5515631 Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Department of - Notice of Second Emergency Rulemaking - 16 DCMR 33-34 (Civil Infractions)

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

NOTICE OF SECOND EMERGENCY RULEMAKING

 

The Director of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), pursuant to Sections 104 and 105 of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Civil Infractions Act of 1985, effective October 5, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-42; D.C. Official Code §§ 2-1801.04 and 2-1801.05 (2012 Repl.)),  Mayor’s Order 1986-38, dated March 4, 1986, and Mayor’s Order 2004-46, dated March 22, 2004, hereby gives notice of the adoption of the following emergency rulemaking to amend Chapters 33 (Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Infractions) and 34 (Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department Infractions) of Title 16 (Consumers, Commercial Practices, and Civil Infractions) of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

 

This emergency rulemaking is necessary to address a gap in the enforcement of compliance with the current District of Columbia Construction Codes, adopted March 28, 2014 (61 DCR 3251-Part 2), as amended, (the “2013 Construction Codes”),  as violations of the 2013 Construction Codes would not be subject to notices of violation and enforcement proceedings to the extent that the existing regulations refer to a previous version of the Construction Codes. Violations of the 2013 Construction Codes pose an immediate and continuing threat to the public health and safety. This emergency rulemaking is limited to changes in the numbering of provisions between the 2013 Construction Codes and the previous version of the Construction Codes, and does not change the substance or classification of infractions.

 

This emergency rulemaking does not apply to violations or infractions committed prior to March 28, 2014, whether the prosecution or adjudication of those violations or infractions is instituted before or after said date. Such violations or infractions will be adjudicated pursuant to the existing Title 16.

 

This emergency rulemaking was adopted on May 23, 2015, to become effective immediately, extending an emergency rulemaking originally adopted on January 23, 2015 and published February 27, 2015 at 62 DCR 2598 in the D.C. Register. This emergency rulemaking will remain in effect for up to one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of effectiveness, and will expire on September 20, 2015.

 

Chapter 33, DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER & REGULATORY AFFAIRS (DCRA) INFRACTIONS, of Title 16 DCMR, CONSUMERS, COMMERCIAL PRACTICES, AND CIVIL INFRACTIONS, is amended as follows:

 

Section 3306 is amended to read as follows:

 

3306   BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION INFRACTIONS

 

3306.1             CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INFRACTIONS

                        The following abbreviations apply to this section: IPMC - International Property Maintenance Code (2012 edition)

 

3306.1.1          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)        12-A DCMR §§ 105.1, 105.1.1 and 105.1.3 (working without required permit);

 

(b)        12-A DCMR § 105.1 (exceeding scope of permit);

 

(c)        12-A DCMR § 115.1 (failure to remedy dangerous conditions or remove hazardous materials);

 

(d)       12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.9 (failure to comply with terms of a 'Stop Work Order');

 

(e)        12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order);

 

(f)        12-A DCMR § 115.5 (failure to comply with terms of posted "Unsafe to Use" notice); or

 

(g)        IPMC 302.1 (exterior of property not in clean or sanitary condition).

 

3306.2             PLUMBING INSPECTION INFRACTIONS

 

The following abbreviations apply to this section:

IPC- International Plumbing Code (2012 edition)

IPMC- International Property Maintenance Code (2012 edition)

 

3306.2.1          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)        12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.9 (failure to comply with terms of a Stop Work Order);

 

(b)        12-A DCMR § 105.1.6 (HVAC work performed by non-D.C. licensed mechanic);

 

(c)        IPC 424.3; IPMC 505.1 (hot water exceeds 120 degrees° F.);

 

(d)       12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order);

 

(e)        12-A DCMR § 105.1.6 (plumbing work performed by non-D.C. licensed plumber); or

 

(f)        12-A DCMR §§ 105.1, 105.1.1 and 105.1.3 (working without a permit).

 

3306.2.2          Violation of the following provisions shall be a Class 2 infraction:

 

(a)        12-F DCMR §§ 301.3 and 712.3.5, 1101.2 (sump pump discharge into public space);

 

(b)        12-F DCMR §§ 301.3 and 712.3.5, 1101.2 (discharge of water from sump pump directly to adjacent property); or

 

(c)        IPC 802.1.4 (swimming pool water discharge into public/park space).

