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Sewage leak, lack of smoke alarms shutters downtown apartment building

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ROCHESTER - A downtown Rochester apartment building has been shuttered due to multiple safety and health code violations, city officials announced on Thursday.

The five-unit apartment building located at 45 Hanson St. will not be deemed habitable until the landlord makes substantial repairs that put the dwelling in compliance with New Hampshire state law and Rochester city ordinances, the press release stated.

After receiving a complaint from a resident, fire inspectors arrived on Jan. 31 to conduct an inspection of the premises and were allowed inside by tenants.

The following violations were found:

  • None of the eight bedrooms located in the building had a second means of escape, as required by fire code.
  • None of the five apartments had working smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, in violation of New Hampshire state law.
  • A major plumbing system failure was located, and raw sewage was discharging into multiple living spaces.
  • The natural gas furnace was found to be improperly installed in a dangerous location without fire barriers, as required by fire code.

Tenants will not be able to return until the violations have been resolved and reinspected by the Rochester Fire Department, which posted a notice to vacate.

"We do not arrive at these decisions lightly," Rochester Fire Chief Norm Sanborn said. "One of the last things we want to do as a fire department is put people out of their homes. However, the absolute last thing we want is to encounter a tragedy due to fire or carbon monoxide that could have been prevented. That is why we conduct these inspections and take these actions."

The Rochester Municipal Welfare Department, which provides emergency assistance for poor individuals and families, has been notified and is assisting residents. The city and fire department are working diligently with the property owner to bring the building back into compliance so that residents can return.

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