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Municipal Ordinances

Chapter 14 - Fire Protection

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Chapter Contents:

ARTICLE I.  IN GENERAL

ARTICLE II.  FIRE DEPARTMENT

ARTICLE III.  FIREWORKS

ARTICLE IV.  FIRE DETECTORS REQUIRED IN CERTAIN BUILDINGS AND DWELLINGS

ARTICLE V.  FIRE CONTROL MEASURES AND REGULATIONS


ARTICLE I - IN GENERAL

Sec. 14-1.  International Fire Code - Adopted

  1. There is hereby adopted by the City for the purpose of establishing fire control measures and other rules and regulations controlling conditions which could impede or interfere with fire suppression forces, that certain code known as the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition and Appendix D as amended, of which code not less than one copy have been and now are filed in the office of the City Clerk, and the same is hereby adopted and incorporated in the Code of the City of Rolla, Missouri, as if set out at length herein.
  2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after February 1, 2021. (Ord. 4454, §2; Ord. 4597, §1)

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Sec. 14-2.  Same - Amendments.

101.1 Title, is hereby amended by inserting the words "City of Rolla, Missouri".

105.3.1 Expiration. Every permit issued shall be valid for one year after issuance unless work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.  At that time the permit would become void and re-application would need to be made.  A one-time, on-year extension of a valid permit may be obtained at a cost of one half of the original permit fee.

106.4 Fee Schedule.  Refer to fee schedule provided in Section 109 of the International Building Code.

109.3 Violation Penalties.  Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, construct alter or repair a building or structure in violation of an approved plan or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days; or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

903.2.8.1 Exceptions.

  1. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in Group R as adopted by Missouri State Statute 67.281 "Any governing body of any political subdivision that adopts the 2009 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings or a subsequent edition of such code without mandated automatic fire sprinkler systems in Section R313 of such code shall retain the language in section R317 of the 2006 International Residential Code for two-family dwellings (R317.1) and townhouses (R317.2)."
  2. An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in Group R when the habitable space is less than 3,750 sq. ft. for a three unit multiple family home (Three-Plex), or less than 5,000 sq. ft. for a four unit multiple family home (Four-Plex), and no more than 1 story above grade.  Each individual apartment, must be constructed with a 1 hour fire separation separating individual units and all garage areas must be protected by a one hour fire separation

3301.1.3 Fireworks Add #5 to Exceptions:

  1. Any individual or organization may discharge fireworks as herein defined, without permit, on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th and 5th days of July.
  2. No fireworks shall be discharged within 50 feet of any stand, booth, or other location where fireworks are being sold.
  3. Every person who shall sell fireworks in accordance with this Chapter shall post notice, at his place of sale, a warning that no fireworks shall be discharged within 50 feet of such place of sale as per city ordinance and shall post notice that fireworks may be discharged within the city limits on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after February 1, 2021.

(Ord. 4104; Ord. 4454, §2; Ord. 4597, §1)

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Sec. 14-3.  International Fire Code - Adopted.

(a) That certain standard code known as the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition and Appendix D as amended, published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference as the article setting forth the fire prevention standards for the city.  In addition to the inspection authority provided for in the said International Fire Code, the code official shall also have the following authority:

The Code Administrator shall have the right but not the responsibility to inspect all structures and premises, except single-family dwellings and dwelling units in two-family and multiple family dwellings category for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighting operations, endanger life or any violations of the provisions or intent of this code or any other ordinance affecting fire safety. Whenever, in the enforcement of this code, another code or ordinance, it is determined that an inspection should be conducted and the responsibility of more than one code official of the jurisdiction is involved, it shall be the duty of the code officials involved to coordinate their inspections and administrative orders as fully as practicable so that the owners and/or occupants of the structure shall not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or multiple orders.  Whenever an inspector from any agency or department observes an apparent or actual violation of some provision of some law, ordinance, or code not within the inspector's authority to enforce, the inspector shall report the findings to the code official having jurisdiction.

Liability.  This article shall not be constructed to relieve from responsibility or to lessen responsibility of any person liable under the provisions of this article, nor shall the city be held as assuming any liability of any nature by reasons of the inspection authority hereby issued to the Building Inspector or Fire Chief for inspection for fire prevention.

Expiration.  Every permit issued shall be valid for one year after issuance unless work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced.  At that time, the permit would become void and re-application would need to be made.  A one-time, one-year extension of a valid permit may be obtained at a cost of one-half of the original permit fee.

Fee schedule.  Refer to fee schedule provided in Section 109 of the International Building Code.
(Ord. 4104; Ord. 4597, §1)

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Sec. 14-4.  Burning trash, paper, wood, etc. - Prohibited during darkness.