 

3306.2.3          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 3 infraction:

 

(a)             IPMC 506.2 (obstruction of drains);

 

(b)             IPMC 506.2 (plumbing system not maintained);

 

(c)             IPMC 603.1 (mechanical system not maintained);

 

(d)            12-F DCMR § 1101.2 (downspout(s) not connected to terminals); or

 

(e)             IPMC 506.2 (main sewer line obstructed).

 

3306.2.4          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 4 infraction:

 

(a)             IPMC 505.4 (no hot water at peak demand); or

 

(b)             IPC 604.7 (inadequate water pressure).

 

3306.3     ELECTRICAL INSPECTION INFRACTIONS

 

3306.3.1   Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)             12-A DCMR §§ 105.1, 105.1.1 and 105.1.3 (working without the required electrical permit);

 

(b)             12-A DCMR § 105.1 (exceeding scope of permit);

 

(c)             12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.9 (failure to comply with terms of a Stop Work Order); or

 

(d)            12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order).

 

3306.4             BOILER INSPECTION INFRACTIONS

The following abbreviations apply to this section:

IMC- International Mechanical Code (2012 edition)

 

3306.4.1          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)        12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.8 (failure to comply with terms of a Stop Work Order);

 

(b)        12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order);

 

(c)        12-E DCMR §§ 1003.1 and 1003.3 (failure to obtain a boiler Certificate of Inspection);

 

(d)       12-E DCMR §§ 1003.17.1; 12-A DCMR § 115.5 (violation of conditions of posted Unsafe to Use notice);

 

(e)        12-E DCMR §§ 1001.3 and 1004.7; 12-A DCMR §§ 105.1 and 105.1.1 (failure to obtain a boiler installation permit);

 

(f)        12-E DCMR §§ 1001.3 and 1004.7; 12-A DCMR §§ 105.1 and 105.1.1 (no installations permit for boiler and/or unfired pressure vessels);

 

(g)        12-E DCMR § 1001.4; 17 DCMR § 400.2 (operating engineering equipment without proper D.C. engineer's license); or

 

(h)        12-E DCMR §§ 1001.3 and 1004.7; 12-A DCMR §§ 105.1 and 105.1.1 (alteration and repair of boilers without required permit).

 

3306.4.2          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 2 infraction:

 

(a)        IMC 303.3 and 304.9, 1004.3 (improper location or clearance of a boiler); or

 

(b)        12-E DCMR § 1018.1 (welder working without a D.C. authorization card).

 

3306.4.3          Violation of the following provision shall be a Class 3 infraction:

 

12-E DCMR § 1003.16 (failure to make a timely repair, alteration, or cleaning, to a boiler specified in a notice).

 

3306.4.4          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 4 infraction:

 

(a)        12-E DCMR §§ 1001.2, 1001.4 and 1003.17 (improper boiler or pressure vessel operation);

 

(b)        12-E DCMR § 1003.1 (certificate of inspection not properly posted); or

 

(c)        12-E DCMR § 1005.3; IMC 1004.6; 12-A DCMR § 109.6.1 (denial of entry to boiler room).

 

3306.5             ELEVATOR INSPECTION INFRACTIONS

 

The following abbreviations apply to this section and identify referenced standards adopted by the 2013 District of Columbia Construction Codes:

ASME- American Society of Mechanical Engineers

NFPA- National Fire Protection Association

 

3306.5.1          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)        12-A DCMR §§ 105.1 and 105.1.1 (installation of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, man lift(s), and other conveying systems without a permit);

 

(b)        12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.9 (failure to comply with terms of a Stop Work Order);

 

(c)        12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order).or

 

(d)       12-A DCMR §§ 115.5 and 3010.10.2 and 3010.10.3; 12-G DCMR §§ 108.5, 606.8.2 and 606.8.3 (failure to comply with terms of posted Unsafe to Use notice).

