There is adopted by the city for the purpose of prescribed in regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the fire prevention code recommended by the American Insurance Association, being particularly the 1976 edition thereof and the whole thereof, of which code not less than three copies have been and now are filed in the office of the city clerk and the same are adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and from the date on which the ordinance codified herein shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city.
(Prior code § 10-23)
The fire prevention code adopted in Section 8.08.010 is amended as follows:
A. 
Section 14.6. Section 14.6 of such code is deleted. A new Section 14.6 is added as follows:
Section 14.6. Sprinkler systems required.
Complete sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet #13 in all buildings erected from and after the effective date of this ordinance, regardless of type of construction, exceeding three (3) stories, or more than forty feet (40') in height.
Buildings for institutional occupancy shall be equipped with approved automatic sprinkler systems regardless of type of construction or height.
B. 
Section 16.64. The following new subsection f. is added to Section 16.64:
f.
Self-Service Stations.
1.
The dispensing of flammable liquid by the customer shall be allowed only in accordance with the rules in this section.
2.
Attendant required: All self-service stations shall have at least one qualified attendant on duty while the station is open. During all times that liquids are actually being dispensed, the attendant's sole function shall be to supervise, observe and control the dispensing of said liquids. It shall be the responsibility of the attendant to prevent the dispensing of liquids into portable containers unless the container is an approved safety can, properly labeled, or an approved closed container, properly labeled.
A label similar to the following shall be used:
GASOLINE
DANGER
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE
HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED
Do not use or store near heat, sparks, or open flame.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
Call physician immediately.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
This is one example of a label on which all the required information appears for a gasoline container. It may be reproduced and used as a "sticker label" to be applied to the main panel of containers. The minimum type size for the words on the label shall be 36 points for the word "gasoline," 24 points for the words "Danger Extremely Flammable," 12 points for the words "Harmful or Fatal If Swallowed," and 10 points for the remaining words on the label.
It shall also be the responsibility of the attendant to control sources of ignition, and to immediately handle accidental spills and fire extinguishers, if needed. The attendant on duty shall be capable of performing the functions and assuming the responsibility covered in this section.
3.
Attendant's Control Console and Supervision: The console shall be located not less than five (5) feet, nor more than one hundred (100) feet from the nozzle end with the hose stretched toward the console from the dispenser. At self-service stations, the attendant shall be required to remain within arm's length distance of the remote control console, at all times while liquids are being dispensed.
4.
Emergency Controls:
 
(a)
A main power shut-off switch or switches shall be installed at a location not more than fifteen (15) feet from the attendant's principal control location, and not less than fifteen (15) feet from the dispensers, nor more than one hundred feet (100) from the dispensers.
 
(b)
A fixed fire extinguisher system suitable for the extinguishment of Class B (flammable liquid) fires, acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, and covering the entire flammable liquid dispensing area, shall be installed at each self-service station with activating control at the console and a minimum of one remote activating control at each dispensing island acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The entire flammable liquid dispensing area is construed to mean that area encompassing the self-service island. If, however, an adjacent attended island (normally serviced by a regular attendant dispensing motor fuel is in too close proximity to the self-service island in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, then a fixed fire protection system may be required there also. Said system shall be capable of being activated manually. The triggering device shall not be more than fifteen (15) feet from the attendant's principal control location and not less than fifteen (15) feet from the dispensers, nor more than one hundred (100) feet from the dispensers. Activating of the extinguishing system shall automatically cut off power to pump dispensing devices.
5.
Operation instruction: Instructions for the operation of the dispensers shall be conspicuously posted on either the dispenser or the dispenser island.
6.
Emergency procedures: A list of emergency procedures and instructions shall be conspicuously posted at the immediate vicinity of the attendant's principal control location.
7.
Clear Observation: The dispensing operation shall at all times be in clear view of the attendant, and the placing or allowing of any obstacle to come between the dispensing operation and the attendant, so as to obstruct the attendant's view, is prohibited.
8.
Delivery nozzles: Hose nozzle valves used at self-service islands shall be approved automatic closing type without a latch-open device.
9.
Voice communication control: A voice communication system, such as, but not limited to, an intercom system, so as to allow direct voice communication at all times between the person dispensing the fuel and the attendant, shall be required.
