Fire Marshal's Office

Fire Prevention
-Code of Ordinances -

• Vehicle Parking and Storage
• Keep Warm Fires
• Fire Lanes During Construction
• Open Burning
• Exit Doors and Exit Ways
  
• Parking and Storage of Hazardous Materials Vehicles
  
• Summary Abatement
  
• Board of Appeals SECTION 108 (IFC)
  
• Compliance Certification
  
• Exit Ways - Hotels, Motels and Multi-Family
  
• Fire Hydrants
  
• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
  
• Fees and Permits
  
• Security Gates SECTION 503.6 (IFC) Security Gates
  
• Fire Alarms
  
• Fire Apparatus Roads, Fire Lanes and Emergency Access Easements
• Fixed Fire Protection Systems
  
• Special Fire Inspections
  
• State Licenses
  
• Reconstruction and Remodel
  
• Elevator Recall
  
• Open Flame Cooking Devices at Apartments
  
• Furnishings - Section 803.2 Artwork
  
• Storage Of Flammable Or Combustible Liquids
  
• Amendments Storage And Distribution Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Compresses Natural Gas (CNG) And
  
• Storage Of Explosives Or Blasting Agents
  
• Appeal From Decision Of Fire Marshal
  
• Penalty
• Direct alarm reporting: automatic alarm notification prohibited
• Protection Of Financial Institutions
  
• Alarm System Permits Section 50-35.
  
• Revocation Of Alarm System Permits Section 50-36.
  
• Appeals Section 50-37.
  
• False Alarm Notification Section 50-38.
  
• Violation; Penalty Section 50-39.
  
• Exceptions Section 50-40.
  
• Sale or holding in stock prohibited Sec. 58-66. (Article III, Fireworks)
  
• Firing or displaying Sec. 58-67 (Article III, Fireworks)
  
  

Vehicle Parking and Storage

Exemption: vehicles within structures properly zoned as motor vehicle sales or service that comply with the other provisions of this code.

No motor vehicle shall be parked within ten (10) feet of any patio, stairs, or egress path at any apartment, multi-family, motel, hotel or commercial structure unless on an approved parking space.

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Keep Warm Fires

Keep warm fires will be allowed at construction sites, provided the fire is kept in a metal barrel or can, covered with a wire screen and attended at all times. The keep warm fires must be at least ten (10) feet from all structures. The Fire marshal may prohibit keep warm fires when wind or weather conditions are such that a fire hazard will be created.

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Fire Lanes During Construction

The construction of commercial and multi-family structures shall not be allowed above the foundation until a fire lane and adequate water supply for fire protection has been provided in compliance with this code.

A temporary fire lane and water supply may be installed during construction when approved by the fire marshal.

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Open Burning

Open burning as defined in Section 302 (IFC) shall be prohibited unless approved and permitted by the fire marshal due to special circumstances or civil disaster.

Recreational fires as defined in Section 302 (IFC) shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire marshal.

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Exit Doors and Exit Ways

Disconnect or "drop out" when the fire alarm system is activated

A Knox type key release shall be installed on the exterior of all gates and doors to allow emergency access by the fire department.

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Parking and Storage of Hazardous Materials Vehicles

Exception: Vehicles may be parked for one (1) hour for the purpose of loading or off loading cargo or eating a meal.

Hazardous materials vehicles shall not be parked within 100 feet of a residential structure except to deliver cargo, and for less than one hour.

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Summary Abatement

If the hazard cannot be immediately corrected, the fire marshal shall have the authority to assign the necessary fire protection personnel to provide as safe a situation as possible, until the hazard is corrected.

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Board of Appeals

Appeals shall be in compliance with the Section 58.103 of this Code.

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Compliance Certification:

Notarized letters may be required for the following:

• Automatic fire alarm systems
  
• Automatic fire extinguishing systems
  
• Storage and use of explosives
  
• Storage of hazardous materials
  
• Fire appliance servicing
  
• Flame retardant application
  
• Liquefied gas installations and operations
  
• Radioactive material storage and handling
  
• Emergency lighting systems
  
• Emergency power system
  
• Security gates

The letter shall be on company letterhead, and filed with the office of the fire marshal before final approval of the activity or installation.

All fire extinguishing system installations shall be inspected by the fire marshal.

All compliance testing shall be witnessed by the fire marshal.

