There is hereby adopted by the Town Board of
the Town of Henrietta, New York, for the purpose of prescribing regulations
governing building construction and conditions hazardous to life and
property from fire, explosion or other causes, the regulations and
standards as set forth in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code (henceforth referred to as the "Uniform Code").
A person owning, operating, occupying or maintaining
property or premises within the scope of the Uniform Code or this
chapter shall comply with all the provisions of the Uniform Code,
this chapter and all orders, notices, rules, regulations or determinations
issued in connection therewith.
[Amended 2-15-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006; 6-26-2019 by L.L. No. 5-2019]
Whenever it is found that a building or structure, or part thereof,
may be an imminent danger to life and safety as a result of a fire,
explosion, structural instability or other hazardous situation, the
Fire Marshal may require the occupants of any such building or structure,
or any part thereof, to vacate the premises forthwith. No person shall
use or occupy such building or structure, or part thereof, until it
is made safe. Except for the owner, no person shall enter premises
which have been ordered vacated unless authorized to perform inspections,
repairs or to demolish and remove such building or structure, or part
thereof.
Whereas the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code makes reference to various subjects dealing with
fire protection and for fire prevention practices and provides only
general procedures for administering said code, it is hereby deemed
necessary and appropriate to set forth additional administrative and
enforcement procedures for the Town of Henrietta to enable the Fire
Marshal to effectively enforce the provisions of this chapter. The
specific areas of fire protection and/or fire prevention which are
the subject of these additional administrative provisions are set
forth herein and each subject is referenced to the applicable section
of the Uniform Code where such subject is addressed.
A. Fire lanes.
(1) All premises and buildings in the Town of Henrietta
which, in the discretion of the Fire Marshal, are not accessible from
the public roads shall be provided with suitable access roads and
fire lanes so that all buildings on the premises are accessible. The
location, size, layout and nature of said access roads and fire lanes
shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Marshal. In those areas
where new construction is being undertaken, suitable roads shall be
constructed and maintained so as to provide access to the Fire Department
and other emergency vehicles prior to the commencement of any aboveground
construction.
(2) Fire lanes for shopping centers, office buildings,
places of assembly and other commercial/industrial buildings shall
be a minimum of 30 feet in width, and 25 feet in width in multiple-residence
districts. In the event of a conflict, the location and width of such
fire lane shall be determined by the Fire Marshal so as to provide
reasonable access to the building for emergency vehicles. Fire lanes
shall be of such construction as determined by the Fire Marshal and
shall be located so as to be accessible to the nearest public road
or highway.
(3) Fire lanes shall be clearly designated by suitable
approved pole- or building-mounted signs to be provided by the owners
or occupants of the premises. Failure to replace or repair damaged,
rusted or faded signs within 30 days after written notice shall have
been served upon the owner or occupant shall constitute a violation
of this chapter.
(4) The signs required to be posted by this chapter shall
conform to the size and color requirements for parking signs as set
forth in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices of the New
York State Department of Transportation. In addition, said signs shall
also:
(a)
Have arrows pointing in the direction of the
area designated as a fire lane.
(b)
Be posted not more than 50 feet apart.
(c)
Be neither of a portable or movable type, except
where otherwise directed by the Fire Marshal.
B. Fire protection equipment, water supply.
(1) The Fire Marshal and Fire Chief shall review all plans
submitted to the Town of Henrietta for subdivisions, multiple residences,
commercial and industrial areas, schools and churches. Such approvals
shall be in line with the following standards:
(a)
The Department of Building and Fire Prevention or other appropriate
office is to furnish the Fire Marshal with maps or plans showing street
and water main locations, together with other site information.
[Amended 2-15-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006; 6-26-2019 by L.L. No. 5-2019]
(b)
The Fire Marshal will be allowed 30 days for
review of plans. The Fire Marshal's and Fire Chief's comments shall
be plainly shown on the plans and signed by them. One complete copy
of the plans shall be returned to the Fire Marshal upon final approval.
(c)
The foregoing recommendations shall be forwarded
to the appropriate governing agency for final approval in conformance
with the laws as in such cases are made and provided.
(d)
The Fire Marshal and Fire Chief will be allowed
30 days to review building plans for changes or alterations in commercial
or industrial buildings where no Planning Board or Town Board review
is required and to make stipulations within the guidelines set forth
in the Fire Prevention Code of the Town of Henrietta.
(2) Residential districts.
(a)
Hydrants shall not exceed a maximum of 500 feet
apart on each street in either direction and shall be located at intersections
whenever possible.