It is unlawful for any person to burn, set fire to or ignite any trash, paper, wood, grass, leaves, weeds, or any other debris or refuse within the city, during the hours of darkness, from sunset to sunrise, except as otherwise provided for permitted bonfires and fire pits. (Ord. 998 §1, replaced by Ord. 4104 §1

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Sec. 14-5.  Burning trash, paper, wood, etc. permitted during daylight under certain conditions.

It shall be unlawful for any person to burn, set fire to or ignite any solid waste, paper, wood, grass, leaves, weeds or any other debris or refuse.  Provided, that this section shall not apply to the burning of grass, leaves, weeds, or natural vegetation generated upon a landowners property by special permit.  (Ord. 2919, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

  1. No burning shall be permitted on City right-of-way. 

  2. Open burning of grass, leaves, weeds, or natural vegetation generated upon a landowner’s property shall be permitted year round, under the terms and conditions set forth in any written or verbal permit which may be issued by the fire chief or his/her designee.  Such written or verbal permit, issued by such fire chief or his/her designee, shall specify the time and place such burning shall be permitted.

  3. Open burning shall be allowed after obtaining a permit or other proper authorization from the fire chief or his/her designee for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, heating for warmth of outworkers, and a bonfire.

  4. A bonfire shall be no more than 5 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet in dimension and shall burn not longer than 3 hours.  The size and duration of a bonfire shall only be increased by the Fire Chief or his/her designee when it is determined that fire safety requirements of the situation and the desirable duration of burn, warrant the increase.

  5. Fuel for a bonfire shall consist only of seasoned dry firewood and be ignited with a small quantity of paper.  The fire shall not be used for waste disposal purposes with the intent to minimize the generation of air contaminants.

  6. Applications for open burning bonfires shall be obtained at the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue Headquarters on or before the day of bon-fire and shall be in such form and contain such information as required by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.  Such applications shall contain, at a minimum, information regarding the purpose of the proposed burning, the nature and quantities of material to be burned, the date when such burning will take place, and the location of the burning site.

  7. All permits shall be requested by and issued to the owner of the land upon which the bonfire is to be kindled.

  8. The location for any open burning shall be not less than 50 feet from any structure and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.  Fires in approved containers shall be permitted to be not less than 15 feet from any structure.  All burning shall take place on the owner’s property. 

    1. Open burning shall not be used for waste disposal purposes, shall be of the minimum size of the intended purpose, and the fuel shall be chosen to minimize the generation and emission of air contaminants.

  9. All open burning shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such open fire is extinguished.  This person shall have a garden hose connected to the water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment readily available for use.  Land clearing operations must obtain a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

  10. Commercial land clearing and or land clearing operations must be pre-approved by a vegetative or untreated wood permit obtained through the Missouri Department of Natural Resource, in conjunction with the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue.  

  11. Open burning shall be allowed without prior notification to the Fire Chief or his/her designee for highway safety flares, railroad smudge pots and similar occupational needs.

  12. The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall prohibit open burning which will be offensive or objectionable due to smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.  The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall order the extinguishment, by the permit holder or the fire department, for any open burning, which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

  13. Open burning shall be allowed with prior notification to the Fire Chief or his/her designee and upon receipt of written permission from the jurisdictional EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) authority and/or Missouri Department of Natural Resources, provided that any conditions specified in the permission are followed, for:

    1. disposal of hazardous or toxic material where the EPA determines that there is no practical alternative method of disposal,

    2. instruction in methods of fire fighting or for research in control of fires, in emergency or other extraordinary circumstances research in control of fires,

    3. in emergency or other extraordinary circumstances for any purpose determined to be necessary by the EPA, disposal of landscape waste other than residential

    4. and agricultural waste, and recognized agricultural or horticultural management purposes to maintain or increase the quantity or quality of agricultural or horticultural production. 
      (Ord. 998, §2; Ord. 1490, §1 and Ord. 2874 §2, replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-6.  Fire Pits.

A "fire pit" includes below ground pits, freestanding fireplaces, and portable devices intended to contain and control outdoor fires.

  1. All below ground fire pits shall be at least four inches in depth and shall be surrounded on the outside, above ground, by a non-combustible material such as steel, brick, or masonry.  The fire pit cannot exceed three feet in diameter, nor may the fire pile exceed two feet in height.

  2. Fire pits shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

  3. Only natural firewood, commercial logs, natural gas, and propane  may be burned.

  4. Burning of lumber, pallets, scrap wood, tree trimmings, leaves, yard waste, paper, cardboard, garbage and similar items is not permitted.

