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Village of Suamico, WI
Brown County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
(1) 
Purpose. This ordinance provides the Village with the rules and regulations consistent with NFPA, NFC, and IFC nationally-recognized good practices and/or codes to improve public safety by promoting the control of fire hazards; regulating the installation, use and maintenance of equipment; regulating the use of structures, premises, and open areas; providing the abatement of fire hazards; establishing the responsibilities and procedures for code enforcement; and setting forth the standards for compliance and achievement of these objectives. For the purposes of this section, shall not apply to one and two family dwellings unless specifically stated in the code.
(2) 
Primary Code Adoption.
[Amended 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
(a) 
This section shall be known as the "Village Fire Prevention Code." This section adopts, but is not limited to, the State of Wisconsin Statutes, Department of Safety and Professional Services Chapters 301-399, the International Fire Code, and the National Fire Protection Association shall be adopted. The same, including any future modifications or amendments, are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein. Not less than one copy of the adopted issue of the International Fire Code and the adopted standards and codes of the NFPA shall be filed in the office of the Department, and the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the Village.
(b) 
Any facility whose design and construction occurred before the effective date of this code is governed by the codes in effect at the time of design and/or construction. The provisions in SPS 314 and National Fire Protection Association standards will apply to the use, operation and maintenance of all public buildings and places of employment that exist on or after the effective date of this ordinance.
(3) 
This act shall be deemed in exercise of the police powers of the Village for the preservation and protection of the public health, peace, safety, and welfare, and all the provisions of the Village Fire Prevention Code shall be liberally construed for that purpose.
The following are hereby adopted in their entirety.
(1) 
The Wis. Stats. § 101.14 is hereby adopted.
(2) 
The most current code, revision, and/or amendment of National Fire Protection Agency 101 Life Safety Code is hereby adopted.
(3) 
The most current code, revision, and/or amendment National Fire Protection Agency Standards/codes are hereby adopted.
(4) 
The most current code, revision, and/or amendment of the International Fire Code is hereby adopted.
[Added 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
(1) 
Inspection Duties. The Village fire chief shall determine the frequency of fire safety inspections as indicated by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS Chapter 314.) Village fire inspectors shall at least annually inspect all buildings, premises and thoroughfares within the fire limits for the purpose of noting and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fires. Repairs or alterations necessary to remove the hazardous condition shall be made within a reasonable time at the expense of the owner. The village fire inspector shall also investigate the storage and handling the explosives and inflammable liquids within the village.
(2) 
Written Record of Inspections. The Village fire inspector shall keep a written or electronic record of each property inspected. The data within the record shall comply with the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS Chapter 314).
(3) 
Correction of Fire Hazards. When any inspection by the village fire inspector reveals a fire hazard, the Village fire inspector may serve a notice in writing upon the owner of the property giving said owner a reasonable time in which to remove the hazard. If the fire hazard is not removed within the time allowed, it shall be deemed a nuisance and the inspector may have the same removed by the village and the cost of such removal shall be recovered in an action by the village against the owner of the property and may also be entered on the tax roll as a special charge against the property.
(4) 
Entering on Premises. The Village fire inspector shall be granted free access to any property within the village at any reasonable time for the purpose of making fire inspections. No person shall hinder or obstruct the village fire inspector in the performance of official duties or refuse to observe any lawful direction given by the village fire inspector. Special inspection warrant. If consent to entry to personal or real properties which are not public buildings or to portions of public buildings which are not open to the public has been denied, the fire inspector shall obtain a special inspection warrant under Wis. Stats. §§ 66.0119 and 66.0119(3).
(5) 
Fire Inspection Fees.
[Amended 6-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-09]
(a) 
Annual fire prevention inspection fee. An annual fire prevention inspection fee shall be charged to the business owner for required inspections per each building, structure, and premises and leased premises in which the business operates.
(b) 
Inspection fee schedule. All property subject to the fire inspection fee shall be charged according to the Village Fee Schedule which may be amended by the Village Board.
(c) 
Additional conditions.
1. 
"Square footage" refers to total floor area of each building or structure, premises or leased premises inspected per Municipal Code § 4.09.5(1).
2. 
If the annual fire prevention inspection fee, or any part thereof, remains unpaid after November 1 of any year, the fee shall be placed on the annual tax roll for collection against the property owner under Wis. Stats. § 66.0627. All rules and regulations relating to the collection of real estate taxes shall apply to the collection of the annual fire prevention inspection fee.
3. 
The inspection fee shall be invoiced on or before July 31 each year. Any fees remaining unpaid 30 days after invoicing shall receive an interest charge of 1% per month on the unpaid balance.
4. 
All buildings, structures and premises owned by the Village of Suamico shall be exempt from the annual fire prevention inspection fee.
