Fire Prevention

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The goal of the Fire Prevention Division is to ensure structures are built incorporating the fire safety and fire suppression features mandated by the various codes and standards. and to reduce and ultimately, eliminate. fire and life safety hazards in inspectable buildings through code enforcement and public fire education.

Annual Fire and Life Safety Inspections are vitally important to the wellbeing of your business, employees and patrons. The Shelby Township Fire Department would like to thank you for your partnership in keeping our community safe.

Per the recommendation of the National Fire Protection Agency’s standard 1730, Organization and Deployment of Fire Prevention Inspection and Code Enforcement, the Shelby Township Fire Department has adopted a minimum inspection frequency based on the three identiﬁed risk categories:

HIGH RISK - INSPECTED ANNUALLY
- Examples include multiple family dwellings, hotels and lodging, assembly locations, chemical users/producers, hazardous use locations, or critical infrastructure.
MEDIUM RISK - INSPECTED EVERY OTHER YEAR
- Examples include industrial occupancies that do not use/produce chemicals, gas stations, or aerosols that are not in use.
LOW RISK - INSPECTED ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS
- Examples include storage, mercantile use, or business use.

If the location requires inspections beyond the initial inspection or ﬁrst reinspection, other fees may apply. Please refer to the attached inspection fee chart for speciﬁc information.

Your partner in Fire Safety,
signorello signature
Fire Marshal Matthew Signorello

What can I expect during my Annual Fire and Life Safety Inspection?

The purpose of the Fire and Life Safety Inspection is to identify hazardous issues in a commercial facility and open dialogue between the Fire Department and your business to ensure everyone's safety.

A typical fire inspection timeline will look as follows:

The Fire Inspector will visit your business (usually without advanced notice), make introductions and update emergency contact information.
Educational items, inspection timeframe and fee schedule will be explained.
The Fire Inspector will walk through your building with a representative and will point out any fire code violations. The items that the Fire Inspector identifies could be a hazard, such as the use of an extension cord or a life safety hazard like a blocked exit door.
The Fire Inspector will keep a record of the violations and provide you with an electronic inspection report.
The Fire Inspector will come back within 30 days for the first follow-up inspection.
* Any life safety hazards are required to be corrected wile the Fire Inspector is on site.
If items are not corrected within the first 30 days, additional inspection fees apply for each visit. (Please see the fee schedule for specific pricing.)

Typical Inspections and Frequencies

These inspections are not performed by the Fire Department, but by a contractor of your choosing. It is important to verify that the contractor is performing the inspection or testing to a listed, NFPA standard. This list is not exhaustive and is meant as a guide only.

NFPA 25

Fire Suppression System - annually
Internal Pipe Inspections - every five (5) years
Gauge Replacement - every five (5) years
Fire Department Connection/Standpipe Hydrostatic Test - every five (5) years
Fire Pump - annually
Fire Hose - annually
Standpipes - annually
Private Fire Hydrants - annually
Flow Testing - every five (5) years

NFPA 72

Fire Alarm - annually

NFPA 80

Fire Dampers - every four (4) years
Fire Rated Roll-up Doors; Fire Doors/Fire Shutters/Fire Windows - annually

NFPA 17

Spray Booth Extinguishing Systems - annually or when discharged

NFPA 10

Fire Extinguishers - annually or when discharged

NFPA 96

Restaurant Hood Suppression System - every six (6) months

NFPA 110

Emergency Standby Power Systems (Generators) - as manufacturer recommends, monthly and annually

Fire Department Fee Schedule

EMS Reports: $5.00

Fire Reports: First Page - $3.00
Additional Pages - $1.00

Photo Prints: 12, 24 or 36 exposures - Print costs + 25% admin fee

Digital Photographs: Compact Disc - $5.00

Bonfire Permit: Annual - $25.00

Fireworks Show: $284.00

First Inspection Fee for Witnessed Acceptance Test: No Fee
Reinspection Fee for Witnessed Acceptance Test - $100.00
Third and Subsequent Reinspections - $200.00

Off Hour Inspections and Acceptance Test Fee:
Three (3) Hour Minimum - $284.00
Each Additional Hour - $94.50

