[Ord. 2016-529, 12/14/2016; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-557, 8/14/2019]
The Borough of Red Hill, situated in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,
hereby adopts the International Fire Code 2015 edition, including
all reference standards, subject to the amendments set forth in this
Part 3.
[Ord. 2016-529, 12/14/2016; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-557, 8/14/2019]
This Part 3 is intended to regulate and govern the safeguarding
of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from
the storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances, materials
and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in
the occupancy of buildings and premises in the Borough of Red Hill;
provide for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor;
and supplement the Borough of Red Hill ordinances not expressly repealed
hereby.
[Ord. 2016-529, 12/14/2016; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-557, 8/14/2019]
Section 202 of the International Fire Code 2015 edition shall
have the following definitions added:
A device, bell, horn, or siren attached to the interior or
exterior of a building which emits a warning sound loud enough to
be heard outside of the building and which, when activated, can cause
the police or fire department to respond.
Any signal activated by an emergency alarm or device, any
audible alarm, or any other kind of direct or indirect signal or message
given to the local police or fire department or the Montgomery County
Communications Center to which the fire or police department responds
which is not the result of a burglary, robbery, fire or similar emergency.
Any of the fire companies which service Red Hill Borough.
A sign consisting of a 12-inch-by-12-inch square made of
reflective material with a solid red background with white symbols.
Such symbols shall comply with the current NFPA standards.
The Red Hill Borough Fire Marshal/fire code official with
direct responsibility for enforcement of the Fire Code.
A structure that has received a legally issued certificate
of occupancy from the State of Pennsylvania or the local authority
having jurisdiction.
A self-contained unit designed to provide heating or hot
water to a building or structure, where said unit is located outside
of that building or structure. This unit typically burns (but is not
limited to) wood, coal, or other carbon-based fuel resources.
An outdoor wood-fired boiler or furnace that has been certified
or qualified by the EPA as meeting a particular matter emission limit
of 0.32 pounds per million British Thermal Units output and is labeled
accordingly. Phase 2 outdoor wood-fired boiler models will be identified
with a white hang tag.
[Ord. 2016-529, 12/14/2016; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-557, 8/14/2019]
The following modifications to standards of the International
Fire Code, 2015 edition, are hereby adopted as follows:
A.Â
In Section 101.1, insert "Red Hill Borough" as the name of the jurisdiction.
B.Â
In Section 103, all references to the "Department of Fire Prevention"
shall be understood to mean the Red Hill Borough Fire Marshal/fire
code official as established under the Code of the Borough of Red
Hill.
C.Â
In Section 103.1, the term "fire code official" shall be understood
to mean the duly appointed Fire Marshal of Red Hill Borough.
D.Â
Section 103.2, Appointment, shall be deleted and the following language
substituted: "The fire code official position shall be filled as prescribed
in the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Red Hill."
E.Â
Section 106.5, Periodic inspections, shall be added as follows:
106.5 Periodic inspections. The fire code official
shall conduct periodic inspections on properties other than those
properties erected under the provisions of the International Residential
Code. Frequency of said inspections shall be determined by the fire
code official based on his/her determination of fire risk regarding
the use and level of maintenance of life safety systems in the structure.
F.Â
Section 109.4, Violation penalties, shall be deleted and the following
language substituted:
109.4 Violation penalties. Any person who shall
violate any provision of this Chapter or shall fail to comply with
any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter,
repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents
or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate
used under provisions of this Code, shall, upon conviction, be sentenced
to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 and costs, and each day that
a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed
a separate offense; provided, however, that it shall be the duty of
the fire code official to report to the Borough Manager all violations
of any provision of this Code, indicating, in each case, the section
violated, the name of the owner or lessee involved in the violation,
the location where the violation took place and any other facts that
might be necessary in order to secure a clear understanding of the
circumstances attending the violation. The fire code official or other
person making the report shall serve upon the responsible individual
the notice indicating the violation of this Code. The notice shall
contain instructions to the responsible person indicating a reasonable
amount of time to correct named violations. Failure to correct named
deficiencies within the specified time in the notice will result in
a violation assessment in the amount indicated in the Borough Fee
Schedule. Further, if the responsible party should report to the office
of the Fire Marshal and pay the sum indicated within 48 hours after
the time of the notice, that act will save the violator from prosecution
and from payment of the fine and costs prescribed in the first sentence
of this section.
G.Â
In Section 111.4, replace the last seven words as follows, "shall
be liable to a fine of not more than $1,000."