Burning of wood and/or paper products in controlled receptacles will be allowed with a permit, provided such wood and/or paper products are placed within a barrel, trash can, or other enclosed burner, and that such barrel, trash can, or burner is covered and prevents burning material or embers from escaping. Standards for such burners may be specified by the Board and inspected by the Chief and/or Police Department or the Chief's designee. No fire shall be started in any wood and/or yard waste paper product burner unless the same is at least 25 feet from the nearest building or pile of combustible material and such fire shall remain under constant supervision and control until they are extinguished.
No person shall place or store ashes in any wooden box or barrel, paper carton or other combustible container, upon any wooden floor or surface or against any wooden wall, partition, fence, post or in contact with any other woodwork or combustible material.
Any person who, by smoking, attempting to light or lighting cigarettes, cigars, pipes or tobacco in any manner in which lighters or matches are employed who shall in a careless, reckless or negligent manner set fire to any item of clothing, household furnishings, building, or any other property whatsoever so as to endanger life or property in any way shall be deemed guilty of violating this section and shall be subject to the penalties of this chapter.
Whoever handles burning material in a highly negligent manner shall be subject to forfeiture as set forth at Section 4.99.
(1) 
Whoever interferes with, tampers with or removes, without authorization, any fire extinguisher, fire hose or any other fire fighting equipment; or
(2) 
Whoever interferes with accessibility to a fire hydrant by piling or dumping material near it without first obtaining permission from the appropriate municipal authority shall be subject to forfeiture as set forth at Section 4.23.
Whoever intentionally gives a false alarm to any public officer or employee, whether by means of a fire alarm system or otherwise, shall be subject to forfeiture as set forth at Section 4.99.
The Chief shall have the authority to require a key box (Knox box) to be installed in an accessible location where access to, or within a structure or area is difficult because of security or where immediate access is necessary for life saving or a fire alarmed building/structure or where deemed necessary by the Chief for fire fighting purposes. The key box shall be a type approved by the Chief and shall contain keys necessary to gain total access to all areas of the building, as required by the Chief. The operator of the premises shall immediately notify the Department and provide the new key(s), any time a lock is changed or re-keyed and a key(s) to that lock is contained in the key box.
As of the effective date of this ordinance:
(1) 
All new multi-family dwellings with common areas shall be required to have a lock box, approved by the Chief and/or his Designee, installed before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
(2) 
All new commercial or industrial structures will be required to have a lock box approved by the jurisdiction installed before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.
(1) 
All public buildings within the Village and/or wherever flammable and combustible materials including dusts, solids, liquids and gases are sold, manufactured, handled or processed, shall have a fire extinguisher in accordance to the applicable code with a minimum rating of 2A 10 BC. One fire extinguisher shall be required for each 3,000 square feet or fraction thereof and at least one per each floor.
(2) 
No person shall sell or trade any form, type or kind of fire extinguisher which is not approved or which is not in proper working order, or the contents of which do not meet the requirements of Village and state fire and building codes.
(3) 
Not withstanding the foregoing, portable fire extinguishers shall not apply to the sale or trade of fire extinguishers to any person or firm engaged in the business of selling or handling of such extinguishers or the sale or exchange of obsolete or damaged equipment for junk.
(1) 
General Requirements.
(a) 
Definitions and Applicable Law. The definitions and regulations set forth at Wis. Stats. § 167.10 (2006) are incorporated herein.
(b) 
No person, firm, partnership, or corporation shall offer for sale, expose for sale, sell or retail, keep with the intent to sell at retail or use or explode any fireworks (as defined in Wis. Stats. § 167.10(1)) with the following exceptions:
1. 
Fuel or a lubricant.
2. 
A firearm cartridge or shotgun shell.
3. 
A flare used or possessed or sold for use as a signal in an emergency or in the operation of a railway, aircraft, watercraft, or motor vehicle.
4. 
A match, cigarette lighter, stove, furnace, candle, lantern, or space heater.
5. 
A cap containing not more than 1/4 grain of explosive mixture, if the cap is used or possessed or sold for use in a device which prevents direct bodily contact with a cap when it is in place for explosion.
6. 
A toy snake which contains no mercury.
7. 
A model rocket engine.
8. 
Tobacco and a tobacco product.
9. 
A sparkler on a wire or wood stock not exceeding 36 inches in length that is designed to produce audible or visible effects or to produce audible and visible effects.
10. 
A device designed to spray out paper confetti or streamers and which contains less than 1/4 grain of explosive mixture.
11. 
A fuseless device that is designed to produce audible or visible effects or audible and visible effects, and that contains less than 1/4 grain of explosive mixture.
12. 
A device that is designed primarily to burn pyrotechnic smoke-producing mixtures, at a controlled rate, and that produces audible or visible effects, or audible and visible effects.
13. 
A cylindrical fountain that consists of one or more tubes and that is classified by the Federal Department of Transportation as a Division 1.4 explosive, as defined in 49 CFR 173.50.
14. 
A cone fountain that is classified by the Federal Department of Transportation as a Division 1.4 explosive, as defined in 49 CFR 173.50.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Village may grant special use permits ("use permits") for supervised displays of fireworks by fair associations, amusement parks, and other organizations or groups of individuals through the application process as set forth at Section 4.18(2) below.
