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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-08671ORDMANCt tts,i AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OP MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "FIRE PROTECTION" MORE PARTICULARLY BY AMENDING SECTIONS ii.b, 17-18, 17-19, 17-113, and 17421, WHICH SECTIONS DEAL WITH THE AREAS OP FIRE ALARM AND FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING INSPECTION, INSTALLATION AND TESTING FURTHER ESTABLISHING REQUIREMENTS FOR HORIZONTAL SEPARATION BETWEEN CORRIDORS, ROOMS AND SPACES AND ALLOWING AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OP COMPLYING WITH SAID REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI -RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS LESS THAN FOUR STORIES IN HEIGHT; FURTHER BY ADDING A REQUIREMENT THAT DOORS IN STAIRWAYS AND OTHER VERTICAL SHAFTS SHALL BE SELF -CLOSING. CONTAINING A REPEALER PROVISION AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. WHEREAS, following a hotel fire in downtown Miami on April 3, 1976, which caused ten deaths, an intensive investigation was commenced by the Grand Jury of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Dade County, Florida; and WHEREAS, on April 13, 1976, the said'Grand Jury issued a special 5-page report, a copy of which is attached hereto, con- cerning the said hotel fire and containing specific recommendations aimed at preventing a similar disaster; and WHEREAS, on November 9, 1976, the said Grand Jury rendered its final report which addressed, inter alia, the subject of fire prevention for several pages, a copy of which is also attached hereto; and WHEREAS, as evidenced by the attached April 26, 1977 Fact Sheet signed by Fire Chief Donald A. Hickman, the Miami Fire Depart- ment has diligently pursued efforts to insure against a similar recur- rence of any similar disaster and has consequently proposed acutely needed amendments to the Fire Code of the City of Miami as set forth herein, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: t Section 2 The following seettoni of Chapter 17 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as emended, entitled "Fire Protect L+ W. are hereby further amended in the following particulars: - A. till+ee--t74---Inapeetien-of-fire-detettista-and-alarm-aystam. (a}--le=shalt-be-the-db'ty-ef-the-this€-eleetri+eai-inspeeter- te-have-nil-€ire-deteetfett-systemsT-watekman-elsek-systems and-leeal-fire-alarm-systems-ittspeeted-at-lest-every-site Menthe-te-determine-that-avek-systems-are-eperating-esatreetly. A-reinspeetieft-fee-ef-€stir-debars-shall-be-paid-by-the-- ewner- sperater-er-ether-persen-in-eharge-of-sveh-system fer-re Aspeetiss- '414 he-skit€-eleetr psi-inspeetar-shall-issue-a-eertifleate- e€-eemplianee-a€ter-sbeh-system-has-eempiled-with-+this-- et eer--whieh-shail-be-peened-by-t'he-pereee-is-ekarge-e€- dueh-system?-ta-a-eenspieveas-pines--near-the-signal-panel. gtteh-eerti€teats-may-be-a-tag-er-sticker--aa-determined--- by-the-ehie€-eteetrieal-imspeetert-- "See . 17-6 Inspection Hof . f3.re alarm and fire detection systems. the of the owner/agent or occupant It ofgt'hePberemises responsibility having a Lire alarm s stem or a tire detection syy. stern. to have such systems maintained as required by section 17-r18 of this Chapter . minimum,' to determine thatLL such systems are basis,operating The system shall be ins ected on an annual asa correctly. A Fire Alarm Test report, as prescribed by the Chief of the fire a'reventfon Bureau, or a copy of a maintenance contract covering the details ot the test, operation and etficiency ot the system. shall be submitted to the /ire Prevention )ureau annually. A tag or sticker shall be placed on the system, certifying the date ot the inspection and the name ot the contractor, company or individual performing the inspection. Fire Alarm Specialty Electrical Contractors or Electrical t,ontractors certtta.ed by Metropolitan Dade County or by the State ot Florida, or individuals who are so certified, are authorized to conduct such tests and inspections.'' Section 17-18 is hereby repealed in its entirety and the following is substituted therefor: "Sec, 17-18. Protected Openings (a) Vertical A11 interior stairways, vertical shafts or other openings shall be enclosed or their floor openings otherwise protected in buildings that fall into the following categories: 1. All buildings of Group A and S occupanies 2. Group C and P occupancies of two or morefloors in height of any type construction 3. Group E.F. and G occupancies of Type III unprotected, n encore wor s coast Lute t e amen nt propose . Remaining provisions are now in effect and remain unchanged. Words stricken through shall be daleted, Type /V or Type V construction and three or more floors in height group E,F, and Q occupancies of Type It Typo it or Type ttt protected construction and four or morefloors in height Group H and t occupancies of Type /11 unprotected or Type V construction and two or more Moore in height. ► Group H and occupancies of Type t, Type it or Type III protected construction and three or more Boors in height ► 1/ (b) 140,ri2onta1- 13uild3.ngs of Group 14 occupancy, unless the build- ing is equipped with an approved automatic fire alarm system, an approved automatic stroke detec- tion system, or an approved automatic sprinkler system shall comply wiith the following provisionst 1. Every corridor shall be separated from adjoining rooms or spaces by partitions having at Least a one hour fire resistance rating. 2. Each room, or space, shall be provided with a door having fire resistive rating equivalent to a 1-3/4 inch solid bonded wood core door. 3. Transoms and other unprotected openings shall be prohibited in partitions of corridors serving as exit access. 4. Doors to corridors from Group H occupancy shall be self -closing with an approved spring loaded hinge or closer and be provided with positive latching devices. (b.1) An alternate method of complying with Section 17-18 (b) is herein provided for buildings less than four stories in height of Group H occupancy: An approved series of single station smoke detectors, capable of sensing visible or invisible products of combustion shall be installed in an approved manner. The smoke detectors shall meet the requirements of UL217. Standard for single and multiple station smoke detectors. Smoke detectors may be powered by self -monitored battery or directly connected (permanently wired). to the electrical system of the building. The application of smoke detectors to the building's electrical .system will require an electrical permit and complaince with the provisions of the National Electrical Code NFPA No. 701975. The detectors shall be installed in corridorslobbies stairways, storage and public areas and shall be approved by the Chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau for the particular application, spacing and locations. 