Township of Abington, PA Chapter 85 Fire Prevention

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington 4-8-1971 by Ord. No. 1305. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Fire Department — See Ch. 12.

Fire police force — See Ch. 14.

Alarm systems — See Ch. 56.

Building construction — See Ch. 62.

Burning — See Ch. 65.

Housing standards — See Ch. 98.

§ 85-1 Adoption of code by reference.

[Amended 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684]

There is hereby adopted by the Township of Abington, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain code known as the "BOCA National Fire Prevention Code/1990," Eighth Edition, and the whole thereof, including all appendices, as published by the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc., save such portions that are hereafter deleted, modified or amended, of which code not fewer than one copy has been and now is filed in the office of the Secretary of the Township of Abington at 1176 Old York Road, Abington, Pennsylvania, and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length herein, and the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

§ 85-2 Definitions.

[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346]

A. Whenever the following words are used in this chapter and in the Fire Prevention Code or any part thereof, they shall have the respective meanings as follows:

ALARM SERVICE

The service required following the manual operation of a fire alarm box, the transmission of an alarm indicating the operation of protective systems, including heat, smoke, water flow, or the transmission of an alarm from other protective systems.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Any building under the supervision of a veterinarian, used for the medical or surgical treatment, housing or boarding of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds or fowl.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

ANIMAL KENNEL

Any building or buildings used for the housing, boarding, grooming or manicuring of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, birds or fowl.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

APARTMENT

A dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling. This classification includes apartments in apartment houses, apartment hotels, bachelor apartments, studio apartments and kitchenette apartments.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

APARTMENT HOUSE

A building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by three or more families living independently of each other.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

APPROVED RATING BUREAU

A fire insurance rating and/or inspection bureau, department, organization or agency, including inter alia, American Insurance Association, Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Companies, Industrial Risk Insurers, Improved Risk Mutuals, Insurance Service Office or any other such organization duly approved by resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

APPROVED SPRINKLER SYSTEM

An improved sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards, including water supply systematic pattern of piping valves and actuating devices as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association or any other recognized engineering association that is accepted by an approved fire insurance rating bureau, department or organization.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

AUTO BODY SHOP

Any structure or any building or part thereof that is used for the repair, spraying or painting of vehicle bodies, chassis, wheels, fenders, bumpers and/or accessories of automobiles and other vehicles or conveyances.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTORS

An individual device or devices designed to detect flame, heat, smoke or other combustion gases resulting from a fire and to automatically operate electrical signaling contacts. The signaling contacts may be integral parts of an individual device or parts of a separate device to which the detecting element is connected as an extended component.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION

Any area of land, including any structures thereon, or any building or part thereof that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, diesel or other fuel, kerosene, oil or accessories for motor vehicles and which may include facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning or otherwise cleaning or servicing such vehicles, including self service or full serve filling stations, but not including the storage of motor vehicles.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

BASEMENT

A story partly underground but having at least 1/2 of its height above the mean level of the adjoining ground. A basement shall be counted as a story for the purpose of height measurement if the vertical distance between the ceiling of the basement and the mean level of the adjoining ground is more than five feet or is used for business or dwelling purposes other than a game or recreation room.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

BUILDING

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels, and including integral covered porches or bay windows and chimneys.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

BUILDING, DETACHED

A structure surrounded by open space on the same lot as the main building.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

BUILDING OFFICIAL

Building Inspector or the Building Inspector's Assistants of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

CELLAR

A story, 1/2 or more of which is below grade.

CENTRAL STATION SUPERVISORY SYSTEM

A system or group of systems, the operations of which are signaled to, recorded in, maintained and supervised from an approved central station in which there are competent and experienced observers and operators in attendance at all times whose duty it shall be, upon receipt of a signal, to take such action as shall be required under the rules established for their guidance. Such systems shall be controlled and operated by a person, firm or corporation whose principal business is the furnishing and maintaining of supervised protective signaling service and who has no professional or business interest in the protected properties.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE PREVENTION

Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

CLOUD CHAMBER SMOKE DETECTOR

A form of sampling detector in which the air pump draws a sample of air into a high-humidity chamber within the detector. After the air is in the humidity chamber, the pressure is lowered slightly. If smoke particles are present, the moisture in the air condenses on them, forming a cloud in the chamber. The density of this cloud is then measured by the photoelectric principle. When the density is greater than a predetermined level, the detector responds to the smoke.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

CLUBS, LODGES, FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS

Any establishment operated for social, recreational or educational purposes but open only to members and not to the general public.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

CODE OFFICIAL

The Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

[Added 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684]

COMMAND STATION

A cutoff fire-resistive room located on the ground floor, containing all the equipment necessary during emergencies to control elevators, communication systems, alarms, detectors and other necessary equipment for complete control of fire fighting and evacuation.

COMMERCIAL

All structures for wholesale or retail, including, inter alia, department stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, shopping malls, marts, all builders supply stores, home improvement centers; furniture, clothing and appliance stores, all off-premises storage and warehouse structures used in whole or in part for commercial storage; restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, donut shops, cafeterias, ice-cream parlors, banquet or private catering, fast-food restaurants, pizza parlors, steak and hoagie houses, pharmacies and sporting goods; specialty stores, including inter alia, shoe or leather repair, beauty or nail salons, laundry or dry cleaners, jewelry or watch repair.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

COMMISSIONERS

Commissioners of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

COMMUNITY CENTER

A meeting place used by members of a community for social, cultural, educational or recreational purposes.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

COMPARTMENTATION

An area of refuge within a building for the building's occupants.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

CORPORATION COUNSEL

Solicitor of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

CRAWL SPACE

That part of a building that is below grade but is less than six feet in height.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Department of Public Safety of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

DWELLING

A building or structure designed for living quarters for one or more families, including modular or prefabricated homes which are supported by a foundation or are otherwise permanently attached to the land, but not including hotels, rooming houses or other accommodations used for transient occupancy.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY

A building used by three or more families living independently of each other and doing their own cooking, including apartment houses, row houses and townhouses.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

A building used by one family having only one dwelling unit and having two side yards.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED

A building used by one family having one side yard, and one parapetted masonry party well in common with another building (twin).

