Village of Random Lake Ordinance
CHAPTER 14 - BUILDING CODE

14.09 SMOKE DETECTORS REQUIRED.

(1) DEFINITIONS. (a) Smoke Detectors.A device which detects particles or products of combustion other than heat.

2. The owner is responsible to notify the tenant of the tenant's responsibility to replace batteries. Upon original occupancy or reoccupancy, the owner must notify the ten­ant in writing that the smoke detector in individual units are operable and make the tenant aware of the manufacturer's recommen­dation for testing. The tenant must acknowledge this written notification by written signature.

3. When 2-family units have a single stairway for entry to the upper unit, but have a second means of escape such as a doorway to a porch or jump platform, an interconnected system will not be required. The second means of escape shall be far enough removed from the main entry to be practical.

4. The tenant is responsible for testing of smoke detector according to manufacturer's recommendations. Periodic battery replacement is the responsibility of the tenant. If the tenant finds through testing that a defect exists, he shall notify the owner immediately and the owner shall correct the defect. The owner shall have 72 hours from receipt of written notice from the tenant to repair or replace the smoke detector.

(b) Special Installations.1. In addition to the pro­visions of sub. (2) above, in buildings defined in sub. (2) where a common hallway is used, smoke detectors shall be spaced not more than 30 feet apart in such hallways in addition to basement and stairway installation pursuant to par. (a) above. Hallway, stair­way and basement detectors shall be installed as part of an inter­connected system.

2. In occupancies set forth in sub. (2) above where the basement is served by 2 or more required standard exits, the area between the exits shall be considered as a common hallway and shall meet requirements of spacing as described in subpar. 1. above.

3. If the owner of any building described in sub. (2) above has improperly installed smoke detectors, he shall be allowed a 5-day period from date of receipt of written orders in which to comply.

(4) APPROVAL. A smoke detector required under this section shall be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or other comparable testing firm.

(5) EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE. Ionization type or photoelectric type detectors may be used. AC or DC power may be used. If AC powered, detectors must be directly attached to a junction box not controlled by any switch other than the main power supply. The installation of AC powered detectors shall con­form to all electrical standards adopted by the Village. A smoke detector required under this section shall be installed according

to the directions and specifications of the manufacturer, but if in conflict with the Village's Electrical Code, the Electrical Code shall take precedence.

(6) DEPARTMENT INSPECTION AND ORDERS. The Fire Inspector may inspect all residential buildings and may issue orders as may be necessary to ensure compliance with this section. The Fire Inspector may be contacted for recommendations when an owner is concerned about installation and number of detectors. Inspection of hallway, stairway and basement detectors shall be routine in buildings inspected by the Fire Inspector. Inspection of new con­struction shall be carried out by the Building Inspector on his final inspection.

(7) TAMPERING PROHIBITED. (a) No person shall tamper with a smoke detector or its electrical supply or remove or disconnect the battery in a detector.

(b) If the Fire Department responds to a smoke detector alarm and no cause for the system or detector to be activated is found, the possibility exists that batteries shall be removed or other measures taken to silence the detector or system. Such action shall in no way place liability on the Fire Department. The owner or manager of the building shall be notified immediately by the officer in command concerning the condition and he shall have the system or detector operable within 72 hours thereafter.

(8) PENALTY. Any violation of or noncompliance with any of the provisions of this section shall subject the violator to a forfeiture of not less than $50 nor more than $250, together with the costs of prosecution and, in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment in the County Jail until such forfeiture and costs are paid, but not to exceed 15 days. Each day of violation or noncompliance shall constitute a separate offense.