Local Fire Code Violation-Pictures in Common Area

hallways may NOT be obstructed in any manner .................................

check the NFPA

Thanks I see that even though they are not blocking anything that they can move thus causing a sort of blockage.

This also means that holiday decorations on the doors should also be eliminated since they are in the hallway... right?

What if the pictures are hung high in the stairwell about 10 feet up.

Are you saying that nothing can be in the common area?

Any ideas on what can make the hallways nicer without breaking fire codes?

Thanks,

Bob

Robert

One thing I have learned in my time is don't mess with fire codes. That is all I got.

Glen,

Your idea was great.

I contacted the Fire Department and talked with the Fire Marshall. He was not overly concerned that the pictures posed an issue, although he wanted to come over and see the 4 pictures and the Plants to make any determination if the Management company is correct in saying that this is Local Fire Code Violation.

I will keep you updated after they perform the inspection.

Funny...that right after calling the Fire Department the Management company called me and explained that the pictures may not have posed a Fire Code issue after all and that they were just worried about me making holes in the walls.

Although they admitted that the pictures may not appeal to everyone most of my Neighbors love them and don't want them to go away.

Hopefully the Fire Department will sign off on them and I can present it at the Board meeting.

Thanks,

Bob

More to come

The hallways are common area and only the HOA can decorate them in accordance to the insurance policy and yes fire codes.

I managed in NJ many low-rise and hi-rise buildings where the Code Enforcer and the Fire Marshal would make frequent visits to inspect.

First and far most the HOA cannot just assess a fine without bringing you to a hearing. The violation letter may have warned you that you were in violation and the possibility of a fine if you didn't remove.

I would suggest you remove them ASAP. I would then encourage you to ask the ACC and board for a meeting so you all can discuss the possibility of sprucing up your hallways in accordance with the local laws.

I always have issues with people trying to do end-arounds by getting everyone's permission EXCEPT the one entity from which they are required to obtain permission.

The reason for the denial is less of a concern to me (allegedly fire codes) than the fact that the request was denied. It doesn't technically matter what their reason was. They are responsible for the integrity of your association's documents, and part of that responsibility includes maintaining the common areas. I know our board would not be too likely to allow someone's personal items to remain (encroaching?) on common area.

In answer to your specific question as to whether any of us think you are being picked on: No. I don't think you are being picked on. Whatever their reasons, or even if they have NO reason, the "sprucing up" was denied and, as such, you should comply immediately.

Not doing so will most likely make them less likely to listen to any appeal you may have since, in their eyes, you are appearing to consider yourself above the rules. Boards and Arch. Committees tend not to respond to favorably to people who feel the rules shouldn't apply to them.

If you want YOUR corridor "spruced up," it's likely other buildings would like theirs done so as well. What I see as a BETTER solution than allowing individuals to place personal items in the common areas would be for the board to consider creating a "corridor beautification committee," and then the Association can spend Association funds on Association-owned common area to the betterment (enrichment) of the residents. The committee would then be charged with "sprucing up" all hallways with appropriate, fire code-safe improvements, and the common areas would then not only be prettier, but also would maintain a consistent look and feel between buildings.

So your "end-around" maneuver should be made directly to the board, to request that you sit on a committee that they create to "spruce up" the hallways.

If the majority of residents agree that this is a priority for them that they want Association funds spent on, then go for it. BUT just having a handful in your building make that call is not only not appropriate, but apparently also not in keeping with the CC&Rs if in order to do so you need ACC approval, not "nearby neighbor" approval.

RobertT as Michele so aptly pointed out you made the changes without approval of the Board or ACC, this means they are within their rights to act to rectify the situation. Just because the neighbors tell you to your face that they love what you've done; it doesn't mean that's what they're saying to the BOD. I would appeal the fine, I don't believe in Colorado it can be enforced without an appeals process.