As used in this Part 1, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ALTERNATIVE
A system, condition, arrangement, material or equipment submitted
to the Department as a substitute for a code requirement.
AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
Any system which is designed and installed to detect a fire
and subsequently discharge an extinguishing agent without human activation
or direction.
BASEMENT
A story with more than 50% of its cubic volume below grade.
CURB CUT
Reduced curb height to facilitate vehicle passage over or
across a curb. Curb cut can be an abrupt reduction or may be a tapering
reduction for the length of the curb on each side of the means of
access.
DEPARTMENT
The organization, office or individual responsible for approving
equipment, an installation or a procedure. In this case it would be
the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire-Rescue-EMS Life
Safety and Fire Prevention Section.
DWELLING
A single unit providing complete and independent living facilities
for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
EXISTING CONDITION
Any situation, circumstance, or physical makeup of any structure,
premises or process which was ongoing or in effect prior to the adoption
of this code.
FARM PROPERTIES
Those properties which are used primarily for agricultural
purposes.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The governmental, quasi-governmental or other organization,
which is responsible for providing fire protection services to an
area.
FIRE DOOR
A tested, listed or approved door and door assembly constructed
and installed for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire through
openings in walls, partitions, or other horizontal or vertical construction.
FIRE HAZARD
Any situation, process, material or condition which, on the
basis of applicable data, may cause a fire or explosion or provide
a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of the fire
or explosion, and which poses a threat to life or the property of
others.
FIRE HYDRANT
A valved connection on a piped water supply system having
one or more outlets and which is used to supply hose and fire department
pumpers with water.
FIRE LANE
The road or other passageway developed to allow the passage
of fire apparatus.
FIRE OFFICIAL
An individual designated as the administrative head of the
agency, bureau or division responsible for the administration and
enforcement of the fire protection laws of the jurisdiction. For purposes
of utilizing this code, this term shall also apply to any person designated
as a representative of the fire official.
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Any fire alarm device or system or fire extinguishing device
or system, or their combination, which is designed and installed for
detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire or otherwise alerting
occupants, or the Fire Department, or both, that a fire has occurred.
GRADE
The reference plane representing the average elevation of
finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.
JURISDICTION
Any governmental unit or political division or subdivision,
including, but not limited to: township, village, borough, parish,
city, district or territory located within Calvert County, Maryland
over which the governmental unit exercises power and authority.
MEANS OF ACCESS
The method or arrangement by which entry or approach is made
to a building area by Fire Department apparatus.
PLANNED BUILDING GROUPS
One or more structures constructed on a parcel of land which
is under the ownership, control or development by one individual,
corporation, partnership or firm, excluding a single-family dwelling
and farms.
PRIVATE BUILDING
Any building or that portion of a building, which is normally
not frequented by, nor open to, the public.
PRIVATE STREET
Any accessway normally intended for vehicular use in the
movement between points within a planned building group area or between
the planned building group area and a street.
ROADWAY
Any street, private street or fire lane.
STANDPIPE
A pipe and attendant hose valves and hose (if provided) used
for conveying water to various parts of a building for fire-fighting
purposes.
STATE FIRE MARSHAL
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, which may
be responsible also for approving equipment, an installation or procedure
covered within this code.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the upper surface
of the floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above.
STREET
A public thoroughfare (street, avenue, or boulevard) which
has been dedicated for vehicular use by the public and can be used
for access by Fire Department vehicles.
STRUCTURE
Any building, monument or other object that is constructed
with the ground as its foundation or normal resting place.
SYSTEM
Several items of equipment, assembled grouped or otherwise
interconnected, for the accomplishment of a specific purpose or function.
ZONING DISTRICTS
Zoning districts are defined as stated in the Calvert County
Zoning Ordinance.