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[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hainesport 7-23-1985 by Ord. No. 1985-9-7. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 9-28-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-16-9]
Pursuant to Section 11 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act (P.L. 1983, c. 383),[1] the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq.) shall be locally enforced in the municipality of Hainesport.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-202.
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-8]
The local enforcing agency shall be the Fire Prevention Bureau, of which the chief administrator shall be the Fire Official.
The local enforcement agency shall enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act[1] and the codes and regulations adopted under it in all buildings, structures and premises within the established boundaries of Hainesport Township, other than owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings, and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the Uniform Fire Code.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 8-27-1996 by Ord. No. 1996-12-7; 12-23-1996 by Ord. No. 1996-18-12; 9-23-1997 by Ord. No. 1997-10-9; 11-24-1998 by Ord. No. 1998-22-10; 9-28-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-16-9]
A. 
The inspections of life-hazard uses as required by the Uniform Fire Code shall be conducted by the Fire Official and/or Fire Inspectors of the Township of Hainesport.
B. 
The inspections of non-life-hazard uses as required by the Uniform Fire Code shall be conducted by the Fire Official and/or Fire Inspectors of the Township of Hainesport on at least a minimum of every other year.
[Amended 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
C. 
Annual registration fees for non-life-hazard uses shall be charged as follows:
(1) 
Type. Use types shall be as follows:
Use Type
Abbreviation
Assembly
(A)
Business
(B)
Educational
(E)
Factory and Industrial
(F)
High-hazard
(H)
Institutional
(I)
Mercantile
(M)
Storage
(S)
Utility and miscellaneous
(U)
(2) 
Fee. For each use type listed above, the annual fee shall be as follows, based on the building size.
[Amended 12-9-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-13-11]
Area
(square feet)
Fee
0 to 1,500
$60
1,501 to 2,499
$85
2,500 to 3,499
$115
3,500 to 4,999
$150
5,000 to 7,499
$210
7,500 to 9,999
$260
10,000 to 14,999
$350
15,000 to 24,999
$400
25,000 or more
$450
D. 
Churches shall be exempt from the payment of non-life-hazard registration fees; provided, however, that churches shall not be exempt from any state-required fees.
[Amended 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 9-14-1993 by Ord. No. 1993-6-8; 9-28-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-16-9; 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-8]
The Fire Prevention Bureau shall be under the direct supervision and control of the Fire Official, who shall report to the Township Administrator.
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 9-28-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-16-9]
A. 
Appointment of Fire Official. The local enforcing agency shall be under the supervision of a Fire Official, who shall be appointed by the Hainesport Township Committee.
B. 
Term of office. The Fire Official shall serve for a term of one year, appointed by the Township Committee at the annual reorganizational meeting in January.
C. 
Inspectors and employees. Such inspectors and other employees as may be necessary in the local enforcing agency shall be appointed by the Hainesport Township Committee upon the recommendations of the Fire Official and Township Administrator.
D. 
Removal from office.
(1) 
Inspectors and other employees of the enforcing agency shall be subject to removal by the Township Committee for inefficiency or misconduct. Each inspector or employee to be so removed shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard by the appointing authority or a designated hearing officer.
(2) 
The Township Committee may remove the Fire Official by a majority vote of those Committee members present and voting for reasons of inefficiency, misconduct or economy after the Fire Official has been afforded an opportunity to be heard by the Township Committee. In the alternative, the Township Committee may elect (at its sole discretion) to appoint a hearing officer to conduct such hearing and to render a report and recommendations to the Township Committee; in such event, however, the final decision whether to remove the Fire Official shall be exercised by the Township Committee.
Pursuant to Sections 15 and 17 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act,[1] any person aggrieved by any order of the local enforcement agency shall have the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals of Burlington County.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-206 and 52:27D-208, respectively.
[Amended 6-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-4-5; 11-24-1998 by Ord. No. 1998-22-10]
A. 
The permit fees established by state regulation shall apply.
B. 
The annual Township business license fee shall be considered as satisfying a Type 1 permit where such permit is required as an operation of the business.
[Added 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
C. 
