[Adopted 6-8-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-09[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Art. III,
Fire Alarms, adopted 8-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-15.
A.Â
Title. This article shall be known as the "Fire Alarm Ordinance of
Manheim Township."
B.Â
Scope. This article shall regulate all matters concerning the design,
installation, repair, testing, monitoring and operation of all fire
alarm systems and related devices; and prescribing penalties for violations
hereof.
C.Â
Purpose. This article shall be construed to secure its expressed
intent which is to ensure public safety, health, and welfare by controlling
the design, installation, testing, and repair of fire alarm systems
installed and operating within Manheim Township; thereby, reducing
the service demands on MTFR and improving public safety.
A.Â
General. The provisions of this article shall apply to all matters
affecting or relating to fire alarm systems and fire alarm contractors
and shall apply equally to new and existing buildings and conditions.
This includes all required and nonrequired fire alarm systems.
B.Â
Matters not provided for. The Manheim Township Board of Commissioners
hereby provide for determination of matters not provided for herein
by authorizing certain actions by the Building Code Official.
(1)Â
Administrative orders may be issued by the Building Code Official
to clarify ordinance or building code questions and to establish departmental
policy where no specific criteria exists, or where administrative
guidance is needed to establish a methodology to resolve recurring
problems.
(2)Â
Standard design bulletins will be issued where code criteria leave
a specific aspect of the design installation to the judgment of the
Building Code Official or the authority having jurisdiction. Standard
design bulletins shall set specific design criteria where necessary.
C.Â
Continuation of unlawful use or practice. The continuation of use
of a fire alarm system or the designing, installation, testing, repair
and maintenance of fire alarm systems by any person(s), firm, or corporation
contrary to the provisions of this article shall be deemed a violation
and subject to the fees and penalties prescribed in this article and/or
the PA UCC Building Code Ordinance. Each day that an unlawful use
or practice continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
D.Â
Other regulations. When the provisions herein are more restrictive
than other regulations, this article shall control, but in any case,
the most rigid requirements of any other applicable code or regulation
shall apply whenever a conflict exists.
E.Â
Referenced standards. The standards referenced in this article and
those listed in the appendixes of any building or fire codes as adopted
or amended by Manheim Township shall be part of the requirements of
this article. Where differences occur between provisions of this article
and other standards, the provisions of this article shall apply.
A.Â
General. The Building Code Official and the Code Officials shall
enforce all of the provisions of this article and shall act on any
question relative to the manner of design, installation, testing,
repair, materials, equipment, and devices, or any related issues pertaining
to fire alarm systems, except as otherwise specifically provided for
by statutory requirements or by this article. The Fire Officer is
the authorized representative of MTFR in charge at a fire or incident
scene.
B.Â
Application and permits. The Building Code Official shall receive
permit applications, plans, specifications, monitoring/supervisory
information, permit fees and shall issue permits for the installation
of, additions, extensions or alterations to fire alarm systems. A
Code Official shall inspect the premises for which such permits have
been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this article.
C.Â
Inspections. The Building Code Official or a Code Official shall
make all required inspections of premises to enforce compliance with
the provisions of this article and/or the PA UCC Building Code Ordinance.
Inspections shall include, but are not limited to, a final acceptance
test.
D.Â
Fire alarm activation reports. The Fire Officer in charge of any
incident involving a fire alarm system shall be responsible for executing
a fire alarm activation report. A copy of the fire alarm activation
report shall be forwarded to the Building Code Official.
E.Â
Rule-making authority. The Building Code Official shall have power
as necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and general
welfare to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret
and implement the provisions of this article as authorized by the
Board of Commissioners of Manheim Township to secure the intent thereof
and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic
or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving
structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided
for in this article or in building and fire codes as adopted and amended
by Manheim Township.
F.Â
Department records. The Building Code Official shall keep official
records of permit applications received, permit approvals, fees collected,
reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued, including fire
alarm activation reports issued and received.
Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in
this article and are defined in the building, fire, mechanical and
electrical codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them
as in those codes as adopted by Manheim Township. Definitions found
in NFPA standards for fire protection and electrical installations
shall apply in this article, when not otherwise specifically defined.
An initiation device capable of transmitting detailed information
about the alarm signal to a supervising station.
Any person who shall have charge, care or control of any
building as representative of the owner, including an executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person representing
the actual owner shall comply with the provisions of this code to
the same extent as if that person were the owner.
