[Ord. No. 03-2002, Ord. No. 11-2003, Ord. No. 05-2004; Ord. No. 04-2016; amended 4-26-2022 by Ord. No. 05-2022; repealed and replaced 6-11-2024 by Ord. No. 09-2024.]
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-203,
et seq.), the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-1, et seq.)
shall be locally enforced within the Borough of Allentown.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
The local enforcement agency within the Borough of Allentown
shall be the Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention, as
set forth in the shared services agreement executed by the Township
of Robbinsville and the Borough of Allentown, effective July 1, 2024.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
The Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention shall enforce
the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the Uniform Fire Code in all buildings,
structures, and premises within the established boundaries of the
Borough of Allentown. other than owner-occupied single-family or two-family
and attached single-family dwellings used exclusively for dwelling
purposes and buildings, structures, and premises owned or operated
by the Federal Government, Interstate Agencies or the State.
b.
The Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention shall faithfully
comply with all pertinent requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety
Act and the Uniform Fire Code.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
The Borough of Allentown shall defer to Chapter 122: "Fire Prevention"
of the Township Code of the Township of Robbinsville regarding all
matters governing the organization, appointments, qualifications,
terms of office, removal, inspections of both life hazard and non-life
hazard uses, permits, inspection fees, appeals, enforcement, violations
and penalties, as well as all other applicable provisions of Chapter
122: "Fire Prevention" of the Township Code of the Township of Robbinsville
not otherwise inconsistent with this Chapter.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Fire lanes and fire zones shall be areas designated by signs
or painted marks on public or private streets, parking lots or other
rights-of-way, solely for the purpose of providing ingress and egress
for fire, police and other emergency vehicles.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
The Chief of Police, in consultation with the Township of Robbinsville
Bureau of Fire Prevention, is authorized to designate and establish
fire lanes and fire zones within the Borough.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Fire lanes and fire zones so designated shall be in those locations
and of sufficient design to preserve and safeguard public health,
safety and welfare and guarantee unimpaired ingress and egress for
fire, police and other emergency vehicles.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Whenever fire lanes or fire zones are proposed to be designated
on private property, the property owner or owners shall be notified
in writing by registered or certified mail, or by hand delivery of
such notice, prior to establishment. The notice shall specifically
describe the area proposed to be designated as a fire lane or fire
zone and the reasons for establishing the same. If the property owner
or owners object to the establishment of any proposed fire lane or
fire zone, the owner or owners shall notify the Borough Clerk in writing
within 14 days of receiving notice of the proposed establishment of
the fire lane or fire zone. The governing body shall hold a public
hearing within one month of the receipt of any objection to determine
whether or not the proposed fire lane or fire zone shall be established.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Upon establishment of fire lanes and fire zones on public property,
the lanes and zones shall be installed and maintained by the property
owner utilizing regulation signs and paint designating the area covered
by the lane or zone. Installation by the property owner shall be under
the supervision of the Chief of Police, based upon recommendations
of the Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
An emergency access road, approved by the Borough Engineer,
to provide access for fire, police, and other emergency vehicles at
all times to all structures under construction or demolition, shall
be provided to all construction or demolition sites prior to the commencement
of any structural construction or demolition activities. The emergency
access road shall, at a minimum, be capable of supporting a 30 ton
emergency vehicle, and shall be maintained during structural construction
or demolition activities until the permanent road is installed and
approved by the Borough Engineer. The emergency access road required
by this section shall not be required during any site work, including
but not limited to site grading, topsoil stripping, and underground
utility work, until structural construction or demolition activities
commence.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
The Allentown Borough Police Department and the Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention shall have concurrent jurisdiction in enforcing this article, with the exception of § 13-2.5, which may likewise be enforced by the Construction Official or Borough Engineer.
b.
Any person or entity found to be in violation of this article or
parking illegally in a fire lane established hereto shall be subject
to a fine of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense,
and $2,000 for the third and each subsequent offense, which shall
be imposed on complaint and conviction in the Municipal Court.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
Where Required. In all buildings regardless of use or occupancy,
which are protected by an automatic alarm system and/or a fire sprinkler
system, the owners and/or management agents shall install a key box,
of a type and in a location approved by the Township of Robbinsville
Bureau of Fire Prevention. The following are exempt from this requirement:
multiple-family dwellings containing six or less individual occupancies;
and single-family homes.
b.
For all buildings where installation is not required under the provisions of subsection (a), such installation shall be permissible but not required. If the owner or management agent of a property which is not required to install a key box elects to do so, said owner or management agent shall be obligated to meet all criteria specified for buildings where key box installation is required.
c.
Upon examination of the physical condition and characteristics of
any property subject to this section, and upon written notice to the
owner and/or principal occupant thereof, the Township of Robbinsville
Bureau of Fire Prevention may require a key box to be installed in
a specific location whenever access to or within a structure or an
area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate
access is necessary for life saving or firefighting purposes.
d.