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED

A building used by two families, with one dwelling unit arranged over the other and having two side yards.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED

A building used by two families, with one dwelling unit arranged over the other, having one side yard and one parapetted masonry party well in common with another building.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

DWELLING UNIT

One or more rooms used for living and sleeping purposes and having a kitchen with fixed cooking facilities arranged for occupancy by one family.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

EDUCATIONAL

All schools, including, inter alia, private, public, parochial, religious, organizational, vocational, technical, business, military, trade school, pre-school, kindergarten, grade school, junior high school, senior high school, preparatory schools, colleges, universities and all structures within the complex.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

FAMILY

One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, or not more than two unrelated persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

FAMILY LIVING UNIT

That structure, area or room or a combination of rooms in which a family or individual lives. This is meant to cover living area only and not common usage areas in multifamily buildings, such as corridors, lobbies, basements, etc.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

FIRE OFFICIAL

Fire Marshal of the Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

FIRE RESISTIVE BUILDING

A structure with structural designs employing reinforced concrete or conventional protected steel beam, girder and columns construction or only such materials and designs as would warrant not less than a four-hour fire-resistant rating for main load-bearing walls, columns and girders and their supporting members. The standard three-hour fire-resistant rating is given to floors constructed of reinforced concrete or its equivalent at least four inches thick for load-bearing floors and three inches in thickness for roof when supporting none other than its own load.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

FLAME DETECTOR

A device which detects the infrared or ultraviolet or visible radiation produced by fire.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

GARDEN APARTMENT

A two-story multifamily dwelling containing one story dwelling units under one ownership.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

HEAT DETECTOR

A device which detects abnormally a high temperature or rate-of-temperature rise.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

HIGH-HAZARD OCCUPANCY

A building or structure occupied for the storage, manufacture, laundry and dry-cleaning process or sales of highly combustible or explosive products or materials which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or which may produce or emit poisonous toxic or noxious alkalies, acid or other liquids or chemicals involving flame, fume, explosive, poisonous, irritant or corrosive cases; and the storage, process, manufacture or sales of any products or materials involving explosive mixtures of dust or which result in the division of particulate matter into fine particles subject to a dust explosion or spontaneous ignition.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

HIGH-RISE STRUCTURE

All structures or buildings in excess of six stories or 65 feet in height above mean grade level.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

HOSPITAL

An institution providing health services, primarily for in-patients, and medical or surgical care of the sick or injured, including, as an integral part of the institution, such related facilities as laboratories out-patient departments, training facilities, central service facilities and staff offices.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

HOTEL OR MOTEL

A building containing 10 or more guest rooms or a group of such buildings specifically designed for the temporary lodging of transient guests, provided that no room shall have cooking facilities of any kind. Such establishment shall make available to the occupants customary hotel services such as room service for food and beverages, maid service and the furnishing and laundering of linen.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

HOUSEHOLD

The family living unit in single-family detached dwellings, single-family attached dwellings, multifamily buildings and mobile homes.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

INDUSTRIAL

All structures used for the manufacture and/or assembly of wood, metal, electronic, animal, natural, plastic, glass and synthetic products, processing or food products, all off-premises storage and warehousing of industrial raw supplies and finished products, paper products, printing, book binding, photo engraving and publishing.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

INN

A building containing fewer than 10 but more than four guest rooms specifically designed for the temporary lodging of transient guests, provided that no room shall have cooking facilities of any kind. Such establishment shall make available to the occupants customary hotel services, such as room service for food and beverages, maid service and the furnishing and laundering of linen.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

INSTITUTIONAL

A building or a group of buildings within an envelope with sleeping rooms where persons are housed or lodged and furnished with meals and nursing care dormitories and which is approved for nonprofit agencies licensed for profit making operations by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, including, inter alia, all homes for the aged and/or retired; retirement homes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, rooms and boarding for the aged and/or retired; hospitals, therapeutic and prophylactic sanitariums; trauma centers and penal institutions; group home care for the mentally or physically handicapped; children's day nurseries and child-care centers; schools, animal hospitals and kennels.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

IONIZATION DETECTOR

A device with a small amount of radioactive material which ionizes the air in the sensing chamber, thus rendering it conductive and permitting a current to flow through the air between two electrodes. This gives the sensing chamber an effective electrical conductance. When smoke particles enter the ionization area, they decrease the conductance of the air by attaching themselves to the ions, causing a reduction in mobility. When the conductance is less than a predetermined level, the detector circuit responds.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

MERCANTILE

Malls, retail and department stores and commercial stores affiliated with retail.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

MODIFIED FIRE-RESISTIVE BUILDING

A structure employing the same structural materials as fire-resistive building, but with supports consisting of structural forms and/or light steel members commonly referred to as "light steel," "metal lumber," and "bar joists," regardless of the fire-resistant ratings. Prestressed concrete shall also be considered as modified fire relative construction. Modified fire-resistive construction shall be in general based on materials and designs having not less than a three-hour fire-resistive rating.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

MODULAR OR PREFABRICATED HOME

A detached single-family dwelling designed and constructed at another location and shipped complete, except for minor incidental unpacking and assembly at a permanent location and set on a permanent foundation. The utilities connection shall be in compliance with the Building Code of the Township of Abington.[1]

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE

Single-station devices, two or more of which may be interconnected so that actuation of one device causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate. It may also consist of one single-station device having connections for other detectors or manual stations.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

MUNICIPALITY

The Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDING

A structure having masonry walls and with floors and roof of noncombustible construction. Metal walls with steel columns, beams, girders and roof may be considered as a noncombustible or prefabricated structure.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

OFFICE

A building designed or used primarily for the affairs of a business, including, inter alia, professional and engineering offices; realtors, financial, investment and personal services offices; mental, physical medicine and trauma treatment offices; municipal utilities, consultations, referral or testing offices, post offices and banks. No part of the building shall be used for manufacturing or processing or for a dwelling other than for a watchman or custodian.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

PHOTOELECTRIC BEAM-TYPE DETECTOR

A device that consists of a light source which is projected across the area to be protected into a photosensing cell. Smoke between the light source and the receiving photosensing cell reduces the light reaching the cell, causing actuation.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

PHOTOELECTRIC SPOT-TYPE DETECTOR

A device that contains a chamber with either overlapping or porous covers which prevent the entrance of outside sources of light but which allow the entry of smoke. The unit contains a light source and a special photosensitive cell in the darkened chamber. The cell is either placed in the darkened area of the chamber at an angle different from the light path or has the light blocked from it by a light stop or shield placed between the light source and the cell. With the admission of the smoke particles, light strikes the particles and is scattered and reflected into the photosensitive cell. This causes the photosensing circuit to respond to the presence of smoke particles in the smoke chamber.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

PRODUCTS-OF-COMBUSTION DETECTORS

A detecting combination designed to detect one or more products of combustion. These products may consist of gases, ions, water vapor, invisible as well as visible smoke particles.

