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BonnieG1
Posts: 1,184
Posted:
This is a 43 unit condominium in NE with 31 garage spaces in the buidling. About 4 years ago or so the Board at that time made a rule that storage in a space could only be three feet in front of the wall and no storage on the sides of the space.

This was not in the form of a resolution, just in the minutes and no other place has it been mentioned in our documents until a recent resolution.
But my concern for this post is not the lack of notice in our documents, but a possible fire hazard.

Since the garage is an open space, in my opinion even storage 3 feet in front of the wall could be considered a fired hazard. Some owners have items stored quite high and more than three feet in front of the wall. It seems to me if a fire broke out it could spread like wildfire and cause many explosions.

The fire marshall had us remove some items in a tunnel to the Care Center which is adjacent to us. I am wondering if the fire marshall even looked in our garage.

What do you think about storage in our garage space being a fire hazard?
TimB4
Posts: 20,986
Posted:
Sounds like a question for the local fire Marshal or fire department.
CarolR11
Posts: 2,560
Posted:
I agree--ask your fire marshall to do an inspection. AsI mentioned to you in a reply to your earlier post. I sure wouldn't want all that stuff in our garage's parking spaces. I'd not only owrry about fire but also about rodents, etc.
JohnC46
Posts: 14,230
Posted:
Bonnie.

A good question. I expect the answer might be one can have a storage unit as long as it meets local fire/building codes thus taking the pressure off the association.

Hope this helps.

CarolR11
Posts: 2,560
Posted:
You know what, Bonnie? I don't think it's clear to me what you me by "3 feet in front of the wall." Is it a supporting floor to ceiling wall? Does "in front of" mean 3 feet in distance away from the wall?

Are all of the 31 spaces in one covered garage? Are the spaces all side by side separated by pillars, or??
BruceF1
Posts: 2,516
Posted:
Bonnie,

As to whether or not particular items stored in a particular manner or location constitute a fire hazard, you should really ask someone who is trained and experienced in such matters and has knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations, such as a fire marshal, and who can survey the actual situation you are concerned about and render an opinion.

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