Fire Inspection (All Businesses in township): No Fee
First Reinspection - No Fee
Second Reinspection - $250.00
Third and Subsequent Reinspections - $500.00

Required Permits: Reference IFC Section 105 - $50.00

Liquor License Inspection: $239.20

False Alarm Fees: See Ordinance 235

Municipal Civil Infraction:
First Offense Each Violation - $150.00
First Repeat Offense - $400.00
Second and Subsequent Repeat Offenses - $500.00

Municipal Civil Infraction for Violation of Stop Work Order:
First Offense Each Violation - $150.00
First Repeat Offense - $400.00
Second and Subsequent Repeat Offenses - $500.00

20 Common Fire Code Violations

The Shelby Township Fire Department's Fire Preventions Division provides Fire and Life Safety Inspections to commercial businesses on a regular schedule. This list of the 20 most common fire code violations can assist with eliminating potentially dangerous conditions in your building, keeping your employees and firefighters safe and reducing the possibility of injury and property loss. Please review this information and keep it in mind when making changes to your building or process.

Questions can be directed to the Fire Prevention Division at 586-731-3476, ext. 3.

Building Exterior

Address - Address numbers should be plainly visible from the street side of the property.
Fire Lanes - Fire lanes are designated by the Fire Code Official. Signage for the fire lanes must contain the verbiage in the township's ordinance: "No Stopping, Standing, Parking, Fire Lane."
Knox Box - Your business may be required to have a Knox Box. If your business does have a Knox Box, any time you re-key an entry door, contact your Fire Inspector so we can meet you to put a new key in the Know Box.

Building Systems

Fire Alarm Systems – If your business is protected by a ﬁre alarm system, the system needs to be inspected annually and a copy of the inspection report must be submitted electronically within 10 days through an electronic information data manager. This requirement is performed by the contractor you utilize. Any deﬁciencies noted in the report are required to be corrected.
Fire Sprinkler Systems – If your business is protected by a ﬁre sprinkler system, the system needs to be inspected annually and a copy of the inspection report must be submitted electronically within 10 days through an electronic information data manager. This requirement is performed by the contractor you utilize. Any deﬁciencies noted in the report are required to be corrected.
Unprotected Ceilings – Ceiling tiles must be in place in buildings where ﬁre sprinklers are installed or where structural building components are exposed. Ceiling tiles that are damaged or contain holes must be replaced.

Storage

Combustible Storage too close to the Ceiling – In buildings with ﬁre sprinklers, items should be at least 18 inches from the ceiling. In buildings with no ﬁre sprinklers, items should be at least 24 inches from the ceiling.
Combustible Storage too close to Heating Devices – Keep combustible storage at least 36 inches away from any heat producing devices such as furnaces and water heaters.

Exiting, Emergency Lighting and Electrical

Emergency Lights – Emergency lights are required to function for at least 90 minutes when the power is out. When the test button is pushed, the light should remain on.
Exits – Exits should be free from obstructions at all times so that building occupants are able to easily leave the building.
Exit Signs – Exit signs should be lit at all times. When the test button is pushed, the light should remain on. Exit signs cannot be removed from the wall or ceiling at any time without Building Department approval.
Fire-Rated Doors – Fire-rated doors must remain closed unless a hold open device is tied into the building’s ﬁre alarm system. These doors cannot be blocked, must close on their own and latch with no assistance.
Electrical Panel – Ensure that storage is kept at least 36 inches away from the front of electrical service equipment for the entire width of the panel. Any spaces that are missing a fuse or a breaker must be covered by an approved ﬁller plate or blank.
Extension Cords – Extension cords are not permitted to replace permanent wiring. Extension cords are for temporary use and should not be used to power permanent machinery and should be unplugged when not in use. Multi-plug power strips with long cords are an acceptable alternative to extension cords. Electrical cords cannot pass through doorways, walls, ﬂoors, or ceilings. When an extension cord is permitted, it cannot be plugged into another extension cord.
Surge Protectors/Multi-Plug Power Strips – Sure protectors and multi-plug power strips are not permitted to be plugged into other surge protectors or multi-plug power strips. Each surge protector or multi-plug power strip must be plugged directly into an outlet.
Open Electrical – All junction boxes (light switches, outlets, open electrical boxes, etc.) are required to have a cover. All electrical wiring is required to be properly terminated and contained.