[Added 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

All buildings or areas within a building used as churches, temples, synagogues, chapels or other places of worship, including affiliated offices, funeral homes, ceremonies and socials; theaters, auditoriums, cinemas, operas, musicals, live performances, symphony orchestras and bands; fraternal, religious, political, patriotic, civic, cultural or private clubs, lodges or organizations; arenas, rinks, amusement centers, bowling alleys and courts; libraries, police and fire stations; post offices, telephone and telegraph offices, rail and bus terminals; YMCA community centers, radio or television studios, art and dance studios or stations with an audience accommodation.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

RESIDENTIAL

A place where one or more persons live, including, inter alia, all multifamily dwelling units and single-family attached dwelling units; bachelor, garden, kitchenette and studio apartments, hotels, motels, inns, tourist or boarding houses; rectory convent, townhouses and row homes.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

RESISTANCE BRIDGE SMOKE DETECTOR

A device that responds to an increase of smoke particles and moisture, present in products of combustion, which fall on an electrical bridge grid. As these conductive substances fall on the grid, they reduce the resistance of the grid and cause the detector to respond.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

SAMPLING SMOKE DETECTOR

A device that consists of tubing distributed from the detector unit to the area(s) to be protected. An air pump draws air from the protected area back to the detector through the air-sampling ports and piping. At the detector, the air is analyzed for smoke particles.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

SEPARATE SLEEPING AREAS

The area or areas of the family living unit in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. Bedrooms or sleeping rooms separated by other use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms, shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this chapter.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP

The ownership of a lot or contiguous lots by one or more persons, partnerships or corporations which ownership is separate and distinct from that of any abutting or adjoining it.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

SINGLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE

An assembly incorporating the detector, control equipment and the alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

SMOKE DETECTOR

A device which detects the visible and invisible particles of combustion.

[Added 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

STORAGE FACILITIES

Furniture and household goods, lockers, vehicle and equipment lockers.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED

Any substantial structural alteration in/or addition to the supporting or structural members of a building or structure, such as bearing columns, bearing beams or bearing girders, provided that a substantial alteration shall not include, inter alia, repairs to roof, walls or interior painting or redecorating, elimination, relocation or construction of nonbearing partitions within an existing structure, repairs to air conditioning, repairs or replacement of heating system(s), modernization of existing kitchens or bathrooms, relocation or replacement of utility lines, including gas, water, sewer or electricity.

[Amended 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

TOURIST OR BOARDING HOME

A building where, for compensation, lodging is provided for at least four guests but not more than 10 guests on a temporary basis.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

TREATED LUMBER

Roofs of structures having masonry walls may be accorded special treatment when the fire-retardent roof deck is at least two inches thickness, and the beam thickness is at least four inches in thickness, identified by the Underwriter's Laboratories as having a flame spread classification of not exceeding 25 inches and showing no evidence of significant progressive production when subjected to at least 30 minutes test duration. The installation must be verified by the contractor.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

TOWNSHIP

The Township of Abington, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

VEHICLE PARKING OR STORAGE

All vehicle parking or storage structures, including, inter alia, all above or below grade private or public vehicle parking or storage structures or buildings; all open deck private or public vehicle parking or storage structures. To be considered as an open deck vehicle parking or storage structure 51% or more of all outside walls must be open between floor and ceiling. If the roof of an open deck parking, storage or housing structure is used for parking, it shall be considered a story.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

VEHICLE SERVICES

Any area of land, including any structures there on or any building or part thereof that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, diesel or other fuel, kerosene oil or accessories for motor vehicles and which may include facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning or servicing such vehicles; self service or full server filling stations; any structure or part thereof used for the repair, spraying and/or painting of vehicle bodies, chassis, wheels, fenders, bumpers and/or accessories of automobiles construction, commercial or pleasure vehicles.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 62, Building Construction.

B. Words used in the present time include the future tense.

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

C. The term "shall" is always mandatory. The term "person" includes an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an incorporated association or any other similar entity. The term "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or structure shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."

[Added 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

§ 85-3 Enforcement.

A. The Fire Marshal shall enforce the Fire Prevention Code.

B. A report of the Fire Marshal shall be made annually and transmitted to the Secretary of the township. It shall contain all proceedings under this code, with such statistics as the Fire Marshal may wish to include therein. The Fire Marshal may also recommend any amendments to the code which in the Fire Marshal's judgment shall be desirable.

§ 85-4 Amendments to code.

The Fire Prevention Code is amended and changed in the following respects:

A. F-500.1 shall read as follows:

F-500.1. Permit Required. A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Official for bowling lane resurfacing operations involving the use and application of flammable liquids and materials.

B. F-521.0 shall read as follows:

F-521.0. Lane Resurfacing Operations. Resurfacing operations shall not be carried on while the establishment is open for business. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be notified 48 hours in advance when alleys are to be resurfaced. Proper ventilation shall be provided. Heating, ventilating or cooling systems employing recirculation of air shall not be operated during resurfacing operations or within one hour following the application of flammable finishes. All electric motors or other equipment in the area which might be a source of ignition shall be shut down and all smoking and use of open flames prohibited during the application of flammable finishes and for one hour thereafter.

C. F-1000.1 shall read as follows:

F-1000.1. Permit Required. No person shall engage in the business of dry cleaning without a permit, which shall prescribe the class of system to be used. The use of a Class I or Class II system shall be prohibited.

D. There shall be added to Article 12, following F-1210.0, the following:

F-1210.1. The Fire Official shall have the power to restrict and regulate the parking of motor vehicles on all parking lots adjacent to commercial buildings or buildings open to the public, for the purpose of providing proper egress by occupants in case of fire and access of fire equipment.

E. F-1303.2 shall read as follows:

F-1303.2. The storage of explosives and blasting agents is prohibited except for temporary storage for use in connection with approved blasting operations; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to wholesale and retail stocks of small arms ammunition, explosive bolts, explosive rivets or cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools in quantities involving less than 500 pounds of explosive material.

F. Fireworks. F-2700 shall read as follows:

[Amended 6-11-1991 by Ord. No. 1695]

F-2700.1. Prohibited Activities. The manufacture, storage, offering for sale, selling at retail, using or exploding of fireworks is prohibited within the township, except as provided in Chapter 27 of the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code/1990, with the further provision that Section F-2701.3, Exceptions, of said BOCA Code, which permits wholesale, dealer and jobber sales of fireworks is deleted in its entirety.