  5. All fire pits must be located away from any structure or combustible material

  6. Below ground fire pits and freestanding fireplaces must be located a minimum of 25 feet away from any structure or combustible material

  7. Portable fire pits must be located a minimum of 15 feet away from any structure or combustible material

  8. The fire must be constantly attended and supervised until the fire has been completely extinguished

  9. A portable fire extinguisher or other approved extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose, must be readily available

  10. The fire must be completely extinguished by 1 a.m.

  11. Resident should remember common courtesy needs to be extended to neighbors with the consideration of weather, noise, and smoke.  The Fire Chief or his/her designee may have the fire extinguished at any time for appropriate reason. (Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-7.  Fire Alarm Systems

No person shall maliciously turn in or cause to be turned in a false alarm of fire.  (Ord. 4104)

14.7.010.   Purpose.

  1. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage owners and alarm businesses to properly install, use, and maintain the operational effectiveness of alarm systems in order to improve the reliability of alarm systems and reduce or eliminate false fire alarms and nuisance fire alarms.

  2. This chapter governs fire alarm systems intended to summon fire department personnel, requires registration, assessment of fees for excessive false fire alarms and nuisance fire alarms, provides procedures for repeat offenders, and provides an effective date.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.020.   Registration of fire alarm system.

  1. A registration to the Codes Administrator shall be required for fire alarm systems whenever a record of completion is prepared, in accordance with adopted codes.  This will be conducted by submitting plans of the fire alarm system to the Codes Administrator. 

  2. Registrations shall not be transferable from one premise to another or from one owner to another.

  3. Every fire alarm company shall notify the AHJ of the existence of a fire alarm system prior to the fire alarm system being put into operation.  It shall be the responsibility of the installer to provide the owner with notice of the existence of this chapter, the approved plans, and a copy of the fire alarm system operation instructions in accordance with adopted codes, and the manufacturer’s instructions.

  4. The approved plans shall include the following information:

    1. The name(s), address of the premises, mailing address (if different from the address of the premises), business and home telephone number of the owner, lessee, operator, manager or person in possession of the premises wherein the fire alarm system is installed;

    2. The name, address and telephone number of a minimum of two persons who can be notified by the AHJ, in the event of the activation of the fire alarm system, and who shall be capable of responding to the premises within one-half hour of notification, and who are authorized to enter the premises;

    3. The name, address, and telephone number of the fire alarm company which has contracted to service the fire alarm system and proof of proper state licensing/registration with the City of Rolla

      Fire and Rescue, if required.  Proof of proper state licensing may be a valid state licensing number;
    4. The date fire alarm system is placed in operation;

    5. Any other documentation relevant to the property or required by AHJ.

  5. When any of the information required by subsection (E)(1), (E)(2), or (E)(3), herein, is changed or modified, it shall be reported to the AHJ by the owner within fifteen calendar days of change or modification.

  6. The fire alarm installer shall complete and deliver the fire alarm system registration in the required format to the AHJ before the fire alarm system is activated or placed into service.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.030.   System certification and key boxes.

  1. Prior to installation or alteration of equipment or wiring of a fire alarm system, the owner or installer must submit complete plans and specifications for the proposed system to the city codes department for review.

  2. All newly installed or re-certified commercial and residential (three or more living units) fire alarm systems shall be approved by the AHJ.  The certification shall indicate the fire alarm system is in compliance with adopted codes.  The certification shall be signed by a qualified fire alarm technician.

  3. Approved key boxes shall be installed on all commercial and residential (three or more living units) buildings with a fire alarm system. 

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.040. Inspection, testing and maintenance.

  1. The owner shall ensure all fire alarm systems are inspected and tested by a certified company at least once per year in accordance with adopted codes.

  2. The owner shall ensure all fire alarm systems are maintained per manufacturer specifications and adopted codes.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.050. Fire alarm activation – Response.

  1. The owner shall be responsible for the activation of a fire alarm system.

  2. A response to the activation of a fire alarm system shall occur from any officer or member of the fire department being dispatched to the premises where the fire alarm system has been activated.

    1. At the time of response, Rolla Central Communications shall notify any person identified in the registration required pursuant to subsection 14.6.030(E) of the activation of the fire alarm system and, at that time, such person is required to respond to the premises.

    2. In the event the fire alarm system is a monitored system, it is the responsibility of the company monitoring the fire alarm system to notify any person identified in the registration at the request of the AHJ.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.060.   Nuisance fire alarms.

  1. In the event the activation of a fire alarm system is deemed by the AHJ to be a nuisance fire alarm and the system requires repair, the owner will be provided a fire alarm activation report by an officer or member of the fire department, indicating that the activation was deemed to be the result of a nuisance fire alarm.  This report will be provided the third business day after the activation.