Cabinet-style vaults shall be required when deemed necessary by the
Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention at premises containing
hazardous materials which require Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
site plans, and floor plans.
e.
Owners and operators of controlled vehicle parking areas which use
mechanical parking gates to control motor vehicle ingress and egress
shall install and maintain an emergency override control on each gate.
Said emergency override control devices shall contain a master key-operated
type switch approved by the Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire
Prevention.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
Key boxes shall include two separate sets of keys. Each set shall
contain the following individually labeled keys:
1.
Keys to the locked point of egress whether on the interior or exterior
of such buildings;
2.
Keys to locked mechanical rooms;
3.
Keys to locked electrical rooms;
4.
Keys to fire alarm panels;
5.
Keys to elevator controls, if elevators are present and equipped
with a fire department bypass switch;
6.
Keys to other areas in the building as directed by the Township of
Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention.
b.
In addition, the key box shall contain the following:
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
The Township of Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention shall
adopt procedures for protecting the integrity and security of the
master keys/system which allow access to key boxes. Procedures shall
include, but not be limited to: a definition of authorized uses and
users of the system; specific means of access to the system; protection
against unauthorized or uncontrolled use of master keys or master
key systems; secure storage systems for master keys; a system for
release and control of master keys; the recording of individuals having
access to the master key, including date, time and location of access;
and protections and safeguards against unauthorized duplication of
master keys or access systems.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
In the event that locks on the subject building are changed after
the installation of the key box, the Township of Robbinsville Bureau
of Fire Prevention shall be notified of such change and a key(s) to
the new lock(s) shall be provided immediately. Failure to provide
notification and new key(s) may result in the imposition of a fine
of not less than $250.
b.
Any building owner who knowingly and intentionally violates this
section after receiving written notice from the Township of Robbinsville
Bureau of Fire Prevention may be subject to a fine of not less than
$250 per violation.
c.
Enforcement of this section shall be performed by the Township of
Robbinsville Bureau of Fire Prevention, pursuant to the provisions
of N.J.A.C. 5:70-1.2 et seq.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
a.
Additional required inspection fees shall be as follows:
1.
Fire/rescue/hazardous materials response fees.
(a)
Level 1 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA) incidentals: batteries, fluids,
stabilization. Provide hazardous materials assessment and scene stabilization.
Operations such as stabilizing a vehicle, use of hand tools, hazard
control, and other scene-related light rescue operations.
(b)
Level 2 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA): Includes Level 1 services
as well as clean-up and materials used (sorbents) for hazardous fluid
clean-up as disposal. Clean-up of any gasoline or other automotive
fluids that are spilled as a result of an accident/incident.
(c)
Level 3 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA) extrications: Operations that
include the use of power tools and hydraulic tools to perform operations
such as opening or removing doors to provide access to patients as
well as stabilizing vehicles and performing hazardous assessments.
(d)
Vehicle fire: Provide scene safety, fire suppression, breathing air,
rescue tools, hand tools, hose, tip use, foam, structure protection
and clean-up of gasoline or other automotive fluids that are leaked
or spilled as a result of the incident.
(e)
Base hazardous material response: Includes engine response, first
responder assignment, perimeter establishment, evacuations, set-up
and command.
|
Type of fee
|
Fee
|
|---|---|
|
Level 1 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA)
|
$700
|
|
Level 2 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA)
|
$900
|
|
Level 3 - Motor vehicle accident (MVA)
|
$1,900
|
|
Vehicle Fire
|
$900
|
|
Emergency engine/fire response
|
$500 per hour
|
|
Engine company standby fee
|
$300 per hour
|
|
Base hazardous material response
|
$900
|
|
Fire prevention officer standby fee
|
$125 per hour
|
|
Fire prevention bureau fire investigation
|
$250 per hour
|
2.
Non-life-hazard fees. In addition to the registration required by
the State of New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, the following non-life-hazard
uses shall be registered with the Robbinsville Township Fire Department
Bureau of Fire Prevention. These uses shall be inspected once per
year, and an annual fee shall be paid.