Any audible or visible signal indicating existence of a fire
or emergency that requires response on the part of the MTFR. Included
in this are the alarm devices by which fire and emergency signals
are received.
The activation of any alarm which results in the response
of the MTFR caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation,
or lack of proper maintenance or the inability of MTFR to determine
the cause of an alarm activation.
A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker,
light, or text display that provides audible, tactile or visible outputs
or any combination thereof.
A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to
reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions
for a minimum period, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time
period, after being automatically reset, in order to be accepted as
a valid alarm initiation signal.
A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric
displays, or other equivalent means in which each indication provides
status information about a circuit, condition, or location.
Approved by the Building Code Official or a Code Official.
A device or system providing an emergency function without
the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of
a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise, or combustion
particles.
The construction code official who manages, supervises and
administers building code enforcement activities under the PA Uniform
Construction Code.
An approved, listed device which is intended to detect invisible
particles of carbon monoxide. This device is not classified as a fire
alarm initiating device. If carbon monoxide detectors are supervised
by a central station, then such alarm shall transmit as a distinct
carbon monoxide alarm.
Audible carbon monoxide notification appliances are to conform
to the requirements of NFPA 720 and are to be distinctive from similar
appliances located in the same area.
A fire alarm system that complies with all the requirements
for central station service as outlined in NFPA 72 and documented
by a NRTL, such as UL, FM or Intertek-ETL. A system installed under
such a program is identified by the issuance of a certificate by a
NRTL and is designated as a certificated system.
The subordinate or designee of the Building Code Official.
A dedicated system for originating and distributing voice
instructions, as well as alert and evacuation signals pertaining to
an emergency, to the occupants of a building.
An alarm malfunction or malicious fire alarm as defined herein.
A form for completion by a Fire Officer when responding to
an Alarm. Where an alarm malfunction occurs, the fire alarm activation
report including the affidavit of service/repair shall be completed
by a licensed fire alarm company and by the owner/occupant.
A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal.
A contractor proficient in the installations of fire alarm
systems, devices and code standards which govern the application,
design, installation, testing, repair, maintenance and operation of
fire alarm systems.
PRIME CONTRACTORThe one fire alarm contractor contractually responsible for providing central station services to a subscriber as required by this article. The prime contractor can be either a listed central station or a listed alarm service local company. Residential fire alarm contractors are not required to be listed for central station service.
A signal initiated by a fire alarm initiating device such
as a manual fire alarm box, automatic fire detector, carbon monoxide
detector, sprinkler water flow switch or other device.
A system or portion of a combination system that consists
of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the
status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and
to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.
A representative of Manheim Township Fire Rescue (MTFR) and
the Officer-In-Charge responding to an automatic fire alarm or call
for emergency service assistance at a building or property in Manheim
Township.
A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature
or rate of rise, or both.
A system component that originates transmission of a change
of state condition, such as in the smoke detector, manual fire alarm
box, or supervisory switch.
Equipment, materials, products or services included in a
list published by an organization acceptable to a Code Official or
the Fire Code Official and concerned with the evaluation of products
or services that maintains periodic inspection of products of listed
equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services and whose
listing states either that the equipment, material, product or service
meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for
a specific purpose.
A secure, tamperproof device with a lock, operable only by
the fire department master key; containing entry keys, entry fobs,
access cards and/or other devices that may be required for access
to a structure in an emergency. Supra Safe 2HSR/TS (surface mount)
or 2HS/TS (recessed mount) are approved lock boxes for Manheim Township.
All lock boxes are to be purchased with a tamper switch.
A device designed to hold open doors under normal conditions
and allow the doors to close during smoke and fire conditions.
The activation of any alarm which results in the response
of the MTFR caused by the negligence or intentional misuse of the
system by the owner or his employees, or agents; or any other activation
not caused by heat, smoke or fire, exclusive of an alarm malfunction.
An alarm is not considered a malicious fire alarm if the alarm is
activated due to causes beyond the control of the owner.
A career fire rescue system, which provides the primary fire
and rescue services within Manheim Township.
The term used by the United States Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) to identify third-party organizations
that have the necessary qualifications to perform safety testing and
certification of products covered within OSHA and each organization's
scopes.
Any fire alarm system not required by this article or by
building or fire codes in effect in Manheim Township.