F-2701.1.1. General Requirements for Outdoor Public Display.

(1) The outdoor public display of fireworks shall be permitted only in compliance with the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1123, as amended, and only upon application for and obtaining of a permit from the township.

(2) The Code Official shall determine the necessary services required to be provided by the township, including but not limited to police, fire, ambulance and public works, and the cost of such services shall be paid by the applicant for the permit.

(3) Upon application for a permit, an escrow fee in an amount determined by the Code Official to be adequate for the payment of all expenses which may be incurred by the township in the providing of services shall be provided.

[Amended 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719]

G. F-1500.12. Approved automatic sprinkler equipment required throughout certain buildings.

[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 3-11-1976 by Ord. No. 1420; 3-9-1978 by Ord. No. 1461; 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657; 7-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1714]

(1) General requirements.

(a) Approved automatic sprinkler equipment shall be installed and maintained throughout buildings and structures as the type set forth below as hereafter erected, substantially altered or where the use changes to a more intensive and/or a more hazardous use as determined by the township.

[1] Commercial.

[2] Educational.

[3] Industrial.

[4] Institutional.

[5] Office.

[6] Public assembly.

[7] Residential.

[8] Vehicle services.

[9] Vehicle parking and storage.

(b) Exceptions.

[1] Automatic sprinklers shall not be required to be installed in structures or buildings of an educational type in accordance with the following:

[a] The structure shall have a fire separation distance of no less than 30 feet from any other structure or lot line. The structure shall be limited in area within surrounding exterior walls to 950 square feet.

Exception: Individual classrooms limited to 950 square feet, with a fire separation wall having a minimum fire resistance rating of two hours, as defined in the Building Code. The total area limit of structures so erected shall be 3,800 square feet.

[b] Each room shall have a minimum of two means of egress placed a distance apart equal to not less than 1/2 of the length of the overall diagonal dimension of the area.

[c] Each room shall have a maximum occupant load of one occupancy per each 30 square feet net in space. The occupant load shall be so posted near both doors in a conspicuous location. Occupancy is restricted to persons seven years of age or older.

[d] The structure shall be equipped with a fire alarm system connected to central station service as approved by the Code Official.

[e] The structure shall not be used for any laboratories, workshops, cooking, the storage or use of any flammable or combustible liquids, general storage or similar occupancies.

[f] The structure shall have a Class I interior wall and ceiling finish as defined in the Building Code.

(2) Another approved type of fire protection may be submitted in a safety deposit or other vault, provided that it meets the approval of an approved rating bureau and the Fire Marshal.

(3) Sprinkler protection shall be prohibited in any location, room, building or structure where the discharge of water will increase the hazard to life and property. Such location, room, building or structure which is used for the manufacturing, mixing, processing or storage of highly flammable, explosive or toxic ducts, powders, chemicals or solids shall be protected by another approved type of protection as acceptable by an approved rating bureau and the Fire Marshal.

H. (Reserved)[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Subsection H, dealing with approved sprinkler systems in certain structures, as amended, was superseded 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657.

I. F-1500.14 shall read as follows:

[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 5-11-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]

F-1500.14 Approved Sprinkler Plans.

(1) Prior to the installation, revision, addition or alteration of any sprinkler system and/or other fire protection equipment in any building or structure, detailed plans shall be first submitted to an approved rating bureau or agency for approval. Copies of the approved plans must be submitted and approved by the Fire Marshal. No occupancy shall be established until the installation, revision, addition or alteration is complete and approved by the Fire Marshal.

(2) The automatic sprinkler system shall be connected to a water supply with sufficient capacity and pressure to sustain the sprinklers and Fire Department as determined by an approved rating bureau or agency. Irrespective of the flow determined, the minimum capacity of not less than 750 gallons of water per minute with a minimum residual pressure of 15 pounds per square inch at the top or end line of sprinklers shall be provided. Any sprinkler system pipe schedule or hydraulic calculation density change, if necessary, shall be completed prior to the establishment of a new occupancy within the sprinklered building or structure.

(3) (Reserved)[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Former Subsection I(3), Sprinkler installation permit fee, was repealed 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719.

(4) Supervised alarm system. In all buildings or structures where approved central station supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarm systems are installed such systems shall comply with the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pamphlets Nos. 71, 72-B, 72-D and 74, and any amendments thereto. A permit must be obtained prior to the installation of any supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarm system. Upon completion, the supervised fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarm system must be inspected for compliance by the Fire Marshal or his (her) representative.

J. F-1500.15 shall read as follows:

[Amended 3-8-1973 by Ord. No. 1346; 10-12-1978 by Ord. No. 1474]

F-1500.15. Smoke Detectors.

(1) A basic approved, listed and labeled smoke detector shall be installed to protect each separate sleeping area and at the head stairway leading to an occupied area in all residential (single-family, duplex and townhouse) dwelling units. Each detection device shall cause the operation of an alarm which will be clearly audible in all bedrooms over the background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. The tests of audibility level shall be conducted with all household equipment, which may be in operation at night, in full operation. All alarm-sounding devices shall have a minimum rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet.

(2) Approved, listed and labeled smoke detectors shall be installed throughout all hallways, corridors, basements, subbasements, crawl spaces, trash rooms, storage rooms, locker rooms, stairwells and recreation rooms in all institutional, educational, custodial and medical occupancies and apartments, including, inter alia, apartments, schools, colleges, dormitories, libraries, gymnasiums, nursing and convalescent homes, homes for the aged, including apartments for the aged, rooms and boardinghouses for the aged, hospitals and therapeutic and prophylactic sanatoriums, and children's nurseries, including day-care nurseries, and medical and health centers. All smoke detectors shall be interlocked so that the alarm will be transmitted throughout the entire premises.

(3) A basic approved, listed and labeled smoke detector shall be installed to protect each separate sleeping area in all apartments, dormitories, nursing and convalescent homes, homes for the aged, including apartments for the aged, rooms and boardinghouses for the aged and therapeutic and prophylactic sanatoriums, medical and health centers or any other facility, not including hospitals, where sleeping facilities are provided. Each detection device shall cause the operation of an alarm which will be clearly audible in all bedrooms over the with all intervening doors closed. The tests of audibility level shall be conducted with all household equipment which may be in operation at night in full operation. All alarm-sounding devices shall have a minimum rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet.

