Sec. 10-27. - Standards; permits.
The following standards are hereby established as prerequisites for obtaining a permit from the fire prevention bureau for unattended self-service gasoline installations and operations.
(a) Before anyone shall engage in unattended self-service gasoline operations, a permit application must first be secured from the Greensboro Fire Prevention Bureau. If at any time the fire prevention bureau finds the said occupant operating contrary to these rules, then the permit shall immediately be revoked.
(b) Plot and building plans (as applicable) shall be submitted to the fire prevention bureau and building inspections. Such plans shall be approved before construction begins. Required permits for construction and tank installations shall be obtained.
(c) Unattended self-service installations shall comply with all applicable codes, ordinances and standards including the North Carolina State Building Code, North Carolina State Fire Code, NFPA 30 and NFPA 30A.
(d) All unattended self-service gasoline installations shall be located in the proper zoning district. The facility shall be used only for the sale and dispensing of motor vehicle fuels. The sale of liquefied petroleum gases or kerosene is prohibited. Limited vehicle services will be permitted such as air, vacuums and vending for motor oils.
(e) A representative of the fire prevention bureau and the building inspection division shall inspect each facility for compliance with all ordinances and regulations prior to opening for business.
(f) Each installation shall be properly lighted during all periods of darkness.
(g) All wiring and electrical equipment shall comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
(h) Printed safety regulations and operating instructions shall be permanently and conspicuously displayed at all installations. The printed regulations shall include the following:
IN CASE OF FIRE OR SPILL
(1) Use emergency stop switch, located at _______.
(2) Call 911 to report the accident: the phone is located at _______.
WARNING
(1) No smoking.
(2) Turn off the vehicle motor before refueling vehicle.
(3) Stay at the nozzle while refueling vehicle.
(4) No person under sixteen (16) years of age shall be permitted to use any dispensing device.
(5) It is unlawful to dispense gasoline into unapproved containers (including drums).
(6) Approved containers shall be firmly set on the ground and shall not be filled on truck beds.
(7) The use of cellular phones around any fueling station is not permitted.
ANYONE FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THESE REGULATIONS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
(i) All dispensing devices must be "listed" by an approved testing laboratory. Coin and currency-type devices are prohibited. A "listed" automatic closing type hose nozzle valve with a latch open device shall be provided. A device that causes or requires the closing of the hose nozzle valve before the product flow can be resumed or before the nozzle valve can be replaced in its normal position in the dispenser is required.
(j) A clearly identifiable and easily accessible switch shall be provided at a location remote from dispensing devices, to shut off the power to all dispensing devices in the event of an emergency. The emergency switch shall be more than fifteen (15) feet but less than seventy five (75) feet from the dispenser. Additional emergency controls shall be installed on each group of dispensers or the outdoor equipment used to control the dispensers. Switches shall be manually reset on-site by a company representative.
(k) Fire extinguishers with at least 2A:20BC rating shall be located so that an extinguisher will be within seventy-five (75) feet of each pump, dispenser and underground fill pipe opening. All extinguishers must be visible and easily accessible.
(l) All product storage tanks shall be installed underground.
(m) Dispensers must be at least ten (10) feet from any type V or type VI constructed buildings located on the premises. Dispensers shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any adjacent property line or other lessee's leased property line up to which a building is or can be constructed upon, and shall be fifteen (15) feet from any street right-of-way. Sturdy steel posts not less than four (4) inches in diameter, shall be installed adjacent to the dispenser in a manner as to prohibit vehicles from bumping against or damaging such dispensers.
(n) There shall be a telephone located on the premises with the number to be called in case of emergency, prominently posted. Such telephone shall be used to report spills, malfunctions and other hazardous conditions. The telephone at the central location of the owner shall be answered on a twenty-four-hour basis and the operator shall report all hazardous conditions directly to the city communications center. The owner or a responsible representative is required to respond to the facility immediately (not to exceed one (1) hour) for any reported emergency, spill or code violation.
(o) The owners of all such facilities shall be responsible for the enforcement of all safety regulations. All reasonable necessary steps shall be taken to maintain the premises in a clean, orderly, safe and sanitary condition at all times. Inspections shall be made every day by employees of the owner in order to ensure safety of equipment, and individuals who may use the premises.
(p) Provisions shall be made to prevent spilled liquids from flowing into the interior of buildings or endangering other properties.
(q) Those companies using gasoline pumps located upon their own property to serve only their own vehicles may leave said pumps unattended provided they have complied with all other provisions of the fire prevention code; such companies are exempt from the other standards set forth above.
(Ord. No. 00-214, § 7, 12-5-00)
