A. 
The Board of Trustees of the Village of Spring Valley hereby accepts the applicability of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code for the Village of Spring Valley, in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of the Executive Law of the State of New York.
B. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, all provisions of this local code which are inconsistent with, or which impose higher or more restrictive standards, or which are more stringent than the state code, shall apply in the Village of Spring Valley.
C. 
The Village Clerk is hereby instructed to file a certified copy of this Part 2 in the principal office of the State Building Code Council, Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Village of Spring Valley accepted the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code in September 1985.
This Part 2 shall be known and may be cited as the "Fire Prevention Code of the Village of Spring Valley."
In addition to any other penalty or remedy herein provided, each and every violation of this Part 2 shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both. Violations of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.
A. 
It is the intent of this Part 2 to prescribe regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practice for the safeguarding to a reasonable degree of life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion. This Village has already adopted the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code, which requires the use of the latest National Electrical Code. Nevertheless, and in order to clearly state the intent of this Part 2, the Village of Spring Valley hereby adopts, by reference, the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, as promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association. Compliance with the standards set forth in that code shall be designed to be prima facie evidence of compliance with the intent of this Part 2.
B. 
All matters within the intent of this code not covered in detail by this code shall comply with nationally recognized good practice.
The provisions of this code shall apply, except as otherwise expressly provided, equally to new and existing conditions, and except that existing conditions not in strict compliance with the terms of this code shall be permitted to continue where the exceptions do not constitute a distinct hazard to life or property, in the opinion of the Inspector.
This code shall be enforced by the Building Department of the Village of Spring Valley, the Building Inspector, Deputy and Assistant Building Inspectors, the Fire Inspector, Deputy and Assistant Fire Inspectors, and Code Enforcement Officers.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this code, have the meanings indicated.
APPROVED
Accepted by the Inspector as a result of his investigation and experience or by reason of test, listing or approval by Underwriters' Laboratories or other nationally recognized testing agencies.
AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A system which automatically detects a fire condition and actuates a fire alarm signal device.
BUILDING
Any structure erected or used for a dwelling, multiple dwelling, industrial occupancy, institutional occupancy, commercial or mercantile occupancy, or as a place of business, assembly or storage occupancy or any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, including, but not limited to, any and all modular buildings, premanufactured trailers, temporary classrooms, and/or premanufactured classrooms.
[Amended 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
DWELLING
A building occupied for residence purposes having not more than two dwelling units or as a boardinghouse or rooming house serving not more than five unrelated persons.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms arranged for the use of one or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit, with cooking, living, sanitary and sleeping facilities.
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
The time, in hours, that the material or construction will withstand the standard fire exposure as determined by a fire test made in conformity with the Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials of the American Society for Testing Materials, ASTM E119.
FIRE WATCH
A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified individuals for the purpose of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of unwanted fires, raising an alarm of fire and notifying the Fire Department.
INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCY
The occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof for assembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging or processing operations, except when classified as a high-hazard occupancy.
INSPECTOR
The duly appointed Fire Inspector, Deputy and Assistant Fire Inspector, Building Inspector, Deputy and Assistant Building Inspectors, Safety Inspector and Code Enforcement officers of the Village of Spring Valley.
INSTITUTIONAL OCCUPANCY
The occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof as a hospital or a school.
INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION CONTAINER
Any container approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission for shipping any liquid, gaseous or solid material of a flammable, toxic or other hazardous nature.
MERCANTILE OCCUPANCY
The occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof for the displaying, selling or buying of goods and the storage of goods, wares, merchandise, raw materials and manufactured products.
MULTIPLE DWELLING
A building occupied for residence purposes having three or more dwelling units.
NEW
Refers to a date or time on or after the effective date of this code.
OWNER
Includes his duly authorized agent or attorney, a purchaser, devisee, fiduciary and a person having a vested or contingent interest in the property in question.
PERMIT
Namely referenced to a "certificate of compliance - fire safety;" may also refer to "special permitted use - zoning," "building permit" or other "permit" as applicable.
PERSON
Includes a corporation, copartnership, organization, joint venture and any individuals organized for a purpose, as well as an individual.
PREMISES
See definition of "building."