(4) Approved, listed and labeled smoke detectors shall be installed and maintained throughout the entire premises in all places of public assembly, including, inter alia, restaurants, bowling lanes and associated occupancies within the same structure, shopping malls, shopping centers, including merchandising marts, indoor places of amusement, including sports arenas or rinks, clubs, lodges or fraternal organizations, YMCA or similar occupancies, lumber yards and builder's supply and all other office, commercial or industrial properties having a ground floor area in excess of 2,900 square feet.

(5) General requirements.

(a) All smoke detectors, except detectors in single-family or duplex dwellings or townhouses, shall be installed in a standard manner with a two-source power supply. Both supplies must be sufficient to operate the alarm(s) for at least four continuous minutes each.

(b) Smoke detectors shall be capable of detecting gray smoke having a minimum smoke obscuration of 4% per foot (optical density of 0.0177 per foot).

(c) On smoke detectors requiring a light source for operation, failure of the light source shall result in an audible trouble signal. The failure of the light source shall not cause an alarm signal. The audible trouble signal shall be produced at least once every one minute for seven consecutive days.

(d) For each smoke detector requiring a light source, at least one spare light source bulb shall be provided with the detector and mounted conveniently in or on the unit or associated control unit.

(e) All electrical installations must conform to the National Electrical Code, NFPA Pamphlet No. 70 and all local ordinances.

(f) The location and spacing of all smoke detectors shall conform to NFPA Pamphlet Nos. 72A, 74 and 74E.

(g) All smoke detector installations in single-family, duplex or townhouses shall comply with at least level four of NFPA Pamphlet No. 74.

(h) All detectors shall be tested semiannually in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and a permanent record showing all details of the test results shall be kept on the premises for at least five years. Cleaning and maintenance of the detectors shall be performed per the manufacturer's instructions.

(i) The following smoke detectors shall be replaced or tested by a recognized laboratory:

[1] Detectors on systems restored after disuse.

[2] Detectors that are perceptibly corroded.

[3] Detectors that were painted in the field or cleaned of paint.

[4] Detectors that were subject to mechanical injury or similar abuse.

[5] Detectors on circuits that have been subjected to surges by over-voltage or lightning damage.

[6] Detectors subjected to other conditions, such as grease or other deposits or corrosive atmospheres.

(j) Location of Smoke Detectors.

[1] Smoke detectors shall be so located and adjusted to operate reliably in case of smoke at any part of the area protected. The location of detectors shall be based upon an engineering survey of the application of this form of protection to the area under consideration. These features include air velocity, number of detectors to provide adequate coverage of cross-sectional areas of the space with respect to travel, diffusion or stratification of smoke; location of detectors with respect to exhaust, intake or circulating blowers; air-conditioning facilities, temperature variations and the like. Such conditions vary with different installations and should be dealt with on the experience in the service.

[2] Special consideration shall be given to the storage of the contents of a protected space to provide unobstructed openings for the travel of smoke to the smoke detector.

[3] Where air-conditioning or ventilating equipment serves the space to be protected by a smoke detector, particular attention shall be given to the intake, exhaust and circulation of smoke under any condition of operation of the equipment to ensure prompt detection.

[4] Photoelectric light beams shall be so located or enclosed or otherwise arranged that movement of objects within the space will cause no signal.

[5] Light-sensitive equipment shall be so located or shielded that light from any other source other than that intended to be applied to the equipment will have no effect upon the detector. The opening of any enclosure during normal servicing shall cause no smoke alarm signal. A smoke detector shall be so installed as to minimize the possibility of operation due to accumulation of dust, moisture, deterioration of equipment or any other condition of system operation not associated with fire or smoke.

[6] The conditions of occupancy of each space protected by a smoke detector shall be arranged to avoid operation of the detector due to the use of fumigants or any other type of fog or mist-producing materials, sweeping and cleaning resulting in dust circulation and the like.

[7] The smoke detection combination shall be able to withstand 110% of the rated voltage continuously without injury during the normal supervisory condition and shall operate successfully during the normal signaling condition at the increased voltage and also at 85% of normal voltage.

[8] All smoke detecting equipment shall be secured reliably in place. The security of separate photoelectric light source and receiver units shall ensure against the change of adjustment due to vibration, change in alignment of supporting surfaces or the like.

[9] Provision shall be made to afford adequate protection of smoke detection equipment from mechanical injury.

(k) Approved Plans.

[1] Prior to the installation, revision, addition to or alteration of a supervised and approved central station fire protection device, such system must conform to the latest edition of the following National Fire Protection Association pamphlets: No. 71 (Central Station Signaling Systems), No. 72B (Auxiliary Signaling Systems), No. 72D (Proprietary Signaling Systems), No. 72E (Automatic Fire Detectors) and No. 74 (Household Warning Equipment) and any amendments thereto.

[2] When the cost of installation exceeds $100, a permit must be obtained prior to the installation of any fire, heat and/or smoke detector alarms in all occupancies. All fire detection devices shall be approved for the purpose for which they were intended and shall be installed per specifications.

[3] Upon completion of the installation, a satisfactory test of the detector(s) shall be made in the presence of the Fire Marshal or his representative, and the installing contractor shall furnish a written statement to the effect that the detectors have been installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

(l) (Reserved)[3]

[3] Editor's Note: Former Subsection J(5)(l), Fee for Permits, was repealed 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719.

(m) Nothing in this subsection is intended to prevent the use of new methods or device(s), provided that sufficient data is submitted to the Fire Marshal or his representative to demonstrate that the new method or device is equivalent in quality, effectiveness, durability and safety to that prescribed by this subsection.

(n) At the enactment of this subsection, all new construction, structures substantially altered, any structures that suffered a loss of life due to fire, any structure that suffered a property loss in excess of $1,000 from fire or any change of ownership or occupancy in any structure shall comply with this subsection immediately. All other structures and occupancies shall comply with this subsection within two years of the enactment of this subsection.

K. F-1500.16 shall read as follows:

[Amended 6-13-1974 by Ord. No. 1377]

F-1500.16 Special provisions for all high-rise multiple-occupancy, office, dwelling, institutional, educational or storage buildings with an elevation of more than six stories or 65 feet in height above the mean grade level: These buildings shall conform to the requirements of this section in addition to all other requirements of the codes of the Township of Abington. Requirements are listed as follows:

(1) Elevators. The use of capacitance or photoelectric operation of elevator doors shall be prohibited.

(a) Provide products-of-combustion detectors in all elevator shafts.

(b) Provide emergency power and lighting in all elevators.

(c) Provide voice communication with fire command station, which shall be interlocked with detectors in all elevators.

