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. 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 recording of consent agreements and notices of violation, requiring notification upon correction of violations, authorizing the Chief Fire Official to order utility disconnections for certain uncorrected violations, making technical amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code, updating the false fire alarm ordinance, regulating the sale of exempt fireworks, designating structures sharing street addresses, updating emergency action plan requirements, and providing for testing/maintenance of exit/emergency lighting and fire protection systems. The ordinance also addresses protection/installation of 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, and was scheduled for an agenda date of July 21, 2026, with a deferral requested to September 1, 2026. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a desire for stronger enforcement, while commissioners raised concerns about clarity on 'imminent danger' for utility disconnections and assistance for small businesses. The ordinance aims to reinforce and clarify existing state statutes regarding fire safety and fireworks sales.