    1. Upon receipt of a fire alarm activation report the owner shall return to the AHJ a completed report of service/repair within fifteen calendar days of receipt of the fire alarm activation report to verify, to the reasonable satisfaction of the AHJ, that:

      1. The fire alarm system has been examined by a qualified fire alarm technician; and

      2. A bona fide attempt has been made to identify and correct any defect of design, installation or operation of the fire alarm system which was identified as the cause of the nuisance fire alarm.

    2. In the event the premises are equipped with a fire alarm system with over one hundred alarm initiating devices, the AHJ may waive one nuisance fire alarm per calendar year.

  2. No violation shall be assessed for the first three nuisance fire alarms at the same premises responded to by the fire department during a running twelve-month period.  Thereafter, the owner shall be considered in violation of this article/ordinance.

    1. In determining the number of nuisance fire alarms, multiple alarms occurring in any twenty-four hour period shall be counted as one nuisance fire alarm to allow the owner time to take corrective action.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.070.   False Fire Alarm.

  1. No violations shall be assessed for the first three false fire alarms at the same premises responded to by the fire department during a running three month period.  Thereafter, the owner shall be considered in violation of this article/ordinance. 

    1. In determining the number of false fire alarms, multiple alarms occurring in any twenty-four hour period shall be counted as one false fire alarm to allow the owner time to take corrective action unless the false fire alarms are directly caused by the owner.

    2. False fire alarms activated by any components connected to the fire alarm system shall be included in computing the total number of false fire alarms for purposes of this subsection.

    3. The activation of a fire alarm system will not be considered a false fire alarm if the alarm is activated due to causes beyond the control of the owner.

    4. In the event the premises are equipped with a fire alarm system with over one hundred alarm initiating devices, the AHJ may waive one false fire alarm per calendar year.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.080.   Remedies and penalties.

  1. The AHJ has the authority to revoke the occupancy certificate for the premises by written notice to the owner of the premises, and order a fire watch in accordance with adopted codes, due to repetitive nuisance fire alarms and/or false fire alarms, until the system is restored, and for any of the following reasons:
    1. Failure to meet the requirements required by this chapter.  

    2. Failure of the owner to provide a written report of service/repair required by this chapter;

    3. A fourth false fire alarm or nuisance fire alarm at a premises for which a violation is assessed is charged pursuant to this chapter as a result of the failure of the owner to take corrective action to eliminate the cause of the false fire alarm or nuisance fire alarm; or

    4. The failure of a person notified pursuant to subsection 14.7.060(B)(1) of this chapter to appear within one-half hour after being notified to respond, if such failure to respond occurs four or more times within a calendar year.

(Ord. 4104)

14.7.090.   Government immunity.

Neither registration of a fire alarm system nor the provisions of this chapter are intended to, nor will they, create a contract, duty or obligation, either expressed or implied, of response.  Any and all liability and consequential damage resulting from the failure to respond to a notification is hereby disclaimed and governmental immunity as provided by law is retained.  When registering a fire alarm system, the owner acknowledges that fire department response may be based on factors such as availability of fire department units, priority of calls, weather conditions, traffic conditions, emergency conditions, and staffing levels.  The city, its officers, employees, and agents shall not assume any duty or responsibility for the installation, maintenance, operation, repair or effectiveness of any privately owned fire alarm system, those duties or responsibilities being solely those of the owner of the premises. (Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-8.  Regulation of transport loads of gasoline, fuel oil, etc., to bulk plant storage tank, commercial garage, etc.

It shall be unlawful to deliver transport loads of gasoline, fuel oil or diesel fuel to any bulk plant storage tank, or commercial garage or service station storage tank, except at such times as there shall be present at the site of the unloading of such transport a person of lawful age who shall personally witness and supervise the unloading of such transport truck and the filling of such storage tank.

It shall be unlawful to cause or permit gasoline, fuel oil or diesel fuel from any transport load to be discharged or poured upon the ground.

Should accidental discharge occur, contact 911 or Fire Department immediately.
(Ord. 1434, §§ 1,2; replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-9.  Fire safety zones established; parking within such zones prohibited, exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle within the following described areas of the public streets, hereby designated as "fire safety zones," unless such vehicle is being then and there loaded with or unloaded of goods, wares, merchandise or other personal property, or is being loaded with passengers or is being used for the discharge of passengers therefrom:
(Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-10 to 14-23.  Reserved.

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ARTICLE II - FIRE DEPARTMENT

Sec. 14-24.  Created.

A department to be hereafter known as the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue, the object of which shall be the prevention of fire and the protection of life and property within the limits of the city is hereby created. (Ord. 1211, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-25.  Composition.