SELF-SERVICE STATION
That portion of property where flammable and combustible liquids used as motor fuels are stored and subsequently dispensed from fixed, approved dispensing equipment into fuel tanks of motor vehicles by persons other than the service station attendant and which may include facilities available for sale of other retail products.
The Village hereby assumes full responsibility for enforcing the provisions of Article 17 of the Labor Law, relating to public safety, and the rules adopted thereunder by the Industrial Commissioner of the State of New York.
[Amended 11-23-2010 by L.L. No. 9-2010]
The Inspector may at all reasonable hours enter any building or premises for the purpose of making any inspection or investigation which, under the provisions of this code, he may deem necessary to be made. The inspector may, with the permission of the property owner or tenant, enter a residential unit to determine whether such unit has a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 82-11 was renumbered 8-14-2002 by L.L. No. 8-2002. See now § 82-11.1.
A. 
It shall be the duty of the Inspector to inspect or cause to be inspected all buildings and premises as often as may be necessary for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire or any violations of the provisions or intent of this code and of any other law affecting the fire hazard.
B. 
Upon the complaint of any person or whenever deemed necessary, the Inspector shall inspect any building or premises within the fire protection limits of the Village of Spring Valley.
C. 
It shall be the duty of the Inspector to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire occurring in the Village of Spring Valley which is of unknown cause or of a suspicious nature or involves the loss of life or injury to persons or has caused substantial property damage. Such investigation shall be made as soon as possible and if the fire is determined or suspected of being a result of arson, the Inspector shall immediately notify the proper authorities designated by law to further investigate such matters.
D. 
It shall be the duty of the Inspector to inspect or cause to be inspected all buildings and premises, including residential units, as often as may be necessary for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected the absence of a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
[Added 11-23-2010 by L.L. No. 9-2010]
E. 
Construction inspections.
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
(1) 
Permitted work must remain accessible and exposed until inspected and accepted by the Village. Permit holders must notify the Village when construction work is ready for inspection.
(2) 
The Village will inspect all permitted construction work for the following:
(a) 
Work site prior to the issuance of a permit;
(b) 
Footing and foundation;
(c) 
Preparation for concrete slab;
(d) 
Framing;
(e) 
Building systems, including underground and rough-in;
(f) 
Fire-resistant construction;
(g) 
Fire-resistant penetrations;
(h) 
Solid-fuel-burning heating appliances, chimneys, flues or gas vents;
(i) 
Energy Code compliance; and
(j) 
A final inspection after all work authorized by the building permit has been completed to the Village's satisfaction.
(3) 
The Village will certify after inspection whether the work, or a portion thereof, is in satisfactory compliance. If the work is not satisfactory, the Village will notify the permit holder of the failures. Construction work not in compliance shall remain exposed until it has been brought into compliance with the code, been reinspected, and found satisfactory as completed by the Village.
F. 
Firesafety and property maintenance inspections.
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
(1) 
All buildings containing an area of public assembly are subject to a firesafety and property maintenance inspection by Village officials once a year every year.
(2) 
All dormitories are subject to a firesafety and property maintenance inspection by Village officials once a year every year.
(3) 
All multiple dwellings and nonresidential occupancies, other than dormitories, are subject to a firesafety and property maintenance inspection by Village officials once every three years.
A. 
All new and existing nonregistered business, mercantile, industrial, storage, assembly, institutional, miscellaneous use and multiple-dwelling occupancies shall complete a certificate of compliance-fire safety and current year registry form available from the office of the Fire Inspector located within the Building Department of the Village of Spring Valley and shall be required to pay the applicable inspection fee as set forth in Chapter 118. A firesafety inspection shall be done after receiving the completed forms and payment of the fee.
B. 
New occupancies. Occupancy and use of a building or premises shall not be permitted until a fire safety inspection is completed and no visible or known violations of the Spring Valley Fire Code and/or Spring Valley Code of Ordinances and/or the NYS Building Code and/or Fire Code of New York State and/or the Life Safety Code NFPA 101 (current edition) are found to exist.
C. 