 

3306.5.2          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 2 infraction:

 

            12-A DCMR §§ 3001.2 and 3010.5; 12-G DCMR §§ 606.3, 606.3.1-606.3.4 (failure to comply with any of the following maintenance, testing and inspection standards):

 

(a)        ASME A17.1- Rules 8.11.4.1, 8.11.2.1 and 8.6.8.15 (failure to have semi-annual inspections performed);

 

(b)        ASME A17.1- Rule 1002.3 (failure to schedule five-year governor speed and safety test);

 

(c)        ASME A17.1- Rule 2.2.4.5(e), 2.7.3.4 and 8.11.2.1.2 (b) (failure to provide required fire rated door at elevator machine room with self-closing and self-locking device);

 

(d)       ASME A17.1- Rules 2.2.4.5(e) and 2.7.3.4 (failure to provide a UL listed fire rated self-closing, self-locking, device at machine room door of elevators or pit doors);

 

(e)        ASME A17.1 – Rules 8.11.3.1.1(f) and 8.11.4.1(e) (failure to provide emergency light and bell operation); or

 

(f)        ASME A17.1 – Rules 2.27.1, 8.11.2.1.1(f) and 8.11.3.1.1(f) (failure to repair emergency phone on elevators).

 

3306.5.3          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 3 infraction:

 

12-A DCMR §§ 3001.2 and 3010.5; 12-G DCMR §§ 606.3 and 606.3.1-606.3.4 (failure to comply with any of the following maintenance, testing and inspection standards):

 

(a)        ASME A17.1- Rule 8.11.3.1.2(j) (failure to provide required class fire extinguisher in elevator machine room);

 

(b)        ASME A17.1- Rule 8.6.4.13.1(h) (failure of elevator to level at floor);

 

(c)        ASME A17.1- Rule 8.11.2.1.1(o) (failure to post fire emergency instruction pictograph adjacent to each non-egress hall push button);

 

(d)       NFPA 70 § 620-51(c) (main line disconnects unable to be locked in the off position);

 

(e)        ASME A17.1-Rule 8.6.4.7.1 (failure to remove all materials not related to the operation from the pit).

 

3306.5.4          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 4 infraction:

 

12-A DCMR §§ 3001.2 and 3010.5; 12-G DCMR §§ 606.3 and 606.3.1-606.3.4 (failure to comply with any of the following maintenance, testing and inspection standards):

 

(a)        ASME A17.1- Rule 8.6.4.7.1 (excessive lint and dust in hoist ways);

 

(b)        ASME A17.1- Rule 8.6.4.8.2 (non-related equipment in elevator machine room);

 

(c)        ASME A17.1- Rules 8.6.4.13.1(c); 8.6.4.13.1(k), and 8.6.4.13.1(l) (elevator door reopening device/closure button in disrepair); or

 

(d)       ASME A17.1-Rule 8.6.4.7.1 (unclean elevator pits)

 

Section 3309 is amended to read as follows:

 

3309                DCRA FIRE PROTECTION DIVISION INFRACTIONS

 

The following abbreviations apply to this section:

 

IFC- International Fire Code (2012 edition)

IBC- International Building Code (2012 edition)

IPMC- International Property Maintenance Code (2012 edition)

 

The following abbreviation applies to this section and identifies referenced standards adopted by the 2013 District of Columbia Construction Codes:

 

NFPA- National Fire Protection Association

3309.1                          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

(a)        12-A DCMR §§ 115 and 116; 12-H DCMR § 108.3 (failure to remedy dangerous conditions to remove hazardous materials);

(b)        12-A DCMR §§ 114.1, 114.1.1, 114.6, 114.7 and 114.9 (failure to comply with terms of a stop work order);

(c)        12-A DCMR § 114.3 (unauthorized removal of a posted stop work order);

(d)       [RESERVED];

(e)        [RESERVED];

(f)        IBC 709.3; IPMC 703, 703.1 and 703.2 (failure to maintain all required fire resistance rated doors or smoke barriers);

(g)        IFC 901.4.1; IPMC 704.1 and 704.1.1; IBC 904.1; 12-G DCMR  §§ 704.1.2, 704.2 and 704.5 (failure to maintain in an operative condition at all times fire protection and life safety systems, devices, units, or service equipment);

(h)        12-H DCMR § 906.1; 12-G DCMR § 704.1.2; 12-A DCMR § 906.1 (failure to provide fire extinguishers);

(i)         IFC 1003.1; IPMC 702.1 and 702.3 (failure to maintain in a safe condition and free of all obstructions the means of egress from each part of the building);

(j)         IBC 1004.3 (overcrowding or admitting persons beyond the established posted occupants load);

(k)        IFC 507.5.4; IBC 912.3  (fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections, or fire protection system control valves are obstructed in such manner as to interfere with firefighting access);

(l)         IFC 1006.1 and 1006.2; IBC 1006.1 and 1006.2; 12-G DCMR § 402.2 (failure to provide adequate lighting for stairways, hallways, and other means of egress); or

(m)       IBC 1027.1, 1027.2 and 1027.5 (exits fail to discharge directly at a public way or at a yard, court, or open space of the required width and size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way).

