ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · ordinance

This legislative matter concerns an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, relating to fire prevention and life safety. Key changes include updating definitions, modifying requirements for owner statements on fire investigations, amending appeal procedures for fire code violations, updating operating permit requirements, allowing for the recording of consent agreements and notices of violation, requiring notification to the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, authorizing the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections in specific circumstances for buildings with pending fire code violations, making technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updating the false fire alarm ordinance, providing for the sale of exempt fireworks, designating and posting structures sharing a street address, updating emergency action plan requirements, providing for the testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, reporting required maintenance for fire protection systems, protecting emergency power systems, and installing/maintaining water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. The ordinance also imposes and modifies civil penalties. The matter was introduced on June 2, 2026, and an agenda date was set for July 21, 2026. A deferral was requested to the September 1, 2026, Board of County Commissioners meeting. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal practices and discussions with commissioners regarding definitions of 'imminent danger,' utility disconnect authority, and assistance for small businesses.