Unless otherwise expressly stated, when used in this article the words "coin-operated laundry establishment" shall include a self-service place used by the general public for the purpose of washing or drying clothing or other fabrics.
[Amended 12-5-1984 by L.L. No. 17-1984; 12-20-2000 by L.L. No. 11-2000]
It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain or operate a coin-operated laundry establishment without a permit therefor. Application for such permit shall be accompanied by an inspection and permit fee to be set annually by resolution of the City Council before adoption of the budget for the following year.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to coin-operated laundry establishments in residential buildings, except that this exemption shall not apply to store units in buildings occupied in part for residential purposes.
A. 
Washers and dryers shall be so constructed that they will cease to function when the door is opened. Installations shall be so designed as to prevent entrance to the rear of the washers and dryers by unauthorized people. Washers and dryers shall be installed in accordance with nationally recognized good practice. Compliance with the provisions of the standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, known as the "National Electrical Code," shall be deemed prima facie evidence of compliance with this section. Provision shall also be made so that in case of a blower motor or gas control failure, the dryer must shut off automatically.
B. 
Boiler must be provided with a low-water cutoff device to protect the boiler from burning out should a low-water condition occur.
C. 
The platform for washers shall be so designed that any water spilling out of a washer shall be drained off on the platform itself. The floor of the store shall be sufficiently and properly covered with a nonabsorbent paint or cement or other impervious material. Areas such as basements, offices, storage places and closets shall have locked doors.
D. 
Store layout, design and lighting shall be so planned as to provide visibility of the complete interior of the store from the street or sidewalk. The store shall be adequately ventilated and shall have a sufficient amount of natural or artificial light, as shall be required by the Building Inspector. If the store has a rear entrance from a parking area, an outside floodlight shall be provided to satisfactorily illuminate the area leading to the rear of the store.
E. 
The store shall be kept clean at all times. Refuse disposal cans must be provided and so designed that at no time will they be uncovered.
F. 
A fire extinguisher, approved by the Board of Fire Wardens, Chief of the Fire Department or Fire Inspector, shall be mounted where it shall be accessible to patrons of the store.