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Exit Ways - Hotels, Motels and Multi-Family:

All public exit ways and balconies shall be constructed of material having a class "C" flame spread (75 to 200 flame spread).

All balconies and landings utilized as exit ways shall have a minimum length of height eight (8) feet and a minimum width of four (4) feet.

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Fire Hydrants:

Hydrants may be color coded to indicate the water flow or water main size as required by N.F.P.A. Standard 291- "Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants".

Fire Hydrants shall be installed as follows:

SECTION 508.1.1 (IFC) Where required is amended as follows: When a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 300 feet from a hydrant on the fire apparatus access road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be provided where required by the fire marshal.

Exception: For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 500 feet.

Exemption 2 is deleted.

The location of fire hydrants on private property or along fire access roads shall be approved by the fire marshal.

Fire system connections: Fire hydrants shall be located within a three hundred (300) foot hose lay of the fire department connections to the protection system(s). Fire Department connections shall have a 42" by 42" concrete pad below each connection.

Fire hydrants not installed on public street shall be looped to provide a water supply from two directions.

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Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems:

SECTION 902 (IFC) DEFINITIONS is hereby amended to include the following definition:

FIRE AREA - The aggregate floor area of a building regardless of the installation of firewalls, fire barriers, fire partitions, or demising walls. For the purpose of calculating fire sprinkler requirements the total building will be considered one structure. Buildings must be separated by at least twenty (20) feet to be considered separate buildings.

SECTION 902.1.2 (IFC) Residential Sprinklers is amended as follows:

Unless specifically allowed by this code, residential sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13D or NFPA 13R shall not be recognized for the purposes of exemptions or reductions, commonly knows as "trade-offs", permitted by other requirements of this code

In addition, residential sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R must include attic protection.

SECTION 903.2.8 (IFC) Group R-2 is amended as follows: An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided through out all buildings with a Group R-2 occupancy and where the fire area is two stores in height, including basements, or where the building has more than three (3) dwelling units. Any Group R-2 occupancy three or more stories in height shall be required to have a sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA Standard 13.

SECTION 903.2.10.2 (IFC) Bulk storage of tires is amended as follows: Buildings and structures where the area for the storage of tires exceeds 10,000 cubic feet shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA Standard 13.

SECTION 903.2.10.3 (IFC) Self-service storage facilities is amended as follows: An automatic sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA Standard 13 shall be installed throughout all self-storage facilities.

SECTION 903.2.12.4 (IFC) High-piled Combustible Storage is amended as follows: Any building designed or used for high-piled storage, with a clear height exceeding 12 feet shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA Standards 13.

SECTION 903.2.12.5 (IFC) Spray Booths and Rooms. New and existing spray booths and spraying rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.

SECTION 903.2.12.6 (IFC) Buildings over 6,000 square feet. All provisions of this code are hereby amended to require an automatic sprinkler system throughout all buildings with a fire area over 6,000 square feet, including single family residences, or where the structure is three or more stories in height, excluding the penthouse.

Exception: Open parking garages in compliance with Section 406.3 of the building code, provided fire department stand pipes and connections are installed in such a way that no portion of the garage is more than a 100 ft. unobstructed hose lay from the connection.

SECTION 903.3.5 (IFC) Water Supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against back flow in accordance with the requirements of this section.

SECTION 905.9 (IFC) Valve Supervision is amended to include the following: Sprinkler and standpipe system water-flow detectors shall be provided for each floor tap to the sprinkler system and shall cause an alarm upon detection of water-flow for more than 45 seconds. All control valves in the sprinkler and standpipe systems except for the fire department hose connection valves shall be electrically supervised to initiate a supervisory signal at the control station upon tampering.

SECTION 907.1.3 (IFC) Design Standards is amended as follows.

All fire alarm systems new or replacement serving fifty (50) or more alarm actuating devices shall be addressable fire detection systems. Fire alarm systems serving more than seventy-five (75) smoke detectors or more than two hundred 200 total alarm activating devices shall be analog intelligent addressable fire detection system.

Existing systems need not comply unless the total building remodel or expansion, initiated after the effective date of this code, as adopted, shall comply with the provisions of 58.99 - Amendments, (19)- Reconstruction/Remodel.