Existing nonregistered occupancies. Occupancy and use may continue subject to the approval of the Inspector, during the inspection/registration process. Note(s): Lease or ownership agreements for the space after May 25, 1998, shall comply with the current local fire code and/or other applicable fire/life safety codes. Lease agreements prior to May 25, 1998, shall be governed by the NYS Building Code and/or Life Safety Code NFPA 101.
D. 
Renewal. A new current year registry form and appropriate inspection fee shall be required upon annual firesafety inspection.
E. 
Transfer of ownership. Upon transfer of ownership, a new certificate of compliance-fire safety is required. This also necessitates completion of a new current year registry form, payment of the appropriate fee and a fire inspection.
F. 
Other permits. A certificate of compliance - fire safety does not take the place of any other permits, certificates or licenses required by law.
G. 
Time limits. The certificate of compliance - fire safety form and /or current year registry form shall be completed and returned to the Spring Valley Building Department within five working days after receipt of same.
H. 
Certificate of compliance. When issued the certificate of compliance shall be displayed in plain view on the wall of the premises.
I. 
Maximum occupancy certificate When issued, the maximum occupancy certificate shall be displayed in plain view on the wall nearest the main entrance to occupied space.
J. 
Fee payment. The payment for a firesafety inspection (renewal) is due upon receipt of a copy of the inspection report or invoice.
K. 
All promoted club events shall be required to complete a special club event registry form available from the Office of the Fire Inspector located within the Building Department of the Village of Spring Valley. The form shall be completed by the club owner and returned at least five days prior to the event.
L. 
All home-based offices shall be required to complete a "home-based office" registry form available from the Office of the Fire Inspector located within the Building Department of the Village of Spring Valley. The form shall be completed by the user of the home-based office and returned at least five days prior to the event. A no-fee inspection of the premises may be conducted by the Inspector for compliance. [NOTE: In accordance with the Spring Valley Village Code, a home-based office may not exceed 50% of the gross square footage of the floor space served.]
M. 
Certificate of occupancy/certificate of compliance.
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
(1) 
A certificate of occupancy or a certificate of compliance is required for any work that is the subject of a building permit and for all structures, buildings, or portions thereof, which are converted from one use or occupancy classification or subclassification to another. Permission to use or occupy a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for which a building permit was previously issued shall be granted only by issuance of a certificate of occupancy or a certificate of compliance.
(2) 
A certificate of occupancy or a certificate of compliance will only be issued following an inspection of the building, structure or work. A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance will contain the following information:
(a) 
The building permit number, if any;
(b) 
The date of issuance of the permit;
(c) 
The name, address and Tax Map number of the property;
(d) 
If the certificate is not applicable to an entire structure, a description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued;
(e) 
The use and occupancy classification of the structure;
(f) 
The type of construction of the structure;
(g) 
The assembly occupant load of the structure, if any;
(h) 
If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, a notation as to whether the sprinkler system is required;
(i) 
Any special conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the building permit; and
(j) 
The signature of the Village official issuing the certificate and the date of issuance.
(3) 
Temporary occupancy. The Village may at times issue a certificate allowing temporary occupancy of a structure if and only when the structure or portions thereof may be occupied safely, the fire- and smoke-detecting or fire-protection equipment installed is operational, and all required means of egress from the structure have been provided. The temporary certificate shall be limited to a specified period of time, during which time the permit holder shall undertake steps to bring the structure into full compliance with applicable provisions of the Village Code and the Uniform Code.
(4) 
A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information shall be suspended or revoked if the relevant deficiencies are not corrected within a specified period of time.
Whenever the Inspector shall find, in any building or structure or upon any premises, dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials as set forth herein, the Inspector shall order such dangerous conditions or materials to be removed or remedied:
A. 
Any condition which is liable to cause or contribute to the spread of fire in any premises, building and structure or endanger any person.
B. 
Any condition which would or could interfere with the efficiency or use of any fire-protection equipment or apparatus.
C. 
Any obstruction to a fire escape, stairs, stairway, passageway, door or window, in a premises, which is likely to interfere with the emergency egress of occupants or with the operations of the Fire Department in case of fire or other emergency.
D. 
Any accumulation of dust or waste materials in air-conditioning or ventilation systems.
E. 
Any accumulation of grease in kitchen facilities, including but not limited to exhaust ducts, cooking equipment or oil, grease or dirt, upon, under or around any mechanical equipment.