1/ Exterior Balcony buildings, as defined in Chapter #4 of the South Florida Building Code, are exempt from Section 17.18 (b) 'beteetors shall be located on the a iiit g not less than six (B") inches from the side wall, or, if necessary, on the side wall between six (") inches to twelve (12") inches from the deiln . Where unusual factors such as corridor configuration, air movement, staggered air pockets, etc, require consideration, the chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau shall approve the placement of the detectors. In corridors, detectors eha11 be installed a maximum of 20 feet apart. The smoke detectors shall be maintained in an operative condition at all mes as specified in Section 17-118 of this Chapter, Y (c) Groups of occupancies defined: Group A occupancy shall include assembly uses such as theatres, auditoriums, motion picture houses, exhibition halls, skating rinks, gymnasiums, bowling alleys, pool rooms, armories, restaurants, churches, dance halls, club rooms, night clubs, meeting rooms, passenger rooms, recreation piers, and similar uses having an occupant content of ono thousand or more persons. Group B occupancy shall include assembly uses such as Division 1: Assembly uses set forth in Section 601 having an occupant content of three hundred to one thousand persons. Division 2: Assembly uses as set forth in section 601 having an occupant content of less than three hundred persons, except, that the occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes of less than one hundred persons in a building or other occupancy and incidental to such other occupancy shall be classed as part of the other occupancy and subject to the provisions applicable thereto. Group C occupancy shall include all schools having classes more than four hours each week and providing facilities for more than ten students or pre-school children. Accessory uses to schools not exceeding the following maximums may conform to the requirements of this chapter: Assembly halls 2100 square feet Dining rooms 3000 square feet Gymnasiums 3000 square feet Shops having portable or fixed power equipment or tools not exceeding a combined total of twenty horsepower. Such accessory uses exceeding the above maximums shall conform to the requirements of the occupancy group which includes such use, 1/ Sec. 17-118,Maintenance of Equipment.. Sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire alarm systems and other fire protective or extinguishing systems or appliances which have been installed in compliance with any permit or order, or because of any law or ordinance. shall be maintained in operative condition at all times. and it shall be unlawful for any person to reduce the effectiveness of the protection so required; except, that this shall not prohibit the owner or occupant from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to make tests. repairs, alterations or additions, The chief of the bureau of fire prevention shall be notified before such tests, repairs, alterations or additions are started, Group D occupancy shall include all institutional uses as follows; Division 1, Occupancy where inmates' Liberties are restrietad, such as Jana, prisons, reformatories and asylums. Division 2. Occupancy where inmates are under hhysical limitations, such as hoaptiala, sanitariums, omes for the aged and orphanages; and where accomada- tians are provided formort than ai:x inmates, Group E occupancy shall include such hazardous uses as the storage and use of explosives, highly flammable liquids and highly combustible material that are easily ignited and burn with extreme rapidity. Division 1: Storage and handling of explosives and highly combustible materials such as, but not limited to; Explosive manufacture, sales and storage; aluminum power factories; cellulose -nitrate plastic factories; warehouses and sales rooms; cereal mills; flour and feed mills; grain elevators; mattress factories; rubber factories; waste paper plans; and polyester storage and processing plants: Division 2: Storage and handling of Class t, II and ill flammable liquids, as set forth in section 4102 of the south Florida Building Code, and shall include such uses as, but not limited to, distilleries, gasoline bulk plants, lacquer factories, liquified petroleum gas charging or bulk storage plants, paint manufacturing, spray painting, storage and handling of paint thinners and solvents and storage and handling of styrene compounds. Group P occupancy shall include storage and industrial uses as follows: Division 1: Storage occupancy shall include ware- houses, storage buildings, freight depots, public garages of any size 'where repair work is done, parking garages for more than four cars, gasoline service stations, air- craft hangars or similar uses. Division 2: Industrial occupancy shall include factories, assembly and manufacturing plants, processing mills, laboratories, loft buildings, creameries,laundries, ice plants, sawmills, planing mills, box factories, wood- working shops with fixed or portable power equipment or tools exceeding a combined total of twenty horsepower and other similar uses. Group G occupancy shall include mercantile and business uses as follows: Division 1: Mercantile occupancy shall include retail stores, shops. sales rooms, markets and similar uses, Division 2; business occupancy shall include office buildings, banks, civic -administration buildings. telephone exchanges. museums. art galleries. libraries and similar uses. Group Koccupancy shall include multiple -residential uses such as hotels, motels, apartment -hotels, apartment houses, bungalow courts. rooming houses, dormitories, fraternity houses. monasteries, and similar uses which provide accommodations for more than six persona. Exception; a single-family residence containing no more three bedrooms where no more than two persons per bed- room shall be included in Group i occupancy, .5. Croup t occupancy shall include All sin family uses and dupheaes # dormitories fraternity es and monastery uses when such build r►gs are used to domicile no mare than six persona; buildings classified as group C occupancy and group tl-2 occupancy whet such buildings are used to house no more than sic students or itmates and the appropriate supervisory personnel; and rooming houses, when such rooming houses are operated in a single-family residences containing no more than three bedrooms, where no more than two bedrooms are rented, such rooms being used to house not more than two persona per bedroom; (d) Types of construction defined: Type I, The structural frame of Type d buildings or structures shall be of steel or reinforced concrete; and walla, permanent partitions, roofs and floors shall be of incombustible fire -resistive construction, except as otherwise set forth ehrein, Type I(1) The structural frame of Type it buildings or structures shall be of steel or reinforced concrete; and the exterior walls and interior bearing walls shall be of incombustible fire -resistive