The City of Rockledge’s Code Enforcement Division and Fire Marshal caution residents and business owners about code/safety violations regarding windows which are boarded up. Code Enforcement and the Fire Marshal will begin addressing the issue on 12/01/2020, as it is a safety concern in regards to egress.
Hurricane Season for the State of Florida runs from June 1 to November 30 each calendar year. If there is not an active Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning in effect and the threat of a storm has passed, installed shutters and/or plywood shall be removed.
Homeowners or business owners, including commercial properties whose windows are boarded up, will have seven (7) days to remove them upon receipt of notice of violation. Although Code Enforcement will not fine violators if it’s not corrected within that timeframe, formal action may be taken which could lead to fines of up to $250 per day for each day the property remains out of compliance.
During a critical incident when seconds are valuable, shutters or boarding can become a dangerous hindrance instead of a protective measure. Occupants and first-responders alike need clear, unobstructed ingress/egress.
Reference: Rockledge Land Development Regulations
Section 59.77.B.4 -Emergency escape openings. Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the code that was in effect at the time of construction and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a keep, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.
Section 59.73.D.13. Window, skylight and door frames. Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weathertight.
a. Glazing. All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.
b. Openable windows. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.