10.
Warning signs: On each and every dispenser island shall be conspicuously posted, the following words or warning:
No Smoking.
Shut off motor while motor fuel is being dispensed.
Only approved containers may be used for flammable liquid, properly labeled.
11.
No person under the age of sixteen (16) years of age shall operate or be allowed to operate a flammable liquid dispensing device at a self-service station.
12.
Suitable fire control devices, such as portable extinguishers shall be available within one hundred (100) feet of every dispenser. No less than two (2) approved fire extinguishers shall be available. Each extinguisher shall be kept in good operating condition at all times and shall be located in an accessible place.
13.
Filling containers: No container shall be filled with flammable liquid while inside a passenger-carrying vehicle.
14.
No person or corporation shall own or operate a self-service gasoline station without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Cranston Fire Department, indicating that all of the regulations of this ordinance have been satisfied.
The fee for permit shall be five dollars.
C. 
Section 16.96. The following new Section 16.96 is added to the code:
Sec. 16.96. Manufacturing of Poly Vinyl Chloride Prohibited.
No persons shall manufacture or produce poly vinyl chloride through polymerization of vinyl chloride within the limits of the city of Cranston.
D. 
Section 28.1. Delete Section 28.1 and substitute therefor the following:
Sec. 28.1. Outdoor Fire.
No person shall kindle or maintain any fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained in the city of Cranston with the following exceptions:
1. 
Cooking of food on barbeques, fireplaces or grills.
2. 
Fires authorized by the Fire Department for the purpose of training firefighters and retarding the spread of fires.
E. 
Section 28.6. Section 28.6 is amended by deleting therefrom the following:
Roofs, courts, yards, vacant lots and open spaces shall be kept free and clear of deposits or accumulations of waste paper, hay, grass, straw, weeds, litter or combustible waste or rubbish of any kind. All weeds, grass, vines or other growth, when same endangers property, or is liable to be fired, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the property.
and by substituting therefor the following:
Roofs, courts, yards, vacant lots and open spaces shall be kept free and clear of deposits or accumulations of waste paper, hay, grass, straw, weeds, litter or combustible waste or rubbish of any kind. All weeds, grass, vines or other growth, when same endangers property, or is liable to be fired, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the property. No person shall store, keep, or have under his or her control any rubbish, trash, or any other combustible waste material in excess of one bushel unless it shall be stored or kept in a container as hereinafter described. All rubbish storage containers having a capacity larger than one bushel, shall be constructed of metal or other fire safe material including a proper cover.
(Prior code § 10-23.1)
In accordance with Section 600.8 of the State Building Code, the bureau of fire prevention with the city fire department or other official duly designated by the fire chief of the city is authorized to issue permits upon application from the owner of an industry, trade, occupation or use involving transportation, storage or handling of substances involving life hazards. Said permits are to be issued annually to prescribe the conditions and requirements necessary to secure the public safety and may be issued only after application on forms furnished by the fire department, after inspection by the fire department, after inspection by the fire department and after payment of a seventy-five dollars ($75.00) permit fee.
(Prior code § 10-23.2; Ord. 2020-30, §§ 1, 2, 7/27/2020)
The bureau of fire prevention of the city fire department, or other official duly designated by the fire chief of the city, is authorized to issue permits upon application for the installation, removal or reconditioning of hazardous substances storage tanks. Said permits are required for the installation, removal or reconditioning of either above-ground or in-ground hazardous substances storage tanks, including all associated piping.
Said permits are to be issued upon application which prescribe the conditions and requirements necessary to secure the public safety and shall be issued only after application on forms furnished by the fire department, and after payment of a permit fee in the amount of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for any tank of sixty (60) gallons and over.
In the event that the reconditioning process entails any hazardous substances storage tank to be cut on site then it shall be required that Cranston fire department fire apparatus stand by at said site and an additional fee in the amount of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) shall be due for said standby.
(Prior code § 10-23.3)
Effective July 1, 2018, no above ground or subsurface stationary storage tank with a capacity of one thousand (1,000) gallons or more of flammable or explosive material shall be installed within three hundred (300) feet of residential property.