construction; and except it buildings of Group D occupancies, fire retardant treated wood may be used for roof framing and, in buildings not exceeding two storbs in height, fire -retardant treated wood nay be used for the interior structural framing elements. (2) Permanent partitions, floors and roof shall be of fire -resistive construction but nay be of combustible materials as regulated herein. Type III. (1) (a) Type III buildings or structure; shall have an exterior structural frame of steel or reinforced concrete or of fire -retardant treated wood complying with the South Florida Building Code; or shall have ex- terior loadbearing walls of incombustible, fire -resistive construction. (b) Type III buildings or structures shall have an interior structural frame of steel, reinforced concrete, wood or interior loadbearing walls of incom- bustible materials or wood. (c) Partitions, floors and roof framing may be of wood. (2) (a) Type III (protected) buildings shall have all interior bearing walls, partitions, ceilings and floors of not less than one hour fie -resistant construc- tion, except that the fire protection of floors may be omitted'as specified. (b) Type III (unprotected) buildings may have interior walls, ceilings and floors of unprotected steel and wood or concrete, Interior bearing walls shall be fire protected as specified. Floors shall. be fire pro- tected as specified. Type IV. All structural and other elements of Type IV buildings shall be of incombustible materials. Type V. All structural and other elements of Type V buildings shall be of incombustible materials or wood. C Suh..aectian ) f Matt, 17 19 of the 'Code of the City f'Miami, Florida, as amended, is hereby further amended ae follows: "(f) boors in stairway and tither verLcal shafts, exet'i-es' hen eed-eeagh-eHess, s all b self-closin and shall be equipped with Foai ve ate ng ev Des. D. Sub -section (b) of Section 17•117 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as emended, is hereby further amended as follows: "-(b) Unless specificall provided for in_this Chap ter, m nui11y operate3� ire alarm equipment datlautomatic fire detection systems shall beprovided wherever as specified by the applicable provisions of N.p.F.A. No. 101, Life Safety Code, 1967 edition. pertaining to that occupancy. E. Section 17-121 is hereby repealed in its entirety and the following is substituted therefor: "Sec. 17-121. Fire alarms required. A manually activated, electrically supervised fire alarm system shall be provided in the following buildings unless the building is equipped with an approved .automatic fire alarm system, an approved automatic smoke detection system or an approved automatic sprinkler system. (a) Buildings of Group C Occupancy, as defined in Sec, 17-18(c). (b) Buildings of Group D occupancy, as defined in Sec. 17-18(c): (c) Buildings of Group F Division 2 if the total occupancy capacity is more than 500'persons or if more than 25 persons occupy a story above or below the street level, except that a one story building of undivided floor space where all parts are visible to all occupants, shall not be require an alarm system. (d) Buildings of Group G Division 2 if the total occupancy capacity is more than 1,000 persons or if more than 200 persons are employed above or below the street level. (e) Buildings of Group H as set forth herein: 1. Every apartment building with independent cooking and bathroom facilities, whether designated as apartment house. condominium,grden apartment or by any other name, ''more than 3 stores in height and more than 1.2 apartment units'. 2. Every hotel, apartment hotel, motel, lodging. boarding or rooming house in which there are more then 15 units, primarily used by transients who are lodged with or without mesla, except where each guest room has directexit to the outside of the building and is not over 3 stories in height. Section 3. All ordLnanees or paet s of ordinances in IIo itr as they are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions o ` thin ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 3 If any section, part of section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provisions of this ordinance shah not be affected, PASSED ON FIRST READING EY TITLE ONLY this 2igt day of June 1977. PASSED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY th 14th day n f July 1977. MAVRiCt A Pt RRE A t,0.._.€t.. __.. tAt.N, Gr. O14GIE CITY CLERK PREPARED AND APPROVED BY: RT F. CLAR ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY APPR®mac AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: 00GEF CITY ATT KNOX. JR. EY MIAMI ItrillW Y1 AND WIN WICI RD emit Serdsh knolap slid bpi Milan Mimi, Mile tooth fleditt Mitt OF ?LHMA 't!'I Mt, OF VADE " Ire �In asiien LttWitt tll i+itlblIliF Qi I'B�R±ir �yy leigi 41ninflOWle tivertisinntnt at I�Itii .nf i t-:i . ►`IOP' Id in the ;K.: Catift, was published in Said newspaper in the roust Of fiuI,.. 1. ` I *77 Aftiatit turthet says 'the! the Self MIAMI RevISW and ail Record It a newt paper pub Isked at Mtatnl, in said Dade County, Florlda and that the said newt, 'OWL has hetetofo�e been coiittnuousiy published in raid Dada County Florida, each day (except motley, and Legal Holidays) and has been entered ea tecbnd Waist Mail matter at the post afire. to Miami, in Said 'Dade County. FlotidA for a period of one yeat Next pteceding the first publication of the attached Copy of advertisement; and afriant further days that the has neither paid not ptornised any person, Ilan OP for the any osetOfusecurriing this advve►tisement tot publication in the Said hewspepet. otn and subsc -d'be e me this NCO, ARI .I .. Ab. 9. 7.7... A, " ubhc, State FJprl . at Large. yAC�omeelsslon a ft 1179. re't111t�.,a MR.4O oft O 1IAIAINI, fteg toutert, Vigetibfk All tf ettes *lit!' t ele, tM e iota? toRmYItmwoft ei wafts% 1~itlFEdt1 *atom th! telt Rinitfitp: ORDINANCE NO.1 f1 AN'ORD)NANCE AMENDENrs tMA step 1f OP THE ODOR DP THE CITY OP MI*MI, PLORIDA, A9!MENDED, EN, TITLED "FIRE ROTECTtON,'" MORE PARTIOULAIIL, BY AMENDING SECTIONS 1/•19,1f118, titd Mitt WHICH SECTIONS NEAL WITH THE AREAS OP �FIREE ALARM AND FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS, INtLUDINO INSPECTION, INSTALLATION A O TE'STINO; PURTI4ER ESTASLISMING ItEOUIREMENTS FOR HORIZONTAL. SEPARATION BEtWEEN tORRIDORS, ROOMS AND SPACES AND ALLOWING AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OP- COMPLYINO WITH SAID REOUWREMENTS FOR MULTI. RESIbENtIAL BUILCIINGS LESS THAN FOUR STORIES IN Ht:►GHt; PURTHER BYADDING AREOUtREMENTTHAT .. DOORS IN StAIRWAYS AND OTHER VERtitAL SHAFTS ;. SHALL Be SELF,CLOSING, CONTAININD A REPEALER PROVISION AND SEVEERABILITY CLAUSE. Publication Of this notice On the 19th day b1 July. 192f RALPH G. ONOIE CITY CLERK Cstw or MtAM,. t L+ MDA iNtCRrC<P'Fti3C Me CPIANDUM Joseph , i ratisie City Manager Chief *'A: Ki ci aril Director Department of Fire t: April26, 9/7 9tLt. Amendments t, Chapter # 7 Piro Protection Chapter 1`i E.'rtRFIC