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Council weighs risks of hurricane shutters left up year-round; asks staff to research temporary-window language
Summary
Fire officials warned May 14 that hurricane protection left down year‑round can impede firefighter access and resident egress. Council asked staff to return with legal options and recommended definitions for a temporary period.
Fire officials told the Committee of the Whole on May 14 that leaving hurricane protection devices (shutters) down outside imminent storm threats can create life‑safety risks for residents and firefighters.
Fire Chief Mike Russell said the main concerns are twofold: if a fire traps an occupant in a bedroom and windows or doors are blocked by shutters, the occupant’s ability to self‑rescue is compromised; and firefighters’ ability to enter through windows is delayed when they must remove or cut through hurricane barriers. Russell showed images from prior responses where removing coverings took considerable time and manpower and where impact-rated and manufactured shutters differ from ad-hoc plywood coverings.
Council discussion focused on three issues: (1) distinguishing manufactured, code‑approved shutters from improvised plywood or makeshift coverings; (2) treating occupied homes as subject to life‑safety requirements even if an owner is temporarily away; and (3) whether the city can or should define a “temporary” window for permitted shutter deployment tied to a storm threat. Several council members said they do not oppose manufactured shutters on unoccupied homes — particularly for snowbirds — but expressed concern about plywood or other non‑approved material being left in place year‑round.
The city attorney and building officials noted the Florida Building Code already treats hurricane protection as temporary in the context of storms but does not define the exact window; staff recommended consulting the Florida Building Commission and other jurisdictions for established time‑limits (examples cited include Fort Lauderdale’s boarding certificate and Port St. Lucie’s 14‑day removal requirement). Councilors asked staff to return with specific, legally vetted language for a temporary period and with enforcement options; staff also noted code enforcement can act where a building’s openings are obstructed such that required egress is blocked.
