§ 29.33.06. Multi-family dwellings.

(A)

Fire extinguishers: All multi-family dwellings and rooming houses shall be equipped with fire extinguishers of a minimum classification and number in common hallways as designated by the National Fire Protection Association. At least one fire extinguisher shall be provided on each floor at the stairway landing and in the corridor at each elevator or bank of elevators.

(B)

Smoke detectors: All multi-family dwellings and rooming houses shall be equipped with audible approved A.C. smoke devices installed and interconnected in their common hallways and areas, including basements, in compliance with the appropriate NFPA pamphlet no later than September 1, 2003. Further, each individual unit shall be equipped as described in [subsection] 20.33.07(B) below.

(C)

Carbon monoxide detectors: All multi-family dwellings and rooming houses shall be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. The carbon monoxide detector shall be "UL" listed and adhere to the UL2034 standard. The following carbon monoxide detectors shall be permitted: AC powered unit with battery backup; ten-year non-rechargeable, non-replacement primary batteries that are capable of operating the detector for at least ten years; and a combination carbon monoxide/smoke detector, permitting they are manufactured to meet the aforementioned guidelines. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be replaced every five years, or per manufacturer's recommendation. The owner or his or her agent shall be responsible for checking each carbon monoxide detector with each new lease. Thereafter, the occupant(s) shall be responsible for maintaining the carbon monoxide detector in proper operating condition.

(1)

In all dwelling units used for rental purposes at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area (same level hallways). A sleeping area is defined as the area or areas of the family living unit in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. Where bedrooms or room(s) ordinarily used for sleeping are separated by other use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets, they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purposes of this section.

(2)

When bedroom or sleeping areas are not fully enclosed or separated from other living areas within a living or sleeping unit, the carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be installed nearest the area designated for sleeping.

(3)

The carbon monoxide (CO) detector shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms within the dwelling unit(s), when all intervening doors are closed. When more than one sleeping room occurs within a dwelling unit, one detector may serve more than one room, provided the required exits from such sleeping rooms are in a single private corridor within 15 feet of the detector.

The requirements set forth in [subsection] (C) are minimum alarm requirements, and nothing herein shall preclude a property owner from installing additional low level alarm devices.

No person shall, without privilege to do so, knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy or otherwise improperly tamper with a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, or carbon monoxide detector required to be installed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter so as to destroy or diminish its effectiveness or availability for its intended purpose.

(D)

Fire stairs: All multi-family dwellings and rooming houses having habitable rooms greater than 14 feet above the ground shall be supplied or equipped with fire stairs as a means of egress, when required, and shall be in compliance with the appropriate National Fire Protection Association pamphlet.

(Ord. No. 0-59-10, § I, 11-29-2010; Ord. No. 0-37-12, § I, 3-5-2012; Ord. No. 0-45-17, § I, 5-1-2017)