[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Raritan 10-11-2000 by Ord. No. 00-27 (Ch. 8.16 of the 2000 Code); amended in its entirety 10-3-2023 by Ord. No. 23-19. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
The Raritan Township Fire Department is recognized and designated as the primary fire-protection agency within the boundaries of the Township of Raritan, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
The New Jersey Uniform Fire Code shall be locally enforced in the Township.
A. 
The local enforcing agency shall be the Department of Fire Safety which is created in the Township.
B. 
The local enforcing agency established herein shall be under the direct supervision and control of the Chief Fire Marshal, who shall be appointed by the Township upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief of the Raritan Township Fire Department.
A. 
Duties. The Department of Fire Safety shall enforce the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.) in all buildings, structures and premises within the established boundaries of the Township other than owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
B. 
Required life-hazard use inspections; fees. The Department of Fire Safety shall carry out the cyclical inspections of life-hazard uses as required by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code on behalf of the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. The Department of Fire Safety shall also carry out inspections of non-life-hazard uses pursuant to § 249-11. When, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Marshal, there exist conditions likely to cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighting operations, endanger life or violate the provisions or intent of this chapter, additional inspections may be made as often as necessary for the purpose of ascertaining these conditions and causing them to be corrected.
C. 
Fees. The Department of Fire Safety shall also collect fees for permits, certificates of Fire Code compliance and certificates of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance (CSDCMAC) as set forth in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and Subsection B as follows:
(1) 
Permit fees.
Type of Permit
Fee
Type 1
$65
Type 2
$215
Type 3
$430
Type 4
$645
Type 5
Reserved
(2) 
The application fee for a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance shall be:
(a) 
Requests for a CSDCMAC received more than 10 business days' prior to the change of occupancy: $55.
(b) 
Requests for a CSDCMAC received four to 10 business days' prior to the change of occupancy: $100.
(c) 
Requests for a CSDCMAC received fewer than four business days' prior to the change of occupancy: $160.
(3) 
A reinspection fee of $55 will be charged for all failed inspections.
(4) 
Certificate of code compliance: $75.
(5) 
The Type 1v permit fee [open flame in connection with a public gathering - N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7(a)(3)(v)] shall be $30 for the inspection of food trucks that are participating in ongoing, regularly occurring (e.g., weekly or monthly) public events, not to exceed a period of six months, and when such event is beneficial to a nonprofit organization.
In the event that it is necessary for the appointment of Deputy Fire Marshals or inspectors to carry out the provisions requiring inspection activity in the Township, such inspectors shall be appointed by the Township Committee upon the recommendation of the Chief Fire Marshal. Deputy Fire Marshal(s) and inspector(s) shall be under the supervision and control of the Chief Fire Marshal. The Township Attorney shall serve as legal counsel for the enforcement of this chapter.
Any person aggrieved by any order of the local enforcement agency shall have the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals of the County of Hunterdon.
A. 
All buildings within the Township having an automatic fire detection or suppression system shall be equipped with a rapid entry key lock box. However, this requirement shall not apply to owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings identified by the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23 et seq.) as R-3 and R-4.
B. 
All commercial and industrial properties within the Township protected by fences, gates and related barriers presently secured by using a padlock or electronically operated or automatic gates or other control circuits shall be equipped with a high-security padlock or high-security key switch as approved by the Fire Marshal and Fire Chief. The high-security padlock and key switches shall be located in a manner as directed by the Chief Fire Marshal and Fire Chief.
C. 
Rapid entry key lock box, high-security padlock and key switch types. The rapid entry key lock box and high-security padlock and key switches shall be UL, Underwriter Laboratories, certified and approved by the Township Fire Marshal and Fire Chief.
D. 
Location. The rapid entry key lock box shall be located at or near the main entrance to the building or property. The key lock box shall be mounted at a minimum height of five feet and a maximum of six feet above final grade.
E. 
Key lock box contents. The key lock box shall contain labeled keys, easily identified in the field to provide access into the property and/or building and to any locked areas within the building and as may be further directed by the Chief Fire Marshal and Fire Chief.
F. 
Compliance. All existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of this section within 12 months of its effective date. All newly constructed buildings, not yet occupied, or buildings currently under construction shall comply with the terms hereof prior to the fire detection or suppression system being accepted and approved for service.
