§ 14-2-201. AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS.

(a)

"Building" defined. In this section, "building" means a building containing not more than three rental dwelling units as defined in § 201 of the County Building Code.

(b)

In general.

(1)

Every building shall have at least one direct-wired, electrically operated smoke detector installed by the building owner in accordance with the building code requirements for new one- and two- family dwellings.

(2)

If the building was constructed before 1976, the smoke detectors shall have a battery-powered backup system.

(c)

Verification of smoke detectors.

(1)

A building owner shall obtain a written verification by a licensed electrician or the county Fire Department of the existence, proper installation, and operation of the required smoke detectors.

(2)

On or before October 1, 1985 and every third year thereafter, the building owner shall submit the written verification to the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections.

(d)

Duty of owner to maintain smoke detectors. The building owner shall maintain, repair, and replace smoke detectors upon written notification by certified mail from the occupant of the premises that the smoke detector is not in operating order and condition.

(e)

Removal of smoke detector prohibited. A building owner or occupant in the building may not remove or render a smoke detector inoperative.

(f)

Notice of violation.

(1)

The Fire Department may serve a violation notice to a person found in violation of this section.

(2)

The violation notice shall direct the person to comply with this section within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the Fire Department.

(3)

A person who does not comply with the violation notice is subject to the civil monetary penalties set forth in subsection (g) of this section.

(g)

Civil monetary penalty. A person who violates this section is subject to the following civil penalty:

(1)

$250 for the first violation or failure to comply with the first violation notice under subsection (f) of this section;

(2)

$500 for the second violation or failure to comply with a violation notice under subsection (f) of this section; and

(3)

$1,000 for any further violation or failure to comply with a violation notice under subsection (f) of this section.

(1988 Code, § 16-71) (Bill No. 25-01, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 73-03, § 19, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 122-10, §§ 7, 30, 1-16-2011)