EM: tNcLOsUR g: Peet Sheet, Code Amendments A tragic fire occurred April 3, 1976 in the Avondale Hotel, 315 N.. 2 Avenue, in which ten lives were last. The fire was of incendiary origin and subsequently two suspects were apprehended, indited and charged with arson in the first degree and ten counts of first degree murder, On April 13, 1976, the Dade Grand Jury issued a five page report containing eleven (11) recommendations regarding certification of fire inspectors, legal and professional positions and urging additional fire safety regulations for existing buildings. Sub- sequent Grand Juries are monitoring our progress with respect to the recommendations. The proposed legislation deals with several of the recommendations primarily in the areas of Fire Alarm Systems, testing and applica- tion and vertical and horizontal separations. it must be emphasized that the Fire Code is not a Building Construc- tion Code, we are attempting to deal wi..h older existing buildings that were not required to have many life and fire safety features required by present day Building Codes, DAH:vt cc: Law Dept. "7/ city 't eft MiANi. 'rl ltfDA IN tatdfrIC2 Mt MGtflANCUM Joseph Al Oragtie City Manager Chief D. A. Hickman, director Department of Vire hb.t fit 26, 1977 Pact Sheet ■ Recommended Fire Code Amendments 3.n„-e..�. .. In the development of amendments to the Fire Protection Chapter, con siderable thought and deliberation was devoted to study in term of providing reasonable, but necessary, fire and life safety requirements with respect to existing buildings. Avondale Hotel Fire, April 2, 1976, ten lives lost. City commission requested additional fire safety regulations. Two Dade Grand Jury tteports, April 13, 1976 and November 9, 1976. First meeting of the Fire Code Revision Committee, April 22, 1976. Com- mittee composition: City Fire Officials, Assistant City Attorney, Pro- fessor -Miami Community College, Independent contractor, bank President, Congress of Senior Citizens representatives and members of other fire jurisdictions. On May 6, 1976 a second general meeting was conducted with five (5) sub- sequent ad hoc committee meetings. Committee's recommendation submitted to my office, July, 1976 for Admin- istrative review. Metropolitan Dade County Commission, in the past and in response to the Grand Jury Reports, have instructed the Board of Rules and Appeals, Ad- ministrative body of the South Florida Building Code, to provide fire safety regulations in the Building Code, if the County Fire Safety Code is not amended. Dade County Fire Officials have committed to amending their Fire Safety Code, which is a minimum County -wide Fire Code. Administrative review and application of a smoke detector alternative was completed with respect to the City of Miami Code and distributed to Fire Chiefs in Dade County in August, 1976. Page 1 of 2 tot Joseph R. trassLE Date, The proposed to changes were gent to the Board of Rules and Appeals for review and prefessional input. A study committee wag treated and on November 26, 1976 this committee submitted three recommended changes. Miami Fire Officials met with the board's Committee on January 3, 1977 to review the recommendations. Two final meetings were conducted on February 17, 1977 and February 24, 1977 with Fire Officials from Metropolitan Dade County, fialeah, North Miami Beach, Miami Beach and Coral Cables. One of the board's suggestions was accepted, one was viewed as covered sufficiently itt the Fire Cade and one rejected. Subject officials, through consensus, concurred with all of the Code changes as reasonable requirments. Agreement could not be reached in terms of the smoke detection alternative. The amendments vete finalized in March, 1977 and the necessary documents pre- pared. To reiterate, we have addressed ourselves to older existing buildings that were not required at the time of construction by building codes, to provide fire safety requirements as do present day codes. Our recommendations will require: 1. fire Alarm and Fire Detection testing on an annual basis by the owner/agent or the occupant of the building. 2. Provides for horizontal protection; solid core doors, door closers and latching devices and provides a series of smoke detectors as an alternative to this requirement for buildings less than four (4) stories. 3. Fixes responsibility in terms of plans review with respect to fire suppression and life safety systems. 4. Specifically requires, for existing buildings, Manual Fire Alarm systems in Hotels, Motels, Apartment Build ings, Rooming and Boarding Mouses and Office Buildings. DAR: vt cc: Law Dept. Page 2 of 2 4/3/71 ss■sssss.srsssssSSsssss-ss-sss..smssssss Pitt SENT_ASADIURL Sec. 17-6, Inspection of local fire detection and alarm system. (d) It.shall be the duty of the chief electrical inspector to have all fire detection systems, watchman clock systems and local fire alarm systems inspected at least every six months to determine that such systems are operating correctly. A reinspection fee of four dollars shall be paid by the owner, operator or other person in charge of such system for re - inspection. (b) The chief electrical inspector shall issue a certificate of compliance after such system has complied with this chapter, which shall be posted by the person in charge of such system, in a conspicuous place, near the signal panel. Such certificate may be a tag or sticker, as determined by the chief electrical inspector. (Ord. No. 7431, par. 20) pttOpbSEb CHANCE: Sec. 17-6 is hereby rewritten to read as foilovst Delete paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 17-6 of the City of Miami Code and substitute the following title and sections: Sec. 17-6. Inspection of fire alarm and fire detection systems. It shall be the responsibility of the owner/agent or occupant of the pre- mises having .a fire alarm system or a fire detection system, to have such systems maintained as required by section 17-118 of this 'Chapter. The system shall be inspected on an annual basis, as a minimum, to de- termine that such systems are operating correctly. A Fire Alarm Test report, as prescribed by the Chief of the Fire Preven- tion Bureau, or a copy of a maintenance contract covering the details of the test, operation and efficiency of the system, shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau annually, A tag or sticker shall be placed on the system, certifying the date of the inspection and the name of the contractor, company or individual perform ing the inspection. Fire Alarm Specialty Electrical Contractors, Electri- cal Contractors or individuals certified by Metropolitan Dade County or by the State of Florida are authorized to conduct such tests and inspections. 