Selma Municipal Code Ch. 12 Automatic Dry Cleaning Machines

For the purpose of this Chapter the following term shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to it:

AUTOMATIC DRY CLEANING MACHINE: Includes and means any device or apparatus for the cleaning of clothes or fabrics, and designed to be used or operated by any person but the owner, or an employee of the owner thereof, which machine or device makes use of or contains perchlorethylene or any other chemical solvent or substance which may cause harm to human beings by reason of inhalation or contact. (1963 Code)

It shall be unlawful for any person to install any automatic dry cleaning machine without first having secured a permit therefor. Applications for such permit shall contain full information as to the mechanical equipment of such machine and provisions for ventilation for both the machine and the room in which the machine will be located. (1963 Code; amd. Ord. 792, 6-28-78)

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of maintaining such machine for use by the public upon payment of a fee, without having first secured a license therefor. The annual fee for such business license shall be set by resolution duly adopted by the Selma City Council. (Ord. 891, 3-2-87, eff. 7-1-87)

Each machine shall be completely enclosed by a cabinet and shall be vented with an intake at the top and the outlet at or near the bottom of such machine. Groups of machines may be entirely enclosed or supported on all open sides by an enclosure topped with a hood vented as provided for each individual machine.

The exhaust system must maintain a minimum flow of one hundred (100) cubic feet per minute face velocity through the loading door whenever the door is open.

The discharge stack for the machines and for the room in which the machines are located shall extend at least two feet (2') above the level of any window which can be opened located within fifty feet (50') of the outlet of the stack, and shall be at least fifty feet (50') away from any fresh air intake leading to any premises.

The machines must be so constructed as to prevent the loading door from being opened during the normal cycle of operation. Each machine shall be equipped with a transparent door or part to allow visual examination of the status of the cleaning cycle.

Any connection of such machine with the water supply system must be equipped with an air gap or vacuum breaker in the line upstream from the condenser; with no control valves downstream from such gap or breaker. Waste water shall be discharged through an air gap.

The room in which such machine is installed shall be ventilated so that there shall be a minimum flow of air per machine from the area to which the public is admitted, of at least five hundred cubic feet (500 cu. ft.) per machine per minute in a room where there are no more than three (3) machines installed four hundred cubic feet (400 cu. ft.) per minute where there are no more than eight (8) machines installed; three hundred seventy-five cubic feet (375 cu. ft.) per minute where there are no more than sixteen (16) machines installed; and three hundred sixty cubic feet (360 cu. ft.) per minute where there are more than seventeen (17) machines installed. For this purpose each cleaning cell shall be considered as one (1) machine.

Each machine must be so designed and constructed as to prevent the leakage of liquids, gas or vapors.

No automatic dry cleaning machine shall be operated unless all the equipment described in the above Section is properly installed and in good operating working conditions.

No establishment for which a license is required under the provisions of this Chapter shall be open for business, and it shall be unlawful to admit the public or customers into the room where such machines are located unless there is on duty in the establishment at all times a competent person in charge of the establishment and in charge of the operation of such machines. There shall be warning signs posted in places of easy observation warning of the dangers in the event leakage of liquids, gas or vapor occurs. It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any residue containing solvent to flow into the sewer system. Tightly covered metal containers may be used for temporary storage of such wastes outside of the building. Such containers shall bear labels indicating the contents and dangers involved in handling, and shall be locked if in an unenclosed place.

At least one (1) legible sign shall be maintained in a place available to customers giving the name, address and phone number of the owner of the establishment, and of the service department or agency responsible for the proper maintenance of the machines.

It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to cause such inspections to be made as are necessary to see to the enforcement of the provisions of this Chapter. (Ord. 742-A, 3-15-76)

It shall be unlawful for any person to install, operate or maintain any automatic dry cleaning machine except in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, or without complying with all of the provisions of this Code pertaining to the installation and operation of such machines herein contained; or in violation of any other provisions of this Code relating thereto. (1963 Code)