(c) 
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of fireworks by railroads or their transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theater, or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports, or for use by military organizations, or the use of fireworks for agricultural purposes under conditions approved by the Fire Department.
(d) 
The Fire Chief and/or Designee in conjunction with the Police Department Officers shall seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all stocks of fireworks or combustibles offered or exposed for sale, stored, or held in violation of this section.
(2) 
Application for Use Permits.
(a) 
The President or Designee shall consider all applications for use permits as described hereunder and shall approve or deny each application for use permit.
(b) 
Application for a use permit shall be made in writing 10 days in advance of the date of display on forms provided by the Clerk. A permit fee, as set from time to time by resolution of the Board shall be charged for each application.
(c) 
Such application shall require the following:
1. 
The name and address of the organization sponsoring the display together with the names of the group actually in charge of firing the display. For purposes of this section, a group is considered three or more persons all over the age of 18, all of whom own one or more residences within the Village. Permits for an individual or a group of two persons shall not be granted. Organizations are defined as entities which are incorporated or registered as an LLP or LLC within the United States of America.
2. 
Evidence of financial responsibility (if required).
3. 
The date fireworks may be purchased after.
4. 
The date and time of day at which the display is to be held.
5. 
The exact location planned for the display.
6. 
The number and kinds of fireworks to be discharged.
7. 
The manner and place of storage of such fireworks prior to the display.
(d) 
Upon receipt of the application, the Fire Chief may inspect the site of the proposed display for the purpose of determining whether the provisions of these regulations are complied with in the case of the particular display.
(e) 
All fireworks that fire a projectile shall be set up so that the projectile will go into the air as nearly as possible in a vertical direction, provided that where the fireworks are to be fired beside a lake or other large body of water, they may be directed in such a manner that the falling residue from the deflagration will fall into the body of water.
(f) 
No fireworks display shall be held during any windstorm in which the wind reaches a velocity of more than 20 miles per hour.
(g) 
All fireworks articles and items at places of display shall be stored in a manner and in a place secure from fire, accidental discharge, and theft and in a manner approved by the Fire Department.
(h) 
The Fire Chief or his designee and/or Police Department Officers shall have the right to revoke permits and/or stop activity for any violation of these regulations or where the holder's conduct or condition of sobriety is such as to imperil the public safety.
(i) 
Fire protection and extinguishing equipment shall be provided as required by the Fire Chief of the Fire Department.
(j) 
A nonrefundable permit application fee as set from time to time by resolution of the Board for each site shall accompany each application.
(k) 
Discharging or firing of the fireworks in the supervised display shall not be hazardous to property or endanger any person or persons. After the permit shall have been granted by the Village, sales, possession, use and distribution of fireworks for the display shall be lawful for that purpose only. No permit granted hereunder shall be transferable.
(l) 
Class B Use Permits.
Notwithstanding any other article herein to the contrary, when issuing a use permit for Class B fireworks as hereinafter defined, the following additional requirements must be met. For purposes of this paragraph, Class B use permits are necessary for the use of fireworks defined as "Class B" 1.3 grams within the Code of Federal Regulations and/or for use of fireworks in professional displays as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations or otherwise.
Additional Regulations. Applications for Class B permits shall require the following additional information:
1. 
A diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged, the location of all buildings, highways, and other lines of communications, the lines behind which the audience will be restrained, and the location of all nearby trees, telegraph or telephone lines or other overhead obstruction.
2. 
A representative demonstration of the pyrotechnic shall be provided if requested by the Fire Department.
3. 
All displays shall comply with the National Fire Protection Agency Standard(s).
4. 
The Fire Chief shall confer with the Direct Enforcement Officer (DEO) about the application and whether issuance of a permit would be consistent with public safety. Being satisfied that the display is properly lawful, the Fire Chief and DEO shall together endorse the application stating that they approve the display as being in conformance with all parts of the law and with these regulations. Failure to approve the application by either the DEO or the Fire Chief shall be sufficient cause to deny the application.
5. 
The person, firm, or corporation making the application shall file a signature bond which shall be personally guaranteed by the permittee, its agents or principals, which said signature bond shall hold the Village harmless from any and all damages to property or personal injuries arising out of any act or omission on the part of the permittee or any agent or employee thereof. In lieu of said signature bond, a permittee may file a certificate of liability insurance in the amount of not less than $300,000 per accident and $500,000 per occurrence to satisfy claims for damages to property or personal injuries arising out of any act or omission on the part of the permittee or any agent or employee thereof.
6. 
Following endorsement by the Fire Chief and the DEO the application shall be sent to the President who shall then, upon receipt of the financial responsibility as required in section 4.18 (2) (d) above, issue a nontransferable permit authorizing the display. In no case shall such a display be within 500 feet of a school, theater, church, hospital, or similar institution.
7. 
For all displays of fireworks all spectators shall be restrained behind lines or barriers as designated by local authorities but in no case less than 200 feet from the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged. Only authorized persons and those in actual charge of the display shall be allowed inside these lines or barriers during the unloading, preparation, or firing of fireworks.