(b)
Hydrants must be installed and flow-tested before
aboveground construction is commenced. Flow tests shall comply with
the specifications of the Insurance Services Office of New York to
produce an A-rating.
(c)
Temporary exceptions may be made during construction
by the Fire Marshal.
(3) Multiple-residence, commercial and industrial districts.
(a)
Hydrants shall not exceed a maximum of 300 feet
apart and shall be so located that all buildings can be reached by
comparatively short hose lays from more than one hydrant.
(b)
Hydrants must be installed and flow-tested before
aboveground construction is commenced. Flow tests shall comply with
the specifications of the Insurance Services Office to produce an
A-rating.
(c)
No aboveground construction is to commence until
an approved roadway base capable of carrying the weight of fire apparatus
is installed.
(d)
Temporary exceptions may be made by the Fire
Marshal.
(4) Fire hydrants.
(a)
The location of public or private hydrants shall
not exceed the maximum distances established by the Fire Marshal.
Hydrants located in subdivisions and other residential areas shall
be located at intersections whenever possible.
(b)
In areas where new construction is being undertaken
and public or private water mains and hydrants do not exist, water
mains and hydrants shall be installed and be in proper operating condition
prior to the commencement of any aboveground construction. Upon written
application and for good cause shown, the Fire Marshal may grant temporary
exceptions to this requirement, the length and extent of said temporary
exception being subject to the sole discretion of the Fire Marshal.
In the event that the terms and conditions of said permission are
not complied with, the Fire Marshal, in his sole discretion, may revoke
said permission.
(c)
No person shall cause any obstruction to be
placed within 15 feet of any public or private fire hydrant, except
in the event of emergency situation with the approval of the Fire
Marshal. No person, except those officially authorized to do so, shall
intentionally cause snow to be placed around any public or private
hydrant so as to unreasonably interfere with its use.
(d)
Privately owned water mains and fire hydrants
on property devoted to public use, including but not limited to multiple-dwelling
complexes, churches, commercial buildings, schools, places of assembly
and shopping centers, shall be regularly maintained and annually serviced
by the owner or person generally in charge of the subject premises.
Such maintenance and annual servicing shall be conducted in accordance
with generally accepted standards, and records of such annual maintenance
shall be kept on the premises so that the same is available for examination.
(e)
In addition to such other penalties as may be
provided for herein, should the hydrant maintenance and servicing
provided for in this chapter not be carried out as required herein,
the Town of Henrietta or its duly authorized agents or employees may
cause said maintenance and servicing to be carried out at the expense
of the owner of the subject premises. All costs and expenses incurred
by the Town of Henrietta in connection therewith shall be assessed
against the land on which said water mains and hydrants are located
as set forth in this chapter, provided that written notice shall have
been given to the owner of the premises as set forth herein. The notice
shall contain the following:
[1]
A description of the premises.
[2]
A statement that the annual servicing or maintenance
as required by this chapter has not been performed.
[3]
An order requiring that said servicing or maintenance
be completed by a certain time and date, which date shall be not less
than three working days from the date of service of the notice.
(5) Standpipe systems.
(a)
Hoses shall be inspected once a year and so
noted. Valves, other than hose stations, shall be secured in the open
position by means of a chain and lock.
(b)
Fire Department connections for standpipe and
sprinkler systems are to be maintained accessible at all times. No
large shrubbery, fences or barriers of any type shall be placed within
10 feet of connections. This shall also apply to snow removal and
plowing.
C. Fire alarm systems.
(1) Fire alarm systems shall be approved by the Fire Marshal
prior to installation.
(2) All fire alarm systems shall be tested at least monthly
and records of such testing shall be maintained on the premises and
be available for inspection.
(3) All fire alarm systems shall be inspected annually
by qualified service personnel, and records of such inspections shall
be maintained on the premises and available for inspection.
(4) No persons, except authorized personnel, shall fail
to leave or vacate premises in which a fire alarm has activated or
when there has been reported to be a fire or possible fire. No person
shall reoccupy said premises until it is deemed safe by the appropriate
fire or code enforcement official.
D. Commercial ovens. All new and existing equipment,
when altered or changed, shall be approved by the Fire Marshal.
E. Storage and handling of hazardous liquids.
(1) General.
(a)
Portable containers for motor vehicle fuel shall
be clearly marked with the name of the product contained. This marking
shall have been applied to such container by the manufacturer of the
same.
(b)
Underground storage tanks containing gasoline,
oil or other liquid that generates a flammable vapor at normal temperature
and having a maximum individual capacity of up to 12,000 gallons may
be installed. The maximum aggregate capacity at any site shall not
exceed 24,000 gallons in total capacity.