Miscellaneous

Fire Extinguishers – Fire extinguishers are required to be serviced each year by a licensed ﬁre extinguisher contractor. Fire extinguishers are required to be mounted to the wall on a bracket or in a cabinet protected by glass and cannot be blocked by storage, furniture, or any other object.
Signage – Electrical rooms, Riser rooms, and Fire Alarm Control Panel rooms are required to be permanently labeled with lettering at least three (3) inches higher in a color that contrasts with the color of the door.
Space Heaters – Portable space heaters are not permitted in any commercial business.
Waste Accumulation – Combustible trash and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings and cannot block exit doors.

Service Providers

The Fire Marshal will maintain a list of Approved Service Providers eligible to inspect, test or maintain fire safety systems in Shelby Township. This list will be available on our website for businesses to select from. The registration process will serve as a verification that your company is aware of all of the requirements of the ordinance pertaining to the reporting of all tests and inspections.

List of registered service providers

Contractor Portal - Inspection Reports

Inspection reports will now only be accepted electronically. The Fire Department has partnered with Brycer to provide you, the service contractor, with an easy and efficient way to send your reports to us. Simply upload them through the contractor portal within seven days of the inspection date. The system will notify us to the deficiency severity, and we can respond accordingly. At this time, we are only requesting sprinkler system, alarm, kitchen system, and paint booth reports.

If you have any issues with the system, please contact the Brycer at 630-413-9511. If you are having trouble locating your service address in the system, please call Lana at 586-731-3476, ext. 3.

Access the Contractor Portal Here

Fire Protection System Plan Submittal

Please be advised that all fire protection system plans must be submitted to one of our approved third party reviewers. You may choose from one of the following:

Once plans (four sets) have been approved by the third party reviewer, they will be forwarded to the fire department for final approval by the Fire Marshal. At that time, the Fire Marshal will sign off on the plans, providing one set back to the applicant, one set forwarded to the building department, and one set will remain with the fire department. It is at this time you may apply for your permit with the building department.

Knox Rapid Access System

The Knox Rapid Access System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out, or there is any emergency, the Knox system allows firefighters and paramedics immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry, damage or delay. Each local Knox system purchased by a property owner is keyed to a master key controlled by the Shelby Township Fire Department.

The Shelby Township Fire Department requires a locking Knox key box on all commercial property as defined by the Fire Code Official, or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes per the 2015 International Fire Protection District, Section 506.1 as amended.

The Knox system for residential property owners is for at-risk residential occupants, and persons responsible for at-risk occupants who need the ability to grant fire department access to residential property in an emergency without property damage.

Bonfire/Open Burning Ordinance

Please review the bonfire/open burning ordinance before submitting a permit application.

Bonfire permits are issued annually. They expire on December 31st of the year of issue. There is a $25 charge per permit, payable by cash or check. Hand deliver the completed application, along with payment, to Station 1 at 6345 23 Mile Road during regular business hours. Payment must be made at the time of application. Allow 2-3 business days for processing.

Fireworks Regulation

Regulations governing the use of consumer-grade fireworks are set by the State of Michigan through laws passed by the state legislature. In Shelby Township, the Board of Trustees has adopted the most stringent allowances on consumer-grade fireworks permissible under the state law.

A Person shall not ignite, discharge or use consumer-grade fireworks within the geographical boundaries of the township, except on the following days:

11 a.m. on December 31 – 1 a.m. on January 1
11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day
11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. on June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2, 3, and 4
11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. on July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday
11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day

All other uses of consumer-grade fireworks within Shelby Township are prohibited and can be reported to the Shelby Township; [Police Department at 586-731-2121. Concerns regarding the sale of consumer-grade fireworks cane be reported 24/7 to the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs at 517-388-6715. For more information on state laws regarding fireworks, visit www.michigan.gov/bfs.

Shelby Township's Fireworks Ordinance

Any person that violates any provision of this ordinance shall be deemed responsible for a municipal civil infraction of $1,000.00 for each violation of this ordinance. The remittance of $500.00 of the fine collected shall be allocated to the Shelby Township Police Department as the enforcing agency of this ordinance.

Shelby Township, MI

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