G. 
Exemptions. The Township Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Fire Chief, may provide for a written exemption of the requirements of this section based upon their review and determination that the subject property or building is maintained continuously with doors that are not locked or lockable, or which have personnel physically present 24 hours per day, every day of the year, and such personnel have knowledge and can permit access to all areas of the building or property.
H. 
Penalties. Any property or building owner failing to comply with or in violation of the terms of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or by imprisonment for up to 90 days, and/or by a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, in the discretion of the court. Each and every day that such a violation continues shall be considered a separate and specific violation of this section.
A. 
Authorization. The Chief Fire Marshal is hereby authorized under § 249-2 to establish fire lanes and fire zones on properties within the established boundaries of the Township of Raritan devoted for public uses.
B. 
Designation. In and on all premises, public or private, within the established boundaries of the Township whereon there is located any public or quasi-public structure wherein the public is invited, including but not limited to retail stores, shopping centers, office buildings, industrial plants, schools, and churches, the Chief Fire Marshal may require and designate fire lanes to provide clear and unobstructed access to buildings for Fire Department apparatus, equipment or any other emergency vehicle in the event of an emergency. Fire zones located on local, county, state and private roads shall include, but not be limited to, fire hydrants, water storage tanks, all Fire Department connections and fire stations. Fire lanes and fire zones may be designated on public or private property. Fire lanes and fire zones may be posted with signs, pavement markings and/or a combination thereof.
C. 
Parking, stopping or standing of vehicle prohibited. No person shall park, stop or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, at any time, in any designated fire lane or fire zone or obstruct any designated fire lane or fire zone. No person shall park, stop or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, within 10 feet of any fire hydrant, water draft site or water storage tanks within the established boundaries of the Township.
D. 
Enforcement agencies. The Department of Fire Safety and the Raritan Township Police Department shall have concurrent jurisdiction in policing and issuing parking summons.
E. 
Violations and penalties. Violators who park illegally, stop or stand in a fire lane or fire zone shall be subject to a fine of $100. Said fine shall be imposed on complaint and conviction in the Municipal Court of the Township of Raritan All fines and penalties shall be paid to the Township of Raritan.
Open burning and recreational fires shall comply with the regulations and permitting requirements set forth in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.
A. 
Authorization. The Chief Fire Marshal is hereby authorized under § 249-3 to enforce this section.
B. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED BUILDINGS
All buildings or structures within the established boundaries of the Township on public or private property that are or hereafter become vacant as a result of damage, fire or abandonment.
C. 
Notice to secure. Upon determination of the Chief Fire Marshal that the vacant structure is unfit and unsafe, the Fire Marshal shall cause to be served on the property owner or designated agent a notice of violation to properly secure the structure and a notice of imminent hazard and order to take corrective action. Structures which appear to be in danger of collapse shall be referred to the Construction Official of the Township for remedial action in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code.
D. 
Permits and inspections. No work shall be undertaken pursuant to this section. The proper permits shall first be obtained from the Township Construction Code Enforcement Department and Department of Fire Safety. Such work shall be subject to all inspections and other requirements as set forth in the Uniform Construction Code or any other relevant law, ordinance or regulation.
E. 
Procedures to secure against unauthorized entry. All openings shall be secured utilizing one of the following methods: Cover all openings with five-eighths-inch exterior grade sheathing plywood. Such plywood shall overlap the opening frame for at least two inches on each side and the top. When no ledge exists, the plywood shall overlap the bottom at least two inches. One two-by-four shall be placed on the exterior and cut to width of the plywood and one two-by-four shall be placed on the interior and cut to a length that shall cause it to overlap for a length of eight inches beyond the opening frame on either side. The two-by-fours shall be held in place by inserting two three-eighths-inch carriage bolts through the two-by-fours and the plywood. The bolts shall be inserted from the exterior, and the securing nut shall be located on the interior. When the height of the plywood exceeds 20 inches, at least two two-by-fours shall be located on the exterior and interior with the required amount of carriage bolts. All lumber used to secure structures shall be painted at the exterior with exterior paint or stain which closely matches the predominant characteristics of the structure.
F. 
