01/05/2006: "New Fire Safety Inspections & Fees Proposed"

The BOCC cut out the County Fire Marshal position last year, citing the lack of funding available for a county position that could be handled by hiring off-island experts to do the investigations of the few "suspicious fires" the county must investigate. In a like manner, the review of commercial building permits for fire code compliance could also be handled by existing staff, or also sent off island for review.

Since then, the County has adopted the International Building Code, and Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin has asked the County to also adopt the IFC (International Fire Code) and to establish associated Permit Fees. Chief McLaughlin explained that the County is required to issue permits for certain activities, and that there should be a fee structure in place to pay for the time it takes to conduct the inspections for life-safety issues related to fire codes, and in particular to rental spaces and commercial buildings. One funding source suggested was to eliminate free burning permits, and charge a flat fee of $10 a permit. There could also be fees associated with the inspections of buildings to determine if they meet fire codes, and re-inspections fees if the owners fail to make the required corrections.

The County has asked for additional information, and Commissioner Myhr specifically asked the Chief to address what hardships a new inspection program and associated fees may impose on the public. A draft ordinance may be prepared after additional information on the proposal is reviewed by the County.