Type 2, 3 or 4 permits which are not integral to the business will be charged the applicable permit fee and be subject to an inspection as required under the Uniform Fire Code.
[Added 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
Section 78-1 et seq., entitled "Fire Prevention," of the 1976 Code of the Township of Hainesport is hereby repealed.
[Added 3-23-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-5-3]
A. 
All newly constructed structures shall be equipped with a key lock box at or near the main entrance; all existing structures protected with an automatic fire suppression system shall also have a locking type of cap on the Fire Department connection or such other location required. An automatic fire alarm system or storage or use of hazardous materials shall also be equipped with the key lock box. In addition, Fire Department connections may also be required to have locking caps as determined by the Fire Official or the Fire Chief. Other uses requiring lock boxes are listed in Subsection A(1), (2) and (3) below:
[Amended 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
(1) 
Commercial or industrial structures protected by an automatic alarm system or automatic suppression system or such structures that are secured in a manner that restricts access during an emergency.
(2) 
Multifamily residential structures that have restricted access through locked doors and have a common corridor for access to the living units.
(3) 
Nursing care facilities.
B. 
All new structures subject to this section shall have the key lock box and locking Fire Department connection caps installed and operational prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit. All installed lock boxes shall contain a current key, fob or some other method to enter the structure and/or business. All existing businesses subject to this section shall have 12 months to comply from the adoption of these amendments. The Fire Official or Fire Chief shall approve the type of key lock box system to be implemented within the Township of Hainesport.
[Amended 4-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-1-2]
C. 
The owner or operator of a structure required to have a key lock box shall, at all times, keep a key in the lock box that will allow for access to the structure.
D. 
The Fire Official or Fire Chief shall be authorized to implement rules and regulations for the use of the lock box system.
E. 
Violations of the state uniform fire code are subject to the penalties provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.12.
[Amended 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-8]
[Added 11-13-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-11]
Establishment of position of Fire Services Coordinator. There is hereby created within the Township of Hainesport a part-time position of Fire Services Coordinator. The Fire Services Coordinator shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
A. 
Serve as liaison between the Township of Hainesport and the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company.
B. 
Ensure that the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company is in compliance with the regulations and requirements of and under the NJ Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA), Division of Fire Safety, Bureau of Fire Department Services and Office of Training and Certification; NJ State Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH); Hainesport Township; Burlington County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund; and any other regulatory and enforcement agency as applicable.
C. 
Provide assistance to the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company with timely reporting, inspections and training.
D. 
Recognize and address administrative and operational deficiencies within the fire company.
E. 
Provide assistance with firefighter scheduling, Duty Crew and/or Stipend Program.
F. 
Review and recommend eligibility, qualifications and certifications of firefighters for these programs.
G. 
Ensure the LOSAP service requirements are being followed and met by eligible volunteers. Assist with certification and submission of the annual Enrollment Participant List to the Township.
H. 
Review, assist with development and ensure updates of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and handbooks of the fire company.
I. 
Administer programs within the fire services to maintain minimum competencies to meet State and Federal standards and promote safety awareness.
J. 
Ensure firefighters engaged in the Residential C.O. and Smoke Detector Program SOP.
K. 
Ensure Fire Services Agreement is being followed and fire response benchmarks are met.
L. 
Act as the liaison between the Township Safety and Claims Coordinators and the Fire Company to ensure all safety policies, training, inspections and reporting are implemented.
M. 
Provide a monthly report to the Township Committee on matters related to the fire services and the Fire Company.
N. 
Such other duties as may be, from time to time, delegated to the Fire Services Coordinator by the Township Committee or the Township Administrator.
[Added 11-13-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-11]
A. 
The Township Committee hereby recognizes and authorizes the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company to be the primary provider of fire prevention and firefighting services within the Township of Hainesport.
B. 
The members of the Fire Company shall be under the supervision and control of the Township, and in performing fire duty shall be deemed to be exercising a governmental function. However, the appointment or election of the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Company shall remain the prerogative of the membership of the Fire Company as set forth in the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws.
C. 