[Amended 2-18-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015]
(c)
The Fire Marshal or his designated representative
is further authorized to order the owner or occupants of premises
having hazardous liquid storage tanks located thereon to have such
tanks tested by methods prescribed by the Fire Marshal to determine
if such tanks are leaking, if the Fire Marshal has reasonable belief
that such tanks may contain a leak.
(d)
Aboveground storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids shall be prohibited, except as permitted by Subsection
E(1)(o) of this chapter.
[Amended 11-6-1991]
(e)
Underground storage tanks containing Class 1
liquids shall be prohibited in residential districts.
(f)
Installation or alteration permit. No installation,
alteration or replacement of underground or aboveground tanks, pumps,
piping and other equipment relating to the storage of hazardous liquids
shall be commenced without first obtaining a permit therefor from
the Fire Marshal.
(g)
Noncompliance with the requirements of this
chapter shall be sufficient cause for the suspension or revocation
by the Fire Marshal of any permit issued hereunder in this chapter.
(h)
Leaking tanks, pumps or piping shall be repaired
or replaced immediately, and it shall be within the discretion of
the Fire Marshal as to whether the station or facility must cease
any and/or all operations while repairs or replacement are being made.
(i)
There is to be no more than one gasoline tank
truck delivering flammable liquids on the premises of a gasoline service
facility at any one time. Before making any deliveries to underground
tanks, the driver or other authorized person shall set the brakes
of the truck and shall turn off the engine of the vehicle. Evertite
or OPW fill couplings, or the equivalent, must be used when unloading
flammable liquids from tank truck to storage tank. The driver shall
remain at the point of delivery to prevent spillage and overflow.
In case of spillage or overflow, the Henrietta Fire District and the
Town Fire Marshal shall be notified immediately.
(j)
In the event of accidental spillage or leakage
of a flammable liquid in quantities of five United States gallons
or greater, whether or not it may enter sewers, the Fire Department
and Fire Marshal shall be notified immediately.
(k)
A sufficient quantity of stay-dry absorbent
must be kept on the premises at all times for flammable liquid spills
and should be used for this purpose whenever possible, instead of
flushing with water.
(l)
The telephone number of the owner, lessee or
station operator shall be posted on the door in a conspicuous location
so that proper identification can be made in the event of an emergency.
(m)
All tanks containing flammable liquids must
be tested weekly for water infiltration, and records shall be kept
on the premises showing the date, hour and results of such tests.
When any test shows water present in the flammable liquid, the Fire
Marshal shall be immediately notified. Such water may not be removed
until after notification of the Fire Marshal.
(n)
Accurate daily inventory records shall be maintained
and reconciled on all Class 1 liquids and diesel fuel storage tanks
for indication of possible leakage from tanks or piping. The records
shall be kept at the premises, available for inspection by the Fire
Marshal, and shall include, as a minimum, records showing, by product,
daily reconciliation between sales, use, receipts and inventory on
hand. If there is more than one tank system for any one product, the
reconciliation shall be maintained separately from each tank system.
(o)
Dispensing restrictions.
[Added 11-6-1991]
[1]
The provisions of this subsection shall not
prohibit the dispensing of Class 1 and Class 2 liquids in the open
from a fuel-dispensing system supplied by an aboveground tank, not
to exceed 2,000 gallons, located at commercial, industrial, governmental
or manufacturing establishments and intended for fueling vehicles
used in connection with their business. Such dispensing may be permitted,
provided that:
[a] An inspection of the premises and
operations has been made and approval granted by the Fire Marshal.
[b] The tank is safeguarded against
collision, spillage and overfill to the satisfaction of the Fire Marshal.
[c] The tank system is listed or approved
for such aboveground use by the Fire Marshal.
[d] The tank complies with requirements
for emergency relief venting and the tank and dispensing system meet
the electrical classification requirements of the National Electrical
Code.
[2]
Aboveground storage tanks.
[a] Aboveground storage tanks may be
installed upon the approval of the Fire Marshal and as provided for
in this subsection.
[b] Except as modified by the provisions
of this subsection, aboveground storage tanks and their piping systems
shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 2 and 3 of
NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
[c] Only aboveground storage tanks shall be used. Tanks designed and built for underground use shall not be installed for aboveground use. All aboveground storage tanks shall be enclosed in a vault which is in compliance with Subsection
E(1)(o)[4] of this section.
[3]
Tank location and capacity.
