[Adopted by MC 2018-22, September 11, 2018]
(a)
As allowed by the Charter, there shall be established a Department
of Fire, the head of which shall be the Director of Fire who shall
be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council
and may be one of the division heads. The Director shall serve during
the term of office of the Mayor appointing him/her and until the appointment
and qualification of his/her successor, subject to removal as provided
by the Charter.
(b)
Within the Department of Fire there may be an Administrative Assistant
designated as Secretary to the Director, who shall be appointed by
the Director with the approval of the Administrator. The Administrative
Assistant shall serve during the term of office of the Director appointing
him/her, subject to removal as provided in the case of a Department
Director appointed by the Mayor.
Within the Department of Fire there shall be established a Fire
Division, the head of which shall be the Fire Chief.
The Fire Division shall consist of such superior officers, privates
and civilian persons organized according to such table of organization
prescribed by the Director subject to the approval of the Mayor within
the limits of the budget established by the Council and shall be administered
as provided by the provisions of this Code, the amendments and supplements
thereto.
(a)
The Director, with the advice of the Fire Chief, and subject to the
approval of the Mayor, shall promulgate and from time to time revise
and enforce rules and regulations for the control, disposition and
discipline of the Fire Division and its officers and employees, for
their training and efficiency and for the use and care of equipment
and apparatus.
(b)
The Fire Division rules and regulations, the amendments and supplements
thereto, are hereby adopted by reference and made a part of this Code
with the same force and effect as though set out in full herein.
(c)
At least three (3) copies of such rules and regulations shall be
maintained on file in the Clerk's office and at least three (3) copies
are on file in the Office of the Fire Chief for the use and inspection
by the public.
[A.C. 1969, 8.7]
The Fire Division, under the supervision and direction of the
Director, shall:
(a)
Have exclusive jurisdiction over the control, fighting and extinguishment
of any conflagration which occurs within the City limits;
(b)
Provide the fighting services and facilities for the protection of
life and property within the City, and in accordance with such mutual
aid agreements as may be enforced.
(c)
Investigate the cause, circumstances and origin of fires and report
to the Division of Police and the County Prosecutor every case of
suspicion of arson.
Within the Fire Division there shall be established a Bureau
of Fire Prevention. The Bureau shall maintain and administer a fire
prevention and fire safety inspection service for the City, as empowered
by the Fire Prevention Code.
[1]
Cross reference: As to Fire Prevention Bureau, see the Fire
Prevention Code, Appendix B.
(a)
Adoption of Code by Reference.
(1)
The Fire Prevention Code of 1971, together with any and all
amendments and supplements, is hereby adopted and by this reference
made a part of this chapter with the same force and effect as though
set out in full herein and shall be enforced in all buildings, structures
and premises used exclusively for dwelling purposes and containing
fewer than three (3) dwelling units. At least three (3) copies of
the Fire Prevention Code shall remain on file and open for public
inspection and use in the offices of the City Clerk, the Director
of Public Affairs and Safety, the Fire Division and the Bureau of
Fire Prevention.
(2)
Any sections or provisions of the Fire Prevention Code that
are inconsistent with or in conflict with the State Uniform Construction
Code or any subcodes adopted pursuant thereto are hereby superseded.
(b)
Local Enforcement of Uniform Fire Code.
(1)
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A.
52:27D - 192 et. (P.L. 1983, c. 383) the New Jersey Uniform Fire code
together and with any and all amendments and supplements, shall be
locally enforced in the municipality of Plainfield in all buildings,
structures and premises except owner-occupied buildings used exclusively
for dwelling purposes and containing fewer than three (3) dwelling
units. Where there is any inconsistency between the Plainfield Fire
Prevention Code and the Uniform Fire Code, as amended and supplemented,
the provisions of the Uniform Fire Code shall prevail.
(2)
At least three (3) copies of the Uniform Fire Code with amendments
adopted by the City of Plainfield shall remain on file and open for
public inspection and use in the offices of the City Clerk, the Director
of Public Affairs and Safety, the Fire Division and the Bureau of
Fire Prevention.