1 11111111111011•11- • • Sec. 17.18. Protected vertical opening, All interior stairways and ether vertioai shafts she be enclosed or their floor openings otherwise protected in buildings that all into the fellow- ing categories! (a), (b), (+e), (d), (e), (f), (a) tOP_a$. D C_HANO The title of 17.18 is herein changed from "Protected vertical openings" to Sec. 17-18 "Protected Openings" with the former identification of (a) through (g), renumbered to 1.2-3444 (as set forth below) with the letter (g) "Groups of occupancies" removed, to be re -identified under 17-18 (e). See. 17-18. Protected Openings (a) Vertical All interior stairways, vertical shafts or other openings shall be enclosed or their floor openings otherwise protected in buildings that fall into the following categories; 1. All buildings of Group A and 8 occupancies 2. Group C and D occupancies of two or more floors in height of any type construction 3. Group H, P and G occupancies of Type tit unprotected, Type iV or Type V construction and three or more floors in height 4. Group H, P and G occupancies of Type t, Type i1 or Type tit protected construction and four or more floors in height 5. Group H and 1 occupancies of Type In unprotected or Type V construction and two or more floors in height 6. Group 1i and t occupancies of Type t, Type It or Type ttt pro- tected construction and three or more floors in height (b) Horizontal Buildings, four or more stories in height of Group H occupancy, unless the building is equipped with an approved automatic fire alarm system, an approved automatic stroke detection system, or an approved automatic sprinkler system shall comply with the following provisions: 1. Every corridor shall be separated from adjoining rooms or spaces by partitions having at least a one hour fire resistance rating. 2. Each room, or space, shall be provided with a door having fire resistive rating equivalent to a 1-3/4 inch solid bonded wood core door. 3. Transoms and other unprotected openings shall be prohibited in partitions of corridors serving as exit access. 4. Doors to corridors from Group H occupancy shall be self -closing with an approved spring loaded hinge or closer and be provided with positive latching devices. EXCEPTION: Exterior Balcony buildings, as defined in Chapter #4 of the South Florida Building Code, are exempt from Section 17-18 (b). 2 (b.1) An alternate thod of complying 'with Section t7418 t b' to herein provided for buildings less than four stories in height of Ofoup U occupancy' An approved series of single station smoke detectors, capable of sensing visible or invisible products of combustion shall be in- stalled in an approved manner. The smoke detectors shall meet the requirements of 111.2171 Standard for single and multiple station smoke detectors. Smoke detectors may be powered by self -monitored battery or directly connected (permanently wired) to the electrical system of the build- ing. The application of smoke detectors to the building's electrical system will require an electrical permit and compliance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code NFPA no. 70-1975. The detectors shall be installed in corridors, lobbies, stairways, storage and public areas and shall be approved by the Chief of the Pire prevention Bureau for the particular application, spacing and locations. Detectors shall be located on the ceiling not less than six (6") inches from the side wall, or, if necessary, on the side wall between six (6") inches to twelve (12") inches from the ceiling. Where un- usual factors such as corridor configuration, air movement, staggered air pockets, etc. require consideration, the Chief of the Fire Pre- vention Bureau shall approve the placement of the detectors. In corridors, detectors shall be installed a maximum of 20 feet apart. The smoke detectors shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times as specified in Section 17-118 of this Chapter. 4. t) Groups of occupancies defined: (A11 groups of occupancies to remain as defined; Group AS Si P, tl1#l, l) (d) Types of construction defined; (As written • na changes) (List types o construction) Sec. 17.19. Vertical Separations (f) Doors in vertical shafts., such as linen and trash chutes, shall be ti y�}y����yy�egyuipped awtith positive latching devices. CI VC_OSED_�CftL`1.O i Sec. 17.19. Vertical Separations (f) Doors in stairways and other vertical shafts shall be self -closing and shall be equipped with positive latching devices. PRESENT, P,SAbfNG: Sec. 17-117. SurveY of_Premises and specification of equipment (b) Manually operated fire alarm equipment and automatic fire detection systems shall be provided wherever specified by the applicable pro- visions of N.P.P.A. No. 101, Life Safety Code, 1967 edition, pertain- ing to that occupancy. (Ord. No. 7431, par. 1; Ord. No. 8024, par. 15) PROPOSED CHANGE: Sec. 17-117 Title and Sub -section (a) - no change. (b) Unless specifically set forth in this Chapter,manually operated fire alarm equipment and automatic fire detection systems shall be pro- vided wherever specified by the applicable provisions of N.F.P.A. No. 101, Life Safety Code, 1967 edition, pertaining to that occupancy. (Ord. No. 7431, par. 1; Ord. No. 8024, par 15) 5. PRESENT READING: Sec. 17-35. Building permits and plans checking (a) prior to the issuance of any building permit for building construction, building alterations, etc., a member of the department of fire delegated by the Director of the Department of Fire shall review any and all plans submitted to evaluate the same for fire safety features; such as, verti- cal separation, exits, exit corridors and stairs, combustibility of ma- terials to be used, fire extinguishing apparatus and exit lights. Single- 4 1 rani i y rvm t.Ittwret a tyre t'iempttri 'i `rn this requ t�tltt� i `tt .1 ttdit o thy / nr builder requests a fire drpnti mnt evn unttef, (b) The department of tire pinne vheeker shall dt igndte Where exit ti►hte trt riquircd diretttenl itglttn dte to be .placed and the eleettrittteL ln• spectten dtvihiet of the building department Mull size that they are ttt• Stalled in an approved manner. (c) The department of fire plans checker shall evaluate plans for automatte sprinkler and standpipe requirements and designate placement of re. quired fire department connections and hose cabinet And the plumbing itt- apection division of the building department shall see that they are in. stalled in an approved manner. tOrd. No. 7431 Ch. 1) PEi. POSED CWNG. L Sc,e17-35 Building permits and plans examination Prior to the isauanee of any permit for building conetruction and alterations, members of the department of fire, designated by the Director, shall review all plans submitted in accordance with the turrentiy adopted and approved build- ing code., Members of the plans examination section shall identify requirements for fire suppression and life safety systems, vertical separations, means of egress, flame spread and combustibility of materials and exit lighting. Dwell- ings are exempt from this requirement, unless the owner or builder requests a fire department evaluation. (a) The department of fire plan examiners shall identify requirements such as vertical separation and means