|
Type of Fee
|
Fee
| |
|---|---|---|
|
A-Assembly
| ||
|
A-1
|
Eating establishment with occupancy less than 50 persons
|
$100
|
|
A-2
|
Takeout food service (no seating)
|
$100
|
|
A-3
|
Recreation centers, multipurpose rooms with occupancy less than
50 persons
|
$125
|
|
A-4
|
Libraries with occupancy less than 50 persons
|
$125
|
|
A-5
|
Senior centers with occupancy less than 50 persons
|
$125
|
|
Type of Fee
|
Fee
| |
|---|---|---|
|
B-Business/Professional
| ||
|
B-1
|
1- and 2-story less than 5,000 square feet per floor
|
$100
|
|
B-2
|
1- and 2-story more than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000
square feet per floor
|
$125
|
|
B-3
|
1- and 2-story more than 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$150
|
|
B-4
|
3- to 5-story less than 5,000 square feet per floor
|
$200
|
|
B-5
|
3- to 5-story more than 5,000 square feet less than 10,000 square
feet per floor
|
$250
|
|
B-6
|
3- to 5-story over 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$300
|
|
Type of Fee
|
Fee
| |
|---|---|---|
|
R-Retail
| ||
|
M-1
|
1- and 2-story less than 5,000 square feet
|
$125
|
|
M-2
|
1- and 2-story more than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000
square feet per floor
|
$150
|
|
M-3
|
1- and 2-story more than 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$175
|
|
M-4
|
3- to 5-story less than 5,000 square feet per floor
|
$200
|
|
M-5
|
3- to 5-story more than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000
square feet per floor
|
$250
|
|
M-6
|
3- to 5-story over 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$300
|
|
Type of Fee
|
Fee
| |
|---|---|---|
|
M-Manufacturing
| ||
|
F-1
|
1- and 2-story less than 5,000 square feet
|
$125
|
|
F-2
|
1- and 2-story more than 5,000 square feet but
|
$150
|
|
F-3
|
1- and 2-story more than 10,000 square feet per
|
$175
|
|
F-4
|
3- to 5-story less than 5,000 square feet per floor
|
$200
|
|
F-5
|
3- to 5-story more than 5,000 square feet but less
|
$250
|
|
F-6
|
3- to 5-story over 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$300
|
|
Type of Fee
|
Fee
| |
|---|---|---|
|
S-Storage
| ||
|
S-1
|
1- and 2-story less than 5,000 square feet
|
$125
|
|
S-2
|
1- and 2-story more than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000
square feet per floor
|
$150
|
|
S-3
|
1- and 2-story more than 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$175
|
|
S-4
|
3- to 5-story less than 5,000 square feet per floor
|
$200
|
|
S-5
|
3- to 5-story more than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000
square feet per floor
|
$250
|
|
S-6
|
3- to 5-story over 10,000 square feet per floor
|
$300
|
b.
Permit Fees. Please refer to permit fees as defined and established
by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
c.
Electronic Payment Fees. Any fee charged by a third party for the
processing of a payment made by credit card, e-check, or any other
type of electronic payment, for any fee required under this section,
shall be charged to the payer.
d.
Failure to pay the required annual non-life-hazard use registration
fee(s) within 60 days from the date of issuance will result in the
issuance of a written order by the Fire Official to make such payment
in addition to the imposition of a penalty in an amount equal to the
unpaid fee(s). These penalties will be in addition to non-life hazard
use fee(s) due and must be paid within 30 days after issuance by the
Fire Official of the written order to abate the violation and pay
the penalty. If the total fee(s) and penalties are not paid within
30 days of the issuance of the written order, the Fire Official may
institute a civil penalty action by a summary proceeding in the Municipal
Court or New Jersey Superior Court under the New Jersey Penalty Enforcement
Law of 1999, N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq., and this section.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Any existing red light which gives notice of a fire department
sprinkler connection shall be illuminated at all times.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person, firm,
corporation, owner, tenant, or person responsible for a given structure
or premises to fail to immediately notify the fire department and
immediately evacuate the entire structure when and if the following
conditions are present.
a.
The fire alarm is activated.
b.
There is smoke in the structure.
c.
An explosion has occurred.
d.
There is a fire in the structure.
e.
Any fire protection system (sprinklers, etc.) is activated.
f.
Whenever a hazardous or flammable material is spilled, leaked or
exposed and has the potential to endanger the occupants on the premises.
g.
Upon the order of the Fire Department or the Incident Commander of
the scene.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
It shall be unlawful to block, obstruct, obscure, or damage
any hydrant, fire department connection, or hydrant locator wands
that are located on public or private streets and access lanes or
on private property. A four-foot radius from any hydrant or fire department
connection must be kept clear of any objects. Objects are defined
as, but not limited to:
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
A person shall not use or operate any fire hydrant intended
for use of the Fire Department unless such person secures written
permission from the Fire Official. This section shall not apply to
the use of such hydrants by a person employed by the Borough of Allentown,
County of Monmouth, or State of New Jersey, nor shall this section
apply to any employee, agent, or representative of an entity or any
person with whom the Borough of Allentown has contracted to provide
public works services or other similar services.
[Added 6-11-2024 by Ord.
No. 09-2024]
Unless another penalty is expressly provided for by New Jersey Statutes, any person convicted of a violation of Section 13-7 shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100. Each day that the owner, tenant or occupant fails to satisfy the obligation of this section shall constitute a separate violation.
