§ 42-71. Adoption of fire prevention codes.

(a)

The City of Woodstock adopts and enforces codes and standards contained in the local ordinances. The adoption of these codes and ordinances is by the consent of the city council in accordance with its charter. These local fire codes may be more restrictive than the codes that are adopted by the state but not less restrictive.

(b)

The city adopts and enforces the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards, as now or hereafter amended, as set forth in O.C.G.A. § 25-2-12, and appoints the fire chief or his designee as the fire marshal for the city.

(c)

For amendments enacted by the State Fire Marshal's Office, contact the Office at 404-656-7087.

A current copy of the fire prevention code and the life safety code shall be maintained on file in the office of the fire marshal where they are available for public inspection.

(d)

Exemptions from local fire code requirements. Individuals who are seeking relief from a local fire ordinance may request an exemption from said requirements by:

(1)

When requesting an exemption from a local fire ordinance through the DPC staff it must be submitted in writing in order to get a recommendation prior to presenting the request to the city council.

(2)

The request for an exemption to the local fire ordinances shall be made to the city council for approval.

(3)

The following conditions must be considered before an exemption from the requirements of the city's fire ordinances can be considered by the DPC and granted by the council:

a.

There are exceptional and extraordinary conditions pertaining to the building or a particular piece of property in question due to its size, shape or topography; and,

b.

The application of these regulations to this particular piece of property would create a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship; and,

c.

Such conditions are peculiar to the particular piece of property involved; and,

d.

A literal interpretation of this ordinance would deprive the applicant of any rights that others in the city are allowed; and,

e.

Relief, if granted, would not cause substantial detriment of the public good, or impair the purposes and intent of the ordinance; and,

f.

That the authorizing of the exemption will not unreasonably increase the congestion of public streets, increase the danger of fire, imperil the public safety, or in any other respect impair the health, safety, comfort, morals or general welfare of the inhabitants of the city.

(4)

In granting an exemption, the council may attach thereto such conditions regarding the location, character and other features of the proposed building, structure, or use as it may deem advisable so that the purpose of this ordinance will be served.

(5)

The council shall not be authorized to grant an exemption to "Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards" (O.C.G.A.) Section 25-2-4.

(6)

Following the review and consideration of an exemption application by the DPC recommendation shall be made by the DPC to the mayor and council to approve, approve with conditions or deny.

(Ord. of 6-8-2015, § 1(Exh. A))

State law reference

Statewide application of minimum standard codes, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25; definitions of standard codes for adoption, O.C.G.A. § 8-2-20; adoption of state fire safety standards, O.C.G.A. § 25-2-12.