of egress regarding capacity and fire protection. The structural plans examiner and the buildiee_minseection division of the building department, shall be responsible for proper evalua. tion and application of these requirements. (b) Ibe department of fire plans examiners shall identify requirement for life safety systems such as smoke detectors, voice communication and emergency lighting and shall designate placement of required exit and directional Lights. The electrical plans examiner and the electrical inspection divi- sion of the building department, shall be responsible for proper evalua- tion and application of these requirements. (c) The department of fire plans examiners shall identify requirements for fire suppression systems, such as sprinkler and standpipe installations and designate placement of required fire department connections and hose cabinets The plumbing plans examiner and the plumbing inspection division of the building department shall be responsible for proper evaluation and applica- tion of these requirements. (d) The department of fire plans examiners shall identify requirements for life safety systems, such as smoke control, ventilation and emergency elevators. The mechanical plans examiner and the mechanical inspection division of the building department shall be responsible for proper evaluation and applica- tion of these requirements. 5 S ec,17.131, Sprinkler and alarm systems required, (a) Sxept as provided in Subsection (b) of this section, buildings whitb are occupied above the heights permitted by the following table shall be equipped with approved automatit sprinkler dystQmss k2ht in Stories Ord, Cont.sWood Frame Const. Occupancy classifieation Institutional ss.s.s.ss.s.ss.....as• 2 Residential, other than utuiti-family houses and dwellings.... ..... . 4 1 3 UesReROWastamfleemanakteesaeerteeeeeenea.eeessaffig.. a_efteUMMaee00ftelsefteMba (b) buildings used for residential occupancy may be occupied one story higher than specified in Sub -section (a) of this section without sprinklers if equipped with an approved automatic fire alarm System. (Ord. No. 7431, par. 1) PROf?=SBD 'MANOR: Sec. 17-121. Fire Alamos required A manually activated, electrically supervised fire alarm system shall be pro- vided in the following buildings unless the building is equipped with an ap- proved automatic fire alarm system, an approved automatic smoke detection system or an approved automatic sprinkler system. (a) Buildings of Group C Occupancy, as defined in Sec. 17-18 (c) (b) Buildings of Group D Occupancy, as defined in Sec. 17-18 (c) (c) Buildings of Group F Division 2 if the total occupancy capacity is more than 500 persons or if more than 25 persons occupy a story above or below the street level, except that a one story building of undivided floor space where all parts are visible to all occupants, shall not re- quire an alarm system. Buildings of Group G Division 2 if the total occupant capacity is more than 1,000 persons or if more than 200 persons are employed above or below the.street level. Buildings of Group H as set forth herein: 1. Every apartment building with independent cooking and bathroom facilities, whether designated as apartment house, condominium, garden apartment or by any other name, "more than 3 stories in height and more than 12 apartment units". livery Hotel, Apartment Motel, Motel, Lodging, SeardLLng er looming house to Which there are more than 13 units, prim. eerily used by transients rote are lodged with er without meals, eneeept mere each guest room has direct melt to the outside of the building and is not over 3 stories in height. Sec. 17.326. permit required No place of aesetebly, as defined tained, operated or used as such permit shall be required for any place of religious worship. tit 1 ROPOSED CHANGt Sec, 17-326, Sub -section (a) Only to be amended to read as follows: (a) No place of assembly, as defined in Section 17-325, shall be main- tained, operated or used as such without a permit; except, that no permit shall be, required for any of assembly used solely as a place of religious worship. A "lid certificate of use and occupational license will be considered an adequate permit. 7 gee.. 17'36. belay in reporting fires by citizens. It shall be unlawful for any person to delay reporting intnetiateiy any fire discovered to the department of fire, department of coma mtanications or the polite department so that firefighting and res- cue apparatus may be dispatched. (Ord. No. 7431, g 1; Ord, No. 8024, g 10.) The title of gee. 17..36 is herein changed from "Delay in reporting fires by citizens" to Sec. 17.36 raise emergency calls; delay in reporting fires, with new paragraphs (a) and (b) added. paragraph (c) represents the previous unchanged provision. Sc.e17-36. I'dlse emergency calls; delay in reporting fires. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person without reasonable cause to suntnon by outcry, ringing of bells, or otherwise make or circulate, or cause to be made or circulated a false alarm of fire, or to summon a fire rescue etnargeney medical unit, when such person knows or has reason to know that services of the fire department, or fire rescue emergency medical unit are not needed. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly aid or abet the commission of any such act which results in the services of the fire department, or fire rescue emergency medical unit being summoned when their services are not required. (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to delay reporting immedi- ately any fire discovered to the department of fire, depart- ment of communications or the police department so that fire- fighting and rescue apparatus may be dispatched. 8 .j 4; PO,sAAi'.L ttJ R 'ILD *, VANN4 t; ft tt. Fitt?aft t13' TA }ITf i TH iltntt t 43, 'ci.ttti l.+lt OP VIZAIDA Otte week before 't:1ie Avondale Pi .; tl� C t n Jury is fan to hen it:,otiy Cdeicernitlg the fire dcinvIr t11 t tj ,istryd for ail our rt, i.tirtit'9 Olo 1,3.13t' in hotels, high ises tittd other hltll.ti dem4ty r+~idtn'ttal, 1I1111; s and ,who work in orrice .ee buildings in this draw m evidence of Old vulnerability of ony st1'tictalto, no 1n,•rLtc rthow nrM, to f'i.r o. We could forecast that the fire at the Avondale Hotel would. occur either there, in sane office building or some high rise. We prepared to hear r.' .the . fotlowi.ng week rft411 others familiar with the +'+)1b1t tr1. T1i. 11 t:he fire hit she Avondale. ACLer the Avondale C•:e 1ir=etl:d ',u -e of t-he 1)l.stwry of t7):Cvent:ion vile city or 1 1 j:t3 tt5,'t. o+ •it:,+ +11 ?.11 i_1!-tt: City Ivis boon :lti c3i_t_er•+ ;? .r ';.1ci:i.o51 i`,U t.:�';.�. c+' or (.+'1: iS. fire 't'+ocle 1,'-t_• , .'C " +.:ati t .3 hist:i. y i:11'+;t ;Il 1:lZ ;+1i 11(!r -1),w1::1;;c of '•1311r t?ad ryitt't'•...)1C•t.:e +pro- t v:s'+. 1 ♦ ;;�,.!i7 ..� .. 'S ,11 e`1 :I t'0 ,r? of ,`• 1it�t:;P :'i�: )4) "+'+�11] �t'+i 1)i .:1 J .}!.1 S i+'"!' 1The f.v+.'i:t?ilt_ oe hotels (.1•e nl!?0.?t: 1'1. 