8. 
No permit shall be issued under the provisions of this act to a nonresident person, firm, or corporation for conduct of a pyrotechnic display in this Village until the person, firm, or corporation shall have appointed in writing a member of the bar of this state and residing therein to be the attorney for permittee upon whom all process in any action or proceeding against him may be served.
(3) 
Application for Seller(s) Permits.
(a) 
Seller's permits shall be required for any person(s) selling or retailing any/all fireworks not exempt by Section 4.18 (1) (b). No seller's permit shall be issued to minors.
(b) 
Applicants for a Fireworks Sale License shall make an application for each site in writing on forms provided by the Clerk. A Licensee may possess and sell the enumerated fireworks at more than one site within the Village. A nonrefundable license application fee as set from time to time by resolution of the Board for each site shall accompany each application.
(c) 
The application for license shall include, without limitation, the following information:
1. 
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
2. 
Address(es) at which the applicant intends to sell the enumerated fireworks.
3. 
Name(s), address(es), and consent(s) of the owner(s) of the real estate upon which the enumerated fireworks will be sold.
4. 
Itemization of which enumerated fireworks the applicant intends to sell.
5. 
A statement that applicant shall not employ minors to sell or handle fireworks except under the immediate onsite supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
(d) 
The President or Designee shall consider the application for licenses hereunder and shall approve or deny each application. If denied, the applicant shall have the right to appeal the denial to the Board. The Clerk shall issue the license upon the approval of the President or Designee or the Board. Once approved, the Fire Department shall receive a listing of all licenses and may inspect for occupancy and Village ordinance compliance.
(e) 
Licenses issued hereunder shall be for a term of one year, from May 1 through the following April 30. Application for annual licenses shall be filed not later than April 1 each year.
(f) 
The Village may condition the issuance of licenses hereunder as it sees fit to protect the public interest and safety.
(g) 
The Village shall have the right to suspend or revoke any licenses in accordance with Paragraph 6 of this section.
(h) 
Licenses issued hereunder may not be transferred or assigned without the consent of the Village; and, no licensee may use a site other than the site licensed pursuant to the application of the licensee.
(i) 
The Fire Chief, DEO, or their Designee may temporarily suspend and confiscate licenses if violations occur and order the site closed pending corrective action or appeal to the Board.
(4) 
Obnoxious Odor Devices and Products.
(a) 
No person may sell, possess, or use any device, product, or item that has its primary purpose the production of an obnoxious odor or smell.
(b) 
Without limitation, it shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a person's seller or use permits if the licensee or permittee sells or possesses for sale any obnoxious odor devices, products, or items.
(5) 
Penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this Section 4.18, shall be penalized, upon conviction thereof, as set forth in Section 4.99.
(6) 
Revocation and Suspension of Seller's Permits; Non-Renewal.
(a) 
Procedure. Whenever the holder of any seller's permit issued by the Village violates any portion of the Village Code of Ordinances, proceedings for the revocation of such permit may be instituted in the manner and under the procedure established by this policy.
(b) 
Seller's Permit Revocation, Suspension, or Non-Renewal.
1. 
Notice and Hearing. Whenever a person holding a permit to sell has failed to maintain the premises according to standards prescribed for sanitation, or when the permittee has not observed and obeyed any lawful order of the Board, Fire Department or Police Department of the Village, has violated Village Ordinances, or for any other good reason, the Board shall issue a summons to be signed by the Clerk commanding the permittee complained of to appear before the Board on a day and time and at a place named in the summons to show cause why the permit should not be revoked, suspended, or not renewed.
In addition, any resident may file a sworn, written complaint with the Clerk. Such summons shall be served not less than three and not more than 30 days before the time at which the permittee is commanded to appear and may be served personally upon the permittee or the agent of the permittee or upon the person in charge of the permitted premises.
The complaint shall be served with the summons and shall set forth the offenses allegedly committed, the date and place of said offense and the facts constituting the alleged offense. If such permittee does not appear as required by the summons, the complaint shall be taken as true, and if the Board deems its allegations sufficient, the Board shall recommend revocation, non- renewal, or suspension of the permit as provided herein.
2. 
Procedure on Hearing; Effect of Revocation.
a. 
The President shall conduct the hearing, administer oaths to all witnesses and may issue subpoenas. So far as practicable, the rules of evidence provided in Wis. Stats. § 227.08 shall be followed. The complainant shall have the burden of proving the charges to a preponderance of the evidence. The permittee and the complainant may be represented by counsel, may call and examine witnesses and cross- examine witnesses of the other party. All proceedings and testimony shall be recorded on tape. If either party requests a stenographic recording and transcription, the Village shall make the necessary arrangements, but the expenses shall be borne by the requesting party. The Clerk shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall make and receive all exhibits admitted into the record. The Board, upon the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, shall determine by simple majority vote of those present whether the charges are true or not.