The department shall consist of a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief,  Firefighters, and other administrative personnel deemed necessary and prudent  as the council may from time to time determine. (Ord. 1211, §2 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-26.  Fire chief - Appointment; term of office; qualifications; removal;  accountable to Mayor.

The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor, by and with the consent of the majority of the members of the city council for an indefinite period of time, and his/her tenure of office shall depend upon his/her good conduct and efficiency.  The chief shall be technically qualified by training and experience and shall have the ability to command firefighters and hold their respect and confidence.  He/she shall be removed only for just cause and after a hearing before the city council.  He/she shall be accountable to the City Administrator only and shall make written and verbal reports as may be required by the City Administrator or the City Council.  All other members of the fire department shall be accountable to the City Administrator and to the chief only.  (Ord. 1211, §3 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-27.  Same - Powers and duties.

The Fire Chief shall formulate, subject to the approval of the City Administrator, a set of rules and regulations to govern the department and shall be responsible for the personnel, morale and general efficiency of the department;  he/she shall determine the working schedule of all regular members of the fire department as well as all part-time members; he/she shall at least once a month conduct suitable drills or instruction in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, a study of buildings in the city, fire prevention, water supplies, and all other matters generally considered essential to good firemanship and safety of life and property from fire; he/she shall assist the proper authorities in suppressing the crime of arson by investigating or causing to be investigated the cause, origin and circumstances of all fires; he/she is hereby empowered, and it shall be his/her duty, to enter any and all buildings and premises used for commercial purposes including the housing of students and buildings for hotel and motel purposes at any reasonable hour for the purpose of making inspections and to serve written notice upon the owner or occupant to abate within a specific time, any and all fire hazards that may be found and any person so served with notice to abate any fire hazard or shall comply therewith and promptly notify the chief.  It shall also be the duty of the chief to see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and minor equipment, personnel and other information about the work of the department and he/she shall report monthly to the city council for the condition of the apparatus and equipment, the number of fires during the month, the location and cause and date of same and loss occasioned thereby, the number and purpose of all other runs made and the number of members responding to each fire or other run and any changes in membership.  It shall be the duty of the chief to make a complete annual report to the city council within one month after the close of the fiscal year, such report to include the information specified herein together with comparative date for previous years and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the department.  (Ord. 1211, §4 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-28.  Regulation of use, housing, etc., of equipment; mutual aid agreements.

The department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment as may be required from time to time to maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from fire; all equipment of the department shall be safely and conveniently housed and no person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any purely private purpose and while such equipment is in charge and control of a regular member of the department, and no person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed or handle any apparatus or equipment belonging to the department unless accompanied by or having the special permission of an officer or authorized member of the department.  No fire calls will be answered outside the corporate limits of the city; provided however, that call for assistance of mutual aid may be answered when the absence of such equipment from the city will not jeopardize protection of property within the corporate limits of the city.  (Ord. 2018, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-29.  Personnel-Division into two classes.

The personnel of the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue shall be divided into two classes:  Regular firefighter; and Cadet firefighter.  A regular Firefighter is one who is employed at a regular salary on a full time basis certified as a Firefighter I and II; a Cadet Firefighter is one who is employed at a regular salary on a full time basis but does not have Firefighter I and II certification. (Ord. 1211, §6 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-30.  Same - Responsible to Fire Chief; required compliance with all rules and regulations governing conduct, duties, etc., in department; issued badge or insignia.

All members of the fire department shall be directly responsible to the Fire Chief and shall submit themselves to the orders and directions of the chief in all matters pertaining to the fire department and the carrying out of the functions of the department and shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the chief governing their conduct, duties and activities in the fire department. (Ord. 2275, §2 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-31.  Enforcement of article.

All regularly appointed members of the department are hereby given the necessary special powers for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Article. (Ord. 1211, §§ 1, 2; replaced by Ord. 4104)

Secs. 14-32 to 14-37.  Reserved.

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ARTICLE III - FIREWORKS

Sec. 14-38.  Sale of fireworks, etc., permitted on certain days.

No person shall at any time sell, offer or expose for sale or give away any firecracker, potash or sulphur tablet or pellet, or any device for exploding any tablet or pellet, or any torpedo, aerial salute or aerial reporting shell, or any display bomb shell or any other article commonly known as fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of Rolla, MO, except on the thirtieth day of June and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days of July.  (Ord. 575, §1; Ord. 1620, §1; Ord. 2737, §1, replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-39.  Wholesale sale of fireworks - Permitted.

Wholesale sale of fireworks is hereby permitted within the city limits of the City of Rolla, Missouri, herein.  All such wholesale sales shall comply with the conditions and requirements contained herein.  (Ord. 2311, §1, replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-40.  Permit - Required.

No wholesale sale shall be made by any seller who does not have a valid permit.