[a] Tanks storing Class 1 and 2 liquids
at an individual site shall be limited to a maximum individual capacity
of 2,000 gallons and an aggregate capacity of 4,000 gallons.
[b] Tanks shall be located at least:
[i] Twenty-five feet from the nearest
important building on the same property.
[ii] Twenty-five feet from any fuel
dispenser.
[iii] Twenty-five feet from the nearest
side of a public way.
[iv] One hundred feet from any property
line that is or can be built upon, including the opposite side of
a public way.
[c] Tanks shall not be permitted on
property occupied as a one- or two-family dwelling.
[4]
Vaults.
[a] Definition. "Vault" shall be defined as an enclosure, either above or below grade, that contains an aboveground storage tank and meets the requirements of Subsection
E(1)(o)[4][b][i] and [ii].
[b] Requirements.
[i] The vault shall completely enclose
each tank. There shall be no openings in the vault enclosure except
those necessary for access to, inspection of and filling, emptying
and venting of the tank. The walls and floor of the vault shall be
constructed of reinforced concrete at least six inches (15 centimeters)
thick. The top shall be constructed of noncombustible material. The
top and floor of the vault and the tank foundation shall be designed
to withstand the anticipated loading. The walls and floor of any vault
installed below grade shall be designed to withstand anticipated soil
and hydrostatic loading. The vault shall be substantially liquid-tight,
and there shall be no backfill around the tank.
[ii] Each vault and its tank shall
be suitably anchored to withstand uplifting by groundwater or flooding,
including when the tank is empty.
[iii] The vault shall be designed to
be wind and earthquake resistant, in accordance with good engineering
practice. The vault shall be resistant to damage from the impact of
a motor vehicle, or suitable collision barriers shall be provided.
[iv] Each tank shall be in its own
vault. Adjacent vaults may share a common wall.
[v] Connections shall be provided to
permit ventilation of each vault to dilute, disperse and remove vapors
prior to entering the vault.
[5]
Tank-filling operations.
[a] Delivery operations shall comply
with applicable requirements of NFPA 385, Standard for Tank Vehicles
for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
[b] The delivery vehicle shall be separated
from any aboveground tank by at least 25 feet.
[c] Tank filling shall not begin until
the delivery operator has determined tank ullage (available capacity).
[d] If the delivery hose is connected
directly to the tank, the fill line at the tank shall be equipped
with a tight-fill device for connecting the hose to the tank to prevent
or contain any spill at the fill opening during delivery operations.
(Exception: A tank that has a capacity that does not exceed 1,000
gallons need not meet this requirement.)
(2) Dispensing of motor vehicle fuel.
(a)
Each service station open to the public shall
have an attendant or supervisor on duty whenever the station is open
for business.
(b)
Dispension devices for Class 1 or 2 flammable
liquids shall be of the type approved by the Fire Marshal.
(c)
Dispensing of Class 1 or 2 flammable liquids
by persons other than the service attendant or supervisor shall be
prohibited, except at the self-service island.
(d)
All dispensing units shall be equipped with
the following:
[1]
A control device which will permit the pump
to operate only when the dispensing nozzle is removed from its bracket
on the dispensing unit and switch for this dispensing unit is manually
activated. Said control device shall also stop the pump when the nozzle
has been returned to its bracket.
[2]
A means of being kept locked or otherwise inoperable
when the station is not open for business.
(3) Service stations, in addition to the requirements
set forth herein for the storage and handling of motor vehicle fuel,
shall also be subject to the following:
(a)
At the time of the application for a permit,
the applicant shall submit a full site plan or instrument survey of
the property, showing all tank locations, island setbacks and such
other and further information that may be necessary to determine compliance
with the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Fuel dispensing pumps and nozzles shall be confirmed
to service islands with no more than three dispensing units per island,
each of which dispensing unit shall utilize no more than two hoses
and nozzles per unit. Approved dispensing devices, such as but not
limited to coin-operated, card-operated and remote-preset types, shall
be permitted, provided that the dispensing of liquids is under the
direct supervision of a qualified attendant whose duties and qualifications
are set forth in the standards and guidelines established by the Fire
Marshal.
(4) Self-service fuel dispensing stations, in addition
to the requirements required by this chapter and the Uniform Code,
shall also be subject to the following:
(a)
The area where said liquids are actually dispensed
shall be equipped with all of the following:
[1]
A traffic mirror, of sufficient size, located
on each end of each pump island to give the attendant a clear and
unobstructed view of each island, said mirrors to be installed in
locations acceptable to the Fire Marshal.