SECTION 907.2.3 (IFC) Group E is amended as follows: A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E educational occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems and smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. An approved smoke detector system shall be installed in Group E day care occupancies. Unless separated by a minimum of 1000 feet open space, all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, will be considered one building for occupant load considerations and the interconnection of fire alarm systems.

SECTION 907.3 (IFC) Where required. is amended as follows: All manual alarm actuating devices shall be an approved double action type.

Notarized letters indicating all work has been performed as permitted and that the work meets code requirements must be submitted at final inspection.

No system shall be approved until a complete inspection of materials and a functional test has been completed and witnessed by the fire marshal. The installer/technician must be present for all inspections and testing.

Installation schedule: Approved fire sprinkler systems shall be operational in a building under construction when:

The building is sufficiently constructed to the point that the exterior sheathing and roof have been installed; or

At the start of combustible interior construction; or

When there is an accumulation of combustible material within the building including, but not limited to, building supplies, rubbish and furniture, or

When the building goes under conditioned atmosphere.

Wet Sprinkler System: Whenever the outside atmospheric temperature is predicted to be below twenty-five (25) degrees Fahrenheit for six (6) or more hours, a wet sprinkler system may be drained to prevent freeze damage, provided:

It has been determined by a fire sprinkler service technician and the fire marshal that there is not adequate freeze protection for the system.

The owner/occupant notifies the fire department that the system will be drained.

The owner/occupant provides an alternate means of early fire discovery and control by the employment of approval twenty-four hour security personnel, and/or an approved fire alarm and detection system to supplement the fire sprinkler systems. Alarms must be monitored twenty-four hours a day by an approved central monitoring service.

When the temperature rises above thirty (30) degrees Fahrenheit the drained systems shall be restored. It is the intent of this section that a fire sprinkler system will be in service and operational at all times except the rare cases of very cold weather. Back to top of page

Fees and Permits:

The minimum cost of a permit shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) unless otherwise indicated in the approved fee schedules adopted by the city. When a permit is required the permit fee shall be doubled when work or construction has occurred without obtaining the appropriate permits. In those cases where the work occurs on City of Bedford property and no permit fee is required, an amount equal to the initial permit cost shall be charged for failure to obtain a permit.

Fire marshal permit fees shall be annual and due on or before January first, annually, unless otherwise indicated on the permit.

Payment of annual permit fees shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Fees for the storage and sale of hazardous materials shall be the responsibility of the occupant who offers the material for sale.

The fire marshal may request copies of bid documents or other items to verify the estimated cost of construction when calculating permit fees.

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Security Gates: SECTION 503.6 (IFC) Security Gates.

Definitions:

As used herein, a security gate shall be any device located on private property which prohibits access of motor vehicles. It includes, but is not limited to, a metal or wood swing railing extended across a street, private drive or fire lane, which can only be opened by a human operator situated on the premises or by remote control or both.

The owner shall mean a person, corporation, partnership, association or any other similar entity.

Light duty metal chain means a chain with the maximum diameter of metal in the chain links being one-quarter (1/4) inch, and does not mean high-test proof, coil chain and other than tempered chain, regardless of size.

Main gate means a security gate located on private property where more than one (1) security gate exists. The owner shall designate in writing to the fire department the main gate.

Main gates:
Main gates shall be located at least thirty (30) feet back from the inside edge of the sidewalk, or forty (40) feet from the actual start of the thoroughfare.

All main gates shall be electrically operated, with a manual disconnect in case of a power failure. The manual disconnect is to be placed in a weather tight box, with a piano-type hinge on one side and a KNOX BOX, PL-1 padlock and hasp on the other side.

All main gates shall open with the fire department KNOX K.S. #2 key-operated switch. The KNOX key-operated switch shall be provided and installed by the owner. The key-operated switch is to be located ten (10) feet from the gate, on the left side of the approach, placed on a pedestal with the key switch facing the fire lane. The key switch shall be no closer than four (4) feet six (6) inches or no farther than five (5) feet five (5) inches from the ground.

The owner shall furnish the police the necessary number of access codes or tenant access cards, so normal patrol and enforcement actions can be continued.

Where a security gate is installed with a median, the entry side of the gate shall have a minimum opening and driving surface of twenty (20) feet. (SECTION 503.6 is hereby deleted)

Optically Controlled Emergency Entry Devices

All electronic security gates commercial and residential, shall be equipped with an optically controlled emergency override device that is compatible with the optical activation devices installation on fire apparatus. The devices shall provide for the opening of the gates as fire apparatus approaches and exits the property.

