[Amended 11-21-2022]
A. 
The following provisions of international, national, and state codes/standards, as from time to time amended, are incorporated herein by reference:
(1) 
International Building Code (IBC);
(2) 
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards which include, but is not limited to, NFPA 1 (2012) Uniform Fire Code; NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; and NFPA 5000 Building Code;
(3) 
Chapter SPS 101 - Regulation of Industry, Buildings and Safety;
(4) 
Chapter SPS 307 - Explosives and Fireworks;
(5) 
Chapter SPS 314 - Fire Prevention;
(6) 
Chapter SPS 314 - Appendix;
(7) 
Chapter SPS 316 - Electrical;
(8) 
Chapter SPS 318 - Elevators, Escalators, and Lift Devices;
(9) 
Chapter SPS 328 - Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors;
(10) 
Chapter SPS 330 - Fire Department Safety and Health Standards;
(11) 
Chapter SPS 361 - Administration and Enforcement;
(12) 
Chapter SPS 362 - Buildings and Structures;
(13) 
Chapter SPS 364 - Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning;
(14) 
Chapter SPS 365 - Fuel Gas Appliances;
(15) 
Chapter SPS 366 - Existing Buildings;
(16) 
Chapter SPS 366 - Appendix;
(17) 
Chapters SPS 375-379 - Buildings Constructed Prior to 1914;
(18) 
Chapter SPS 375 - Definitions and General Requirements;
(19) 
Chapter SPS 376 - Factories, Office and Mercantile Buildings;
(20) 
Chapter SPS 377 - Theaters and Assembly Halls;
(21) 
Chapter SPS 378 - Schools and Other Places of Instruction; and
(22) 
Chapter SPS 379 - Apartment Houses, Hotels and Places of Detention.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 106-20, Erosion and sediment control, as a section in Art. II, was repealed 12-17-2018 by Ord. No. 29-18.
[Amended 11-21-2022]
The entire City shall be known and referred to as the "Fire District."
[Amended 11-21-2022]
A. 
The terms "fire-resistive construction," "mill construction," "ordinary construction," "frame construction" and "fire-retardant roof covering" shall have the meanings as defined in International Building Code.
B. 
"Outdoor wood-fired furnace" means a wood-fired furnace, stove or boiler that is not located within a building intended for habitation by humans or domestic animals.
[Amended 11-21-2022]
A. 
Requirements. Every building hereafter erected, enlarged or moved within or into the Fire District shall be of fire-resistive, mill or ordinary construction, except as otherwise provided by this chapter. Enclosing walls, division walls and party walls shall be of construction as provided for in the International Building Code, which is hereby made a part of this chapter with respect to all buildings and structures within the Fire District. No building of frame construction shall hereafter be built within or moved into the Fire District.
B. 
Exceptions. No building of frame construction shall be constructed within the Fire District except the following, and no such building or structure shall be located within five feet of any lot line or structure:
(1) 
Temporary one-story frame buildings for use of builders.
(2) 
One-story sheds not over 15 feet high, open on the long side and with an area not exceeding 500 square feet. A wooden fence shall not form the back or side of such sheds.
(3) 
Greenhouses not more than 15 feet in height.
(4) 
Private garages for not more than two noncommercial automobiles, if not over 15 feet high and not more than 750 square feet in area, having exterior walls of metal, concrete, or masonry, located on the same lot with a dwelling.
C. 
Fire-retardant roofing.
(1) 
Every roof hereafter constructed within the Fire District, including buildings listed in Subsections A and B shall be covered with roofing having a fire-resistive rating equivalent to Class B or better of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., classification.
(2) 
No roofing on an existing roof shall be renewed or repaired to a greater extent than 1/10 of the roof surface, except in conformity with the requirements of Subsection C(1) of this section.
[Amended 9-2-2014 by Ord. No. 12-14; 11-21-2022]
Frequency of fire prevention inspections. In accord with § SPS 314.01(13)(b)7, Wis. Adm. Code, fire prevention inspections of all public buildings and places of employment in the City shall be conducted at least once per calendar year or more often as is ordered by the Fire Department; provided, however, that the interval between each such inspection shall not exceed 15 months.
A. 
Means of egress.
(1) 
Required exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.
(2) 
At every required exit doorway, and whenever otherwise required to clearly indicate the direction of egress, an approved exit sign shall be provided from all areas.
(3) 
In the interior stairways, the floor level leading directly to the exterior shall be clearly indicated.