3309.2                          Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 2 infraction:

(a)                12-G DCMR § 308.1 (permitting the accumulation of waste paper, wood, hay straws, weeds, litter, or combustible or flammable waste or rubbish of any kind);

(b)               IFC 904.11; IBC 904.11 (failure to provide or maintain an automatic activation kitchen hood fire extinguishing system);

(c)                IFC 904.11.1; IBC 904.11.1 (failure to provide or maintain a manual activation device for the hood fire extinguishing system);

(d)               NFPA 70 110.32 (failure to provide the required clearance between all electrical service equipment and storage);

(e)                IFC 904.11.5 (failure to provide a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers for commercial cooking equipment);

(f)                IFC 906.2; 12-G DCMR § 704.1.2 (failure to maintain, test, or recharge hand-operated portable fire extinguishing equipment);

(g)               IFC 315.3.2 (storing combustible or flammable materials on any portion of an exit, elevator car, stairway, fire escape, or other means of egress);

(h)               IBC § 1005.1 (door openings fail to meet the requirements of minimum width based upon occupant load);

(i)                 IBC 1008.1.10 (doors are not equipped with approved panic hardware);

(j)                 IBC 1008.1.2 (exit doors swing in the wrong direction);

(k)               12-E DCMR § 1003.6  (failure to provide an oil burner emergency switch);

(l)                 IBC 1011.6.3 (failure to provide emergency lights, alarms, or power back-ups);

(m)             IBC 1011.1 (permitting decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs the visibility of exit signs);

(n)               IBC 716.5.9, 707.1 and 709 (failure to maintain self-closing and automatic doors or to provide a fire or smoke barrier);

(o)               IBC 1004.3 (failure to conspicuously post sign stating the number of occupants permitted within such space for each place of assembly);

(p)               IBC 1011.1 (failure to maintain exit signs in theaters or other places of public assembly); or

(q)               IBC 806 (decorative materials are not non-combustible or flame resistant).

 

3309.3             Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 3 infraction:

 

(a)        IFC 904.1 and 904.4; IPMC 704.1.1; 12-G DCMR § 704.1.2 (extinguishing systems are not inspected and tagged);

 

(b)        IBC 1006.1; 12-G DCMR § 702.6 (exit signs are not maintained or clearly illuminated at all times when the building is occupied); or

 

(c)        Any provision of the District of Columbia Construction Codes adopted pursuant to the Construction Codes Approval and Amendment Act of 1986, effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code §§ 6-1401 et seq.) which is not cited elsewhere in this section shall be a Class 3 infraction.

 

Chapter 34, FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) DEPARTMENT INFRACTIONS, of Title 16 DCMR, CONSUMERS, COMMERCIAL PRACTICES, AND CIVIL INFRACTIONS, is amended as follows:

 

Section 3401 is amended to read as follows:

 

3401                FIRE CODE INFRACTIONS

 

The following abbreviations apply to this section:

IFC- International Fire Code (2012 edition)

           

3401.1             Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 1 infraction:

 

(a)                12-H DCMR § 102.3 (change in occupancy that will subject the structure to special provisions of the Fire Code or Building Code without the approval of the code official);

 

(b)               12-H DCMR § 105.1.1 (failure to obtain and maintain required permits on the premises, including operational or installation permits as described by 12-H DCMR §§ 105.1.2 and 105.6;

 

(c)                12-H DCMR § 104.11.6.2 (obstructing operations of the Fire Department in connection with extinguishment or control of any fire, or action relating to other emergencies);

 

(d)               12-H DCMR § 109.2.5 (failure to remedy dangerous condition or remove hazardous materials);

 

(e)                12-H DCMR § 110.1.1 (failure to remedy hazardous conditions liable to cause or contribute to the spread of  fire in, or on, the premises, building or structure, or endangering life or property);

 

(f)                IFC 5003.3.1.4 (failure to remedy hazardous conditions arising from defective or improperly installed equipment for handling or using combustible, explosive, or otherwise hazardous materials);