A fire alarm system required by this article and any building
or fire codes in effect in Manheim Township.
A person other than the required number of operators on duty
at central, supervising, or runner station available for prompt dispatching,
when necessary, to a protected premise.
The service provided by a runner at a protected premise,
including restoration, resetting, and silencing of all equipment transmitting
fire alarm, supervisory or trouble signals to an off-premise location.
Indicates a mandatory requirement.
An approved, listed device that senses visible and invisible
particles of combustion.
The recipient of a contractual supervising station signal
service(s). In case of multiple, noncontiguous properties having single
ownership, the term refers to each protected premises or its local
management.
CENTRAL STATION SERVICEA system or group of systems in which the operations of circuits and devices at a protected property are signaled to, recorded in, maintained by, and supervised from a listed central station (such as UL, FM or ETL-Intertek) having competent and experienced operators who upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by NFPA 72 currently in effect or as subsequently amended. Related activities at the protected property such as equipment installation, inspection, maintenance, and runner service are also the responsibility of the central station or a fire alarm contractor. Central station service is controlled and operated by a person, firm or corporation whose business is the furnishing of such contracted services or whose properties are the protected premises.
PROPRIETARY SUPERVISING STATION SERVICEAn installation of an alarm system that serves contiguous and noncontiguous properties, under one ownership, from a proprietary supervising station located at the protected premises, or at one of multiple noncontiguous protected premises, at which trained, competent personnel are in constant attendance.
A signal indicating that need of action in connection with
the supervision of systems, processes or equipment. A supervisory
condition occurs when one system supervises another system, process
or equipment for failure or impairment to operation of the supervised
system, process or equipment has occurred.
A signal initiated by the fire alarm system or device indicative
of a fault in a monitored circuit or component.
A.Â
Fire alarm systems for new buildings. Fire alarm systems for new
buildings shall be installed as provided in the building, fire and
other applicable codes in effect in Manheim Township. Permits shall
be applied for and obtained as provided in this article.
B.Â
Fire alarm systems in new R-3 occupancies. Manual fire alarm and
automatic smoke detection systems are to be installed in new R-3 occupancies
as is required for Group R-4 occupancies.
C.Â
New, nonrequired systems. Manual fire alarm systems and automatic
smoke detection systems, if installed, shall meet requirements for
required systems. Nonrequired system certification is at the discretion
of the Code Official.
D.Â
Supervising station service. All newly installed, required fire alarm
systems shall be either:
(1)Â
Central station service. Central station service fire alarm systems
shall be certificated by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL), examples of which are Underwriter's Laboratories (UL),
Factory Mutual (FM), and Intertek-ETL (ETL).
(2)Â
Proprietary supervising service. Proprietary station alarm systems
shall comply with the operating procedures set forth in NFPA 72. The
Building Code Official reserves the right to require proprietary systems,
both new and existing, to be listed and certificated for proprietary
service by a NRTL. UL (UUKA) proprietary fire alarm monitoring station
certification is one example of proprietary station system certification.
E.Â
Multiple-tenant buildings - central station service. New and existing
multiple-tenant buildings required to have a fire alarm system shall
be monitored and have inspections, testing, maintenance and runner
service provided by one listed central station service company.
(1)Â
Exception. Buildings with an anchor store, from which other stores
are separated by a code compliant fire wall or fire barrier, may contract
with a different listed central station service company. Separately
contracted alarm systems are not permitted to be interconnected.
F.Â
Magnetic door hold-open release appliances. Door hold-open devices
are to be installed on fire rated doors installed as part of a fire
rated assembly that, in the opinion of the Code Official, are likely
to be propped in the open position. Fire rated doors with hold-open
devices shall automatically close and latch upon activation of a fire
alarm due to smoke or fire conditions (alarm signal transmission or
local interlock between alarms in close proximity of the doors). Magnetic
hold-open devices do not need to be connected to a circuit with secondary
power.
G.Â
Exterior water supply control valves. Control valves installed in
the exterior between a sprinkler system water supply and the sprinkler
system are to be supervised through the fire alarm system or they
are to be locked in the open position. Approval to lock water supply
control valves is at the discretion of the Building Code Official
and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
H.Â
Elevator sump oil alarms. When provided, elevator oil sensing alarms
shall transmit a supervisory signal to an approved central station
or a constantly attended location. In the absence of a fire alarm
system and a constantly attended location, an audible oil alarm is
to be provided at a location determined by the Code Official.
