ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

Miami-Dade County is amending Chapter 14 of its Code of Ordinances related to Fire Prevention and Life Safety. The ordinance updates definitions, clarifies owner statement requirements for fire investigations, modifies appeal procedures for fire code violations, and revises operating permit requirements. Key changes include provisions for recording consent agreements and notices of violation, requiring owners/occupants to notify the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, and authorizing the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections in specific circumstances for buildings with pending fire code violations. The ordinance also makes technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates the false fire alarm ordinance, and provides for the sale of exempt fireworks in accordance with Florida Statute 791.04. It addresses designation and posting for structures sharing a street address, updates emergency action plan review, mandates testing and maintenance of exit/emergency lighting, requires reporting of fire protection system maintenance, and sets standards for emergency power systems and firefighting water supplies outside the urban development boundary. Civil penalties are modified. Public comment included support for stricter fireworks regulations due to concerns about illegal sales and dangerous practices, with specific mention of 'packing the cakes' and the need for layered protection. Concerns were raised and addressed regarding the utility disconnection authority, emphasizing it as a last resort with due process and clear definitions of 'imminent danger'.