The fire marshal shall approve the installation of all devices and shall inspect the installations upon completion to determine compliance.

Security gates: It shall be unlawful for a security gate to be placed within a public access or fire lane easement, unless such gate complies with the following:

The minimum fire lane width requirement of twenty (20) feet and the minimum height requirement of fourteen (14) feet shall be maintained on the entrance side of all security gates.

Wooden security gates shall be constructed to break away at the base on minor impact or the application of manual pressure at the end most remote point from the mounting base. The side of the wooden rails shall be a maximum of five inches by three-quarter inches (5" x 3/4") where attached to the mounting base. The wooden railing shall be of soft wood and mounted on the base by a knife-edge bracket or scored to create a weak point to break away.

Horizontal swing security gates shall be so constructed, mounted and maintained whereby such gates will open fully when manual pressure is applied by an average size individual. When opened, the gates must remain open.

Security gates other than electronic gates be locked with a light duty chain and lock with the approval of the fire department.

Application for security gates: An application to install security gates shall be submitted to the fire marshal and must include adequate plans to indicate and ensure that code compliance shall be provided. Security gates may be installed only after receipt of a permit from the fire marshal.

Disclaimer of liability: Upon approval from the city for the owner to restrict public access to motor vehicles, the city hereby disclaims any and all liabilities resulting from damages sustained by any person or owner, either directly or indirectly, as a result of any emergency function of the city, where such damage is occasioned by the noncompliance of any owner with the provisions of this section.

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Fire Alarms

Fire Alarm Permits:

The permit fee for the construction, repair, alteration or relocation of a fire alarm system shall be determined by the cost of construction and the fee shall be calculated based on the fee schedule as required by the ordinances of the City of Bedford.

All fire alarm systems shall be designed and constructed so the failure, malfunction, or removal of any single device, or failure of the wiring to a device does not interfere with the operation of other devices in the system.

Pre-recorded or voice message fire alarms shall not be approved unless accompanied by a fire alarm signal of audio-visual devices that meet the minimum standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Notarized letters indicating all work has been performed as permitted and that the work meets code requirements must be submitted at final inspection.

No system shall be approved until a complete inspection of materials and a functional test has been completed and witnessed by the fire marshal. The installer/technician must be present for all inspections and testing.

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Special Fire Inspections:

The licensed technician/company making the inspection shall notify the office of the fire marshal and the owner/occupant immediately when a system fails to pass a required test and/or is found inoperative.

State Licensees:

The licensed technician shall be able to present a copy of appropriate State of Texas licenses upon request.

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Fire Apparatus Roads, Fire Lanes and Emergency Access Easements SECTION 503

SECTION 503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access road and fire lanes shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 24 feet, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet. Fire lanes shall have a minimum centerline turning radius of 30 feet. Unless otherwise approved by the fire department fire lanes shall be installed before construction proceeds above grade (slab). Temporary fire lanes may be installed provided they have been approved by the fire department.

SECTION 503.2.2 Authority. The fire marshal shall have the authority to require an increase in the minimum access widths and vertical clearances where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations.

SECTION 503.2.7 Grade. Section 503.2.7 (IFC) is amended as follows: The grade of the fire apparatus access road/fire lane shall be within the limits established by the fire marshal based on the fire department's apparatus. When the grade is greater than 6% formal approval is required. At no time shall grade be greater than 8%.

SECTION 503.3 Marking. Section 503.3 (IFC) is amended as follows: Approved striping or, when allowed by the fire marshal, signs, or both, shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs and striping shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

Striping - Fire apparatus access roads shall be marked by painted lines of reflective red traffic paint a minimum of four (4") or a maximum of six (6") inches in width to show the boundaries of the lane. The words "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE - NO PARKING" shall appear in four inch (4") white letters at 25 feet intervals on the red bordered marking along both sides of the fire lane. Where a curb is available, the stripping shall be on the vertical face of the curb.