F. 
Any accumulation of rubbish, waste, paper, boxes, shavings or other combustible or highly flammable material which results in a dangerous condition.
G. 
Any condition arising from the defective installation or improper use of electrical wiring, equipment or appliances.
H. 
Any condition arising from defective or improperly installed equipment for handling, storing or using combustibles, explosives or otherwise hazardous materials.
I. 
Any condition caused by the presence of dangerous or lawful amounts or levels of combustible, explosive or otherwise hazardous materials.
J. 
Any building or structure which lacks sufficient fire escapes and/or other exit facilities, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, fire alarm systems or fire-extinguishing equipment and thereby creates a hazardous condition.
K. 
Any building or structure which, for the want of repairs or by reason of age or dilapidated condition or by reason of fire or any other cause, creates a hazardous condition.
L. 
All equipment, materials and processing or operation facilities or systems which are in violation of the provisions and/or intent of this chapter.
M. 
Where identification of buildings, premises and structures containing hazardous materials is required in accordance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the National Fire Protection Association Hazardous Material Identification System (NFPA 704) shall be utilized.
N. 
The presence of persons in excess of the maximum number authorized as evidenced by the occupancy limit sign, which must be posted.
O. 
The absence of a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
[Added 11-23-2010 by L.L. No. 9-2010]
The service of orders for the correction of violations of this code shall be made upon the owner or tenant or occupant or other person who has dominion and control of the subject premises, either by delivering a copy of the same to such person or by delivering a copy of the same to, and leaving it with, any person in charge of the premises or, in case no such person is found upon the premises, by affixing a copy thereof in a conspicuous place on the door to the entrance of said premises and mailing a true copy thereof to the last known owner of record. Whenever it may be necessary to serve such an order upon the owner of the premises, such order may be served either by delivering to and leaving with said person a copy of said order or, if such owner is absent from the jurisdiction of the officer making the order, by sending such copy by registered or certified mail to the owner's last known post office address, return receipt requested.
A. 
The owner, tenant or occupant is hereby required to remove or remedy all fire hazards and/or code violations existing on or in connection with the property owned or occupied by him when ordered so to do by the Inspector. Failure to comply with the written order and/or notice within the time specified on said order shall constitute a violation of this code and shall subject the offender to the penalties herein provided in § 82-4.
B. 
Where, during any type of inspection or a fire-related incident investigation, an Inspector finds any of the violations listed below, he/she may issue an immediate summons/desk appearance ticket:
(1) 
Smoke detector inoperable.
(2) 
Fire alarm system inoperable.
(3) 
Sprinkler system out of service.
(4) 
Exit(s) blocked, chained or locked such that they cannot be promptly opened in an emergency.
(5) 
Carbon monoxide detector inoperable.
[Added 11-23-2010 by L.L. No. 9-2010]
C. 
Stop-work orders.
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
(1) 
The Village may and will issue stop-work orders to halt work that is determined to be contrary to the provisions of the Village Code or the Uniform Code, or is otherwise being conducted in a dangerous or unsafe manner, or is being performed without the requisite permit.
(2) 
The stop-work order will state the reason for its issuance and the conditions which must be satisfied before work will be permitted by the Village to resume.
[Added 8-14-2012 by L.L. No. 6-2012]
The owner(s) of a residence in the Village is/are hereby required to check at least annually whether smoke and carbon monoxide detectors located on the property owned and/or occupied by him/her/them are functioning and promptly replace nonfunctioning detectors. Failure to do so is a violation of this code, and an inspector may issue an immediate summons/desk appearance ticket for this violation.
A. 
General requirements. A permit shall constitute permission to maintain, store or handle materials or to conduct processes which may produce conditions hazardous to life or property or to install equipment used in connection with such activities. Such permit does not take the place of any license required by law. It shall not be transferable, and any change in use or occupancy of the premises shall require a new permit and new fee. A permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually thereafter as set forth below.
B. 
Inspections and tests prerequisites to issuance. Before a permit may be issued, the Inspector shall make or cause to be made such inspections or tests as are necessary to assure compliance with the provisions of this code.
C. 