(4) 
All exit aisles shall be maintained clear and unobstructed and be a minimum of 36 inches wide.
(5) 
Exit hardware shall be maintained.
(6) 
Every door which serves as a required exit door or an exit access door serving any area, room, public passageway, stairway or building that can accommodate 100 persons shall have such fastenings or hardware that can be opened from the inside by pushing against a single bar or plate.
(7) 
Every exit door, exit access door, and egress paths to those doors shall be free from obstructions. Doors shall be unlocked when the building is occupied. No locking hardware requiring a key, padlock, chains, or other nonapproved locking devices shall be used.
(8) 
Storage is not permitted on rescue platforms.
B. 
Fire protection systems.
(1) 
Fire extinguishers.
(a) 
Where required. In all buildings and structures provided for under the fire codes of the state and the City, a minimum size of 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher shall be installed in a visible and easily accessible location.
(b) 
Fire extinguishers shall be serviced and tagged annually and have the appropriate six-year maintenance and twelve-year hydro test if required.
(c) 
Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
(d) 
Handheld fire extinguishers not housed in cabinets shall be installed on supplied hangers or brackets.
(e) 
Fire extinguishers weighing less than 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top is no more than five feet above the floor.
(f) 
Clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor shall never be less than four inches.
(2) 
Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.
(a) 
The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire alarm and smoke detection systems are always maintained in an operable condition.
(b) 
Operational tests are required monthly.
(c) 
Fire alarm panels shall be kept locked at all times to prevent tampering.
(d) 
Records of testing and maintenance are required to be maintained.
(e) 
Landlords shall be responsible for all batteries and maintenance of smoke detectors in their buildings.
(f) 
A detailed plan of the facility and alarm system components shall be readily available near the main entrance by the annunciator panel or other area approved by the Fire Department.
(g) 
A detailed floor plan shall be submitted in an electronic format to the Fire Department for the purpose of pre-planning in the event of an emergency at the occupancy.
(h) 
Smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years with a tamper-proof detector.
(i) 
The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the carbon monoxide detectors are maintained in an operable condition at all times.
(j) 
Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed and maintained in accordance with § 101.647(2) through (6).
(k) 
Carbon monoxide detectors shall replaced every 10 years.
(3) 
Automatic fire sprinkler systems.
(a) 
All fire sprinkler systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with (IAW) NFPA 25.
(b) 
Noted deficiencies by contractors shall be corrected.
(c) 
Any person doing work must posses a valid Wisconsin Sprinkler License.
(d) 
Complex systems with three or more risers shall have a diagram in the sprinkler room indicating area covered.
(e) 
Fire Department Connection (FDC) shall have a five-inch Storz connector for demands larger than 500 gallons per minute (GPM).
(f) 
FDC shall not be located more than 200 feet from a fire hydrant.
(g) 
Water supplies for occupancies requiring additional water as specified in NFPA 1142 Table G.4.2(b), (c), (d), and (e) may require additional water sources on site.
(h) 
All inlets to the FDC shall be installed so that they face the fire apparatus access road.
(i) 
A weatherproof horn/strobe alarm shall be installed above the FDC connection to indicate a water flow.
(j) 
All fire sprinkler systems shall be monitored.
(k) 
All fire sprinkler systems shall be serviced and tagged annually with a copy of the test record in a plastic sleeve at the main riser.
(l) 
The Fire Department shall be notified if the system is shut off or impaired.
(m) 
There shall be a minimum of 18 inches of clearance below all sprinkler heads.
(n) 
Sprinkler heads shall be kept free of accumulation of dust, dirt, paint, or other substances that may impair its operation.
(o) 
Any defective, painted, showing signs of corrosion, or damaged sprinkler heads are required to be immediately replaced upon finding.
(p) 
Companies installing, servicing, or testing fire sprinkler systems shall submit records of such work to the Hudson Fire Department for review.
(q) 
The Fire Chief may approve the removal of a nonrequired system based on their discretion. If approved, all components of the system shall be removed.
(4) 
Standpipe systems.
(a) 
Standpipe systems may be required in new commercial and residential structures that are three stories in height and shall be required in structures that are four or more stories in height. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or their designee shall approve all systems.
(b) 
An automatic water supply for a wet standpipe system shall be designed to provide not less than the flowing capacity from top outlets at not less than 65 pounds per square inch (psi) flowing pressure for a period of 30 minutes; 500 GPM for a single standpipe; 750 GPM for two interconnected standpipes; and 1,000 GPM for larger systems.
