[Ord. No. 5/28/2003B, § 1201]
1. 
Requirements for Buildings Used for Residential Occupancy. It shall be the responsibility of the owner(s)/landlord(s) of all buildings and structures used for residential occupancy, as defined in Chapter 27, § 27-802, to install and maintain a single- or multiple-station smoke alarm in each sleeping room and outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. In new construction where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. When interior alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings. Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be interconnected and hard wired where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without removal of the interior finish. The alarm shall be audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. All smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72-96, 501A-92, 13-96.
2. 
Requirements for Commercial and Mixed-Occupancy Buildings. It shall be the responsibility of the owner(s)/landlord(s) to comply with the requirements of the Fire and Panic Act of 1970,[1] or any future codes, and to obtain an inspection and approval from the Department of Labor and Industry in addition to a permit and certificate of occupancy from the Code Enforcement Officer of the Borough of Wesleyville, as per Chapter 27, § 27-503, Subsection 1. All means of egress shall be clearly identified with a lighted exit sign and emergency lighting.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 1221 et seq.
3. 
Means of Egress in Buildings with Residential Occupancy. Basements with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue. New construction shall have a windowsill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor and shall have a minimum clear net opening of 5.7 square feet, except grade floor opening shall have a minimum net opening of five square feet and exit doors shall be a side-hinged door not less than three feet width and six feet eight inches in height. All means-of-egress doors shall be readily operable from the side of which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except, in problem security areas, special door alarms or locking devices shall be approved prior to installation. Manually operated edge or surface-molded flush bolts are prohibited. Emergency exits shall not lead through other buildings, apartments, toilet rooms or bathrooms. Every floor shall have a minimum of two means of egress.
4. 
Accumulations and Storage. Accumulations of rubbish, garbage, combustible, flammable, explosive or other material shall not be stored or allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress.
5. 
Fire Protection Systems. All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate and alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be properly maintained, and a complete written record of all tests and inspections shall be maintained on the premises by the owner or occupant in charge of said premises.
6. 
Fire Extinguishers. All residential and commercial rental units shall have an approved and maintained portable fire extinguisher of a combination ABC type. Fire extinguishers shall not be obscured from view and shall be placed in an easily accessible location.
7. 
Stairways, Handrails and Guards. Handrails shall have a minimum and a maximum height of 34 inches and 38 inches respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, and shall be provided on at least one side of the stairway. The handgrip portion shall have a circular cross section of 1 1/4 inches minimum to 2 5/8 inches maximum. Other handrail shapes that provide equivalent grasping surface are permissible. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs with two or more risers. Ends shall be returned or terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Guards shall be required on porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below and shall not be less then 36 inches in height. Open sides of stairs with a rise of more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches in height. Guards shall not have openings that allow a four-inch sphere to pass through the openings.
8. 
Exit Facilities. Exterior balconies, stairs, decks and similar facilities shall be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal.
9. 
Violations and Penalties. Any person who shall violate or fail to comply with any provision of this Part shall, severally for each and every such violation or noncompliance, be guilty of a summary offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $1,000, and costs, or, in default of payment thereof, shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. The imposition of a penalty for any violation or noncompliance shall not excuse the violation or noncompliance or permit it to continue. Each day that the violation or noncompliance exists shall constitute a separate offense.
[Ord. No. 10112006, 10/11/2006]
10. 
Intent; Effect on Other Provisions. This chapter is intended to establish a minimum requirement for fire detection devices in buildings and structures located within the Borough of Wesleyville. Other ordinances and/or codes requiring more stringent fire detection/prevention measures shall not be deemed in conflict herewith.