H.Â
Section 113.2, Schedule of permit fees, shall be deleted and the
following language substituted:
113.2 Schedule of permit fees. A fee for each permit
shall be paid as required, in accordance with a scheduled adopted
from time to time by resolution of the Borough Council.
[Ord. 2016-529, 12/14/2016; as amended by Ord. No. 2019-557, 8/14/2019]
Technical amendments to the International Fire Code 2015 edition
shall be as follows:
A.Â
In Section 307.4.3, delete the exception.
B.Â
Section
307.4.4 shall be added and read as follows:
307.4.4 Portable outdoor and fixed outdoor fireplaces: shall be operated in accordance with §§ 307, 307.4,
and 307.5.
C.Â
A new Section 319 is hereby added entitled "Mobile Food Preparation
Vehicles," as follows:
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SECTION 319
MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES
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319.1 General. Mobile food preparation vehicles
that are equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden
vapors shall comply with this section.
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319.2 Permit required. A permit shall be required
for mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that
produce smoke or grease-laden vapors.
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319.3 Exhaust hood. Cooking equipment that produces
grease-laden vapors shall be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood.
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319.4 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be
provided in accordance with Sections 319.4.1 and 319.4.2.
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319.4.1 Fire protection for cooking equipment. Cooking
equipment shall be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems.
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319.4.2 Fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers
shall be provided for the protection of cooking equipment and shall
be of an approved type compatible with the automatic fire-extinguishing
system agent. Cooking equipment involving solid fuels or vegetable
or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K-rated portable
extinguisher.
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319.5 Appliance connection to fuel supply piping. Gas cooking appliances shall be secured in place and connected to
fuel-supply piping with an appliance connector complying with ANSI
Z21.69/CSA 6.16. The connector installation shall be configured in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Movement
of appliances shall be limited by restraining devices installed in
accordance with the connector and appliance manufacturers' instructions.
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319.6 Cooking oil storage containers. Cooking oil
storage containers within mobile food preparation vehicles shall have
a maximum aggregate volume not more than 120 gallons (454 L) and shall
be stored in such a way as to not be toppled or damaged during transport.
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319.7 Cooking oil storage tanks. Cooking oil storage
tanks within mobile food preparation vehicles shall comply with Sections
319.7.1 through 319.7.5.2.
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319.7.1 Metallic storage tanks. Metallic cooking
oil storage tanks shall be listed in accordance with UL 80 or UL 142,
and shall be installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer's
instructions.
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319.7.2 Nonmetallic storage tanks. Nonmetallic
cooking oil storage tanks shall be installed in accordance with the
tank manufacturer's instructions and shall comply with both of the
following:
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1. Tanks shall be listed for use with cooking oil, including
maximum temperature to which the tank will be exposed during use.
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2. Tank capacity shall not exceed 200 gallons (757 L) per tank.
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319.7.3 Cooking oil storage system components. Metallic
and nonmetallic cooking oil storage system components shall include,
but are not limited to, piping, connections, fittings, valves, tubing,
hose, pumps, vents and other related components used for the transfer
of cooking oil.
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319.7.4 Design criteria. The design, fabrication
and assembly of system components shall be suitable for the working
pressures, temperatures and structural stresses to be encountered
by the components.
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319.7.5 Tank venting. Normal and emergency venting
shall be provided for cooking oil storage tanks.
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319.7.5.1 Normal vents. Normal vents shall be located
above the maximum normal liquid line and shall have a minimum effective
area not smaller than the largest filling or withdrawal connection.
Normal vents are not required to vent to the exterior.
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319.7.5.2 Emergency vents. Emergency relief vents
shall be located above the maximum normal liquid line and shall be
in the form of a device or devices that will relieve excessive internal
pressure caused by an exposure fire. For nonmetallic tanks, the emergency
relief vent shall be allowed to be in the form of construction. Emergency
vents are not required to discharge to the exterior.
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319.8 LP-gas systems. Where LP-gas systems provide
fuel for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Chapter
61 and Sections 319.8.1 through 319.8.5.
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319.8.1 Maximum aggregate volume. The maximum aggregate
capacity of LP-gas containers transported on the vehicle and used
to fuel cooking appliances only shall not exceed 200 pounds (91 kg)
propane capacity.
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319.8.2 Protection of container. LP-gas containers
installed on the vehicle shall be securely mounted and restrained
to prevent movement.
