paid to the Village of Nyack Building Department to offset the cost of posting a placard on the property. The Village of Nyack shall be entitled to collect said fee in the manner that property taxes against the premises are collected in the event that the fee is unpaid.
The storage inside any building of propane or any other fuel used for devices such as outdoor barbecue grills and the like shall also be prohibited.
Where the use of security gates is permitted, such gates shall provide unobstructed view of at least 50% of the door(s), window(s) or other building opening which is protected by the security gate when the security gate is in place.
Certificate of compliance required.
A. 
No place of assembly, as defined in Subsection B of this section, shall be maintained, operated or used as such without a certificate of compliance, except that no certificate of compliance shall be required for any place of assembly used solely as a place of religious worship.
B. 
"Place of assembly" shall mean any building, room or space used for assembly or gathering for recreation, political, religious, social, amusement or entertainment purpose. Place of assembly occupancies shall include, but shall not be limited to, live performance and motion-picture theaters, meeting halls, auditoriums, exhibition halls, museums, skating rinks, gymnasiums, bowling alleys, poolrooms, restaurants, licensed premises dispensing alcoholic beverages, churches, dance halls and club rooms.
C. 
Posting of maximum occupancy. The maximum number of occupants permitted within assembly spaces shall be established by the Code Enforcement Official, and a sign setting forth such maximum number shall be conspicuously posted in each space and shall not be exceeded. Posting of the occupancy limit sign shall be deemed notice to the owner, manager or person in charge and shall be deemed an order to comply. Violation of the occupancy requirements is a violation of this chapter and punishable pursuant to § 196-7 of this chapter.
D. 
Overcrowding. It is the responsibility of the owner, manager or person in charge to assure that the occupant load does not exceed the number established by the Code Enforcement Official; and he shall not permit overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved number of occupants of any place of assembly nor permit, allow or suffer the total number of persons at any one time to be in such a number so as to constitute a threat or danger to the public health, safety or welfare.
E. 
The Fire Inspector or any Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspector or Police Department, upon finding overcrowding conditions, shall cause the performance, spectacle or entertainment to be stopped until such a condition is corrected.