Signs - shall read "NO PARKING FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO PARKING" and shall be a minimum of 12" wide and 18" high. Signs shall be reflective, on a white background with letters and borders in red, using not less than 2" lettering. Signs shall be permanently affixed to a stationary post and the bottom of the sign shall be six feet, six inches (6'6") above finished grade. Signs shall be spaced not more than fifty feet (50') apart. Signs shall be installed on permanent buildings or wall or as approved by the fire marshal.

Reflective Supplemental Address - shall be installed in conjunction with fire lane marking at all multi-family occupancies in excess of four dwelling units, club rooms and offices where a single street address number is used to designate the buildings official address.

The marking shall be a minimum of a 24" by 12" red rectangle painted on the pavement, in conjunction to the red fire lane markings.

The red rectangle shall have white reflective numbers that indicate the street address of the building. Numbers shall be in a bold font, measuring a minimum of 10" in height, easily readable from a moving vehicle.
Supplemental street numbers shall only be installed on private property, near the center of the building. Where the front and an end of the building border a fire lane the numbers shall be required on each side.

Maintenance of the supplemental numbers shall be the same as required for fire lanes.

SECTION 503.4 Obstructions of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1, and any area marked as a fire lane as described in Section 503.3 shall be maintained at all times. A vehicle stopped or standing in a fire lane, when attended by a licensed driver capable of relocating the vehicle on command, shall not be deemed in violation of this section, provided the vehicle does not impede the designed traffic flow.

SECTION 503.6 Security Gates. Where security gates are installed, they shall be installed to meet the standards of the Bedford Fire Prevention Code, Section 58.99, (13).

Dead end fire access roads/lanes are prohibited unless an approved turn around is installed to comply with Appendix D-103.4 of the International Fire Code. At no time shall the minimum required width of the access road/fire lane be less than twenty-four (24) feet

Emergency access easements and access roads, when assigned a street name for the purpose of addressing, shall have street name signs a minimum of 6.5 inches high in a format approved the City of Bedford Public Services Department Installation and maintenance of the signs shall be the responsibility of the owner/operator of the property.

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Fixed Fire Protection Systems:

The permit application shall be submitted to the office of the fire marshal and must have attached to the application detailed construction plans and a copy of the applicant's State license.
The permit fee for the construction, repair, alteration or relocation of a fixed system shall be determined by the cost of construction and the fee shall be calculated based on the fee schedule.

Work shall not begin on any system without first obtaining a permit.

Exemption: Emergency repairs due to system malfunctions or discharging may begin, provided a permit is obtained the next working day.

Notarized letters indicating all work has been performed as permitted and that the work meets code requirements must be submitted at final inspection.

No system shall be approved until a complete inspection of materials and a functional test has been completed and witnessed by the fire marshal. The installer/technician must be present for all inspections and testing.

Special Fire Inspections:
All fire sprinkler, stand pipe, fixed fire extinguishing systems and fire alarms shall be inspected every twelve (12) months by a technician properly licensed by the State of Texas.

The licensed technician/company making the inspection shall notify the office of the fire marshal and the owner/occupant immediately when a system fails to pass a required test and/or is found inoperative.

State Licensees:
All repair and installation of fire alarm, fire sprinkler and fixed extinguishing systems shall require the presence of a State of Texas licensed technician on the job site.

The licensed technician shall be able to present a copy of appropriate State of Texas licenses upon request.

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Reconstruction/Remodel

Panic Hardware
Fire Alarms
Exit Lights
Emergency Lighting
Exits and Exit Ways
Fire Protection Systems

When applicable, permits shall be obtained and compliance inspections performed.

A building or structure shall be considered under construction or re-construction when:

Greater than 50% of the total floor area is changed or altered in one or more construction phases over a two (2) year period, or,

The cost of the construction is greater than 50% of the appraised value of the structure.

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Elevator Recall:

Where a shunt trip mechanism is present, a smoke and heat activated device shall be provided to return the elevator car to an egress point approved by the fire marshal.

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Open Flame Cooking Devices at Apartments:

It shall be a violation of this code for any person to use, allow or permit the use of a fixed or portable grill or cooking device that uses an open flame or electrical element within ten (10) feet of any multi-family structure, under any covered portion a multi-family structure, under any covered parking structure or portion there of.