Fees. Whenever in this chapter a permit is required, an application therefor or for renewal thereof shall be filed by the applicant, together with a fee in the amount as set forth in Chapter 118, Fees. A certificate of compliance may be issued by the Inspector annually on the anniversary date of the issuance of the permit, upon application therefor by the permittee, together with the renewal fee in the amount as set forth in Chapter 118, Fees.
D. 
Application; issuance. Application for any permit required under the terms and provisions of this Fire Prevention Code shall be made to the Building Department on such forms as may be approved by the Department. Such permit shall be issued by the Building Department upon approval of the Inspector.
E. 
Display; inspection. Permits and/or certificates of compliance - fire safety shall be clearly displayed on the wall next to main entrance of the premises designated therein and shall be subject to inspection by any officer of the Building Department, Fire Department and Police Department of the Village.
F. 
Revocation. The Inspector may revoke a permit or approval issued if any violation of this code is found upon inspection or in case there has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to a material fact in the application or plans upon which the permit or approval was based. The violation of any federal, state or county laws or rules or regulations lawfully issued by any agency of said governments or any laws or rules or regulations lawfully issued by any agency of said governments or the violation of any laws of the Village shall be sufficient grounds for revocation of such permit after issuance.
G. 
Building permits are required for all work which must conform to the Village Code and the Uniform Code at 19 NYCRR 1203.3(a).
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
H. 
Operating permits.
[Added 11-24-2015 by L.L. No. 2-2015]
(1) 
Operating permits shall be required for conducting the activities or using the categories of buildings listed below:
(a) 
Manufacturing, storing or handling hazardous materials in quantities exceeding those listed in tables 2703.1.1(1), 2701.1.1(2), 2703.1.1(3), or 2703.1.1(4) of the Fire Code of the State of New York;
(b) 
Hazardous processes and activities, including but not limited to commercial and industrial operations which produce combustible dust as a by-product, fruit and crop ripening, and waste handling;
(c) 
Use of pyrotechnic devices in assembly occupancies;
(d) 
Buildings containing one or more areas of public assembly with an occupant load of 100 persons or more; and
(e) 
Buildings whose use or occupancy classification may pose a substantial potential hazard to public safety, as determined by the Village.
(2) 
Parties who propose to undertake the activities listed in Subsection H(1) above of this section must obtain an operating permit prior to commencing such operation. The application for the operating permit will require regarding the quantities, materials, and activities proposed to ensure they conform to the requirements of the Village Code and the Uniform Code. Tests or reports necessary to verify conformance are required.
(3) 
An inspection of the premises will be conducted before the operating permit is issued.
(4) 
A single operating permit may apply to more than one hazardous activity.
(5) 
Operating permits will remain in effect until reissued, renewed, expired, or revoked.
(6) 
Where activities do not comply with applicable provisions of the Village Code or the Uniform Code, an operating permit will be revoked or suspended without further notice.
A. 
To whom appeal taken. Appeals from any provision of this code or any order or decision of an Inspector may be taken to the Board of Trustees.
B. 
Procedure; appeals to be open to public; stay of proceedings. A notice of appeal, specifying the grounds thereof, shall be filed, in writing, with the Village Clerk. Within 10 days thereafter, the appellant shall be notified of the time and place for the hearing of said appeal. All such appeals shall be open to the public. Upon the hearing, any party may appear in person or by an agent or by an attorney. An appeal shall stay all proceedings until a determination is made.
C. 
Authority of Board of Trustees.
(1) 
The Board of Trustees shall hear and decide appeals from and review any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official charged with the enforcement of this code. A majority vote of the Board shall be necessary for any ruling under this provision. The Board may authorize an examination and/or investigation of the facts and circumstances involved. The Board may delegate this power of investigation to a committee composed of members of the Village Fire Department.
(2) 
The Board may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and shall make such order, requirement, decision or determination as in its opinion ought to be made.
D. 
Minutes of proceedings; records of examinations and actions; filing of decision. The Board of Trustees shall keep minutes of the proceeding, showing the vote of each member upon every question or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall also keep records of its examinations and official actions. Every ruling, decision or determination shall be immediately filed in the office of the Village Clerk and shall be a public record.
A. 