I.Â
Two-way communication systems.
(1)Â
When provided, two-way voice communication systems shall communicate
voice communications by one of two methods:
(a)Â
Constantly attended location. Communicate to a constantly attended
remote off-premise location, staffed seven days a week, 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year. The voice communication shall not be transmitted
to voice-recorded only attended locations.
(b)Â
Central control point on-premises. Communicate directly to a
central control point on-premises that is approved by the Code Official.
Upon any activation of a fire alarm signal from the structure where
the two-way communication system is installed, the owner's emergency
evacuation plan shall require a property owner or owner's agent
to remain at the designated on-premises central control point to communicate
with the occupants at the two-way communication system. This on-premises
central control point shall be manned until complete occupant evacuation
of the facility is verified or when told to evacuate by the on-scene
Fire Officer.
(2)Â
Any requests for assistance from occupants at a two-way communication
system, whether received at the constantly attended, remote location
or the on-premises central control point, shall be communicated to
the emergency service personnel at the scene who are providing assistance.
J.Â
Alarm annunciation. Alarm annunciators, when deemed necessary by
the Code Official, are to be installed to ensure an efficient response
to an alarm. Location of alarm annunciation is at the discretion of
the Code Official.
K.Â
Alarm verification. Smoke detectors are not to be programmed for
alarm verification. At the discretion of the Code Official, alarm
verification features may be needed if conditions warrant. Alarm verification
requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A.Â
Additions or alterations to or rehabilitation of structures. Enclosed
additions or interior alterations to, change in use of, or major rehabilitation
of any building shall require that existing fire alarm systems conform
to the requirements prescribed in the International Existing Building
Code.
B.Â
Indication of central station service - additions or alterations
of existing systems. Existing, required fire alarm systems shall be
certificated at the discretion of the Building Code Official when
substantial additions or modifications are made to the fire alarm
system.
C.Â
Extension of fire protection system features. At the discretion of
the Building Code Official, certain features of fire alarm and detection
systems required for new systems, shall be extended into and added
to an existing fire alarm system. Features to be extended may include
manual fire alarm systems and emergency voice/alarm communication
systems. Integration of fire alarm system features shall be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the new system performs its
intended function.
D.Â
Existing, nonconforming systems. Any fire alarm system installed
prior to the adoption of this article should be upgraded or improved
to provide a minimum level of protection as directed by the Building
Code Official or a Code Official.
E.Â
Existing, nonrequired systems. All nonrequired fire alarm systems
should provide a minimum level of protection as directed by a Code
Official. All nonrequired fire alarm systems shall be maintained and
remain in service unless approval to discontinue the system(s) is
received in writing from the Building Code Official. Any approved,
discontinued system and related equipment shall be completely removed
from the structure so as not to give a false indication that the building,
area or space is protected by a fire alarm system.
A.Â
General. All fire alarm systems, devices, and service equipment installed
in or on any structure in Manheim Township shall be maintained in
operational condition. It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to reduce
or interfere with the operational effectiveness of a fire alarm system.
(1)Â
This requirement shall not prohibit a fire alarm company from temporarily
reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to test,
make repairs, make alterations, extensions or additions to the system.
Alterations, extensions or additions to fire alarm systems shall be
done under a building permit. The Building Code Official or a Code
Official shall be notified per the current fire watch administrative
order when fire alarm systems are disconnected for testing, repairs,
alterations, extensions or additions.
B.Â
Maintenance. It shall be the duty of the building owner(s) to install,
test, repair and maintain the following systems in accordance with
the applicable NFPA standard in effect: automatic fire detection devices
(including smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors); fire alarm
systems; manual fire alarm systems; automatic fire sprinkler systems
including fire pumps and standpipes; fire suppression systems other
than sprinklers; when such systems and/or devices are required per
the International Building Code or Manheim Township Ordinances.
(1)Â
It shall be the duty of a tenant or lessee to maintain all required
fire alarm systems and/or related components noted above when so required
as part of a written lease agreement or a written maintenance agreement.