It shall be a violation of this code for any person to own or manage any multi-family structure without installing and maintaining on each balcony, patio and landing of each dwelling unit an approved sign readily visible to the occupants that prohibits the use of any grill, hibachi or smoker within 10 feet of all apartment structures. Signs shall be at least thirty (30) square inches with the word -PROHIBITED- in 1 inch letters, and the remaining message in at least 1/4 inch letters, red on white, and provide the following warning:

-PROHIBITED-

THE USE OF ANY GRILL, HIBACHI, OR SMOKER IN OR WITHIN TEN FEET OF ALL APARTMENT STRUCTURES, PATIOS AND CARPORTS.

BEDFORD FIRE CODE - FINE UP TO $2000.00

It shall be a violation of this code for any person to own or manage any multi-family structure without providing the Fire marshal, upon request, written proof that each tenant has been advised of the prohibition on cooking with grills and cooking devices. Such proof shall consist of a warning document signed by the tenant and kept in the lease files that indicates the tenant is aware of the prohibition and that the sign is in place.

Existing apartment complexes shall comply with the provisions of this code within 180 days of approval. The restriction on the use of cooking devices shall become effective immediately

Furnishings

SECTION 804 DECORATIVE VEGETATION. SECTION 804.1.1 IFC) Natural Cut Trees is amended by adding the following Exception:

Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.

Trees shall not be prohibited inside private dwelling units of Group R-2 Occupancies.

Section 2703.3.1.4 - Responsibility For Cleanup Is hereby amended to include the following: Any cost associated with a fire department response to accomplish control and mitigation of an unauthorized discharge may be charged back to the person, firm or corporation responsible for the release.

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Storage Of Flammable Or Combustible Liquids

The storage of flammable or combustible liquids in an outside above ground storage tank is prohibited.

Exceptions:

An exception may be granted by the fire marshal during an emergency operation, at construction sites, and other locations where underground installations cannot be utilized. At no time will the sale or distribution of flammable or combustible liquids be allowed from above ground storage tanks by gravity, portable pump powered by vehicle batteries or pneumatic pressure.

Above ground fuel tanks that comply with IFC Chapter 34 may be allowed for commercial and retail purposes when permitted by the fire marshal.

The storage of flammable or combustible liquids at construction sites shall require a permit from the fire marshal's office. All fuel tanks shall be at least ten (10) feet off the roadway, shall be provided with impact.

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Amendments Storage And Distribution Of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Compresses Natural Gas (CNG) And Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The storage, sale, and distribution of LPG, CNG and LNG shall be in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the Texas Railroad Commission and the provisions of the International Fire Code.

The use of LPG, CNG or LNG as a heating or cooking fuel shall be prohibited where natural gas service is available. The fire marshal shall approve the size and location of LPG, CNG and LNG storage tanks.

LPG storage shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) gallons per installation unless approved by the fire marshal.

Storage tanks shall be installed a minimum of ten (10) feet from all ignitions sources and five (5) feet from all property lines and structures.

A permit shall be required for the installation and/or removal of any LPG, CNG or LNG container or equipment. The permit shall be obtained before the start of any work and the cost of the permit shall be by the City of Bedford fee schedule.

Where portable LPG containers are required for jewelry repair, dental labs, portable cookers, and other services, individual containers shall not exceed 20 pound water capacity and the aggregate capacity on premises shall not exceed 60 pounds water capacity (3 containers). Each container shall be separated from other containers by a distance of not less than twenty (20) feet.

Exemption: Such events where commercial outdoor cooking is required, provided a permit is issued by the City of Bedford and the site is inspected by the fire marshals office.

It shall be a violation of this code to dispense LPG, CNG or LNG from a vehicle parked on a public street or roadway.

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Storage Of Explosives Or Blasting Agents Section 58-102.

All use and storage of explosives and blasting agents shall be in compliance with the standards of the National Fire Code and Chapter

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Appeal From Decision Of Fire Marshal Sec. 58-103.

An application for appeal shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of section 22-35 Code of Ordinances.

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Penalty Sec. 58-104.

Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this article or shall fail to comply therewith or with any requirement thereof shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be liable to a fine and, upon conviction of any such violation, shall be fined up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

This provision is intended to comply the State and Local law relating to penalties and the provisions of Section 109.3 (IFC)

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Direct Alarm Reporting: Automatic Alarm Notification Prohibited Section 50-33.

An alarm system which transmits automatic alarm notification directly to the communication center of the public safety department is prohibited, except for such systems currently in place on date of adoption hereof and to the original permit holder thereunder, or as authorized in Article II. Section 50-34 hereof.