  1. A permit for the wholesale sale of fireworks shall be obtained from the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue.

  2. No permit shall be issued except upon proof offered by the applicant of complete compliance of all provisions of state statutes and city ordinances relating to safety requirements for the sale of fireworks.

  3. If, after inspection, the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue determines that the proposed conditions of sale constitute a fire hazard, no permit shall be issued. 
    (Ord. 2311 §2 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-41.  Proof of wholesale sales - Required.

Any wholesale seller of fireworks making sales under this Ordinance must provide the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue with proof that all sales made are wholesale sales.  Such proof must be proffered on a monthly basis and noncompliance with this Section shall result in immediate revocation of permit to sell. (Ord. 2311, §3 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-42.  Revocation of permits.

Permits for the wholesale sale of fireworks provided for under this Ordinance may be revoked by the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue upon its determination, after inspection that unsafe conditions exist.  (Ord. 2311, §4 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-43.  Seizure of stock.

Upon a determination of unsafe conditions, or upon a violation of this Ordinance, the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue may seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed at the cost of the owner, all stocks of fireworks offered or exposed for display or sale, stored or held in violation of this Ordinance. (Ord. 2311, §5 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-44.  Discharge of Fireworks.

  1. Any individual or organization may discharge fireworks as herein defined, without permit, on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th days of July. No fireworks may be discharged without the fire department's special permit between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.  Any individual or organization may discharge fireworks as herein defined, without permit, on the 4th day of July.  No fireworks may be discharged without the fire department's special permit between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m.

  2. No fireworks shall be discharged within 100 feet of any stand, booth, or other location where fireworks are being sold.

  3. Every person who shall sell fireworks in accordance with this Chapter shall post notice at their place of sale warning that no fireworks shall be discharged within 100 feet of such place of sale as per city ordinance and shall post notice that fireworks may be discharged within the city limits on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.

  4. Indoor Pyrotechnics displays are prohibited in establishments, which are licensed to serve alcohol within the City of Rolla.  A special use permit would be required through the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue for any other Pyrotechnic displays in the City Limits of Rolla

  5. The uses of Sky Lanterns, also known as Kongming Lantern are prohibited in the City of Rolla.  They are constructed from oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame, and contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material.  When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, causing the lantern to rise into the air.  The sky lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern floats back to the ground.
    (Ord. 4104, Ord. 4217, §1)

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Secs. 14-45 to 14-50.  Reserved.

 

ARTICLE IV - SMOKE DETECTORS REQUIRED IN CERTAIN BUILDINGS AND DWELLINGS

Sec. 14-51.  Installation of smoke detectors required.

  1. The owner of each dwelling unit in the city, which is constructed or is renovated after the passage of this Article shall install smoke detectors prior to the occupancy of said newly constructed dwelling unit or prior to the completion of renovation to an existing dwelling unit.

  2. The owner of any apartment building, dormitory, hotel or motel in the city in existence at the time of the passage of this Article or used as such or constructed after the time of the passage of this Article shall install smoke detectors in each apartment, dwelling, each dormitory room that has sleeping facilities or cooking facilities, and each motel or hotel room prior to allowing any person to rent, lease or occupy said apartment, dwelling, dormitory room, motel or hotel room, and in Ord 2592, §1.

  3. Each apartment, dwelling, each dormitory room that has sleeping facilities or cooking facilities, and each motel or hotel room without a properly installed smoke detector shall be considered a separate violation under this ordinance.  (Ord. 2592, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-52.  Type of detector.

Smoke detectors shall bear the label of a nationally recognized standards testing laboratory that indicates that the smoke detectors have been tested and listed under the requirement of United Laboratories, Inc. Standard UL217 2nd Edition or National Fire Protection Association Standards 72E and 74. (Ord. 2592, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-53.  Enforcement and inspection.

(a)   The building code inspector or other city official charged with the issuance of construction or building permits for the buildings and structures to which this article applies shall require that all plans for new construction or renovation of existing structures to which this Article applies contain an indication that calls for the installation of smoke detectors as required by the provisions of this Article and shall not approve or issue such permit in the absence thereof. (Ord. 2592, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-54 to 14-60.  Reserved.

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ARTICLE V - FIRE CONTROL MEASURES AND REGULATIONS

Sec. 14-61.  Adoption of fire control measures and regulations.

There is hereby adopted by the City of Rolla the fire control measures and regulations as herein set forth for the purposes of controlling conditions, which could impede or interfere with fire suppression forces.  (Ord. 2616, §1 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-62.  Authority at fires and other emergencies.