(3)
Agency designations. The local enforcing agency shall be the
Bureau of Fire Prevention in the Plainfield Fire Division.
(4)
Duties. The local enforcement agency shall enforce the Uniform
Fire Safety Act - and the codes and regulations adopted under it in
all buildings, structures, and premises within the established boundaries
of Plainfield, other than owner-occupied buildings used exclusively
for dwelling purposes and contain fewer than three (3) dwelling units,
and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire
Safety Act and the Uniform Fire Code.
(5)
Life hazard uses. The local enforcing agency established by
subsection (b) (3) of this section shall carry out the periodic inspections
of the life hazard uses as defined in the Uniform Fire Code on behalf
of the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
(6)
Organization. The local enforcing agency established by subsection
(b) (3) of this section shall be the Bureau of Fire Prevention in
the Plainfield Fire Division, and shall by under the direct supervision
and control of the Fire Official who shall report to the Fire Chief.
(7)
Appointments.
(A)
Appointment of Fire Official. The local enforcing agency shall
by under the direct supervision of a Fire Official who shall be appointed
by the Fire Chief.
(B)
Inspectors and employees. Such inspectors and other employees
as may be necessary for the local enforcing agency to properly carry
out its responsibilities shall be appointed by the Fire Chief.
(8)
The Board of Appeals. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.19 of the
Uniform Fire Code, the person aggrieved by any enforcement action,
including rulings, orders or notices, of the local enforcement agency
shall have the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals
of Union County.
(9)
Additional required inspections and fees. In addition to those
inspections required pursuant to the Act and the Regulations of the
Department of Community Affairs, the following additional inspections
and fees shall be required:
(A)
Building inspections. All buildings or portions thereof except
owner occupied one- and two-family dwellings, shall be inspected pursuant
to the provisions of the International Fire Code New Jersey Edition
and the Uniform Fire Safety Act. Such inspections shall be conducted
as often as may be determined necessary by the Fire Official. The
Fire Official shall be responsible for these inspections and enforcement
with the assistance of all uniformed Fire Personnel.
(B)
Permits: The obtaining of Fire Safety Permits shall be pursuant
to N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7 of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code in effect
at the time of issuance.
(C)
Additional fees. In addition to the above, the following shall
require a fee.
(10)
Non-life hazard annual registration fees:
(A)
In addition to the registrations required by the Uniform Fire
Code, the following non-life hazard uses shall register with the Bureau
of Fire Prevention. These uses shall be inspected periodically, but
minimally once within a five (5) year period. Other inspections shall
include but not be limited to the registration of businesses, eating
establishments, factories, mercantile and storage spaces. Fees for
non-life hazard use inspections shall be assessed upon completion
of the above referenced inspections.
(B)
If a non-life hazard use registration fee has not been satisfied
by the 30th day after its issuance, the local enforcing agency may
institute a civil action by summary proceeding in the Municipal Court.
(C)
All moneys that are recovered as a result of the court action
shall be paid into the designated trust account to support the local
enforcing agency.
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Assembly
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|---|---|---|
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A-1
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Eating establishment fewer than 50
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$30.00
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A-2
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Take-out food service (no seating)
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$30.00
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A-3
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Church or synagogue
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$30.00
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A-4
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Recreation centers, multi-purpose rooms, etc., fewer than 50
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$60.00
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A-5
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Courtrooms, libraries, fraternal organizations, condominium
centers fewer than 50
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$60.00
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A-6
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Senior citizens centers fewer than 50
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$60.00
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Business/Professional
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|---|---|---|
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B-1
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Professional use 1 & 2 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per
floor $30.00
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$30.00
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B-2
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1 & 2 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq.
ft. per floor
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$60.00
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B-3
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1 & 2 story more than 10,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$90.00
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B-4
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$120.00
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B-5
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3 to 5 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq. ft.
per floor
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$180.00
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B-6
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3 to 5 story more than 10,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$240.00
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Retail (mercantile)
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|---|---|---|---|
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M-1
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1 & 2 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$150.00
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M-2
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1 & 2 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq.
ft. per floor
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$180.00
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M-3
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1 & 2 story more than 10,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$210.00
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M-4
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$240.00
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M-5
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3 to 5 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$270.00
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M-6
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3 to 5 story more than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$300.00
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Exception: Hardware store over 3,000 sq. ft. and retail
store over 12,000 sq. ft. that are required by the State Uniform Fire
Safety Act to be registered with the Division of Fire Safety as life
hazard uses.