A.Â
When required. All occupancies installing a fire alarm system, having
connection to a central station, shall install an approved Supra Safe
2HSR/TS (surface mount) or 2HS/TS (recessed mount) lock box for the
premises being protected. Lock box location(s) shall be approved by
the Building Code Official and the Manheim Township Fire Chief.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
B.Â
Existing installations. Existing facilities with a fire alarm system,
having connection to a central station, shall install a Supra Safe
2HSR/TS (surface mount) or 2HS/TS (recessed mount) lock box.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
D.Â
Lock box supervision. All lock boxes shall be electrically supervised
and shall have the tamper switch connected to the fire alarm panel
to indicate a supervisory signal. The supervisory signal shall report
to the central station for owner/occupant/subscriber notification.
MTFR and/or Manheim Township Police Department are not to be contacted
for supervisory signal transmission.
E.Â
Premises keys/lock box contents. Keys, fobs, access cards, etc. that
provide immediate access to the premises and to fire protection related
equipment shall be identified as to the door(s) they operate. Keys
and box contents shall be inspected periodically by the owner/occupant
of the premise to ensure that keys operate all doors necessary for
MTFR access to all areas of the building. The property owner or authorized
agent shall be responsible for maintaining a current set of keys in
the lock box which are capable of unlocking entrance, exterior and
interior doors in the building(s) and/or tenant space(s).
F.Â
Alarm annunciation. Alarm annunciators, when deemed necessary by
the Code Official, are to be installed to ensure an efficient response
to an alarm. Location of alarm annunciation is at the discretion of
the Code Official. If a lock box is present, alarm annunciation is
to be in close proximity to the lock box.
A.Â
When permit is required. It shall be unlawful to alter or add to existing fire alarm systems or to install a fire alarm system or related components of a fire alarm system for which provisions are made or the installation of which is regulated by this article, without first filing the appropriate application, paying the applicable fee, and submitting the required design information to the Department of Code Compliance and obtaining the required permit. Repairs as defined by § 160-19 of this article, which do not involve any violation of the Ordinance, shall not require a permit.
(1)Â
Minor repair work. A Code Official is permitted to waive the requirement
for filing plans when repair work of a minor nature is involved.
B.Â
Form of application. The application for a permit shall be submitted
in such form as the Building Code Official prescribes and shall be
accompanied by the required fee as prescribed by the current Fee Resolution
of the Manheim Township Board of Commissioners.
C.Â
By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made
by a property owner, a property owner's agent or the prime contractor.
D.Â
Qualifications of fire alarm contractors. Fire alarm contractors shall demonstrate a knowledge of and proficiency in fire alarm systems, devices and code standards which govern the application, design, installation, testing, repair, maintenance and operation of fire alarm systems. Refer to § 160-22E and F for more specific contractor requirements.
E.Â
Commercial/industrial/nonresidential fire alarm permit submittal
requirements. The permit application, permit fee, and completed fire
alarm submittal guide for commercial fire alarm systems (including
multiple-family dwellings), shall be submitted. Two copies of floor
plans/shop drawings, riser diagrams, equipment technical data sheets,
manufacturer's specification data sheets, battery calculations
(if applicable), voltage drop calculations (if applicable) and other
pertinent information shall be submitted. Plans shall be drawn to
scale or clearly dimensioned, with enough clarity and detail to show
the nature and character of work to be performed.
(1)Â
Required system submittals. Required fire alarm systems submissions
shall be made by one of the following:
(a)Â
NICET Level III or IV engineering technician. NICET plans are
to bear the NICET technician's certification number, level, field
of certification and the expiration date of their certification.
(b)Â
Pennsylvania professional engineer. Engineered plans are to
bear the original or digital seal and signature of the licensed design
professional.
(2)Â
Indication of central station service. The prime contractor shall
submit valid UL central station UUFX Certificate(s) of Compliance,
FM 3011 central station certificate(s) of compliance or other approved
NRTL certificates legitimizing central station service.
(3)Â
Central station service scope. The prime contractor shall submit
a summary as to how all six aspects of central station service will
be provided. If subcontractors are to be used to satisfy aspects of
central station service, those signed and dated contracts are to be
submitted for review and approval.
(4)Â
Runner service verification. The prime contractor shall submit a
valid UL central station UUFX Certificate(s) of Compliance, FM 3011
central station certificate(s) of compliance or other approved NRTL
certificates for the proposed fire alarm system runner. Runner service
is to arrive at protected premises within two hours of receipt of
an alarm signal.
(5)Â
Fire alarm system plan and specification deferral. A fire alarm system
to be installed as part of a new commercial building permit may be
a deferred submittal. The Manheim Township fire protection/detection
system release form shall be submitted when making application for
the building permit to acknowledge the fire alarm system plan deferral.