If the vote is to suspend the seller's permit, it shall be for a period of not less than 10 days or more than 90 days. Following the procedure above, the recommendation may be to revoke the seller's permit.
If the Board determines that the charges are not substantiated, the complaint shall be dismissed without cost to either party. The Board's action shall be recorded by the Clerk.
b. 
If the complaint is found to be true, the permittee shall pay the Village the actual cost of the proceedings. If the complaint is found by the Board to be malicious and without probably cause, the complainant shall pay the costs of the proceedings in the same amount.
c. 
When a permit is revoked, it shall be so entered of record by the Clerk and no other seller's permit shall be granted to such permittee for such premises for a period of 12 months from the date of the revocation, nor shall any part of the money paid as application fee for any permit so revoked be refunded.
(c) 
Demerit Point System/Revocation and Suspension of Seller's Permit. In addition to the procedures set forth at Section 4.18 (6) (b) above, the Village may suspend or revoke a seller's permit without a hearing upon the following demerit system:
1. 
Point Schedule. Upon conviction by any Municipal Court, or other court of competent jurisdiction, a seller's permit shall be awarded demerit points as follows:
Type of Violation
Demerit Points
Failure to be permitted
100
False statement on application
100
Zoning Code violations
50
All other violations
50
2. 
Concurrent Violations. If two or more violations are committed concurrently, the highest point violation shall be assessed.
3. 
Upon conviction, demerit points shall be awarded retroactive to the date of the violation. If 150 demerit points are accumulated in a twelve-month period, the Board shall suspend the permit for a period of 10 days.
4. 
Upon conviction, demerit points shall be awarded retroactive to the date of violation. If 200 demerit points are accumulated in a twenty-four-month period, the Board shall suspend the permit for a period of 30 days.
5. 
Upon conviction, demerit points shall be awarded retroactive to the date of violation. If 250 demerit points are accumulated in a thirty-six-month period, the Board shall suspend the permit for a period of 90 days.
6. 
Demerit points are accumulated for each permit which results from conviction for a municipal code violation or a state law violation under the terms and conditions of this chapter. The actual demerit points are assessed upon entry of judgment and either expiration of the appeal period thereafter or the expiration of any appeal, and where the results of the appeal sustain the Village's conviction of the holder of the permit.
7. 
Each seller's permit shall stand revoked without further proceedings upon any conviction in Municipal Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction (and no reversal thereof upon appeal) of either the permitted holder or any employee, or agent or representative thereof, resulting in an accumulation of 300 demerit points within a forty-eight-month period. Any violation and subsequent conviction by the holder of the permit for violations of the Brown County Code of Ordinances shall be considered a violation and conviction under this policy and shall result in the accumulation of demerit points.
8. 
Other Provisions. Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to such further regulations and restrictions as may be imposed by the Board by amendment to this section or by the enactment of new ordinances. If any permittees fail or neglect to meet the requirements imposed by such new restrictions and regulations, his/her permit may be revoked in accordance with this section. In case of revocation of any permit or any violation of any provision in this policy or by the court or for any reasonable cause except the imposition of new restrictions, no refund shall be made of any part of the permit fee.
9. 
Effect of Revocation of Permit. Whenever any seller's permit has been revoked pursuant to this Section 4.18, at least four months from the time of such revocation shall elapse before another permit shall be issued for the same premises and 12 months shall elapse before another permit shall be issued to the person whose permit was revoked.
10. 
Repossession of Permit. Whenever any seller's permit under this Section 4.18 shall be revoked or suspended by the Board or President or action of any court or Par. (d), it shall be the duty of the Clerk to notify the permit holder of such suspension or revocation and to take physical possession of the permit wherever it may be found and file it in the Clerk's office.
(7) 
Violations by Agents and Employees. A violation of this policy by an authorized agent or employee of a permittee shall constitute a violation by the permittee.
(8) 
Applicability. This policy is applicable to fireworks seller's and user's permits issued by the Village. This policy is not intended to replace established procedures for licenses issued by the Village as adopted in the Code of Ordinances. This policy is in addition to any other penalties or forfeitures that may be assessed by the Municipal Court for the Village or any other Court having jurisdiction for convictions related and, further, is in addition to any other penalties or forfeitures that may be assessed in accordance with Section 4.99 of the Village Code.
(1) 
General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with this section.
(a) 
Any open burning other than recreational fires, requires a permit from the Fire Chief or his Designee.
(2) 
Definitions: The following definitions shall apply to this section:
ACCELERANT
A flammable or combustible liquid that will increase the rate of burning of a material. Under no circumstances may any flammable or combustible liquid be used to start or promote an open fire to burn.
CHAMBER
For the purpose of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gases are open.
FUEL
Fuel for any fires identified under this code section shall only consist of dry natural wood materials, leaves or charcoal. Materials for fires shall NOT include rubbish, garbage, trash, grass, any material made of or coated with rubber, plastic, leather, paint or petroleum-based materials and shall not contain any flammable or combustible liquids.
OPEN FIRE
The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Open burning does not include road flares, smudge pots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames or recreational fires.