(d) Provide emergency control which will return all elevators to the fire command floor upon activation of any products-of-combustion or other fire alarm. During emergencies, all elevators shall be under the control of the fire command station.

(e) All elevators shall be enclosed within smokeproof towers of at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating. Elevators may not be located within the same enclosures as stairs.

(2) Stairs.

(a) All stairs shall be enclosed in shafts or towers of at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating.

(b) Emergency telephones shall be installed on not less than every fourth floor in each stair enclosure.

(c) All stair enclosures shall be provided with an approved intercommunication system interlocked with the fire command station.

(d) All stair enclosures shall be smoke-proof or provided with any other means that will prevent smoke from entering the stair enclosure.

(e) All stair enclosures shall be provided with fire doors approved for Class B openings. Doors shall be provided with products-of-combustion closures as a means of positive closing and shall be interlocked with the fire command station during emergencies. All interior stair doors shall remain unlocked except on the street floor or where a fail-safe electric door lock is activated by the detector.

(3) Manual Fire Alarm Box. A manual fire alarm box shall be located adjacent to exits into stairway enclosures and in every elevator lobby. This alarm box shall be interlocked with the fire command station and also with the voice communication system. The system shall be designed in accordance with the latest issue of the National Fire Protection Association standards according to Pamphlets Nos. 71, 72A and 72B.

NOTE: In cases where the elevator shaft and stairs are adjacent to each other, only one fire alarm box is sufficient.

(4) Voice Communication System.

(a) There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice communication systems; one system shall be used as a Fire Department communication system and one system shall be used as a public voice communication system between the fire command station and the following areas:

[1] Elevators, elevator lobbies, corridors and stairways.

[2] All areas in excess of 1,000 square feet.

[3] Each dwelling unit and hotel guest room.

[4] Warden's station on each floor.

[5] Mechanical control center.

(b) When approved, the Fire Department system may be combined with the public voice communication system.

(c) Both the detection system and the alarm system shall activate a voice alarm system capable of being operated from the fire command station on both the general and the selective basis and dependent upon the compartmentation involved. The alarm shall be designed to be heard by all occupants within the building or the designated portions thereof, as specified for the public voice communication system. The elevator lobby shall also be connected to this system.

(5) Fire Command Station. A cutoff fire-resistive fire command station used strictly for Fire Department operations shall be provided in a location approved by the district fire company and the Fire Marshal. The fire command station shall be provided with the following:

(a) All voice communication panels.

(b) Fire alarm and detection panels.

(c) Public and inter-building telephones.

(d) Standby power controls.

(e) Sprinkler valve tamper and water flow detectors.

(f) Direct transmission to central station or Fire Department.

(g) Status indicators and controls for elevators and air-handling systems.

(h) Means to control all sounding devices throughout the building.

(i) All panels shall have visual display lamps or systems and a means of testing same.

(j) Individual manual operation of each air supply and each exhaust system unless provided in the mechanical control center and in the room containing the affected fans.

(6) Firesafety Directors. There shall be at least one Firesafety Director in each building, who shall supervise at least one qualified Fire Warden on each floor. Mandatory fire drills shall be held monthly on various floors of the building. At least two meetings, with records, shall be conducted each month between the Firesafety Director and the Fire Wardens.

(7) Standpipes and Hand Hose. All structures in excess of six stories or 65 feet in height above mean grade and not more than 250 feet in height shall be equipped with not less than six-inch standpipes. Requirements for standpipes shall be as follows:

(a) Standpipes shall be located with outlets within hose cabinets.

(b) Standpipes shall be protected from freezing and mechanical and fire damage.

(c) Standpipes shall be installed progressively with the erection of the building.

(d) When more than one standpipe is required in a structure, they shall be interconnected at their bases and every 10 stories by pipes of a size equal to that of the largest riser.

(e) Each standpipe riser shall be equipped with O.S. & Y. valves so as to permit each section to be taken out of service if damaged or broken without interrupting the water supply to other sections or risers.

(f) Standpipes shall be equipped with a two-and-one-half-inch hose connection and a one-and-one-half-inch hose connection with valves and threads conforming to the Township of Abington's standard, located not more than five feet above the floor.

(g) Standpipes located inside structures shall have not less than 100 feet of one-and-one-half-inch diameter hose and approved spray nozzle and couplings conforming to the requirements of the Township of Abington's standards at each outlet and suspended in an approved rack or cabinet. All hose shall be capable of withstanding at least 100% in excess of the pressure on the risers with fire pumps in service.

(h) Each standpipe shall be equipped with an approved siamese Fire Department connection constructed of approved corrosion-resistive metal, located in an area as prescribed by the district fire company and the Fire Marshal and not less than 18 inches nor more than three feet above grade.

(i) All standpipe installations and piping not covered in this section shall conform to the latest edition of Pamphlet No. 14 according to the National Fire Protection Association and ordinances of the Township of Abington.

(8) Public Water Supply. There shall be a looped water main around the building to supply the required water hydrants and required supply within the building. Mains shall be of the required size but in no case less than six inches. Location of hydrants shall conform to the designation of the district fire company and the Fire Marshal. At least one hydrant shall be located within 100 feet of the Fire Department connection for the sprinklers and standpipe supply. All threads for the fire protection shall be National Standard type.

(9) Sprinkler Protection. Sprinkler protection shall be provided throughout the entire building and the sprinkler system shall be equipped with the following:

(a) Complete central station supervisory service, including valve tamper, water flow, low air, pump operation or any other protection required.

(b) Shutoff valves and water flow devices shall be provided on each floor.

(c) The sprinkler system shall be looped between the standpipe risers at the bottom, top and mid-height in all buildings with a maximum of 10 stories served by any loop. Check valves shall be installed at each loop level.

(d) A minimum of two approved fire pumps independently driven shall be provided and sized for the sprinkler demand and for a minimum of 500 gallons per minute for Fire Department standpipe operations.

(e) There shall be a two-source water supply for the sprinkler system and standpipe system in the building. The primary supply must be capable of supplying at least 1,000 gallons per minute with a twenty-pound residual pressure. The secondary supply must be equal to a one-hour demand or 30,000 gallons on a combination sprinkler system and standpipe operation, whichever is greater. The secondary supply shall be available automatically if the primary supply falls.

(f) A sprinkler system that is hydraulically designed using the parameters as set forth by Chapter 8 of National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 13 may be provided as an alternative to the standard sprinkler installation pending the approval of an approved rating bureau, district fire company and the Fire Marshal only in a building that is occupied solely for office occupancy.