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Manufacturing (factory)
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|---|---|---|
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F-1
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1 & 2 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$90.00
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F-2
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1 & 2 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq.
ft. per floor
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$120.00
|
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F-3
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1 & 2 story more than 10,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$180.00
|
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F-4
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$210.00
|
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F-5
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$240.00
|
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F-6
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3 to 5 story more than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$300.00
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Exception: Factories that are required by the State
Uniform Fire Safety Act to be registered with the Division of Fire
Safety as life hazard uses.
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Storage S-1 (moderate hazard S-1, low hazard S-2)
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|---|---|---|
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S-1
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1 & 2 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$60.00
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S-2
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1 & 2 story more than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq.
ft. per floor
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$120.00
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S-3
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1 & 2 story more than 10,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$180.00
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S-4
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. per floor
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$210.00
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S-5
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3 to 5 story less than 5,000 sq. ft. less than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$240.00
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S-6
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3 to 5 story more than 10,000 sq. ft.
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$300.00
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Exemption: Storage properties that are required by the
State Uniform Fire Safety Act to be registered with the Division of
Fire Safety as life hazard uses.
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Residential (LEA listed with multifamily BHI) Fee for each building
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|---|---|---|
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R-1
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13 to 6 units
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$30.00
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R-2
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7 to 12 units
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$60.00
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R-3
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13 to 20 units
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$90.00
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R-4
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21 to 50 units
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$120.00
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R-5
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For each additional unit
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$2.00 each
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(D)
R-4 uses shall be inspected and charged a fee only upon sale
or change of tenant.
(E)
Uses not classified above that are subject the Uniform Fire
Code will be classified as business uses.
(F)
Uses required to register with the State as life hazard uses
shall not be required to register under this section.
(G)
In the discretion of the Fire Official, vacant buildings will
be charged and inspected according to the previous use of the building.
(H)
All residential uses except R-4 uses shall be inspected in the
common areas only.
(c)
A fire lane is hereby established at the New Meadowbrook Village
Condominium, 1001 East Front Street, Plainfield, New Jersey, pursuant
to State of New Jersey N.J.S.A. 5:70-3.2(a)3 F3.11.1 and the designated
fire lane shall be adopted as described below:
(1)
The west side of the North South Driveway from the intersection
of East Front Street to the circle, and
(2)
Around the circle to the intersection with the East West Driveway,
and
(3)
On the north side of the East West Driveway to the intersection
with the east parking lot is a recommendation by the Fire Official.
All painting of curbs, roadways and all signs shall be installed
and maintained at the expense of the management of the New Meadowbrook
Village Condominium, as directed by the Fire Official of Plainfield
Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(4)
Enforcement. The Department of Public Affairs and Safety shall
be and is hereby authorized to undertake all actions necessary to
implement this ordinance, including but not limited to, the ticketing
and/or towing of vehicles which are in violation of this paragraph.
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(i) Violations of this subsection 2:7-19(c) shall be fined as follows:
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First offense
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$25.00
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Second offense
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$50.00
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Third and successive offenses
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Not less than $100.00 nor more than $200.00
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(d)
Knox-Box® Rapid Access Key Retention
System Requirement
(1)
In accordance with the International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition
2006, and in order to provide immediate access to structures for life-saving
or firefighting purposes, all commercial and industrial structures
within the City of Plainfield, and all occupancies served by an automatic
alarm system or automatic suppression, having a connection to a monitoring
facility and/or having greater than four (4) living units, shall provide
a Knox Key Retention Box.