(c) 
All standpipe and hose systems shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with the NFPA 25 Standard.
(5) 
Inspection, testing, maintenance, interferences, tampering or removal of all fire protection equipment.
(a) 
Fire protection system. All approved devices, equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish, or control a fire, control, or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.
(b) 
Owner or operators shall be responsible for the condition, testing, and maintenance of all their fire protection systems and any other firefighting equipment.
(c) 
Owners or operators of all fire protection systems and any other firefighting equipment shall maintain the systems in good operating condition.
(d) 
All fire protection systems and other firefighting equipment shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the adopted standards and good engineering practices.
(e) 
The local Fire Department shall be notified whenever any fire protection system or any other firefighting equipment is shut down or impaired and when it is placed back in service. The owner shall arrange for immediate and continual servicing or repair of the impaired fire protection system or firefighting equipment until it is placed back in operation.
(f) 
No person shall interfere with, tamper with, or remove any fire protection system, emergency lighting system, fire hydrant, or any other firefighting equipment without first obtaining a written approval from the Fire Chief.
C. 
Commercial cooking equipment.
(1) 
The hood, exhaust, and fire protection systems shall meet the requirements set forth in NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations and the Wis. Adm. Code.
(2) 
Cooking equipment involving vegetable oil or animal fats shall be protected by a Class K rated portable fire extinguisher provided within 30 feet travel distance.
(3) 
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be serviced every six months and after activation of the system. All systems shall be tagged and records maintained.
(4) 
The actuation of commercial cooking equipment fire-suppression system shall automatically shut down the fuel and/or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment and activate the buildings fire alarm system. Reset shall be manual. A written record shall be maintained and available to the AHJ.
(5) 
Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, and ducts shall be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of grease. Cleaning shall be recorded, and such records shall be maintained on the premises.
(6) 
Excess grease and dirt shall not be allowed to accumulate on the equipment or on or in any part of the hood system.
(7) 
Companies servicing or cleaning hood systems shall submit the service or maintenance records to the Hudson Fire Department at least quarterly for review.
(8) 
Noted deficiencies by contractors shall be corrected.
D. 
Electrical.
(1) 
Extension cords shall not be substituted for permanent wiring placed under doors or floor coverings and may not be attached to any building or structure.
(2) 
The front of electrical service equipment (panels) shall have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth, and 78 inches in height.
(3) 
Extension cords shall be of a three-prong UL-approved grounding type when used in conjunction with devices equipped with three-prong grounding-type attachment plugs.
(4) 
Multi-outlet assemblies, surge protectors and relocatable power taps may not be attached to any structure or permanently mounted to any surface unless listed for the purpose. Multi-outlet assemblies, surge protectors and relocatable power taps may not be daisy-chained.
E. 
FD Key Box.
(1) 
A FD Key Box shall be installed on all new mercantile, commercial, and business occupied buildings. Multiunit residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to living units shall be equipped with a Tru-Lock brand approved by the Fire Department.
(2) 
The Tru-Lock box shall be installed in a location that is approved by the Fire Department and shall be installed prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit.
(3) 
Location. The Tru-Lock box shall be at or near the recognized public entrance of a building, five feet to seven feet from the ground. No steps, displays, signs, or other fixtures, structures, or protrusions shall be located around or under the box as to limit its access.
(4) 
All required Tru-Lock box(s) shall be installed and have the proper keys prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
(5) 
Boxes can be obtained from Tru-Lock Security 2080 Truax Blvd. Eau Claire, WI 54703, (715) 835-1540.
F. 
Fire doors.
(1) 
Listed closing devices and hardware shall be maintained on all fire doors.
(2) 
All horizontal or vertical sliding and rolling fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to check for proper operation and full closure.
(3) 
Resetting of the release mechanism shall be done IAW the manufacturer's instructions.
(4) 
A written record shall be maintained and shall be available to the AHJ.
G. 
Miscellaneous.
(1) 
Grills. For other than one- and two-family dwellings, no hibachi, gas-fired grill, charcoal grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose, shall be used, or kindled on any balcony or under any overhang portion or within 10 feet of any structure. Listed electrical ranges, grills, or similar apparatus shall be permitted. (See NFPA 1; 2006; p. 142.)
(2) 
Flammable liquids are not allowed to be stored in basements.