Access opening. One opening in level one or level two posted structures may be utilized to access the structure for repairs, inspections or other necessary purposes. Such opening shall be secured in the same fashion as other openings as set forth herein, except that an access opening may be constructed with hinged operated hardware or an acceptable substitute as determined by the Chief Fire Marshal. All such operable openings shall be equipped with an approved locking device and shall face and be readily visible from the adjoining street or roadway. Such openings shall only be required and approved for deterioration level one and level two posted structures. Deterioration level three, entry is prohibited.
G. 
Procedures to secure utilities. All utilities which represent a potential source of ignition shall be disconnected in a manner approved by the Chief Fire Marshal.
H. 
Fire-protection systems. All fire-protection systems shall be maintained. All required sprinkler and standpipe systems and all component parts shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Fire alarm systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times.
I. 
Completion of work. All work and required actions shall be completed in a timely manner as stated on notices, orders and violations served.
J. 
Building deterioration levels and safety indicator warning sign postings. Building deterioration shall be determined and posted by safety indicator warning signs in three levels of deterioration. A painted safety indicator shall be an acceptable method of warning until a permanent sign as listed herein above and below is obtained and mounted. The property owner or designated agent is responsible for obtaining and mounting all safety indicator warning signs. All safety indicator warning signs shall be mounted eight feet off the ground and shall face and be readily visible from the ground and shall face and be readily visible from the adjoining street or roadway.
(1) 
Level one is determined as a light hazard and authorized entry is permitted, having normal stability at the time of posting. Level one safety indicator warning posting shall be an eighteen-inch-by-eighteen-inch red reflective metal sign.
(2) 
Level two is determined as a medium hazard with known deterioration and safety concerns. Authorized entry is permitted. Level two safety indicator warning posting shall be an eighteen-inch-by-eighteen-inch red reflective metal sign with a one-inch white reflective stripe running from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. If the structure's roof has any openings, the safety indicator warning sign shall display R/O (roof open) in white reflective one-inch letters in the upper right corner. If the structure's interior floors have any openings, the safety indicator warning sign shall display F/O (floor open) in white reflective one-inch letters in the lower left corner.
(3) 
Level three is determined as a high hazard. Entry is not permitted under any circumstances; exterior firefighting operations only. Level three safety indicator warning posting shall be an eighteen-inch-by-eighteen-inch red reflective metal sign with two one-inch white reflective stripes running from the top corners to the opposite bottom corners. If the structure's roof has any openings, the safety indicator warning sign shall display R/O (roof open) in white reflective one-inch letters in the upper right corner. If the structure's interior floors have any openings, the safety indicator warning sign shall display F/O (floor open) in white reflective one-inch letters in the lower left corner.
K. 
Unauthorized entry prohibited. The Chief Fire Marshal shall cause to be posted on the structure at locations to be determined by the Fire Marshal a placard reading: "This building is declared unsafe for human occupancy. No individual is to occupy this building until the structure is rendered safe and secure." The placard shall be orange in color with black lettering. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to enter such premises, except for the purpose of making the required repairs, until fire safety violations have been abated and entry is permitted by the Fire Marshal.
L. 
Enforcement agencies. The Department of Fire Safety shall have jurisdiction in policing and issuing open burning violations.
M. 
Violations and penalties. Any person or persons who violate any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to fines pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.12 of the Uniform Fire Code.
N. 
Appeals. Any person aggrieved by any order of the local enforcement agency of this section shall have the right to appeal pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.19 Uniform Fire Code to the Construction Board of Appeals of the County of Hunterdon.
A. 
Registration. All life-hazard and non-life-hazard uses shall be registered with the Raritan Township Department of Fire Safety. Specifically, all businesses and multiple-dwelling residential buildings in the Township of Raritan shall register with the Township on a form provided by the Fire Marshal. New businesses and multiple-dwelling residential buildings must be registered within 30 days of occupancy. Failure to register will subject the owner of the business or multiple-dwelling residential building to a penalty of $250 issued by the Fire Marshal.
B. 
Inspections. Non-life-hazard uses shall be inspected through a cyclical program established by the Raritan Township Department of Fire Safety which shall be done no less than biennially. Individual tenant units of a multifamily dwellings shall be required to obtain a certificate of fire smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance in accordance with § 249-4.