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319.8.3 LP-gas container construction. LP-gas containers
shall be manufactured in compliance with the requirements of NFPA
58.
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319.8.4 Protection of system piping. LP-gas system
piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected
to prevent tampering, impact damage, and damage from vibration.
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319.8.5 LP-gas alarms. A listed LP-gas alarm shall
be installed within the vehicle in the vicinity of LP-gas system components,
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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319.9 CNG systems. Where CNG systems provide fuel
for cooking appliances, such systems shall comply with Sections 319.9.1
through 319.9.4.
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319.9.1 CNG containers supplying only cooking fuel. CNG containers installed solely to provide fuel for cooking purposes
shall be in accordance with Sections 319.9.1.1 through 319.9.1.3.
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319.9.1.1 Maximum aggregate volume. The maximum
aggregate capacity of CNG containers transported on the vehicle shall
not exceed 1,300 pounds (590 kg) water capacity.
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319.9.1.2 Protection of container. CNG containers
shall be securely mounted and restrained to prevent movement. Containers
shall not be installed in locations subject to a direct vehicle impact.
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319.9.1.3 CNG container construction. CNG containers
shall be an NGV-2 cylinder.
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319.9.2 CNG containers supplying transportation and cooking
fuel. Where CNG containers and systems are used to supply fuel
for cooking purposes in addition to being used for transportation
fuel, the installation shall be in accordance with NFPA 52.
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319.9.3 Protection of system piping. CNG system
piping, including valves and fittings, shall be adequately protected
to prevent tampering, impact damage and damage from vibration.
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319.9.4 Methane alarms. A listed methane gas alarm
shall be installed within the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions.
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319.10 Maintenance. Maintenance of systems on mobile
food preparation vehicles shall be in accordance with Sections 319.10.1
through 319.10.3.
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319.10.1 Exhaust system. The exhaust system, including
hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances,
shall be inspected and cleaned at least annually.
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319.10.2 Fire protection systems and devices. Fire
protection systems and devices shall be maintained and serviced by
a fire protection company every six months.
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319.10.3 Fuel gas systems. LP-gas containers installed
on the vehicle and fuel-gas piping systems shall be inspected annually
by an approved inspection agency or a company that is registered with
the U.S. Department of Transportation to requalify LP-gas cylinders,
to ensure that system components are free from damage, suitable for
the intended service and not subject to leaking. CNG containers shall
be inspected every three years in a qualified service facility. CNG
containers shall not be used past their expiration date as listed
on the manufacturer's container label. Upon satisfactory inspection,
the approved inspection agency shall affix a tag on the fuel gas system
or within the vehicle indicating the name of the inspection agency
and the date of satisfactory inspection.
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D.Â
Section 506 shall read as follows:
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506.1 Key Boxes Where Required.
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A.
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Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted
because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary
for life safety or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official
is authorized to require a key box be installed in an approved location.
The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with
UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required
by the fire code official.
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B.
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All non-residential uses shall provide for a key lock box system.
A key lock box system shall likewise be provided for access to restricted
common areas located in multi-family residential facilities, including
but not limited to apartment building lobbies, clubhouses, and similar
facilities.
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C.
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All new non-residential uses must provide for a key lock box
system as part of the commercial occupancy process. Those non-residential
uses that are existing may apply for the key box system.
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D.
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The fire code official or the Red Hill Borough Emergency Management
Coordinator shall approve the make and model of the key lock box system
to be installed.
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506.1.1 Locks.
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A.
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An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers
where required by the fire code official or the Red Hill Borough Emergency
Management Coordinator.
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B.
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Unless otherwise required by the fire code official or the Red
Hill Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, the key lock box shall
be installed on the front of the structure, and adjacent to the main
entry door on the right-hand side of said door and be installed at
a height not to exceed six feet above the grade or floor at this location.
The fire code official or the Red Hill Borough Emergency Management
Coordinator may require installation at another location he/she deems
would allow for a more efficient and effective response by emergency
personnel. The fire code official or the Red Hill Borough Emergency
Management Coordinator shall have the final determination as to the
location of the key lock box.
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C.
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The key lock box shall contain the keys for exterior doors and/or
gates or similar barriers at the property, the keys for interior doors
and/or gates within the building, and the keys to doors and/or panels
that control access to shared systems (i.e., HVAC, elevators, alarm
panels, sprinkler controls and electrical panels), as required by
the fire code official or the Red Hill Borough Emergency Management
Coordinator. Each key shall be clearly labeled and easily identifiable.