RECREATIONAL FIRE/FIRE PIT
A below ground pit with a minimum depth of 10 inches not to exceed three feet in diameter. The fire pit shall be surrounded on the outside, above ground, by a non-combustible material such as concrete block or rock.
SIZE
Unless specified in the definitions above, the maximum size of any open fire, bonfire, recreational fire or fire/barbecue pit may not exceed three feet in diameter and the fuel height may not exceed two feet in height. Special permission (burning permits) may be granted by the Chief or his designee for larger piles.
(3) 
Burning permits shall be obtained from the Fire Department. The permit shall be good for 10 days unless otherwise amended by this code.
(a) 
Fees for burning permits shall be as set from time to time by resolution of the Board.
(4) 
Safety Considerations: The following shall be adhered to for open burning:
(a) 
Atmospheric Conditions. Fires will be limited to the following atmospheric conditions: No fire shall be started unless there are favorable conditions for burning with regard to wind direction and speed. No fire shall be started at a time when the wind speed exceeds eight miles per hour as measured at the Green Bay NOAA National Weather Service station or local circumstances make fires potentially hazardous. Open burning shall be prohibited when such atmospheric conditions exist that would cause the smoke from open burning to stagnate such as an inversion or extremely high humidity.
(b) 
Burning Times. Open fires other than bonfires or recreational fire/barbecue pits may only be conducted during daylight hours and must be extinguished at dusk.
(c) 
Prohibited Open Burning. Open burning that will be offensive or objectionable to occupants of the surrounding properties (creating a Public Nuisance as defined in Chapter 11 of the Village Code) due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. A fire department officer is authorized to order the extinguishment by either the party in control of the fire or the Fire Department when open burning creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
(5) 
Location. The location of open fires shall be as follows:
(a) 
Recreational Fires/Fire Pit. The location of open fires shall not be less than 30 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 30 feet of any structure.
(6) 
Attendance.
(a) 
All open fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is completely extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved onsite fire extinguishing equipment, such as shovel, dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
(b) 
Responsible Person. At least one responsible person of age 16 years or older must be in attendance of all fires.
(7) 
Portable Open-Flame Cooking Devices. Portable open-flame cooking devices, regardless of cooking fuel, shall not be operated within 10 feet of combustible construction.
(a) 
Exceptions: Where buildings and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
(b) 
Prohibited Locations. Portable open- flame cooking devices are prohibited on the balcony of any multi-family residential dwelling.
(8) 
Liability. In addition to any other penalty as set for at Section 4.99 herein, or within any other statute, code, or regulation, any person violating this article shall reimburse the Village for reasonable cost of fire protection services made necessary by the violation including, but not limited to, the costs of investigation of the violation and any response by the Village's Fire Department as a result of the violation. The prosecution for violations of this article or payment of the penalties provided shall not prohibit any person from seeking any other remedy against the person causing or permitting the burning.
(9) 
Exempt Fires. The following described fires shall be exempt from the open fire requirements described in this section.
(a) 
Approved Training for Fire Protection Purposes. The Village Fire Department shall be the authority to determine approval of all such fires.
(10) 
Emergency Powers of the Chief. When the Chief determines there are environmental conditions likely to produce a serious threat of fire to life and property, it shall be the duty of the Chief of the Fire Department to impose a burning ban and burning restrictions and require that no person may:
(a) 
Set, build, or maintain any open fire, bonfire, recreational fire, or fire/barbecue pit or any other type of fire.
(b) 
Throw, discard, or drop matches, ashes or other burning material while outdoors in the immediate vicinity of combustible natural vegetation.
(c) 
Light or use any fireworks, as defined per Wisconsin Statutes, or caps, toy snakes, sparklers, some bombs, or cylindrical or cone fountains that emit sparks and smoke except in displays or use as authorized by the Fire Department where adequate fire prevention measures have been taken.
(d) 
Such a ban described above shall be lifted when the environmental conditions change so that serious threat is no longer present.
(11) 
Careless Smoking.
(a) 
It is unlawful for any person, by reason of careless, willful or wanton conduct in smoking or in the use of lighters or matches in smoking to set fire to any bedding, carpet, curtains, draperies, furniture, household equipment, combustible materials, or other goods or chattels or to any building.
(b) 
A plainly printed notice of the provisions of this section shall be posted in a conspicuous place in every sleeping room of every place renting rooms for the accommodation of the public. Such printed notices shall also be posted in any place of public assembly where smoking is permitted.
(12) 
Posting of No Smoking Signs. The Chief shall post or cause to be posted no smoking signs in retail establishments where flammable or combustible materials are handled or sold and the act of smoking or striking a match or lighter device presents a fire hazard. Such signs shall be plainly visible on a contrasting background and shall be posted conspicuously in all areas where such hazards exist. Such sign shall bear the words "No Smoking" across the top in large letters.