This provision shall not apply to replacement of tanks installed prior to July 1, 2018.
(Ord. 2018-20, § 1, 7/23/2018)
A. 
The owner or operator of a facility at which there is present an amount of any extremely hazardous substance equal to or in excess of its threshold planning quantity as defined in the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Public Law 99-499, Title III shall provide notification to the Cranston fire department that it is a facility subject to the emergency planning requirements of said act. Initial notification shall be made to the Cranston fire department within sixty (60) days after said facility first becomes subject to the requirements of this act. Subsequent to the initial notification, annual notifications to the Cranston fire department shall be made on or before March 1st of each year thereafter.
B. 
The Cranston fire department shall review the facilities list of chemicals provided in the initial notification and shall develop an emergency response plan for the facility.
C. 
The Cranston fire department shall review the facilities list of chemicals provided in the annual notification and shall make any revisions to said emergency response plan for the facility that may be required.
D. 
Fees. The fee due to the Cranston fire department by the owner or operator of each facility subject to this section shall be as follows:
Type
Fee
Review of initial notification and development of an emergency response plan
$100.00
Review of annual notification and/or revision of emergency response plan
$50.00
(Prior code § 10-23.4)
A. 
The fire prevention code shall be enforced by the bureau of fire prevention in the fire department of the city which is established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the chief of the fire department.
B. 
The officer in charge of the bureau of fire prevention shall be designated by the chief of the fire department.
C. 
The chief of the fire department may detail such members of the fire department as inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary.
D. 
A report of the bureau of fire prevention shall be made annually and transmitted to the chief executive officer of the municipality; it shall contain all proceedings under the fire prevention code, with such statistics as the chief of the fire department may wish to include therein; the chief of the fire department shall also recommend any amendments to such code which, in his or her judgment shall be desirable.
(Prior code § 10-24)
A. 
Wherever the word "municipality" is used in the fire prevention code, it shall be held to mean the city.
B. 
Wherever the term "corporation counsel" is used in the fire prevention code, it shall be held to mean the city solicitor.
C. 
Wherever the words "chief of the bureau of fire prevention" are used in the fire prevention code, they shall be held to mean the officer so designated by the chief of the fire department.
(Prior code § 10-25)
The limits referred to in Section 2.32.060(B) of the fire prevention code, in which storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited, are established as follows: The entire city, except as permitted in prior code Section 9-1 of the code.
(Prior code § 10-26)
[1]
Editor's note: During the 2004 recodification of the Cranston City Code, Section 9-1 of the prior code was not codified per city directive.
A. 
The limits referred to in Section 16.22a of the fire prevention code, in which storage of flammable liquids in outside aboveground tanks is prohibited, are established as follows: All districts of the city except those zoned industrial; provided, such use is allowed by Title 17.
B. 
The limits referred to in Section 16.51 of the fire prevention code, in which new bulk plants for flammable or combustible liquids are prohibited, are established as follows: all districts of the city except those zoned industrial; provided, such use is allowed by Title 17.
C. 
A fuel oil tank of more than one thousand (1,000) gallon capacity shall not be allowed to be located within a residential district without the permission of the fire prevention bureau and the committee on safety services and licenses.
(Prior code § 10-27)
There shall be established in the fire department a defense civil preparedness division. This division shall be under the control of the chief of the department, staffed by a captain, who shall serve as deputy director of the defense civil preparedness division with the general supervision of all defense civil preparedness duties and operations as required by the General Laws of the state of Rhode Island and in addition thereto he or she shall perform any other duties as assigned by the chief.
(Prior code § 10-29)
When a person installs, within his or her dwelling unit, a heatilator or other similar heating device, the installation of which does not require the issuance of a permit by the building inspector, the bureau of fire prevention, shall upon request of the person installing the same, inspect the heatilator or other similar device to insure that it is not dangerous or hazardous to the persons residing in the dwelling.
(Prior code § 10-30)
A. 
General Requirements.
1. 
