Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Code Kitchen Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Convenience-store tenant built unauthorized kitchen; owner says she did not authorize alterations
Summary
Inspectors reported unpermitted interior construction that closed an emergency egress, installed a fryer and multiple electrical receptacles, and removed fire-alarm equipment; the property owner said she did not authorize the work. The magistrate ordered specific corrections on staggered timelines and warned of daily fines.
The special magistrate found the property at 1644 Providence Boulevard in violation for multiple unpermitted interior alterations that created a kitchen area and obstructed an egress door, and ordered the property owner to correct specific violations on staggered timetables or face fines.
Assistant fire marshal Samuel Schaller and fire safety inspector Jory Bailey told the magistrate city inspections found newly constructed interior walls, new electrical receptacles and ceiling receptacles, installation and use of a self-venting deep fryer without approved manufacturer specifications, and removal/demolition of portions of the fire-alarm system. The inspectors also reported that one newly constructed wall obstructed an exit door and that numerous electrical receptacles and wiring installations lacked permits.
Schaller said the city obtained statements from the property owner, Kimberly Crawford, who told inspectors she had not authorized interior alterations. Schaller said the city had provided the owner an opportunity to respond and that no permit applications had been received for the majority of work. The magistrate ordered the respondent to correct violations A and D within 30 days (by Aug. 22), and violations B and E within 90 days (by Oct. 21), and warned that fines of $50 per violation per day (up to $200 per day total) would be imposed for continued noncompliance.
Why this matters: The case involves potential life-safety risks — cooking equipment without proper review and the obstruction of an emergency exit — and raises landlord–tenant issues when a property owner says she did not authorize the work.
Details: Inspectors documented removal of the fire alarm panel, installation of a ResFab self-venting fryer and other cooking equipment without submitted manufacturer specifications, new walls blocking an egress door, and numerous new electrical outlets installed without permits. The city required manufacturer specs, electricians’ assessments, removal or permitting of walls that obstruct egress, and an issued building permit for new electrical work. The owner indicated she would consult her legal representative.
Next steps: The magistrate’s order requires corrections in stages (30-day and 90-day items) and directs the respondent to notify code compliance inspectors for verification; fines will begin if deadlines are missed.