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Protection Of Financial Institutions Section 50-34.

(B) The financial institution shall pay an annual fee to be determined for each indicator. The Chief shall have the right, at reasonable times and upon oral notice, to inspect the alarm system at the alarm site and require necessary repairs or improvements. If the Chief finds that the alarm system continually fails to operate properly, or to be operated improperly, he may terminate the privilege to have equipment and indicators in the communications center of the public safety department and require prompt removal of the equipment at the expense of the financial institution.

(C) The financial institution, at its own expense, shall make arrangements to provide service for the alarm system on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week. In no event shall the City become liable for charges for repairs and maintenance.

(D) The financial institution may cancel its agreement with the City at any time by giving the City written notice through the Chief, and at its own expense, remove its equipment and indicators from the monitor panel in the communications center.

(E) The Chief may require any change, modernization, or consolidation of alarm signaling equipment that he deems advisable. In no event shall the City become liable for charges for these changes.

(F) Instead of a direct line, a financial institution may report burglaries and robberies by transmission through an alarm reporting service using special equipment designated by the Chief.

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Alarm System Permits Section 50-35.

(A) Permit Required. A person commits an offense if he operates or causes to be operated, an alarm system without an alarm system permit issued by the Chief. A separate permit is required for each street address. The fee for each permit shall be Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) and shall be renewed annually.

(B) Form of Application.

(1) Application for licenses required by the provisions of this Chapter shall be filed with the Chief of Public Safety on a form provided by the Chief. If the applicant is an individual, the application shall be subscribed and sworn to by such person. If the applicant is an individual and does not reside, operate any business or is not employed within the State, or in the event the applicant is a firm or partnership and no owner or general partner resides, operates a business or is employed within the State, then the application must also be subscribed and sworn to by the individual having the authority and responsibility for the management and operations of the alarm business within the State. If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall be subscribed and sworn to by at least one principal corporate officer. If the applicant is a corporation and none of its principal corporate officers are responsible for the management and operations of the alarm business within the State, the application shall also be subscribed and sworn to by the individual having the authority and responsibility for the management and operations of the alarm business within the State.

(2) If the applicant is a corporation, the application shall specify the date and place of its incorporation, the location of the applicant's principal place of business, a list of the principal corporate officers and the business address, residence address and the office or position held by each principal corporate officer.

(3) If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall specify the location of the applicant's principal place of business and the names, business addresses and residence addresses of each partner.

(4) The application shall include the following information for each individual required to subscribe and swear to it:

(a) The individual's full name, business address, and residence address;

(b) The individual's residence and business telephone number;

(c) The individual's date and place of birth;

(5) Each permit application must contain the following information:

a) The address of the location of the alarm system site;

(b) A description by brand and general type of the alarm system stating the manner in which the alarm will be given, and if the alarm is to transmitted to a central office, the name, address and telephone number of the operator of the central office;

(c) Classification of the alarm system site as single family, multi-family or commercial;

(d) Any other information required by the Chief which is necessary for the enforcement of this Chapter.

(6) Owner/Operators of fire protection alarm systems, in a commercial, business, medical, institutional and multi-family occupancy, the alarm not being part of a security system, are required to hold a valid "fire marshal's annual permit" instead of a permit issued by the public safety department.

(C) Permit Issuance or Denial. Upon receipt of a completed application form, the Chief shall issue an alarm system permit to an applicant unless the applicant:

(1) Has had an alarm system permit for the alarm site revoked and the violation causing the revocation has not been corrected;

(2) Has made a false statement of a material matter;

(3) Committed any act, which, if committed by a licensee, would be grounds for the revocation of a license under this Chapter; or

(4) While unlicensed, knowingly and willfully committed, or aided and abetted in commission, of any act for which a license is required by this Chapter.

(D) Transfer and Amendments. An alarm system permit cannot be transferred to another person at the same location. A permit holder shall inform the Chief of any change that alters any information listed on the permit application within two (2) business days. No fee will be assessed for such changes.

(E) Fees Paid. All fees owed by an applicant must be paid before a permit may be issued or renewed.

(F) Permit Renewal. A permit for an alarm system is valid for one year. A permit will be revoked for non-renewal upon thirty (30) days written notice from the Chief to the permit holder.

