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Committee asks fire office to develop fee proposal for mandated inspections
Summary
A committee member proposed Washington County charge fees for state-mandated commercial and multi-unit residential fire inspections; the committee asked fire staff to draft a recommended fee schedule and process for review at the next public safety meeting.
A committee member proposed Washington County begin charging fees for state-mandated fire inspections of commercial properties, assemblies and multi-unit residences, and the committee asked fire staff to return with a draft fee schedule and implementation plan.
The member said New York state requires inspections for commercial businesses and apartments with more than three units and noted neighboring towns charge fees that generate revenue to offset inspection costs. "Am I correct when I said that, John?" the member asked; a county fire official (John) confirmed the state mandate and that inspection frequencies vary by occupancy type.
Discussion covered practical approaches to fees—flat fees, tiered schedules by square footage, and follow-up fees for reinspections—and whether churches or nonprofits should be charged. John said the office currently designates two inspectors and is redesigning the process; he said the office could handle fee-based inspections without immediately hiring additional staff once procedures are in place.
The committee approved a motion asking John to prepare a proposal that lays out fee options and an accounting process for presentation at the next public safety meeting.