The fire official or duly authorized representatives, as may be in charge at the scene of a fire or other emergency involving the protection of life and/or property, is empowered to direct such operations as may be necessary to extinguish or control any suspected or reported fires, gas leaks, or other hazardous conditions or situations or of taking any other action necessary in the reasonable performance of their duty.  The fire official may prohibit any person, vehicle or object from approaching the scene and may remove or cause to be removed from the scene any person, vehicle or object which may impede or interfere with the operations of the fire department.  The fire official may remove or cause to be removed any person, vehicle or object from hazardous areas.  All persons ordered to leave a hazardous area shall do so immediately and shall not re-enter the area until authorized to do so by the fire official. (Ord. 2616 § 2 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-63.  Interference with fire department operations.

It shall be unlawful to interfere with, attempt to interfere with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or restrict the mobility of, or block the path of travel of any fire department emergency vehicle in any way, or to interfere with, attempt to interfere, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or hamper any fire department operation. (Ord. 2616 § 3 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-64.  Vehicles crossing fire hose.

A vehicle shall not be driven or propelled over any unprotected fire hose of the fire department when laid down on any street, alleyway, private drive or any other vehicular roadway without the consent of the fire official in command of said operation. (Ord. 2616 § 4 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-65.  Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.

Upon the approach of any authorized emergency vehicle, giving audible and visual signal, the operator of every other vehicle shall immediately drive the same to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the street or roadway, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle or vehicles shall have passed, unless otherwise directed by the fire official or a police officer.  (Ord. 2616, §6 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-66.  Vehicles following fire apparatus.

It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vehicle, other than one on official business, to follow closer than 500 feet from any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm, or to drive any vehicle within the block or immediate area where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm. (Ord. 2616 § 7 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-67.  Unlawful boarding or tampering with fire department emergency equipment.

A person shall not without proper authorization from the fire official in charge of said fire department emergency equipment, cling to, attach himself to, climb upon or into, board or swing upon any fire department emergency vehicle, whether the same is in motion or at rest, or sound the siren, horn, bell or other sound-producing device thereon, or to manipulate or tamper with, or attempt to manipulate or tamper with any levers, valves, switches, starting devices, brakes, pumps, or any equipment or protective clothing on, or a part of , any fire department emergency vehicle.  (Ord. 2616, §8 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-68.  Damage, injury - Fire department equipment or personnel.

It shall be unlawful for any person to damage or deface, or attempt, or conspire to damage or deface any fire department emergency vehicle at any time, or to injure, or attempt to injure or conspire to injure fire department personnel while performing departmental duties.  (Ord. 2616, §9 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-69.  Emergency vehicle operation.

  1. The driver of any emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 14-65 of this Ordinance, shall not sound the siren thereon or have the front red light on or disobey any existing traffic regulation, except when said vehicle is responding to an emergency call or when responding to, but not upon returning from a fire.

  2. The driver of an emergency vehicle may:

    1. Park or stand irrespective of the provision of existing traffic regulations;

    2. Proceed past a red or stop signal or other sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operations;

    3. Exceed the prima facie speed limit so long as the action does not endanger life or property;

    4. Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions;

  3. The exemptions herein granted to an emergency vehicle shall apply only when the driver of any such vehicle while in motion sounds audible signal by bell, siren, or exhaust whistle as may be reasonably necessary, and when the vehicle is equipped with at least one lighted lamp displaying a red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicle. 
    (Ord. 2616 § 10 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-70.  Blocking fire hydrants and fire department connections.

  1. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes and International Fire Code 2000, it shall be unlawful for posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage, and other material or objects to be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections, or fire prevention system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible.  In addition no person shall park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant per Missouri Revised Statutes 300.440.1 (Ord. 2616 § 11 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-71.  Hydrant use approval.

A person shall not use or operate any fire hydrant intended for use of the fire department for fire suppression purposes unless such person first secures a permit for such use from the fire official and the water company having jurisdiction.  This Section shall not apply to the use of such hydrants by a person employed by, and authorized to make such use by, the water company having jurisdiction.  (Ord. 2616 § 12 replaced by Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-72.  Fire Department Connection - Fire Department Connection (FDC) Requirements

The City of Rolla requires the Fire Department Connection (FDC) to be a standalone connection.  The connection must follow all International Fire Code 2000 and NFPA requirements.  The FDC connection shall meet all test requirements.

    1. The fire department connection FDC shall be a free standing and remote from the building at a distance from the building equal to half the height of the exterior wall.

    2. The FDC shall be equipped with a 2-2½ inch National Standard Thread connection.  The FDC piping underground shall be equipped with a ball drip valve to ensure there is no standing water in the connection and that the piping does not freeze.