[2]
A two-way communications system of the public-address
type to facilitate direct and individual communication between the
control room area and each pump island at all times that Class 1 liquids
are being dispensed.
(b)
Self-service gasoline station attendants shall
be at least 18 years of age, properly trained and physically fit to
act in an emergency. Trainees enrolled in a school training program
who are at least 16 years of age need not meet the basic age requirement.
F. Hazardous chemicals, general requirements.
(1) The transportation of hazardous chemicals and other
dangerous articles by motor vehicles shall comply with Department
of Transportation regulations.
(2) Shipments whose origin and destination are outside
the Town of Henrietta are confined to the use of state highways.
(3) Shipments of an intratown nature, either originating
in or destined to a Henrietta location, shall follow a route to be
designated by the Fire Marshal.
G. Explosives and blasting agents.
(1) The storage of explosives and blasting agents is to
be prohibited.
(2) Establishment of motor vehicle routes for vehicles
transporting explosives and blasting agents:
(a)
Shipments whose origin and destination are outside
the Town of Henrietta are confined to the use of state highways.
(b)
Shipments of an intratown nature, either originating
in or destined to a Henrietta location shall follow a route designated
by the Fire Marshal.
H. Fire extinguisher and fixed fire suppression systems.
[Added 3-20-2002 by L.L. No. 3-2002]
(1) License required. No person shall engage in or conduct
the trade within the Town of Henrietta without first having obtained
a license therefor issued by the Fire Marshal, and without having
first obtained and filed with the Fire Marshal an insurance certificate,
showing coverages as may be determined by the Fire Marshal, consistent
with the provisions of § 119-13H(3). The Fire Marshal may
issue a license to engage in the trade which has also been issued
by the City of Rochester or where the applicant is holding any other
license to engage in the trade issued by another jurisdiction which
the Fire Marshal determines has requirements for its issuance that
are substantially similar to the licensing requirements of the City
of Rochester.
(2) Licensing of corporation or limited liability companies.
A corporation or limited liability company may conduct one or more
of the trade within the Town of Henrietta and shall be entitled to
a license therefor, provided that one or more employees of such entity
is the holder of a license duly granted as provided in this chapter.
No person shall perform the trade on the behalf of such entity unless
he or she is licensed hereunder.
(3) Insurance certificate. An insurance certificate showing coverages
set by resolution of the Town Board and filed in the Department of
Building and Fire Prevention shall be filed by every person or entity
engaged in the trade within the Town of Henrietta. Such insurance
certificate shall name the Town of Henrietta as an additional insured.
Such insurance policy shall be renewed from year to year so long as
the licensee engages in the trade within the Town of Henrietta.
[Amended 2-15-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006; 6-26-2019 by L.L. No. 5-2019]
(4) Revocation of license. The Town Board may revoke any
license issued under the authority of this chapter, provided that
before such revocation a public hearing shall be held before the Town
Board, upon at least 10 days' written notice from the Fire Marshal
by first-class mail to the licensee, and that following such public
hearing the Town Board determines that such licensee is not qualified
to properly conduct the trade, or that the licensee's jurisdiction
has been revoked or is otherwise no longer in effect, or that the
licensee has violated the provisions of this chapter.
(5) Penalties for offenses. Persons convicted of violating any provision of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties contained in §
119-9, Town of Henrietta Fire Prevention Code. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense hereunder.
The provisions of the Uniform Code and this
chapter relating to maintenance, housekeeping and behavior so as to
protect life and property against the hazards of fire, explosion and
the release of toxic gases or materials arising from the storage,
handling or use of combustible, flammable or hazardous substances,
materials or devices shall apply equally to new and existing buildings
and conditions.
The Fire Marshal shall have the authority to
permit the continuance of preexisting conditions not in strict compliance
with the terms of this chapter where the exceptions do not constitute
a distinct hazard to life and/or property.
[Amended 2-15-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006; 2-18-2015 by L.L. No. 1-2015]
A. An owner or his agent may apply for a variance with
respect to any provision of this chapter to the Henrietta Zoning Board
of Appeals, pursuant to that Board's procedures.
B. An owner or his agent may apply to a New York regional
board of review in order to seek for a variance or modification with
respect to any provision of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code, pursuant to the procedures and fees promulgated
by the New York Department of State.
C. The procedures set forth herein for appeals shall
not prohibit the Fire Marshal from immediately removing a hazard or
ordering the immediate closing of a building or premises until a violation
of this chapter or the Uniform Code has been corrected, when such
hazard or existence of such violation constitutes, in the opinion
of the Fire Marshal, a distinct hazard to life and property or public
safety.