The City of Vancouver Fire Department will initiate fire safety inspection fees and special use permit fees for commercial buildings in the city beginning Jan. 1.
Inspections are required by the International Fire Code and are intended to protect employees and the public. The Vancouver City Council adopted the new fees in November 2006 as partial cost recovery for this city service. The program is similar to that of other jurisdictions in the state.
What’s included in an inspection
Typical business inspections include a review of emergency exits, fire hydrant access, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and hood suppression systems such as those used in restaurants. Fire marshals also look for electrical hazards. The Vancouver ordinance also calls for inspections of multi-family facilities, such as apartment and condominium buildings that have laundries and other common areas.
Inspection fees vary based on square footage and actual use of the buildings. Fees range from $60 for a small business like a barber shop up to $485 for a large factory or retail outlet.
Businesses will be charged the fees at their next regular inspection in 2008. Some occupancies, such as schools, are inspected annually. Most other facilities are subject to less frequent cyclic inspections.
Operational permit fees
Businesses that engage in higher fire risk activities such as welding, fuel dispensing and compressed gas storage will also be required to secure special permits due to the need for more extensive and staff intensive inspections.
On the web
As part of the new program, the Vancouver Fire Department is expanding information available on its website at www.vanfire.org. The site includes a pre-inspection checklist. Extensive information on permit thresholds, permit applications and conditions will also be available online by the end of 2007.
Fire marshals conduct fire and arson investigation, deliver public education and review plans for new construction in partnership with the city’s Development Review Services Department.
The Fire Code Inspection Fee ordinance was passed unanimously by the Vancouver City Council on Nov. 13, 2006, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2008.