C. 
Registration fees. The operator of a non-life-hazard business or multiple-dwelling residential building shall pay to the Raritan Township Department of Fire Safety an annual registration fee. The fee shall be as follows (square footage is based upon gross floor area of all floors, including basements):
(1) 
As to business uses:
(a) 
Occupancy under 2,000 square feet: $75.
(b) 
Occupancy 2,001 to 3,999 square feet: $110.
(c) 
Occupancy 4,000 to 5,999 square feet: $125.
(d) 
Occupancy 6,000 to 7,999 square feet: $185.
(e) 
Occupancy 8,000 to 9,999 square feet: $200.
(f) 
Occupancy 10,000 to 11,999 square feet: $250.
(g) 
Occupancy 12,000 to 13,999 square feet: $300.
(h) 
Occupancy over 14,000 square feet: $375.
[1] 
Retail or commercial common area: $175.
(2) 
As to multiple-family residential dwellings:
(a) 
One to five units: $125.
(b) 
Six to 25 units: $200.
(c) 
Over 25 units: $300.
(3) 
As to nonresidential solar or photovoltaic energy facilities with a capacity of one megawatt or more: $300.
D. 
Credit card convenience fee. All credit card transactions processed on site shall be subject to a convenience fee of $5 in addition to the registration fees set forth herein.
E. 
Failure to pay inspection fees. It shall be unlawful to refuse to pay the inspection fee after being given notice to do so as per the fee schedule established by this section. Any penalties assessed are in addition to others previously assessed. Full payment shall be made within 30 days of issuance of the notice by the Township for payment of the registration fee. If payment is not received in 30 days, the matter will be referred to the Township Attorney for summary collection pursuant to the Penalty Enforcement Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq.). A minimum late penalty of $25 will be assessed.
A. 
Fire watch. If the Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, paid personnel or member of a volunteer fire company is required to inspect, monitor, or patrol a building to detect circumstances that might immediately result in a fire while a building's fire protection system is inoperative, the owner of said building shall reimburse the Township for said fire watch services at the rate of $100 per hour per person. Should fire apparatus or additional equipment need to be utilized, the hourly fee for that equipment shall be assessed at a rate designated in the fire equipment reimbursement schedule. There shall be a minimum fee of $100, provided that no fee shall be assessed if within 30 minutes of being notified of the commencement of the fire watch services, the building owner or his or her representative arrives at the building and assumes control of the fire watch from the Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, paid personnel or member of the volunteer fire company. The cost of providing fire watch services shall be certified by the Fire Marshal to the building owner within 30 days of their completion. The building owner shall reimburse the Township within 30 days thereof.
B. 
Special events. When determined by the Fire Marshal to be necessary for the purpose of public safety to have a Fire Inspector present during special events, the owner, operator, organizer, sponsor, person, or organization responsible, for said event shall pay the cost of said inspector at the rate of $100 per hour for the duration of the event.
A. 
In the event of a product release, required emergency stand-by, fire suppression costs as outlined in N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.13, or other emergency incidents the responsible party may receive abatement for services from the Township for the first initial hour at no cost, but shall be subject to reimbursement fees for every hour thereafter. The cost providing such response or stand-by shall be certified by the Fire Marshal to the responsible party within 30 days of their completion. The responsible party shall reimburse the Township within 30 days thereof.
B. 
Resource and personnel fees. Personnel and equipment shall be reimbursed at an hourly rate as calculated by the most recent schedule of equipment rates published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. All expended or damaged equipment shall be reimbursed at their current replacement costs. The cost of such equipment shall be certified by Fire Marshal to the responsible party within 30 days. The responsible party shall reimburse the Township within 30 days thereof.
(1) 
As to equipment. Equipment shall be defined but not limited to:
(a) 
Uniforms and clothing.
(b) 
Turnout gear and personal protective equipment.
(c) 
Breathing apparatus.
(d) 
Rope, rope equipment, and harnesses.
(e) 
Fire hose and appliances.
(f) 
Shovels.
(g) 
Firefighting tools.
(h) 
Plugs and plugging putty.
(i) 
Collection pools.
(j) 
Firefighting foam.
(k) 
Bales of straw.
(l) 
Speedy dry.
C. 
Absorbent booms and pads.