    3. The FDC shall be arranged to face a paved roadway, sidewalk or other approved area and shall be installed so that it will not interfere with access to the building when hoses are laid from the closest public hydrant to the FDC.  The FDC shall be located on the same side of the lot/or building as the closet public fire hydrant or a maximum of one hundred (100) feet.

    4. The FDC shall be arranged so that the connection is no more than (48) inches above the finished grade, sidewalk or location of the connection.

    5. A Knox brand locking cap with a chain or cable shall be provided for the FDC.  A Knox application can be obtained at the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue.

    6. Where the FDC is subject to vehicle damage, the connection shall be protected per the fire code.

(Ord. 4104)

rolla-fire-pipes.jpg

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Sec. 14-73.  Key Box

Where Required - The Knox Company is the only provider of Key Boxes used by the City of Rolla.

  1. The owner and/or management agents of any new commercial construction shall install a key box, of a type and in a location approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

  2. Owners and operators of controlled vehicle parking areas which use mechanical parking gates to control motor vehicle ingress and egress shall install and maintain an emergency override control on each gate.  Said emergency override control devices shall contain a master key-operated type switch approved by the proper official of the local fire department.

  3. For all buildings where installation is not required under the above listed provisions of such installation shall be permissible but not required.  If the owner or management agent of a property which is not required to install a key box elects to do so, said owner or management agent shall be obligated to meet all criteria specified for buildings where key box installation is required.

(Ord. 4104)  

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Sec. 14-74.  Key Box System Installation

  1. The lock or key box to be installed in the structure shall meet the following specifications:

    1. Key box shall be installed at the location as agreed upon by the owner of the property and the Fire Chief or his/her designee. 

    2. UL 437--Standard for safety key lock;

    3. UL 1610--Standard for central station alarm units for use with UL listed alarm systems;

    4. UL 1037--Standard for anti-theft alarms and devices.

  2. The fire department shall adopt procedures for protecting the integrity and security of the master keys system, which allow access to key boxes within the City of Rolla.  Procedures shall include, but not be limited to a definition of authorized uses and users of the system; specific means of access to the system; protection against unauthorized or uncontrolled use of master keys or master key systems; secure storage systems for master keys; a system for release and control of master keys from a central dispatch location; the recording of individuals having access to the master key, including date, time and location of access; and protections and safeguards against unauthorized duplication of master keys or access systems.

(Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-75.  Key Box System Content Requirements

  1. Key boxes shall include two separate sets of keys.  Each set shall contain the following individually labeled keys:

  2. Keys to the locked point of egress whether on the interior or exterior of such buildings, mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, fire alarm panels, elevator controls, if elevators are present and equipped with a fire department bypass switch, keys to other areas in the building as directed by the proper official of the fire department.

  3. In addition, the key box shall contain the following:

  4. A current list of personnel and telephone numbers for call back purposes in the event of an emergency.

  5. In the event that locks on the subject building are changed after the installation of the key box, the proper official of the local fire department shall be notified of such change in writing, and a key(s) to the new lock(s) shall be provided immediately.  
Enforcement of this section shall be performed by the authority having jurisdiction. 

(Ord. 4104)

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Sec 14-76.  Lock Sprinkler Cap System.

The Knox Company is the only provider of locking sprinkler caps used by the City of Rolla.

  1. Unless exempted by written order of the Chief of the City of Rolla Fire & Rescue and in order to eliminate the tampering with sprinkler connections and to provide an operational sprinkler system for fire suppression, the following structures shall be equipped with a lock sprinkler cap system at the required sprinkler connection:

    1. All newly constructed commercial and industrial structures and places of assembly protected by an automatic fire alarm system or automatic suppression system;

    2. All newly constructed multi-family residential structures required to have sprinkler system;

    3. All newly constructed health care facilities; and

    4. All existing structures undertaking additions, alterations or repairs which shall cause the same to conform with the then current provisions of any of the building or property maintenance codes adopted by the City.

  2. All structures subject hereto shall be required to install a lock sprinkler cap system prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit which shall then be operational at all times thereafter.

  3. The owner or operator of any structure subject hereto shall notify the Department of Fire/EMS of any damage or changes to the lock sprinkler cap system.

  4. The Fire Chief shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations governing the use of any lock sprinkler cap system.

  5. All existing buildings as described in first paragraph shall be required to comply with the installation of the key box system by December 31, 2014.

  6. The City of Rolla Fire & Rescue shall be responsible for the enforcement hereof.

  7. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any structure subject hereto which is not properly equipped with the required lock sprinkler cap system.

  8. Any such sprinkler cap system must be operational for the final inspection by the Codes Administrator and/or City of Rolla Fire & Rescue.

(Ord. 4104)

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Sec. 14-77.  Reserved.

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Rolla, MO 65401
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