ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

This ordinance amends Chapter 14 of the Miami-Dade County Code related 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 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 to identify structures sharing a street address, updating emergency action plan requirements, providing for testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, reporting required maintenance for fire protection systems, protecting emergency power systems, installing and maintaining water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary, making technical and conforming changes, amending civil penalties, and providing severability and an effective date. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a need for layered protection and strong enforcement. Concerns were raised by a commissioner regarding the utility disconnect authority, the definition of 'imminent danger,' and the appeals process for businesses. The ordinance passed with a favorable recommendation.