(3) 
Exterior doors shall be labeled when hazardous materials or conditions are present to alert emergency personnel.
(4) 
The AHJ may require signs labeling interior doors, e.g., mechanical rooms (utilities).
(5) 
No one shall cover, block, obstruct or in any way prevent free access by the Fire Department to any fire hydrant within the City.
(6) 
No one shall, unless an alternate route or temporary access is provided, block or obstruct any road, street or alley which could cause or prevent any police or fire vehicle from reaching any lot or building within the City.
(7) 
No person shall build, operate, or maintain any light propane bulk plant (commonly known as "LP gas") within the City.
(8) 
No person shall install, use or maintain an outdoor wood-fired furnace in the City of Hudson.
(9) 
Large box commercial.
(a) 
For all large retail, wholesale, and warehouse commercial facilities that exceed 20,000 square feet, a floor plan shall be approved by the Fire Department showing the locations of wing stacks, end caps, or other islands of product that may be positioned in aisles.
(10) 
Fire apparatus access roads.
(a) 
General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b) 
Where required. Fire apparatus roads shall be required for every building subject to review under International Building Code hereinafter constructed when any portion of an exterior wall of the first story is located more than 150 feet from Fire Department vehicle access.
(c) 
Width. The approved width of a fire apparatus access road shall be not less than 20 feet.
(d) 
Vertical clearance. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet six inches.
(e) 
Permissible modifications. Vertical clearances or widths required by this section shall be increased when, in the opinion of the Chief, vertical clearances or other widths are not adequate to provide fire apparatus access.
(f) 
Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be provided with a surface to provide hard all-weather driving capabilities.
(g) 
Turning radius. The turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be as approved by the Chief.
(h) 
Grade. The gradient for fire apparatus access road shall not exceed the maximum approved by the Chief.
(i) 
Obstruction. The required width of any fire apparatus access road shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this section shall be always maintained.
(j) 
Signs. When required, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and maintained for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof, or both.
(11) 
Pallets and combustible storage.
(a) 
Pallets shall not be stored closer than 30 feet from a building or in piles higher than 20 feet.
(b) 
The owner or occupant of any commercial property shall have an approved plan by the Fire Department for outside storage of combustible/salvage materials.
H. 
Application. All nonresidential structures in the City of Hudson are subject to § 106-24A through G and J.
I. 
Application to residential rental properties with three or more units.
(1) 
All residential rental properties are subject to § 106-24A through G of this section.
(2) 
Residential rental properties shall also comply with the following:
(a) 
Dryers shall be vented outside with rigid or semirigid pipe.
(b) 
Dryer pipes shall be cleaned and inspected annually or as needed.
(c) 
Self-closing fire doors shall be tested and maintained.
(d) 
Required FD Key Box by the AHJ shall have keys to access the building and alarm panel and sprinkler riser room. At no time shall an alarm panel or riser room doors be left unlocked.
J. 
Penalties. Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter for which a penalty is not otherwise established by this section shall be subject to a forfeiture of not more than $2,000 each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.
[Amended 11-21-2022]
A. 
Flammable Liquids Code adopted. Ch. SPS 310, the Flammable Liquids Code, Wis. Adm. Code, is adopted as part of this chapter, and the Fire Chief shall enforce the provisions thereof, as well as all subsequent orders promulgated under authority of the Department of Safety and Professional Services dealing with the subject of flammable liquids.
B. 
Liquefied petroleum gases. The provisions of Ch. SPS 348, Wis. Adm. Code, dealing with the subject of liquefied petroleum gases, are adopted as part of this chapter, a copy thereof being on file in the office of the Clerk, and the Fire Chief shall enforce the provisions thereof.
C. 
Bulk oil tanks prohibited. The storage of over 500 gallons of flammable liquids above ground on any one premise is prohibited.
[Amended 11-21-2022]
A. 
Application.
(1) 
All persons, firms or organizations using, researching, or producing hazardous materials and/or infectious agents shall notify the Fire Department as prescribed by this section.
(2) 
The provisions of this section shall apply to all persons, firms or organizations using, researching, producing, or storing hazardous materials and/or infectious agents on and after the effective date of this section.
B. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Those materials that can cause death or disabling injury from brief exposure; those materials that could cause a lost-time injury from exposure; and those materials that could cause temporary disability or injury without permanent effects which are used, researched, produced or stored within or on premises except those household consumer products used at the point of consumption and not used for commercial or experimental purposes. This definition of "hazardous materials" shall include radioactive materials.