(1) 
No person shall occupy or change the occupancy of a building or structure covered under Wis. The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS Chapter 361-366.) existing buildings; used by or for public assembly, industrial, institutional, multifamily (public spaces), office, or mercantile purposes until such building or structure has been inspected and approved by the Fire Inspection Department, the Building Inspection Department and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Village.
[Amended 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
(a) 
The owner shall post the capacity in all buildings and on every level as approved by the Fire Inspection Department and Building Inspection Department. Signs (notices) shall be prominently displayed stating the maximum number of persons on each floor for whom stairways and other exits have been provided. Such notices shall be placed in full view on each floor.
(b) 
The capacity limit sign shall have the following wording: "Limit (number inserted) Persons". The maximum number of persons shall be determined by the capacity as permitted in the building code in effect at the time of construction of the building and/or the Fire Inspection and Building Inspection Departments jointly. The lettering shall be white on a dark background. The letters shall not be less than 1 1/2 inches in height and the number shall not be less than three inches in height.
(2) 
Fees for Fire Inspections Prior to Occupancy. Fees shall be as adopted in the Village of Suamico Fee Schedule. Said schedule of fees shall be subject to review and approval by the Village Board, which shall adopt the same by resolution, and which may be amended from time to time in the same manner.
(1) 
The following installation permits shall be required in the Village jurisdiction for industrial and commercial buildings:
(a) 
Automatic fire Extinguishing Systems. A permit is required for any installation of or modification to an automatic fire extinguishing system.
(b) 
Fire Alarm and Detection System and Related Equipment. A permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment.
(c) 
Fire Pumps and Related Equipment. A permit is required for installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers, and generators.
(d) 
Private Fire Hydrants. A permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants.
(e) 
Standpipe Systems. A permit is required for the installation, modification, or removal from service of a standpipe system.
(f) 
Spraying or Dipping. A permit is required to install or modify any spray room/area, dip tank, or booth.
(g) 
Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.
(2) 
Department Approval shall be Obtained. After an application is completed with three sets of plans for each type of system, upon examination, the plans shall be dated and stamped "Conditionally Approved" or "Not Approved," whichever applies. If upon examination the department determines that the application for permit substantially conforms, a permit(s) shall be issued by the Fire Department. The Fire Department will stamp all plans conditionally approved and return two sets of plans with the permit to the project proponent. A conditional approval issued by the department shall not be construed as an assumption of any responsibility for the design or construction. A letter shall be sent to the submitter with a statement relating to the examination of the plans and citing the conditions of approval or denial. One set of stamped plans should be present on the project site throughout the installation process.
(3) 
Revocation of Approval. The department may revoke any approval issued under the provisions of this chapter for any false statements or misrepresentation of facts upon which the approval was based. A stop work order may be issued until a permit is approved and/or said issues are rectified.
(4) 
All permitted installation projects are subject to inspection by the department before, during, and at the time of final inspection for issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Conditions of issuing Certificate of Occupancy are compliance with all applicable codes and provisions of the permit including certification documentation and inspections.
(1) 
Wherever in this subchapter or during code enforcement practices reference is made to nationally recognized good or safe practice, the intent is that the practice to be followed shall be reasonable and safe as determined by the Fire Chief.
(2) 
The Fire Chief may refer, among other standard publications, to the National Fire Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association for determining what is reasonable and safe.
(3) 
Any publications used to determine nationally recognized good practice by the department shall be broadly construed to determine intent, but no provisions contrary to the Wis. Adm. Code or any other ordinance of the Village shall be used as a reference.
The effective date of this fire code will be January 23, 2006.
[Amended 3-2-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-04]
(1) 
Authority. The most current version of the Wis. Adm. Code, ATCP 93 and the applicable National Fire Protection Standards is hereby adopted, incorporated herein at length by reference and made part of the Village Fire Prevention Code.
The Department shall, as part of the authorized inspection authority related to storage tank inspections pursuant to the Professional Services Contract between the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (ATCP) and the Village, adopt ATCP 93 as it specifically relates to the storage tank program only. A Village permit must first be obtained by any parties installing any flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks in the Village.
(2) 
Inspection Requirements - Scope of Service. The department, as part of the Local Program Operator responsibilities, shall perform or contract to perform the following inspection duties related to the storage of flammable and combustible liquids in the Village:
(a) 
Complete plan examinations for all tank installations of less than 5,000 gallons. Approve/disapprove plans which are submitted based upon criteria established in ATCP 93 or successor state law.
(b) 
Recommend permit fees, for approval by the Board, for all work related to the installation and alterations of tanks less than 5,000 gallons and permit fees for all tank removals.
(c) 
Perform installation inspections for tank systems reviewed at either the state or local level.
(d) 
Authorize stop-work orders when violations of ATCP 93 have occurred.
(e) 
Perform the annual inspection of federally regulated tank systems for compliance with leak detection, operation and maintenance and the closure requirements established in ATCP 93.
(f) 
Perform inspections at the closure of tank systems.
(g) 
Perform any and all duties or authority as set forth in ATCP 93, the Village Code, or the contractual inspection agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (ATCP) as necessary and determined by the department.
