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Fire chief proposes ordinances to regulate propane heaters, lithium batteries and inspections
Summary
Belleville Fire Chief John Olivieri asked council to consider ordinances that would require permits and seasonal inspections for propane heaters at outdoor dining and rooftop gatherings, regulate storage and sale of lithium batteries, and establish penalties for failing to register or allow safety inspections.
Fire Chief John Olivieri summarized three related ordinance proposals: (1) a permit and inspection regime for rooftop gatherings and commercial use of propane heaters so the department can verify safe use and storage; (2) rules for the sale and storage of lithium-ion batteries and e‑mobility devices that require vendors and certain residential buildings to follow manufacturer and fire-safety guidance; and (3) penalties and registration requirements tied to fire‑safety inspections for multi‑family and business occupancies.
The chief told council the changes are in response to an uptick in calls and recent regulatory changes that require licensed inspectors for certain buildings. "The first ordinance is propane heaters... it's for the regulation, through inspection of the use, the storage, and, for us to be able to have businesses and resident owners pull out a permit," he said. The town attorney said the proposed ordinances are under revision and will be returned for first reading; council indicated they would place the proposals on the next meeting's agenda for introduction.