(2)
All newly constructed structures, not yet occupied or buildings
currently under construction and buildings or businesses subject to
this section and applying for a certificate of occupancy, shall have
the Key Retention Box installed and operational prior to the issuance
of an occupancy certificate.
(3)
All structures in existence on the effective date of this section
and subject to this section shall have six (6) months from the effective
date of this section to have a Key Retention Box installed and operational.
(This section was adopted October 11, 2011 by MC 2011-08.)
(4)
The Key Retention Box shall be located on the building exterior
at or near the recognized public entrance, or at a location approved
by the City of Plainfield Fire Official. The lock box shall be located
at a height of not less than four (4) feet and not more than six (6)
feet above final grade.
(5)
The Knox Key Retention Box shall contain the following:
(A)
Keys to locked points of egress, whether interior or exterior,
with the exception of individual apartments or living units;
(B)
Keys and/or combinations to locked mechanical rooms;
(C)
Keys and/or combinations to locked elevator rooms;
(D)
Keys and/or combinations to any fence or secured areas;
(E)
Keys and/or combinations to any area that may require emergency
personnel access;
(F)
Keys and/or combinations to the fire alarm panel and pull stations;
(G)
A card containing a minimum of two (2) emergency contact names
and telephone numbers for the facility;
(6)
The operator of the building shall immediately notify the Fire
Official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed.
The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
(a)
No person duly appointed as a member of the Auxiliary Fire Unit organized
under N.J.S.A. App. A:9-33 et seq. shall in any way be deemed a member
of the Fire Division of the City, nor shall any such person be entitled
to any compensation for his/her services as such member.
(b)
Any member of the Auxiliary Fire Unit may be permitted to use the
fire apparatus and facilities of the Fire Division subject to the
direction and control of the Fire Chief of the City and subject to
the orders, rules and regulations that may be prescribed by the City.
(c)
Any member of the Auxiliary Fire Unit shall not be entitled to any
remuneration, compensation or damage in the exercise of the privileges
granted under this chapter resulting in injury or death.
(d)
Any such member of the Auxiliary Fire Unit exercising such privileges
shall do so solely under the conditions, rights and obligations provided
by the laws relating to the local Civil Defense and Disaster Control
and Civil Emergency.
(a)
The Municipal Disaster Control Director shall be appointed by the
Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. The said Director
shall be a resident of the City and shall serve at the pleasure of
the Mayor without compensation and may be a City employee.[2]
(b)
The said Director shall appoint a Deputy Municipal Disaster Control
Director with the approval of the Mayor. Whenever possible, such Deputy
shall be appointed from among the salaried officers and employees
of the City.
(c)
The office of the Municipal Disaster Control Director shall be assigned
to the office of the Director of Public Affairs and Safety for budgetary
purposes.
(d)
In the event of municipal disaster, the Mayor with the consent of
the Council shall furnish such manpower and other assistance to the
Director as may be deemed necessary under the circumstance. The Director
shall draft provisional plans to handle conceivable future municipal
disasters which shall be submitted to the Mayor and the Council for
consideration and approval. Those in the municipal employee of the
City who are indicated for possible future participation shall be
furnished with copies of such approved provisional plans and be required
to be familiar with same and, in particular, the role they must play
in their operation.
[1]
State law reference: As to appointments of Municipal Disaster
Control Director and Deputy Disaster Control Director, see N.J.S.A.
App. A:9-40.1 and 40.3.
(a)
The Municipal Disaster Control Director shall be responsible for
the planning, coordinating, and the conduct of Civil Defense and Disaster
Control Operations within the City.
(b)
Whenever, if in the opinion of such Director, a disaster has occurred
or is imminent in the City, s/he shall proclaim a state of local disaster
emergency. S/he shall then be empowered to issue and enforce such
orders, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the State Civilian
Defense Director as may be necessary to implement and carry out Civil
Defense and Disaster Control operations and to protect the health,
safety, and resources of the residents.
[1]
State law reference: As to powers and duties of Municipal
Disaster Control Director, see N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.4 and 40.5.