Permit required. No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on or in any public or private street, alley, road or other grounds without a permit or other proper authorization. During construction or demolition of buildings or structures, no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the premises or in the immediate vicinity without having first obtained a permit or other proper authorization.
B. 
Outdoor fires include all fires burning outdoors with the exception of fires used to cook food in an approved and/or recognized grill or stove.
C. 
Location restricted. No person shall kindle or maintain any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any private land unless:
(1) 
The location is not less than 50 feet from any structure and adequate provision is made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure; or
(2) 
The fire is contained in an approved waste burner with a closed top, located safely not less than 15 feet from any structures and supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
D. 
All outdoor fires are prohibited with the exception of live burn drills conducted by the Fire Department or fires for religious purposes. Prior approval from the Rockland County Health Department and a permit from the Inspector are required for all outdoor fires. Any other person, firm or corporation starting, maintaining or having control over an outdoor fire will be deemed to be in violation of this code.
E. 
Open-flame cooking outside multiple residences. The use of grills, barbeques or other devices for cooking food utilizing propane or producing an open flame is prohibited within 10 feet from any building used or occupied as a multiple dwelling. The storage of propane or any other fuel used for such devices inside any building is also prohibited.
(1) 
No outside cooking device shall utilize wood as fuel.
(2) 
An approved ten-pound CO2 fire extinguisher shall be placed or located within 10 feet of any grill, barbeque or other cooking devices when in use.
F. 
No person shall kindle a fire upon the land of another without written permission of the land owner thereof or his agent.
No person shall deposit hot ashes, cinders, smoldering coals or greasy or oily substances liable to spontaneous ignition into any wooden receptacle or place the same within 10 feet of any combustible materials, except in empty metal or other noncombustible receptacles. Such receptacles, unless resting on a noncombustible floor or on the ground outside the building, shall be kept at least two feet away from any combustible wall or partitions or exterior window opening.
Accumulation of wastepaper, hay, grass, straw, weeds, litter or combustible or flammable waste or rubbish of any kind shall not be permitted to remain upon any roof or in any court, yard, vacant lot or open space. All weeds, grass, vines or other growth, when the same endangers property or is liable to be fired, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the property.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 79, Brush, Hedges, Weeds and Trees.
No person making, using, storing or having dominion over or control of any shavings, excelsior, rubbish, sacks, bags, litter, hay, straw or combustible waste materials shall fail or neglect at the close of each day to cause all such materials which are not compactly baled and stacked in an orderly manner to be removed from the building or stored in suitable vaults or in metal or metal-lined covered receptacles or bins. The Inspector shall require suitable baling presses to be installed in stores, apartment buildings, factories and similar places where accumulations of paper and waste materials are not removed at least every second day.
A. 
Permit required. No person shall store in any building, structure or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers or rubber tires or baled cotton, rubber or cork or other similarly combustible materials without a permit.
B. 
Storage requirements. Storage of the foregoing materials in buildings and structures shall be orderly, shall not be within two feet of the ceiling and shall not be so located as to endanger exit from the building. Storage in the open shall not be more than 10 feet, in height, shall be so located, with respect to adjacent buildings, as not to constitute a hazard and shall be compact and orderly. There shall be a minimum distance of 15 feet between stacks.
Highly flammable materials, such as cotton batting, straw, dry vines, leaves, trees, artificial flowers or shrubbery and foam-plastic materials, shall not be used for decorative purposes in show windows or other parts of mercantile, industrial or institutional occupancies unless flameproofed. Electric light bulbs in mercantile, industrial or institutional occupancies shall not be decorated with paper or other combustible materials unless such materials shall first have been rendered flameproof.
A. 
No person shall take an open flame or light into any building, barn or any other place where highly flammable, combustible or explosive material is kept, unless such light or flame shall be well-secured in a firm glass globe, wire-mesh cage or similar approved device.
B. 
No heating or lighting apparatus or equipment capable of igniting flammable materials of the types stored or handled shall be used in the storage area of any warehouse storing rags, excelsior, hair or other highly flammable or combustible material; nor in the work area of any shop or factory used for the manufacture, repair or renovation of mattresses or bedding; nor in the work area of any establishment used for the upholstering of furniture or refinishing of furniture.