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Revocation Of Alarm System Permits

(A) The Chief shall revoke an alarm system permit if he determines that:

(1) There is a false statement of a material matter in the application
for permit;

(2) The permit holder has violated any provision of this Chapter;

(B) A person commits an offense if he operates an alarm system during the period in which his alarm permit is revoked.

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Appeals Section 50-37.

(A) If the Chief refuses to issue a permit, or revokes a permit, he shall send to the applicant or permit holder by certified mail, return receipt requested, written notice of his action and a statement of the right to an appeal. The applicant or permit holder may appeal the decision of the Chief to the City Manager by filing with the City Manager a written request for a hearing, setting forth the reasons for the appeal, within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice from the Chief. The filing of a request for an appeal hearing with the City Manager stays an action of the Chief in revoking a permit until the City Manager or his designated representative makes a final decision. If a request for an appeal hearing is not made within the ten day period, the action of the Chief is final.

(B) The City Manager or his representative shall serve as Hearing Officer at an appeal and consider evidence by an interested person. The formal rules of evidence do not apply at an appeal hearing and the Hearing Officer shall make his decision on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence presented at the hearing. The Hearing Officer must render a decision within thirty (30) days after the request for an appeal hearing is filed. The Hearing Officer shall affirm, reverse, or modify the action of the Chief. The decision of the Hearing Officer is final as to administrative remedies with the City.

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False Alarm Notification Section 50-38.

(A) Except as otherwise provided, each false alarm notification emitted from any alarm system after the fifth false alarm response within any twelve (12) month period shall constitute a violation of this ordinance.

(B) If a person notifies the Chief and applies for an alarm system permit before a new alarm system is put into service, false alarm notification during the first sixty (60) days after the system is put into service will not be counted in determining when a violation exists.

(C) If the responding officer determines that an alarm notification was caused by smoke or fire, unauthorized intrusion, attempted unauthorized intrusion, robbery, attempted robbery, or an attempt to take a person hostage, that notification will not be counted as a false alarm.

(D) A false alarm system notification will not be counted in determining when a violation exists if the permit holder can prove to the satisfaction of the City that the alarm notification was the result of a severe weather condition that caused physical damage to the alarm site, or the result of the malfunction of the telephone lines for the transmission of alarm signals, proof of the latter being documented upon the telephone company work orders or time stamped records from the alarm company showing the period of interrupted service.

(E) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (A)(B)(C) and (D) above, the holder of a security/ fire alarm permit shall pay a service fee of thirty dollars ($30.00) for each false alarm notification emitted from each false alarm system that is in excess of five (5) false alarms within any twelve (12) month period.

(F) Failure to pay the thirty ($30.00) service fee for violation of subjection (E) above, within the allotted time frame as established by the City, shall result in the revocation of the alarm permit.

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Violation; Penalty Section 50-39.

(A) A person commits an offense if he violates by commission or omission any provision of this Chapter that imposes upon him a duty or responsibility.

(B) A person who violates a provision of this Chapter is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is committed, continued or permitted, and each violation is punishable by a fine of not more than the maximum allowed by State law.

In addition to prohibiting or requiring certain conduct of individuals, it is the intent of this Chapter to hold a corporation, partnership, or other association criminally responsible for acts or omissions performed by an agent acting in behalf of the corporation, partnership, or other association, and within the scope of his employment.

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Exceptions Section 50-40.

(A) This Chapter shall not apply to alarm systems operated by local, state or federal government entities.

(B) A fire alarm notification will not be counted in determining a violation when the event occurred due to an honest mistake of a reasonable person thinking that there is a fire.

(C) The criminal act of malicious false alarm as defined as in the Fire Code and Texas Penal Code will not be applied in determining a violation of this ordinance and shall be prosecuted as prescribed by law.

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Sale or holding in stock prohibited Sec. 58-66. (Article III, Fireworks)

It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to be in possession of, sale, hold for sale, stock, store, or transport any class "C" explosives, firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles, aerial shells, or any other firework, firework device, or portion thereof within the city unless a permit has been issued by the office of the fire marshal.

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Firing or displaying Sec. 58-67 (Article III, Fireworks)

It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to discharge, ignite, or cause the explosion of any pyrotechnical device, as described in section 58-66, unless a permit has been issued by the office of the fire marshal.

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