ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

This legislative matter concerns an ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the Miami-Dade County Code, relating to fire prevention and life safety. The ordinance updates definitions, changes requirements for owner statements on fire investigations, amends procedures for appeals of fire code violations, updates operating permit requirements, and allows for the recording of consent agreements and notices of violation. It also requires building owners to notify the Chief Fire Official upon correction of certain violations, authorizes the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections in specific circumstances for buildings with pending fire code violations, makes technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updates the false fire alarm ordinance, provides for the sale of exempt fireworks, designates and posts structures sharing a street address, updates emergency action plan requirements, mandates testing and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, requires reporting of fire protection system maintenance, addresses emergency power systems and water supplies for firefighting outside the urban development boundary, and modifies civil penalties. The matter was introduced on June 2, 2026, with an agenda date of July 21, 2026. A deferral was requested, with a report indicating a request for deferral to the September 1, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The Safety and Health Committee forwarded the ordinance to the BCC with a favorable recommendation following a public hearing on June 8, 2026. Public comment included support from Mr. Ron Book on behalf of fireworks companies, who raised concerns about illegal 'packing the cakes' and emphasized the need for local ordinances to close gaps in state law. Commissioners discussed increased fines, technical support for small businesses, the process for utility disconnections, and the definition of 'imminent danger.' Commissioner Hardemon expressed concerns about illegal fireworks in residential neighborhoods. The ordinance is a substitute to File Number 260390.