A separate permit application is not to be submitted when submitting
a fire alarm system package under an active commercial building permit.
F.Â
Residential fire alarm permit submittal requirements. Plans and specifications
are not required to be submitted for one- and two-family dwellings
and townhouses; however, after the application for a permit and fee
are submitted, a preliminary inspection shall be scheduled with a
Code Official and the permit applicant for the purpose of determining
the locations of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, notification
appliances, and related equipment in the structure prior to their
installation.
(1)Â
Exemption from central station service. Fire alarm systems installed
in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, which transmit fire
alarm signals off site, are not required to be listed for central
station service. Such fire alarm systems shall be monitored by a UL,
FM, Intertek-ETL or other listed central station.
G.Â
Action on application. A Code Official shall examine or cause to
be examined all applications and plans for permits within a reasonable
time after filing. If the application or plans and specifications
do not conform to the requirements of all pertinent laws, the Code
Official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons
therefor. If the Code Official is satisfied that the proposed work
conforms to the requirements of this article and all laws applicable
thereto, the Code Official shall issue a building permit for the installation
of the fire alarm system. Approvals of alarm systems as a deferred
submission authorizes installation of the alarm system under a valid,
previously issued building permit.
H.Â
Compliance with Code. The building permit shall be a license to proceed
with the work as approved by a Code Official and shall not be construed
as authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions
of this article except as specifically stipulated by modification
approved in writing by the Building Code Official.
A.Â
Fire alarm testing requirements. Prior to scheduling a Manheim Township
Official for a final fire alarm inspection, 100% of the completed
system is to be tested to verify fully complaint operation and signal
transmission.
B.Â
Test plan. A test plan is to be provided at time of final inspection.
The test plan is to be a comprehensive narrative as to how the fire
alarm system is to be tested. Without a test plan, concealed initiating
devices for example, may be missed by service providers.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
C.Â
Record of completion. Prior to or at the time of final fire alarm
inspection, a system record of completion is to be submitted for review
and approval.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
D.Â
Record of inspection and testing. Prior to or at the time of final
fire alarm inspection, a system record of inspection and testing,
is to be submitted for review and approval.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
E.Â
Documentation for central station service. The prime contractor listed
for central station service, shall provide a fire alarm system certificate
at the final inspection. The fire alarm system certificate is also
to be physically posted within three feet of the protected premises
fire alarm control panel.
(1)Â
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
A.Â
Alarm signals. Alarm signals received by a supervising central station
shall transmit such signals to Lancaster County Wide Communication.
(1)Â
Alarm signal content. Alarm signals transmitted to a supervisory
station shall be by addressable device or zone identification.
(2)Â
Dispatch prior to verification. It shall be a violation of this article
for any Central Station monitoring company or its employees to verify
any fire alarm signals received prior to dispatching MTFR through
Lancaster County Wide Communications.
(3)Â
Carbon monoxide signals. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be programmed
and transmitted as alarm signals. Carbon monoxide alarm signals shall
be addressed as "carbon monoxide" to ensure proper emergency dispatch.
(a)Â
Exception: Carbon monoxide alarms installed as part of an exhaust
or ventilation system are exempt from signal transmission.
(4)Â
Sprinkler system waterflow signals. The activation of a water flow
switch installed as part of a sprinkler system shall be programmed
and transmit as an alarm signal.
(5)Â
Fire suppression systems other than sprinklers. The activation of
a fire suppression system other than sprinklers shall be programmed
and transmit as an alarm signal.
(6)Â
Alarm signal runner service. Dispatch of a runner or technician to
the protected premises to arrive within two hours after receipt of
an alarm signal.
(7)Â
Subscriber notification to alarm signal transmission. The central
station shall notify the fire alarm system subscriber as to the transmission
of fire alarm signals within four minutes of signals being received
at the central station.
B.Â
Supervisory signals. Supervisory signals received by a supervising
central station shall forward such signals to the fire alarm system
subscriber.
(1)Â
R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 single- and multiple-station smoke alarm signals.
Where provided, monitored single- and multiple-station smoke alarms
installed as part of a building fire alarm system in dwelling units
or sleeping units shall not activate alarm notification appliances
outside of the dwelling unit or sleeping unit and shall be programmed
and transmit as supervisory signals.