(3) 
Inspection Requirements Notice. Notice inspection requirements shall be as follows:
(a) 
The department and its contracted agent shall be notified 10 days in advance of any underground storage tank removal.
(b) 
Twenty-four-hour minimum advance notice shall be required for any canceled installation, upgrade, or removal inspection appointment.
(4) 
Fees. Shall be as set from time to time by resolution of the Board.
To ensure such fires do not compromise safety or annoy neighbors, at no time shall smoke created by burning be an annoyance or cause discomfort to the neighborhood or the traveling public. The fire shall be ordered extinguished upon any complaint to the fire department or police department.
(1) 
Definitions. For purposes of this section, the term "emergency call" is defined as the Village of Suamico Fire Department responding with Fire Department personnel and apparatus to a reported or suspected fire, vehicle accident, hazardous material incident, or other similar emergency situation.
(2) 
Schedule of Fees. Under the authority granted to Villages under sec. 61.34(1), Wis. Stats and sec. 66.60(16), Wis. Stats, the Village of Suamico Fire Department shall establish a schedule of fees which reflect the Fire Department's operating and maintenance costs for response by its personnel and apparatus to emergency calls. Said schedule of fees shall be subject to review and approval by the Village Board, which shall adopt the same by resolution, and which may be amended from time to time in the same manner.
(3) 
Applicability. In accordance with the schedule of fees established under subsection (2) above, the Village may charge the property owner, company, or responsible individual for the Fire departments cost to respond to an emergency call under any of the following circumstances:
(a) 
In the event that the emergency call is for an incident occurring on any highway that is part of the national system of Interstate highways, US highways, or any highway maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
(b) 
In the event that the Fire Department determines that the emergency call was caused by the intentional or negligent act of any person or company. Such intentional or negligent acts may include, but are not limited to, fire setting, causing a false alarm, and failure to comply with burning regulations.
(c) 
For certain special rescue situations and hazardous material responses where the Fire Department determines that sufficient Village supplies and materials and/or manpower requires the recovery from the responsible party. All invoices for hazardous materials response will go through the local emergency planning committee (LEPC) per state guidelines.
(d) 
For auto accidents and rescue extrications where rescue assistance is supplied. This may include ambulance services, transport, and associated costs such as medications and mileage.
(e) 
For disposal of sorbent and hazardous materials residues.
(f) 
For disposal of records and other administrative costs.
(1) 
Definitions:
(a) 
A tent is defined as a structure, enclosure, or shelter with partial or complete sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except air.
(b) 
An open tent is defined as a tent that is open on all sides.
(c) 
Separation distances are measured from the anchorage point, not the limits of the tent.
(2) 
Criteria for Required Tent Permit:
(a) 
If you will be erecting a tent over 400 square feet.
(b) 
If you will be erecting smaller tents where the aggregate area of smaller tents erected within 12 feet of each other is greater than 400 square feet.
(c) 
If you will be erecting an open tent over 700 square feet.
(d) 
If you will be erecting smaller open tents where the aggregate area of smaller open tents erected within 12 feet of each other is greater than 700 square feet.
(e) 
If you will be utilizing electricity in the tent or for the event.
(3) 
Tent Permit Requirements:
(a) 
Tents will need to comply with the International Building Code IBC 3103.
(b) 
Tents shall comply with the current International Fire Code sections 2403 and 2404.
(c) 
Tents shall comply with the current National Electrical Code.
(d) 
Site plan of tent(s) (Size, Timeline, Location, ETC).
(e) 
Fire Retardant Certificate.
(f) 
If cooking, must be 20 feet from other tents.
(g) 
Tents need to be 20 feet (Measured from anchor point) from structures/building with exceptions (IFC 2403.8.2).
(h) 
No smoking signs.
(i) 
No open flame is allowed in or within 20 feet of the tent.
(j) 
Tents shall be adequately anchored.
(Documentation may be requested).
(k) 
Minimum of three feet required between fabric envelope and contents in tent.
(l) 
If a generator is to be used. (If so, the generator must be 20 feet away from the tent and may require an electrical permit. The generator shall be isolated from contact with the public by fencing, enclosure, or other approved means (lock). The generator shall be grounded.
(m) 
A fire extinguisher shall be required every 75 walking feet.
(n) 
An unobstructed fire lane (20 feet) shall be provided and shall be within 150 feet of all portions of the facility.
(o) 
Will the tent walls be down? (If so, exit lights needed at egress doors. If the exit serves an occupant load of 50 or more, the exit lights must be illuminated. Egress exits maximum travel distance is 100 feet.
Occupant Load
Minimum Number of Means of Egress
Minimum Width of Each Means of Egress
(inches)
10 to 199
2
72
200 to 499
3
72
500 to 999
4
96
1,000 to 1,999
5
120
2,000 to 2,999
6
120
(4) 
Fees. The tent permit fee and/or tent inspection fee shall be as listed in the Village of Suamico Fee Schedule as adopted by the Village Board and amended from time to time.