It is the intent of this chapter to prescribe regulations consistent
with recognized standard practice for the safeguarding to a reasonable
degree of life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion
arising from the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances,
materials, and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life and
property in the use or occupancy of buildings or premises.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply equally to new and
existing conditions except that existing conditions not in strict
compliance with the terms of this chapter shall be permitted to continue
where the exceptions do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or
adjoining property.
Whenever any of the officers, members, or inspectors of the
Fire Department shall find any building or upon any premises dangerous
or hazardous conditions as follows, he or they shall order such dangerous
conditions or materials to be removed or remedied in such manner as
may be specified in said order:
A. Dangerous or unlawful amounts of combustible or explosive matter.
B. Hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly installed
equipment for handling or using combustible or explosive matter.
C. Dangerous accumulations of rubbish, wastepaper, boxes, shavings,
or other highly flammable materials.
D. Accumulations of dust or waste material in air-conditioning systems
or of grease in kitchen exhaust ducts.
E. Obstructions to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, door, or
windows liable to interfere with the operation of the Fire Department
or egress of occupants in case of fire.
F. Any building or other structure which, for want of repairs, lack
of sufficient fire escapes or other exit facilities, automatic or
other fire alarm apparatus or fire extinguishing equipment, or by
reason of age or dilapidated condition, or from any other cause, creates
a fire hazard or a threat to life and safety.