(2)Â
Fire pump operation signals. The operation of a fire pump associated
with a fire sprinkler system shall be programmed and transmit as a
supervisory signal. Where provided, the fire pump suction, discharge
and bypass valves, and the isolation valves on the backflow prevention
device or assembly shall be supervised.
(3)Â
Duct detector signals. Detectors placed in environmental air ducts
or plenums shall be programmed and transmit as supervisory signals.
(4)Â
Lock box signals. Lock box tamper switch signals shall be programmed
and transmit as supervisory signals.
(5)Â
Oil sensing signals. Elevator sump oil sensing signals shall be programmed
and transmit as supervisory signals.
(6)Â
Supervisory signal runner service. Dispatch of a runner or technician
to the protected premises to arrive within two hours after receipt
of a supervisory signal.
(7)Â
Subscriber notification to supervisory signal transmission. The central
station shall notify the fire alarm system subscriber as to the transmission
of supervisory alarm signals within four minutes of signals being
received at the central station.
(8)Â
Out of service notification - fire watch. When a required fire protection
system is impaired for more than four hours, the Building Code Official
or a Code Official, shall be notified immediately and a fire watch
is to be instituted per the fire watch administrative order.
C.Â
Trouble signals. Trouble signals received by a supervising central
station shall forward such signals to the fire alarm system subscriber.
(1)Â
Trouble signal maintenance service. Dispatch of a service technician
to the protected premises to arrive within four hours after receipt
of a trouble signal to initiate maintenance.
(2)Â
Subscriber notification to trouble signal transmission. The central
station shall notify the fire alarm system subscriber as to the transmission
of trouble alarm signals within four minutes of signals being received
at the central station.
(3)Â
Out of service notification - fire watch. When a required fire protection
system is impaired for more than four hours, the Building Code Official
or a Code Official, shall be notified immediately and a fire watch
is to be instituted per the fire watch administrative order.
A.Â
Notice of violation. Whenever a Code Official observes an apparent
or actual violation of a provision of this article, the Code Official
shall prepare a written notice of violation describing the condition
which requires corrective action. The notice shall specify the violation
and time limitations for the required repairs or improvements to be
made to the fire alarm system. Failure to comply with the provisions
of the notice of violation shall subject the violator to the penalties
herein.
B.Â
Service of notice. The written notice of violation of this article
shall be served upon the owner, the occupant, an agent of the owner
or any other person responsible for the conditions under violation.
Such notice of violation shall be served either by certified mail
to the last known post office address, delivered in person, or by
delivering it to and leaving it in the possession of any person in
charge of or responding to the premises on behalf of the responsible
party. Posting a copy in a conspicuous place at the main entrance
door shall be deemed the equivalent of personal delivery.
C.Â
Legal action. Nothing herein shall prevent the Building Code Official
from filing a civil complaint or a nontraffic citation against a party
without issuing a notice of violation where circumstances require
prompt action because of a threat to health, safety and welfare or
where a fire alarm system is taken out of service or offline without
notice to the applicable listed central station.
D.Â
Tampering with systems. Any person(s) who tampers with or, interferes
with the effectiveness of any fire alarm system or related component,
shall be in violation of this article.
E.Â
Penalty for violations. Any person(s), firm or corporation violating
any of the provisions of this article or failing to comply with any
order issued pursuant to any section thereof shall, upon being found
guilty of a civil offense, be liable for a fine of not less than $100
or not more than $1,000. Each day that a violation continues shall
be deemed to be a separate offense.
(1)Â
Failure to pay any fee as prescribed herein shall constitute a violation.
F.Â
Fines collected. All fines and fees collected under this article
shall be deposited into the Manheim Township General Fund.
G.Â
Alarm reset. Once an automatic, fire alarm has initiated and caused
the response by MTFR, it shall be unlawful for any person(s) to reset
the alarm panel, until the authorization of the Fire Officer has been
obtained.
Should any fee assessed pursuant to this article remain unpaid
in excess of 90 days from the date the charge is billed, the owner
shall also be responsible for any collection costs including attorneys'
fees incurred by Manheim Township.
Except to the extent that proceedings involving a notice of
violation or a subsequent prosecution pursuant to Ordinance 2014-15
are still in existence, the provisions of Ordinance 2014-15 or any
other ordinance that are inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
In the event any part or provision of this article is held to
be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void
or illegal any of the other parts or provisions thereof, which are
determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this article
would have been passed without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.