(10) Compartmentation. Compartmentation shall be provided throughout every building to assure areas of refuge for the building occupants. Areas shall be provided as follows:

(a) No compartment shall exceed 10,000 square feet.

(b) Compartmented areas shall be provided with approved detectors.

(c) Compartment separations shall be of at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating.

(d) Horizontal exits into each compartment shall be of the approved type with approved doors suitable for Class B openings.

(e) All stairwells from compartments shall be provided with smokeproof enclosures or any other means that will prevent the passage of smoke from one compartment to another.

(f) When openings in exterior walls are located vertically above one another, compartmentation is also required between stories by either horizontal or vertical flame barriers at the exterior walls. All flame barriers shall extend at least 30 inches beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the floor.

(11) Detectors. An approved system which will provide for automatic detection of the products of combustion other than heat shall be installed in the following locations:

(a) All hallways and corridors.

(b) All high-hazard occupancy areas.

(c) All mechanical equipment rooms.

(d) All lobbies, stair and elevator enclosures.

(e) All rooms in excess of 5,000 square feet.

(f) All areas used for the manufacture, sale, process or storage of combustible products.

(g) All return-air portions of each air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation system that serves floors other than the floor on which the equipment is located.

Sensitivity of the detectors shall be set to operate within the proper limitations so that the greatest sensitivity is achieved without transmission of false alarms.

(12) Smoke Control. Mechanical ventilation for the removal of the products of combustion shall be provided in each story and shall consist of the following:

(a) An approved shaft through which smoke and heat can be mechanically vented to the outdoors. The size of the shaft shall be uniform throughout and of such dimensions as to provide 60 air changes per hour in the largest compartment anywhere in the building. Openings into the shaft shall be protected with an automatic single-piece shutter located as high as possible in the room and designed to vent the entire compartment. Under fire conditions, the return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without any recirculation to other sections of the building. Actuation shall be by the detection system or the sprinkler system.

(b) Approved panels or windows installed in the exterior walls shall be opened from an approved location other than the fire floor. Such venting facilities shall be provided at the rate of 20 square feet per 50 lineal feet of exterior wall in each story, whichever is greater, and distributed around the perimeter at not more than fifty-foot intervals. Such panels shall be identified clearly as required by the Fire Department. The use of tempered glass in lieu of openable panels is prohibited.

(c) Any other approved design which will produce equivalent results.

(13) Standby Power Generator. A permanently installed standby power generator system conforming to Pamphlet No. 70 of the National Fire Protection Association shall be provided. The system shall be equipped with a suitable means for automatically starting the generator set upon failure of the normal electrical service and for the automatic transfer and operation of all required electrical functions at full power within 60 seconds of such normal-service failure. System supervision, with manual start and transfer features, shall be provided at the fire command station. An on-premises fuel supply sufficient for not less than two hours' full-demand operation of the system shall be provided. All power, lighting, signal and communication facilities provided under the requirements of this section shall be transferable to the standby power system. The power requirements shall be determined so as to provide service to, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Entire fire protection and alarm system equipment.

(b) Exit lights and all other emergency lighting.

(c) Required mechanical ventilation.

(d) All elevators designated for fire protection use.

(e) Entire voice communication system.

(f) All equipment within the fire command station.

L. There shall be added to Article 17, Section F-1700.0, the following:

(1) Location with respect to property lines. The minimum distance of any part of an aboveground tank for the storage of flammable liquids other than crude petroleum to the nearest line of adjoining property which may be built upon shall be not less than the distance indicated in the following table:

	Capacity of Tank (gallons)	Class of Flammable Liquid	Minimum Distance (feet)
	0 to 275	III	5
	276 to 550	III	10

M. F-1700.1 shall read as follows:

[Amended 12-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1366]

	F-1700.1. The storage, handling and processing of liquids with a flash point below 200° F., and of liquids with a flash point above 200° F. which, when heated, will assume the characteristics of liquids with flash points below 200° F., except as provided in Section F-110.2.
	(a)	The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in a dwelling or other place of human habitation shall be prohibited.
	(b)	The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in any other building or occupancy shall be limited to five gallons. This amount must be stored in and dispensed from approved safety cans suitable for that purpose.
	(c)	The storage, handling or use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in aboveground tanks inside or outside of buildings is prohibited. The storage, handling or use of Class III flammable liquids in aboveground tanks with a capacity of more than 550 gallons outside or inside of buildings shall be prohibited.
	(d)	No Class I, Class II or Class III flammable liquid bulk plant shall be constructed within the limits of the Township of Abington.
	The storage or use of flammable liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant shall be permitted.
	The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days shall be permitted.
	The sale, storage and use of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in portable containers exceeding five gallons capacity shall be prohibited and only approved containers shall be used for this amount.
	The sale of Class I or Class II flammable liquids in portable containers to any person, firm or corporation shall be limited to one five-gallon approved container.

N. There shall be added to Article 22, Section F-2200.0, the following:

Bulk storage of liquefied petroleum gas shall be provided except in PI-zoned districts.

O. F-2200.1 shall read as follows:

[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]

F-2200.1 Permits and Reports of Installation. A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Official for each installation of liquefied petroleum gas employing a container or an aggregate of interconnected containers of over 125 gallons water capacity, and for each permanent installation, irrespective of size of containers, made at buildings in which people congregate for civic, political, educational, religious, social or recreational purposes. Such buildings shall include schools, churches, hospitals, institutions, hotels and restaurants, each having a capacity of 20 or more persons. Prior to making such installation, an installer shall submit plans to the Fire Official, and if compliance with the requirements of this code is shown by said plans, a permit shall be issued.

P. F-2200.11 shall read as follows:

[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]

F-2200.11. Records. The Fire Official shall maintain a record of all liquefied petroleum gas installations employing a container or an aggregate of interconnected containers of over 125 gallons water capacity (not including installation of gas-burning appliances and replacing of portable cylinders).

Q. F-2210.3 shall read as follows:

[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]

F-2210.3. Location of Containers. Distribution plants whose primary purpose is the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas are prohibited in all zones. An installation of liquefied petroleum gas employing a container or an aggregate of containers in excess of 1,200 gallons water capacity shall be prohibited, except that in particular installations this capacity limit may be altered at the discretion of the Fire Official after consideration of special features such as topographical conditions, nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings, capacity of proposed tanks, degree of private protection to be provided and facilities of the local Fire Department.