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506.2 - Key Box Maintenance:
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A.
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The owner of any structure or property required to have a key
lock box shall ensure that the Red Hill Fire Company and the Red Hill
Borough Fire Marshal have unobstructed access to the key lock box
at all times.
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B.
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The owner of any structure or property required to have a key
lock box, or the owner's designee, shall be present whenever the Red
Hill Fire Company and/or the Red Hill Borough Fire Marshal access
the lock box for the owner's structure or property except when the
fire department has responded to an emergency at the structure or
property.
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C.
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The owner of any structure or property required to have a key
lock box shall ensure that all keys contained in the key lock box
are up-to-date and provide access to all required areas both on the
property and in the structure. Whenever a lock is changed or rekeyed,
or new doors, gates or panels are installed on the property or in
the structure, the owner or operator of the building shall immediately
notify the fire code official and provide the new key within 48 hours
of said change or installation. The keys for all locks, doors, gates
and panels shall be secured in the key lock box.
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D.
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The owner of any structure or property required to have a key
lock box shall provide the Red Hill Fire Company and the Red Hill
Borough Fire Marshal with up-to-date contact information that includes
the owner's name; addresses; and facsimile, telephone, mobile phone,
and pager numbers. Any change in this information must be provided
in writing to the Red Hill Fire Company and the Red Hill Borough Fire
Marshal at least 48 hours in advance of the change occurring, along
with the date said change is to take place.
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E.
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Red Hill Borough assumes no liability for any of the following:
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a)
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Any defect in the operation of the key lock box; any problems
with any of the keys in said lock box; and/or any deficiency or flaw
with the information stored within the key lock box or otherwise provided
to the Red Hill Fire Company and the Red Hill Borough Fire Marshal.
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b)
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The failure or neglect of any owner of a structure or property
required to have a key lock box to install or maintain said lock box,
or to provide unobstructed access to same.
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c)
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Any breach in security of any structure or property required
to have a key lock box due to access to said lock box by any person.
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d)
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Any harm, damage, or injury to any person or property arising
out of or due to the installation or use of the key lock box or the
failure to install and/or use such a lock box.
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e)
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The owner shall indemnify and hold the Borough of Red Hill,
Red Hill Fire Company, and the Red Hill Borough Fire Marshal harmless
as to any harm, damage, or injury caused to the person or property
of any third party arising out of or due to the installation or use
of the key lock box or the failure to install and/or use such a lock
box.
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E.Â
(Reserved)
F.Â
Section 603.10 shall be added and read as follows:
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603.10 Outdoor wood-fired boilers and furnaces: No person shall install an outdoor wood-fired boiler or furnace
that is not Phase 2 certified by the EPA. The use of such furnaces
must follow all operating instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
Any outdoor furnace must also comply with any other county, state,
or federal guidelines for the same. The only fuels allowed shall be
those listed fuels recommended by the manufacturer. The following
are prohibited: trash, plastics, gasoline, rubber, naphtha, household
garbage, material treated with petroleum products (particle board,
railroad ties, and pressure-treated wood), leaves, paper products,
and cardboard. Users must follow the manufacturer's written instructions
for recommended loading times and amounts. Lighter fluids, gasoline,
or chemicals to start the furnace are prohibited. The unit must be
located with due consideration to the prevailing wind direction.
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603.10.1 Stack location: With respect to any outdoor
furnaces installed, such outdoor furnaces must be set back a minimum
of 150 feet from any property line. If located more than 150 feet
to any residence not served by the furnace, the stack must be at least
two feet of the height above the ground and at least two feet above
the peak of any residence less than 150 feet from said furnace.
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603.10.2 Operation: No person shall use or operate
new or existing outdoor wood-fired boilers between the dates of May
15 and September 15.
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603.10.3 Permit required: Any resident wishing
to install/operate an outdoor furnace must secure a permit from the
Borough of Red Hill. The permit fees will be established from time
to time by resolution of Borough Council.
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G.Â
The geographical limits referenced in certain sections of the International
Fire Code 2015 edition are hereby established as follows:
Section 5704.2.9.6.1 - The geographic limits in which the storage
of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings
is prohibited shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, 2015 edition.
Section 5706.2.4.4 - The geographic limits in which the storage
of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited
shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, 2015 edition.
Section 5806.2 - The geographic limits in which the storage
of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited
shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, 2015 edition.
