[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of
Antrim 5-9-1991 by Ord. No. 210. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
The occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof
by persons for whom sleeping accommodations are provided, including, but not
limited to, one- and two-family dwellings, lodging or rooming houses, dormitories,
apartment buildings, townhouses, condominiums, hotels, motels and single-family
attached and detached dwellings.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of each new and existing
occupied residential occupancy unit to install Underwriters' Laboratories
(UL) approved smoke detectors in each such residential occupancy unit as hereinafter
provided. Said smoke detectors shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible
particles of combustion and providing a suitable audible alarm thereof; further,
they shall be installed by June 6, 1991.
A.
At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect
each sleeping area. A sleeping area is defined as the area or areas of the
family living unit in which the bedrooms (or sleeping rooms) are located.
B.
At least one smoke detector shall be installed at the
top of each stairway leading up to an occupied area.
As an alternative to self-contained smoke detectors, a UL-approved fire
detection system may be installed.
A.
In new residential occupancy units it is preferred that
smoke detectors be wired (hard wired) to the building's power supply. However,
a monitored battery supply unit is acceptable for installations in new or
existing residential occupancy units.
B.
It shall be the responsibility of the tenants or residents
to maintain smoke detectors. Such maintenance shall include keeping smoke
detector units serviceable by replacing batteries when necessary or by keeping
them connected to an electrical source so that they remain capable of transmitting
an audible signal in the presence of smoke.
A.
Any person or persons, firm or corporation violating
the provisions of this chapter shall be ordered to comply with said chapter
within five days.
B.
This chapter shall be enforced by action brought before
a District Justice in the same manner provided for the enforcement of summary
offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. Any person who
violates or permits the violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction in
a summary proceeding, be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof
that such violation continues, or is permitted to continue, shall constitute
a separate offense. Each section of this chapter that is violated shall also
constitute a separate offense.
[Amended 7-8-1997 by Ord. No. 246]
C.
Any person who tampers with a smoke detector or other
fire protection system shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding, be
punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for a term
not exceeding 90 days. Each day or portion thereof that such violation continues,
or is permitted to continue, shall constitute a separate offense.
[Amended 7-8-1997 by Ord. No. 246]
