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Council amends code to allow removal of outdated dry-chemical station suppression systems
Summary
The council approved an ordinance amendment to allow removal of outdated fixed-pipe dry-chemical fire suppression systems at fuel service stations via an approved permitting process and added cross-references for enforceability; the ordinance preserves inspection and maintenance requirements for systems that remain in place.
St. Clair Shores City Council voted to amend the municipal code to allow removal of outdated fixed-pipe dry-chemical fire suppression systems at fuel service stations through an approved permitting process, while preserving inspection requirements for existing systems.
City Manager Dustin Lent presented the draft amendment and introduced Fire Marshal Aaron Salori, who had reviewed the proposal. The amendment proposes edits to Chapter 16, Article 5 (section 16-126(d)(3)) and Article 8 (section 16-225(d)(3)) of the city code to provide a permitting pathway for removal of antiquated fixed-pipe dry-chemical systems. Lent told council these edits align the city code with the International Fire Code and reflect changes made at the model code level prior to 2015.
Councilmember Rusey recommended a technical rewrite to replace a cross-reference phrase (“as noted above”) with a citation to the specific subsection required for annual certification to improve enforceability. Council also noted that the city library — currently under renovation — remains listed as a posting location for public notices and recommended updating posting locations to places that the public will actually visit while the library is closed.
Fire Marshal Salori described the safety approach: systems that remain in place must be maintained and inspected every six months by a service provider; stations must keep fire extinguishers on site and the tenant must monitor automatic shutoffs. If a station elects to remove an older system, removal must follow a permitting process and be performed by an approved company.
Councilmember Vitale asked specifically whether existing dry-chemical systems would be discharged or left in place; staff replied that if systems stay in place they must be maintained and serviced; removal occurs only through permit and approved contractor processes. Councilmember Rebello emphasized the change brings the city into alignment with the International Fire Code and that the amendment will not reduce safety protections because alternative measures (extinguishers, automatic shutoff switches) remain required.
Councilmember Rubello made the motion to amend Chapter 16 articles as proposed, including the recommended edits suggested by Councilmember Rusey. The motion passed unanimously. Council asked staff to update posting locations and return final wording and a redlined ordinance to the council for formal adoption paperwork.