1. '111.1 i), ,` ;: 11i: C.1' r is of ty t,":.' ['r � t O i'i the � i +:: f', t •:al i' • in 1 ►�, �:til;� ":;'S +'•5;,c° aiLi•L' L1Tit: 1'ili: i Z l',i+' Avondale! t i ce w3it'.li r:'1t1c, t}r;`.,.';ti J-1 i'.i1: t,3'! '1 ti,' Ci.Ly's �' js . 2 i•,,7 . +t . 1 't It 1. 1 t 1 et {''?t.! 'a. v t.; t t• •l a 1t t i7? Colic :':t:CC'� t'o ;;(» '!1�# 1 1"��::..5nL' .0:1y 1 3 is t' 1 e i' ' Cor t; 3i't_ 1.41)at ) #)'+` Si{1:a ill` t1:1!a it;+ t 0. $ 11;“.1 rn:it. •;141 o1 :',t s.: i-rt# v ., ;t”701,)5 ttlillt'C+� xlil:, rice pi. 4.11"at1 : 1.;i )a on 11i;3 .. i' .gt,: to bort. S )l i;':1 ;• 1'S t fi 3,e1::ii':is t; i ' , $ o 311r 1.;i3,]. p:"1)*wt' r i';. t ray 4:11 t.,t' : Dort 11 jl:1w ;t +) S since! bq ^41 .1 174 t.t'4 a .i :'4Q Cu'.3V i 1e Oat t.iat 'best col o and vtau 'Qiis t;.{1f Fd,'rc ..' +#t. 4- 1. :4• 1 'Word 1;'i+4i ° i.t;41.c.' to Hi 11Ei4 't }78L:01(."d * Er *#rtrei'id inn 1 t+ t~' i':)'a 1 , i. 14'3 +.I 1.s'31 i.11Q tV4li +i 4.'. 1)o s ic+,a t l, ! (;tl;l il3 is r;i 1 i ti1,a' 1 f1 f $ t: +t9 t>,•?tt Vr.iiord or'I cie011 . to 11e 4 rIrle ft htert vho leArntd to ingpot bu Adtflgs for flre tode violatt by riding with genior inspectoru who in turn hdd inly ttentvtd on the job ir.tin1 The Auteau has no structural engineer on itd stAff hdr Any other person truly trained And ogperitneed in fitO prevention. Chief Bickman hdS Attempted to imptoVe training within the ,urenui but unless. sepArate 3ob elassiritlAtions rot fl.re inspettors Atd a. • cYeated, wiitdi can atttAct competent And pxperieneed people, his efforts will be rot 010aht, Fire Prevent4oft efforts will also be futile unless we provide sty to. tnSpect new buildings from the rto:71ent constructiun is co;,-,.,-,nned the 4.ertifiote of ouoldnctcy is itisl:ed. Tet the p.ist fire inspectors only “Nit:\scd n h11i1din3 at the time the cettlti- of ocrop.--aly ::.:is By walls v;,ce closed and (.1;11cr de.:17(-cts consi.:neon. Alv tnroector could ,ot 'rice ot :;:z• t,rt, g 'Jot: st...307 4 tci ;-0 pf-rroial c;Ly on v,Thsls ..%scs in , •• • • e 1;;.: ;‘,44:): ;-0 bi-op of the A*,..und,Ile rice 4!..lch Ony C*..Ly to ofrimItive J• .J.10 . ')11 •*1, C *. 0:-.;4 .1: 1:1,f1 t i TY in, old, but in new orfic4 boildin3s and h43h risns, lot the .Y4o.lsii!i14Ly 14e8 jzIst with the City of .Jury Las (14-,?4-ply 1..-..:;ocoroo3 to Iporn :that the builAlios in st sits, liwte Coonty ConftSe, ts wiihont 4 fire 414rm th•it its P:7iit sy,it4-ra is not 4t!i:,1114te in c:114 or fir. • v The 4 . •-•-• ::11 I 113 i 1..,gily ;-.1.1y 4-r, i st in I lm Pi.+14.c4). V!,ni.1.41,13 ,*1 f4V,..4111e. r.... 4'11 ; 1:0 C i Ly ifi re/ 4-'0114". '4'4.'17,0 er.'.2 10.. ?ii:r.' .f, • , , • ''' t“:.paration fro; floor to Min to pr.ow: t rho riipi4 Sp- At Qi1 41c,©x 1 eaa fl 14) luixt f 1 13a -4! 4)1:01,11)1y f 4** pi • 1 Avoildo to, Propor vori.teot ' • !;t 1 of ilia l;uyil 1.0 fiVo conti:ot. 14a. • • • I I V - ••• 1 etlM.tvt4y 11U4 Shnlattrt, hns Ho optn vtrtten1 nhart the ttntire baighth of the building betwetil the turtnIn wall nod the Ateueture of the building, On Sept 22, 1971, the City reported thts ptobldm to Ot building mfmager, On April 12, 19/6, i Lvderal .neer told A city Pied ingpector that MOOtts8 had boto afarded co18tfuton tluittiog July 1, 19/6, tut, said the engineer to tbe ingpectLti "this only means that if the mooey is avapabit work Will start," tf- we can send meri 10 the noon sutely t,e c6ft provide money to makei building tat''d for tht people who work tere and rot the public it &etves: To .11:Jt the probteuls di-sr:ribd in It roport t.a Collowing: t. T110 CtLy .)1! Fire code, as welt s all Pi,:c Cots t_louoLy, ':!.0111.(1 Vo provYte i.y,od lire ,IJ,,!vcotion %.7J. cl:- 17ire ;,11 attorney skill(A in cl;:aCting .••••• •;.* 1 1 a 10 1.••"3 . ; I.1,!1,1r,,, rl C c,01.), ci Criz t A. 1....7t 1)c.! rur :miLi suvuctures, offit.!e 1.)3i.34iu3s And buildnss •• If • "4 4 . • B. vrcical a.od hor nL2l. ..;,,poratIons for all s[ructurs x.ould pr,%.v;:nt fire ryoll si.wending ror cun!.;iiler to Le ; coil%orvativ;Ay 6;.ife pvriod of uT,,111 rLouT4 C. liOtclo and (yon eNit oasity p;insobto Ly 011Q tillwA14 130 mandatory, D. s4)rinlaer,$),t2ms 1)0 r4Nnt4'ed in olt ftaw 4....•*-• raottly .4tsi4z.vatal. roititiffs, offtee n vbvro 1 ylig$ 4-94-ive3ate. *** 44 ' I. gIttietorAl rift I -event -Ion 4001A ht ;144td I* Cho atAff of tho Vire rrevr!ntinn toreau dr thd City of Miami And 611 uld be pet tm n11 fin! Prcevemtl n tantfa. 4. PoemAl trellnlng 600ld b provitled for All fire Ilitpettortt eta ahoy shotild be terplited to pagg oxam4.nat4ons kd be trAltififYi oa • i.ret 3.1.1s 11 Pe tor§ 1' 5. e The jab elessifieatioft of Nee Iiitpectot chonld II* so desivod 1 as to attract cottoetent people who will remnift at that job. It should .1 not be perrntt:ted to rot:lain the least, desired assiatota,ot i.n 1i Fire Depnrth-tent, of thoCity. of Miami. 6. A run 110. ror rird ,q)Aft:ont to :it in ihe Cork and thr!n to aGsist ous II1 c. t'10. 7. :2,trif.f. 01.-011d 4C.a.1 in4.21irti of ,111. .1-1 y •C .11 5 n 111.1 ; 8. • ,-.. olf 41; of "C't 6,* .r C•All r • .„1 r. r7,-..)111.41 WrAl roethe • 9. - 4:2,0 • v: :Lo ;11.: • '"k..? Cot' 1i )1: f ;_r-tj 0 4' o.1 :.0 opor.110 • 113 ,) 1•1.-" S. 10. Art. be e.quii.A to .00...01 w;i11 ihe safety ov:.Gioos iiro • I%) dort.4.!tive as io nay 1111.-In 1)r.i •Lo tove it 4.0..-431:..ti wi:11 4 Coati -J1.-11 it bc.t 0.; i..f Oley "..fir,paf:-14,11,74,4" in Old ',mild-, 11. T. .11-'034 1 :11 1" 74)4,1 Sib); i 14)4 S ti; t1:4 4.) 17(.4' bit otilor r;-,ei.loottat raeiiittes, office 'mil-414141$ ' 41141 puhtIC co03t4torit4:44. 3414.' 1k1..?r 'U4Id cCon;.* .11 , 11; •• 414. 41F ' • 1113 e.,..latIc ;•.•iii..i2c silp4)11.y ;111.1 t;t. I42,41 y ,14°-* 'II of thd hunt-110gs guch ag gtoragt nteng, flamJtablt liquld rotIA 6nd verlinps dlong cOrritiOrgi prototting 'the individual living units Puture grand juries and thu m;dia should mooltor progrem; tovArd tfid .(1-_,volop!tiont of a :jonnd fire prev.entiort ptogritA of DAAt tonoty mid it1. mdoicipaliticS so that the tragrAy of the Avonale Is oot rorgotteOs' Da • •. fler,occ,711111 /. 1,..11 1 'I', 1.9/5 r : / , r,Iroia M. J.,c'170n; 4,),...31 13, 19/6 • IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUD/CIAL CICUVt OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF DADE SPRING TERM A. 1Y2. 