Rental Code Enforcement and Inspections
Click on link below for:
Rental
Registration Application
Key Points
City of
The following are some of
the main points contained within the new rental code. The code in its entirety
may be viewed on the City of Marquette Community Development City Code Page
(Chapter 42). Copies of the International Property
Maintenance Code and NFPA Life Safety
Code may be
viewed at the Peter White Public Library, the City Fire Department, or the City
Clerk’s Office. Those codes are the governing documents of the
Ø All dwellings fully or partially let for rent must be registered. Registration is one time only or when the property is transacted to new ownership. Registration forms will be available online and will be sent in a mailing.
Ø A minimum of one ten year battery operated smoke detector of a tamper proof variety must be mounted in each dwelling unit. This requirement applies to dwelling units not covered by a direct wired smoke detection system (owners of more than three rental properties may spread these installations evenly over a three year period).
Ø Registration certificates will be issued upon the payment of the fees. The certificates must be posted in either common areas of multi-family dwellings or in each separate private entrance to dwelling units
Ø Following the registration period a mandatory compliance inspection will be scheduled over a three year cyclical period. A successful passing and fee payment of that inspection will result in the issuance of a compliance certificate.
Ø
If
an owner of a rental property resides outside of
Ø Failure to register or failure to comply with fire, life safety, or property maintenance codes will be infractions ranging from civil to misdemeanor.
Ø There is an appeals procedure for non-compliant situations that can be viewed in section 42.09 of the Ordinance.
Ø
If
you have further questions, please feel free to contact the City of
Fire Department Compliance Tip Sheet
(These are
general guidelines)
1. Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom, outside of bedrooms, and on each floor, including basements. Locate smoke detectors on ceilings, away from corners. Corners are dead air spaces. If installing a smoke detector on a wall is unavoidable, the detector should be no more than 6 inches from the ceiling. Locating smoke detectors too close to kitchens and bathrooms (smoke and steam) may cause nuisance alarms. There are smoke detectors available that contain interrupt buttons that may deactivate the detectors for temporary periods of time. This may be a consideration for you. The tamper resistant, long life, 10 year battery required detector should be installed in an area outside the bedrooms or in living room areas. To avoid nuisance alarms – keep them clear of bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Make sure those bedroom windows that serve as a second means of emergency egress are easily operable. This includes storm windows. Older homes with wooden or non-operable storm windows can be hinged, latched, and made to be opened horizontally. Egress rated windows must be not less than 20 inches wide, not less than 24 inches in height, and not more than 44 inches from the bottom opening to the floor.
3. Be sure that all bedroom doors close securely and act as smoke barriers, as they are intended. Bottom spaces of doors should have no more than ¾ inch openings.
4. Attics and basements used for habitation will be of particular interest to Fire Inspectors. Attics are difficult to make code compliant. We recommend that you do not make attic spaces habitable until you consult the Fire Department. Basement spaces, while not as difficult to make compliant, should again be pre-inspected by the Fire Department. Both of the above spaces were rarely designed for habitation, and in most cases are not suitable for habitation unless modified – in some cases – extensively. We do not recommend that you rent basements or attics without consulting the Fire Department, and receiving the correct code compliance guidance.
These tips are general. Various properties may require different compliance items. Again, if you have questions – feel free to call the Fire Department at (906) 228-0410.
The governing documents of Ordinance 521 are the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code and the National Fire Protection Association 101: Life Safety Code 2003. These books can be viewed at the Peter White Public Library, the Marquette City Clerk’s Office at City Hall or the Fire Department, Station # 1, 418 S Third Street.
If you want to purchase your own copies you may contact:
NFPA Life Safety
Code101,
11 Tracy Drive
1 (800) 344-3555
2003 Property
Maintenance Code
ICC Distribution Center
1 (800) 214-4321