Any person, including any partnership, corporation or association, undertaking the erection, extension, alteration or repair, or moving of a structure; or undertaking any structural alteration, electrical wiring, or installation of plumbing or mechanical equipment in an existing structure; or undertaking any changes that may affect the fire safety of a building or any portion thereof; shall first make application for an inspection and for a plan review to the city bureau of fire prevention. Said application shall be made at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the start of any construction, or work, accompanied by the proper fee or fees as described in subsection (B) of this section. No construction or work shall be started until the required application has been approved by the fire prevention office. No permit is required for any one-, two-, or three-family residential structure.
2. 
In all matters relating to the execution of this section, the interpretations and decisions of the city bureau of fire prevention shall be binding. If the applicant is not in agreement with the decision of the bureau of fire prevention, the applicant may request a variation or seek an appeal in accordance with Chapter 28.3 of the of the General Laws of the state of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended.
3. 
Any and all construction or work to be permitted shall be in complete compliance with the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code, 1976, as amended.
4. 
All fees as set forth in this section shall be based on full valuation of current construction costs. Construction costs (per square foot) shall be determined by the applicable building permit issued by the city building official.
5. 
There shall be no remuneration to any person for any inspection and/or plan review as required by this section.
6. 
Payment of fees shall be made to the bureau of fire prevention upon application. All fees shall be made payable to the city.
7. 
No fees shall be due for any structure situated on land owned by the city, state of Rhode Island, or the United States government.
8. 
No fees shall be due for a fire safety inspection as required for a license renewal.
B. 
Schedule of Permit Fees. Fees for fire safety permits shall be computed as follows:
Valuation of Construction Costs
Fee
$0 to $5,000
$50.00
$5,001 to $10,000
$100.00
$10,001 to $15,000
$150.00
$15,001 to $20,000
$200.00
$20,001 to $25,000
$250.00
$25,001 to $50,000
$300.00
$50,001 to $100,000
$350.00
$100,001 to $500,000
$400.00
$500,001 to $1,000,000
$500.00
$1,000,001 and over
$500.00 plus $10.00 per $2,500.00 additional valuation over $1,000,001
(Prior code § 10-31)
There shall be a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) for the review of plans for the proper placement of smoke detectors within any one-, two-, or three-family residential building.
(Prior code § 10-32)
A. 
No display of commercial fireworks or pyrotechnics as defined by Title 23, Chapter 28.11 of the General Laws of the state of Rhode Island, 1956, as amended, shall begin after 10:00 p.m.
B. 
The fee due to the Cranston fire department which shall include a review of the location plan for said fireworks display and fire apparatus standby on site during said display shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00).
(Prior code § 10-33)
Certification of compliance with applicable fire regulations of health clubs as provided for in RIGL 5-50-1 et seq. as amended, shall be issued by the city fire department after inspection of said facility and payment of an inspection fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00).
The fire chief shall promulgate such rules and regulations and provide suitable documents necessary to effect the purpose of this section.
(Prior code § 10-34)
Certification of compliance with applicable fire regulations of automobile body repair shops in accordance with the Rules and Regulations established by the Division of Licensing and Consumer Protection of the Department of Business Regulation of the state of Rhode Island shall be issued by the city fire department after inspection of said facility and payment of an inspection fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00).
The fire chief shall promulgate such rules and regulations and provide suitable documents necessary to effect the purpose of this section.
(Prior code § 10-35)
No person shall kindle or maintain any fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained in the city of Cranston with the following exceptions:
A. 
Cooking of food on barbecues, fireplaces or grills shall at least be ten (10) feet from the property line of each adjacent owner. Homeowners should make themselves aware of the current fire code (and subsequent amendments which may follow) which states that homeowners shall not have any fire within ten (10) feet of a structure or building.
1. 
All cooking and/or fire features must be contained in an enclosure that is constructed from brick, masonry, metal or other non-combustible material.
2. 
No trash, leaves, stumps, treated, pained or varnished or otherwise coated lumber or material shall be burned.
3. 
An adult must be in attendance at all times the cooking equipment is in use.
4. 
Existing permanent cooking structures are allowed to remain if in working condition in 2017.
B. 
Fires authorized by the fire department for the purpose of training firefighters and retarding the spread of fires.
(Ord. 2017-42, § 1, 12/18/2017)
[1]
Editor's note: These provisions were originally enacted as § 28.1 but were renumbered as § 8.08.200.