INFECTIOUS AGENT
A bacterial, mycoplasmal, fungal, parasitic, or viral agent and arboviruses.
C. 
Information required.
(1) 
Any person, firm or organization using, researching, producing and/or storing any hazardous materials shall provide, in writing, to the Fire Department the following information:
(a) 
Address, location of where hazardous materials are used, researched, stored or produced;
(b) 
The trade name of the hazardous material;
(c) 
The chemical name and any commonly used synonym for the hazardous material and the chemical name and any commonly used synonym for its major components;
(d) 
The exact locations on the premises where materials are used, researched, stored and/or produced;
(e) 
Amounts of hazardous materials on premises per exact location;
(f) 
The boiling point, vapor pressure, vapor density, solubility in water, specific gravity, percentage volatile by volume, evaporation rate for liquids and appearance and odor of the hazardous material;
(g) 
The flash point and flammable limits of the hazardous substance;
(h) 
Any permissible exposure level, threshold limit value or other established limit value for exposure to a hazardous material;
(i) 
The stability of the hazardous substance;
(j) 
Recommended fire-extinguishing media, special firefighting procedures and fire and explosion hazard information for the hazardous material;
(k) 
Any effect of overexposure to the hazardous material, emergency and first aid procedures and telephone numbers to call in an emergency;
(l) 
Any condition or material which is incompatible with the hazardous material and must be avoided;
(m) 
Any personal protective equipment to be worn or used and special precautions to be taken when handling or coming into contact with the hazardous materials; and
(n) 
Procedures for handling or coming into contact with the hazardous materials.
(2) 
Any person, firm or organization using, researching, producing and/or storing infectious agent and/or carrier of an infectious agent shall provide, in writing, to the Fire Department the following:
(a) 
The name and any commonly used synonym of the infectious agent;
(b) 
Address/location where infectious agents are used, researched, stored and/or produced;
(c) 
The exact locations where infectious agents are used, researched, stored and/or produced;
(d) 
Amount of infectious agent on premises per exact locations;
(e) 
Any methods of route of transmission of the infectious agents;
(f) 
Any symptoms of effect of infection, emergency and first aid procedure and a telephone number to be called in an emergency;
(g) 
Any personal protective equipment to be worn or used and special precautions to be taken when handling or coming in contact with the infectious agent; and
(h) 
Procedures for handling, cleanup and disposal of infectious agents leaked or spilled.
D. 
Reimbursement for cleanup of spills. Any person who possesses or controls a hazardous material or infectious agent which was discharged or caused the discharge of a hazardous material or infectious agent shall reimburse the City for actual and necessary expenses incurred by the City or its agent to contain, remove or dispose of the hazardous substance or infectious agent or take any other appropriate action which is deemed appropriate under the circumstance.
E. 
Recovery of costs.
(1) 
Every person, firm or corporation storing, handling, or transporting flammable or combustible liquid, chemicals, gasses or other hazardous materials shall comply with the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910, EPA 40 CFR 311, and Chapter Comm. 10, Wis. Admin. Code, as the same are now in force and may hereafter from time to time be amended.
(2) 
Every person, firm or corporation using, storing, handling or transporting (whether by rail or on the highways) flammable or combustible liquids, chemicals, gases or other hazardous materials shall be liable to the City for the actual cost of labor and materials associated with the use of any specialized extinguishing agent, chemical, neutralizer or similar material or equipment employed to extinguish, confine or clean up any such hazardous material which is involved in any accidental spill or in threat of any fire or accidental spill.
[Added 11-21-2022]
A. 
In addition to the Fire Chiefs powers and duties, the Fire Chief shall charge for Fire Department services and fire calls, including calls involving vehicles owned by nonresidents, as authorized by § 62.13(8), Wis. Stats. It shall be the responsibility of the Common Council to set the rates of the Fire Department services and fire calls on the City's Fee Schedule, after consideration of the fees as recommended by the Hudson City Council. The purpose of such fees shall be to compensate the Hudson Fire Department for fire inspection, plan review, field inspection work and other Fire Department Services. Such fees shall not exceed the limits established by § 66.0628, Wis. Stats., and other applicable laws. No fee shall be charged for City of Hudson work in relation to municipal property. Upon nonpayment of the fee, the amount due may be placed on the tax roll as a special charge pursuant to § 66.0627, Wis. Stats.