1976 FINAL REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY Filed November 91 1976 areuit Judge Prealdirtg HAROLD R, VANN Off rem and Members tf thrnd Jury OTTtS A, MOONEY, Foreman LEON DONIS% Vie e Foreman SIDNEY 14, LANGER, Clerk PAYE R.. HALPERN, Assistant Clerk MILTON M. tAYNOR, Treasurer BUNYON D. BOLEN RUTH C. CANNON NANCY CLASSY DAVID C. COLEMAN, JR. EUGENE C. CORNELIUS DONALD J. HAUSMANN C. J. HENRY CLARKE J. JONES JUNE KELLER ANN LABATON BETTY JEAN HAMLIN SOL C. MANDEL MARGARET MEYER SHIRLEY W. MILLER RALPH H. MOM ALERT H, SINGER EERT WARSHAW FREDERICK R. YOUNG ********** State Attorney RICHARD E. GERSTEIN Chief Assistant State Attorney EDWARD CARHART Assistant State Attorneys EDWARD O'DONNELL ********** Clerk of the Circuit Court RICHARD P. BRINKER ********** Administrative Assistant MADELINE CAMP ********** DAVID LEVY Official Court Reporter FRIEDMAN 4 LOMBARDI ********** Baitiff WALLACE D. CULBERTSON, JR. to the woes of the system The ew MTA Director, Ernes - `RGerlach, has assured the Grand fury hat he is addrea i •� many of these problems, There has been an crease in the nber of maintenance personnel and for the first e a meehantraining program gram has been in- stituted. The re it shod • are being reorganized with skilled supervision and addi. ion 1 maintenance facilities are planned. These measures a: a step in the right direction, but they are not enough. Pre `nt , only about 150 mechanics perform the inspections, repair , and . erhauls on approximately 600 buses. The system should4ouble this umber of mechanics to insure that an adequate numb r of buses will be in proper working condition. The NTA cannot continue to rely on he purchase of new buses to maintain relic bil.ity, but must proper service its present equipment. For t Se most part, the Metro Transit stem 'has captive customer. A high percentage of bus riders ave no option other than to ide the buses in whatever condition they may find them. T MTA has an obligation to give these people a decent product for their fare. FIRE PREVENTION As requested by the previous Grand Jury, the current Grand Jury monitored the progress towards the development of a sound fire prevention program. We began by an examination into this area in connection with our investigation of nursing homes. As pointed out by representatives of the City of Miami Fire Department, and the Metropolitan Dade County Fire Department, - 21 - there are many residential hotels that house nuirerous elderly persons just as in institutional nursing homes. These residential hotels are not placed in the same category as nursing homes, as far as fire codes are concerned, due to the difference in the degree of tare provided to the tenant by the facility. This allows many elderly people, in situations similar to persons living in nursing homes, to be housed in buildings that are not required to comply with the stricter fire code provisions that pertain to nursing homes. Both the Miami Fire Department and the bade County Fire Department suggested that such residential hotels be required, through reclassification, to meet requirements that are more in line with those that relate to nursing homes. Chief D. A. Hickman, of the City of Miami Fire Department, while addressing himself to the above matters, also responded to recommendations made by the 1975 Fall Term Grand Jury. Chief Hickman agreed that there was a need, as pointed out by the Grand Jury, for additional staffing to have a truly profes- sional Fire Prevention Bureau. The Fire Department's budget for 1976-'77 requested the position of "Fire Protection Engineer." This budget request closely paralleled the Grand Jury's recommenda- tions. Chief Hickman further indicated, however, that that posi- tion has not been approved "due to budget restraints." Again the Grand Jury recommends the creation of this position and that the necessary funds be allocated without delay. An additional staffing problem appears to stem from the fact that the job classification of "Fire Inspector" still remains the least desired assignment in the City of Miami Fire Department. Chief Hickman has attempted to rectify this situation through the -22- aubmia s ton of en inte tt tv+a pay pin to the City f Miami' a tabor Relations Office. The importance of fire inspe+ttion and prevention is obvious. The City of Mimi and Dade County governments and the respective fire departments must elevate this position in rank and pay to attract the best qualified personnel to serve in that capacity. In response to the Grand Jury's recommendation that a full- time attorney be provided to the Miami Fire Department to assist in revising the Code, as well as assisting in the vigorous imple- mentation of Code provisions, we are advised that the City Manager has provided the Fire Department with an attorney from the City of Miami Law Department on a part-time basis. Our investigation revealed a serious void in inspection for fire hazards and enforcement of the fire code in relation to mobile homes. It is essential that this problem be addressed and remedied. It should also be noted that, both statewide and locally, there still exists no certification examination for Fire Inspectors. Fire inspectors have, however, attended courses taught by Miami Dade Community College, the Dade County State Attorney's Office, the Florida State Fire Marshals, the Florida State Department of Health, and other authorities in this field. Equally as important as obtaining progress in the area of fire prevention is preserving the benefits of the progress already achieved. We note with some concern that, although the fire service was instrumental in the passage of Chapter 52 of the South Florida Building Code requiring all new buildings exceeding 36 feet to have a sprinkler system, that same Chapter has recently been amended so as to only require sprinklers in 23 - t1ei�' buildings that •exteed 50 feet in height, While there has been some improvement in this arse, mph more remains to be done. While the Code relates to structures, it must be remembered that the most valuable commodity that we are seeking to protect is human life. We earnestly hope that those persons who have it within their authority to enact improvements and supplement budget appropriations do so expedi- tiously. The need exists now. Let's not wait for another tragedy to reactivate the public conscience. We commend the fire chiefs of both Mimi and bade County for their attention to the problems outlined in this report and the report of the prior Grand Jury. This is a continuing problem. We urge future grand juries to address it. RECOMMENDATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE GRAND JURY SYSTEM We have had a rare and invaluable opportunity to partici- pate in the Grand Ju System. After Paving served, we consider it an honor and a privi ege. We hav found the Grand Jury to be an effective instituti•• throu which citizens may act to correct problems within the •omm nity. We believe the Grand Jury should be sustained, enco aged and made as effective as possible. With this in mind, we ake the Mowing recommendations: 1. The present methd of selecting grand Jurors from names proposed .y the Circuit .ludt s should be continued, to insure the selection o rand jurors Rlt1 h t3, t: 'ie, C:erk of the City of Mi.•tri i, t1 it ta, c'tri, ye is ) II:!t ssti the +r'I. tiny id k. t). i) ; ' :r Tull: trite and rorrett ::t, Itid foregoing ordinance %as putted at th so it:, i),,,t f the bade county Uourl Bowls: at the ;real ideti notices and publication% by smelting su►_i c.,;.y w Um .place provided therefor. It • W1T VISd my hand and the offic+ini .teat ty, this .,,.daz u ►, 1). Clerk