[Adopted by Ord. No. O-88-43 (§ 12-12 of the Revised General Ordinances)]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SMOKE DETECTOR
A fire alarm device capable of sensing visible or invisible particulars of combustion, providing suitable alarm, audible in all sleeping areas.
Each guest room, hotel suite, motel suite, or apartment dwelling unit shall be provided with a minimum of one approved smoke detector unit installed in a manner and location approved by the Freehold Township Fire Prevention Bureau and in compliance with the applicable sections of the National Fire Protection Association, Bulletin No. 74 (Standard of Installation, Maintenance and Use of House Fire Warning System), the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and the Uniform Fire Code as amended to date. Any such smoke detectors installed shall bear a seal, tested and listed by an approved rating organization such as Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual Laboratories (FM) or any nationally recognized agency.
It shall be the responsibility of the owners and/or managing agents of all buildings referred to herein to install and maintain smoke detectors in full operating condition in the locations prescribed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally interfere with the proper operation of a smoke detector in any manner without permission of the owner or his agent.
Any residential premises having in operation a form or system of electronic or other fire detection system, device or similar system approved by the Fire Prevention Bureau as an alternative alarm system shall be exempt from the equipment requirements of this article as to all areas so protected.
Compliance with this chapter shall be mandatory for multifamily residences including apartment houses and other residential housing including two or more dwelling units on or after January 1, 1981; provided, however, that no residential property of two or more dwelling units shall be sold and no building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued hereafter except upon certification by the applicant therefor of compliance with the requirements of this article.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be considered to vest exclusive jurisdiction within the Freehold Township Fire Prevention Bureau in terms of its enforcement; violation of this chapter may be enforced by other Township officials, including personnel of the Code Enforcement and the Police Departments.
Any person violating the provisions of this article shall be subject to the penalties prescribed generally for violation of the ordinances of the Township as set forth in Chapter 1, Article II, General Penalty, of the Code of the Township of Freehold.