A. 
All chimneys, smokestacks or similar devises for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air and the stoves, furnaces, incinerators, fire boxes or boilers to which they are connected shall be constructed and maintained in such a manner as not to create a hazardous condition, in the opinion of the Inspector.
B. 
Commercial and industrial-type incinerators used for burning of rubbish or other readily combustible solid waste material and flue-fed incinerators shall be provided with approved spark arrestors or other effective means for arresting sparks and fly particles.
The manufacture of matches is hereby prohibited.
Any person who shall willfully give any false alarm of fire or who shall willfully tamper, meddle or interfere with any station or signal box of any fire alarm, telegraph system or any auxiliary fire appliance or who shall willfully break, injure, deface or remove any such box or station or who shall willfully break, injure, destroy or disturb any of the wires, poles or other supports and appliances connected with or forming a part of any fire alarm, telegraph system or any auxiliary fire appliance shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this code and subject to the penalties provided for herein.
This code shall not be construed to hold the Village of Spring Valley responsible for any damage to persons or property by reason of any inspection or reinspection authorized herein or failure to inspect or reinspect or the issuance of any permit issued as herein provided or by reason of the approval or disapproval of any equipment authorized herein.
A. 
The Inspector, in cooperation with the Chief of Police, is authorized, pursuant to the authority granted under the Village Law of the State of New York, to determine and establish appropriate fire lanes and fire zones at all premises within the Village of Spring Valley.
B. 
Fire lanes, access roads, gates and openings shall not be less than 20 feet of unobstructed width, shall be able to withstand live loads of fire apparatus and shall have a minimum of 13 feet six inches of vertical clearance.
(1) 
Fire lanes shall be provided for all buildings that are set back more than 100 feet from a public road or exceed 30 feet in height and are set back over 50 feet from a public road.
(2) 
The front edge of the fire lane shall be a minimum of 15 feet in length and a maximum of 30 feet from the building and continuous for one entire side of the building. Exception: senior citizen housing, where the 1 5/30 rule shall apply to all sides of the building to allow effective rescue of occupants.
(3) 
Where buildings are protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the provisions of this section may be modified by the Inspector.
C. 
Fire zones and fire lanes shall be marked with freestanding signs that have the words NO PARKING or NO STANDING, FIRE LANE (or ZONE).
D. 
No motor vehicle shall park, stand or remain unattended in an established fire zone or fire lane. Fire zones and lanes shall be maintained free of all obstructions at all times.
E. 
More restrictive provisions for fire lanes may be imposed, in writing, by the Inspector.
(1) 
Approved fire apparatus turnarounds shall be provided on all dead-end access roads, private and municipal roads as per the schedule below (pictorial views available from the Fire Inspector's office):
Length of Road
(feet)
Width of Road
(feet)
Turnarounds Required
0 to 150
20
None required
150 to 500
20
120-foot "hammerhead," 60-foot "Y," 96-foot diameter cul-de-sac  or other configuration approved by the Fire Inspector
501 to 750
26
120-foot "hammerhead,", 60-foot "Y," 96-foot diameter cul-de-sac  or other approved configuration approved  by the Fire Inspector.
Over 750
Special approval required
(2) 
The minimum turning radius for fire apparatus shall be determined by the Inspector (pictorial views available from the Fire Inspector's office).
F. 
Fire hydrants shall be opened only by members of the Fire Department in the discharge of their duties as firefighters or by orders of the Police Department of the Village or by any other duly authorized person, as deemed necessary.
G. 
All private fire hydrants within the Village of Spring Valley shall be tested on an annual basis, and a report sheet that is furnished by the Fire Inspector or a report sheet furnished by the testing company with approval of the Inspector shall be completed by the qualified company performing the inspection and returned to the Fire Inspector within 10 days after testing.
(1) 
The main body (barrel) of all private hydrants shall be painted OSHA "yellow" or an equivalent shade of bright yellow with the top (bonnet) painted silver.
(2) 
The center line of the large-diameter hose outlet of a hydrant shall be maintained not less than 18 feet above grade, unless approved by the Inspector.
(3) 
A three-foot clear space is to be maintained around the circumference of a hydrant, unless otherwise approved by the Inspector.