ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14

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

This ordinance amends 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 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 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 Section 8CC-10, and imposing/modifying civil penalties. Public comment included support for the legislation from fireworks vendors concerned about illegal 'packing the cakes' and a need for layered protection and enforcement. Concerns were raised by a commissioner regarding utility disconnect authority, the definition of 'imminent danger,' and the appeals process for businesses. The ordinance aims to reinforce and clarify gaps in Florida Statute 791.04 regarding fireworks sales and to tighten local permit and compliance requirements. It also addresses fire alarm system installation and maintenance, fire sprinkler systems, standby services, and bonfire regulations. The ordinance passed its second reading.