 

(g)               12-H DCMR § 110.5 (failure to maintain, on a structure, premises, or lot, the fire protection equipment, systems or devices, means of egress or safeguards required by the Fire Code);

 

(h)               12-H DCMR 109.2.4 (failure to remedy unsafe conditions in an existing structure or vacant structure, or a deficiency in a means of egress);

 

(i)                 12-H DCMR § 110.2 (refusal to leave, or interference with the evacuation of other occupants or continuance of any operation after receiving an evacuation order);

 

(j)                 12-H DCMR § 109.2.4 (failure to comply with a notice of violation issued by the code official);

 

(k)               IFC 311.2.1 (failure to secure exterior and interior openings of vacant premises);

 

(l)                 IFC 603.4 (failure to prohibit the use of portable unvented heaters or fuel fired heating equipment in use groups A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4);

 

(m)             IFC 604.1 (failure to maintain and inspect emergency and standby systems in accordance with the Fire Code, NFPA110 and NFPA111);

 

(n)               IFC 904.1 (failure to inspect, test and maintain automatic fire-extinguishing systems (except sprinkler systems) in accordance with the Fire Code and the applicable referenced standards);

 

(o)               IFC 1004.3  (failure to post occupant load);

 

(p)               12-H DCMR § 107.6 (permitting overcrowding or admitting persons beyond the established occupant load); or

 

(q)               12-H DCMR § 5609.1.1 (engaging in the manufacturing, possession, storage or display, sale, setting off, or discharge of prohibited fireworks).

 

3401.2             Violations of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 2 infraction:

 

(a)                12-H DCMR § 308.1.4 (operating charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on a balcony or within ten (10) feet of combustible construction);

 

(b)               IFC 308.2 (failure to obtain a permit for open flame use in an educational or assembly occupancy);

 

(c)                IFC 404.2 (failure to prepare and maintain a fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with this section);

 

(d)               IFC 405.5 (failure to maintain emergency evacuation drill records);

 

(e)                IFC 406.3 (failure to ensure employees are provided with fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety training);

 

(f)                IFC 505.1 (failure to provide approved legible and visible building address identification);

 

(g)               IFC 507.5.4 (obstructing fire hydrants, department connections or other fire protection system control valves);

 

(h)               IFC 907.2.11 (failure to install approved single or multi-station smoke alarms in existing dwellings, congregate residences, and hotel and lodging house guestrooms); or

 

(i)                 IFC 1029.1 (failure to maintain emergency escape windows operational).

 

3401.3             Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 3infraction:

           

(a)                IFC 605.3 (failure to provide and maintain required clearance in front of electrical service equipment);

 

(b)               IFC 807.4.1 (obstruction of egress or exit access visibility by placement of furnishing or other objects in educational, assembly and in institutional Group 4 occupancies);

 

(c)                IFC 906.1 (failure to provide fire extinguishers in required occupancies and locations); or

 

(d)               IFC 1026.1 (failure to ensure security bars, grilles and screens over emergency escape windows are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key or tool).

 

3401.4             Violation of any of the following provisions shall be a Class 4 infraction:

 

(a)        IFC 304.1 (failure to prohibit accumulation of prohibited waste);

           

(b)        IFC 310.4 (removing, obscuring, defacing, mutilating or destroying “No Smoking” signs);

 

(c)        IFC  807.4.3.2 (failure to limit artwork and teaching material to not more than twenty percent (20%) on walls of corridors in educational occupancies);

 

(d)       IFC 806.1.1 (failure to prohibit display of natural cut trees in certain occupancies); or

 

(e)        IFC 1022.9 (failure to provide stair identification of interior and exterior doors connecting more than three stories).

 

3401.5             Violation of any provisions of the Fire Code not otherwise listed in this section shall be a Class 5 infraction.

 

 

Copies of the emergency rules can be obtained from Matthew Orlins, Legislative Affairs Officer, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, 1100 Fourth Street, SW, Room 5164, Washington, D.C. 20024, or via e-mail at [e-mail]. A copy fee of one dollar ($1.00) will be charged for each copy of the emergency rulemaking requested. Free copies are available on the DCRA website at http://dcra.dc.gov by going to the “About DCRA” tab, clicking on “News Room”, and then clicking on “Rulemaking”.