Except as otherwise set forth in Subsection C(1) below, the Township does not have and shall not acquire, the right of management over the Company. The Township shall not hire, fire, discipline, or take other personnel action between the Company and its employees or volunteers; shall not dictate the expenditure of funds in a particular manner, or exercise other management prerogative of the Company's operation. The Township's remedies for nonperformance, or inadequate or unsatisfactory performance, of all requirements imposed herein upon the Company may include the withholding of funding; termination the contract between the Township and the Company, and/or otherwise not renew an annual contract when the Township obtains information that the Company is not satisfying the standards or obligations set forth herein, in the sole discretion of the Township.
(1) 
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations, the Township shall have the right to insist upon compliance with, and to enforce, adopted municipal employee policies and procedures as they relate to maintenance, protection, and proper use of Township vehicles, equipment, and apparatus; and adherence to Township insurance and risk management requirements, practices, and policies.
D. 
Qualifications for members. No person shall hereafter become a member of the Fire Company unless above the age of 18 years and a citizen of the United States. Every person shall be physically fit to perform the duties of a firefighter, evidenced by a certificate to that effect by a practicing physician of the State of New Jersey, after physical examination for that purpose. All applicants must submit to a background check. All firefighters must obtain and remain in good standing the required firefighting certification(s).
E. 
Duties of members. Every member of the Fire Company shall, in each and every year, perform at least 50% of duty, to be composed of actual attendance and duty at fires and drills, and a record shall be kept of such attendance and duty by the Chief of the Fire Company and reported to the Township Committee annually. The Fire Chief shall report monthly to the Township Administrator or designee the operations of the Fire Company.
F. 
Application; approval. Every person seeking to join the Fire Company shall make application to the company and, upon election to membership by a vote of a majority of the unit present and voting, shall become a member in good standing of the Fire Company after approval of his membership by the Chief and confirmation by the Township Committee and his/her name shall be entered on a roll of firefighters kept by the Township Clerk.
G. 
Exemption certificates. An exempt firemen's certificate shall be issued by the Township Committee, in the form and manner provided by law, to all members of the Fire Company lawfully entitled to receive the same.
H. 
Funding.
(1) 
The Fire Chief shall be responsible to transmit to the Township Committee, through the Township Administrator, and Fire Services Coordinator, a proposed annual budget. Prior to submission of annual budget request, a certified prior year financial statement shall be submitted to the Township Administrator and Chief Financial Officer.
(2) 
The Township shall provide funding to the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-34, the terms of the Fire Services Agreement, and upon compliance with the terms of this chapter.
(3) 
In addition to the annual appropriation, the Township Committee may appropriate such additional capital sums as it may deem necessary for the purchase of fire vehicles, equipment, supplies and materials for use by the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company; the title to such fire equipment, supplies and materials shall remain with the Township, provided that the funds shall be controlled and disposed by the Township. The Township shall also support the Fire Company with grant applications and alternative funding opportunities.
I. 
Salary. The members of the Fire Company shall be purely volunteer and shall not receive a salary.
J. 
Emergency rescue services billing. The Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company shall be permitted to bill for extrication and rescue costs when such equipment is utilized by said Company at the following rates for service:
(1) 
Light rescue: batteries, fluid, stabilization. There shall be a fee of $350 for light rescue operations, such as stabilization, use of hand tools, hazard control and other scene-related light rescue operations.
(2) 
Medium rescue: There shall be a fee of $700 for medium rescue operations including the use of power tools and hydraulic rescue tools to perform activities such as opening or removing doors to provide access to patients as well as stabilizing vehicles and performing hazardous assessments.
(3) 
Heavy rescue: There shall be a fee of $1,250 for heavy rescue operations including any technical rescue procedures, including but not limited to water and ice rescue, rope rescue, confined space rescue, high-angle rescue, trench rescue or structural collapse rescue. Heavy rescue also includes other vehicle rescue where the rescue includes the use of power tools and hydraulic equipment to perform operations such as partial or full roof removal, front dash displacement, third door access and separating vehicles from one another.
[Added 11-13-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-11]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-68, Township Committee is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company, to be separately adopted by resolution, which contract may, from time to time, be modified by the parties, in writing, and only if approved by resolution of both the Township Committee and the Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company.