R. F-2210.4 shall read as follows:

[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]

F-2210.4. Pressures Inside of Buildings. Gas for fuel purposes in either the liquid or vapor phase shall not be piped into any building at pressure in excess of 20 pounds per square inch gauge except as follows:

(1) Buildings or portions of buildings separated from other portions by walls, partitions and floor and ceiling assemblies of noncombustible material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, used exclusively to house internal-combustion engines or industrial processes.

(2) Buildings or portions of buildings separated from other portions by walls, partitions and floor and ceiling assemblies of noncombustible material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, used exclusively for research and experimental laboratories.

(3) Buildings, structures or equipment under construction or repair. Portable containers shall not be taken into buildings except as provided in Section F-2210.5.[4]

[4] Editor's Note: These references refer to the 1970 edition.

S. [5]F-2210.5 shall read as follows:

[Amended 9-13-1973 by Ord. No. 1361]

F-2210.5 Containers Inside Buildings. Containers and first-stage regulating equipment shall be located outside of buildings other than buildings provided for this purpose, except containers and regulating equipment may be used indoors under the following conditions:

(1) If temporarily used for demonstration purposes and the container has a maximum water capacity of 12 pounds.

(2) If used with a completely self-contained gas hand torch or similar equipment and the container has a maximum water capacity of 21/2 pounds.

(3) In use as a motor fuel.

	All liquefied petroleum gas tanks in excess of 125 gallons water capacity shall be provided with an enclosure consisting of at least a six-foot-high industrial-type fence. Each tank shall be provided with suitable devices which can be locked in place and prevent the unauthorized operation of any container appurtenances, system valves or equipment.
	All permitted liquefied petroleum gas installations shall be regulated by National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 58, 1972 Edition, and any future amendments thereto.

[5] Editor's Note: These references refer to the 1970 edition.

T. There shall be added to Article 26, Section F-2630.0, the following: "All pot-type and gravity-feed heating and cooking appliances are prohibited in the Township of Abington."

U. F-2918.0 shall read as follows:

F-2918.0: In all buildings where automatic fire extinguishing systems are required in kitchens or areas where food is prepared by cooking, a metal grease hood with metal filters and metal ductwork leading to the outside and above the roof line shall be installed according to National Fire Protection Association Regulation No. 96. Such hood and filters shall be kept clean at all times. In such installations, automatic shutoff valves shall be installed on gas-heating appliances used for cooking, and automatic cutoff switches shall be installed on electrical appliances used for cooking. Such valves and switches shall shut off the heat source when the fire extinguishing system is activated.

V. Permit and inspection fees shall be designated by resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Abington, which fees shall be established from time to time. A permit shall not be issued until the designated fees have been paid. Failure to pay designated fees shall be considered a violation of this code.

[Added 10-8-1992 by Ord. No. 1719]

W. F-319.0 shall read as follows:

[Added 4-14-1994 by Ord. No. 1741]

	SECTION F-319.0 KEY BOXES
	F-319.1 Installations. When access to a property or structure or access to an area within that property or structure is unduly difficult because of secured openings and where immediate access may be necessary for lifesaving and/or fire-fighting purposes, the property owner or occupant may obtain a permit to install a key box or boxes as approved by the Fire Marshal.
	F-319.2 Application. This section shall apply to the following properties or structures:
	(1)	All new and existing office, storage, institutional, commercial and manufacturing buildings.
	(2)	All new and existing residential buildings.
	(3)	Any other structure or premises.
	F-319.3 Promulgation of Rules and Regulations; Compliance. All key boxes installed pursuant to this section shall be of a type approved by the Fire Board. The Fire Board may promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to implement this section relating to key boxes. Violations of the rules and regulations shall be considered a violation of this code.
	F-319.4 Contents of Key Boxes. Key boxes should contain:
	(1)	Keys and/or magnet cards to locked points of ingress, whether on the interior or exterior of such property.
	(2)	Keys and/or magnet cards to locked mechanical equipment rooms.
	(3)	Keys and/or magnet cards to locked electrical rooms or panels.
	(4)	Keys and/or magnet cards to locked elevator rooms or controls.
	(5)	Keys and/or magnet cards to other areas as directed by the Fire Marshal.
	(6)	Hazardous materials information, as defined in Section F-2902.0.
	F-319.5 Custody of Keys.
	(1)	Keys to key boxes shall be held only by the Fire Marshal and authorized personnel of the Fire Department.
	(2)	Keys issued to the Fire Department for key boxes will be kept on the apparatus or in the possession of authorized Fire Department personnel.
	(3)	The Fire Marshal shall retain custody of a key for the purpose of emergencies or placing new or replacement items in the key boxes.

§ 85-5 Modifications and deletions.

[Amended 10-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1684; 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]

A. Modification. The Board of Commissioners shall have power to modify any of the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code upon application, in writing, by the owner or lessee or the duly authorized agent of either, when there are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the strict letter of the code, provided that the spirit of the code shall be observed, public safety secured and substantial justice done. The particulars of such modification when granted or allowed and the decision of the Board of Commissioners thereon shall be entered upon the records of the Board of Commissioners, and a signed copy shall be furnished the applicant.

§ 85-6 Appeals.

[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]

Whenever the Fire Marshal shall disapprove an application or refuse to grant a permit applied for or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that the true intent and meaning of the code have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the Fire Marshal to the Township Manager within 30 days from the date of the decision appealed.

§ 85-7 New materials, processes or occupancies.

[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]

The Township Manager shall determine and specify, after giving affected persons an opportunity to be heard, any new materials, processes or occupancies which shall require permits, in addition to those now enumerated in said code. The Fire Marshal shall post such list in a conspicuous place in the Fire Marshal's office and distribute copies thereof to interested persons.

§ 85-8 Violations and penalties.

[Amended 5-13-1993 by Ord. No. 1729]

A. Any persons who shall violate any of the provisions of the code hereby adopted or fail to comply therewith or who shall violate or fail to comply with any order made thereunder or who shall build in violation of any detailed statement of specifications or plans submitted and approved thereunder or any certificate or permit issued thereunder and from which no appeal has been taken or who shall fail to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the Board of Commissioners or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed therein, shall, severally, for each and every such violation and noncompliance, be liable, on conviction thereof, to a fine of not more than $300 and, in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment for not more than five days. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue, and all such persons shall be required to correct or remedy such violations or defects within a reasonable time; and, when not otherwise specified, each day that prohibited conditions are maintained shall constitute a separate offense.

B. The application of the above penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.