ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

Safety and Health Committee · 2026-06-08 · 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 requirements for owner statements on fire investigations, modifies appeal procedures for fire code violations, and revises operating permit requirements. It introduces provisions for recording consent agreements and notices of violation, requires owners/occupants to notify the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, and authorizes 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, provides for the sale of exempt fireworks, addresses structures sharing a street address, updates emergency action plan requirements, mandates testing and maintenance of exit/emergency lighting, requires reporting of fire protection system maintenance, and covers emergency power systems and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary. Civil penalties are imposed and modified. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a desire for stronger enforcement of fireworks sales regulations. Concerns were raised by a commissioner regarding the utility disconnect authority, emphasizing the need for clear definitions of 'imminent danger' and an emergency appeal process for businesses. The ordinance is a substitute to a previous file number and requires 4-6 weeks for processing.