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Fire Codes and Ordinances

It's summer and we know what that means, fireworks, bonfires, and BBQ! Here is a brief description of fire regulations so you can have a safe but fun summer.  

Fireworks

The City of Troy does not allow the discharge of Consumer Grade Fireworks on any day without a permit, except as follows:

  • December 31 until 1 am on January 1.
  • The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day until 11:45 pm on each of those days. 
  • June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 pm on each of those days. 
  • July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 pm
  • The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day until 11:45 pm on each of those days.
More Information


Open Burning

A ground fire shall be the minimum size for the intended purpose but not larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet in dimension and shall be contained in a safe manner. It shall also meet the following requirements: 

  • Burn only seasoned, dried firewood or clean untreated lumber intended to minimize the generation of air contaminants 
  • Constantly attended by a minimum of one adult 
  • Maintain access to device(s) to suppress or minimize the spread of fire 
  • Maintain a safe distance from structures or other combustibles
  • Pile height to remain under 3 feet
  • Complaints regarding odor or smoke transmission may require law enforcement or the fire code official to require fire extinguishment (T.C.C. 307.1.1)
Please be aware there are different requirements for a bonfire.

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Special Event
Special events include, but are not limited to, the following situations and guidelines:

  • Exhibits/displays of goods, items, food, merchandise, wares, etc.
  • Craft shows, art shows, book shows, train shows, etc.
  • Trade shows; buying / selling of goods, items, food, merchandise, wares, etc.
  • Public gatherings of 500 or more people inside of a tent or building beyond the normal use of the facility.
  • Any event, whereby it’s occurrence changes the intended use of the facility.
Hosting a special event? Please be aware of the permit requirements and submit a Special Event Permit Application.


BBQs

Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.

Exceptions:
  • One and two-family dwellings.
  • Where buildings, balconies, and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
  • LP gas cooking devices having LP gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2½ pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LP gas capacity].
  • As with any open flame device, we ask our residents to exercise caution and good judgment when using this type of device.
More Information



Chapter 93 - Fire Prevention - Fire Code Amendments

The City of Troy has adopted the International Fire Code - 2015 (IFC) as its local fire prevention ordinance. The City of Troy has made amendments throughout the code to address specific issues pertaining to fire and life safety at the local level based on decades of past experience. These amendments are preceded by the section number of the IFC to which they refer.

Chapter 93 - Occupancy Permit

Section 105.8 of the Ordinance addresses business occupancy requirements. Under certain circumstances, the City of Troy requires businesses that move into existing buildings to obtain a permit from the fire department prior to occupancy.

Section 105.8.1 thru 105.8.5 addresses the following:

  • Who needs to apply for an occupancy permit
  • What information is to be submitted with the application
  • Site and building preparation requirements prior to occupancy

Chapter 93 - Open Burning

Section 307 of the Ordinance addresses open burning, or outdoor burning, within the City of Troy. Open burning is allowed provided certain criteria are met. The Fire Prevention Code specifically addresses:

  • Size limitations for approved fires
  • Approved / Unapproved fuels
  • Location of approved burning areas
  • Attendance requirements

Bonfires are those fires larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Bonfires require approval from City Council. Sufficient time should be allowed to be placed on the Council agenda for discussion and approval. Questions regarding bonfire approval can be directed to the Fire Prevention Division at 248.524.3419, during normal business hours.

Click here for the Open Burning Summary - a Resident's Guide to Opening Burning.

Click here for resident's guide to approved open flame cooking devices: Open Flame Cooking Devices

Chapter 103 - Alarm Ordinance

The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide a registration and permit process, with appropriate regulations to facilitate the reduction of false alarm activations; to establish procedures for administration of the ordinance; and to advance the disciplined use and maintenance of alarm systems. This link references not only fire alarms, but security and medical alarm systems as well. Questions regarding fire alarm registrations can be directed to the Fire prevention Division at 248.524.3419 during normal business hours.

Chapter 106 - Fire Lanes

This purpose of this Ordinance is to provide regulations concerning street and traffic regulations, including fire lane requirements within the City of Troy. This section of Chapter 106 addresses:

  • Fire lane width
  • Fire lane signage requirements
  • Site plan requirements for locating fire lanes

Chapter 2 - Address Numbering and Street Naming

This Ordinance provides a system for address numbering of buildings fronting on all public and private streets within the City of Troy. All buildings are numbered in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. This link references the entire ordinance as it establishes base lines and sets criteria for numbering all buildings or structures within the City of Troy and:

  • Attempts to conform to the numbering system of our neighboring communities where common streets form boundary lines
  • Identifies size, type and location of numbers with respect to commercial vs. residential buildings
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